The First Four Years Quotes

“The incurable optimism of the farmer who throws his seed on the ground every spring, betting it and his time against the elements, seemed inextricably to blend with the creed of her pioneer forefathers that "it is better farther on"-- only instead of farther on in space, it was farther on in time, over the horizon of the years ahead instead of the far horizon of the west.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“You talk of the mines of Australia, They’ve wealth in red gold, without doubt; But, ah! there is gold on the farm, boys— If only you’ll shovel it out. (Chorus:) “Don’t be in a hurry to go! Don’t be in a hurry to go! Better risk the old farm awhile longer, Don’t be in a hurry to go!”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“has been ridden, but better head her onto the plowed ground. It will be harder going for her—so she won’t be so frisky—and a soft place for you to light if you fall off.” So when Laura was safely in the saddle,”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“Row”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“slacking”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“Manly’s”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“of fascinating books about this country and about faraway places like Albania, and she became well known the world over. But Rose grew up in a time when ladies did not consciously seek fame. She chose to shed light on the lives of others instead of her own, and so this book about her mother, her father, and herself had to wait until after her death to be published. Rose (who became Mrs. Rose Wilder Lane) led a full and busy life. After her mother died, she wrote the setting for On the Way Home. She also wrote a number of magazine articles, some of which were published as the Woman’s Day Book of American Needlework. She worked at length”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“There had been so many dry seasons now that surely next year would be a good crop year. They had a lot of stock. The two oldest colts would be ready to sell in the spring. Some newcomer to the land would be sure to want them, and there were the younger colts coming on. There were a couple of steers ready to sell now. Oh, they’d likely bring twelve or thirteen dollars apiece. And there were the sheep, twice as many as last year to keep, and some lambs and the six old sheep to sell. By building the new house so cheaply, they had money left to help pay for proving up on the land. Maybe sheep were the answer. “Everything will be all right, for it all evens up in time. You’ll see,” Manly said, as he started for the barn. As Laura watched him go, she thought,”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“We all wish there were more of Laura’s stories. We have come to know and cherish their qualities of character and spirit. They have entered our lives and given them meaning. But if there cannot be more, may we make life stories of our own worthy of hers. Roger Lea MacBride Charlottesville, Virginia July, 1970”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years

“There had been so many dry seasons now that surely next year would be a good crop year. They had a lot of stock. The two oldest colts would be ready to sell in the spring. Some newcomer to the land would be sure to want them, and there were the younger colts coming on. There were a couple of steers ready to sell now. Oh, they’d likely bring twelve or thirteen dollars apiece. And there were the sheep, twice as many as last year to keep, and some lambs and the six old sheep to sell. By building the new house so cheaply, they had money left to help pay for proving up on the land. Maybe sheep were the answer. “Everything will be all right, for it all evens up in time. You’ll see,” Manly said, as he started for the barn. As Laura watched him go, she thought, yes, everything is evened up in time. The rich have their ice in summer, but the poor get”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, The First Four Years