Temple

Back into the deep freeze.
It was -1 degree when we loaded hogs this morning.  Thankfully the gales of last night had died down by morning, and we didn't have any problems.  Working outside in this weather makes for rosy cheeks, chapped lips, and split fingertips.

Last Tuesday I went to Eureka College to hear Temple Grandin speak.  She is an internationally known author, proponent of Autism rights, an expert on animal behavior, livestock industry consultant, and a designer of humane animal handling equipment.  She is currently an animal science professor at Colorado State University.  She received her doctorate from the University of Illinois and I had firsthand knowledge of her work when she designed the kill floor for the ill-fated co-operative packing plant that we were involved in.  In 2010, a movie was made about her life.  Her speech was very interesting and she had many unique insights on many topics, including livestock handling and autism.
She was disgusted with and made fun of colleges that have a curriculum/degree in Public Administration.  "Why do we need to teach people how to be government bureaucrats!"

Wednesday we attended the Pesticide Applicator Training Class in Bloomington.  The long morning was followed by the test which we have to take every three years.  I passed, so I can legally purchase and apply restricted use pesticides.  We have almost all of our pesticides custom applied now, but it's still good to have the license.

Thursday was the Precision Planting Winter Conference in Washington.  I always learn something, and they always try to convince me that I haven't spent enough money on their products yet.  Gary Wiegand's steak dinner never disappoints, and there are people from all over the country (and international), and there is always plenty of good fellowship.

Friday we attended a seed sales/seed treatment meeting near Bloomington.  The grilled steak sandwich lunch was excellent.

Saturday I spent a couple of hours at the Fellowship Hall learning how to make mocha slush punch with a Hobart industrial mixer.  I learned that if you don't watch what you are doing, you can get ice cream and punch all over the walls, floor, and yourself.

Sunday was Aaron and Kendra's wedding.  Kendra is my niece who is the same age as daughter #2, and Aaron's dad and I were friends back in our young group days.  It was a nice day and a nice wedding.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to visit with much of the company that came to be a part of the day.  It will be fun to have Aaron in the family, and we wish the two of them God's Blessings on their marriage.

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Proverbs 27:23

 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10