Normal Saturdays are filled with various chores such as mowing the lawn and other things around the house. Frequently, at least part of the day is spent working at the ranch doing one of the myriad never-ending chores there. Yesterday, we instead spent a day of relaxation.
We woke to a brief light rain that didn't do much to ease the drought, but at least brought temporary respite to the high temperature which soared later in the day. It did, however, cause us to spend a little time just relaxing and doing some reading.
Because of the drought, we did have to feed some hay to the cows and check their water. During heat and drought, water is the number one most essential thing for the cattle. Afterward, instead of spending time working on the never-ending encroachment of brush, or some other task, we headed back to town.
After a brief nap following lunch, we drove to a larger town to do some shopping and so that I could get a desperately needed haircut. We had a gift card for Olive Garden and planned on eating dinner there, which we did, but having some time to kill we decided to head to 1/2 Priced Bookstore for a little shopping.
I must admit that books are one of my weaknesses. Fortunately, my wife shares a similar enjoyment of reading and there is no end to the books in our home. I have read most of them, but there are a few that are specifically hers which don't appeal to me.
I could spend hours in a bookstore. Actually, that probably isn't true. I seem to immediately find an armful of books that I am interested in reading and am ready to head to the checkout counter so that I can get started on them. The only exception to that is when I have limited myself to a specific amount of money that I am willing to spend that particular trip and have difficulty choosing which of the many desirable choices I want to invest in.
Yesterday was one of those days that I had more books than I could comfortably carry within about five minutes of entering the store. My wife is a little more choosey in her reading and it took her a little longer, so I then proceeded to annoy her (probably) by helping her find books. I'm saying, "What about this one? Did you see this? You might like this one." or, some such, while she is likely thinking, "Please, let me look on my own!"
After awhile she said, "Are you ready to check out? I'm hungry." Of course, I had been ready for some time, but was perfectly willing to let her shop. Yeah, I'm not much fun to go shopping with. Browsing isn't my thing. Let me go find what I want, get it bought and get out.
Now, to work through this stack of books. Which one first....?
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
The Gentle Sound of Rain
This morning I awoke
To the quiet sound of rain
Upon this dry and dusty arid plain
It brought a gentle comfort
As I lay there in my bed
Thinking how it brought a peace into my head
I thought how only yesterday
The dust arose like smoke
And clogged the air I breathed and made me choke
And I remembered cattle coughing
Standing still beneath the shade
The few and scraggly trees and bushes made
But, the simple sound of moisture
Falling gently from the sky
Promised their relief was surely nigh
In my head I thanked my Maker
For the blessings He bestows
Then quietly rose and slipped into my clothes
And walked to the window
To look out upon the rain
Falling gently on this sun-scorched weary plain
To the quiet sound of rain
Upon this dry and dusty arid plain
It brought a gentle comfort
As I lay there in my bed
Thinking how it brought a peace into my head
I thought how only yesterday
The dust arose like smoke
And clogged the air I breathed and made me choke
And I remembered cattle coughing
Standing still beneath the shade
The few and scraggly trees and bushes made
But, the simple sound of moisture
Falling gently from the sky
Promised their relief was surely nigh
In my head I thanked my Maker
For the blessings He bestows
Then quietly rose and slipped into my clothes
And walked to the window
To look out upon the rain
Falling gently on this sun-scorched weary plain
Friday, July 27, 2018
Never Ending Labor
It seems there is no end to the tasks that need doing at the ranch. Today it is clearing brush from a fence line and preparing a level area to set a replacement stock water tank. At 7:00 a.m. it is already 80 degrees with humidity of 64% and the sun hasn't shown itself for the high clouds which hold little promise of much needed rain.
We do most of the physical labor on our place; it is not a large ranch requiring numerous employees, it is small and I have a hard time paying someone else to do what I can do. Some might argue that if I am able, I should hire someone else to give them a job. I've never seen it that way.
If I have time and am both physically able and have the knowledge to do a job, I will do it. If I don't have the requisite knowledge or, tools for some jobs, I might hire someone else to do it -- such as cutting and baling hay. If I don't have the time due to more remunerative employment of my personal labor, I will hire things done.
I was never one to think that just because I am able to pay someone else to do the job that I should sit back and watch them toil away while I play the role of "boss." It isn't my style. I guess, because of that, I can more easily relate to folks who "work" for a living than I can those who merely "boss others" for a living. I don't like to ask someone to do a job that I am unwilling to do.
Oh, well, so much for the digression into my theories of doing physical labor...there is work to be done and we're burning daylight.
We do most of the physical labor on our place; it is not a large ranch requiring numerous employees, it is small and I have a hard time paying someone else to do what I can do. Some might argue that if I am able, I should hire someone else to give them a job. I've never seen it that way.
If I have time and am both physically able and have the knowledge to do a job, I will do it. If I don't have the requisite knowledge or, tools for some jobs, I might hire someone else to do it -- such as cutting and baling hay. If I don't have the time due to more remunerative employment of my personal labor, I will hire things done.
I was never one to think that just because I am able to pay someone else to do the job that I should sit back and watch them toil away while I play the role of "boss." It isn't my style. I guess, because of that, I can more easily relate to folks who "work" for a living than I can those who merely "boss others" for a living. I don't like to ask someone to do a job that I am unwilling to do.
Oh, well, so much for the digression into my theories of doing physical labor...there is work to be done and we're burning daylight.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Make a Difference
Success comes sneaking in the door
With little acts each day
That take you toward your every goal
With steps that never stray.
It's making sure the things you do
Lead toward your lifelong dream
No matter how the headwinds
Make it feel you're losing steam.
If what you seek is worthy
You will overcome all strife
And you'll truly make a difference
In another person's life.
Keep your focus on each goal
That you have set for every day
As you travel on this journey
Of the Straight and Narrow Way.
With little acts each day
That take you toward your every goal
With steps that never stray.
It's making sure the things you do
Lead toward your lifelong dream
No matter how the headwinds
Make it feel you're losing steam.
If what you seek is worthy
You will overcome all strife
And you'll truly make a difference
In another person's life.
Keep your focus on each goal
That you have set for every day
As you travel on this journey
Of the Straight and Narrow Way.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars
I mentioned the other day that we try to manage our ranch in a way that supports wildlife. Today, I found a great example of that. Monarch butterflies.
I took the grand kids on a hike this morning and we discovered that the Monarch caterpillars are in full swing devouring the milkweeds that we deliberately allow to grow in certain areas of the ranch. They can only thrive in grassland.
Here are some photos of the caterpillars. Can you spot them? We only saw one Monarch butterfly in the air and I was unable to get a photo of it.
I took the grand kids on a hike this morning and we discovered that the Monarch caterpillars are in full swing devouring the milkweeds that we deliberately allow to grow in certain areas of the ranch. They can only thrive in grassland.
Here are some photos of the caterpillars. Can you spot them? We only saw one Monarch butterfly in the air and I was unable to get a photo of it.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Ice Cream
Some of the more vivid memories of my childhood come from family gatherings at my grandparents house when they still lived out on the farm which was ten miles out in the country in the wide open Texas Panhandle. Grandpa would have a watermelon or two chilling in the shade of a huge elm tree, or possibly in the cow tank. Generally the women would spend a lot of time with cooking pies and the huge meals it took to feed everyone.
The other thing that stands out in my mind is making homemade ice cream. The freezer was hand cranked by one of my uncles while I typically got the job of sitting on top of it. Why, you might wonder, did I have to sit on top? To keep it from moving around while the handle was being cranked to churn the ice cream!
It was a cold seat on top the churn which was filled with ice and salt in order to make the ice cream mix freeze. Grandma usually would have several "flour sack" towels folded over it to cover the ice and provide insulation as well as a dry seat for me. The tub of the ice cream maker would sit inside a larger wash tub to catch the slushy slurry of ice, water and salt which came out of the small hole on the side.
Sometimes we would sit in the shade, but most often we would sit on the back porch while it was being churned. Whichever uncle was in charge of turning the crank would sit on an overturned bucket. It was easy to tell when the ice cream was almost ready because it became harder to turn the crank and the churn "wanted to walk" around within the wash tub. That's the reason I sat there listening to the constant sound of the churn going around and around in the ice.
Those were good memories. They come to mind because today we are making homemade ice cream for the grand kids. The crank has been replaced by an electric motor, but hopefully the memories being created will still be good ones.
The other thing that stands out in my mind is making homemade ice cream. The freezer was hand cranked by one of my uncles while I typically got the job of sitting on top of it. Why, you might wonder, did I have to sit on top? To keep it from moving around while the handle was being cranked to churn the ice cream!
It was a cold seat on top the churn which was filled with ice and salt in order to make the ice cream mix freeze. Grandma usually would have several "flour sack" towels folded over it to cover the ice and provide insulation as well as a dry seat for me. The tub of the ice cream maker would sit inside a larger wash tub to catch the slushy slurry of ice, water and salt which came out of the small hole on the side.
Sometimes we would sit in the shade, but most often we would sit on the back porch while it was being churned. Whichever uncle was in charge of turning the crank would sit on an overturned bucket. It was easy to tell when the ice cream was almost ready because it became harder to turn the crank and the churn "wanted to walk" around within the wash tub. That's the reason I sat there listening to the constant sound of the churn going around and around in the ice.
Those were good memories. They come to mind because today we are making homemade ice cream for the grand kids. The crank has been replaced by an electric motor, but hopefully the memories being created will still be good ones.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Environmental Ranching
It seems there is no end to hard manual labor on a ranch. It doesn't matter whether it is a large or small ranch, there is always fence to mend, brush to clear, water to fix, animals to feed, or something else that needs done come rain or shine, heat or cold.
We moved to this part of Texas because it was a great place to raise cattle. The reason it is a great place is because it gets plenty of rain to grow lots of grass for them to eat. That same rain makes trees and brush grow too. It seems that constant vigilance is in order or the trees will take over the place.
If you are a global warming alarmist, you might think we should let the trees take over until they choke out all of the grass and the land will no longer support cattle. I actually understand that logic but, it is incomplete. If you value wildlife and proper management of the land and environment, you must realize it is important to have a complete ecosystem in order to be sustainable.
If allowed to grow unchecked, the first trees to move in typically have thorns and are very short lived. They create thickets that harbor very little wildlife for the most part. As they choke out the grasses, they allow other, longer-lived varieties of trees to take hold, such as oaks which begin to grow in areas that aren't completely choked by thorny varieties. The oaks and other large trees, over time begin to decay and fall and the rotten, decaying logs wash into waterways and choke them causing flooding. The flooding causes further degradation of the environment until the land becomes virtually unusable except to feral hogs and such.
I admit that I am simplifying things a bit as well as compressing decades into what appear to be shorter spans of time, but essentially that is the process of succession. The brush-choked, decaying forest is also a prime opportunity for fires to rage uncontrollably for many miles. If burned, the land is then highly subject to extreme erosion. The soil which washes away destroys stream and lake health causing fish to die. It ultimately ends up in the ocean or contributes to destroying estuaries.
The alternative is controlled grazing with sculpting of the land by allowing old-growth trees to flourish along water courses in order to control erosion. Minor brush infestations can be cleared through controlled burning. The grasses act as a filter for the water going into waterways so that it is cleaner and healthier. Cattle grazing the grassland control undesirable species. Wildlife flourish because of the variation in the environment. Very little, if any, erosion occurs.
Most animals prefer what is referred to as edge. Edge is where two different types of plant growth come together. It can be the edge of a forest adjacent to grassland, or the border of large trees growing along a stream. It allows animals a place to move from an area of high food value to one of "cover" or protection very quickly.
I spend a lot of time on the ranch managing those things. It is important to me that we have a complete ecosystem on our ranch so that wildlife have a safe place to grow and propagate. I want to see deer and bobcat and songbirds thrive just as much as I want the cattle to thrive. Cattle need the shade of trees as well as grass. A properly managed ranch provides for both while locking carbon into the grasses, the trees and the soil.
We moved to this part of Texas because it was a great place to raise cattle. The reason it is a great place is because it gets plenty of rain to grow lots of grass for them to eat. That same rain makes trees and brush grow too. It seems that constant vigilance is in order or the trees will take over the place.
If you are a global warming alarmist, you might think we should let the trees take over until they choke out all of the grass and the land will no longer support cattle. I actually understand that logic but, it is incomplete. If you value wildlife and proper management of the land and environment, you must realize it is important to have a complete ecosystem in order to be sustainable.
If allowed to grow unchecked, the first trees to move in typically have thorns and are very short lived. They create thickets that harbor very little wildlife for the most part. As they choke out the grasses, they allow other, longer-lived varieties of trees to take hold, such as oaks which begin to grow in areas that aren't completely choked by thorny varieties. The oaks and other large trees, over time begin to decay and fall and the rotten, decaying logs wash into waterways and choke them causing flooding. The flooding causes further degradation of the environment until the land becomes virtually unusable except to feral hogs and such.
I admit that I am simplifying things a bit as well as compressing decades into what appear to be shorter spans of time, but essentially that is the process of succession. The brush-choked, decaying forest is also a prime opportunity for fires to rage uncontrollably for many miles. If burned, the land is then highly subject to extreme erosion. The soil which washes away destroys stream and lake health causing fish to die. It ultimately ends up in the ocean or contributes to destroying estuaries.
The alternative is controlled grazing with sculpting of the land by allowing old-growth trees to flourish along water courses in order to control erosion. Minor brush infestations can be cleared through controlled burning. The grasses act as a filter for the water going into waterways so that it is cleaner and healthier. Cattle grazing the grassland control undesirable species. Wildlife flourish because of the variation in the environment. Very little, if any, erosion occurs.
Most animals prefer what is referred to as edge. Edge is where two different types of plant growth come together. It can be the edge of a forest adjacent to grassland, or the border of large trees growing along a stream. It allows animals a place to move from an area of high food value to one of "cover" or protection very quickly.
I spend a lot of time on the ranch managing those things. It is important to me that we have a complete ecosystem on our ranch so that wildlife have a safe place to grow and propagate. I want to see deer and bobcat and songbirds thrive just as much as I want the cattle to thrive. Cattle need the shade of trees as well as grass. A properly managed ranch provides for both while locking carbon into the grasses, the trees and the soil.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Driving Lessons
I remember the first time I got to drive by myself. I was probably about 10 or 12 years old and had gone to the ranch with my grandfather. We had been working on a water sprinkler and after awhile we had worked our way about a 1/2 mile away from the pickup. The pasture was wide open and Grandpa had been giving me some basic instruction on driving, but with him in the pickup with me.
I guess he took advantage of me because he asked me if I wanted to go get the pickup and drive it back to pick him up. He must have been planning this ahead of time. Of course I ran the 1/2 mile to the pickup and drove it to him. He asked me to pull up to a specific fence post and stop just before I got to it. I had to back up and try 3 or 4 times before I got it right. By then he was through with the fencing job and it was time to go back to the old trailer house that served as somewhat of a line camp for the ranch.
This comes to mind because the grand kids are visiting this weekend. This morning we went out to the ranch where they did a little fishing in one of the ponds while I did some work. Their father was with them and the two oldest got to take turns driving the Polaris Ranger. He was with them giving close instruction.
This afternoon the 2nd oldest (who is a very tall 8 year old) and I went back out to do some feeding and he got to drive the pickup. I sat in the passenger seat and he had full control. He got to drive about 1/2 mile from the pens up to the gate which leads out onto the county road. He was pretty excited about it.
I'm looking forward to having some young legs to help me out during the summers. If he only knew why he was getting to learn to drive....
I guess he took advantage of me because he asked me if I wanted to go get the pickup and drive it back to pick him up. He must have been planning this ahead of time. Of course I ran the 1/2 mile to the pickup and drove it to him. He asked me to pull up to a specific fence post and stop just before I got to it. I had to back up and try 3 or 4 times before I got it right. By then he was through with the fencing job and it was time to go back to the old trailer house that served as somewhat of a line camp for the ranch.
This comes to mind because the grand kids are visiting this weekend. This morning we went out to the ranch where they did a little fishing in one of the ponds while I did some work. Their father was with them and the two oldest got to take turns driving the Polaris Ranger. He was with them giving close instruction.
This afternoon the 2nd oldest (who is a very tall 8 year old) and I went back out to do some feeding and he got to drive the pickup. I sat in the passenger seat and he had full control. He got to drive about 1/2 mile from the pens up to the gate which leads out onto the county road. He was pretty excited about it.
I'm looking forward to having some young legs to help me out during the summers. If he only knew why he was getting to learn to drive....
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Summer Trips
Summer is the season people like to take a trip
In a car across the country; in a hurry they do zip
Until they reach a destination sometimes never been before
Where they ooh and ah attractions while craving even more.
Then they come home tired and weary to their permanent abode
Worn out from their journey on the long and open road.
I thought that a vacation was to be a time of rest
To escape the ordinary -- let our mind relax at best
But, instead it is endurance often drives the weary soul
Once more to accomplish some listed unmarked goal,
Returning home again to face tomorrow's task
Unrested and still needing time to just sit and relax
In a car across the country; in a hurry they do zip
Until they reach a destination sometimes never been before
Where they ooh and ah attractions while craving even more.
Then they come home tired and weary to their permanent abode
Worn out from their journey on the long and open road.
I thought that a vacation was to be a time of rest
To escape the ordinary -- let our mind relax at best
But, instead it is endurance often drives the weary soul
Once more to accomplish some listed unmarked goal,
Returning home again to face tomorrow's task
Unrested and still needing time to just sit and relax
Friday, July 20, 2018
Putin to Washington?
I think it is a great idea that President Trump has extended an invitation to President Putin to come to Washington. If we are proud of our country we should show it off. I for one am proud.
While there, I think the protesters which will turn out en masse, should be relegated to some obscure area and blocked from the proximity of the White House, Capitol Building or other prominent monuments and places. Let Putin see us in our "Sunday finest." Take him to a grocery store, a factory, a museum, a shopping mall. Let him see what Capitalism is all about. Make him envious.
We should do the same for leaders of other countries such as China. We should even invite Kim Jong Un from North Korea. They don't all have to be treated to a State Dinner, but they should all be shown what is possible under a system of government that allows Capitalism to thrive.
The press will take care of seeing that the protests are televised and likely blow them out of proportion. The protesters never represent the majority of citizens; they are usually the vocal minority who are either hired by powerful moneyed groups with an agenda, or they are dedicated members of a minority cause (minority in the sense of numbers, not ethnicity, gender inspecificity, etc.) Do what other countries do and keep the "riff-raff" in the background. Show the world the good side of who we are.
Just my thoughts....
While there, I think the protesters which will turn out en masse, should be relegated to some obscure area and blocked from the proximity of the White House, Capitol Building or other prominent monuments and places. Let Putin see us in our "Sunday finest." Take him to a grocery store, a factory, a museum, a shopping mall. Let him see what Capitalism is all about. Make him envious.
We should do the same for leaders of other countries such as China. We should even invite Kim Jong Un from North Korea. They don't all have to be treated to a State Dinner, but they should all be shown what is possible under a system of government that allows Capitalism to thrive.
The press will take care of seeing that the protests are televised and likely blow them out of proportion. The protesters never represent the majority of citizens; they are usually the vocal minority who are either hired by powerful moneyed groups with an agenda, or they are dedicated members of a minority cause (minority in the sense of numbers, not ethnicity, gender inspecificity, etc.) Do what other countries do and keep the "riff-raff" in the background. Show the world the good side of who we are.
Just my thoughts....
Thursday, July 19, 2018
A Day of Opportunity
Opportunity waits with each new day
If we but ope' our eyes
It sometimes comes with clarity
At others in disguise
The world would steal our hopes and dreams
And tell us it's not real
It comes at us in jealousy
Our happiness to steal
Sometimes we have to seize the day
And make what comes be ours
Subduing all that seek to sway
Sent by unearthly powers
Focus on the distant goal
Though all else is at odd
And capture opportunity
Placed there for us by God
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Lost in Translation
I've been on a project that involves working with a group in Argentina. It has been challenging for a number of reasons:
- It involved the taking of samples to genotype for specific genetic markers on cattle in Argentina.
- Due to regulatory restrictions and potential intellectual property issues, the evaluations had to be made either in the U.S. or the U.K.
- Import restrictions of animal tissue into those countries from Argentina is very strict due to potential spread of infectious disease so, the DNA had to be extracted there before shipping.
- The company we had partnered with is U.K. based.
- The genotyping ended up being done in the U.S.
- Results were then transmitted electronically to us for analysis.
- Gaining regulatory clearance for importation was made more difficult due to the transitions to a new Executive Team in the U.S. who insisted on reviewing all past policies before allowing the clearance.
- There were language barrier issues -- not just in the words themselves, but their understood meaning within common usage of multiple cultures.
- There were cultural barriers -- primarily the sense of urgency is lacking in Latin America.
- There was an individual within our U.K. partner's organization who was somewhat obstructionist due to fears we were usurping her territorial authority.
- There was the inherent bureaucratic dawdling of U.K. based companies -- if there is no clear policy, do nothing.
- Since much of the data was collected in Argentina, the combining into a uniform database was complicated by the terminology.
- Standards for a large subset of the data are different in Argentina vs. in the U.S.
- Time seems to have a very different meaning in Latin America.
Thankfully, we have almost completed the collection and collation stages of the project. Now come the analysis and reporting. Let's hope we connected all of the dots correctly....
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
The World in Our Hand
Everywhere I look I see people staring at their hand
As though there was something important there to see.
They miss so much around them with their eyes so firmly fixed
I wonder how important it must be!
Maybe its some kind of window that looks out upon the world
With vistas grand that hold them oh so rapt
Or, maybe there's some monster that lurks there within their hand
That has their mind completely in a trap.
I suspect it is the latter if the truth were really known
As to why so many lose their self control
And focus on the shiny thing that lies within their hand
Even while they're on a quiet country stroll.
Monday, July 16, 2018
The Art of a Really Big Deal?
It is interesting to note the commentary today after the meeting between President Trump and Russian President Putin. It seems to be consensus that Putin gained and Trump lost. I seriously doubt that is the reality of the situation. Here are my thoughts:
- Russia has tremendous resources but is backward in many ways as an economy.
- Trump's focus and basis for everything he has done appears to be business and making deals.
- Leverage for gaining what one wants is based in economic power (at least that's the way I suspect Trump views things).
- Russia could "balance" China.
- Russia can offset the E.U.
As to the claim that Trump "trusts" Putin above his own intelligence service on the matter of election interference, can you really blame him when you see the farcical hearings of FBI agent Strzok and the supposed "blackmail" file that our esteemed CIA was involved in collecting and releasing during the campaign? Would you trust the Deep State?
Then we have the comments about the EU being our opponent. Certainly they are an opponent relative to the Iranian Nuclear Deal in which the EU continues to trade with Iran while we re-imposed sanctions. They are negating our efforts to thwart the rise of a nuclear Iran. What else would you call them?
I believe the President sees opportunity with Russia. There is opportunity for trade which might be the "fertilizer" to strengthen the seeds of Capitalism within that country and give us leverage for stronger foreign policy. After all, Russia, like the U.S., is one of the strongest holdouts to the rise of "One World" thinking which is rooted most deeply in the E.U.
Let's Make a Deal on a global scale....
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Protesting Trump
When I see the media coverage of large number of protesters in England who are protesting -- I'm not sure exactly what -- Trump, I have to stop and think, "Why are they protesting?" I suppose it came to me as a bit of revelation that is isn't really about Trump, it is the Left's fear of what he represents. They have a stronger hold in the U.K. and Europe than they have in the U.S. in spite of the constant media bombardment in support of their agenda. They don't want the grassroots conservative movement to catch fire in Britain.
Brexit is one of the few conservative moves in the "Old World" that could become the platform for even more conservatism to take root there. It threatens the movement toward a One World Order -- a unified global governing body. Individual countries can't exist in a unified world because it divides loyalty. To some extent it was the basis for the U.S. Civil War many years ago -- state's rights vs. a unified Federal power. (Some day I may write about my thoughts on a unified global governing body -- i.e. One World Order -- but not now. It might require a book.)
Trump is magnetic -- definitely not charismatic -- but, he draws attention. It is an interesting style that is effective. When you lack charisma you must rely on other things to move the crowd. He does it through controversy and confrontation. It works. In this country the "Right" is more engaged that it has been in many, many years thanks to Trump.
Love him, hate him, or whatever your feelings toward him, he is effective at bringing the deep issues into focus.
Brexit is one of the few conservative moves in the "Old World" that could become the platform for even more conservatism to take root there. It threatens the movement toward a One World Order -- a unified global governing body. Individual countries can't exist in a unified world because it divides loyalty. To some extent it was the basis for the U.S. Civil War many years ago -- state's rights vs. a unified Federal power. (Some day I may write about my thoughts on a unified global governing body -- i.e. One World Order -- but not now. It might require a book.)
Trump is magnetic -- definitely not charismatic -- but, he draws attention. It is an interesting style that is effective. When you lack charisma you must rely on other things to move the crowd. He does it through controversy and confrontation. It works. In this country the "Right" is more engaged that it has been in many, many years thanks to Trump.
Love him, hate him, or whatever your feelings toward him, he is effective at bringing the deep issues into focus.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Trump in England
I had many misgivings about President Trump in the beginning. I still wish that his style was a bit more -- civil at times. I must admit, though, that he is effective. I get the sense that the world, or at least some of it, is beginning to understand him. He is a negotiator. It's all about "the deal." Maybe everyone should have read his book.
The English have been at the game of diplomacy for so long that his rough-edged style is in stark contrast to their polished dissembling. He says bluntly what he thinks while they cloak their thoughts in flowery language and subtle phrases that are somewhat opaque. He comes from a position of assumed strength while they, though proud and not without their own strengths, come from a position of need. I think it is a very uncomfortable place for them.
Hopefully the English will recognize the opportunity before them. The simple act of a true free trade agreement between our two countries will provide them with a tremendous level of economic security which in turn leads to greater military security because the "Trump Doctrine," as it appears to me, is one of "we protect our economic interests."
Let the Pounds and Dollars flow....
The English have been at the game of diplomacy for so long that his rough-edged style is in stark contrast to their polished dissembling. He says bluntly what he thinks while they cloak their thoughts in flowery language and subtle phrases that are somewhat opaque. He comes from a position of assumed strength while they, though proud and not without their own strengths, come from a position of need. I think it is a very uncomfortable place for them.
Hopefully the English will recognize the opportunity before them. The simple act of a true free trade agreement between our two countries will provide them with a tremendous level of economic security which in turn leads to greater military security because the "Trump Doctrine," as it appears to me, is one of "we protect our economic interests."
Let the Pounds and Dollars flow....
Thursday, July 12, 2018
The Scent of Rain
Once again, the rains have passed us by. Each day for the last several the National Weather Service has shown us to have a significant chance of rain. Heavy showers have fallen in many places around us, but we received only 1/10 of an inch. It is dry.
First a hint of puffy white
Appears up in the sky
Then slowly grows and grows and grows
Until it fills the eye.
The promise of the quenching drops
Wafts across the land
On gentle breezes flowing by
This parched and weary strand.
The leaden gray with streaks of light
Approaches from the west
With winds that cool the sultry land
And promise moist rest.
The sand that stings flows ever higher,
The cattle turn their back,
The storm clouds flow across the land,
The sky turns nearly black.
But, soon it passes on its way
Its promise hoped in vain
Leaving nothing here behind
Except a scent of rain.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
The List Goes On and On
I have probably mentioned somewhere previously that I am a list maker. I find that lists help me organize and prioritize the tasks that I have and as I grow older, I find that it helps me not to forget things....
I don't know that I have ever completed a list before adding more to it. There is always more to do than gets done. That's probably a good thing. I have also found as I age that having things to do, something to work toward, is important. When there is nothing left but to sit and watch television I will probably die.
I am sometimes a procrastinator. Lists help me to procrastinate because I know which items are urgent, which are important and which are merely things that would be a good idea but are neither urgent or important. They are sometimes things that would add to quality of life if done, but just aren't necessary.
I have different types of lists. Some are work related. Some are "around the house" tasks -- aka "Honey Do's." Others are related to some specific project.
I usually rank the tasks in order of importance, but not always. Sometimes they are just a list of things as I think of them. I don't always do the things on the list in order of importance either. Sometimes the lists are so overwhelming that I pick some of the easier tasks, or those of shorter duration and do them first in order to gain the psychological impact of accomplishment. Yeah, I play mind games with myself. Is that weird?
I have added Blog Post as a daily task on my list. Why? I guess it is a matter of practice since I wish to spend more time writing. I make a little money on the side writing a column for a trade publication and therefore know my ability is saleable, so I plan to work toward writing more for publication as a supplement to my income as I begin to consider retirement.
Retirement???!! What am I thinking! I think that word should be removed from the dictionary and replaced with something that has a different connotation -- one that denotes moving on to other things after a "career." Just my thoughts this morning...
I don't know that I have ever completed a list before adding more to it. There is always more to do than gets done. That's probably a good thing. I have also found as I age that having things to do, something to work toward, is important. When there is nothing left but to sit and watch television I will probably die.
I am sometimes a procrastinator. Lists help me to procrastinate because I know which items are urgent, which are important and which are merely things that would be a good idea but are neither urgent or important. They are sometimes things that would add to quality of life if done, but just aren't necessary.
I have different types of lists. Some are work related. Some are "around the house" tasks -- aka "Honey Do's." Others are related to some specific project.
I usually rank the tasks in order of importance, but not always. Sometimes they are just a list of things as I think of them. I don't always do the things on the list in order of importance either. Sometimes the lists are so overwhelming that I pick some of the easier tasks, or those of shorter duration and do them first in order to gain the psychological impact of accomplishment. Yeah, I play mind games with myself. Is that weird?
I have added Blog Post as a daily task on my list. Why? I guess it is a matter of practice since I wish to spend more time writing. I make a little money on the side writing a column for a trade publication and therefore know my ability is saleable, so I plan to work toward writing more for publication as a supplement to my income as I begin to consider retirement.
Retirement???!! What am I thinking! I think that word should be removed from the dictionary and replaced with something that has a different connotation -- one that denotes moving on to other things after a "career." Just my thoughts this morning...
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Out of the Darkness
The news today is that the Thai soccer team that has been trapped in a cave was gotten out safely.
Rescue
It is hard to imagine the sequence of events that got them into the situation in the first place. Caves are risky. It is even more difficult to imagine the things that must have gone through their minds while in the cave. Only time will tell the impact that the experience will have on those boys. For some it will build a well of strength from which to draw and for others it will be a source of nightmares.
Imagine being trapped in a world of utter darkness. At some point, the hope of rescue would begin to fade until only despair occupied the thoughts. The wait for death -- the end of their earthly existence -- would be the point of focus for every conversation and every thought.
I am thankful for my belief in something more than what this life offers. There is an eternity, an existence beyond our brief time on earth. It is my hope in Jesus as my rescuer from this world of darkness that keeps me focused on the future. There is much, much more to this life than what we see. The Rescuer is available to each and every one who calls on Him and acknowledges Him as Savior.
Rescue
It is hard to imagine the sequence of events that got them into the situation in the first place. Caves are risky. It is even more difficult to imagine the things that must have gone through their minds while in the cave. Only time will tell the impact that the experience will have on those boys. For some it will build a well of strength from which to draw and for others it will be a source of nightmares.
Imagine being trapped in a world of utter darkness. At some point, the hope of rescue would begin to fade until only despair occupied the thoughts. The wait for death -- the end of their earthly existence -- would be the point of focus for every conversation and every thought.
I am thankful for my belief in something more than what this life offers. There is an eternity, an existence beyond our brief time on earth. It is my hope in Jesus as my rescuer from this world of darkness that keeps me focused on the future. There is much, much more to this life than what we see. The Rescuer is available to each and every one who calls on Him and acknowledges Him as Savior.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Dead Trees and Snakes
I realize you can't tell much from the photo, but this is part of an old dead tree that fell in a recent windstorm at our place. I was fortunate that it missed the fence which borders between our place and the neighbor. If it had landed on it, I would have been scrambling awhile back to clear it and re-build the fence to keep their cows out of our hay meadow.
The tree fell because it was rotten -- the core of it was hollow. It is/was a huge oak tree that had stood for many years. I couldn't count the rings very easily and didn't really try, but I would guess it to be somewhere in excess of 80 years old. The photo really doesn't do it justice, it was massive.
When I took the photo I had already removed most of the smaller branches. The cut ends of what you see here are probably 8-10 inches in diameter. It truly was quite a chore.
As I cleared the smaller limbs away I was vigilant for critters which might be hiding in the tall grass and wood debris. Sure enough, a cottonmouth made his appearance and moved from one spot to the next as I cleared away the limbs. I was careful as I picked up branches and of where I stepped because I knew there could be others lurking among the litter. I also frequently lost sight of the one who made himself known.
I suppose there are a couple of lessons within this brief description. 1) Even the mighty will fall when the rot/decay inside them is so great that it saps their resistance. 2) There are serpents lurking within the debris, every ready to inject their poison into us as we go about our task.
Yeah, it turned into a political post....
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Bank Fees for the "Poor"
The French government is considering capping banking fees charged to the poor as part of a new poverty plan.
French government looking at capping bank fees on poor
As a former banker and avowed Capitalist but, a compassionate conservative, I have mixed feelings about this.
The average person doesn't understand how banks work. The brevity of the post requires that I postpone that discussion to another time, but in brief, deposits of customers provide the base from which loans are made to other customers. Accounts that carry little, or no balance actually cost the bank money. Labor involved in handling returned items, statements, etc. more than offsets the small amount that might be made from lending the fractional amount allowed to others. In fact, fractional lending requirements often mean that, based on the average balance of the small account, they add nothing to the lending base of the institution.
On the other hand, excessive fees make it more difficult for the low-balance depositor to gain any ground on his financial position. Many of the small depositors are poor money managers to begin with and don't understand the reasons their small deposits are "taxed" with what appear to be large fees. They need education, not penalties.
Perhaps the answer lies in banks offering basic classes in balancing ones checkbook, the impact of compounding interest and the basics of how the financial system works rather than penalties for poor money management. Ignorance should be replaced with knowledge, not reinforced with anger-causing actions.
I oppose state mandated behavior in this area, but I see the need for action.
French government looking at capping bank fees on poor
As a former banker and avowed Capitalist but, a compassionate conservative, I have mixed feelings about this.
The average person doesn't understand how banks work. The brevity of the post requires that I postpone that discussion to another time, but in brief, deposits of customers provide the base from which loans are made to other customers. Accounts that carry little, or no balance actually cost the bank money. Labor involved in handling returned items, statements, etc. more than offsets the small amount that might be made from lending the fractional amount allowed to others. In fact, fractional lending requirements often mean that, based on the average balance of the small account, they add nothing to the lending base of the institution.
On the other hand, excessive fees make it more difficult for the low-balance depositor to gain any ground on his financial position. Many of the small depositors are poor money managers to begin with and don't understand the reasons their small deposits are "taxed" with what appear to be large fees. They need education, not penalties.
Perhaps the answer lies in banks offering basic classes in balancing ones checkbook, the impact of compounding interest and the basics of how the financial system works rather than penalties for poor money management. Ignorance should be replaced with knowledge, not reinforced with anger-causing actions.
I oppose state mandated behavior in this area, but I see the need for action.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Campfire Coffee
The coffee is on and the biscuits are hot
Daylight is burning, get out of your cot
There's work to be done and it won't do itself
Get up lazy bones or you're gonna be left
Friday, July 6, 2018
Hope and Change
During the reign of the previous administration -- yes, that word reign was intentional -- I became very disillusioned with the direction of our country. The pretender's message of Hope and Change had turned into fear and frustration for me. I had serious doubts that the direction we were being taken could be changed.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the accomplishments of the Trump administration. I still cringe at his style at times, but I admit openly that he has been effective in many areas. I suppose it is the rough and tumble world of New York business that created him and that is what we needed.
My hope has been restored to some degree. There is a long way yet to go to overcome the setbacks of the 8 years of Leftism, but progress is being made. I remain frustrated that change cannot, or is not, occurring more quickly, but we do seem to be turning to a better direction.
Hope is fragile and it frequently hinges on change. Now, if we could only make progress through change in our educational system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- that replaces the Leftist garbage with some common sense, perhaps the small hope today will grow more firm. I fear for the future that has been seeded with land mines of Liberalism through our educational system. I must have faith that enough will see the light for reason to prevail.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the accomplishments of the Trump administration. I still cringe at his style at times, but I admit openly that he has been effective in many areas. I suppose it is the rough and tumble world of New York business that created him and that is what we needed.
My hope has been restored to some degree. There is a long way yet to go to overcome the setbacks of the 8 years of Leftism, but progress is being made. I remain frustrated that change cannot, or is not, occurring more quickly, but we do seem to be turning to a better direction.
Hope is fragile and it frequently hinges on change. Now, if we could only make progress through change in our educational system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- that replaces the Leftist garbage with some common sense, perhaps the small hope today will grow more firm. I fear for the future that has been seeded with land mines of Liberalism through our educational system. I must have faith that enough will see the light for reason to prevail.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
The Cruz Tour
Senator Ted Cruz stopped by our small town for a visit yesterday. He was here for almost 3 hours. He gave a very brief speech regarding priorities and progress and then spent the majority of the time fielding and answering questions. Most of the questions were predictable and fit well into the narrative that he wished to develop.
In his address he mentioned that one of the top priorities was unfinished business -- healthcare reform. I am gratified for that acknowledgement since it is my #1 issue with Washington. It has been for a number of years and will continue to be until fixed.
My wife and I are both self-employed and therefore do not fall under some corporate insurance policy as most citizens do. We must provide our own insurance -- full price with no "partial or full premium payment" as part of some corporate benefits package. For the minimum qualified plan under ObamaCare our premium is over $1,200 per month. It comes out over $15,000 per year. Neither of us have had any health issues and only see a doctor once every few years for something minor.
At least that was the case prior to this year when I had a minor emergency with chemical burns to my eyes. When I was checked into the Emergency Room we were asked what insurance coverage we had. Our answer was none, but we will pay as we go.
After treatment which took a couple of hours, we tried to pay on the way out the door but, were told they would send us a bill. When it arrived it had a 60% discount for paying by check or credit card as opposed to filing insurance.
I was impressed with Senator Cruz. He is a good speaker and willing to engage his constituents. I believe he represents the interests of the citizens of Texas quite well. His opponent in this year's campaign has moved about as far left as possible. He will appeal to a portion of the voters, but I hope the majority will see him for what he is -- a left-wing extremist who would do away with borders and the rule of law.
Here are a few photos:
In his address he mentioned that one of the top priorities was unfinished business -- healthcare reform. I am gratified for that acknowledgement since it is my #1 issue with Washington. It has been for a number of years and will continue to be until fixed.
My wife and I are both self-employed and therefore do not fall under some corporate insurance policy as most citizens do. We must provide our own insurance -- full price with no "partial or full premium payment" as part of some corporate benefits package. For the minimum qualified plan under ObamaCare our premium is over $1,200 per month. It comes out over $15,000 per year. Neither of us have had any health issues and only see a doctor once every few years for something minor.
At least that was the case prior to this year when I had a minor emergency with chemical burns to my eyes. When I was checked into the Emergency Room we were asked what insurance coverage we had. Our answer was none, but we will pay as we go.
After treatment which took a couple of hours, we tried to pay on the way out the door but, were told they would send us a bill. When it arrived it had a 60% discount for paying by check or credit card as opposed to filing insurance.
I was impressed with Senator Cruz. He is a good speaker and willing to engage his constituents. I believe he represents the interests of the citizens of Texas quite well. His opponent in this year's campaign has moved about as far left as possible. He will appeal to a portion of the voters, but I hope the majority will see him for what he is -- a left-wing extremist who would do away with borders and the rule of law.
Here are a few photos:
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Divided California
What would a divided California mean? -- this move to make it into 2 or 3 states.
It would increase the number of Senators from 2 to 6 representing the same number of people. Will they be Left or Right leaning? Will there be a balance of 3 and 3? I suspect it will give an advantage of 1 to the left.
They have Waters in L.A., Pelosi in S.F., Feinstein all over the place and not much sense. They truly represent the old adage that once the voters figure out they can vote themselves a free ticket they will -- but, being of a strong Leftist persuasion, they expect someone else to pay for it.
The calls for impeachment of the President are coming from such a mindset as is commonly seen in CA. Of course, they vote on everything. Recalls are common there. To them, impeachment is much like a recall. It says, "We don't like the bum, off with his head!" We are fortunate that our Founding Fathers anticipated such a situation and established a Republic rather than a democracy.
There is a lot of wealth in California. I'm not talking about the billions piled in Hollywood, I'm talking about agriculture and Silicon Valley. There is oil and gas and minerals as well. Could they stand as a sovereign country? Yes, if they reformed their government and got rid of the high tax/welfare system they currently have. The problem is that they would form a pure democracy if not a communist state. A communist state might survive but, a pure democracy couldn't.
If they were to split from the rest of us I could probably find a way to wish them well as long as they take the Hollywood idiots with them.
Robert A. Heinlein saw this happening in CA as early as the 50's. He had some really weird ideas, but was somewhat prescient. Craziness....
It would increase the number of Senators from 2 to 6 representing the same number of people. Will they be Left or Right leaning? Will there be a balance of 3 and 3? I suspect it will give an advantage of 1 to the left.
They have Waters in L.A., Pelosi in S.F., Feinstein all over the place and not much sense. They truly represent the old adage that once the voters figure out they can vote themselves a free ticket they will -- but, being of a strong Leftist persuasion, they expect someone else to pay for it.
The calls for impeachment of the President are coming from such a mindset as is commonly seen in CA. Of course, they vote on everything. Recalls are common there. To them, impeachment is much like a recall. It says, "We don't like the bum, off with his head!" We are fortunate that our Founding Fathers anticipated such a situation and established a Republic rather than a democracy.
There is a lot of wealth in California. I'm not talking about the billions piled in Hollywood, I'm talking about agriculture and Silicon Valley. There is oil and gas and minerals as well. Could they stand as a sovereign country? Yes, if they reformed their government and got rid of the high tax/welfare system they currently have. The problem is that they would form a pure democracy if not a communist state. A communist state might survive but, a pure democracy couldn't.
If they were to split from the rest of us I could probably find a way to wish them well as long as they take the Hollywood idiots with them.
Robert A. Heinlein saw this happening in CA as early as the 50's. He had some really weird ideas, but was somewhat prescient. Craziness....
Monday, July 2, 2018
To Our South
The election of a Socialist as President of Mexico bothers me greatly. Mexico is ripe for Communism and to me, this is just the first step.
The crisis on our southern border will worsen. We will have a string of refugee camps. Human trafficking will increase. The cartels will move their operations to the U.S. They will support the Democratic Party directly and by proxy because the policies they espouse favor the cartels.
Texas, New Mexico and Arizona will become a war zone. California will just be California as it is slowly taken over. Civil unrest will grow and spread.
There will either be a Federal crackdown that will lead us one step closer to a Police State, we will break out in civil war, or the Left will regain control and we will join Mexico on the road to Communism.
Read the history. It doesn't look good from where I sit.
Just my thoughts....
The crisis on our southern border will worsen. We will have a string of refugee camps. Human trafficking will increase. The cartels will move their operations to the U.S. They will support the Democratic Party directly and by proxy because the policies they espouse favor the cartels.
Texas, New Mexico and Arizona will become a war zone. California will just be California as it is slowly taken over. Civil unrest will grow and spread.
There will either be a Federal crackdown that will lead us one step closer to a Police State, we will break out in civil war, or the Left will regain control and we will join Mexico on the road to Communism.
Read the history. It doesn't look good from where I sit.
Just my thoughts....
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The Confederate Battle Flag Controversy
Racial tensions between blacks and non-blacks seem to be at the highest level they have been in many years -- at least according to our politicians and members of the media. I haven't observed that heightened tension. Is it because of where I live? -- deep East Texas where the mix of the skin colors is at a nearly equal level. I recently spent several days in Virginia and North Carolina where much of the Civil War was fought. I saw black, white, brown and other skin colors freely mixing everywhere that I went. They were laughing, conversing, sitting at the same table eating meals and there seemed to be nothing but amiability among them.
I did not travel to the inner city of the major metropolitan areas. Perhaps that is where the issue is seated. Poverty breeds discontent -- as it should. The discontent should lead to efforts to remedy the situation. I was taught that it is by my own efforts that I will succeed. Maybe the problem lies in that many of those in the inner cities were taught it is only through government intervention and handouts that their situation can be bettered. Human nature is such that going back to the same solution becomes habit and if that solution is no longer doing the job, the result is complaint rather than seeking new solutions.
I see the Confederate Battle Flag as a symbol of resistance. It has nothing to do with slavery in my mind. It is a symbol of standing up to the bully -- in the historic sense, standing up to the bully of a Federal Government taking away long-standing rights of the citizens. Prior to the time of the Civil War, states were allowed significant latitude in how they addressed most issues. The Federal Government was, by the Constitution, limited in power to things like treaties, international commerce, interstate commerce and defending our country. The period leading up to the Civil War saw an increasing level of Federal interference with rights previously reserved to the states.
Yes, slavery was an issue. It was driven by economic circumstances and the inherent evil in man to exert power over others. The South was primarily an agricultural based economy in a time prior to automation. The North was primarily an industrial based economy dependent on other geographic areas for raw material to supply their industry. Therein lies much of the issue. The North was dependent in many ways on the South. They wanted control and they had a tremendous amount of power. One might say they wished to enslave the South.
The Southerners resisted the exertion of Federal control over them. It was a difficult decision for them. The interdependency between the two regions was strong, but worldwide demand for the items produced in the South provided the opportunity to sell to other markets and allow them the ability to overcome that dependency. The North had fewer options. They needed the cheap raw goods to continue fueling their industrial economy. Importing goods from other countries would be extremely expensive and therefore unfeasible. Their only answer was to stop the Southern states from leaving the Union. Therefore, war.
The war wasn't really about slavery. The North was just as dependent on slavery as was the South. The cheap agricultural products needed for Northern industry were cheap because of slavery. It just occurred at a time in history concurrent with efforts to abolish slavery; efforts just as strong in the South as in the North. Slavery became a convenient scapegoat after the war to point the blame away from the aggressors -- namely Northern industrialists -- and to the losers of the conflict. The winners tend to write the history after all.
When the Civil War broke out, there were large numbers of slaves in the North as well as the South. Most of them in the North were serving in domestic capacities within the households of the wealthy -- the Captains of Industry and the Politicians. They were replaceable at a cost. The wealthy could hire cheap Irish and other immigrant labor to replace their slaves. In the South, there was not a ready replacement for the slave labor.
When Lincoln freed the slaves during the war, it was only those in the Southern states. Northern slaves were not freed until the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified. Freeing slaves in the South was a move to cripple what remained of the Southern economy to make it more difficult for them to sustain their war effort -- much as the U.S. Cavalry killed all the buffalo to cripple the economic base of the Plains Indians a few short years later.
The Confederate Battle Flag has nothing to do with slavery, or with oppression of blacks. It is a symbol of resistance to an oppressive Federal Government.
Should it fly over the South Carolina Statehouse? That is an entirely different question. Maybe we should begin with "why?" Is it flown as a symbol of the historic role South Carolina played in the resistance to the Northern usurpation of state's power? After all, the first shots fired in the rebellion were at Fort Sumter. If so, it is a strong symbol of their identity and should remain. Or, is it a remnant of the once-powerful Southern Democratic Party which was controlled by many who were KKK members and wished to use it as a symbol to keep blacks in subjugation to whites? If that is the case, it should be removed.
Maybe the more important question that should be asked is, "what is next?" The South seems, even today, to continue its resistance to an ever-more-powerful Federal Government. Maybe more Statehouses should consider raising the Battle Flag.......
Just my thoughts.
I did not travel to the inner city of the major metropolitan areas. Perhaps that is where the issue is seated. Poverty breeds discontent -- as it should. The discontent should lead to efforts to remedy the situation. I was taught that it is by my own efforts that I will succeed. Maybe the problem lies in that many of those in the inner cities were taught it is only through government intervention and handouts that their situation can be bettered. Human nature is such that going back to the same solution becomes habit and if that solution is no longer doing the job, the result is complaint rather than seeking new solutions.
I see the Confederate Battle Flag as a symbol of resistance. It has nothing to do with slavery in my mind. It is a symbol of standing up to the bully -- in the historic sense, standing up to the bully of a Federal Government taking away long-standing rights of the citizens. Prior to the time of the Civil War, states were allowed significant latitude in how they addressed most issues. The Federal Government was, by the Constitution, limited in power to things like treaties, international commerce, interstate commerce and defending our country. The period leading up to the Civil War saw an increasing level of Federal interference with rights previously reserved to the states.
Yes, slavery was an issue. It was driven by economic circumstances and the inherent evil in man to exert power over others. The South was primarily an agricultural based economy in a time prior to automation. The North was primarily an industrial based economy dependent on other geographic areas for raw material to supply their industry. Therein lies much of the issue. The North was dependent in many ways on the South. They wanted control and they had a tremendous amount of power. One might say they wished to enslave the South.
The Southerners resisted the exertion of Federal control over them. It was a difficult decision for them. The interdependency between the two regions was strong, but worldwide demand for the items produced in the South provided the opportunity to sell to other markets and allow them the ability to overcome that dependency. The North had fewer options. They needed the cheap raw goods to continue fueling their industrial economy. Importing goods from other countries would be extremely expensive and therefore unfeasible. Their only answer was to stop the Southern states from leaving the Union. Therefore, war.
The war wasn't really about slavery. The North was just as dependent on slavery as was the South. The cheap agricultural products needed for Northern industry were cheap because of slavery. It just occurred at a time in history concurrent with efforts to abolish slavery; efforts just as strong in the South as in the North. Slavery became a convenient scapegoat after the war to point the blame away from the aggressors -- namely Northern industrialists -- and to the losers of the conflict. The winners tend to write the history after all.
When the Civil War broke out, there were large numbers of slaves in the North as well as the South. Most of them in the North were serving in domestic capacities within the households of the wealthy -- the Captains of Industry and the Politicians. They were replaceable at a cost. The wealthy could hire cheap Irish and other immigrant labor to replace their slaves. In the South, there was not a ready replacement for the slave labor.
When Lincoln freed the slaves during the war, it was only those in the Southern states. Northern slaves were not freed until the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified. Freeing slaves in the South was a move to cripple what remained of the Southern economy to make it more difficult for them to sustain their war effort -- much as the U.S. Cavalry killed all the buffalo to cripple the economic base of the Plains Indians a few short years later.
The Confederate Battle Flag has nothing to do with slavery, or with oppression of blacks. It is a symbol of resistance to an oppressive Federal Government.
Should it fly over the South Carolina Statehouse? That is an entirely different question. Maybe we should begin with "why?" Is it flown as a symbol of the historic role South Carolina played in the resistance to the Northern usurpation of state's power? After all, the first shots fired in the rebellion were at Fort Sumter. If so, it is a strong symbol of their identity and should remain. Or, is it a remnant of the once-powerful Southern Democratic Party which was controlled by many who were KKK members and wished to use it as a symbol to keep blacks in subjugation to whites? If that is the case, it should be removed.
Maybe the more important question that should be asked is, "what is next?" The South seems, even today, to continue its resistance to an ever-more-powerful Federal Government. Maybe more Statehouses should consider raising the Battle Flag.......
Just my thoughts.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Coffee Jitters
I like a steaming cup of Joe
To start my every day;
It helps to clear the morning fog
And send me on the way.
Two cups before I head to work
Seems just the thing I need;
One won't do and more than two
Sends my motor in high speed.
But, days like this, so wet and cold
Cause me to want to sip
About a gallon of the stuff
At a slow and stately clip.
Then sometime 'long about mid-day
It catches up to me
And I find myself begin to shake
In my extremities.
Wondering what is wrong with me
With head that's all a-buzz
I set my shaking cup right down
And get up to shake the fuzz.
I eat some food and take a break
Trying to clear my head
And find I just can't keep my mind
From wandering instead.
Then 'long about late afternoon
When I am feeling weak,
I crave to fall asleep in bed;
It's all I wish to seek.
Such a toll this humble brew
Wreaks on this body mine,
I swear I'll quit this awful stuff....
But, then I smell that smell divine.
To start my every day;
It helps to clear the morning fog
And send me on the way.
Two cups before I head to work
Seems just the thing I need;
One won't do and more than two
Sends my motor in high speed.
But, days like this, so wet and cold
Cause me to want to sip
About a gallon of the stuff
At a slow and stately clip.
Then sometime 'long about mid-day
It catches up to me
And I find myself begin to shake
In my extremities.
Wondering what is wrong with me
With head that's all a-buzz
I set my shaking cup right down
And get up to shake the fuzz.
I eat some food and take a break
Trying to clear my head
And find I just can't keep my mind
From wandering instead.
Then 'long about late afternoon
When I am feeling weak,
I crave to fall asleep in bed;
It's all I wish to seek.
Such a toll this humble brew
Wreaks on this body mine,
I swear I'll quit this awful stuff....
But, then I smell that smell divine.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Thankful to be Inside Today
Rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow and a little thunder -- that's the weather report folks! Just day before yesterday I was taking photos of a tree that is almost in full leaf.
So far the freezing rain has been on surfaces above ground -- like my windshield, the pickup door that I was barely able to open, the gate that was frozen shut -- but, not the streets. Maybe it will stay warm enough the streets won't freeze over. They called off school in the event that it might.
I shouldn't complain. There have been no power outages that I am aware of. With all the trees around here, accumulating ice can be a real problem due to broken branches taking out power lines.
This is the kind of weather where you want to build a fire in the fireplace, warm up some hot chocolate and get a good book. Instead, some of us have little choice but to report to work.
We complain about the weather a lot. It's either too hot or, too cold or, too wet. Rarely do we get those days that are just right and yet, most of us in this country work indoors where the weather really doesn't affect us too much. Instead of complaining we should be thankful. There are folks who are out working in it no matter what the weather is like.
Once upon a time I wanted to be a cowboy. I know a bunch of folks who make their living in the saddle. They're out there in this mess. It's the time of year when the baby calves start coming. There are countless individuals out riding the pastures, looking for that young cow off by herself with a newborn. The cowboy is bundled up, probably wearing a slicker and gloves, but he's cold. The wet cold just seeps in and chills to the bone. That's why they are out there. It affects those newborn calves the same way.
They will be doing everything they can to warm that calf up so he will survive -- even to the point of carrying them across their lap as they ride to the barn with the momma cow, head up and snorting, following at a safe distance -- or, maybe not so safe distance for the cowboy. Hopefully, she will follow all the way into the barn where they will be sheltered from the storm.
It is a noble life and a hard one.
Yeah, I'm thankful for a job in an office on days like today.
So far the freezing rain has been on surfaces above ground -- like my windshield, the pickup door that I was barely able to open, the gate that was frozen shut -- but, not the streets. Maybe it will stay warm enough the streets won't freeze over. They called off school in the event that it might.
I shouldn't complain. There have been no power outages that I am aware of. With all the trees around here, accumulating ice can be a real problem due to broken branches taking out power lines.
This is the kind of weather where you want to build a fire in the fireplace, warm up some hot chocolate and get a good book. Instead, some of us have little choice but to report to work.
We complain about the weather a lot. It's either too hot or, too cold or, too wet. Rarely do we get those days that are just right and yet, most of us in this country work indoors where the weather really doesn't affect us too much. Instead of complaining we should be thankful. There are folks who are out working in it no matter what the weather is like.
Once upon a time I wanted to be a cowboy. I know a bunch of folks who make their living in the saddle. They're out there in this mess. It's the time of year when the baby calves start coming. There are countless individuals out riding the pastures, looking for that young cow off by herself with a newborn. The cowboy is bundled up, probably wearing a slicker and gloves, but he's cold. The wet cold just seeps in and chills to the bone. That's why they are out there. It affects those newborn calves the same way.
They will be doing everything they can to warm that calf up so he will survive -- even to the point of carrying them across their lap as they ride to the barn with the momma cow, head up and snorting, following at a safe distance -- or, maybe not so safe distance for the cowboy. Hopefully, she will follow all the way into the barn where they will be sheltered from the storm.
It is a noble life and a hard one.
Yeah, I'm thankful for a job in an office on days like today.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Rainy Weekend Forecast and My Real Focus
Working a full time job makes it hard to do the things I want to at the ranch. It is worse when the weekend weather doesn't cooperate. We have had beautiful weather this week, but starting today it is supposed to rain and continue through the weekend.
I can get some things done if it isn't too heavy, but if it is a "soaker" I am stuck indoors for the most part.
Part of my current job is in new customer development. I have been spending a lot of my time building prospect lists and starting the process of turning them into customers. This business, just like most that I have been involved in, is one in which it takes awhile to develop a new customer -- they don't normally jump on board immediately.
I haven't yet figured out what the "sales cycle" is for loan customers. It is a matter of developing a relationship. If you think about it, most people don't change banks unless they move. My target customers are long-established agricultural businesses. They have banking relationships.
The thing that sets us apart from others though, is our personal involvement in agriculture -- particularly cattle production -- and plenty of years of experience. Not many banks are interested in doing cattle loans, but it is something we love. And more importantly, we have the experience to understand the business like very few banks do.
Now, how did I go from thinking about what the weather is doing to my weekend plans to how my job is about sales? Probably because that's where my mind is focused at the moment.....
I guess I'd better get with it!
Chris
I can get some things done if it isn't too heavy, but if it is a "soaker" I am stuck indoors for the most part.
Part of my current job is in new customer development. I have been spending a lot of my time building prospect lists and starting the process of turning them into customers. This business, just like most that I have been involved in, is one in which it takes awhile to develop a new customer -- they don't normally jump on board immediately.
I haven't yet figured out what the "sales cycle" is for loan customers. It is a matter of developing a relationship. If you think about it, most people don't change banks unless they move. My target customers are long-established agricultural businesses. They have banking relationships.
The thing that sets us apart from others though, is our personal involvement in agriculture -- particularly cattle production -- and plenty of years of experience. Not many banks are interested in doing cattle loans, but it is something we love. And more importantly, we have the experience to understand the business like very few banks do.
Now, how did I go from thinking about what the weather is doing to my weekend plans to how my job is about sales? Probably because that's where my mind is focused at the moment.....
I guess I'd better get with it!
Chris
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Getting Serious
There are a lot of weighty things going on in this old world. If I began a list of them here, it would stretch for page after page (or, is that screen after screen?). When I allow myself to dive into thoughts of all that is going on I become angry, or depressed, or I choose to "wall myself off" and focus on less weighty things.
But, the relevant question is, "If not me, then who?"
Nothing gets "fixed" until good people step up and work to improve the situation. But, can I really do anything about ISIS, or children starving in India, or ocean degradation, or drug and human trafficking, or any of the myriad other issues haunting this world? Well, yeah, I can. What I mean is, although I can't "fix" them by myself, I can effect positive change in some or all of those issues.
"How?" you might ask.
By doing all that I can each day to make a positive difference in the life of someone.
The above statement sounds a bit like a mantra from secular humanism. We hear it in slogans such as "Pay it forward." They are great slogans and, if humanity was primarily benevolent, they might ultimately make a positive difference. Hmmm.....back to ISIS. I don't think there is anything benevolent about them.
The reality is that unless the nature of the person is changed, nothing changes. The only power that can truly change us is the power of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will seek Him with all of your heart.
But, the relevant question is, "If not me, then who?"
Nothing gets "fixed" until good people step up and work to improve the situation. But, can I really do anything about ISIS, or children starving in India, or ocean degradation, or drug and human trafficking, or any of the myriad other issues haunting this world? Well, yeah, I can. What I mean is, although I can't "fix" them by myself, I can effect positive change in some or all of those issues.
"How?" you might ask.
By doing all that I can each day to make a positive difference in the life of someone.
The above statement sounds a bit like a mantra from secular humanism. We hear it in slogans such as "Pay it forward." They are great slogans and, if humanity was primarily benevolent, they might ultimately make a positive difference. Hmmm.....back to ISIS. I don't think there is anything benevolent about them.
The reality is that unless the nature of the person is changed, nothing changes. The only power that can truly change us is the power of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will seek Him with all of your heart.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Brush and Thorns
I know that I have posted recently about clearing brush from fence rows on our place. I am also clearing brush and junk trees from all over the place. In fact, there is at least 40 acres of junk trees growing where it should be clear pasture with the occasional, scattered oak tree for shade. It's a messy tangle of thorns where there should be grass.
I could hire someone with a bulldozer to come in and clear the land. It would be much quicker and also very much more expensive. Dozer work for clearing brush runs from $85 to $135 per hour depending on the size of dozer that I hire. It would take at least a couple of weeks to get the job done, but it would be done.
I could do it that way, but I guess I have a stubborn streak in me that wants to do the job myself. So, at least for the time being, I am working away at it with a chainsaw and tractor. It's a good way to wear out leather gloves and a good way to sweat off a few pounds. Progress is slow though and it is occasionally hard on me when I am punctured by the thorns.
The only way to really imagine what I mean by thorns is to show you a picture.
The thorn in the picture is sticking out of the main trunk of one of the trees I cut on Saturday. It is about 4 inches long. The tree is covered in them -- not just on the branches, but the trunk and major limbs as well.
I have to cut my way through the thorny branches in order to get to the trunk so that I can take the tree down.
You can't tell from this photo, but this tree is about 12 inches in diameter at the base. There were limbs sticking out of it all the way to ground level.
The downed tree farthest from me is the one in the above pictures. You can see a few smaller ones in the foreground. Looking in the distance you can see scattered trees that are similar. In the far distance is a line of trees -- all the same stuff. It may take awhile.
I am cutting the trees up for firewood and piling the limbs for burning. The stumps have to be treated to prevent re-growth. I'm told they will rot in a couple of years if treated. I sure hope so!
If you need some firewood, let me know. It is cut your own and there is plenty of it. But, it is also free if you will pile the limbs neatly and cut only the trees that I want cut!
I could hire someone with a bulldozer to come in and clear the land. It would be much quicker and also very much more expensive. Dozer work for clearing brush runs from $85 to $135 per hour depending on the size of dozer that I hire. It would take at least a couple of weeks to get the job done, but it would be done.
I could do it that way, but I guess I have a stubborn streak in me that wants to do the job myself. So, at least for the time being, I am working away at it with a chainsaw and tractor. It's a good way to wear out leather gloves and a good way to sweat off a few pounds. Progress is slow though and it is occasionally hard on me when I am punctured by the thorns.
The only way to really imagine what I mean by thorns is to show you a picture.
The thorn in the picture is sticking out of the main trunk of one of the trees I cut on Saturday. It is about 4 inches long. The tree is covered in them -- not just on the branches, but the trunk and major limbs as well.
I have to cut my way through the thorny branches in order to get to the trunk so that I can take the tree down.
You can't tell from this photo, but this tree is about 12 inches in diameter at the base. There were limbs sticking out of it all the way to ground level.
The downed tree farthest from me is the one in the above pictures. You can see a few smaller ones in the foreground. Looking in the distance you can see scattered trees that are similar. In the far distance is a line of trees -- all the same stuff. It may take awhile.
I am cutting the trees up for firewood and piling the limbs for burning. The stumps have to be treated to prevent re-growth. I'm told they will rot in a couple of years if treated. I sure hope so!
If you need some firewood, let me know. It is cut your own and there is plenty of it. But, it is also free if you will pile the limbs neatly and cut only the trees that I want cut!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
A Little Travel
I spent a lot of years traveling for work. I know that I've posted about it before, but it is what is on my mind.
For the past year, I haven't had to travel much. It might be because I was semi-unemployed/self-employed/underemployed/whatever you want to call it. But, with my new job, there will be a small amount of travel.
I got in late last night from Milwaukee. I attended a school for learning about a new software we are installing here at work.
Being new to my job, I had a hard time following some of it. It wasn't so much the software that was difficult, but the acronyms and jargon used that was related to the products we would be using the software to manage. I have yet to get fully up to speed on some of those things.
It has been my practice when traveling to see a few of the local sights if time allowed. Milwaukee being on the shores of Lake Michigan meant that a brief trip to the shore was desirable -- if we could just get there in the daylight! Fortunately, the last day, we had some time to do so. Photos are posted below.
I also had to sample the local foods. The deep-fried cheese curds and a variety of sausages were delicious!
For the past year, I haven't had to travel much. It might be because I was semi-unemployed/self-employed/underemployed/whatever you want to call it. But, with my new job, there will be a small amount of travel.
I got in late last night from Milwaukee. I attended a school for learning about a new software we are installing here at work.
Being new to my job, I had a hard time following some of it. It wasn't so much the software that was difficult, but the acronyms and jargon used that was related to the products we would be using the software to manage. I have yet to get fully up to speed on some of those things.
It has been my practice when traveling to see a few of the local sights if time allowed. Milwaukee being on the shores of Lake Michigan meant that a brief trip to the shore was desirable -- if we could just get there in the daylight! Fortunately, the last day, we had some time to do so. Photos are posted below.
I also had to sample the local foods. The deep-fried cheese curds and a variety of sausages were delicious!
Friday, February 6, 2015
Sleep Where Ar't Thou.....
Don't you just hate those nights when you can't sleep well? It may be that it is difficult to fall asleep for some reason, or worse yet, you go to bed exhausted and fall immediately to sleep, only to wake up an hour later and toss and turn the rest of the night. Yeah, that was my night last night.
I was tired and went to bed at a reasonable hour. I read some before turning out the light which is normal for me. I must have fallen asleep almost immediately. Then about 11:30 I woke up and felt as though I never truly went back to sleep again.
My head was filled with thoughts of loans and cattle and projects that needed done and on and on. Nothing that I was really worried about, just thinking about them. I couldn't turn it off. I tried every technique I could think of. Nothing seemed to work. So, I tossed and turned.
One thing I've noticed on nights like that is the side I am lying on affects what I think about. I can usually change my train of though by turning over and laying on my other side. It probably has something to do with the fluid flows in my brain. There does seem to be some correlation between the side on which I am lying and the type of thinking. One side is more analytical and the other is more creative. I suppose that ties with left-brain, right-brain thinking.
Anyway, today I get to deal with the consequences of less than the optimum amount of sleep. I can usually convince myself that it doesn't matter -- at least for awhile. But, by mid-afternoon it will likely catch up to me unless I can stay really busy.
Don't you hate it when that happens -- especially on a Friday! It may make for a really long day.
Chris
I was tired and went to bed at a reasonable hour. I read some before turning out the light which is normal for me. I must have fallen asleep almost immediately. Then about 11:30 I woke up and felt as though I never truly went back to sleep again.
My head was filled with thoughts of loans and cattle and projects that needed done and on and on. Nothing that I was really worried about, just thinking about them. I couldn't turn it off. I tried every technique I could think of. Nothing seemed to work. So, I tossed and turned.
One thing I've noticed on nights like that is the side I am lying on affects what I think about. I can usually change my train of though by turning over and laying on my other side. It probably has something to do with the fluid flows in my brain. There does seem to be some correlation between the side on which I am lying and the type of thinking. One side is more analytical and the other is more creative. I suppose that ties with left-brain, right-brain thinking.
Anyway, today I get to deal with the consequences of less than the optimum amount of sleep. I can usually convince myself that it doesn't matter -- at least for awhile. But, by mid-afternoon it will likely catch up to me unless I can stay really busy.
Don't you hate it when that happens -- especially on a Friday! It may make for a really long day.
Chris
Thursday, February 5, 2015
A Cold and Dreary Day
The sound of gentle rain
Seeps into my consciousness
As I awaken
Moments before the alarm.
A sense of dreariness,
Much like the promised day,
Permeates
My still-tired body.
The routine of shower,
Breakfast, shave and dress
Does little
To break the spell of weariness.
The mist is too light for continuous
Yet, too much for intermittent
Settings
On my windshield wipers.
The sound of tires
On wet pavement
Is monotonous
As I make my way to work.
The office is quiet.
The conversations muted.
It is wet
And cold outside.
My desire is elsewhere,
And it calls to me
In silence,
Adding to the moodiness
That marks my path today......
Seeps into my consciousness
As I awaken
Moments before the alarm.
A sense of dreariness,
Much like the promised day,
Permeates
My still-tired body.
The routine of shower,
Breakfast, shave and dress
Does little
To break the spell of weariness.
The mist is too light for continuous
Yet, too much for intermittent
Settings
On my windshield wipers.
The sound of tires
On wet pavement
Is monotonous
As I make my way to work.
The office is quiet.
The conversations muted.
It is wet
And cold outside.
My desire is elsewhere,
And it calls to me
In silence,
Adding to the moodiness
That marks my path today......
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Cattle Working Facility
Yesterday I posted about Progress. One of the things that I mentioned was the progress on our new corrals/vet barn. I thought today a few photos might be in order.
The support posts have been set for the roof of the structure that will cover the working area.
The pile of sand is for mixing the concrete foundation for the Vet Shack and chute/scales.
Here are the forms for the foundation/floor of the Vet Shack.
I ordered all of the corral panels and chute from Priefert. The chute/scales, etc. will be under the roof so we can work cattle even in the rain.
When we unloaded all of these in the late evening about 1 1/2 weeks ago, we just stacked them as best we could near the area where we planned to build the facility.
It's good to see some progress at the place. It won't be long now before we will be ready to start turning out cattle.
I will try to occasionally post a few pictures of what is happening out there.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Random Thoughts on Progress
Yesterday the contractor started work on our barn/vet shed at the ranch. It will take them a couple of weeks to complete the structure -- not because of size, but because concrete will have to dry. It is just a simple structure, but important to our cattle working.
It's good to see progress.
One of my co-workers rode out with me after work yesterday to check the progress. As I drove him around the place and we looked, I was struck by the piles of brush and cut wood and obvious progress that has been made on the cleanup of old fence and brush. It made me feel pretty good that the aches in my muscles were generated from a good deal of obvious progress.
There's always a cost to progress.
Things are starting to happen here at work as well. I am now into my second month and it seems that the "learning curve" has been steep. Now it is time to apply what I have been learning. Yesterday, we put together a "hit list" of prospective customers for me to go visit. I even had the opportunity to visit with one of them yesterday. It was a very positive conversation that will hopefully result in new business. It is important to feel productive.
Productivity is a form of progress.
Perhaps it is arrogant of me to think so, but in spite of my slow start at developing new business, I believe I have made a positive impact on things here at work. My contributions have been small in some ways -- such as a spreadsheet to make a somewhat complex calculation easier. Much of what I feel that I have contributed is simply a product of my gray hair -- or, at least, the experience that helped to turn it gray. I can be a sounding board for some of the younger ones here. It is amazing what a calm demeanor can do for the "atmosphere" in a workplace.
A peaceful environment allows progress.
The "slowness" here at work has had another benefit. It has given me time to think. Time to plan, time to learn, time to knit relationships -- all of these things are important to becoming effective.
Planning is progress.
Now, it is time to take action on the plans. Even as I was able to visit with one of the prospects on my list yesterday, I felt "traction" for executing my plan. I know there will be refinements along the way, but planning without action is an exercise in vanity. Imperfect plans -- and all plans are imperfect -- are merely a guide for action. Until action occurs, nothing results.
Action is progress.
What is the goal toward which I am working? That is something that I have clearly defined in my head, but which I won't share in this public venue. The key, though, is that it is clearly defined and my plan, if executed well, will lead to accomplishing the goals which act as milestones along the path to the destination that is a clearly formed vision in my head.
Progress leads us along the path to our Vision.
Just my thoughts this morning.....
Chris
It's good to see progress.
One of my co-workers rode out with me after work yesterday to check the progress. As I drove him around the place and we looked, I was struck by the piles of brush and cut wood and obvious progress that has been made on the cleanup of old fence and brush. It made me feel pretty good that the aches in my muscles were generated from a good deal of obvious progress.
There's always a cost to progress.
Things are starting to happen here at work as well. I am now into my second month and it seems that the "learning curve" has been steep. Now it is time to apply what I have been learning. Yesterday, we put together a "hit list" of prospective customers for me to go visit. I even had the opportunity to visit with one of them yesterday. It was a very positive conversation that will hopefully result in new business. It is important to feel productive.
Productivity is a form of progress.
Perhaps it is arrogant of me to think so, but in spite of my slow start at developing new business, I believe I have made a positive impact on things here at work. My contributions have been small in some ways -- such as a spreadsheet to make a somewhat complex calculation easier. Much of what I feel that I have contributed is simply a product of my gray hair -- or, at least, the experience that helped to turn it gray. I can be a sounding board for some of the younger ones here. It is amazing what a calm demeanor can do for the "atmosphere" in a workplace.
A peaceful environment allows progress.
The "slowness" here at work has had another benefit. It has given me time to think. Time to plan, time to learn, time to knit relationships -- all of these things are important to becoming effective.
Planning is progress.
Now, it is time to take action on the plans. Even as I was able to visit with one of the prospects on my list yesterday, I felt "traction" for executing my plan. I know there will be refinements along the way, but planning without action is an exercise in vanity. Imperfect plans -- and all plans are imperfect -- are merely a guide for action. Until action occurs, nothing results.
Action is progress.
What is the goal toward which I am working? That is something that I have clearly defined in my head, but which I won't share in this public venue. The key, though, is that it is clearly defined and my plan, if executed well, will lead to accomplishing the goals which act as milestones along the path to the destination that is a clearly formed vision in my head.
Progress leads us along the path to our Vision.
Just my thoughts this morning.....
Chris
Monday, February 2, 2015
Overdone
Working a full-time job during the week means that I have only the occasional hour or so after work to devote to the ranch. Of course, those snatched hours are dependent on being able to get away shortly after 5:00 which rarely happens. I keep a change of clothes in the pickup just in case though. I will be glad when the days get longer and there is more daylight in the evenings so that I can get in a little time doing all the things that need done!
Since there is so little time during the week, I squeeze in as much as possible on the weekend. It is up early and get to work. So, I really aren't getting the kind of break that most people crave -- my weekend away from work turns into a weekend of work. It's my choice though.
The physical labor is good for me in numerous ways. One benefit is that there is no need for a gym membership. Another is that it gives me time outdoors. Sunshine and fresh air are important to good health. The best benefit to me though, is the "think" time. Physical labor is a break from the mental grind of the week.
Our property has many acres of invasive trees. Most of which are, I think, black locust. They have thorns like nails. I am working on clearing the ones growing in some of the old fence rows which I am taking out and also will eventually try to clear them from the property entirely.
Saturday was a nice day -- other than a little wind ahead of a cool front that was expected that evening. We had a chance of showers moving into the area so I wanted to start early enough to get as much as possible done before the rain.
To make a long story short, I stayed after it until almost 4:00 by which time I was exhausted. Rather than head into town for a shower and easy chair, I decided to spend some time in the woods. Walking in the woods is peaceful relaxation for me -- even if I am tired. This time of year is the best. The summers here are unbearably hot and the woods are stifling because of the humidity.
It was about 6:30 when I pulled out the front gate to head home. It was dark. I was hungry. I had sore muscles I didn't know I had.
I forget that I have aged. Hopefully by mid-week I will recover......
Chris
Since there is so little time during the week, I squeeze in as much as possible on the weekend. It is up early and get to work. So, I really aren't getting the kind of break that most people crave -- my weekend away from work turns into a weekend of work. It's my choice though.
The physical labor is good for me in numerous ways. One benefit is that there is no need for a gym membership. Another is that it gives me time outdoors. Sunshine and fresh air are important to good health. The best benefit to me though, is the "think" time. Physical labor is a break from the mental grind of the week.
Our property has many acres of invasive trees. Most of which are, I think, black locust. They have thorns like nails. I am working on clearing the ones growing in some of the old fence rows which I am taking out and also will eventually try to clear them from the property entirely.
Saturday was a nice day -- other than a little wind ahead of a cool front that was expected that evening. We had a chance of showers moving into the area so I wanted to start early enough to get as much as possible done before the rain.
To make a long story short, I stayed after it until almost 4:00 by which time I was exhausted. Rather than head into town for a shower and easy chair, I decided to spend some time in the woods. Walking in the woods is peaceful relaxation for me -- even if I am tired. This time of year is the best. The summers here are unbearably hot and the woods are stifling because of the humidity.
It was about 6:30 when I pulled out the front gate to head home. It was dark. I was hungry. I had sore muscles I didn't know I had.
I forget that I have aged. Hopefully by mid-week I will recover......
Chris
Friday, January 30, 2015
Hurrying to Work
Yesterday, after I got off work from my "day job," I headed out to the ranch to try and accomplish something before the sun went down. I changed clothes in the middle of the pasture and spent about an hour dragging and piling brush before it became so dark that I couldn't see anymore.
That might seem a little strange to some folks. It in fact would have seemed strange to me once upon a time. I recall times in my career when I couldn't wait for the workday to end so that I could go home and "do nothing" for a little while. It wasn't a lack of ambition, it was more a lack of understanding.
We had corral panels and a chute delivered this past weekend. A young man doing some "moonlighting" delivered them on Sunday afternoon. He made it to our place around 5:15 p.m. If you think about it, that's just nearly dark. He had made other deliveries earlier in the day. By the time we pulled out of the gate it was 7:15 -- well after dark. It was the first time I'd driven through the pasture by headlight. The mud holes aren't quite as easy to spot!
That young man will be successful. He puts in a 40-hour week working as a welder for a factory and then has started his own welding business on the side. He also does deliveries for folks like me. He understands that it takes hard work and putting in the extra time in order to get ahead.
Most people at my age are thinking of retirement. I guess that I am too, but I see retirement as just a new phase of my career. It doesn't mean sitting in front of a television and becoming a vegetable, it means doing what I have always wanted to do.
I'm not at the point that I can rely solely upon it for a living right now, but I'm working that direction.
It reminds me of a time many years ago when I got into Amway. One of the things they recommend you do is to make a list of the most successful people you know. Then, you contact them and attempt to schedule a time to show them the business plan. I remember doing that.
Number one on my list was a very successful farmer/cattleman who had numerous business interests. I called him. He said come on over, I'd like to look. I did. He listened, asked questions and then said, "I don't think this is for me, but I'd like you to show this to a couple of my kids." I did and one of them got in the business.
The most important thing that occurred in that meeting though was something he said to me while still sitting at the bar in his kitchen. He told me that whatever I ultimately chose to do with my life, I would be successful. I asked why he would say that. He said, "Look around you. Do you see anyone else sitting in my kitchen talking to me about a business plan at 9:00 in the evening? Keep doing what you are doing -- putting in the hours -- and you will be successful. It isn't about luck or anything else. You will get out of life what you put into it."
So, after work today, if it is still daylight, I plan to put in a little more time on our place. We are trying to get it ready to receive cattle. Lots of labor involved, but well worth it.
Whatever your dream, don't give up on it. Work for it. Stay focused. With hard work and perseverance you just might see it realized some day.....
Chris
That might seem a little strange to some folks. It in fact would have seemed strange to me once upon a time. I recall times in my career when I couldn't wait for the workday to end so that I could go home and "do nothing" for a little while. It wasn't a lack of ambition, it was more a lack of understanding.
We had corral panels and a chute delivered this past weekend. A young man doing some "moonlighting" delivered them on Sunday afternoon. He made it to our place around 5:15 p.m. If you think about it, that's just nearly dark. He had made other deliveries earlier in the day. By the time we pulled out of the gate it was 7:15 -- well after dark. It was the first time I'd driven through the pasture by headlight. The mud holes aren't quite as easy to spot!
That young man will be successful. He puts in a 40-hour week working as a welder for a factory and then has started his own welding business on the side. He also does deliveries for folks like me. He understands that it takes hard work and putting in the extra time in order to get ahead.
Most people at my age are thinking of retirement. I guess that I am too, but I see retirement as just a new phase of my career. It doesn't mean sitting in front of a television and becoming a vegetable, it means doing what I have always wanted to do.
I'm not at the point that I can rely solely upon it for a living right now, but I'm working that direction.
It reminds me of a time many years ago when I got into Amway. One of the things they recommend you do is to make a list of the most successful people you know. Then, you contact them and attempt to schedule a time to show them the business plan. I remember doing that.
Number one on my list was a very successful farmer/cattleman who had numerous business interests. I called him. He said come on over, I'd like to look. I did. He listened, asked questions and then said, "I don't think this is for me, but I'd like you to show this to a couple of my kids." I did and one of them got in the business.
The most important thing that occurred in that meeting though was something he said to me while still sitting at the bar in his kitchen. He told me that whatever I ultimately chose to do with my life, I would be successful. I asked why he would say that. He said, "Look around you. Do you see anyone else sitting in my kitchen talking to me about a business plan at 9:00 in the evening? Keep doing what you are doing -- putting in the hours -- and you will be successful. It isn't about luck or anything else. You will get out of life what you put into it."
So, after work today, if it is still daylight, I plan to put in a little more time on our place. We are trying to get it ready to receive cattle. Lots of labor involved, but well worth it.
Whatever your dream, don't give up on it. Work for it. Stay focused. With hard work and perseverance you just might see it realized some day.....
Chris
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Prospecting
Yesterday I attended a Cattlemen's Conference along with the President of our bank. We were a sponsor and had a booth. Since leaving my last job I have missed doing that sort of thing. I always enjoyed Trade Shows and Conferences.
Our purpose was to hopefully make a few contacts that could be developed into new business. We came away with several. It is now my job to follow up and follow through to turn those contacts into customers.
It was gratifying. When we returned to the bank late yesterday, the President commented that I was a "pro" at it. I guess I should be after doing Trade Shows and events for the past 20+ years. It felt like I was home......
Chris
Our purpose was to hopefully make a few contacts that could be developed into new business. We came away with several. It is now my job to follow up and follow through to turn those contacts into customers.
It was gratifying. When we returned to the bank late yesterday, the President commented that I was a "pro" at it. I guess I should be after doing Trade Shows and events for the past 20+ years. It felt like I was home......
Chris
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Plumbing Problems
Sometimes wisdom is knowing the difference between when to attempt the repair yourself and when to call in the expert.
On the surface it looked like a simple clog. So, I unclogged it. The problems began when I discovered a crack in the pipe. I quickly realized it was old a friable and prone to break with little pressure. It was no place for an amateur.
We called a plumber. I'm glad we did. It ended up costing less and taking much less time that it likely would have if I had continued to "know what to do"......
Yep, been there, done that kind of wisdom is the kind that sticks with you.
Chris
On the surface it looked like a simple clog. So, I unclogged it. The problems began when I discovered a crack in the pipe. I quickly realized it was old a friable and prone to break with little pressure. It was no place for an amateur.
We called a plumber. I'm glad we did. It ended up costing less and taking much less time that it likely would have if I had continued to "know what to do"......
Yep, been there, done that kind of wisdom is the kind that sticks with you.
Chris
Monday, January 26, 2015
Rehabilitation
We recently purchased a piece of property that had been somewhat neglected for many years. Much of the pasture has been allowed to be overtaken by trees and brush. The fences are in extreme disrepair and grown up with trees and small shrubs. The corral is still in decent shape because it was made of steel pipe, but it is poorly designed and appears to have been built in the 1960's. The attached loafing shed is falling down and the tin is ripped and coming off of it. In short, there is much work to be done to get the place back the way it should be to become productive again.
It takes time, money and lots of hard work to rehabilitate land. Some of it we are hiring done but, much of the labor will be supplied by us. The last couple of weekends have been spent tearing out old fence. The wire is rusted and tangled with briar. In places the trees have grown through the fence. Some of the trees are 6 - 8 inches in diameter and the wire goes through the center of the tree. Upon counting the rings after cutting some similar sized trees, it appears some are about 30 years old. That means the fence hasn't been cared for since the mid-80's.
It is a slow process by manual labor. I could hire a bulldozer to come in and push it all up in a big pile and burn, then bury the mess. I don't really want to do that if I can avoid it. Instead, we are cutting the wire out of the tangle so that it can be hauled to the scrap yard. Some of the bigger trees will become firewood. The T-posts are too rusted to re-use so they also will go to the scrap yard. The smaller brush will be piled and burned.
Needless to say, I don't have to worry about going to the gym for exercise. I am getting it in abundance clearing fence lines. The physical labor is good for me. After all, I am like most of us in that I have probably neglected my own physical condition, much like the fence has been neglected. I wonder if I can get back to the shape I was in 30 years ago! I doubt it, but I am certain I can be better than I am.
The one thing not clear in this photo is that everything -- and I mean everything -- has thorns. Most of the trees are black locust. Google it. The thorns are big as nails. Tangled through everything is a plant called green briar. Mixed in with those are dewberry vines and primrose -- all with thorns. And there are other trees and shrubs that I have yet to identify -- also covered with thorns.
It takes time, money and lots of hard work to rehabilitate land. Some of it we are hiring done but, much of the labor will be supplied by us. The last couple of weekends have been spent tearing out old fence. The wire is rusted and tangled with briar. In places the trees have grown through the fence. Some of the trees are 6 - 8 inches in diameter and the wire goes through the center of the tree. Upon counting the rings after cutting some similar sized trees, it appears some are about 30 years old. That means the fence hasn't been cared for since the mid-80's.
It is a slow process by manual labor. I could hire a bulldozer to come in and push it all up in a big pile and burn, then bury the mess. I don't really want to do that if I can avoid it. Instead, we are cutting the wire out of the tangle so that it can be hauled to the scrap yard. Some of the bigger trees will become firewood. The T-posts are too rusted to re-use so they also will go to the scrap yard. The smaller brush will be piled and burned.
Needless to say, I don't have to worry about going to the gym for exercise. I am getting it in abundance clearing fence lines. The physical labor is good for me. After all, I am like most of us in that I have probably neglected my own physical condition, much like the fence has been neglected. I wonder if I can get back to the shape I was in 30 years ago! I doubt it, but I am certain I can be better than I am.
The one thing not clear in this photo is that everything -- and I mean everything -- has thorns. Most of the trees are black locust. Google it. The thorns are big as nails. Tangled through everything is a plant called green briar. Mixed in with those are dewberry vines and primrose -- all with thorns. And there are other trees and shrubs that I have yet to identify -- also covered with thorns.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Full Circle
It would be appropriate to say that my career has come full circle. Although it was not my first job out of college, my first career choice was banking.
When I was at A&M, a very wise individual asked me the question, "If you could do anything for a career, what would it be?" I answered, "Rancher."
He then proceeded to ask me about resources that I might have at my disposal. "Does your family own a ranch?" -- No. "Do you have lots of money?" -- No. "Do you have someone with lots of money to help you get started?" -- No. "Will you inherit a bunch of money?" -- No. "Then, the best advice I can give you is that there is 'more than one way to skin a cat.'"
He told me that I should hold onto that dream, but I would have to find some indirect means of achieving it. I chose agricultural lending.
When I graduated, I wasn't clear on how to start my career. I just wanted a job. Fortunately, that same wise individual (who by the way was my advisor) helped me to get a job. He warned me that it wouldn't be a high paying job, but that it might open some doors. It certainly didn't pay much, but it gave me a practical education in how the world works. I worked for a politician.
My second job was in agricultural lending. I must confess however, I soon found out I didn't love it. It was another education. My supervisor was lazy and used me more as a gopher than a loan officer. I didn't learn as much as I should have at the time. It took little more than a year though, to be recruited by another financial institution with whom I stayed for about 7 years.
It was a tough time to be in the lending business. Interest rates were high, the economy in turmoil and I spent a good deal of time collecting my predecessor's bad decisions. I again learned much.
I left lending with the idea that I wanted to be on the other side of the loan desk. I wanted to focus on making an idea/dream come to life rather than searching for why and how it might fall flat. I wanted to build businesses.
I spent the next 23 years doing just that; growing businesses. Most were for someone else, but in recent years I have had ownership interest.
Now, I am back in the financial industry in the role of agricultural loan officer. But, the world looks different today than it did back in the 80's. Yes, there is plenty of turmoil in the economy, but now I look at loans with the knowledge that comes from "been there, done that" and it puts things into an entirely new perspective.
I am looking forward to this next phase of my career. I see it as my role to help people to achieve their dreams by giving them sound financial advice. God has an interesting way of growing us to where we need to be.
Chris
When I was at A&M, a very wise individual asked me the question, "If you could do anything for a career, what would it be?" I answered, "Rancher."
He then proceeded to ask me about resources that I might have at my disposal. "Does your family own a ranch?" -- No. "Do you have lots of money?" -- No. "Do you have someone with lots of money to help you get started?" -- No. "Will you inherit a bunch of money?" -- No. "Then, the best advice I can give you is that there is 'more than one way to skin a cat.'"
He told me that I should hold onto that dream, but I would have to find some indirect means of achieving it. I chose agricultural lending.
When I graduated, I wasn't clear on how to start my career. I just wanted a job. Fortunately, that same wise individual (who by the way was my advisor) helped me to get a job. He warned me that it wouldn't be a high paying job, but that it might open some doors. It certainly didn't pay much, but it gave me a practical education in how the world works. I worked for a politician.
My second job was in agricultural lending. I must confess however, I soon found out I didn't love it. It was another education. My supervisor was lazy and used me more as a gopher than a loan officer. I didn't learn as much as I should have at the time. It took little more than a year though, to be recruited by another financial institution with whom I stayed for about 7 years.
It was a tough time to be in the lending business. Interest rates were high, the economy in turmoil and I spent a good deal of time collecting my predecessor's bad decisions. I again learned much.
I left lending with the idea that I wanted to be on the other side of the loan desk. I wanted to focus on making an idea/dream come to life rather than searching for why and how it might fall flat. I wanted to build businesses.
I spent the next 23 years doing just that; growing businesses. Most were for someone else, but in recent years I have had ownership interest.
Now, I am back in the financial industry in the role of agricultural loan officer. But, the world looks different today than it did back in the 80's. Yes, there is plenty of turmoil in the economy, but now I look at loans with the knowledge that comes from "been there, done that" and it puts things into an entirely new perspective.
I am looking forward to this next phase of my career. I see it as my role to help people to achieve their dreams by giving them sound financial advice. God has an interesting way of growing us to where we need to be.
Chris
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Another Year -- And It's Going to be a Good One!
Another year is past. Welcome to 2015! When I wrote those words a few minutes after Midnight in a Facebook post, I followed them with, "Sounds like the title of a science fiction movie...." If you are my age or older, you will understand.
I can recall as a much younger person wondering if I would see the new century. In 1978, I would have been 20 years old. The new century was farther away than the number of years I had already lived at that time. I think when I was that age I expected to go out in a "fiery crash" before I was 39.
As we age, we become wiser. Most of it is by default -- "the fault" of mistakes made and lived through such as touching a hot stove and realizing you didn't want to do that again!
As I think about this past year I don't see many of those mistakes. Other than the first couple of months, it was almost a Sabbatical Year for me. I left my job in March and since that time I have been self-employed. Perhaps semi-self-employed is a better description. I have spent some time writing and taught myself to paint with watercolor. I have done some consulting work (and actually got paid for it!). I spent a lot of time in our cow/calf operation and in November we sold it along with the land. In December we bought another small "ranch" and I have started spending some time getting it ready to receive cattle.
The pace was reasonably slow and I had a break from the seemingly constant travel of many years. Now, I am going back into the world of the fully employed -- maybe even over-employed! We are in the process of starting up a stocker calf operation on our land and I just took a full-time job at the bank which I start on Monday. I also have agreed to do a regular magazine article for a trade publication -- CALF News. (Click here to see the last article I wrote for them on pages 26-27.)
In many ways, this has been the pattern of my life through the years. It seems that God has built a few "breaks" into my career that were perfectly timed which prepared me for the next phase of His plan for me. I am grateful. I don't do well with too much idle time on my hands, but I also tend to push pretty hard when I have plenty to do. So, I wear myself out and then need a break.
The world seems to work that way. I believe it was Designed that way. Spring is a time of growing and blooming which quickly turns to Summer when the fruits of our labor begin to ripen in preparation for Fall harvest which fades to a Winter of rest. The Bible tells us to do our labor in six days and rest on the seventh -- just as God did in the Creation. Our lives are lived in much the same way. I have been fortunate in being able to do much the same through several different careers.
Now, I am coming full circle. Other than spending a little over a year "extending my education" through my first job working for a politician, I have returned to my first true career -- banking. I am going to be a loan officer again. I spent almost 7 years lending money many years ago. That was before I had any real business experience. Now, I will look at the ideas and dreams that people bring to me through the eyes of someone who has been there. I am looking forward to helping them realize those dreams.
I think 2015 is going to be a very good year. I'm not too excited with what is going on in Washington these days, but people will figure out a way to overcome the barriers that the political leeches seek to place in the way of their success. I still believe, after all these years, in the American Dream and the can-do spirit that permeates rural America. I am looking forward to using what I have learned through the years in a new way. Yep, it's going to be a good year. I have decided.
I can recall as a much younger person wondering if I would see the new century. In 1978, I would have been 20 years old. The new century was farther away than the number of years I had already lived at that time. I think when I was that age I expected to go out in a "fiery crash" before I was 39.
As we age, we become wiser. Most of it is by default -- "the fault" of mistakes made and lived through such as touching a hot stove and realizing you didn't want to do that again!
As I think about this past year I don't see many of those mistakes. Other than the first couple of months, it was almost a Sabbatical Year for me. I left my job in March and since that time I have been self-employed. Perhaps semi-self-employed is a better description. I have spent some time writing and taught myself to paint with watercolor. I have done some consulting work (and actually got paid for it!). I spent a lot of time in our cow/calf operation and in November we sold it along with the land. In December we bought another small "ranch" and I have started spending some time getting it ready to receive cattle.
The pace was reasonably slow and I had a break from the seemingly constant travel of many years. Now, I am going back into the world of the fully employed -- maybe even over-employed! We are in the process of starting up a stocker calf operation on our land and I just took a full-time job at the bank which I start on Monday. I also have agreed to do a regular magazine article for a trade publication -- CALF News. (Click here to see the last article I wrote for them on pages 26-27.)
In many ways, this has been the pattern of my life through the years. It seems that God has built a few "breaks" into my career that were perfectly timed which prepared me for the next phase of His plan for me. I am grateful. I don't do well with too much idle time on my hands, but I also tend to push pretty hard when I have plenty to do. So, I wear myself out and then need a break.
The world seems to work that way. I believe it was Designed that way. Spring is a time of growing and blooming which quickly turns to Summer when the fruits of our labor begin to ripen in preparation for Fall harvest which fades to a Winter of rest. The Bible tells us to do our labor in six days and rest on the seventh -- just as God did in the Creation. Our lives are lived in much the same way. I have been fortunate in being able to do much the same through several different careers.
Now, I am coming full circle. Other than spending a little over a year "extending my education" through my first job working for a politician, I have returned to my first true career -- banking. I am going to be a loan officer again. I spent almost 7 years lending money many years ago. That was before I had any real business experience. Now, I will look at the ideas and dreams that people bring to me through the eyes of someone who has been there. I am looking forward to helping them realize those dreams.
I think 2015 is going to be a very good year. I'm not too excited with what is going on in Washington these days, but people will figure out a way to overcome the barriers that the political leeches seek to place in the way of their success. I still believe, after all these years, in the American Dream and the can-do spirit that permeates rural America. I am looking forward to using what I have learned through the years in a new way. Yep, it's going to be a good year. I have decided.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas
Memories of special Christmases cross my mind as I sit this morning in anticipation of having all of my children and grandchildren here later today. I reflect on the where and the what and the who.
Some things that stand out in my mind are my first shotgun -- received at Christmas when I was 12 years old on a trip to my Grandmother's house in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. From there we traveled to Richland, Missouri, where we stayed with my Mom's sister and got snowed in. While there I got to use the shotgun for the first time as my Grandfather took me squirrel and rabbit hunting in Swamp Holler. After traipsing through snow for half the day we ended up at his sister's house for a cup of hot chocolate and fresh homemade biscuits cooked in her wood burning stove.
I also remember another Christmas that my Dad took me pheasant hunting for the very first time. It was the last day of the season and he and I went out hunting. I "claimed" my first pheasant, but I have always been suspicious that he actually shot it. It fell when I pointed and pulled the trigger, but I could swear I heard him shoot at the same time.....
I remember a Christmas in Nebraska when we expected it to be just us -- Missy and I and the kids. Instead, my parents and siblings made the drive to be with us. They had never been to Nebraska before. They were delayed returning home because of heavy snow. The worst of it was in the Texas Panhandle north of Amarillo.
I remember going hunting on Christmas nearly every year as I grew up. It was either quail hunting or pheasant hunting or rabbit hunting. Where we lived was far from any deer hunting. There were several times we had pheasant for Christmas dinner -- my grandmother could batter them like a chicken-fried steak and cook them and they were pretty good. Especially when served with lots of mashed potatoes and her cream gravy. Occasionally you would bite down on a #4 shot bb that she failed to find when cleaning the birds. I guess that was just part of the adventure of eating what you hunted.
I remember kids getting on their new bicycles for the very first time. I remember a giant doll house for the barbies. I remember excitement and disappointment. But, at the heart of it all was family. Happy, excited children, smiling, busy adults, domino games, card games, too much candy, homemade pies and laughter.
Some of the faces are gone now. New faces have arrived. The mantle has passed and it is now clear that much of what I took for granted was the result of those who loved, served. They knew the importance of those memories and sought to build them in me. They sacrificed themselves to share joy with those they loved.
On this day we celebrate in honor of the birth of our Savior, it is important to remember His sacrifice that we might experience the joy of His love and share it with others. May your day be merry and bright.
Chris
Some things that stand out in my mind are my first shotgun -- received at Christmas when I was 12 years old on a trip to my Grandmother's house in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. From there we traveled to Richland, Missouri, where we stayed with my Mom's sister and got snowed in. While there I got to use the shotgun for the first time as my Grandfather took me squirrel and rabbit hunting in Swamp Holler. After traipsing through snow for half the day we ended up at his sister's house for a cup of hot chocolate and fresh homemade biscuits cooked in her wood burning stove.
I also remember another Christmas that my Dad took me pheasant hunting for the very first time. It was the last day of the season and he and I went out hunting. I "claimed" my first pheasant, but I have always been suspicious that he actually shot it. It fell when I pointed and pulled the trigger, but I could swear I heard him shoot at the same time.....
I remember a Christmas in Nebraska when we expected it to be just us -- Missy and I and the kids. Instead, my parents and siblings made the drive to be with us. They had never been to Nebraska before. They were delayed returning home because of heavy snow. The worst of it was in the Texas Panhandle north of Amarillo.
I remember going hunting on Christmas nearly every year as I grew up. It was either quail hunting or pheasant hunting or rabbit hunting. Where we lived was far from any deer hunting. There were several times we had pheasant for Christmas dinner -- my grandmother could batter them like a chicken-fried steak and cook them and they were pretty good. Especially when served with lots of mashed potatoes and her cream gravy. Occasionally you would bite down on a #4 shot bb that she failed to find when cleaning the birds. I guess that was just part of the adventure of eating what you hunted.
I remember kids getting on their new bicycles for the very first time. I remember a giant doll house for the barbies. I remember excitement and disappointment. But, at the heart of it all was family. Happy, excited children, smiling, busy adults, domino games, card games, too much candy, homemade pies and laughter.
Some of the faces are gone now. New faces have arrived. The mantle has passed and it is now clear that much of what I took for granted was the result of those who loved, served. They knew the importance of those memories and sought to build them in me. They sacrificed themselves to share joy with those they loved.
On this day we celebrate in honor of the birth of our Savior, it is important to remember His sacrifice that we might experience the joy of His love and share it with others. May your day be merry and bright.
Chris
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