Covering wheat straw bales

These photos were taken late in the day on Monday as the 'guys' covered 220 wheat straw bales with plastic. It is part of the process to ammoniate wheat straw to add feed value to the otherwise 'low feed value' of wheat straw. The added anhydrous ammonia basically doubles the protein content of the wheat straw.

The first step - after stacking the bales in a tidy pile - is to lift the plastic (and the strong people) on top of the pile.

They put a metal rod in the center of the roll of plastic - which is very heavy.

Kendall held on to one end as Jamie and Matt carried the roll to the end of the stack of bales.

Then they unfold the plastic so that it covers all 220 bales. Joey was holding down one corner.

Matt worked on the opposite end of the stack.

Matt stood on the plastic so that the wind didn't take the plastic to Nebraska.

Joey used the skid steer to pile dirt on the plastic to keep it where it is supposed to be.

The finished product - 220 wheat straw bales covered in plastic and sealed with dirt on the edges.

The final step is to supply anhydrous ammonia to the stack. They will use the 'improved bales' in feed rations during the next few months.

And lastly, you throw Sam in the air!

Sam loves farming with his uncle Matt

More after-Christmas family time

We enjoyed the beautiful weather on Monday by playing outside most of the day.

Anna had fun in a leftover Christmas box

Nancy and Sam walked to the end of the driveway and back

Garrett checked on Kramer and the hole he was digging. I think the dogs were digging for mice.

Garret used the box for a tractor garage. Notice the tractor is missing a front wheel.

Anna wanted me to take her photo as she hung from the table

Anna and 'old glory' - Nancy and I bought old glory (a metal pedal car) for the grand nieces and nephews. We bought one to stay at Grandma Susan's house and one for Grandma Debbie's house.

Sam and old glory

Anna

Anna and her daddy - Joey

Hallie and Anna

Garrett was tickled when he knew he was going to win the tower game with Nancy

Nancy and Garrett

Anna dancing the Chicken Dance

Anna and Hallie dancing the Chicken Dance

Sam

My Dad

Dad opened his Christmas presents at the Nursing facility because he didn't feel well enough on Christmas day to join us at Susan's house.

Dad was just a little ornery while he opened his presents.

We gave him some new clothes, socks, lotion and photos of his family to hang in his room. We also treated him to a hand and arm massage with the new lotion and then we rubbed it on his face and forehead. He really enjoyed the lotion and massage.

Christmas at Susan's house in Dorrance

Rebecca, Alicia, and Adam with their favorite aunt in the world - Mary Kay

Susan tried to talk Adam in to admitting that she was his favorite aunt, but he would not budge.

The Siefers' siblings MK, Susan, Bill, and Debbie with the best mom in the world - Velma

Anna and Garrett borrowed my laptop so they could watch Tom and Jerry DVD's

My sweet brother Bill and me.

Kevin and Sam

Nancy and I ended up with the same gift after the gift exchange where you select a gift, but others can take if from you. Susan and Deb had purchased the exact same gift without discussing it ahead of time. Nancy and I each ended up with the two gifts.

Ok, everybody cross your arms! Nancy, Adam, and Joey

Rebecca and her second cousin Sam

I ended up with the 'joke' gift that has made an appearance at the Siefers family Christmas for the last several years. The shirt is from a Peirano family reunion a few years ago. The trick is to wrap it so that the receiver is non-suspecting that the gift will include the shirt. This year Jody and Tim gave me a can of peppermint flavored hot chocolate mix. But when I opened the can, I was surprised with THE SHIRT. Well done Jody and Tim.

Sam and his Grandpa John

Anna took several pictures with Alicia's camera. I think Alicia was surprised each time a photo actually turned out well.

Garrett shared the humor from Tom and Jerry with Debbie and Sister Rose.

Sam was able to get Alicia to do whatever he wanted

Again, more of Alicia doing just what Sam wanted her to do.

My mom!

One of my favorite nephews - Adam

Kevin, are you really sleeping? I don't think so because Sharon is just about to tickle you

Love birds - Joey and Kelly

Jody and her mom - Debbie

Anna being Anna - with a black olive on each finger

Greg, were you the first one to go through the line?

Rebecca gave us the senior picture pose

I'm taking a photo of Rebecca just as she was taking a photo of me.

This is evidence that I do work. I carved the prime rib.

Bill and his eldest child - Alicia

Alicia, Sharon, and Susan

Grandma Siefers and her grand daughter Rebecca

Kevin looking guilty

Hallie really wanted to tear in to that gingerbread house

Alicia and MK

Rebecca laughing at the her nicknames: Becky and Rebecky - that only grandma Siefers can call her.

Nancy and Julie

Debbie with Tim in the background. Tim doesn't like to have his photo taken so he is always scratching his forehead whenever I am around with my camera.