Working alone on a farm has its challenges and its dangers. Though you would not know that there are any hidden dangers from the little collection of images we see today. And the little farm is managed in a low tech sustainable manner so my use of machinery is kept to a minimum. My tractor only drives at about 2 miles an hour, the mower has not been used that much in this dry summer and the most commonly used tools are a hammer and my little bone handled fish knife that lives stuck in a crack in a post in the barn. But the hazards are there. And no-one within shouting distance.
My most important safety tool is probably my cell phone. But I am always carrying a camera instead. The phone keeps getting forgotten, or I lose it, then find it, then leave it in the house or the car or by the bed or I have no pocket in my farm skirt or when I do it is a heavy lump when I crouch down and I pull it out and dump it somewhere. 
Viv my poet friend who you will have seen commenting every day with sharp wit and such knowledge, has made me a little bag to wear so that I can now carry my phone everywhere with me with now. She is an Englishwoman living in France so it is already being called the French Baggie. 
And what a bonus to finally be carrying my phone and my good pocket knife and my notebook and pen. Leaving my hand free for my camera. Yesterday I received a txt from my son as he revolved slowly above London on the London Eye. Another txt from a friend who needed four dozen eggs and could she pick them up right now and a call from Our John at work to see what I needed from town. All calls I would normally have missed. 
I slipped from a ladder yesterday while clearing gutters but caught myself. I picked up a super full of honey and bees that was heavier than any I had ever lifted before and I was standing awkwardly. I put my foot into the hole in the loft floor, while throwing down hay, that I knew was there but had forgotten about. I opened a reluctant gate, with sheep hard on my heels and it crashed into my shin, sending us all jumping backward. I am working around old untrustworthy buildings, jogging from one job to the next in an environment when anything can happen. But I had my phone with me this time.
An injury with no phone handy would result in a long wait for someone to notice. But all day yesterday I had this little hand-made peacock coloured fabric bag tied snugly to my hip. It is so comfortable that it is easy to forget, slides through the gates and up the ladders with me, was inspected for hazards by the guard bees, and when I stumbled in the barn loft the bag remained in place ready for anything. We all need to take responsibility for our own safety. I am the worst for thinking “She’ll be right, Mate!” A phrase I grew up with. Time to behave and take control.
Thank you ViV. Thank you.
Good morning. I will be going at top speed this morning as after my chores and the school run, I have to deliver my little cooking oil car to the workshop in a big city I am unfamiliar with. With my little French Baggie tucked into my seldom used handbag.
On my trip to the city, through miles of farmland, I will be on the look out for those old fashioned mid west chicken coops. They have a roofline shape I have decided will be just perfect for the Gingerbread house. I will take a shot of one for you so you can see what I mean. They belong in this landscape.
You all have a lovely day.
celi
On this day last year. Daisy gets lost in the cornfield. Such a funny story.
The Kitchen's Garden 
58 responses to “Working alone on the farmy”
be careful please,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,there are many hidden dangers lurking in older buildings. i m so glad that u carry the cell phone, as if u did get hurt, u can make an urgent call
I’ve had this conversation with Zia countless times, asking her to put her cell phone in her pocket. She always says it is a good idea but has never done it. So, I bought her an expandable phone system. I’m gradually putting a phone in each of her rooms. They won’t help her outdoors but, heaven forbid, they may help her indoors. What a thoughtful thing for Viv to do for you! And being so brightly colored, you’ll have a hard time misplacing or forgetting it. Now, all you have to do is remember to keep your phone charged. 🙂
Have a great day, Celi!
How lovely for Viv to have thought to come to your assistance! Even in our much less isolated environment I’ve had friends say how grateful they were for a cell phone when taking a spill and finding themselves in need of an emergency response. I don’t think most of us consider what the word “accident” really impiles. Your darling haute baggie is excellent insurance. 🙂 Debra
What an awesome and practical gift from Viv C! Loved the self portrait shot you took to share it with us. Sorry to hear that you were in the wars a wee bit yesterday – please do be careful, we cannot afford for you to get injured on duty!
Have a happy day.
🙂 Mandy
Farm fashion Diva!!!! WONDERFUL!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
What a beautiful blue color that bag is! I’m still amazed that you do your farm work in a mini-skirt! Ha! Glad there were no serious injuries yesterday. I wonder if you will get to the point where it will be nice to have your cell phone with you for emergencies, but you’ll prefer to have the ringer off so you can enjoy the noises of the farmy without interruption? 😉
Celi, you have dozens of Mother Hens clucking over you. It is impressive and deserved. Their would be a lot of hand wringing if you had an accident. Mean while you are in fighting trim shape. Bravo. Virginia
Love that little bag! I think we all could use an extra pocket most days. Great idea.
The very best reason in the whole world to own a cell phone. I don’t go into my crawl space while alone since I relinquished my smart phone when I retired. I’m waiting for the perfect time to combine and downsize…I think a laptop and IPhone will be all the electronic communication I’ll need. It’s fabulous finding the perfect item to make life easier. Great creation, Viv.
Great post. I HATE phones and cell phones in particular and am the only person among my friends and family who does not have one. I was just finishing up my syllabi for the upcoming semester, and I had to include the TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE AND PUT IT AWAY UNTIL CLASS IS OVER on every single one, because if I don’t, students will text while I’m talking! But all that said, if I had your life, I would certainly keep a cell phone in that cute little bag very close. Keep safe–hopefully it’s cooler there now.
I don’t have a phone either – does that make me a dinosaur?
Maybe you should get an iPhone so you can have the phone and camera with you at all times?
Best. Gift. Ever. Yay, Viv!
That sounds like an excellent thing to carry around – well done Viv 🙂
Very handy and sheik bag there. 😉
I know football isn’t always you thing C, but don’t miss out on my giveaway!!
http://sports-glutton.com/2012/08/29/super-bowl-xlvii-pick-em-contest/
I take my compact old cell phone with me when outside in the yard = I don’t have any paid service plan for it anymore BUT I can still call 911 if necessary. Anyone can with an old cell phone with no plan…..