The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
I'm a hope'n this week's column finds the weather dry enough for ever one ta get what outdoor work they need ta do in an orderly fashion.
Back in the Fields
Folks started back in the field around these parts last Friday. They are now hit'n plant'n hard, a finish'n up on corn plant'n and get'n a good start on soybean plant'n. There are parts of our state that yet have large ponds of stand'n water in their fields. It's a gonna take warmer weather, with windy days, ta dry those fields enough to plant and/or replant.
Wednesday, May 10th, used ta be considered the ideal time ta plant corn. These days that date has been moved ahead a bit, but those that are just now finish'n plant'n can expect good results if'n summer weather cooperates.
Cooler weather of late took away some of the potential yield advantage that those fellers felt they might have by their earlier April plantings. Farm'n is rather a gamble any way ya looks at it.
Nurses Week
National nurses week 2017 in the United States began on Saturday, May 6 and ends on Friday, May 12. We have many good nurse in our communities, thank goodness. It might be a good idea ta surprise one or more of your nurse friends with a nice card or a strong hug.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is this come'n weekend. Thank goodness for mothers and all ladies alike for all they are and all they do.
Handicapped
There was a young feller a few years back who was physically and mentally handicapped. His passing caused much grieving. There is a standard we call normal. The term handicapped is used for folk who have physical deformities or who cannot talk or think as clearly as most other folk do.
Those fellers are extended sympathy and many often wonder why God allows them ta be born with those limitations. Perhaps, however, we should consider a few things ta help clarify our think'n about who is handicapped.
Last summer, 2016, the Olympics were held again. Skilled athletes from all over the world competed for the coveted Gold Metal.
There was a top swimmer that as champion has received millions of dollars in prizes and endorsements. He is afflicted with a severe disability. He has a well publicized problem with alcohol.
Folk who are successful in worldly pursuits often develop a deadly disease called pride. They often feel invincible, but many are handicapped by vices such as corruption, drug abuse, or immortality, Often they become disabled in their personal relationships.
Lets now give some thought ta the event called the Special Olympics. Handicapped folk get together for friendly competition.
There is the story of a girl with down syndrome runn'n a race. She fell, skinned her knees, and began cry'n. All the other contestants stopped, went back, and helped her up. Link'n their arms together they walked across the finish line in unison.
The young feller that was considered mentally and physically handicapped in our community for a few short years, never had ta deal with some of the problems that many other folk often face. In all probability he never struggled with ill feeln's toward others or with worry'n about things. Fellers like him can help us to think rightly about who is really handicapped.
Its worth give'n this topic some thought that could help in our relationships. Me and the boys is a gonna talk this one over for a spell.
Have a safe week, express appreciation to a nurse or two and spend mother's day appropriately.
Hope'n ta see you's in church this week.
Remember, wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!"
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke