Mechanical Difficulties

We have begun chopping again. We are cutting some really sorry stuff. So far we are getting a load every 2 acres or something. Makes me wonder if it is really worth doing. Anyway, I digress, yesterday I noticed smoke coming from the chopper. This, obviously, means something is rubbing something else and it shouldn't be doing this thing. So I found the offending bearing and pumped a bunch of grease into it deepest parts. Today, it started smoking again, it must have needed the nicotine. This time we discovered a few other problems. This bearing is on the main shaft that is rotating the knives. We noticed some of the knives had been rubbing on something and we naturally assumed it was the sheer-bar. So I got down on one knee and peered through the debris and discovered the knives were a long way from the sheer-bar. This lead to the 2x4 wobble test. We placed the 2x4 in a strategic prying spot and were able to determine that the shaft was moving up down and every which way. This confirmed our worst fears. The bearing was shot, BANG!!! So we tore it apart and were happy nothing else got tore apart before we tore it apart. (Do you know what I mean?) I called my trusty John Deere dealer and discovered they didn't have the part in stock. It is suppose to be their by 8:00 in the morning. Time will tell... Just so you know, I spent four hours today fighting with a dump wagon flat....

Luck

In my last post I wondered if I should use the word luck. We use it so casually or something. Is their such a thing as luck??? Maybe it depends on what you are referring to. If you are playing the lottery or something you would be lucky to win I guess... What is your take on luck? Do you take luck?

Home Again

Made it home roughly 30 min. ago. IT is so great to come home and know you were missed and loved... Tomorrow it is back to the grind of daily life. Wish me luck...

The Wedding

What a beautiful wedding. Here are some facts. The bridal party consisted of Dave's children and their spouses. Roy Ulrich read scripture for the processional. I really liked this. I thought it was very unique. The recessional was a congregational song which Dave started, I think. This is also the first Mennonite wedding I have attended where clapping occurred after the couple was announced. Maybe this is common in other Mennonite circles but I was unfamiliar with it. It did feel like the appropriate thing to do. I was impressed with several things.
1. The children made a statement to Dave and Alice in the ceremony of their commitment to them.
2. Alice's desire to allow Roz's memory to live.
3. Dave's firm resolve to make this marriage a success. This is what impressed me the most and here is why. Most people who get married are very young and glib and don't know what they are getting into. Dave understands because he has been married, (For those of you who don't know the facts: Dave's first wife passed away 2 years ago.) he knows some of the struggles. However, he will be facing new challenges as he leads his family. May God give him wisdom...

Travels

After much struggle with vehicles and such we left the greater Lynchburg area around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Our arrival at the Faith Builder complex occurred about 1:30 AM. We, VOP, will be going to the church to rehearse here in a few minuets. Dave Gingerich's wedding is suppose to begin at 1:00 this afternoon. We will be singing around 8 songs. Kelvin Good (former member) will be helping on two of the songs. Dave knows millions of people and I am somewhat surprised to be singing at his wedding.
We will be leaving tomorrow for Shippingsburg, PA and the New Hope Mennonite church.

Quote Part II

In response to Aleya's question I wanted to tell her Jesus does have toys and I am one of them. He does whatever, whenever. He can play with my life. I didn't tell her that. In fact, I DON'T believe that. However their are times I have my doubts and wonder....
Do you?

Quotes

Aleya wonders
Does Jesus have toys?

Family Devotions

What do you do for family devotions? How do you have family devotions that will interest 2,4,and6 year old children?

Amazed

About two weeks ago we were handed a check from our Deacon for $14,000. An anonymous person wanted to help pay our adoption expenses. Quite frankly, I am still speechless. How do you thank someone for such a gift?

More Stuff

First, Sonny got sick and was unable to fly until this morning. They will be gone until wed. evening. VOP participated in a wedding today in Harrisonburg. Eric Heatwhole married Ruth Showalter. Very lovely, simple wedding.
Next week will find us involved in another wedding in Guys Mills PA. Dave Gingerich is getting married. The wedding is on Fri afternoon so we will be leaving Thursday afternoon sometime. We will then be doing a weekend tour. Stopping at New Hope Mennonite in Shippingsburg PA Sat. evening. We will be in Harrisungburg Sunday morning at Morning View Mennonite. Sunday evening we will be at Rivermont Presbyterian.

Stuff

Sonny and Ruth are on their way to the airport in Greensboro NC. They are flying to LA to visit some friends. They will be gone till the middle of next week. Sonny threw up this morning but as far as I know they are still leaving today. So I got chores this afternoon and then practice tonight for a wedding we are singing at on Sat. in Harrisonburg. It is 91 degrees outside and is suppose to top off at 99. Man that is to hot...

Book Two

You probably are not aware of this fact so I will fill you in. Rachel's mother has published another book. This is book two in the Cozy Homespun Series. I was privileged to be an editor which to some of you will come as a major shock. You know how well I write and how terrible my english is.
So if you are interested in a book for your children that talks about the life of three little girls let us know.

Sierra

You know, it is hard to post when some one is reading what you are posting as you are posting. Sierra is sitting here waiting to play Phase 10. So she is constantly quizzing me on what I am going to post on. I respond to her in truth and tell her I really have no idea. She wonders if I am going to write about something funny that happened today. I inform her I am not sure if anything that happened today was funny. So I guess you are reading something that is really boring and has no eternal value. Or does it?

Jayden

Jayden noticed us big people propping up our feet when we were sitting around the fire. This was his reaction. He thought he was cool...

Men

Kyle enjoyed the manly discussions...
Or not...

Again

Don't know what they are doing here except for paying in the dirt. I think the stones were their dolls.

Girls

These girls were really something... Here Lyssa is the kitty and Leya is petting her...
They played and played and played. No fusses for them. Well their was one but that is it....

Days 5/6

First thing yesterday morning we put the chopper back together. After which we managed to cut about 4 loads before it all flew apart again. So we worked on it again and fixed it more better. This time it stayed together. Unfortunately it took quite a bit of time and we didn't get started cutting till 12:00. About 2:00 the high pressure hydraulic line running from the hydraulic oil pump to the steering column started leaking. This caused another 30 min. delay. The around five the wheel bearings went kaput in the chopper axle we had already replaced. I think it ruined the axle. Anyway, we took the other axle off of the other rusty chopper to replace the axle that had already been replaced. We then ran steady till dark (9:00).
We have two loads left to cut. I am planning on heading to the field here in a few minuets to cut them. Later on today we are leaving for Friendship Village in Bedford, PA to camp with my wife's people. I am looking forward to this. The family is in quite an uproar. Rod's are trying to get things down before leaving for Mexico and Dad and Mom are trying to sell their house so they can move to Heralds Of Hope. It has been a very active summer and a busy fall is in the making

Day 4

Ugh....
It was so hot today. 104 degrees is smoking hot....
We had a decent day until two this afternoon when the left front wagon tire blew.
Then, about four the right front tire blew. (They were both shot and needed to be blown...)
Then about five one of the wobble arms on the chopper came apart. The wobble arm is attached to the knife that cuts the corn off of the stalk. I can't think of a better way to say it right now so if you are really confused I am sorry....
If we have a really good day tomorrow we should finish the grave yard field. (It is located beside a cemetery)

Day 3

This picture was taken around 5:30 after an axle broke on the chopper. We had another axle on an old weary version of this machine sitting in a rusty heap. Off of this relic we robbed the needed part. We did very well today in all aspects except looks. The trench is full and will be covered in the morning. I have thirty more acres to run over before I leave on a short camping expedition with my wife's family. My wife informed after taking this picture that I was not overly photogenic. In fact, I think her actual words were, You are not photogenic. Oh well, what can I say? Some people have the luxury of sitting in an air conditioned office all day. Others have the incredible luxury of sitting in an air conditioned tractor cab all day. Unfortunately, I have neither of these. Of course, I don't think sitting in an office is a very great way to spend the day.

Day 2

Another day is in the books. We managed to cut another 20 loads today in spite of ourselves. Didn't get to the field till 11:30. Those minor breakdowns turn into time consuming things. But we may have had a real catastrophe if we hadn't noticed the one problem. We were real close to going to the field when Sonny noticed that our dump wagon tongue was very close to breaking off. So, we decided that should be fixed before it went careening off into the bushes. If we have a good day tomorrow we could come very close to filling the bunker. Time will tell. Tomorrow is suppose to have a heat index of about 110. Lots of water will be consumed I am sure... Well, I am very weary so I guess I shall go lay my head on my pillow...

Day 1

We cut 22 loads today and covered 15 acres. As you can tell the corn isn't very good. The adjuster was out this morning and estimated 60 acres at 25 bushels. ANother 30 at 22 and my late corn, 90 acres, at 4.4 bushels to the acre. Really sorry stuff that is crying to be put out of it's misery. We had a few normal break downs today. Flat tire and the tail gate fell off the truck. Considering we didn't get to the field till 10:30 and then had the break downs we did I feel good about the day. Their are a few things to fix in the morning before we hit it again.

The Time Has Come

Due to our dry and hot weather trend we are planning to start chopping tomorrow. Truck is ready. Chopper has a few bearing we need to squeeze some grease into. 4520 has new oil filters and oil. Dump wagon has been patched (again). The 4150 White (trench packing apparatus) has had no attention but it should be in fine shape. Should change the oil in it this fall. We will start in the fields around the barn before moving to the more distant locations. Will be a very busy week of which I will keep you posted.

A Guy Thing?

Okay men here is a question for you. When you hit your thumb or fingers with a hammer what do you do with your hand? Where do you put it? My initial response is to stick it in my arm pit> Yeah, I know that sounds gross but it is the typical reaction. I also know I am not the only gentlemen who does this. My question, though, revolves around why the arm pit? Why is that so comforting? I don't know if I have ever seen a man holding his hand in his hand after smashing it with a hammer. Have you? I doubt it. I bet you seem him with his hand in his arm pit while doing some sort of rain dance and yelling epithets at the hammer. In fact, he may even through the hammer....
Still, I wonder why? My wife says women would never do such a thing. And she is probably right. Then again I have never seen a woman smash her thumb with a hammer...

Crop Ins.

In the past crop ins. has been a rather painless expierence. Aside from the fact your crop is bad. We would leave several rows of corn maybe 50-100 feet long. When the adjuster was able to make it out he would adjust your yield based on these strips. The last several years the ins. company has been getting more and more painful to work with and this year they are really being brutal. First, I got a letter stating I needed to inform them two weeks before I start harvesting or they were not going to pay me if I had a loss. Second, I was told I would need to leave 8 rows of corn in the field. Third, I would have to be authrized to start cutting even if the adjuster cannot make it out to inspect the crop. He would have to mail me a form to sign.
On point number one. I don't know two weeks before it is time to cut. A lot can change in two weeks. No rain, 90 degree temperatures, dry wind. This type of weather will dry a crop down in week. Waiting on them would put the hurting on forage quality.
Point # 2. Leaving eight rows of corn is amazing. That could be several loads of silage. Sure I could go back and get it but who knows when the adjuster will get here to look at it. It would be a pathetic loss...
Number 3 is just a plain headache....
I am beginging to wonder if crop ins. is more trouble then it is worth....

eBay (Again)

So what have you purchased on eBay? I just found a really good buy on a few hydraulic fittings. Of course I have also bought sheet music, CDs, tools, books, etc. I know some folks have bought vehicles on eBay. This always seemed a little risky to me. Have any of you sold a vehicle on eBay? If so, how did it go? Did you make more than you expected?

eBay

How many of you have sold, bought, bid and lost on eBay?

Dump Truck

I traded a PTO unit to a neighbor for an old International 2 ton dump truck. They had an extremely hard time keeping it running. The engine was shot, it sounded like it had a serious case of pneumonia. The valves were really wheezy and you never knew you would get where your were going or not. It also has air brakes on it but the only brake that worked was the right rear which could be the cause of some rather interesting road experiences. After we got it home Sonny suggested we change the engine. So, we did.
About 12 years ago the farm had purchased a school bus. We took the body off the bus and put a silage wagon box on it. The brakes on the bus went kaput so we parked it in the tall grass where it has been rusting in peace for the last 8 years or so. We scrubbed on the points a little, put a battery in it and cranked it up. It ran like a charm so we pulled the engine and transmission out of the bus and placed them gently in the truck. We had the truck running today and I think it will be fine. I will be going to get some brake parts in the morning and we should be ready to use it when we cut silage next week.

Pricing

Here is an interesting question, for me anyway. We have been selling tapes for $8 and Cd's for $12. On our most recent tour we noticed tapes were not selling so we slashed our price to $5. (If you are interested in tapes we will sell them to you at this price...) We did not slash our CD price. Here is the question. Is $12 to much for a CD or is it not enough? What price do you think we should have on our Cd's?

Airy Mont Farm Facts

I thought I would fill you in on some month of July farm facts.
Fact 1
I am guessing here but I think we may have finally got an inch and a half of rain.
Fact 2
We have had 20 (another guess) cows/heifers calve in the month of July.
Fact 3
Based on fact 2 this means we are feeding 20 calves.
Fact 4
I am not sure how factual this post is if it is all based on guess work...

People

I was able to renew some acquaintnaces on our most recent tour. Some people I met knew me because of this blog others I knew because of their blogs.
Rob Miller or the The Rob Log and his wife drove two hours up to Lancaster to hear us. Then Mr. Iced Tea Forever Iced Tea Forever drove from northern IN to Plain City OH. This was at least a four hour trip. In Georgia I met some blog readers. A fellow farmer who told me he was also a poor mechanic. I spent the night at Nevin Strites

4 GUYS & A LADY

To my surprise an old friend of mine, Lavern Martin, showed up. Lavern was in my bridal party years ago. We were great friends and it was good to see him again. Thanks to you all for showing up. I am sure I am forgetting someone but such is life with a memory like mine...

Teasing

What do you do when your children continually tease one another. The teasing is very innocent but somehow it seems unkind. Maybe your children don't have this problem...

I Want An Apple

Aleya went with me to my trusty NAPA auto parts store in Altavista. Before we stopped for parts we stopped to get off road diesel fuel at the Altavista Mini-Mart. Aleya informed me she wanted some skittles. After we were in the store she wanted m&ms. However, when she saw the apples she decided she wanted an apple. She is probably the only child I have who would pick an apple over candy...

Rain

It rained! The late corn was very short and not too far from tasseling. Hopefully this will give it a reason to grow. Will also help the ears on the early corn fill on out. The vet is coming today and we have a huge herd check. 16 fresh cows plus open cows and preg. checks. We will be checking between 30-40 cows.

Acclimating

I think I am slowly reaclimating myself to my real world. A world full of cows, chores, calves, mechanics, lack of rain, and family. We got no rain while I was gone so my late corn looks pathetic. Early corn is making an ear and one good rain would finish it off very nicely. (We shall see...) This morning I took our trusty bus up to Automotive Concepts, Randy Martin, who will be selling it for VOP. We are hoping to get the thing sold in the next week or so. This afternoon I worked in the shop some after I wandered around taking in all the sights and sounds of my little dairy. Not sure what I will be doing tomorrow only time will tell.
By the way, if you are interested in seeing pictures from tour you can use the VOP link on the side bar and then use the Photo Album tab to navigate to lots of pictures....

Final Lap

I will be leaving here in roughly 25 minutes for South Boston. Our final stop is at First Baptist in the South Boston metropolitan area. I would say we had a very sucessful tour...
On another note of interest, my wife and the children are traveling as I type. They will be home when I return to the premises. Tomorrow will be spent wrapping up some left over tour items and trying to reaquaint myself with the daily grind of dairy farming.

Three To Go

Tonight I should be back in my own bed. We will be driving on home after our program in Hillsville. Needless to say I am looking forward to it. Last evening I expierenced an interesting dilemma. I was going to change clothes after we arrived at our hosts and discovered I had Paul's suitcase.
As I mentioned in my last post we were going to be singing at AiG on Thursday morning. I have never been treated so well, like royalty. We sang for the staff at a short chapel service after which Mark Looy gave us a guided tour of the offices. This was very interesting. After the tour we had the planatarium to our selves for the show. We then toured the museum and were given some dvd's and books. They allowed us to tour the museum for free also. If you have never been to this place you really need to go. It is well worth it. If you do go you need to figure on spending a full day. It was a very unique expierence and was the highlight of the trip.

Half Way

I am currently sitting at Aden Miller's computer in Hartville OH. We are, as you know, heading for Plain City in a few hours. Last night went well. My wife and her family came down to hear us. My parents traveled over from Guys Mills. Dave's family also traveled over from the Guys Mills area. I would say tour is going well. I will only say that the bus is never big enough...
Tommorow morning we will be singing at a chapel service for the Anwers in Gensis staff. Will be a long day starting at 5:30 or so and ending in Athens TN that evening.
Till next time...

First Program

Well, we had a full day of practice, laughs, and a service. Went well allthough their were quite a few rough spots. I felt the presence of the Father which is the goal and the reason we do this. Thanks for praying...

Loose Ends

I think they are everywhere. As tour director I feel very much at my wits end... Tommorrow we leave for Cumberland VA. A full day of practice and a program. Oh yes, The album arrived on my door step tonight so we will have them available on tour. Whew....

Poll

How many of you will be coming to hear us at some point on our tour?

Colored Folks

My mother sent this to me via email today.

This was written by a black gentleman in Texas

And is so funny. What a great sense of humor

And creativity!!!




When I was born, I was black,
When I grew up, I was BLACK ,
When I went in the sun, I stayed BLACK ,
When I got cold, I was BLACK ,
When I was scared, I was BLACK ,
When I was sick, I was BLACK ,
And when I die, I'll still be BLACK .
NOW, You "white" folks....
When you're born, you're PINK ,
When you grow-up, you're WHITE ,
When you go in the sun, you get RED ,
When you're cold, you turn BLUE ,
When you're scared, you're YELLOW ,
When you get sick, you're GREEN ,
When you bruise, you turn PURPLE ,
And when you die, you look GRAY .
So who y'all callin'
C O L O R E D folks?

This Week

Monday through Wednesday I need to finish all my tour stuff. This includes when we need to leave each morning. How to get where we are going and things of that nature. I have the lofty term Tour Director. What this means is that I put together a plan we never follow....
I also need to help Sonny get an engine pulled and transferred to a dump truck. More on this later.
Rachel is leaving Thursday morning for OH and I am leaving Thursday morning for Cumberland VA. We are planning on spending the day their at Oak Grove Mennonite practicing and then singing that evening. We leave Friday morning for Lancaster and the tour will be officaly under way. For information on where we will be please visit our website (see side bar and click on the Voice Of Praise link).

Rod & Christa

Well, it appears my wife's sister, Christa, and her family will be moving to Mexico. Their house has been sold and they need to be out by the middle of August. They will spend some time in orientation before they actually move down in Sept. or Oct. I am not sure which. They will be living near Choix and will be helping with church planting as well as working with the children at the orphanage. Your prayers would be coveted.

Manure Pump

I don't remember but I think I mentioned this in an earlier post. It was probably two months ago now. At the time I had purchased a manure pump at an auction for $250. Well, the last ten days we have been working on this pump. We are nearing completion. I need to manufacture some hydraulic lines and then it will be finished. The pump was 21 feet long when I bought it and now it is close to 40 feet long. We took a hitch off of an old 3960 chopper and I then spliced it onto the existing hitch. The actual hitch that connects to the tractor was very wore out, kinda like me, so I discarded it. I then went out into the bushes and found an old corn planter that had burned. I cut this tounge off and took it back to the shop. I discovered that this new toungue would slide inside of the chopper hitch. (These hitches were tubes... Is any of this making sense???) I then welded this to the chopper hitch which was welded to the manure pump hitch. We had rebuild and patch a few other things as well. I must say I am feeling very good about what we have accomplished. I will gladly post a picture of this new and improved piece of equipment if someone wants to see it. I may post it even if you don't want to see it but I think I am now beginging to ramble andstuffsoIthinkitistimetostoppppp

Ahh, Rain

This afternoon around 4:00 we had the most beautiful storm. I would say it rained roughly three-fourths of an inch. The corn was soaking it in. Rain is a good thing...

Quartet Retreat

You may remember a rather grumpy post concerning my lack of ability to find men willing or able to take on some responsibilities at the SMBI Quartet Retreat the last weekend in Sept. I am happy to report that the speakers for the weekend have finally been finalized. However, my happiness began to wane and falter when I discovered my name on the list.
Rich Denlinger Mass Choir Conductor
Dave Gingerich Quartet Development
Kelvin Good Balancing Music Ministry with Work, Church, and Family
Glen Zehr Balancing Musical Excellence and Worship

Potty Training

Ah yes, the joy of a life time. This little post is in response to a comment on a previous post in which the author wondered if we were potty training yet. The answer is no. I don't know if it is emphatically no but it is no none the less. We, my wife mainly because I am not a woman, believe that our children sit and sit and sit on the potty without doing anything. Then when they are old enough to know what is going on they are tired of sitting. We are a little more laid back, waiting for the child to be good and ready before starting. How do we know this you may ask. That is a good question. When the child starts running off into some corner to take care of his or her business then it is time to at least try things out. If they still can't figure out what they are supposed to do in this little potty, we simply put it away. A couple months later we get it back out and hopefully then they are ready.
What is your plan of action???

Humility

This morning just before SS ended we touched on humility. This got my mind rolling a little and I have some questions. What is humility? I wonder if we think humility is a feeling of worthlessness. We don't know how to react to praise. So, instead of accepting compliments we tend to talk about what our problems are. Doesn't true humility accept praise graciously? I guess true humility doesn't allow praise to become the god of life.

The Odds

Monday their was a 20% chance of rain and it rained an inch! Friday the chance of rain was whopping 70% and we got nothing. Whats up with that?

Wrecks

How many wrecks have you been involved in that were a direct result of your inattention or the result of doing something totally irresponsible

Jackson

Well, we now have two two year olds in the house. Amazing how time has flown. In one sense it feels like yesterday we were down in FL getting the little fellows and in another sense it seems like years ago.

Rats

Last night, on our date night no less, I rear ended some fellow. I was busy gawking out the window and wasn't paying attention. Our van wasn't messed up at all but it did mess up the other guys rear bumper and knocked his muffler loose. I was going to get him to get some estimates and I would call my insurance company and take care of it without calling the cops but no he was on the phone quick as a wink and wouldn't even talk to me. I told the policeman what happened and that it was my fault. He thanked me for my honesty and then charged me with driving to close. Oh well, their went my good driving record where wrecks are concerned. 17 years without an accident isn't so bad....

Rain

Last night we got rain!!!! How sweet it was.... I am guessing we got around an inch. This is the first rain of any significance we have gotten for almost three weeks. Needless to say I am relieved.

VOP

Yesterday morning we sang at Flat Creek Baptist in Lynchburg. Ben had to make an unexpected trip to DE so we were a trio. We only sang three songs so it didn't crimp us to much. Then last evening we sang at a very old Methodist church in Evington. I know it was old because the stained glass windows had been dedicated to different people. Their names were engraved on the windows. Most of those people were born in the 1800's Some of them in the early 1800's. Very interesting I would have enjoyed hearing some history.
On a more serious note, the reason for Ben's trip to DE is very serious. One of his nieces had a brain tumor. For updates on this situation click

MLMILLER & FAM

Kittens

One of these cuddly kittens has passed into kitty heaven. Buttercup left us and Cup Cake joined her sibling Daisy. At this point I can't tell them apart but the girls seem to have it figured out...

Death

This morning I discovered one of our kittens had died. This caused me some stress because I new I was going to be the one who would be breaking this tragic news to the girls. When I told Sierra her eyes got big and sad. I was waiting for long wailing sobs but they never came. She found the other kitty and consoled it for awhile. The girls came up with some very interesting questions. We buried the poor little creature under the pecan tree in the backyard. I said a brief prayer thanking God for allowing the girls to play with this kitty for a week or two. Later this afternoon Sierra wondered if I was going to bury her when she died. I said I would but I figured she would be burying me before I bury her. Aleya found some comfort in looking at the dead kitty which I found interesting. While she was doing this she asked many questions. Did the kitty go to heaven? How did he die? What happens when they die? And on and on the list goes. I hope she learned a little something about death and who God is. I never new a dead cat would prompt such questions.

Whew

My brother and I unloaded 350 bales of hay by ourselves tonight. I was stacking in the loft and felt really good for roughly 30 seconds. About two thirds of the way through I was huffing and puffing so bad we had to stop and let me catch my breath. I have never been so exhausted. But it felt good to be so hot and sweaty. I felt so masculine... Covered from head to foot with hay. Clothes wringing with sweat. If I was a famous athlete I could market my sweaty smell as cologne or after shave and people would buy it. Isn't that the strangest thing? Their used to be a Michael Jordon cologne or something of the sort. So look in your nearest wal-mart for a new stench in my name......

Tired Ears

Well, we have been mixing away. I now feel well mixed. We have 2.5 more songs to go. Lots of stuff too wade through. My ears are very weary. After while everything begins to sound terrible... I was hoping to be on my way home now but alas that is not to be.... Hopefully we will be out of here by midnight.... What fun....

Mixing

We are off to mix our Reunion album today and tomorrow. This is the tedious work that should have been months ago but we seem to be loaded with technical difficulties. We are still planning to have this album ready for tour next month.

Good Times

We spent quite a bit of time shooting pool while on vacation. I enjoy pool and I made some pretty impressive shots. My most impressive shots were ones I had no idea would go in. In other words, I wasn't trying to put the 6 ball in the far right pocket but it happened, I would saunter around the table trying to act like I had it planned. Of course honesty would prevail and I would bust out laughing and admit I had no idea that was going to happen....

Worship

How would you define worship? How are worship and music related? How does musical excellence affect your ability to worship?

Sports

What is your favorite sport? What sport do you enjoy participating in the most?
Softball
Basketball
Football
Soccer
Ping Pong
Billiards (pool)
Volleyball
Swimming
I am basketball man myself. However, I found much enjoyment in volleyball and swimming.

Quote Of The Day

"Gilbert Blythe is a canker soar on the lip of my existence!"
Anne Shirley
Isn't that great? Funny?
I love it.
What is your favorite quote?

Hay

I plan to mow my ten acres of hay tomorrow. Yes, this is the ten acres I was mowing three weeks ago. The hay has become a burnt crisp. Dried standing up instead of in a windrow. Ah, such is life, other things were more important.

Grilling

I grilled some steaks for supper tonight. My wife put some sort of seasoning on them and then I grilled them on our gas grill. Absolutely fantastic. Incredible taste. Do you grill?

Cousins

These fines cousins, from L-R Sierra, Hannah, Megan, and Marcus, are pretending to be Indians. They are having some sort of dessert, however, I can't remember what it is called. Some sort of chocolate somethingorother....

Circumcision (Part II)

While we were at the home school convention I was in a workshop entitled something like this. How Science Proves the Bible. In this workshop the speaker got to talking about circumcision. He wondered if anyone knew why God commanded circumcision to take place eight days after the child's birth. Here was his answer. When people are born they have no vitamin K in the body. At the baby's first breath it begins to make vitamin K. There is steady increase in the amount of vitamin K in the baby's body through day eight before it begins to decrease. The speaker informed us that on the eighth day of our lives we had the most vitamin K in our bodies that we will ever have in our lives. I found this very interesting. I have come to the conclusion that God isn't legalistic and has reasons for commanding his people to do things. God doesn't ask us to do things just to see if we will do them.

Park

I don't know if you remember or not but I did a post sometime ago on the Blessing Jar. Well, last night we finally made good on our parental promise of doing something special with the children for filling the jar with blessings. We spent an hour at the park. The kids loved playing on all the swing and slide equipment. On the way home we all enjoyed ice cream which was purchased at McDonald's.

Back In The Saddle

Well, Sonny is leaving for IN in the morning. I have a second cousin getting married out their this weekend who is Sonny's nephew. Sonny also has in-laws in those parts so he will be staying out in the Nappanee area for about a week. So today was my reentry into work. Tomorrow I begin my week of chores.

What A Trip

Amazing how one little thing can change your trip. Like locking your boys and keys in the car while pumping gas while the wife and the girls are going to the restroom. We were there an hour before the doors were opened. Jayden was experiencing some emotional trauma. Aside from this incident I would say the trip was a success.

Vacation

Good times. Great food. Talked with my father for several hours today. Excellent!

Vacation

We are leaving for our vacation in one hour....
What fun!!!

Circumcision

Why did God have Moses command the children of Israel to circumcise the baby boys on day eight? Why not day two or day twenty-two? Sounds legalistic to me...

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!

Finished spreading manure...
Finished planting corn...
The spring push is over....
You don't know how good this feels...

Daily Grind

I have been grinding dirt into dust for the past month and I was at it again this evening. Hauling manure... I have roughly 20 acres of corn left to plant and I hope to have this finished by tomorrow evening. We have a vacation planned in northern PA starting this weekend. This vacation will include all of the Milo Zehr clan. I look forward to getting away from this grind. It will feel so good to go away knowing the work is finished.

13

As of 1:30 today I have been married 13 years. By the time I am 40 I will have been married 20 years. Amazing....

Home Again

We returned to our home this morning just before lunch. Spent a very lovely afternoon doing nothing except reading and visiting with my in laws. This evening Dad and I took the three older kids down to the creek to play. (Kyle was here for the weekend. He came with Dad and Carla and they are leaving sometime tomorrow for home. Mom is flying home on Wed.) They thoroughly enjoyed this. Which brought to my mind an interesting question. When I was growing up going swimming on Sunday was frowned upon. Is this an inappropriate Sunday activity? If so, why?

Convention

Wow, I have never been to a convention before and I am amazed at the number of stands or vendors present. A room the size of a football field packed with the vendors. Whether you homeschool your children or not I believe you would find it helpful. Used books, new books, music, instruments, curriculum, Rod & Staff, CLE, Saxon, Rosseta Stone, and lots of other things. Not to mention the workshops. I went to two workshops which were science related. The first was on how Science defends the Bible. The second was on Evolution and how the evolutionists are lying to the public. Covering up the facts about creation. Great stuff. Dr. John Wile was the speaker. He has a Phd. in Nuclear Chemistry. I found him very interesting, a great speaker. Not sure what today holds we shall see...

Home School Convention

We have been wanting to attend a home school convention and we discovered their is one in Winston Salem NC this weekend. We are leaving in the morning and will be coming home Sunday afternoon. I couldn't believe how nicely the dates fell into place. May 28th is our 13th anniversary. THIRTEEN!!!! My I am getting old. My mother-in-law flew in today to take care of the kids so we will have a nice little vacation all to ourselves. It will be so relaxing...

Manure Pits & Lagoons

We have on our farm two waste management ponds/pits/lagoons. The lagoon holds rain water and waste water from the milking parlor. The pit holds manure from the barn. We try hard to scrape everyday. We seem to have a hard time keeping our lagoon from running over due to the amount of rain water which trickles its way. To keep this from happening we pump water from the lagoon into the pit when we haul manure. To cut fertilizer costs this spring I decided to cover all my crop land with manure. To do this we needed to empty the lagoon. (Some manure always gets in the lagoon from washing down the parlor. The lagoon acts like a big septic tank with the solids digesting on the bottom.) So today I gave the lagoon a good stirring and guess what I found...
Snapping Turtles. So far I have found three. I knew they were living in this lagoon several years ago but I hadn't seen them for awhile. I don't how they manage to stay away from the prop on the manure pump but they seem to manage....
They are nasty little suckers.

Motorcycles

Do you own a motorcycle? Would you allow your child to ride an ATV or a motorcycle? Why or why not? Are they really more dangerous?

White Chocolate

Our company informed us this weekend that white chocolate was invented so black babies could get dirty. I thought this was pretty funny. By the way our company was Gary and Darlene Schwartz from Fort Wayne IN. They have adopted three black babies.

Recital

Tonight at 7:00 Sierra has a recital. She has been taking a music class taught by a lady from church. The whole class will be singing. I think there is 4-5 in the class. We are looking forward to it.

Still At It

I am hoping we can finish chopping today. Time will tell...
If not we will be at it tomorrow. We also have company coming this weekend. People we new back in our SMBI days. Days I have almost forgotten...

Leprosy

What causes leprosy? Also, is it still a problem today? I think it is in Africa and some countries with pour nutrition. Also, why were lepers considered unclean in the Bible? I don't believe they have discovered a cure for leprosy or am I mistaken?

Slow Going

Yesterday we spent a lot of time running or making noise and didn't have much to show for it. At least that is how I felt. The vet was here in the morning so I was tied up helping him for a couple hours. The we didn't have enough people to keep all the equipment running. The barley has dried enough that we need to chop right behind the mower. The person chopping was also doing the mowing. This makes for very slow progress. Hopefully today will feel more successful.

Small Grain

Even the best plans get delayed. I was planning to chop my barley last week but I decided to wait till this week. Here's why. One, Sonny's left early Friday morning for IN to attend a graduation. Two, it rained last weekend. So this week is suppose to be nice and sunny, except at night when it will be nice and moony, so we should be able to get done.

Mothers

Where would you/we be today if you would not have had your mothers influence in your life? I realize our society is full of mothers who are not God fearing. I am very thankful for the mother God gave me. For those of you who know my mother, I am 90% of the reason her hair is gray/white. Time has a way of easing painful memories. In other words, Mama would tell you I was a good little boy. And I was, occasionally...
Mama, I love you...

A Question For Mothers

What is the most memorable mothers day you have had and why?

CAT Results

We got Sierra's test results back today. She is supposedly ready for 3.5 grade in reading. 2.1 in math and 3.3 in language. We were really pleased. Especially math. Math has been a struggle for her.

Mud Hole

Remember when I posted on Cousins? In that post I mentioned that some of the girls had found rich fulfillment in a mud hole. Here is the proof...

Buffalo Baptist

VOP is scheduled to sing at Buffalo Baptist church tonight. They are having revivals. I also just scheduled a program for our reunion tour in Lancaster PA at Pleasant Valley High School on July the 13th at 7:00 PM. I have one more to schedule. Maybe he will call me or email me some day...

Hobbies

What is your hobby? Sewing, reading, mowing grass, horticulture, scrap booking? The list goes on and on....

30 More

I successfully finished planting 30 more acres of corn today. I am glad these two fields are finished. They are the rockiest ones we farm. I discovered a wheel bearing has gone bad on the planter so I need to fix that before I plant the rest of my corn. I have another 80 acres to plant. Hope to mow hay tomorrow and chop barley next week.

Music

Here are two pages of Good Christians, Now Rejoice which we are hoping to record on our next album. These are pages 10-11 of 15. This is a beautiful song. Another amazing arrangement by Tim Rumsey. This is to be sung Jubilantly with a marked tempo of the quarter note at 96. So this song is just a scooting along. I hope you can see it if you enlarge it.

Yard Sale

Well, we had another yard sale today on Wisecarver Rd. It was a grand success based on several things. One, the %40-%80 chance of rain, depending on what site you checked, never materialized. Two, we sold three-fourths of our junk. The only disappointment was the amount of baked goods we brought home. The good thing about it was the fact that a lot of it was bread and dinner rolls which we will eat. Their was some pies and cookies which I will eat also. I am very weary and worn and happy all at the same time....

Life and Rain

I am amazed at how much my daily activities revolve around rain. What I do depends on the rain. For instance, I have thirty acres of corn to plant but because we were so dry I decided to wait. It started raining in earnest about 2:30 yesterday afternoon and was still raining when I finished milking at 5:30. A beautiful, slow drizzle which allowed many drops to soak into the ground instead of racing in a mad torrent for the streams and rivers. Because of the lack of rain I have been somewhat relaxed at work. I must admit I was beginning to feel somewhat agitated about the lack of water falling from the sky. We tend to live in a very dry spot. In the summer I spend a lot of time thinking things like If only it would rain one more inch it would finish this crop. How does rain effect your daily activities? Or do you have an office job and you don't really care whether it rains or not?

Another Farm Photo

This photograph was taken from the North side of the farm. Amazing how nice everything looks from a distance.

The Farm

My Brother-In-Law took a solo flight the other evening after work. While he was up he took some pictures. (You can read his rarely updated blog at Bool's Blog on my side bar. He may post lots of cool things now.) Anyway, this is how it looks from the air. That is our other house across the road.