The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



The Wisdom Of Barnyard Bruke: "Rain, Older Than Dirt, A Part'n Prayer."

Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill. I'm a hope'n all had a good holiday weekend and paid your proper respects to service men and relatives who has passed on.

Rain

That wuz shore enough a log-roller'n toad-choker we has las' weekend fer a rain. Some got more than others but around our parts the rain gauge showed over 5 inches. Some gravel roads were eroded badly and other roads were under water. I heard other folk up Bigsville way had three inches Tuesday night and they closed the highway along US 34 at the edge of Biggsville due to water over the road.

That highway 34 has sure enough got'n a work out the last several years.

At the Kiwanis annual pancake breakfast in Burlington, Iowa I overheard a feller ask his neighbor if'n the drought was broken yet and the ground water recharged. The neighbor gave him a puzzled look and refused to answer him. That neighbor yet has corn to plant and his fields are now lakes with stand'n water ever where.

It has been said over a given period of time rainfall averages out. Last year brought dry weather and maybe this years gonna be wetter. Who knows fer sure.

One thing I do know is that fer the 14 funerals I've attended this spring, those deceased folks ain't a complain'n on the weather. So be thankful ya is still around to enjoy things, no matter whether they is to your like'n or not.

Part'n Prayer

With school let'n out and graduates go'n on to new endeavors a fellers thoughts turn to childhood and to the finest man ya would ever want to know. He was just a simple man, he didn't speak polished English but when he was speak'n to the Lord, even a child could understand.

His son was young and restless and had a mind to tell his dad he was old enough to leave home and go out on his own. A look came on his father's face and he never spoke a word until a short time later when it was time fer even'n prayer.

He said, "Our gracious heavenly Father, we all gather here tonight to give thanks fer blessings so humbly we pray. Our second oldest boy will be a leave'n soon but I'm sure he knows what's best. But, just in case could ya stand by and help him stand the test.

Lord, he's awful neglectful about church on Sunday morn'n and if'n he gets with the wrong crowd would ya let him hold your arms and if'n he starts a fly'n too high would ya clip his wings. Don't let him fall too hard Lord, I'm sure ya can handle things.

I've tried my best from day to day to teach him right from wrong. He'™s grown to be a fine young man, always bless'n our home.

We pray the Lord fer guidance, we know you'll understand. We won't worry half as much if we know he's in your hands.

And oh yes, Lord, It won't be long till I'll be come'n home. I know I'm in life's sunset, don't make me wait too long. We pray thee Lord for direction, please cleanse us from our sins, so we can all be together in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen."

The family was silent and tears came down that young man's face. From that day on he based his life on his father's family prayer.

I've got some fun thoughts for you'ns, especially if'n ya has a little age under your belt. It's called the "older than Dirt quiz" and it goes as follows:

Older Than Dirt Quiz

Take the quiz then count all the ones that you remember, not the ones you were told about. Ratings will follow.

1. Blackjack chewing gum.

2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water.

3. Candy cigarettes.

4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles.

5. Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke boxes.

6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers.

7. Party lines on the telephone.

8. Newsreels before the movie.

9. P.F. Flyers.

10. Butch wax.

11. TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and were there until TV shows started again in the morning. (there were only 3 channels...if you were fortunate)

12. Pea shooters.

13. Howdy Doody.

14. 45 RPM records.

15. S & H greenstamps.

16. Hi-fi's.

17. Metal ice trays with lever.

18. Mimeograph paper.

19. Blue flashbulb.

20. Packards.

21. Roller skate keys.

22. Cork popguns.

23. Drive-ins.

24. Studebakers.

25. Wash tub wringers.

If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young

If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older

If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age

If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!

Now ya might find yourself in the "Older than dirt" category but those memories can bring back some of the best parts of your life. That's all fer this weeks column folks, there ain't no more. Have a good week a come'n up, visit a friend and relative whilst there's yet time, and do a good deed or two whilst ya are still able. Hope'n to see youn's 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