WEEKEND For Farmer: Into The Paddy Field

Every weekend, its either Friday afternoon, the morning of Saturday, or Sunday typical farmer and simple life that I had I got to dress in my long sleeve attire, get my tools and straw hut, and gets prepared to visit the paddy rice field, not for the rice this time but the growing competitor of the rice plant, a kind of weed but grass, trying to get as much as I can before the heat of sun rises not to burn my skin, not flawless but just avoiding the sunburn.

Most of the questions I get from elders when they see me in the attire of a yellow long-sleeve, straw hut, and bag are what will you do with that? I smiled at them and told them it was for my rabbit, then would take two to five minutes of them chitchatting., with the respect of the elders, of course, I would entertain them with their queries and questions, how many heads rabbits that I have now, tell them at least 20 heads now. Then they were surprised. Indeed that wasn't enough for the whole week? Yes, not enough, but it's fine; at least it saves me from the high cost of feeds.

Of course, I took advantage of asking them where is the best place to get grass, as they live near the paddy field over mine, pointing in a direction, and I was stunned at how the grass grew healthy.

There is an available grazing spot nearby but also standby cattle. With respect to them, I went far, walking at least five minutes from the spot of the cattle barracks. It's an undisturbed spot, a jackpot. But precaution is necessary; I am not sure if there is a natural enemy nearby like a python or wild animals that live. First, spot a clean place away from the bushy area. Better than being sorry.

The best part is that I am not alone. My buddy was with me the whole time, exploring the field and trying to taste the green. I am the kind of guy who talks to a dog and even laughs alone with them, so I teased my buddy dog, asking if it approved for him the quality of grass we would be feeding for our rabbits—still waiting for a response. I take it as a Yes.

It's not private property, the area was a dried canal from the dam, so I am not trespassing and violating anyone by grazing the spot; also, not that kind of people living in my area. There was an instance when some would look at me but look, not minding anything.

One time I was grazing, muddying my feet and staining the shirt. I wore my eyeglass; some guy approached me, and the whole time we talked, he called me "sir" does the eyeglass I have was the reason I thought I was exceptional to them? So the next day, I went to a muddy field and removed my eyeglass. I am not "sir", though. I am not rich.

Another thing is the vibe surrounding the rice field in the morning. The fresh air and the scent of rice come to me. I loved it. So relaxing.

In grazing, I always had to check first the surrounding area and the snakes, and the smell of grasses. Try to have a sample and check if there is a smell of chemicals. If they used commercial herbicide or mullociside and even control medicine for anything that might kill my rabbit, I cannot risk any of them if I am not that careful enough.

This is how my weekends all the time. As I relax on the weekday ended, I am prepared for the following weekday's come. Like the story of the ant whom they prepare food before the storm, I am preparing for the storm but for the weekdays of busyness to come.

I am not JUST a farmer, but I am a farmer. Part of it is the dirty and itchy things, sunburn and everything, but I have learned most of the items; happy weekdays, everyone hope you have a wonderful weekend like I did. Thanks for reading.