Saying Thank You

Yesterday was one of those days when you could harvest corn in the morning and then switch to soybeans after lunch when the grain moisture  was dry enough. Ethan was just down the road driving grain cart for his dad, Mark. John was in our field driving grain cart for Kasey and his dad, BJ. And Ezra, Brian and Becky's 5th grader, was driving grain cart and unloading for his grandpa.

Folks appreciate their work and are more productive and effective when they are acknowledged, affirmed, encouraged, and THANKED for their help.

Sending thank you notes doesn't seem to happen as often these days. It takes time and effort to find a card, write a note, find an address, and stick it in the mail box. Nowadays it's simpler and faster to text, message, or email if one remembers.

However receiving thank you notes still feels good even when the advice, the gift, or act of kindness wasn't done with the intention of getting back. A written note lets you know the recipient appreciated your efforts and took the time to tell you.

One rainy day earlier this week the guys tackled overhauling the toolbar on the manure tanker. Hauling hog honey is a job that needs to start soon at our house.

Corn harvest is continuing. We are sort of working our way north. The further north we go the better the yield due to summer rains. The weak corn stalks and down corn potential is working it's way north as well and more corn falls over every day. Also mud has been a big issue this week.

The moisture content on most of our corn is now ranging from 15-20%. On many farms the grain carts are needing to come out of the fields with half loads so they don't get stuck. We are about half finished with our obligations to Eddyville and am starting to store corn on the farm as well as Cargill hours have been shortened some.

Mike started a hog shed pit for Andy this week near Deep River in Poweshiek County. The cement crew hopes to start pouring concrete soon.

Mud, down corn, and high soybean yields have made fall harvest take a little longer this year so the long days are getting longer. However we have so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful to God for another crop and another fall of enjoying this occupation we call farming.

Life doesn't happen without bumps in the road. We just need to tackle those bumps as they show up. Attitude while crossing those bumps and detouring around closed roads is the difference between a bad day and a good one. We had our share of tire issues this week. Semis, augers, front tractor tires, and this combine last evening.

People are more important than things and it's always fun to get together and stop for supper. Since we were unloading beans on the same farm Mark and Ethan joined us. Thanks Cassia, Natalie, and Adi (spelling? I got to get a list of our grandkids), for a delicious supper last evening.

We've had a good and productive week. Yes there is plenty more to do yet. However we have been given the opportunity, the ability, and the blessing to get things done. Today is a day of rest. Enjoy your Sunday. Spend time with loved ones. And spend time with God in His house saying thank you for family, for work, for opportunities, and for Him being in charge of what He has entrusted to us, for His glory, our provision, and other's good.