Slow Start

Harvest is starting very slow this year. So far, we have picked 3 loads. The corn is maturing slow and not drying down very fast. A couple of neighbors have picked a little but nobody is going full speed yet. Hopefully next week we will get going for good. But, I've been saying that for 3 weeks now.
The apples matured early this year, but we have not had time to make any cider yet. We might just have to buy some this year. The old farmer's lovely wife has made lots of apple sauce for the pantry.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Mark 4:29

High

. . . with a little help from my friends.

About a year ago, strong winds and rain destroyed our yard light. I had installed it with a 25 foot extension ladder many years ago. That's pretty high to work on a shaky wooden ladder, especially when you're trying to wire it live. Our well is on the same breaker and I didn't want to shut it off while I worked. I decided I would wait for a better way.
Today, a neighbor let me borrow his bucket truck. What a difference that made! Much safer, easier, and quicker. Almost fun! It has a 36 foot maximum height, so I was able to get a good overview of the buildings and crops from up there. It gives you a whole new perspective on things. You can "take a trip and never leave the farm"!

Tonight the new light is illuminating the barnyard.



Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:15

Really Wet

Having been on the Gulf Coast post-Katrina, I know first hand the devastation that hurricanes can cause. My heart goes out to those affected by the recent hurricanes, not only in the U.S., but also in the Gulf and Caribbean Islands. Compared to those people, we have no problems or worries.

But thanks to Gustov and now Ike, our ten day rainfall total is over 12 inches! Although the BB hole in the rain gauge at 4.5 inches with water leaking out prohibits an exact measure from last nights rain. Resulting in flooded fields, flooded roads, flooded basements, and a wet deranged raccoon at the front doors of church this morning.

Our yard looks more like spring than fall, with lush green grass and a thriving mushroom crop appearing.
This will probably set harvest back another week.





The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
Psalm 29:10

Environment

"The sky is falling, the sky is falling, and we must tell the King!"

Is there global warming?
If there is, is man causing it?
If there is, and we are, will the overall effect be harmful?
What about species extinction?
Is the world overpopulated?

I just finished reading "The Cornwell Declaration on Environmental Stewardship" and the subsequent essays, "Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition" published by the Action Institute. This is a science and religious based approach/answer to the predominate politically correct "chicken little" environmental thinking of our times. It was put together by a diverse group of Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant thinkers, theologians, and researchers. It has a lot of common sense and wisdom in it, backed by science based research.

I believe a lot of the problem today is that too many people worship the creation rather than the creator.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Romans 1:25

And I think it would come as a big surprise to many, including Algore and his cult, that God intends to destroy this earth.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3:10

As a Christian, I have an obligation to be a wise steward, but that doesn't mean following the fads and fallacies of the current environmental movements.

The facts rarely speak for themselves, especially in a political context.

Customer Service

I don't know if it's just me, but customer service seems to have taken a vacation.

Two years ago I talked to an HVAC contractor about hooking up a floor heat system in our shop. After several reminder calls over several months and no response, I called a second HVAC contractor. He also acted interested, but after several reminder calls over several months we still do not have a floor heat system hooked up.

Two weeks ago I called two garbage disposal companies about getting a dumpster for our farm with regular pickup service. Both companies took my name, address, and number, but wouldn't give me a price over the phone. They would get right back with me. I'm still waiting.

I called a livestock equipment dealer about getting parts for some feeders I bought from them years ago. The person who answered the phone said they would get back to me with the info I needed. A week later after no response, I called again. A different person told me they would check into it and get back to me. A week later after no response, I called directly to the manufacturer. They transferred me to the sales department, and the helpful lady took my order and info but told me she would have to get back to me the next day with shipping costs. That was a week ago. Do I have parts coming or not?

Two months ago I talked to a building contractor about residing our corn crib and putting on an addition. He would send someone out to give me an estimate. Even after a reminder, I'm still waiting. Two weeks ago I decided to talk to another contractor. He told me he would come and bid the project Monday or Tuesday last week. A week and a half later I'm still waiting and haven't heard form him.

I left a message on our local landscapers phone last week. I told him we were interested in redoing our landscaping around our house. No response.

You know the trouble we had before getting our (2 year long) barn roof project finished last summer.

We have a good credit rating. We pay our bills. I think we are nice people.

Do I have kick me written on my back?

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Romans 5:3,4