Diamond in the Rough

A diamond is usually recognised as the symbol for a 75th Anniversary.  2012 marks the year of the Diamond Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth.  Today May 26 also marks the 75th birthday for my dad - Chuck Groeneveld.  We think he is a diamond in the rough.

Now he may not look quite as young as he did a few years back, but with all the of the things that he is active in, most probably would not think of him as being 75.  Last week he started his summer project of attending over 20 parades though out Alberta with the Alberta Beef float.  In between the parades he will also take the Alberta Simmental Booth and the Alberta Beef booth to many functions including the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede.  Dad has been a volunteer at the Calgary Stampede for over 40 years.
His interests over the years haven't changed much.  These are the things that he loves:

• Family
• Beef
• Kids
• Cats and dogs
• Talking about beef, his grand kids and his cats and dogs
• Volunteering
• Alberta Beef Producers
• Calgary Stampede
• and thinking up his next project.

He certainly is one of a kind.  A true diamond in the rough. Growing older is a privilege, growing up is optional.  We hope that he keeps being Chuck, Uncle Chuck, that Beef guy or how ever you know him and we hope he never grows up.  Happy 75th Birthday Dad and wishing you many, many more.

Graduation Time

Things have been busy around High Country this spring and I apologize for the lack of blogging.  Spring always seems to be a busy time.  I can remember several years ago when we would fit 4H, dance competitions, breeding cows, family events and just every day life all into one weekend.
I have been noticing a lot of graduation announcements on Face book in the last few days.  Can hardly believe that it will be 9 years since Crystal Graduated from Breton High School and 7 years for Stacy.  Those were fun days, girls trying to find the perfect dress.  To make their mark on the occasion, by showing off their personality and uniqueness.  Our girls didn't go too crazy.  Bought off the rack and didn't have to take out a second mortgage for the event.




Crystal- Class of 2003

Stacy - Class of 2005

I applaud these young women on their creativity and for embracing their love of Agriculture.

I hope that what ever road they travel, they will always remember their roots.  You can take the girl off the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the girl.  Congratulations to all the graduates from High School and College and University.