Lifestyle

Good Friday Spent with Family

It’s a cool April evening with a temperature of 53 degrees. The wind makes it feel colder than that though. I washed clothes and they dried on the lines. It was a challenge trying to keep the clothes on the lines with the wind. Daughter Verena had a doctor appointment this afternoon. She needed someone to go with her to load and unload her mobility scooter so I went with her. 

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New agricultural research

Recent soybean research by Dr. Rafiq Islam, Ohio State University shows benefits from using sulfur fertilization and small doses of aspirin or salicylic acid (SA, a fulvic acid) to increase soybean yields. Soybeans are planted on about 86.5 million USA acres. Yearly increases in soybean yields have been flat and with lower prices, farmers are looking for ways to get higher yields. Hot weather, drought, flooding and other environmental issues have caused soybean yields to stagnate.

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How business owners can make Social Security part of their retirement planning

Most business owners are focused on growing their business and legacy. But at some point, they must consider a plan for retirement. That’s why it’s important for business owners to begin thinking about how Social Security fits into their retirement planning. Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker – including business owners.

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Daughter Elizabeth and Tim move into their temporary home

First of all, a thank you to all of you readers that attended my book signing at the Plain and Simple Craft in Shipshewana, IN. It was a pleasure meeting all of you! Even a reader from California attended. She was out visiting her sister. It’s always an encouragement to meet and talk to readers and hear all the kind words. Sometimes I feel like time is so limited with being a mother and also grandmother to thirteen precious grandchildren. It makes my time worth it all when I hear the encouragement. To me this is the only life I have known. It saddens me to hear of others that have never experienced the family life I do. It does make me appreciate it much more. I was very surprised to have Uncle Melvin (my dad’s brother) and Aunt Kathryn come to visit awhile at the signing. It is always a good feeling to visit with your deceased parent’s siblings. So many fond memories, and once they are gone the memories are all you have and you treasure them even more.

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Soil Health and Corn Research

A new trend emerged at the CTTC conference last month. At least one third of presentations had soil health, regenerative farming, or cover crops in the title. A big change in farming practices started with soil and health and cover crops from 2010-2020, but that trend has slowed down. Was it just a fad?

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