It is finally over. Not the harvest, the election campaigning and the unsolicited text messages for candidate support and donations. As Halloween approached, I was finally able to get off the hayracks and into a combine cab to harvest corn and soybeans. This meant I was able to listen to Read more
Is your life too hectic? Are you tired of the hustle and bustle and keeping up with fast flow of traffic in the collar counties of Chicago? Are you ready for another episode of on the road with Charles Kuralt? This Harvest marks the fourth straight year my wife, Cora, Read more
I think it is time for more KISS-ing in our lives. This is a whimsical article to highlight how easy it is to be old and grumpy when our world changes at an incredibly fast pace. According to my recent internet search, the acronym KISS, “Keep It Simple Stupid”, was Read more
What an interesting year it has been for farming. Weather experts have reported an increase in the number of heavy rains and intense weather episodes contributed to climate change. I have read and heard numerous news reports about record heat and threats of intense drought affecting the planet and the Read more
What is a tourist trap? Does it have a different meaning than a touristy area? How well do you value a dollar? Does misery love company? First, two weeks ago I wrote briefly about my 2-day trip to the Wisconsin Dells. I made a reference to visiting some tourist traps. Read more
I dedicate this article to my friend George. Do you know what a zerk is? I bet George does. I do, but until several days I ago I never knew why it was called a zerk. Sunday the 9th of August, I headed to the Wisconsin Dells for the first Read more
Let me repeat the topic I started to write about 3 weeks ago. Are you a friend of agriculture? I recently participated in the Illinois Farm Bureau Activator program. We were tasked with reviewing local politicians’ voting records to decide if they should receive endorsements and possible campaign contributions in Read more
Are you a friend of agriculture? I recently participated in the Farm Bureau Activator program. We were… stop. I need to change gears to a topic that is more relevant time wise. Is it hot enough for you? Meteorologists claim that the 3rd week of July is usually the hottest Read more
After the weather prevented hay cutting for 25 days on my farm, I prepared for a 4-day long weekend trip to Galena, Illinois and Dubuque, Iowa. It was suggested that since the rain had finally abated 2 days before I left, I should cancel and make hay instead. I replied, Read more
Tonight I intend to write about a prickly subject. It is not about too much rain or data centers or solar facilities. I would also like to ask a serious question about your health; when was the last time you had a stress test? The Canadian thistle has been a Read more