Some people wondered why I did it, but take a look at this...

Holland State Park, October 27-30, 2011 -- plenty of privacy for my camper.

End of an Era

After maybe 55 years of running a baler, Dad decided he's done. He'll hire someone else, or maybe even borrow Brian's if he needs some bales, but it's not worth the expense and inconvenience of owning our own machine for the few acres of hay we have. So, today we said a reluctant farewell to a trusty part of the past.

I guess nostalgia is kind of like today's view from my windows. When I looked north, the sky was black and violent and threatening. When I sat back in my chaise, the rusty oranges of the Kousa just seemed to be a beautiful statement that complemented my comfortable haven.

State of the Farm, Labor Dayish, 2011

We humbly bow before the Lord who provides. Period. And this year, He has provided us with a beautiful crop.

A Beautiful August Saturday

What a beautiful day! And, had you asked me at the beginning of the week, my projection of the week's activities would NOT have included barn painting -- bin painting, maybe. We did buy bin paint Wednesday night that we can now return.

Friday a.m., while we were finishing breakfast, the South Carolina guy who painted the bin last year showed up and asked if we wanted to paint the other bin. Dad 'did business' with him, and ended up hiring his crew to paint the barn, throwing the bin into the deal.

So, tonight, the barn looks better than it has in years! Someone will be here Monday morning to pick up empty cans and a couple trucks. We'll point out a few flaws that we think must be addressed. And, that's it. Now we can focus on some of the other projects. I'm relieved...

Church camp at Pine Ridge

Hey, this is the place that used to be called "Jack and Jill". Some time maybe in the 80's, this place became Pine Ridge. Kids from our church come here for their summer camping experience and really like it. Michelle and Eric, didn't you go to Jack and Jill?

We got here late because of Gpa S's appointment. Made it just in time for supper and some socialization.

This morning, after a pretty good breakfast :), after saying he was only going to watch so I went back to the camper, the Old Man did the "Flying Squirrel". I don't have any photos because, as I said, he was only going to watch...

Then, after lunch we came back to the camper (not a trivial activity as the RV camping area is quite separate from the cabins...) so we could get ready to participate in the Waterslide activity. One of us donned a swimming suit. One of us got the camera. Any ideas who did what?

Just now we're enjoying what seems like vacation for sure. We're sitting in the camper listening to it rain. Best estimate is that we've gotten as much as two inches already.

Eaton Rapids welcomed us with bumpy roads

The road really was bumping coming into Eaton Rapids. Then the new pavement started, and the road stayed bumpy.

We were concerned that our tire crisis would serve as a distraction to other drivers, but, as you can see, passing motorists barely blinked an eye.

Another scenic lunch spot