StillwatersIowa

 I was told last week by a close source in a really nice way that just maybe I have been getting a little heavy on the advice giving side of things lately. That's what happens when I think too much. So this week I promise to go adviceless, look at the pictures, and just write whatever pops in my head. Believe it or not we had a couple of inches of snow last Sunday evening. It's gone now. I'm not sure it melted. I think it just all blew away. We have freezing rain forcasted for this morning however I haven't seen any yet. Question. How many grandkids does it take to eat Grandma's special, macaroni and cheese? Answer. How ever many are around the table. It's their favorite meal and they just eat it till it's gone. A cat snuck (is that a word) in the office and is teasing the dog through the window saying, ha, ha, you can't chase me now. Mike and Mark got the used replacement cab just about ready to put on the trackhoe...

Dear Abby passed away this past week. I have no idea why but I remember reading her column in the paper as a kid. I remember wondering why folks would ask a stranger such personal questions. Who do you ask for advice? Maybe someone qualified in the subject of your concern, Maybe someone you trust, maybe someone who will take the time to listen. Does anyone ever ask you for advice? That's good. That means they trust you, feel you have something to offer, and know you care enough to take the time for them. However as with Abby and her twin sister, Ann Landers, what makes folks comfortable sharing with you? Is it your knowledge and experience or is it your ability to apply that knowledge and experience? Applying knowledge and experience to a situation in a constructive way takes wisdom. So what is wisdom? "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." ...

I bet you remember either growing up on a farm or having some relation that did. Today less than 2% of our countries population actually farms. My pictures today are random and my thoughts are even more random. Ever wonder why anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster than you is a maniac? Ever wonder why when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a ride he sticks his head out the window? Changing gears, we are spending more time in the shop this winter. It's getting time to put on our mechanic hats, find where we left our tools, hope the grand kids didn't rearrange the bolt bin too bad, and start getting equipment ready for spring. Speaking of mechanics, here are a couple of good ones. Randy and Dean work at our local JD dealer and do a great job at helping keep our green machinery ready and going during fieldwork. Both of these fellows grew up on a farm. Here's a good looking farm couple ...

Have you ever had an idea or thought about an opportunity that might work? It was something you would really like to do. Then all the "what ifs" started creeping in your mind and you sighed and thought, oh well, I'd better just stay in my comfort zone where I'm safe. Last week we talked about about how we tend to be reactive to challenges and opportunities. This week I'm going to challenge you to take a risk and be proactive this year. Take a risk and do something you enjoy this year. It might be an activity. It might be a trip. It might be by yourself. It might be with others. I'm well aware that it takes a paycheck to live and believe me, I know the value of work however one of these days we are going to get old or at least high mileage or sick or lose someone and end up wishing we had done something when we had the chance. I think taking a calculated risk in business for the most part brings opportunities. Of course things could go south. But hey, ...