Ode to Winter

 We are in the midst of a fortnight of true winter here in Central Illinois.  Nights in the single digits and days in the teens with sub-zero temps on the way.  We've had some snow just about every day that adds to the experience.

I had an enjoyable discussion with Bro. Isaac after Wednesday night church.  It involved snowshoeing, winter camping in the Boundary Waters, snow cave camping, making Mukluks and mittens, tanning deer hides, Will Steger (Arctic adventurer), dog-sledding, reading Sigurd Olson (Naturalist) and David Kline (Amish farmer), ice fishing, and upcoming vacations.  If I were twenty years younger and full of his enthusiasm, I think we would be partnering a lot!  I am hoping to go with him on a Boundary Waters trip that he is planning for a group in September.

Working in the frigid temperatures in the winter can be challenging.  You have to dress in layers and work at a pace hard enough to keep warm, but not so hard that you start sweating.  One day this week, beside normal chore work, I had to clear some snow, prepare hoop buildings for pigs, transfer corn, and grind and unload several loads of feed.  This involved using an ax to bust open frozen round bales, starting two tractors and the skid-steer, changing out a bad breaker (with gloves off!), running two augers and the grain leg, operating the sweep auger, and climbing to the top of the crib regularly to check the level in the overhead bin.  I was able to get everything done that I needed to do that day.

It was dark by the time I finished evening chores at ten til six.  Because of the fresh snow covered landscape, there was an eerie luminescence. It was frigid but wind-still. The windows in the old farm house were emanating a warm glow that welcomed me towards it.  It was with a sense of great accomplishment and satisfaction that I headed into the house and to my waiting supper.

I still like winter and I still enjoy my work.

Man against nature?

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.      Proverbs 20:4

Death and Life

 Uncle Andy passed away last week.  I spent many nights in the Mogler home in Lester over the years, enjoying Uncle Andy and Aunt Freida's hospitality.  It was such a blessing to have him in central Illinois the last 11+ years!  He was always an inspiration and spiritual rock, and enjoyable to be around.  He never knew a stranger, and once he started hanging out in the coffee spots, I think he knew the local farmers better than I did!  I almost feel bad now that the last time I played Skip-Bo with him, I won.                        Because of Covid and a predicted snowstorm, many relatives were unable to travel to the funeral.  I was honored to be a pall bearer.                                                                                                                               I inherited his cane, which used to be my grandpa Metzger's. 

We got the call Thursday morning that a new baby was on the way.  The old farmers wife left for Indiana after lunch.  Our new granddaughter was born Friday morning.  I caught a ride Friday evening with sister Rita who was on her way back from KC.  We spent the night with Shane and Alyssa near Wolcott and continued to Leo Saturday morning.   We babysat the two older kiddos at Rita and Loren's to give the parents some time alone with the baby.  Saturday night they received about 8 inches of fresh snow.  Since church was cancelled in Leo, we live-streamed the Washington service which allowed us to hear Nephew Tate's announcement!  Congratulations Tate and Tamra!

 We had mostly clear roads and arrived home Monday evening.

  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.             John 5:24