Hoofed Help-- Past and Present?

As most publications throughout history may suggest; pictures, history books, magazines, newspapers, stories formed from generation to generation, the main help on small and even larger farms came from that of big animals. What types of animals were typical? Oxen, horses, and even goats! This manual labor done by both the animals and the farmers must have taken about ten times as long as our tractors and technology do today. So why is it reoccurring news story that hoofed animals are being brought back to the scene on small farms today? 

I, myself, can think of a number of reasons, but the main reason being the prices to run tractors and hire help in the fields. I can't imagine that the price of a few strong working horses or cattle of some sort would range to meet the price of a tractor and the fuel it would take to run one throughout a farming season. Looks to me that these farmers are on the right track. Do you?!

Check out this recent article from the New York Times relating back to this fact! 

New York Times Publication

Mother's Day

As most of us know, Sunday marks a very special day: Mother's day! I am lucky enough to have a very special relationship with my mother, I know others are less fortunate than I. I cherish every second too! I wish that I could spend Sunday with my wonderful mother, but I am not as luck this year! What are your plans with your mother? Anything special?! 
Well I was also thinking that I will do something special for my mom, but we all have another special "mother" to do something special for: Mother Earth! As cheesy as it sounds, it's true! It is important to recognize that this is the the planet we live on, the ground we walk on, and the air we breathe, so we may as well do out part in helping it stay that way, eh? I thought so. So maybe instead of buying your own mother a nice and expensive gift, maybe get her a natural or soy candle, help her plant her flowers, make her breakfast in bed instead of going out, get her something organic and natural that causes less harm to the earth. Personally, I like these ideas and they should be put to use good use by all of you as well! :) 

More eco-friendly ideas for gifts for our "mother's"? Post them here and let us know!