StillWatersIowa: Hop In, Lets Go

In life and working with people do you just point the way or do you say to them, "hop in, lets go?" As a spouse, a parent, an employer, or a friend, we need to go along on the journey and live the process personally.

Who wants to hop in and go with Dad today? Saturday morning little Allison got to go with her dad and as you can tell from her smile she's not even a year old and loves every minute of it.

When kids are around adults and real life situations they grow up learning how to help and contribute.

Being an example, being part of peoples lives, and helping them contribute affirms folks and helps them crawl out of their shell.

About a week ago I received a phone call. Trip said he was a reporter for the New York Times. After an extended conversation about politics he said he was coming to Iowa to get an idea of how small town, rural communities view life politically and socailly. I told him if he would like to meet our family he was welcome to be at our farm at 7 am for coffee.

Trip brought along Brendon, a photogragher. We talked about what our country needed in a leader and what our government's role should or shouldn't be. Being from the east coast Trip asked what a tipical day on the farm looked like so we went out to the shop, explained a few things, and then helped Jan shuck sweet corn.

I told them a farm visit just wasn't complete without driving a 4-wheeler so we went out and had a little crop tour. Here I am showing our guests how to check the maturity on an ear of corn. If you are interested in Trip's article just google Trip Gabriel/New York Times.

While on vacation and hearing about all the 100 degree temps while we were gone I worried about whether or not our crop would be a sellable product so as soon as we got home we harvested just enough corn to get Eddyville a sample. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality.

Last evening Mark and Stacy's class had their 15th year class reunion at the cabin. Jan helped Stacy with the meal. After supper most of the class went on a 4-wheeler ride.

Yesterday I had to take a semi to Des Moines and ran into some dark clouds and heavy rain. I got to thinking what was sitting outside at home and asked myself, "Am I ok if it rains back home?" Then I asked myself, "Am I ok if it doesn't?" We were just on the south edge of the system and received around three-tenths.

We are cleaning the shop and looking forward to having friends and customers over this coming Tuesday evening for our annual Appreciation Supper. For the last 23 years Jan has fixed a home grown, home cooked meal for our customers, for people who have helped us, for folks we farm for, and for just friends in general. Since I consider you readers my friends I would like to let you know you are more than welcome to join us. Although I have not met many of you I feel a kinship as you follow our families journey through life. Google analytics says you are from 36 states and 10 countries so I'm quite sure it's not even a possibility for many of you but for those of you that are interested we want you to know you are welcome. If you need directions you can call Jan at our home phone at 641-673-7986. You never know, you might just say to your family, "hop in, lets go".