StillwatersIowa

If you were on the cover of one of our leading magazines, what would the article be about? Would it include accomplishments, passions, successes, and promotions? Maybe it would talk about your work ethic, what drives you, your get-er-done attitude, or your toughness when the arrows are flying. Would the story mention a tender side of you? Would the author see others in your story? Would generosity be mentioned as part of your lifestyle? "Handle" might need defined for our Gen-X readers. It's like your username on social media. Except back then it was called a CB radio. My CB handle was St. Bernard. Not sure why. Same initials I guess. And we had Saint Bernards as farm dogs all our lives. So back to the question. Would you be a good buddy, or a bull dog? You wouldn't want to be called an alligator. That was someone who was all mouth and no ears. 😊 Would you be described by folks as hammer down, or a sand bagger? Jan and I left Monday afternoon for a week away. After s...

Late February and early August are generally two times a year when life at our house is a touch slower. It's a time when we can idle down a little, enjoy early morning coffee, think about life, make a plan, and finish the work day before dark. On purpose. When Dads take time for their children, on purpose, and include them in every day life, and not just church, school, and sports, kids grow up with a bigger view on life. Below Kurt is finishing up his plan for the upcoming crop, with Mark, his banker, as his boys soak it in. I know. Kids need to have the time to be kids. And that needs to happen on purpose as well. After helping Grandpa with odd jobs yesterday these boys asked if they could put a set of Kurt's old rims and tires on Grandpa's truck. I'm not sure how long they will stay on. But I sure had fun watching them have fun. Kids grew up much earlier in the old days. They were given responsibility and felt good about themselves for being part of a purpose. Not al...

This has been quite a season for competing. There are the Olympics, the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, basketball districts, and state wrestling. There will be both winners and losers. However winning and losing both end after the event. How folks handle winning and losing, as far as character, respect, and kindness goes, last a lifetime. Below Mike has loaded and is taking Mark's trackhoe to Kasey's to work on another brush pile. The guys are starting to bring the heavy equipment in. One of the first things they do is drop the belly pans, give everything a good bath, and check for oil leaks and worn hoses. We're still servicing our farm equipment. After the heavy equipment week, we'll start on planters and seed tenders. Karl continues to sell hogs and is getting ready for new pigs as he gets empty from fats. The livestock industry has a shortage of truckers right now. Thanks for the picture Collin. And kudos to farmers like Collin, Kurtis, Andy, and others who are us...

"The two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why."  Yesterday Sydnie, Elijah, Ezra, and Malaki helped clean a tractor. It warms my heart to see cousins enjoy each others company and learn to work together. Samuel Clemons was born in Missouri, the sixth of seven children. He grew up in the heart of rural America. He left school after 5th grade and went to work. He had a gift for writing. He enjoyed giving out common sense advice. His life was not without difficulties. He grew up as a Presbyterian.  I have always respected Mark Twain (his pen name) and agreed with most of what he has written. He wrote in a letter once, "If I had more time I would have written a shorter letter." I'm constantly trying to follow this advice. All the quotations this morning are his with exception to the last verse of our visit which was written by King David.  "Don't let school get in the way of education." No worries. I ...