Let me lead off this morning with Randy Poelstra.
While listening to him after he had fixed one of our automatic waterers in the barn, I had to act on two accounts.
One was to show my appreciation; the other, to take his portrait.
It's very difficult for photographers some times when there's a perfect subject, upclose and personal, right in front of your very eyes AND your camera is elsewhere.
So, as Bill was telling Randy a story, I quietly excused myself, walked to the house and grabbed the camera and that last pint of huckleberry, blueberry and raspberry jelly which I'd been saving for a special occasion.
Randy's frequent willingness to come over and help us with our water problems has continually exemplified what rural neighbors are all about.
This time he came because his wife Carla had noticed a dramatic uptick in our water usage. Immediately after Bill telling me about Carla's call, I asked if he had mentioned the waterer.
No, he hadn't. We had mentioned the waterer to Randy and Carla's son Garrett a while back. Garrett was up to his ears in farm work at the time, so we simply said, "when you have time."
Well, his schedule has gone crazy because of his duties associated with our Oden Water Supply PLUS farming.
So, I called Carla and told her about the waterer possibly being the culprit. Within 15 minutes, Randy drove into the driveway and quickly figured out why the waterer was constantly running.
Randy has come to the rescue several times since we moved out to Selle, and we appreciate him and his family for all they do as neighbors.
Plus, he makes a great photo subject. I also hope he likes the jelly.
Thanks, Randy.
This morning I read this commentary by local realtor Raphael Barta.
He nailed the situation which is perplexing so many of us who live in this area. One trend he mentions has arisen in many conversations I've had with locals over the past few months: they are moving away---many who have resided here their entire lives.
In fact, just yesterday I saw a former student whose news to me after we hadn't seen each other for a couple of years was that her house has sold, and they are moving to another state.
I never thought I would see such a trend in our beautiful little community which used to go to bed every Labor Day, sleep all winter and wake up again in the spring.
Not so these days.
With more and more cases of gridlock with virtually any trip to town, I'd suggest that the observation that "we've been discovered" has become cliche.
It's a different time for those living in "America's Most Beautiful Small Town," and sad to know that some are now choosing to leave it and go find a new quieter shangrila (these days with a big wad of money from an unheard of real estate deal).
And, no, the Lovestead is not for sale. We still have enough of Heaven here in Selle that we're content to stay.
Last night I attended a meeting at my sisters' house.
This gathering was generated because of horse interest, but we didn't see any horses.
Instead, two guests showed up to take in a few minutes of the meeting.
They were 4-legged and had no hooves.
One purred and rubbed while the other made the rounds and quietly begged for handouts.
Emmett the Cat seemed to enjoy being a part of the meeting, even finding a chair of his own.
Meanwhile, Todd the Grandpuppy stayed only long enough to grab a few edible handouts.
Nice to see the peeps and the Colburn farm beloveds.
The first pumpkin of the season has made its appearance. My pumpkin plants have had a rough time in the hot, hot weather but now seem to be on track at spreading out over the manure pile.
Yesterday's pickings from the garden, minus a bag of green beans which came in at a different time.
That humungus cucumber had been hiding from me, apparently wanting to keep growing.
We are definitely enjoying some lovely garden freshness with our evening meals.
The early night sky was astonishingly beautiful last night after cloud masses passed over during the day, some even letting go with minimal drops of rain.
We had two rain "storms" here at the Lovestead, but those 37 drops didn't do much to help the dried-up pastures.
Fortunately, our hay field and the drought pasture have been supplying some decent grazing.
The horses know, however, how scarce the grass supply is in their usual pastures, and, believe me, they give me the evil eye of displeasure when I let them in to those places and shut the gate.
They need to let Mother Nature in on their frustration.
Happy Wednesday.
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