Got back Thursday from a trip to California. Had to see Mama.  While there, I saw my brother Buck, and one of my cherished grandsons, Seth.  What a joy.  He is going to be a fine man.

While i was out there, I visited with a couple of old friends with whom I worked at KRSA in Salinas, Wayne and Audean Woolard. Audean was the one who introduced me to my first wife, Kathy, who was Virginia's mother.  We visited most of the afternoon.  I sure was glad to see them. 

Wayne is one of the most talented radio design engineers that I know.  He has designed and built many high power broadcast and shortwave stations all over the world. Most of them are still on the air.

The trip was pretty uneventful. The weather, while relatively cool for central cal. averages 98f. A little warmer than I'm used to here in Montana. 

While I was away, there was a big storm in our area. The hail stripped most of the corn crop, and made it pretty useless.  I saw one of my neighbors this morning.  He told me that it wouldn't even make good silage.

The wind was very strong here. Kathryn said that it was blowing in a circular pattern.  If it wasn't a small tornado, it was awfully close.  It took the top off the rain gauge,  and sent it several yards away.  If it hadn't gotten caught in some brush, I would never have found it.   It knocked over the little pen I use to raise  baby chicks until they're fledged, and then put them in the chicken house.

We lost all of the chickens.  They just died. Within a week they were all gone.  I have to clean and sterilize the pen and coop before I get another batch.  I hated it. I liked to watch them.  That of course, is the main reason I keep them. 'Course fresh eggs are a pretty good too.

On the spiritual front, I was honored to baptize a young man in the Name of Jesus before I left.  What a joy.  Several people have asked me for copies of my messages and teaching.  I have begun to send them out via email to some folks.  I record them, then make CDs for some of my parishioners. and now have been sending them out.  No charge. I don't do The Lord's work for money.

My old pickup was just falling apart. Mostly rust loosely held together by faded paint.  The engine and transmission are good though.  I was able to buy a three year newer model, for $400, including headers.  A friend who rebuilds and repairs Chevy pickups, offered to put the engine and transmission in the new one (It came without them, that's why it was so inexpensive) in trade for my old one.  Sweet deal.  He sho0uld have it done in a couple of days.  I'm stoked!

We had thunderstorms last night and today.  Custer County Fire is out putting out lightning caused fires this afternoon.  Those guys are amo0ng the best firefighters around.  Limited budget, and an all but one volunteer force, and they really take care of business with the best of them.  I am proud that I was involved with them.  Had to give it up. I don't think a half crippled 73 year old man has any business on a fire line.  Their job is to fight fires, not rescue old pharts who should know when to quit.

One of my neighbors came and cut the grass in our field and bailed it in exchange for the hay.  He didn't get it all, because I wanted to keep about a half acre in natural condition for the deer this winter.  He got four big round bales though.

That's about all that's new around the farm for now. More when I can get off my donkey and write again.

Agape
Lee