It's Been Awhile - August Update

So... yes, it's been awhile. So much has been going on in the last few months i don't know where to begin. I won't bore you with a detailed catch up, but i will promise to become more regular with my writing.

I'm a creature of habit, so once i get into a habit it is hard to get out.... with that being said I've set up reminders to keep me on task and track with the creative process of writing. you will hopefully see two -three posts from me a month.

Today being the 15th i will just give you a brief shout and then write to you next week.

The last couple months as a corn buyer have been very interesting. All the volatility in corn prices and shock to the demand system and has started whittling away and ethanol demand. I'm lucky that i work for a company that has been proactive at reducing long term debt and setting benchmarks that we will not go under just to produce ethanol. Currently ethanol production is down 14% since last December 2011. I feel lucky i have my job.  So, besides struggling with buying corn at $8.00+ bu, I've been constantly working away at home too... on that little thing called a garden.



Rock Creek Station - August 2012



Tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, onions, eggplant, zucchini, watermelon.... all growing and bearing fruit.... which means i have to figure out what to do with them too! HAHAHA! Tomato sauce, pizza sauce, refrigerator salsa, refrigerator pickles, salads, pesto..... and the list goes on. It's been lots of work, but man i feel great when I've made something we can actually eat later and not have to go to the store to buy. There is no way i could handle a garden big enough to provide for me all year.... I'd never get a vacation.... but it sure if fun having my little garden.

Speaking of vacations... my dad and brother were here a couple of weeks ago. Did some history buffing, yes a new term i just invented, at Rock Creek Station east of Fairbury, Ne.... really cool. I love all the historical stuff about this country and Rock Creek Station is pretty cool... you can see and walk in original ruts of the Overland Pass and Oregon Trail... pretty stinking sweet!



Thayer County Fair - Super 77 - August 2012



Here is a shot from the 100th Thayer County Fair, a couple of really nice old tractors were on hand to show the new guys what's up! Nothing beats a beautiful vintage tractor at the fair, especially if it is a pretty Oliver like this one! And speaking of vintage rides, the 125th Anniversary of Bruning had tons of vintage cars and tractors for the Bruning Days Parade this year... just amazing... too bad i left my phone in the house that day! :-(



Soon we will start seeing new crop corn loads here at the Ethanol plant, they've already started coming in for wet programs and nearby elevators.... even though we are a month ahead of schedule, harvest really puts me in the mood for sweaters, sweatshirts, scarves, and cool crisp nights (AND HOT CHOCOLATE!).

Goal for next mid-month a picture of something Harvesty!! Oooooo yay! Here is a July Garden pic!