The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
Official winter was here (December 21) only 8 or 10 days until it decided to show us what a real winter is like with cold and snow. It has been a while since we experienced, around these parts, cold weather below zero fahrenheit and way below zero at that.
One thing about it versus days of old, the cars for the most part start better in this cold weather nowadays. Do ya remember how hard it sometimes was ta start them ole carburetor cars in below zero weather?
All kinds of tricks was utilized, from heaters in the radiator lines ta stick heaters in the oil pan. Sometimes even then the battery didn't have enough umph ta turn the engine over fast enough ta get fire in the cylinders.
Another thing was brought ta mind dure'n the recent cold snap - frozen water lines in the outside walls of the house. Oh yes, in that regard we just had a dose of them "GOOD Ole Days'. The plumber that put them lines in the outside walls must have forgot the winters around these parts can get really cold from time ta time. If'n that outside wall is face'n north with a wind of sorts-ya got troubles.
Something Worth Reading
Now fer something worth read'n. This makes a good point and is a great reminder for ever one ta do on a regular basis, perhaps daily:
Find Something Beautiful To Notice
Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America
If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said "Let's Roll!" And helped take down the plane over Pennsylvania that was heading for Washington, DC back on 9/11.
She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him.
Lisa recalled this story: "I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students.
As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things a side on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Class is over. I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important.
Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment.
Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day.
Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.
It doesn't have to be something you see; it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground.
Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life.
The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted.
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently.
That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.
Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.
Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset.
Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.
If you agree with this, please pass it on to a friend. If not just forget it and go on with your life!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
God Bless us every day of our lives. The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone's prayers, and the very best place to be is in the hands of God.
There ya have it then, something good ta reflect on as we begin this new year.
I reckon the boy's and I will take time ta "jaw' as ta how them thoughts will apply ta our lives.
Hope'n to see ya in church this weekend with your family and friends.
Remember, where ever ya are, what ever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!'Keep on Smile'n,
Count your Blessings,
Catch ya later,
Barnyard Bruke