In November of 2008 my wife Becky and I bought a farm in Enville TN. I looked at this as a thing I could do in the golden years of my life. Little did I know then how quickly I would fall in love with our farm.
With every 1200 mile visit, I would fall deeper in love with the land. I would fly in to check on remodeling work and to cut grass. I would walk the fence line and look in awe at what stood before me.
In September of 2009 Becky, the dogs and I took our first road trip. Driving from El Paso to Enville is one hard drive but once we arrived at the farm it was bliss. Have you ever seen a border collie smile? Well our Emily ran like the wind all over the 60 acres.
We have been very fortunate with Becky’s business in El Paso. It has allowed us to make this dream come true. At the end of January I’ll be moving to the farm and start our dream of sustainable farming.
This brings up a lot of emotions. I have been with Hen’s Teeth Network for 4 years and it has been an amazing ride. Art and I have known each other for many years and it was a great pleasure to work for him. I have learned tons of stuff and met wonderful people throughout these years.
Working for Hen’s Teeth Network has been a true blessing for me and my family. Several times personal things came up, such as attending my daughter’s afternoon softball game, and driving to Valdosta GA to see my son come home from Iraq. Art and Candy have always been supportive of my family time.
I have also worked with some amazing co-workers. Scott has not only been a friend but a source of amazing support. Boysen was also a great shoulder to lean on. These two men will always remain friends of mine.
I might even clear a place on the pasture so Art can land his plane. We will feast on home grown vegetables and pasture raised chicken.
So as the Green Day song goes…
“Another turning point;
a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist;
directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test
and don’t ask why.
It’s not a question
but a lesson learned in time.
It’s something unpredictable
but in the end it’s right.
I hope you had the time of your life.”
I’ll see yall on the flip side.
Sincerely,
Bert Dinkins
NOTE: Bert’s last day with HTN is January 29, 2010.