Spring Growth

 The crops are in the ground and growing nicely.  We had a good week to work in mid April, then a two week rain break.  A good week in May and we were finished. It went quickly and smoothly this year with a new tractor and Matt's help.  It's been dry since, but we just received about two inches of rain in the last couple days, so everything looks good.  The side-dressing is finished and the first round of spraying is done also.  

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.  Bro. Benj and myself are the board members representing Washington Church.  In mid March we gave a presentation to the church highlighting the past history of the home, the current stats and challenges, and our future vision.  We are planning and preparing to build an $18 million Assisted Living/Memory Care Assisted Living building on the empty lot across the street from the home.  It will be the culmination of a three year researching, planning, and designing process that has consumed a lot of my time. The oldest Baby Boomers (the largest generation)are just now turning 80 years old. There is an increasing need for more senior housing.  We are in the fundraising stage now, which I don't particularly enjoy.  Our first major contributor was a community member who has high respect for the home and its mission.  When he heard rumors about a new building, he walked into the home and asked about the project and how he could help. He was our first million dollar donor!  We were humbled and grateful! 

We were humbled and blessed when each of our children gave their hearts and lives to the Lord.  Now our first grandchild has turned to the Lord in repentance.  Once again we are humbled, blessed, and full of joy!

We attended out first "We Love America" program at Davenport Grade School. It is put on by the third graders, and we finally have one attending there.  It was the fiftieth year they have presented this program, and it was pretty impressive for third graders.  There is a lot of patriotism, history, patriotic music, acting, and military tributes.  They have a special preview just for grandparents.  I remembered how much I don't enjoy sitting in grade school bleachers!  We should have the opportunity to attend at least four more times.

The grandkids have rediscovered the haymow this spring, so I have been spending time up there with them.  We've built some forts, cleaned up some broken bales, and swung on the old hay rope.  It's getting low again, so I will bale my wheat straw this year.

  Son #1 turned 40 this year, so his sisters planned a big party to celebrate.  They rented the Goodfield FH gathering room and invited lots of family and old friends.  There was a good turnout, good fellowship, and good food from Trails End Smokehouse.  There was also quartet singing, gifts, and cake.

We celebrated Mother's Day with Mom and Pearl with a meal at the Condos.  The Oldest Farmers widow now has a great-great-grandchild. There are currently five generations living. 

I haven't spent much time helping work on the new "old house" at Firefly Woods.  I did get down there one day to help paint.  They are in the flooring and trimming phase.  It's progressing nicely and is starting to look like the finished product.  They have a driveway and grass growing in the yard now.

Son #1 sang in the Peoria Bach Festival again in this year.  It highlights the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and members of his family.  This year, it included pieces written by his grandfather and his son.  It includes both choral and orchestra.  It features mostly local musicians, but also attracts national and international talent. I skipped the Sunday School VBS picnic to attend. I very much enjoyed it.

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.                            Psalm 71:9