Yesterday, the temperature at our house made it over 40 degrees. This was the first time in four weeks that we had been above freezing. Much of that time was actually spent in sub-zero temperatures. When it's that cold out, it doesn't seem like we get out much. Maybe it's because I cringe a little when I have to start my diesel pickup or it's just the fact that -20 doesn't make you feel like doing anything but keeping the fireplace going. Cabin fever was starting to take a toll on kids and parents alike.

However, there has been one thing that's cheered up everyone in our house. That was when the box of oranges that we ordered from our local FFA Chapter's fruit sale showed up.

There is a lot of talk about becoming a locavore and how you should do that to save the environment. I don't want to be a locavore. Some areas of the country, like us in the Upper Great Plains would miss out on some of the great food that is grown and raised in the United States.

Having a chance to eat these fresh oranges in December not only made my whole family smile but it also is a testament to the incredible agriculture industry this country enjoys.

Thanks to the orange growers for warming up a very cold December in the Dakotas.