Oops

 

Jackson

I went in to check on the boys the other evening and this is what I saw. Looks miserable to me.

 

Plumbing

We have been trying to locate a plumber. This has been rather trying for my kind contracter Jerrill Schrock. The first option was a very good option but they had another job under contract so option one turned into a bad option. Option two arrived, glanced around and left. They then told Jerrill they would be glad to do the job for $25,900. WHAT!!! SAY IT ISN'T TRUE... Option three came out this afternoon and looked around for an hour or so. Very nice fellow who was recommended by option one. After some discussion he gave us two choices. The first choice was doing it by the hour and the second choice was him giving us a price. He told us how long he thought it would take and his hourly rate. So we did some quick math and discovered he would fall into the $6-7,000 range. (WHEW...much more better) This evening option four stopped in. After I led him around and showed him what he was up against he gave us a price, $16,000. However, he could start tommorow and cheap guy can't start for two weeks. After pondering this for roughly 10 seconds we decided two weeks wasn't worth 10 grand...

49 years

I find it hard to believe but it is true. Today was our annual hymn sing. (I am unsure if this would be the baptist version of a home coming or not.) Forty-nine years ago today this tradition was begun. The program revolved around or paid homage to familys that have been influential in the musical developement of our church. Next year will be year number fifty, it tends to follow forty-nine, and hopefully we can have something very special. Time will tell...

Not needed

My family and my brother's family are having a yard sale today. I took the children up about 9 and discovered they didn't need my help. This was fine with me. I drove back home and did some major clean up over at the house. I still need to sweep all the floors and make a trip to the dump. I had the joy of starting a lovely fire and proceeded burn many things. (I love playing with fire!) I will feed this afternoon before going up to help them pack up. Then I will be dropping tables off at various locations and doing other odd jobs. I told Rachel last night that it seems like I have not been able to do my share of wining and complaining this time around...

Finally

Well, I am proud to announce that we have finally finished the fall harvest. As of seven this evening we will be finished with the corn header and chopper for the season. Ah, what luxury... Now we move on to the next project. Hauling manure, working the land and planting small grain. Hopefully this will only take a couple of weeks. There are not near as many moving parts on a disk as on the chopper so their should be less break downs...
Tommorow we will be having another yard sale to help offset adoption costs. If you are traveling Wisecarver rd. stop in and see us. We may even cut you a good deal but I doubt it....

Aleya

Due to technical difficulties I was unable to post yesterday. Yesterday was Aleya's birthday. She is now three years old and proud of it. She was thrilled with her few little gifts. I think the thing that thrilled her the most was the phone calls she received from all three of her grandmothers. How cool is that?

Odd Man Out

I have been a member of VOP now for almost ten years. Over the past ten years members of the group have slowly attained modern forms of communication. First it was cell phones but more recently it has been the portable version of the PC, otherwise known as the laptop. This past weekend I discovered that I am now the only bloke that does not have one of these helpful devices. Maybe someday soon I will be able to find a really good reason for spending money on one.

Nascar

I will just say it right up front, I am a Nascar fan. Whew, got that out of the way. We were listening to the race while we were driving yesterday and we got to talking about things that would really irritate us if we were driving in a race. One fellow thought it would be better to wreck in the first ten laps then to wreck in the last ten laps. I disagreed, I think it would be so disappointing to wreck in the first ten laps. Here you are planning on driving four hundred miles and you end up only driving twenty and have last place money to show for it. Would you kindly help us settle this argument? By the way, Matt Kenseth ran out of gas with three laps to go. That would be very annoying. He was in second place at the time...

David

Last night at Snow Hill we met a fellow who had down-syndrom and his name was David. He was an interesting fellow who was very bright in certain areas. He seemed to have a very good sense of humour. He was continually informing us that we had dirt on our shirts and in our hair. The amazing thing was his ability to tell you a road name or number and tell you what states it goes through. He knew where I95, PA Turnpike, and 297 went. I don't know whether he is a veteran of travel or if he is a long lost relative of Mr. McNally.

Goat Island

Yes, their is a Goat Island. Their is also a Goat Island Rd. This road, however, is no where near the island. Apparently a fellow raised goats on this island years ago. I have no recollection of this but these are the facts that have been relayed to me. This island was farm land at one point in history. After the goats were removed from the island it slowly became a forrest. This summer the owner of the island cleared it and asked the neighbor, Dwayne, to farm it. He agreed and planted close to 18 acres of corn. It is some very fine corn, the best I have seen in a long time. Now, this all sounds well and good but you still need to get to island. Yesterday, Sonny and I made this trek in my 4X4 F250 pick up. I was a tad nervous about attempting such a thing but I steeled my nervous system and forward we went. To get to this Island you have to cross the Staunton River. I would say the river is at least 50 yards wide. The place where we crossed was solid rock and the water was sloshing around the floor boards. The rock was very rough also. In retrospect, it may have been the dumbest thing I have ever done, but I doubt it. I felt somewhat like an explorer but I don't think I will be fording this river on a regular basis...

Tour

VOP has a tour scheduled for this weekend. We will be in Snow Hill MD on Fri. eve. Harmony Sat. eve. Central Mennonite in Dover area on Sunday AM and in Catlett Sun. PM. We look forward to seeing you at one of these churchs.

Sweat

Sweating is something we all do. However some of us tend to sweat much more than others. When I sweat it will appear that I have been standing in the rain. I will literally be soaking wet. My face will have rivers of salty water tracking down my forehead before gleefully slinking into my eyes. When Sierra was two she was able to witness this amazing feat. She looked at my face and said; "Daddy what is wrong with you? Your head is leaking...

Stress

How do you combat stress? Do you go for walks, read, mow the lawn, ride bike, or play football? Maybe you read blogs to help you realize you are not the only person who is stressed out!

Employers

I am wondering who was, or is, the best employer you have ever had and why?

Silence

What is silence? Have you ever expierenced it? Is silence the total absence of sound? Or is silence the absence of noise? Is their a difference? When you are longing for peace and quite does that mean their is no sound?
I was lying on the couch this afternoon for slight siesta. The house was quiet except for the ticking of the clock. This reminded me of my grandaddy's house. The house is located in the middle of some huge oak trees. When the lights are off in the living room it tends to be rather dim. A nice quiet room, except for the ticking of the clock. If that clock wasn't ticking it would be a rather uncomfortable room. It would be to silent. Grandaddy's house would not be the same if that clock would be removed from the premises. So, when I am longing for peace and quiet I long for a room that makes me comfortable. A room with a ticking clock...

Dylan

Dylan climbed this ladder by himslef. Notice Papa's watchful gaze...

 

Uncle Rod

Uncle Rod frying up some Jimmy Deans...

 

The Tale Of The Serpent

Two days ago I noticed a nice long skin lying on top of the block wall of the other house. This made me a little uneasy but my soul was comforted when I remembered I had killed one earlier that was similar in length. However, deep in my trembling heart, I knew the length of the two was not a good match. Their must be another slippery critter in our midst. That same afternoon the young man who was framing in some basement windows glanced up at the floor joists. Wooptydodaday what did he see!? A serpent that was at least six foot long. This causes much distress and I was awake half the night, trying to figure out away to eliminate the snake from my future dwelling. Apparently I was not the only person who was thinking. The fellow working in the basement, Karlin, had a brilliant idea and we acted upon it. We took some old paper seed bags, tore them up and stuffed them into the block wall. Then we took cans of expandable foam insulation and filled the top of the blocks. This should seal the top of the walls and not allow them to sneak into our humble abode. The purpose of the paper was to hold the foam up until it hardened. I think we will have a very tight house by the time we are finished...

One Year Old

L-R Jayden, Dylan, Jackson

 

Elephant Ears

 

Headache

Last night I had the worst headache of my life. I was literally nauseated. I don't think I have ever had a headache that made me sick to my stomach. After lying in bed for an hour and a half I had recuperated enough to be a father for a few minuets before we sent the children to bed. Have you ever had a headache that made you queasy? Maybe all of yours are this way. If so, I pity you...

Another Ford

It was oldies weekend at the campground. So I have posted some pictures of these vehicles for your enjoyment. I don't know what year model this is but I do know it is a Ford.

 

Ford

I don't know the year on this either but I really like it...

 

Plymouth

I am assuming this is a Plymouth but I really do not know...

 

Fairlane

I don't know what year this is, do you?

 

57 Chevy

My Father-In-Law always wanted a 57 Chevy...

 

79 Firebird

I think that is what he said.

 

Lazy Days

We arrived home around 7 this evening. I must say I had more fun than I have ever had while camping. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the sleeping quarters. The cabin we were in was more like a hut. I would guess it was about 10x15. I am sure Laura Ingles had a larger wagon than this... Okay, enough complaining. We cooked over the fire, sat around, chewed the fat, spit it out, and chewed some more. Played shuffle board, mini golf, and wore ourselves out while paddling boats around the stagnant lake. We also wore ourselves out riding bike and watching the children roam the wild plains of Friendship Village. Okay, they were not that wild but it sounds good. In the evening we made Elephant Ears and Smoores while roasting more hotdogs and Cheddarworsts (sp?). Anyway, I believe everyone had an enjoyable time and I will post some pictures in the near future...

Question

Before I leave on this vacation I would like to ask you a question. Is happiness, joy, peace, etc. a choice? Do we choose to be this or have them?

Hopefully I will have lots of pictures to post upon my return...

Mini Vacation

We are leaving in the morning for a weekend with my wife's family. We will be camping near Bedford PA. I am planning on having a grand time even though camping isn't my first love. What would be your first choice for a family vacation?

Isralites

Can you learn anything from the Isralites? If so, what is it? I am thinking specifically about their trip from Egypt to Canaan.

Jack

After getting off of the phone I glanced down and this is what I saw. Jackson put this girly bow on his own head...
Funny stuff...

Living Room

This will be the new and improved living room.

 

Dogs & Cats

If you navigatet to this site very often you will know that we have in our possesion one cat and one dog. I had never thought about the difference bewteen the two species before but they have some major personality differences. Cupcake appears to enjoy social activities rarely and seems to be disinterested in human life in general. Blackie, however, jumps at every opportunity to make his presence known. He loves the children and adores anyone who takes the time to acknowledge his existence. The relationship between these two animals has become something of a spectacle. Cupcake endures all sorts of unwanted advances from Blackie. Blackie bowls Cupcake over every chance he gets. Blackie treats the cat like he is another puppy. Cupcake is a rather patient animal but there appear to limits to these types of activities. Cupcake has now taken to leaping on top of the picnic to table to avoid these acts of terror. This also gives the ability to swat Blackie on his tender black nose. These antics bring me much joy and anticipation. The strategy of the cat and the dumbness of the puppy...

Remodeling Update

This is the new and improved opening between the living room and the dining room.

 

School

As you know we are home schooling. We were using ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) however, we were not very impressed with Science and Social Studies. On a wim I mentioned to Rachel that she should check out AIG (Answers In Genesis) and see if they had any kind of science curriculum. So she went to their website and then ordered some information. We then ordered a book on the animal kingdom. It is very good and I would encourage every parent to check it out. Even if you are not home schooling it would be a very useful tool or aid in your childs education.

Rain

It started raining last evening around seven. By six-thirty this morning the Lord had blessed us with 2.5 inches. By noon we had another half an inch. I forgot to look at the gauge when I came home but I am guessing we had another half inch or so. This is the first good, soaking rain we have had since June or so....
Thank you Jesus...

Tales From The Attic

This tale revolves around a dead rat, two men, a little boy, and my mother. The details are a tad sketchy because I have no memory of this tale. The facts are based on what I was told by one of the men. I will not divulge any names lest you think less of these men then you should think. Long ago when I was child the farm was owned by five men, a partnership. These men were on the grounds everyday. I was usually out showing the men how to work and trying hard to keep them on the straight and narrow path. I must have reached about the three year mark on my life's timeline when this tale took place. The two men were working in the calf barn, known as the Old Barn, and found a dead rat!!! These fine men placed the dead rat in a bag and told me to Run give this to your mamma! I was a lad who wanted to please so off I dashed. (I was unaware of the bags contents.) The men found strategic windows and doors to peek around while I was racing for the house. I bounded up the steps and kicked the door, I assume, (I have been told this a habit of mine.) Mamma came to the door and I obediently handed her the bag.
She peeked in the bag and did what any woman would do. She flung the bag out into the yard while shrieking wildly. Meanwhile the men, who were still out of sight, were bent over laughing and slapping their knees.
Mamma knew I would not have done such a thing without being told and she scanned the horizon vehemently for the individuals who sent the package but to no avail.
I don't think the identity of these two blokes was ever discovered.

Photos From The Attic

My what fun! I loved a good mud hole and we had plenty of them when I was growing up...

 

I Think I Fell In The Mud...

 

Hard Day

 

Conversation

Today Sierra went with me to feed the cows. She was trying to decide whether she wanted to come home or not and here is how the conversation went, sort of.
Daddy I'm thirsty.
Do you want to go home?
Well, I don't know? Do you want me to go home?
I don't care...
Well, will you miss me?
Well, yeah...
Would you be sad?
hmm not really...
I'm thirsty!!
We can get a drink in the barn.
I don't know, I think I want to go home.
Well, do you?
Well, do you want me to? Will you be sad?
Not really... I don't care if you go home.
Okay, I want to go home!
Okay.
Yeah, I am going to the airconditioned house!!!

Senneca Creek

Jackson dashed right in!

 

Swimmin

Girls loved it...

 

Dirt

but he loved the dirt, gravel, and sand.

 

Jayden

Jayden was a bit more tentative about the water.

 

Stocks

While milking the other morning my mind wandred off into some unknown and strange places. I can't remember what sparked the thought but I began to ponder the stockmarket. The basic question was centered around whether I as a christian should participate in buying and selling stocks. Currently I don't have any stocks or ever have had any stocks. My reason for not having any has nothing to do with religion or what I believe. However, the thought that went through my mind was this. Is their a difference between the New York Stock Exchange and playing the lottery? Would I not be taken a gamble by buying stocks? Or is it okay because one, stocks, would be a buisness venture and could be a wise thing to do. The chances for success would be much greater, I guess...
How many of you have stocks and how does it work? Maybe my ignorance on the subject can explain why I don't see much difference between the two.

33

The calendar tells me I have added another year of wisdom to my life. I am now half way to retirement, whatever that is. Also, what is wisdom? I seem to know less everyday.... Anyway, today is my birthday.

Church Service

How many of you have attended or participated in a black church service? African American brothers have a very invigorating way of worshipping. VOP broke new ground tonight. We were invited to sing at a revival meeting. It was great fun...
If you have never attended one of their services you should try to rectify the situation. I think you would be blessed....

Eye Ball Update

I was in to see the eye Dr. this morning. He is a very fine Dr. and I like him a great deal. He told me that my eyes had done an amazing amount of healing since Fri. evening. My eye is fairly blood shot and he was so glad. He told me that if the eye is blood shot that means it still has a blood supply. He also told me that when I was in on Fri. their were no lifing surface cells on my right eye. Today only two places had no living cells. I am a little unsure how large those places were. I also asked him what he thought of my vision. He said when the eye has been damaged, metal or something, it takes 21 days before you can make an accurate judgement concerning his or her vision. I am amazed at how the eye works and how God created us.

Another Poll

Since I have had this little expierence with my eyes I had this very interesting thought. How many of you fine people wear something to improve your vision? Contacts, glasses, or have had laser surgery performed on your eyes? I have pair of glasses that I got just before I got married but I have never worn them much. Except for my wedding, Rachel thought I looked so distinguished in glasses. Ugh, I hate them, they are always fogging up and getting in the way. Plus they make my ears hurt.....

Reunions

It seems that every summer everyone is going to family reunions. I attended one reunion this summer and it was with my wifes side of the family. I believe the last reunion I have attended with my blood relatives was several years ago. What I am wondering is this: Do you attend a reunion every summer? How often does your extended family get together? Is it an annual thing? When I was growing up my mother's side of the family got together very often and it was great fun. I am sure it helps to have everyone living in the same community. This weekend the Yoders were getting together for a weekend of camping at SMBI. We were unable to attend due my harvest schedule. Anyway, this is turning into a post that is going round and round....
In short I wonder how many reunions you attend in a years time?

Propionic Acid

This is a picture of the whole rig. The white 55 gallon drum has propionic acid in it. This is a preservative and aids the fermentation process of the silage. By the way, the tractor is a 4520 powershift John Deere. The acid is pumped out of the drum and through a meter before it is piped to the chopper blower using an old air hose. Last evening about four I was finishing the next to last load when this hose wrapped around the chopper tire and broke a fitting at the pump. This pump is located in the cab of the tractor and is turned on and off by toggle switch. Here is the sequence of events. I hear something break and my head autamatically turns to see what is going on. My right eyeball is blasted with a flood of acid. I immediately close my eyes push in the clutch and the break with my feet. I cannot open either eye due to the acid that is swimming in them. I blindly try to locate the toggle switch but this in vain. By now my shirt and pants are acid drenched and my eyes are in sever pain. I decide to exit the tractor and jump up only to have the tractor go lurching forward. I then realize I ahd never put the tractor in park. I sit back down in the acid shower and grope blindly for the gear shift. When this is found I slam it into park and get out of the tractor. By now my chest is begining to burn so I take my shirt off. After a few minuets I am able to see enough to think. I think to myself, self, the Power Take Off (PTO) is still engaged and the acid is still running. Also their is a jug of water in the tractor that I would like to get so I can pour its contents over my burning eyes. I want to be able to see enough to not get caught in the PTO while I am trying to turn off the acid. I step up onto the back of the tractor and reach in and hit the switch. I then grab the water jug before getting off of the tractor. I then Dump all of the water over my face. Immediate relief is felt. By this time the truck driver has arrived and I tell him what happened and that I think a shower would be in order. I tale a shower and then I lay on the couch with my wife by my side. She has a glass of water and a dropper. She faithfully puts water in my eyes for about 30 min. I am still in pain so we decide to call an eye doctor. They want to see me right away. So away we go. He looks deeply into my eyes and says. Good night man you got a bunch of trash under your lids. I have to get that out. This trash turned out to be ash dust. The acid destroyed the thin, clear membrane of my eyelids. He worked on my right eye for almost an hour removing the ash dust. When removed the dust he also removed the protective membrane. He gave me a salve to put in my eyes to ward off infection. Amazingly I have felt little pain allthough the right eye is watery and puffy and swollen. Such is life.....

 

Finished Dumping

How obvious...

Dumping