Summer Reflections

Today is the last day of June. 2024 is half over. We are around 8 weeks past the bulk of planting. And we're just 8 weeks away from the start of harvest. The new crop bid for the corn crop in the field is $3.95. I sold my first corn crop in 1974 in the $3s. My one year old tractor back then cost $9500. Today a year old tractor is $500,000.

What we value and do is a reflection of who we are. Jan loves keeping her garden, yard, flowers, and plants in good shape.

Summer and Mondays are grandkids, and the mid-age ones help the younger ones. Below six granddaugthers are helping each other get their hair ready for swimming in the pond.

Different mid-age grandsons help out on different days. Below Elliot is stacking return seed boxes. Two loads of boxes have already returned to Colfax.

Alex planted soybeans on a field that had previously been in CRP for thirty years. CRP is a conservation reserve program administered by the government starting in 1985. It's setting aside sensitive acres for a yearly payment.

2nd cutting hay got baled and the bales tucked inside this past week. We received a welcome rain on Friday. It was our first rain over an inch here at home since May 24.

There is also a demand for grass hay in southern Iowa. Baling grass is kind of an ongoing thing depending on rainfall.

The planters are getting cleaned up and will be stored away for the year soon. We take note of what is worn and needs replaced for shop work next winter.

One of the definitions of reflection is to absorb, to take in thoughts. That's what I often do when I'm mowing road ditches like these north of Otley.

Another definition of reflection is giving back. Like a pond reflection on a quiet morning. Our family uses sweetcorn to reflect who we are trying to be. We give away sweetcorn seed in the spring, ears in season, frozen packages throughout the year, and dishes at potlucks, to whoever can use it.

A 3rd definition of reflection is showing an image. Small town celebrations are a reflection of their culture. Most often in a good way. Jan and I went to the Leighton parade last evening. Where neighbors drive their classic cars, farmers their old tractors with kids on the fenders, enough candy thrown out to provide job security for a dentist, and the grand marshals riding in a manure loader bucket rather than a convertible. Congratulations Henry and Twyla.

What image do you intend to reflect this coming 4th of July week? Not sure? I heard something last evening. Did you know if you changed the W from Where, What, and When, to a T? You go from a question to an answer, There, That, and Then! We determine who we will be with attitude. Honor God. Bless others. Put in an honest days work. And decide you are going to make a difference. Have a good week.