The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill. I'm a hope'n ya be a recall'n how dry it was last summer when you'ns reflect on all the rain we is a have'n this spring. It could be an attitude adjuster.
WET SEASON
One feller told me he has planted already 500 acres corn and 200 acres soybeans and found two big batches of mushrooms. Seems like a tall tale to me but I'm a suppose'n it to be true. He had no reason to lie other than gett'n some pleasure outa see'n me face flush.
Some folk held off on plant'n, even though ground moisture would've allowed them to go ahead.
They was afeared of the cooler wet weathers yield damage'n affect on freshly planted seed absorb'n and swell'n from cold moisture. It is hard to recover from those affects along with danger of try'n to get seedlings up through the concrete type soil created by a beat'n rain.
Well, anyways farm'n has always been a gamble with man's strategies against weather, bugs, the markets, and a fickle government. I reckon thats what makes it so much fun.
One feller, a share crop tenant farmer, told me a few years back of his landlord clearly state'n he would lose the farm tenancy if'n he ever started plant'n before the 10th of May. My how things has changed over a few short years.
Voltaire once said, "I have lived eighty years of life and know nothing for it, but to be resigned and tell myself that flies are born to be eaten by spiders and man to be devoured by sorrow". Let's hope this is a minimum of sorrow fer the farmers this cropp'n season. We had enough of it last grow'n season with the drought.
SIGNS OF FRUTFUL SUMMER
In watch'n the fruit trees this spring, all varieties of fruit has a good crop of blossoms thus far. Remember last spring when the frost damaged yield potential on most fruit trees?
Has ya farmers been out in the fields fix'n tile blow-outs dure'n this wet weather? It seems there's an inordinate number of them this spring. Left alone, those holes could plug your tile and tear the front end from under a tractor, sprayer, or break an axle on other farm machinery. Better check it out if'n ya haven't already fixed'em.
A DOGS LIFE
A while back I shared with you folk some enterest'n info on a dog. It's time to readdress the topic.
The question comes up as to why dogs live less years than humans. The answer comes from a young 6 year old who gave the follow'n comfort'n explanation:
"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like love'n everyone all the time and be'n nice, right?"
"Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When your happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long wait.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Well, I'll be jiggered, that feller fer as young as he is shore has a grasp on reality. One can appreciate his thoughts on a dog's life.
By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property.
DEATH IN THE FAMILY
Buster Jigs shared with the boys the other day about an experience his big city cousin knew of that was an odd experience fer us country folk to understand.
It seems a father put his 3 year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which ended by saying: "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma and good-bye Grandpa."
The father asked, "Why did you say good-bye Grandpa?"
The little girl said, "I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do."
The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.
A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this: "God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and good-bye Grandma."
The next day the grandmother died.
"Holly cow" thought the father, "this kid is in contact with the other side."
Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say: "God bless Mommy, and good-bye Daddy."
He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay.
He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally, midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.
When he got home his wife said, "I've never seen you work so late. What's the matter?"
He said, "I don't want to talk about it; I've just spent the worst day of my life.'
She said, "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning my golf pro dropped dead in the middle of my lesson!"
I'm not sure any of the boys understood Buster's cousin's experience, but it was a strange story with a sad end'n none the less.
Have a good week, be safe, and hope to see you'ns in church this weekend. Where ever ya is, what ever ya be a do'n, BE A GOOD ONE!
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
BARNYARD BRUKE