Shows

About a week and a half ago, I had one of those experiences nobody enjoys.  Four times in the wee hours of the morning I was on my knees with my head in the head, violently emptying the contents of my stomach.  I'm sure it was something I ate, because other than sore stomach muscles and totally confused bowels for a couple days I felt fine.

Last week the old farmer spent two days at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky.  Along with my brother, two nephews and about 300,000 other farmers.  It is the largest indoor farm show in the United States, with 27 acres under roof.  A total of about 850 exhibitors were vying for the farmers pocketbooks.  In the evening we introduced my nephews to Famous Dave's Barbeque Feast, served on a garbage can lid.  One of my favorites.  The I-64 bridge over the Ohio River was out, so all interstate traffic was routed over the I-65 bridge which made for a huge traffic jam during rush hour when we left for home.  It took us about two hours to go the first ten miles.

We also attended the Illinois Pork Expo and the Mid-West Truckers Association Truck Show, both at the Peoria Civic Center.

I've had my son-in-law's Sackett collection here in the house for a year or two.  So after Christmas I decided that I've had them long enough.  I have read most of L.L.'s other books, but had skipped the Sacketts.  So I have started in on them, and have finished 8 of them so far.  Maybe I can finish the rest before we get in the fields this spring.

We are still enjoying the mild winter, but will be heading to Florida soon for a little getaway.

He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.
Job 20:15

Puppy

We haven't had a dog on the farm now for a couple of years.  As a result, there has been an increase in possums, coons, and skunks hanging around.  So we were ready for another dog to show up.

Our Christmas puppy has been on the farm for over a week now.  I bought it a new dog house - a Dogloo.  Of course he doesn't use it.  Because of the winter weather, we keep him inside of a small building at night so that we can heat it if it gets too cold.  He is not potty trained, so the floor of the little building is going to be a mess to clean up someday. 
Having a new puppy is like having a kid.  Very rambunctious and into everything.  And always wanting attention.  He has already discovered the fun of playing in the landscaping, chewing on everything, and will chase the cats if they run from him.  He likes to eat their food, and he wants to be playful with them, but they swat him if he gets too close.  He likes to follow me around when I do chores, but I have to be careful not to step on him.

We have been having a hard time coming up with a name because there has been general disagreement within the household.  We think we have settled on Gus (Guster? Gustav? Gunter?), but we will have to wait and see if it sticks.  Suggestions?

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
Mark 7:27