August Rain

We have received an inch of rain each week the last two weeks. That's about all a farmer can ask for in August to help fill out and finish the crop. Because of the slow start and the relatively cool summer, the harvest will start a little later than some years, but it looks to be a good one. We had a very good peach crop this year and are now enjoying pears. The cool nights we are experiencing are adding sweetness to the maturing apples. Summer is drawing to a close.

The old farmer's mom was born and raised near Lester, Iowa. Growing up, we visited there several times a year. I had several first cousins out there that were my age (out of 83 on my mom's side of the family). One of my cousins in particular, I spent the most time with when visiting Lester, and he regularly came to Illinois to visit us. We could probably write a book on our exploits and activities, but we won't. We have seen very little of each other over the last 30 years as he is now living in the Twin Cities with his family. But this past week he came to Illinois for a visit and we had the opportunity to spend some time together Friday night and Saturday morning with him and his family. I enjoyed the short time together "catching up" and reminiscing about the past.

We've come a long way.

And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
Genesis 33:12