[AT] Time passing and how to keep the farm going

[Grant Brians]

I just talked to my mother and confirmed what I feared about my 
grandmother's health. She will likely pass on shortly at age 90. A long and 
full life, but if she was not in pain and in low quality of life I would 
wish for many years to come.
    On topic for the list, here is the question an event like this brings 
up. how does a farmer keep up with the rest of the family and keep the farm 
going???? I know I want to and will need to go and see her before she goes, 
likely in the next few days. But how does one travel for a 450 mile each way 
trip, spend a day there and not mess up the spring planting? We are in the 
middle of spring planting right now - greens, carrots, ground-working for 
tomatoes, peppers, melons etc.... And irrigation is under way too.
    There has got to be a better way to avoid missing important family 
events than just putting off the farming. Any ideas for the busy farmer?
        Grant Brians
        Hollister, California
p.s. I am not complaining, just looking for some enlightenment on how to 
make life work better.