StillwatersIowa

It was foggy and raining the last morning we rode side-by-sides in South Dakota last week. By the time we stopped in Lead for fuel, then through Deadwood, and 13 miles north on Hwy 14A to Camp 5, it was raining steady. We were all wet. When arriving at the trailhead at the base of  one of the Black Hills, Jan heard a grandchild say, "Wow, this is living the dream". But first things first. A week ago yesterday close to 40 of our immediate family headed to South Dakota to Cody and Tori's wedding. It was held in RiverTree Church in Mitchell. After a honeymoon, Tori starts her job as a Registered Nurse in Sioux Falls. Cody works at Fareway in Sioux Falls and continues his education as a Physical Therapist. A week ago this morning, with Ethan driving the semi, and many cousins waiting their turn to ride with him, we left Mitchell and headed for the Black Hills. Thanks for the picture Stacy. Our rented home for the week fit all of us comfortably. It was in a newer development j...

Maybe a better title for this week's visit could be, What's your state of affairs. Last week we mentioned my diagnosis with colon cancer. With more news this week I'm reminded of an analogy a friend showed us recently. Let's say this roll of rope is your life. And every inch is a decade. Now put a black mark on how long you think you might live. I marked at 8 inches, or 80 years. We are all busy with so much life to do. We might make 90 years. Or our life on earth could be over closer to 70, or 60, or even earlier. All of our years on earth have been predetermined. Now let's take that rope of life and cut off how old we are. Years already in the past. With me pushing 70, and my life expectancy mark at 80, I only have an inch left. How will I best live that last inch? Like this past week, receive love, caring, and promised prayers, from so many family and friends. I hope to continue to love Jan and family. I hope to continue to bless others with sharing. I pray I can...

What really matters most in your life? Health, Status, Purpose, Passion, Work, Financial security, Education? The crop in southeast Iowa looks good. Hopefully our start of harvest is just 8 weeks away. With new crop corn prices at a 5 year low does one continue to invest dollars for more bushels? Or decide to cut cost? We are currently in the fungicide season where helicopters, airplanes, ground rigs, and drones spray on products to keep the crops safe from possible bugs and diseases. This is a picture of the corn market. For the last 15 years prices have ranged from the mid $8/bu. to the low $3/bu. Breakeven cost to grow a crop of corn these days is around $4.50/bu.   Kudos to Jackson, Jayden, and Lane for helping their Dad change oil in their Polaris side by side. Thanks for the picture Kurt. Kudos to Brynn and Sydnie for helping their Dad count the new pigs coming in. Thanks for the picture Karl. Kudos to Malaki, Jayden, Jackson, Harris, Lane, Brynn, Hazel, and Sydnie for h...

Willpower is the ability and determination to do difficult things. It is also the ability to give up short term gratification for one's long term purpose. Grit and gratitude are the antidotes for a lack of willpower. So if the mower-conditioner breaks down, or the sprayer is misbehaving, or the markets are low, or our week doesn't go as expected, we focus on persistence and acknowledging and appreciating for the good things that happen.  We sprayed for bugs on alfalfa acres this past week. 3rd cutting is about a week away. We also finished custom spraying 2nd pass soybeans. We hauled both old crop corn and soybeans for others. The lower markets are reflecting the possibility of a large new crop pollinating in the field right now under ideal conditions here in southern Iowa. The guys continue to mow grass hay for ourselves and others. Below I brought Kasey fuel one evening south of Eddyville. Karl and family are getting in weaner pigs. Farming is a great place to help your Dad, ...