For Real

It seems the darker some things seem to get in our country the brighter other things are. In amongst all the noise we hear today is a quiet majority of hardworking, patriotic, God fearing, genuine, "real", set of folks that still make life happen. 

No, we don't have a grain cart with a steerable rear axle. For the second week in a row we lost a wheel. This breakdown was wheel bearings and fortunately the cart did not go down. Thanks to grandson John who quickly noticed the issue and got stopped.

We've had another good week of harvest. We are also focusing on getting some cover crop seeded. On some fields the rye is planted with a drill. On others like the one below the rye is added to the dry fertilizer, spread with a dry spreader, and then worked in with a high speed disk.

On Thursday afternoon Duane and Sue brought out some friends and co-worker from Pleasant Hill to experience harvest. Joseph and Antonia, it was an enjoyable time meeting and visiting with you. 

When we're busy in the field the fuel truck often stops every day. And sometimes folks ask why we just don't buy diesel semi loads at a time. Well, Brent and his helpers are a "real" part of our operation by delivering fuel to our multiple locations. And many times finding and filling our portable tank in the field.

It's always heartwarming to see Jerry out fishing with his grandson Leo. Thanks for investing quality time in the next generations Jerry. These types of investments always produce long term dividends. Jerry is a "real" grandpa.

Leo is quite the little fisherman and Friday afternoon caught this catfish. Thanks for the picture Jerry.

Every once in a while you see little things that folks do to let their light shine. Like the cross on this semi that I often see at Eddyville. Thanks Roger, Brian, and family.

All the gals in our family are amazing. Thanks Stacy for taking time out of your busy harvest, Mom, and work schedule to cut my hair on short notice.

I spent a fair amount of time in Eddyville this week. One morning I jumped up on the truck steps in front of me to confirm that he was the one I followed. It was Curtis from New Sharon. I expressed my sympathy to him. I had not talked to him since he lost his wife earlier this year to cancer. He also told me about losing a premature grandchild recently. He currently has another premature granddaughter in the hospital with a strong heartbeat but fighting for her life. Many of you who have experienced loss can concur that life is "real". Curtis mentioned in our visit that he took drivers education with my brother Dan forty some years ago.

My brother Dan was my sister Donna's twin and was born "normal". However after a couple days he coughed up some mucus, it wasn't noticed, and he losted oxygen to his brain. My parents were told he would not live. However God had other plans and Dan became an integral part of our family teaching us many things. Although not politically correct today Dan was diagnosed as being "retarded". Dan was "real". He always greeted folks like he meant it and he did. He enjoyed relationships to those who chose to get to know him. When he became a member of our church and made his profession of faith in his own simple way, there was not a dry eye in the council room. Many handicap folks don't age well. And Dan passed away in 2013.

Thanks for this picture Seth. My brother-in-law Arlin is in the field getting ready to cut his brother Loren's soybeans. Loren passed away very unexpectedly this past week. Loren and his family farm south of Eddyville where Loren raised feeder pigs much of his life. They also have a cattle operation. Thank you Arlin. Our sympathies to Rhonda, Josh, Kristin, and family.

So, how can we be "for real" and be a light in our dark world. Believe it or not, we have no light on our own. But we can be a reflection of where our light comes from. Our light come from our God who is the Creator and Sustainer of our temporary home here on earth. There are better days coming. Have a good week.