StillwatersIowa

I enjoy reading, from books with paper pages. My favorite stories are historical fiction. The pictures this morning show it was another good week on the farm for winter projects. However my thoughts come from things I've read about stuff that matters. If words are in parentheses, it means they are borrowed.  "To be surrounded by children and grandchildren are perhaps the truest measure of prosperity", given undeserved by a "very high God". I was reading a story about a man who put his faith in status, possessions, and self. The plot finished with, "He raged against the ending of his days, for he found too late, that he had set his gods to low". I was told multiple times growing up that pride was a sin. And it is. It's a battle. However sometimes I need a word that's just a little stronger, a little more passionate, than the word thankful, for the gifts that I've been given. "A father is never prouder of his children than when they make...

A long time ago a couple of young folks immigrated from Holland to America. They settled in southern Illinois and northern Indiana. Bill and Christine married, moved to Iowa, and raised 10 children (2nd generation). All 10 children married, stayed in Iowa, and had around 40 offspring (3rd generation). I'm the little guy standing in the left front corner of the picture. In 1957 my grandparents built this home which is just south of the current Oskaloosa Elementary School on the old apple farm. Those 3rd generationers are my siblings and cousins. Most of them married and had around 100 kids (4th generation). Obviously my grandparents are gone. The only 2 wives left from those 10 married children are my mother (Harry) and my Aunt Marilyn (Cornie). Most of those 100 4th generationers married, (our children included), are raising families (5th generation), have businesses, and are now considered middle-age. A few 5th generation (some of our grandchildren included) are now adults, have t...

Remember as a child when you were prompted to say thank you and acknowledge the giver when you were given a gift? Actually, it was a good practice to learn, and a great habit to develop. Sadly, expressing gratitude today is not as popular as it used to be.                               This past week Jan and I enjoyed a week in the Cayman Islands. The trip was a gift from Becks as a thank you for using their seed on our acres. The 21 condo apartments known as the London House are filled with farmers from all over the Midwest. There is great comradery and conversation from morning coffee, to sitting on the beach, to hanging out in the ocean.  Evening are often filled with eating out with new friends, watching a televised game together, playing cards, or reading a good book. Every year around this time I retell the story of the spice isle. For those of our blog family who are experiencing back issues and could...

What makes a book interesting? What makes a good story? In my opinion a good book, either audio or print, is when developing an affection and interest in the characters is more important than what happens in the plot. And after a number of chapters, getting to know the authors heart. Because of end of the year vacation, on Monday Jan had a house full of grandkids. When I stopped at the house, I suggested Allison, Sydnie, and Brynn take down the old chrome tinsel Christmas tree since they arrived early. Of course Tatum was convinced he could be of some help. On New Years Eve morning we decided to clean up the tool room. John, Alex, Kasey, and BJ are busy organizing, sorting, tossing, and finishing projects. I so appreciate our hard working team. And my goal as a "Monday morning job" coach is to guide rather than rule. And direct rather than demand. I'm often concerned on these Sunday mornings, you all read about the same plot, the same story year after year. Human nature h...