Columns

This is the week of the annual Murray County Fair. Thankfully it is back in operation - not held last year due to the Virus concerns.

This is a good time to do major pruning chores. Do not prune oaks at this time; the open wounds may increase the risk of disease.

The Collection Plate It was like many a church service this particular day. The pews had a spattering of people as COVID recovery was still in the works on many levels.

We hadn’t seen each other since we served as Scout Snipers in Vietnam in 1970. I hadn’t even spoken to ‘Frenchy’ in all those years. He was a French Canadian. He worked construction in New York and decided to see if he could find his ‘old buddy.’

August is now half way over. Next week is the County Fair, and shortly the kids will be going back to school.

Clean your garden tools at the end of the season. Make note of anything you may need to replace: string, labels, stakes, Sharpie pens, zip ties.

The quiet crunch beneath my feet was familiar as I made my way down the gravel road. It’s been more than three decades now, and funny thing is I never tire of it. Perhaps it’s recognizing my surroundings that brings comfort.

Another week has passed. As we mentioned last week our garden produce is producing.

Roses need about 1 inch of water (5-6 gallons per plant) per week. If you have clay soils, apply all at once.

When exploring the interior of Africa, Dr. Livingston met with terrible difficulties: war, famine, wild beasts, and worst of all, the horrible slave trade. Often he preached to thousands and often to a few people. When discouraged he consoled himself by telling himself; “But for the belief that the Holy Spirit works and will work, I should give up in despair. I am a missionary, heart and soul. I am ready to go anywhere – provided it be forward. I would venture everything for Christ. Can the love of Christ not carry the missionary where the slave trade carries the trader? I shall open up a path into the interior or perish. I wish only that my exertions may be honored so far that the Gospel may be preached and believed in all this dark region.”