Fall Fun

Louisburg Cider Mill was a fun destination for this grandma and some of her grandchildren. Our daughter let it slip on a phone call to her mother (this grandma) that they were thinking of going to the Cider Mill on the weekend. After clearing it with the Farmer, who was still hauling semi loads of corn, I decided that all else could wait while I drove to Kansas City for some delightful cider mill donuts and cider slush.

“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves. –Ann Drake

I had just been so sad that I didn’t have small grandkids who wanted to go to the pumpkin patch with me anymore. One autumn I went to five different pumpkin patches. Most were in Kansas but one was in Texas. Grandma and the grands had such a wonderful time. Although one hayrack ride did cause us some difficulties. The next day we had chigger bites all over and were quite uncomfortable for a few days.

One very warm day we were in a corn maze trying to find our way out of it. One of my grandsons was becoming quite anxious about whether we would ever find our way out of this hot maze. I told him to stop and listen. I said, “What do you hear?” He said, “Grandma, I hear a tractor.” I said,” Remember that we saw that tractor being used right at the entrance to this corn maze.” I suggested that if we moved towards the sound of the tractor we would find our way out. When we got out of that maze we had some snacks and some nice cold drinks and all was well with our adventure.

I don’t see how a pumpkin patch could be more sincere than this one. – Charlie Brown

On the way to the Cider Mill I got to visit one grandson at his college apartment and I got to have lunch with a granddaughter at a restaurant in her college town. On another trip I stopped in to see our oldest grandson who is now “adulting” and has a full time job. I also got to meet his girlfriend.

This fall has found us following one grandson through his final high school football season. We have had some interesting weather in the stands. One game it poured rain on us and another was really cold. We are experienced in this as we used to follow three sons and one daughter in their sports activities and it was not always ideal weather. Our grandson had a great season of football and is now starting wrestling. More bleacher time ahead!

Fall and fun at the Cider Mill with four of my grandchildren was the highlight to my favorite season. I’m so thankful I didn’t miss this time with them as they grow up so quickly. Of course the donuts were worth the drive also. YUM!

Final Fling in Iowa

Old Church in Canton, MN started in 1856 Original Flag with 44 stars

The Farmer and I had a few final days in Iowa before returning to the prairie home. We did some tourist things. We went to see the Lidtke Mill in Northern Iowa and took a different road on North in Minnesota. We were met by hundreds of old tractors on the road. They must have been having an old tractor show someplace close as they were driving these old tractors. It was fun for the Farmer and I to get to see all these restored old iron relics.

“We travel, not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
-Unknown

In Lanesboro, MN we had signed up for an Amish tour. The town of Lanesboro was packed that weekend but we found our tour departure and were on our way. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the history of the Amish folks who had moved to this part of Minnesota in the 1970’s from Pennsylvania. We visited a quilters home and even though it was afternoon it was dark in the home with no electricity. I love to quilt but need to have many lights on. I did see that her treadle machine was set right in front of the window. She had made some lovely quilts. We visited a furniture shop, bakery, and basket shop. The Farmer has been looking for a nice narrow belt but narrow doesn’t seem to be in style. He found a handmade one at one of the Amish shops.

The farmer’s wife kept her eye open for quilt shops. We were able to find a few and she bought some more fabric that is just crying out for use. It brings her joy just looking at these fabrics. The quilt store in Osage, IA is her favorite. The quilt store closest to her home just closed. This was seen as such a tragedy. Fabric and quilting are the answer. I don’t care what the question is.

“Wondering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and universe.”
-Anatole France

The Farmer loves his barn pictures, so we spent some hours looking for just the right photos before we prepared to travel home. There was some wonderful prayer time with the other SOWER friends as they left for some time with grandkids and a new SOWER project, and prayer time with director Brian as he and his family moved to Texas and with Sarah, the interim director of the camp.

It was difficult to leave this beautiful place with precious new friends but many new adventures awaited us at home. The farmer’s wife was scheduled to speak on salvation at a women’s retreat closer to home and we had agreed to read 1 Samuel outside and out loud in Gove County. So, the journey had to begin.

Back roads and scenic byways, were the order for the trip home. We made it to Genoa, NE the first night and camped in their city park with full hookups for $10.00. We got an early start the next morning and planned to see our prairie home by afternoon. We were detoured off of the highway due to an accident onto a country road. Three semis were in the lead. One semi made it through but the other two were too tall for the railroad bridge that we came upon. It took some time but the semis were able to move over and let us through. They were going to have to back out that last mile.

Home looked so good. Now to clean the camper and put it away until the next adventure.

Grace, the Overflowing Favor of God

Grace is the overflowing favor of God, and you can always count on it being available to draw upon as needed.
Oswald Chambers

The Farmer has been driving a semi for some friends in fall harvest. They are keeping him on the go with two combines picking corn and one truck driver to keep up. He is hauling it to the local elevators and has been into four different locations with the corn loads. Many times in these last few weeks of hauling he has been selected to unload his corn in the fastest line while others have had to wait longer in line. This has been a concern for the Farmer as he does not desire the wrath of the other drivers and farmers. He has even been moved ahead of his own crew in the line. This has happened at all four locations.

I keep telling him it is the mighty favor of God upon him. We pray for him each day and speak a blessing over him and the trucks he will be driving. God’s favor is for all that receive Him, but not all know they have it or how to take advantage of the favor God has gifted to them.

For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor, You will surround him as with a shield.
Psalms 51:2

On one trip to town the other day with the loaded semi, the accelerator stuck and he had to use the brake only to slow it down and then shut off the engine. When he got under the hood, he saw the spring for the accelerator was broken. Just as he was attempting to connect it, a mechanic friend showed up and they got it repaired and he ordered the part they would need to get it fixed correctly. Once again the favor of God.

Humility is the gateway into the grace and the favor of God.
Harold J. Warner

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime.
Psalms 30:5

God’s favor is lasting. His favor is for a purpose. It is not for us to sit upon, but His favor is for us to do something with. We receive blessings so we can be a blessing. The Farmer is being a blessing to the friends that he is working with in bringing in the harvest. It is so important to bring in the crop before the winter comes. He is being a blessing to the young handicapped man who rides with him in the truck. God is greatly blessing us and we pray that we can bless His loved ones. That is everyone. No matter their political stance, no matter their post on social media, or their dislike of Him; God loves them all.