Humidity

Last week was a hot and humid week!  

I was scheduled to get a load of DDGS on Thursday.  Galva didn't have any available, so I got them out of West Burlington.  The hour longer ride home in the heat and humidity caused the DDGS to settle and pack in the bottom of the trailer hoppers.  The trucker arrived at the farm at 1:30, and at 4:00 he only had 4 of the 9 compartments emptied.  The oil in the hydraulic system was so hot by then that the motors running the augers would "slip".  He was moving the air vibrator around on the bottom of the hoppers, then climbing on top of the trailer with a pole, poking and prodding from the top, and watching the speed of the augers by himself.  I had been working around the farm, but when I saw the trouble he was having, I offered to work the top while he worked from the ground.  The full heat of the sun was beating down on me and reflecting back up on the top of the trailer.  With the two of us working together though, we were able to get the load off by 5:45!  Both of us drenched with sweat, he pulled out of the yard just before 6:00.  A typical unload time would be an hour.

Now I am concerned with getting it to flow out of my bulk tank as I use it.

I had three small pads of concrete that I wanted to pour, but wasn't sure I wanted to try it myself in the heat of summer.  Two small ones I could have handled, but one in the corner of an old shed I didn't want to tackle without some experienced help.  Phillip, Ben, and Wes were able to stop by one afternoon and do the job for me, which I appreciated much.

This week looks to be a little cooler than last week.

We spent Sunday in T-town as Steve and Sara's guests.  We enjoyed the day with them in church, at their home, and the evening meal and singing at the Fellowship Hall.

My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.                                                Job 30:30

Staycation

I didn't make it to the big family vacation this year.  I understand they had a good time without me.  

Grandma with most of her grandkids.

We had a 3 day stay-cation  with our kids and grandkids a couple weeks ago.  It was some of those hot, humid days with occasional rain.  That kept 20 of us stuck in the old farmhouse much of the time.  It got a little chaotic at times!  Six of the children needing naps and diaper changes made it challenging in that environment!  But, it was good to have everyone together and I think everyone enjoyed it.

We spent one afternoon and evening at Uncle Roy's lake, which was a highlight.  The kids enjoyed swimming, the rope swing, and fishing.  We had a picnic supper in the new shelter with good food. I think God must have created bluegills for watching the thrill of kids catching them!  All of the kids who were old enough to fish caught some, although some were disappointed that we were releasing them.

   The kids enjoyed Bicycle Safety Town one morning despite the heat and humidity.  The adults were able to find shade to watch from.

At home when the weather permitted, there was swimming in the cow tank, lots of sidewalk chalk, lots of bubbles floating in the air, and a tour around the farm.

When we were stuck in the house, there were games, projects, dress-up, and a tent.  And lots of good food!  Overall, we enjoyed watching the cousins interact and have fun together despite the chaos.

And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.              Esther 9:28

PTL

 God doesn't have to intervene and he doesn't always intervene, but last Friday morning he did intervene.  Nephew Tate and his new bride Tamra were in a near head-on collision with a semi on their way home from Indiana.  Tragedy happened but life was spared.   Tamra, battered, bruised, and cut up was treated and released from the hospital the same day.  Tate, with more serious injuries and broken bones got a Life Flight ride, and will have a slower, longer recovery.  He was released from the hospital today to start therapy.

It was another reminder of our lack of control in this life, and our need to rely on God's grace and mercy, and keep our eyes on our eternal goal.   

  

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.        Psalm 4:8