They strolled out of the barn and toward the house. 'What's that big machine in the field?" Jenn asked.
"That's our combine," Dad said. "We're harvesting our wheat right now and it does most of the work for us. On the farm, we use the wheat crop for more than just the grain. Straw is made from the wheat stalks. We store the bales of straw in the storage and equipment barn. With the help of the straw chopper, which is operated by the tractor, we're able to chop the straw up and use it for bedding for the chickens."
"You don't waste much on the farm, do you?" Jenn said. "No, we don't. Not even the manure Joelle keeps joking about. We use the tractor and manure spreader to carry it out to the fields where we use it as fertilizer."
Just then a couple of cats ran up for a pat. "Oh, I love kitties," Jenn said. "Well, we have a lot to love here then, I think," Joelle told her.
"In the house?" Jenn asked, surprised. "No, no! They're all farm cats. But they're nice to have around," Jenn said. They carried on until they reached the house. Dad opened the door for the girls. "Wait!" Mom shouted from inside. "Joelle, cover Jenn's eyes!" "What's all this?" Jenn exclaimed, as Joelle led her into the house.
"You'll see," Joelle replied. Then Joelle uncovered Jenn's eyes. The dining room had been decorated in Jenn's honour. There were balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling and in the middle of the table there was a great big cake covered with jellybeans and icing flowers.
"What a wonderful surprise!" Jenn said, smiling from ear to ear. "And to top it off, your Mom is on the phone, Jenn." Matthew announced. Jenn grabbed the phone. "Mom! I'm going to have the best time ever. Thanks a million for letting me come."
