The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
December 7th, last Thursday, was the day in infamy as decreed by President Roosevelt pertain'n ta the bomb'n and attack on Pearl Harbor.
One of the boys brought into our group a MIDC-CO commodities report dated Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Contained in the report it was reported "Cargill has considered joining forces with ADM, Bunge, and others in constructing a $4.3 billion railroad that would connect central Brazil to the northern river port of Miritituba.
The 684 mile railroad would push grain northward through the Amazon Jungle, alleviating truck pressure on the dysfunctional highway system."
Other fellers in our group were quite disturbed by that news.
They perceived it seems, they deliver corn ta that corporate group enabling them to utilize the profits from their domestic production to finance competition against what they grow.
They felt Brazil gains, but domestic producers loose. And why not help finance needed domestic river and barge traffic here in the U. S. (Mississippi Locks)
As far me, I didn't enter into the discussion because I have invested in a locally owned mill that only uses domestic grains and puts their profits back into domestic investor's pockets.
The local fellers expressed, with huge over supply of grain and below profit levels received for that grain, foreign grain into the U. S. only exasperates the problem.
I guess ever bodies entitled ta their opinion and I'm a keep'n mine ta myself.
On the lighter side, the follow'n conversation was over heard at a seniors coffee group:
A group of seniors were sitting around talking about all their ailments at a local coffee shop just outside of town.
"My arms have got so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee," said one.
"Yes, I know," said another. "My cataracts are so bad; can't even see my coffee."
"I couldn't even mark an X at election time because my hands are so crippled," volunteered a third.
"What? Speak up! What? I can't hear you," said one elderly lady.
"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said one, to which several nodded weakly in agreement.
"My blood pressure pills make me so dizzy!" exclaimed another.
"I forget where I am and where I'm going," said another.
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man as he slowly shook his head.
The others nodded in agreement.
"Well, count your blessings," said a woman cheerfully. "Thank God we can all still drive."
There ya have it then, face ta face with reality.
New Boss
Have ya ever worked for a boss who reacts before gettin' the facts and thinkin' things through?
A large steel company, feelin' it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO.
The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers.
On a tour of the facilities, he noticed a guy leaning against a wall.
The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them all know that he meant business.
He asked the guy, "How much money do you make a week?"
A little surprised, the young man looked at him and said, "I make $300 a week. Why?"
The CEO said, "Wait right here."
He walked back to his office, came back in two minutes, and handed the guy $1,200 in cash and said, "Here's four weeks' pay.
Now GET OUT and don't come back,"
Feeling pretty good about himself the CEO looked around the room and asked,
"Does anyone want to tell me what that pillock did here?"
From across the room a voice said, "Pizza delivery guy from Domino's."
"DRUG" PROBLEM
Did ya hear of the feller who developed a habit by be'n "drug' when he was young. Here's the story of "The parents who drugged him!!!"
A friend asked me, "Why didn't we have a drug problem when we were growing up?" I replied that I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the pastor, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds.
I was drug to the homes of neighbors to help mow the yard, repair the clothesline, and if my mother had even known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, my dad would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin, and if today's children had this kind of "drug problem", this world would be a better place.
God bless the parents who drugged us!
And now for something more serious:
You Took My Place
You Took My Parking Space At Church
This should wake us up.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver, got out and said, "I always park there! You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down.
A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!"
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still he said nothing.
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change.
Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"
The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place."
Well that's all for this week's column. Enjoy Advent and prepare for Christmas and me and Mrs. Bruke are hope'n ta see ya in church this week.
Remember, wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!'
Keep on Smile'n
Count yer many Bless'ns
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke