The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill.
I'm a hope'n this column finds ever one in good spirits and enjoy'n life.
Sunday, June 21st is the first day of summer. As warm as it has been lately, one might suspect we already had us a good start.
Have ya noticed how long the days are this week and that there remains enough daylight after 9 p.m. to find ones self around? The days will start ta shorten up after Sunday.
RAIN
The thunderstorms and wind last week gave a number of different folk a glimpse back ta the "Good ole Days" without electricity. The crews work'n on the down power lines, etc. shore had their work cut out fer em. Hopefully not too many of youn's had water in your basement. With electricity off the basement water problem became a real pickle.
Isn't life enterest'n, see'n as we can go so quickly from concern about drier weather ta flood'n of low lands in some parts. Hang on, it will be enterest'n ta see what July and August brings us. Fer now the crops look fairly repectful even though prices are not.
Many fellers are a throw'n in the towel and given up much hope fer price improvement on the 2014 remain'n crop sales.
It seems a lot of semis are on the hard roads these days a haul'n corn ta the market place.
RESPECT
The boys sez one of their friends up Biggsville way said the cemetery part of the funeral fer Jack Brokaw, last week, brought ta mind how much we owe our veteran soldiers. He said that the bugler and riflemen fer the 21 gun salute performed a "stellar job".
The boys and I agreed, the servicemen that take time out of their day to honor these special patriots are to be commended. The fellar told the boys, he couldn't help but notice their advanced ages, and how thankful he was they are around when needed.
Not necessarily ta single him out over the others, the fellar said, but because of the age factor he couldn't help but focus on one fellar. His name is Ray Shafer of Biggsville, who called out the orders fer the event in a clear and firm voice.
"I imagine he's the oldest WWII veteran left in Henderson County." he told the boys. "He saw some hard fight'n and remains amongst us with a stellar attitude."
I agreed. I read about him in "The Quill" as they did some stories on him a while back.
I hope ya took time ta read em and save em fer the next generation ta get an idea of what those fellers sacrificed fer ever one back home.
I reckon the library should keep copies of his WWII articles on hand fer the young folk ta be able ta see some idea of what went on through the eyes of a local feller, first hand.
Out of deep respect fer Ray Shafer, the feller told the boys that he went up to him after the service and expressed his respect fer him and the others who performed the graveyard services fer Jack Brokaw.
I got think'n about this as I was always told and hold the firm opinion that if'n ya gots someth'n good to say about a feller, say it ta his face whilst he's yet alive.
"The Quill" article had said that Ray was wounded five (5) times in that war and yet kept on defend'n his country. He received many awards includ'n a Silver Star, but that don't put bread on the table.
From "Flag Day" through July 4th, what say we give a card shower ta Mr. Shafer and any other of our service folk fer the sacrifices they have made.
Better yet, the next time ya see's one of em in person, express your gratitude ta em. Fer that matter, why not make a special trip to their home and expressly thank em. It's far better ta do it now whilst time remains and we are on this side of the grave. After they are gone, it will be empty words as far as they will be aware of.
RULES
General Colin Powell gave the follow'n 13 rules ta live by. I'll share em with ya now:
1. It ain't as bad as you think; it will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done.
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. Check small things.
8. Share credit.
9. You can't make someone else's choices. You should not let someone else make yours.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
(In the military, one is always looking for methods of increasing or multiplying ones forces.)
Well, there ya has it then fer this week's column. Hang in there, thank a vet, share your love.
Hope'n ta see ya all 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