The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Fall is full of memories

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Publisher/Owner
dessa@hcil.net

What a beautiful time of year when fall finally arrives and brings some cooler air while turning the spring plantings around the Midwest to a patchwork of green, gold, beige and brown fields.

The humidity lessens, you can still go for rides in a convertible, 4-wheeler, bicycle, go fishing, hunting, and boating, take a dip in the pool or pond, jet ski on the Mississippi, and then, of course there are outdoor sports to enjoy. and football and tailgating. Friends gather for BBQs and cook-outs, marshmallow roasts and picnics and playing in the parks are more enjoyable.

Of course, it's a busy time too, because it's harvest time. After cleaning out grain bins, cutting silage, and cutting and baling hay, the next thing is bringing in the crops at just the right moisture to save on drying time. We are always concerned for farmer safety as many trucks move the grain to storage from the field or from the grain bins, and for safety of those traveling the roads where tractors and wagons may be moving to another field. One of my husband's relatives lost a combine when an undetected oil line was leaking and the heat from under the combine caused a fire. Luckily the firetrucks arrived and everyone was out of the way and safe without injury - except to the combine. The field was spared as well.

As farmers have to watch out for weather, that could damage or knock down crops, the race is on to finish as quickly as possible.

Fall also brings beautiful memories of three of our children's weddings, in spite of the fact Michael said - do not get married in October. Well fall is a beautiful time for a wedding and for travel as we come upon our Texas son Troy and his wife Erica Andrew's 28th wedding anniversary October 9 (1993), followed by our Indiana son Matthew and his wife Katie Rodeffer's 11th anniversary on October 16 (2010), and in Colorado, Dan and our daughter Darci Ericson's 18th anniversary on October 25 (2003). Each of their weddings were beautiful and brought tears of joy to the family.

I feel sad for those who have gotten the Corona-virus or have been exposed and have to stay home for 14 days, but at least the weather is perfect to be out in your yards or on your patio or at your pond.

West Central's Homecoming game for The Heat is Saturday afternoon and West Central golfer Elaina Fisher played excellent golf in Sectional this week at Kwanee missing qualifying for state by only 3 strokes. Congratulations for a great season Elaina.

We wish them success plus an enjoyable time with family and friends in this special season of Fall.