I can always tell what time of year it is by the number of dead flies I find lining the window sills and beneath the night lights in the kids’ rooms. I just leave the hose on my vacuum because it’s a daily occurrence – me picking up flies in an effort not to have them squashed up and down …
I Spy With My Little Eye
This week Aunt Jeanette writes: We played that game with our three sons whenever we were “on the road.” They became pretty good at it and many times could stump their dad and me. When I drove in my driveway one evening after working at our elevator (another story, another time) and got out of my pickup, I looked down …
Soybean Association to Congress: Get to Work!
A shutdown of the U.S. government has also meant a shutdown of some vital services provided by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Not the least of the USDA programs coming to a halt are the ones dealing with soybeans and conservation issues, and that is mostly due to the fact that when the government shut down on Oct. 1, the …
A Big Bowl o’ Ice Cream
As summer draws to a close, I look back (once again) and think where did it go? When we were kids, I thought the summer months went by in a flash, but maybe that’s because I was stuck at home with a long “to do” list that my mom religiously wrote each morning before leaving for work. It included dreadfully …
Soybeans Get Boost from Biodiesel
The longtime and still primary feedstock for biodiesel has received a bump up in its demand and value. Figures from the United Soybean Board show that in order to meet this year’s federal requirement of 1.28 billion gallons of the green fuel this year, it will take 9 billion pounds of vegetable oils and animal fats, with a majority, at …
A Tale of Two…Naughty Boys
This week Aunt Jeanette writes: Actually you get two stories for the price of one this week, but you will see how they are related when you have finished reading. The first story is about two boys – my husband, Dan, and his younger brother, Steve. One of the dishes their mother served for dinner was mashed turnips. You know …
The Blasted Summer Heat
The past couple of weeks have seen highs in the upper 90s. It’s the kind of weather that makes me want to knock down the door at the local swimming pool and tell them I don’t care if there’s a lifeguard on duty or not – it’s HOT. These are also the days that call for cold eats. Popsicles, ice …
Where Have All The Flowers Gone?
Aunt Jeanette writes this week: We had grandchildren visiting us this summer for a while. In fact, all four of them were able to spend some time together and we had a wonderful time! As we were driving into our garage after delivering the two older grandchildren to their parents, this Peter, Paul, and Mary song (from the 60s!) popped …
The Tracks Of My Tears
Today Aunt Jeanette writes … Today was “picking up pipe” day. Normally this is a joyous occasion – filled with laughter, stories (“Remember the time you drove by and honked at me when you knew I was counting rows?”), and reminiscing about the seemingly endless heat of summer. All the while enjoying the scenery – towering cornstalks with ears of …
Zimfo Bytes
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that Mike Naig has been hired as the new Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the renewal of USDA’s Agricultural Air Quality Task Force and the selection of its members for the 2013-2015 term. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for …