A Country Journal

I Know Fall Weather is on the Way, but I Wish It Would Hurry.

2025-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

With John Helms

Still Waiting on Autumn Rain

Yesterday I wrote about the garden spot—how the ground’s too dry to work, how the dust hangs on like it’s got something to prove. We hadn’t seen a measurable rain in weeks here on our patch of land in central Mississippi. Well, yesterday we finally got a little something. I wish I could say it changed things, but I can’t.

Less than a quarter inch fell here. Just enough to dampen the topsoil and stir up hope. Meanwhile, folks just a few miles down the road—family and friends within a 25-mile stretch—measured an inch or more. Their fields soaked. Ours sighed.

So I’m still where I was: waiting on cooler weather to start building the greenhouse, and waiting on a real autumn rain to soften this stubborn earth. We need the kind that sinks deep and brings life back to the ground. Until then, I’ll keep watching the sky and listening to the land.

Hummingbirds Will Be Migrating Soon

Golden Rod in Bloom

Every fall, as the days shorten and the goldenrod blooms, ruby-throated hummingbirds begin one of nature’s most astonishing migrations. These thumb-sized dynamos leave their summer homes across the eastern United States—including right here in Central Mississippi—and head for the tropics of Central America. They don’t travel in flocks or follow a leader. Each bird, even the newly hatched ones, makes the journey alone, guided by instinct and the quiet cues of the changing season. It’s a solo flight that spans up to 2,000 miles, and every single one of them must make it.

Despite their size, ruby-throats are built for endurance. They fly about 100 to 200 feet above the ground, skimming treetops and fields where nectar and insects are plentiful. Their wings beat up to 80 times per second, and they can cruise at 25 to 30 miles per hour, with bursts up to 60. To fuel this journey, they must eat constantly—doubling their body weight before departure and consuming up to half their weight in sugar daily. Nectar is their main fuel, but they also hunt tiny insects for protein. Without this relentless feeding, they wouldn’t survive the trip.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Created in CoPilot AI

So next time you see a ruby-throat darting around your feeder, know that you’re hosting a seasoned traveler. Whether it’s a returning veteran or a brave first-timer, that little bird has crossed mountains, oceans, and borders to find its way back to Mississippi. And it did it alone, powered by nectar, grit, and a compass written in its bones.

Their route takes them across the Gulf of Mexico in a single, nonstop flight—500 miles over open water, with no place to land. From there, they weave through the forests and fields of Mexico and Central America, eventually settling in places like Honduras and Panama for the winter. Come spring, they reverse the journey, returning to the same gardens and feeders they left behind. Some even find their way back to the exact patch of land where they were born. In Mississippi, their arrival is a sure sign that winter’s grip is loosening and the earth is waking up.

Flying solo isn’t just a quirk—it’s a survival strategy. Traveling alone reduces the chance of attracting predators, and it allows each bird to move at its own pace, stopping when needed and adjusting to weather and terrain. Even the fledglings, who’ve never seen a migration route before, somehow know when to leave and where to go. It’s a marvel of nature—no GPS, no guide, just a heart full of instinct and a sky full of possibility.

Hummingbird Facts from the Porch Swing

Species: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

Migration Route: Eastern North America to Central America

Distance Traveled: Up to 2,000 miles one-way

Gulf Crossing: 500 miles nonstop over open water

Altitude: Typically 100–200 feet above ground; up to 1,200 feet over water

Speed: 25–30 mph cruising; up to 60 mph in bursts

Travel Style: Solo flyers—no flocks, no guides

Fuel Needs: Must double body weight before departure; consumes up to half its weight in sugar daily

Diet: Nectar for energy, insects for protein

Survival Strategy: Flying alone reduces risk of predation and allows for flexible pacing

Navigation: Guided by instinct, environmental cues, and possibly Earth’s magnetic field

Return Accuracy: Many return to the exact garden or feeder they left behind

...until next time.

Ramblings and a Bit of History from High School Years

2025-09-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

A Country Journal with John Helms

It’s Autumn

Gardening and Weather Update: It is autumn, and though we can plant our fall and winter gardens late in this part of the country, I have not yet planted ours. It is too hot and too dry. If I got on my tractor or behind my tiller to get the soil ready for planting, I would end up with nothing but dust. If I planted seeds, they would rest, dry in the ground, until rain moistens the soil enough for them to germinate. If I planted small plants, they would wither and die.

If it doesn’t rain soon, I may get nothing planted.

As I said, it is autumn, and the leaves from the sweetgums are beginning to fall and cover the ground. Although it is early, the oak trees are shedding their leaves and the pines are dropping their needles. When I walk through the woods, the leaves rustle under my feet, but because of the unseasonably warm weather, I find myself watching very closely for venomous snakes hiding beneath those leaves. Like many people, I rely on The Old Farmer’s Almanac for my long-term weather forecasts. To summarize, The Almanac predicts this November’s temperatures to be average, while precipitation will be one inch below average.

On the first cool day, I will begin construction of my small greenhouse. A greenhouse will provide me with the opportunity to control at least a small area of the environment to grow a small number of vegetables and herbs.

Chickens vs. Raccoon Update

Since my last posting, we have had no hen casualties. I seem to have deterred the masked bandits from stealing and massacring our flock. On the other hand, we cannot let our hens roam free range in the daytime because we have five red-shouldered hawks patrolling our property. They seem to have culled a lot of our wild cottontail rabbits, and we don’t want to allow them to do the same to our chickens.

This means our egg production is remaining constant. We are still giving eggs to our friends, but far less than before the raccoon raids.

Thinking Back to My High School History and Civics

I remember sitting in a high school classroom with the windows cracked just enough to let in the smell of freshly mowed grass mixed with the constant smell of the memograph duplicator—Mississippi spring trying to sneak past the blinds. The teacher, a wiry man with a voice of southern eloquence mixed with a coloring of gospel, stood at the chalkboard and wrote three words: “Bill of Rights.” He paused, turned, and said, “This is where liberty put on his boots.”

That line stuck with me.

Years later, after decades in marketing, research, business, and a lifetime of watching the world twist and turn, I find myself back on the porch, thinking about those first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The amendments to the Constitution are not just a legal text, but rather a covenant between the people and the power they have granted.

James Madison, quiet and bookish, was the one who carried the torch. He didn’t shout like Patrick Henry or thunder like Jefferson. He reasoned. He listened. He stitched together the fears of Anti-Federalists and the hopes of Federalists into something lasting. Madison worried that without clear protections, even a well-designed government could drift toward tyranny. He believed liberty needed scaffolding—something sturdy enough to hold up under pressure. Madison reminds me of the kind of man who’d fix your fence when the cows wandered onto his place, and do it without asking, then leave before you could thank him.

George Mason, on the other hand, was the stubborn neighbor who wouldn’t sign the Constitution because it didn’t protect the people enough. His fear was sharp and specific: that the federal government would overpower the states and trample individual rights. He had already written Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, and he wasn’t about to let the national version go without a fight. I respect that kind of grit and devotion in a person.

Patrick Henry—now there’s a firebrand. “Give me liberty or give me death,” he said, and meant it. He feared that the Constitution created a president too much like a king, and a Congress too far removed from the people. He didn’t trust centralized power, and he made sure everyone knew it. I imagine him as the kind of man who’d argue with his preacher and still invite him over to Sunday supper.

And then there’s Jefferson, off in France, writing letters to Madison like a long-distance mentor. He feared that without a Bill of Rights, the government might slowly erode freedoms—especially freedom of religion and speech. He believed in the rights of man, in the power of ideas, and in the need to keep government in check. His fingerprints are all over the Bill of Rights, even if he wasn’t in the room where the sausage was being made.

These men weren’t perfect. They disagreed, they compromised, and they carried the weight of a nation still learning how to walk. But they gave us something enduring: a set of promises. Promises that say you can speak your mind, worship freely, and be secure in your home. Promises that still matter, even when the world feels loud and uncertain.

I think about those lessons often—especially now, with hens to feed and stories to tell. The Constitution may have built the house, but the Bill of Rights hung the front porch swing.

National United States Debt: Frightening

Here is a quick question.
Our national debt at the time of this writing is roughly 37.4 trillion dollars ($37,434,9776,225,430 to be exact). If you laid 37.4 trillion one-dollar bills end to end, how far would they reach?
The answer: From Earth almost to Pluto.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Length of a U.S. dollar bill: 6.14 inches
37.4 trillion dollars = 37,400,000,000,000 one-dollar bills

Total Length in Inches

37,400,000,000,000 \times 6.14 = 229,636,000,000,000 \text{ inches}

Convert that to Miles

There are 63,360 inches in a mile:

\frac{229,636,000,000,000}{63,360} \approx 3,625,000,000 \text{ miles}

Cosmic Comparisons

Earth to Moon: ~238,855 miles
Earth to Sun: ~93 million miles
Earth to Neptune: ~2.7 billion miles
Earth to Pluto (average): ~3.7 billion miles

So your 37.4 trillion dollars in one-dollar bills would stretch:

Over 3.6 billion miles—just shy of Pluto’s average distance from Earth.

Maybe that is a little dramatic. Let’s stack those greenbacks sky-high, like a column rising from your the Earth's surface at sea level into the heavens.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Thickness of a U.S. dollar bill: ~0.0043 inches
37.4 trillion dollars = 37,400,000,000,000 one-dollar bills

Total Height in Inches

37,400,000,000,000 \times 0.0043 = 160,820,000,000 \text{ inches}

Convert to Miles

There are 63,360 inches in a mile:

\frac{160,820,000,000}{63,360} \approx 2,538,000 \text{ miles}

How High Is That?

Earth’s atmosphere: ~62 miles (Kármán line)
International Space Station: ~250 miles up
Moon: ~238,855 miles away
Stack height: Over 2.5 million miles

That’s enough to stack past the moon ten times over—a tower of currency so tall it’d make NASA do a double take.

I guess I have covered a little bit of everything in this post. Until next time...

Choosing a Simple Life

2025-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

A Country Journal by John Helms

Some mornings, as I sip coffee on our front porch and watch the light shift across the pasture, I think about how different life feels now compared to the pace I kept just a few short months ago. These days, the calendar is shaped more by weather and chores than meetings and deadlines. And I’ve come to realize: that’s by design.

“Soft luminous quality” of August light
- Illustration created in Copilot.

There’s a quiet movement happening—not loud or flashy, but steady. More folks are choosing to live simply. Not because they have to, but because they want to. They’re trading excess for enough, noise for quiet, and speed for stillness.

Recent studies back this up. Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand found that people who practice “voluntary simplicity”—living with less, choosing local products, and repairing items instead of replacing them—report higher levels of happiness and well-being
. Not just the fleeting kind, but the deeper sort rooted in purpose, connection, and peace of mind.

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about intention.

Living simply means making room—for relationships, for meaningful work, for time spent outdoors with a hoe in hand or a hen underfoot. It’s about choosing what matters and letting go of what doesn’t. That might mean fewer possessions, but it often leads to more fulfillment.

The study found that those who embrace simplicity tend to be more involved in their communities—sharing tools, tending gardens, helping neighbors. That kind of life fosters what psychologists call “eudaimonic wellbeing”—a sense of purpose and growth that goes beyond pleasure.

I see it here on our small family farm. The satisfaction of gathering eggs, the joy of spotting a fox kit near the woods, crows and hawks flying overhead, the rhythm of mowing and mending. These aren’t glamorous tasks, but they’re grounding. They connect me to the land, to the seasons, and to something older than any trend.

In my last blog, I stated that Faulkner once wrote about the “soft luminous quality” of August light in Mississippi. That same light seems to shine on those who choose simplicity—not because it’s easy, but because it’s real.

In a world that often equates success with accumulation, choosing a simpler life is a quiet rebellion. It’s a way of saying: I have enough. I am enough. And I’d rather spend my time living than chasing.

Until next time, John

False Fall, Faulkner, and a GardenTomato Pie

2025-08-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

William Faulkner - Copilot Illus.

A Country Journal with John Helms

Most mornings begin with coffee by the pool. That’s where I read, sip, and sketch out the day’s plans while the sun climbs over the treetops and the hens begin their chattering conversations. It’s a quiet ritual, and one I’ve come to cherish. The pool water is swirling gently, the breeze is soft, and the day hasn’t yet asked much of me.

But the chores don’t wait long.

I was welcomed by a dragonfly
when I ventured out for my
morning coffee today.

The lawn and grounds never stops asking for attention. This week I’ve mowed the lawn, built and prepped the new herb garden just outside the kitchen door, and laid fifteen bales of pine straw around the house borders and beds. The pool gets its daily tending too—it’s where we spend a couple of hours most afternoons, soaking in the stillness and the sound of cicadas.

The chicken run got a refresh—new pine shavings for the girls' laying boxes, who continue to lay with remarkable consistency. Our flock is smaller than it was just a few weeks ago, but we’re still gathering 8 to 10 eggs a day. That’s plenty for us, with enough to share with family and friends. There’s something deeply satisfying about that rhythm—hens laying, eggs gathered, breakfast made.

A tiny fence lizzard hunts
for insects on the tarp
covering pinestraw.

While mowing near the edge of the woods this week, I nearly disturbed a fox’s den. I caught sight of a couple of young kits, barely bigger than a squirrel, tumbling in the shade. I backed off, hoping they’ll stay and grow into guardians of the forest. We’ve also spotted a doe with a new fawn, bucking and bounding through the underbrush like a wind-blown leaf.

False Fall

And now, Mississippi is teasing us with what we call “false fall.” If you’re not from around here, let me explain: every August, we get a few days of cool nights and gentler days, when the humidity lifts and the air feels like it’s been borrowed from October. It’s a brief reprieve, a whisper of autumn before summer tightens its grip again.

William Faulkner captured it perfectly in Light in August:

“…in August in Mississippi there’s a few days somewhere about the middle of the month when suddenly there’s a foretaste of fall, it’s cool, there’s a lambence, a soft a luminous quality to the light, as though it came not from just today but from back in the old classic times. It might have fauns and satyrs and the gods and—from Greece, from Olympus in it somewhere. It lasts just for a day or two, then it’s gone…”

Faulkner's statue welcomes
visitors to Oxford, where he
once sat contemplatively.

Faulkner’s words linger like the light he describes—soft, haunting, and true. I first read him in high school, then again in college, both times as required reading. It wasn’t until later, with more years and more miles behind me, that I began to appreciate the art in his tangled prose. I am currently buying his books and reading them now with my new understanding of his time on this planet.

His writing style is famously intricate—baroque, dense, emotionally charged. He favored long, winding sentences that feel like a walk through thick woods, each phrase layered with memory and meaning. His stories don’t unfold in straight lines; they circle, stagger, wind and sometimes collapse under the weight of their own truth. He understood that life isn’t tidy, and neither are the stories worth telling.

Faulkner himself was a Southern eccentric—quiet, proud, partial to bourbon, and prone to speaking in riddles. He once said, “The writer’s only responsibility is to his art,” and he lived that creed with stubborn grace. His satire was subtle but sharp, exposing the contradictions of the Old South without romanticizing them. He wrote about decay, injustice, and the slow erosion of tradition with a kind of mournful irony that still resonates.

In a world that’s always changing, Faulkner stood firm in the mud —watching, listening, writing. His work reminds us that progress and memory often pull in opposite directions, and that truth is rarely simple.

Back to the Farm

Poke berries - beautiful but poisonous.

Late summer, early blooming
fall iron weed.

Our Massey Ferguson tractor has been out of commission for weeks—a leaking seal sent it off to the mechanic, and I’m hoping it returns soon. Without it, the list of undone chores grows longer by the day. The pasture where our horse grazes is overgrown and needs clipping before winter. I’ve got old bridge timbers to move up to the garden area, where they’ll serve as the foundation for a greenhouse that needs to be completed before our first frost, which is usually around the second week of November. There’s an old barn to tear down and a new seller barn to finish. And the half-mile stretch of driveway? It’s looking more wild than civilized these days.

But we press on. That’s the rhythm of country life—plans made over coffee, chores tackled one by one, and stories gathered along the way.

A Recipe to Share: Garden Tomato Pie

There’s something about late August that begs for tomatoes. They’re heavy on the vine, sun-warmed and bursting with flavor—too ripe to ignore, too good to waste. Around here, we slice them thick, salt them generously, and let them speak for themselves. But when I’ve got a few extras and the weather’s teasing us with cooler evenings, I like to make a garden tomato pie.

This dish is simple, hearty, and tastes like summer winding down. It’s good warm or cold, and it pairs well with a porch swing and a glass of sweet tea.

Ingredients

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
4–5 large ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (or a mix of basil and parsley)
1/2 cup thinly sliced onions
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for kick

Instructions

Lay the tomato slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently blot them dry.
In the pre-baked pie shell, layer the tomato slices, chopped herbs, and sliced onions.
Mix the cheddar, mozzarella, and mayonnaise. Add pepper and any optional hot sauce. Spread this mixture over the top of the pie.
Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Even better the next day.

This pie is a celebration of what’s still growing and what’s about to fade. It’s a good dish for sharing—whether with family, neighbors, or just the quiet company of a good book.

Note: A close friend of mine shared a delicious recipe for his tomato pie with me. Since then, he passed away far too early, our home burned to the ground, and his recipe was part of our loss. This recipe, pulled from my memory, is my take on his recipe.

Photos by John Helms

Late Summer on the Farm

2025-08-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

By John Helms | A Country Journal

A local fishing hole--Simpson Lake
...a great place to sit in the shade and fish.

It’s August in Mississippi, and as a foreign visitor once told me when I introduced her and her husband to a warm summer breeze one evening on the beach on the Mississippi coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the breeze that blows in from the Gulf “feels like warm velvet on your skin.” Those of us who live here are not as polite as she was that evening. The heat and humidity envelop you like a damp woolen blanket this time of year. The mornings start slow, with dew on the grass and a chorus of crickets still lingering from the night. They are followed by the cheerful whistles of the Robin and later joined by Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves and Sparrows. By midday, the sun presses down hard, and everything—plants, animals, people—moves a little slower. Down here, we all look forward to those few days William Faulkner wrote about in his novel “Light in August” that foretell the changing weather. He famously commented on the specific feel of August in Mississippi when he told of a unique quality of light rather than explicitly cooler days. He noted that in the middle of August in Mississippi, there are a few days with a "foretaste of fall" where the air becomes "cool," and the light takes on a "lambence, a soft, a luminous quality" as if it were from "the old classic times.”

The hens are holding steady. We’re down to ten now, thanks to a few raccoons who outsmarted my early coop design. I’ve reinforced the latches and added motion lights, but I still check the pen every evening like clockwork. They’re good birds—resilient, vocal, and still laying enough eggs to keep us in breakfast.

The garden’s pushing through the heat. Okra’s thriving, tomatoes are hanging on, and the peppers seem to enjoy the challenge. I’ve been working on a small greenhouse, piece by piece, hoping to extend the growing season once the cooler air arrives, but the heat is slowing progress on that project.

This time of year always feels like a turning point. The heat is still here, but the light is changing. The days are just a little shorter. The cicadas are louder. And the land seems to be whispering that fall isn’t far off, though we know it is at least six weeks away. There is no groundhog to predict the arrival of fall in the south; we just have to anxiously wait for the first day when the weather is right for us to shake the dust off our flannel shirts and slip them on for the cool days ahead.

Thanks for stopping by, friend. I’ll be back soon with more from the coop, the garden, and the porch swing.

Welcome Back to A Country Journal with John Helms

2025-08-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

By John Helms | Florence, Mississippi

Morning sun breaking through the darkness
with her early brilliance

Well, friend, it’s been a while, and it is a new day.

If you’ve wandered back to this little corner of the internet, I’m mighty glad you did. And if you’re new here—pull up a chair, pour yourself something warm, and let me tell you what this place is all about.

This is A Country Journal with John Helms, a space where I share stories from the land, reflections from the porch, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from chasing chickens in your retirement years.

After a long career in marketing and business research, I traded boardrooms for barn doors. My wife and I have lived on this patch of Mississippi soil for over twenty years, but it’s only in the last three that we’ve truly leaned into the rhythm of a retirement farm. The kind where the tomatoes are stubborn, the hens are opinionated, and the weather has more personality than half the folks I used to work with.

We started with twenty-four hens. Thanks to a few clever raccoons, we’re down to ten. The survivors are tough, vocal, and still generous with their eggs—when they feel like it. The vegetable garden is growing, slowly but surely, and I’m building a small greenhouse to stretch the seasons a bit. We recently invested in a bigger tractor and the kind of equipment that turns good intentions into real progress.

This blog will be a Periodic dispatch from the farm—part journal, part photo album, part philosophical ramble. You’ll find:

🐓 Henhouse Happenings – Tales from the coop, predator patrols, and chicken drama
🌱 Garden Notes – Seasonal tips and soil reflections from a veteran grower
📸 Behind the Lens – Stories behind the photos I take, and the ones I miss
🪑 Porch Swing Philosophy – Musings on life, weather, and the quiet beauty of country living
🌍 World Meets Farm – How national and global events ripple through our little corner of Mississippi

I am also planning to launch a podcast under the same name—A Country Journal with John Helms—where I’ll share these stories in my own voice, southern U.S. accent and all. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live by the rhythm of the land while still holding on to many of the luxuries of modern life, or just want to hear a good story with a little dust on it, I hope you’ll tune in.

So here we go. A fresh start, a new season, and plenty of stories to tell.

Thanks for stopping by, friend. Let’s see what the land has been telling me recently.

Let's look into the future by seeing what our local weatherman is saying

Central Mississippi Weather Forecast: August 15–21, 2025

This delicate Ceastrina Neglecta
(or at least that is what Google says she is)
decided to visit me in the shade as I
spent a little time outdoors reading.

Expect a classic late-summer stretch: hot, humid, and peppered with passing showers. For those of us who live here in the heat of summer, you don't really need a weatherman for daily weather because almost every day this time of year is hot, humid, with a chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms. It is when the weather decides to bring us extraordinary or severe weather, such as the threat of an approaching hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, a band of tornadic weather heads our way out of the western skies, that we truly need their assistance. As I write this, the sun has just risen, and the temperature is 71 degrees, and rising with the sun.

After that little statement about our weather dependability, here is the forecast for the week ahead:

Friday (Aug 15): High of 92°F with light rain showers likely in the afternoon. Humidity near 96%.
Saturday (Aug 16): Mostly sunny and steamy—high of 96°F. Slight chance of evening rain.
Sunday (Aug 17): A brief shower is possible, with highs near 98°F.
Monday–Wednesday (Aug 18–20): Continued heat with highs in the mid-90s. Scattered light rain showers each day.
Thursday (Aug 21): Slight cooldown to 91°F, but rain chances increase to 52% by evening.

Evenings will stay warm, with lows hovering around 73–75°F. The air will be thick, so keep an eye on your garden’s water needs and make sure the hens have shade and fresh water. And with tropical moisture stirring in the Gulf, it’s a good week to double-check storm prep.

That is about it for today. Next time, I will tell you about the raccoons that have been wreaking havoc on our flock of hens.

Watch for upcoming editions of A Country Journal with John Helms

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No Monopoly On This Concept

2025-03-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

With all the strife and discord we are seeing worldwide and with much of it now being focused on the United States, I thought it would be a good time to do a little study on the concept of “love your neighbor.”

One doesn’t have to look far to find Judeo-Christian beliefs on this front. In the Old Testament and the Torah (Leviticus 19:18) says one should “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This teaching is central to Jewish ethics and calls for treating others with respect, kindness, and fairness. The New Testament says, “love thy neighbor as thyself.” This can be found in Matthew (22;39), Mark (12:31) and Luke (10:27). These teachings emphasize the importance of loving others with the same care and consideration that we have for ourselves.

No one holds a monopoly on this concept.

In the New Testament Jesus’ teachings about the term “neighbor” go beyond the literal meaning of someone living next door, or nearby. Jesus used the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to exemplify that your neighbor includes anyone in need of help regardless of their nationality, race or social status.

This concept goes far beyond 2.9 billion Christians and 15 Million Jews throughout the world. In fact, the major religions in the world all have similar concepts in their beliefs.

In Islam, its 2.8 billion devotees embrace the concept that loving and helping others is highly emphasized. Muhammad said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” encouraging Muslims to treat others with generosity, kindness, and compassion.

In Hinduism, the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) includes refraining from causing harm but also promoting love and compassion towards all living beings. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of selflessness and caring for all others. This is reflected in the following examples of some of the many choices the religion supports:

Many Hindus adopt vegetarianism, avoiding harm to animals.
Emphasizing dialogue and non-violent solutions in personal and social conflicts.
Respecting nature and living sustainably, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.
Practicing kindness, patience, and understanding in daily interactions.

Other religions have similar beliefs in their base beliefs:

Confucianism emphasizes the importance of ren (benevolence or humaneness) which involves showing kindness, respect, and empathy towards others which leads to harmonious and just societies.
Sikhism teaches seva (selfless service) and sarbat da bhala encourages its followers to help and support others, regardless of their background, and to always work for the common good.
Buddhism embraces and teaches the concept of metta (loving-kindness) by encompassing unconditional love and compassion for all. They try to develop feelings of goodwill and kindness toward others through meditation. The Dalai Lama said "Our world and our lives have become increasingly interdependent, so when our neighbor is harmed, it affects us too. Therefore we have to abandon outdated notions of 'them' and 'us' and think of our world much more in terms of a great 'US', a greater human family."
Native Americans often emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of living in harmony with others in a natural world. This concept is expressed differently by many of the nations, tribes and cultures but the key points are the same. These beliefs go the extra mile and can be summarized in the phrase “all things are relative” encouraging respect, compassion, and care for all people, animals, plants, and the earth itself. In many ways, the beliefs of Native Americans encompass the beliefs of many religions.

We all base our beliefs on similar concepts but in a time when the world needs understanding, compassion, love, and tolerance, we are woefully short of those commodities. We are watching as nations pull farther and farther apart in strong nationalistic drives worldwide. We have forgotten who our neighbor is. Our neighbor is everyone. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me” is a quote from the Bible, Matthew 25:40. All of these beliefs share common ideals and could act as a catalyst for a better understanding of those who are different in so many ways but alike in many more. We need to stop using religion as a divider of people and embrace our common beliefs. Shouldn’t governments strive for the same ideals? Of course, our own countries should be our major concern but is it right to think that because people are different, or that they have different customs and cultural mores, those could and should be encompassed in the melting pot that once the United States but now because of the availability of global travel is not global itself. Love your neighbor does not tell us to love your neighbor when they are like you. No, it stops there. Love your neighbor.

Absolutely. "Love your neighbor" is such a powerful and universal message. It reminds us to act with kindness, empathy, and compassion towards those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs. It’s a principle that can truly make the world a better place, one small act of love at a time. Look for the similarities between you and others and you will find, on that common ground, the impetus for what is being written here.

We could adopt a global culture; one that is not exclusive, one that is inclusive. This would be a culture that recognizes the differences as assets as they have been for hundreds of years. This new global culture would not push others’ beliefs on anyone. It would however expose others to the very reason so many people love to and long to travel. We travel to expose ourselves to the differences far away places hold for us. You know, a country doesn’t have to change or adopt these cultures, but it should enjoy the heterogeneity this exposure brings with it.

While this post is not about immigration, it seems to me that the anti-immigration mindset embraced by many in our country at this time is a reflection of how we as a country have lost the ideal outlined in so many religions and beliefs to love our neighbor. This spills over to our everyday lives. We are less compassionate for some than others. We turn our head at wrong when we know right, looking the other way when we should be reaching out a hand to those in need or even to those who desire to better their own lives and the lives of their children. They hold in their hearts a burning desire to make themselves and their families a better home in a more stable place.

Even though this is not the theme of this post, I thought it might be good to provide a little background on its history in the United States. Immigration to the United States has evolved significantly since the 18th century. Initially, the country welcomed immigrants with an open-border policy, attracting settlers from Europe seeking economic opportunities and religious freedom. The 19th century saw waves of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of Europe, driven by factors like famine and political unrest. The late 19th and early 20th centuries introduced more restrictive immigration policies, including the Chinese Exclusion Act and quotas limiting immigrants from certain regions.

Working toward compromise is a dying art.

In the mid-20th century, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished quotas based on nationality, leading to increased immigration from Asia and Latin America. Recent decades have seen debates over immigration policy, focusing on issues like illegal immigration, border security, and the status of undocumented immigrants. Today, the U.S. remains a heterogeneous nation, often referred to as a "melting pot," as it uniquely blends cultures, traditions, and languages from around the world. This rich tapestry of influences has shaped a culture unlike any other, making the United States a microcosm of global distinctiveness.

Often, it took time, but every major nationality or group that came to our shores has been folded into this amalgamation we call the United States. Those making our laws in Washington, DC are proof of that fact. With this in mind, what has happened to the time when those men and women in D.C. could stand strongly for what they believe, and remain open and amenable to compromise? Now there is no room for compromise or a penchant for negotiation on which to meet on common ground. It reminds me of children arguing over the rules of a long-standing game. They are trying to change the rules as they play even though they and those who served before them have played by those rules for almost 250 years.

...finding common ground.

I know I have gone down a rabbit hole and it looks like I have strayed from my original topic, but I have not. It all comes back to no one holds a monopoly on this concept of love your neighbor. No, you should respect everyone for they are your neighbor. When man searches for common ground, he can find it and, when there is respect for others, that common ground can be the basis for the understanding we all need to build a community and enjoy more harmony and accord with one another.

…until next time.

Do you read a lot? Here is a hint for you.

2025-02-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

Thriftbooks is a great source for the avid reader.

It doesn't matter if you are looking for a first edition, a signed copy, hard copy, or paperack. You can be searching for collectibles, a book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, or maybe one to accompany you on your next trip on a plane or a train. Thriftbooks can become your go to source for good reading material, old and new.

My wife and my sister found Thriftbooks before I did. (Neither of them bothered to clue me in to this fabulous book seller and I am still upset it took me so long to find it.) A few months ago, when an ad popped up on a page I was browsing on on the internet, I clicked it. It didn't take long for me to decide to give Thriftbooks a try. I haven't looked back. In the past few months I have purchased dozens of books; everything from 1970s spy novels, Faulkner, Hemingway, J. D. Salinger, to recent New York Times Bestsellers. I have purchased books on raising chickens, gardening, history, classics, popular novels, on almost any subject you want or desire. It needs go be mentioned that on thriftbooks you can find titlers you may not be able to find at other book sellers or merchant websites.

Get to know the Constitution.
https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/full-text

Look, if you are an avid reader like me, I seldom sit down without a book in my hand, and this website is now my main source for books. I buy mostly used books in excellent condition but occasionally by some that aren't, but I have never gotten a book in bad condition and I get a lot of books. If you are looking for a book, almost any book even those that have been banned by some sources, give them a try.

Let me know what you think about Thriftbooks. My theory is one can never have too many books. https://www.thriftbooks.com/

No one paid me or even requested I mention Thriftbooks. This is completely unsolicited. I simply believe it is a great source for great reads and I think a lot of you will think so, too.

...until next time and remember:

Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The United States Constitution.

Shifted Gears a Little Today

2025-02-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Mock Interviews

Last week, I was asked to conduct a series of mock interviews for graduating high school seniors in Indiana. I was a last-minute substitute for an interviewer who suddenly had a conflict. I received all the information about the mock company, the position for which they were interviewing, and a series of questions I could use as a starting point to prepare for interviews that took place the next morning. The interviews were to be conducted virtually, and although I had a scheduling conflict, I agreed to conduct them from the airport where I would be waiting

I set up a makeshift "office" in a waiting area at the airport, complete with my Mac, iPhone, and the materials I had pulled together the previous afternoon. These were intended to be short interviews designed to make the students more comfortable with and acustomed to the process. Two of the three students I interviewed had previous interview experience, one of whom has held a job for two years and was already familiar with the process.

I won't go into much detail except to say that I tried my best to make the interviews as realistic as possible. I told them not to be nervous. Interviews, if conducted properly, are not a test. Rather, they are questions intended to provide the interviewer with insight into who you are and the assets you bring to a job. I emphasized that there were no wrong answers to the questions I was going to ask, so they could relax and help me get to know them.

As I mentioned, I interviewed three young people virtually: two young ladies and a young man. I don't know whetehr they were average or above average, but I can tell you that each of them displayed characteristics that made them highly employable. All three handled themselves professionally and were very respectful to me as the interviewer. When you see traits like these, you know they have been influenced by positive elements in their lives.

Illustration created in Microsoft Copilot

Throughout my career, I have conducted hundreds of job interviews and have been part of good, bad, and indifferent interviews. These young folks from Indiana knocked it out of the park. They were three different personality types, but it was clear that each had been taught well on how to conduct themselves in a business situation. One was very comfortable with the process; she answered my questions and was able to adjust her responses to align with the direction of the conversation. She interpreted the questions thoughtfully and provided succinct answers. Another interviewee had never been through an interview before. She was noticeably nervous but quickly composed herself and performed very well. She provided answers that fully addressed the questions I asked.

I share all of this to highlight that parents, teachers, and others who come into the lives of our young people influence them immensely. Mentoring doesn't stop there with any one of these influences. We—you and I—should take up that mantle and provide today's young people with role models they can look up to kand aspire to emulate. It is up to each of us to do our part in providing good direction for them. Being a positive role model for the youth is essential. By demonstrating respect, compassion, and providing clear direction and guidance, we can help young people develop into strong, successful adults who contribute positively to society. Through our actions and attitudes, we have the power to inspire and shape the next generation.

...just writing a few lines about what is on my mind today.

This Is a Crazy. Mixed-up Blog

2025-01-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

It is all about living in the country, and by country I mean rural America.

Rural America. That covers a lot of ground and our little share of rural America is in the deep south. I write today about some of the things we, down here, talk to each other about daily life and goings on. This is definitely not a "how to" on being country or living in a rural area. I could go into great detail about that subject, but I won't. As I write, I don't intend for this to be a lengthy post, just some ramblings about things I have seen and done in the past few days. After all, that is what we talk to our family, our neighbors, and our friends about every day.

It is important to remember the weather dictates what we do and when we do it to take care of our outdoor animals. If it is hot we make preparations for our animals to endure the heat. If it is cold we try to keep them comfortable, dry, and provide them with shelter that keeps that in mind. It has been colder than a witch's tit the past few days so we have had to do extra work to keep them safe and warm. I guess it isn't really extra work when it is a labor of love.

A winter storm blew down from the north early in the week and snow fell as far south as Florida. The cold enveloped an area from the midwest down to central Florida. We didn't get snow where we live like the folks south of us did, but we did get temperatures in the lower teens (F) with chill factors in the single digits in the early morning hours a couple of mornings. We simply are not accustomed to temperatures that cold even in January and February which are traditionally our coldest months. What does this mean for us who have livestock of that stay outdoors? It means you have to first keep their water from freezing. You have to keep them as dry and warm as you can, and you try to adjust their feed whenever possible to keep them strong and healthy.
The four-legged livestock requires a good deal of water so we have to keep their trough free of ice and filled so they have plenty to drink throughout the cold weather. That means venturing out in the cold a couple of times a day to clear the trough of ice and fill it so they won't run out of water. While I do this I provide them with more hay than usual so they will stay in the barn and out of the wind in the coldest hours of the day and night. You have to be particularly careful feeding horses at any time because they don't adjust quickly to changes in their feed. The additional hay we feed does not present a problem but if we provide them with a sudden increase in grain and protein they could become very ill with gastro-intestinal distress and possibly die. Again, we have to be very careful with them.

Some our chicks dining on pumpkin.

Now for our little dinosaurs, our chickens. They are very cold-tolerant but again we take special precautions with their care during extreme cold weather. Like all livestock, we keep their water clear of ice and make sure they have plenty of it when it is cold. We provide them with shelter all year, but in the winter we have to be certain their surroundings are dry and free of draft. Their roosts are in places free of draft and adequate for the number of chickens we have in our flock. We increase their feed when it is cold so they are able keep themselves warm from the inside by being fat and healthy.

When the temperature in our area is forecast to go below 20 degrees F I install infrared heat lamps to keep them warm. Now that the worst of that cold snap has passed my measure for success with our chickens is how they are laying both through and after the cold. I am happy to say they have performed well, keeping their average production about the same or maybe a little higher than before the snap. They are all still healthy and full of energy. By measuring their success, I can give us, as their stewards, a passing grade and say that we have been successful as well.

A young female cardinal flew into the glass of

our window. It was unconscious when

I found it, and I rubbed it and got it war and

within thirty minutes it flew away.

Now, we don't stop with the domestic animals. We also love the natural creatures that live around us all year. We have rabbits, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, deer, coyotes, foxes, turkeys, and all the birds that either live here all year, migrate quickly through on their way south, or migrate here for the winter to get out of the cold farther north. There is not much I can do for most of those. The majority of the wild creatures are on their own. With the forest growing around us they have abundant food, water, and shelter to survive the winter comfortably. However, the birds are different. We provide them with food, a lot of food, for the winter and keep feeding them through the other seasons.

This time of year we stay busy around here. We have a warm house and want all the animals we look after to be as comfortable as we are. We see ourselves as good stewards to them, that is, if they think of things like that.

Our job is to take care of those around us as we would want to be taken care of if we were in their position.

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Jack Daniels Creates an Uproar Among Its Customers

2025-01-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

Jack Daniels has the audacity to change its product packaging without first consulting its consumers.

With all the political upheaval in the world, things like a changing climate adding to unpredictable weather like snowfalls on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, blizzard conditions in Louisiana, extremely dry windy weather adding to the fires in California, lack of snowfall in the Rocky Mountains causing hardships to the skiing industry, multiple year droughts killing millions of pine trees in the south and adding to the spread of the destructive pine borer beetle devastating the timber industry for years to come, it appears most people don’t care about these minor things. It seems they are paying little attention to what is going on around them.

Add to this numerous border disputes and national boundaries in question are causing wars and strife around the globe. Again it seems people don’t care about these things. But there are some things worth raising the ire of the masses and here is one of those things work getting upset about: Jack Daniels has changed their bottle, and people are up in arms about it. I am not a Jack Daniels drinker, but maybe I should be so I could have that unyielding loyalty the brand’s imbibers possess.

Jim Beam is why I don't have a
horse in this race.

Americans have so many things to worry about, and for that reason, I am extremely pleased Jack Daniels recently made changes to its traditional packaging to take its customers’ minds off other potentially detrimental issues in the world. You know, I really don’t have a horse in this race but anything to change the subject from the major events of the day is newsworthy in my humble opinion. Border disputes and national boundaries in question are causing wars and strife around the globe.

It seems people don’t care about these things, but here is something to be upset about: Jack Daniels has changed their bottle, and people are up in arms about it. I am not a Jack Daniels drinker, but maybe I should be so I could have that unyielding loyalty the brand’s imbibers possess.

How dare a company make changes to something that absolutely has no effect on the product they are selling. This is an important development affecting millions of people in the US and globally for that matter. There is political upheaval in Washington, DC like no one has ever seen. At least 50 percent of the voters in America are optimistically hoping they have made the right decision while the other 50 percent are praying the nation can make it through the next four years with an enduring democratic republic intact.

To complicate our whole thought process and give us a little more to worry about, we are seeing a new administration's Cabinet appointees coming from what appears to be nowhere, which of course is not totally unlike every election before this one. However, in the past most appointees have had some experience at the national level. This time, unlike most elections, those being appointed are complete unknowns to most of those they will be serving with no apparent experience in public service or in some cases the fundemental basics of their appointed position. As a result gloom and doom are present on both sides of the aisle. But wait, we don't need to worry about this. But wait, that is not the important thing I am discussing here. It is important that we take a stand for or against Jack Daniels' right to change its bottle without asking permission from its customers.

Jack Daniels has made changes to their bottle and people we just can't let that stand.

To my knowledge there were no surveys, polls, or focus groups conducted by JD to help them decide the fate of their company and we all know this decision will determine its fate. How dare they mess with their own product. Who do they thinjk they are. It just doesn't matter that what is inside of the bottle remains unchanged the status quo has been breached and you dedicated Jack Daniels drinkers need to rise up and over throw the man. What gives them the right to change something that has worked for so many decades? Who do that think they are? It is not like they will make the ultimate decision and get the final vote.
No, to the contrary. That final vote comes at the cash register. I think everyone should join in the ruckus and speak up for what you believe in. Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear you. Write letters to the management, talk to the managers of the store where you buy JD, stand on the street corner with a sign. Make your voice heard. This is your chance to stand for something that really matters, something you really believe in.
With so many things to worry about, I am really pleased JD made changes to take its customers’ minds off other potentially detrimental things. You know, I really don’t have a horse in this race, but anything to change the subject from the major events of the day is newsworthy in my humble opinion.

Forget about all of that other mundane trivial stuff that is effecting the world. It is time to stand up for something that matters.

Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own. Jonathan Swift

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A Solitary Sunday Stroll

2025-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. It was a bright yet chilly January morning, typical for the season. I found myself yearning for solitude, the kind that only a long walk down a country lane could provide.

As I stepped onto the path, the crunch of frost underfoot mingled with the soft rustling of pine needles swaying in the light breeze. The lane, framed by towering pine trees and small open meadows, seemed to welcome me into its embrace. My hands were snug in my pockets, while a wool cap shielded me from the cold bite of the air.

The tranquility was interrupted only by nature's whispers. Deer delicately nibbled on the sparse winter grasses, moving gracefully between the shadows. Squirrels busily darted up and down the few oak trees scattered in the pine forest, searching for the last remnants of autumn's bounty, while winter birds chirped and called from their perches. Above, a pair of hawks called out to each other, their cries echoing through the crisp air as they soared gracefully overhead searching for their next meal. (illustrations created in Microsoft Copilot)

My thoughts turned inward, reflecting on how nature provides a sanctuary for spirituality and adoration of our creator. Here on this peaceful walk, I found a different kind of sanctuary. The simplicity of nature, its purity and unwavering presence, brought me closer to him and his creations.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of pine and the crisp, clean air. This walk, with its serene surroundings and honest wildlife, felt like a prayer, a meditation, a direct line of communication with God. My footsteps became a rhythm, a heartbeat, syncing with the Earth's pulse.

My wool cap warmed me but it was the quiet reflection and bond with nature that truly comforted me. As I wandered down the lane, I realized that faith could be found in the simple, unadulterated beauty of moments like these. The pine trees, the meadows, the creatures—they all spoke of a creator far greater than any human construct could capture. This place in nature is my cathedral, the colors of the changing seasons replaced the stained glass and the filtered sunlight shimmering through the branches like candles on the altar comforted my soul.

With each step, my heart grew lighter, my mind clearer. I found a spot off the beaten path and stopped for a moment of silence that turned into prayer and thanks. Though organized religion comforts the souls of many, I find my time in the woods with nature does it for me. This walk reminded me that spirituality could be simple, profound, and deeply personal. And so, I bowed my head in prayer and then continued my solitary stroll, grateful for the peace and clarity it brought to my soul.

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2025-01-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Timeless Value of Trust: Reclaiming Integrity in Modern Society

"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair." - Unknown

In an age where rapid technological advancements and instant communication dominate our lives, the age-old values of integrity and trust seem to be quietly fading into the background. Trust, a cornerstone of human relationships, has historically been the most valuable commodity a person could control. Today, the simplicity of a handshake deal has been largely replaced by convoluted legal documentation, often a necessity in a world where dishonesty has become more prevalent. This article aims to explore how trust and integrity have evolved over time, the value of a person's word and reputation, the erosion of trust in society, and why it is crucial to strive for a return to these fundamental values.

A simple handshake was a contract.

The Value of a Person's Word

Historically, a person's word was their bond. In ancient societies, a promise made was as binding as any written contract. This principle was upheld by the honor and integrity of individuals who valued their reputation. For example, in many traditional communities, oral agreements were sacred, and a breach of trust carried severe social consequences. Albert Einstein said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” Maintaining one's word was not only a personal ethic but also a social necessity that built strong, cohesive communities.

In today's world, while the significance of one's word may seem diminished, it remains a powerful tool for building relationships and earning respect. According to Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," "Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships." This principle applies to personal and professional relationships alike, underscoring the timeless relevance of a person's word.

Business Deals and Handshakes

There was a time when business deals were sealed with nothing more than a handshake.This gesture was a symbol of mutual trust and respect, embodying the belief that both parties would honor their commitment. However, as societies grew larger and more complex, the need for documented
agreements became apparent. Legal contracts emerged to provide a framework for accountability and to protect against dishonest participants.

Contracts discounted trusted word.

Despite the prevalence of legal documentation, the value of a handshake deal persists in certain circles. Business leaders who adhere to this principle often find that it fosters stronger partnerships and a greater sense of loyalty. Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is known for making handshake deals that reflect his trust in the integrity of his business associates. Buffett himself has said, "I look for three things in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they don't have the last one, don't even bother with the first two."

Reputation as Valuable Wealth

A person's reputation has always been a form of wealth. Unlike material possessions, reputation is earned through consistent actions and behavior over time. According to Plato, “You should not honor men more than their truth.” It is an intangible asset that can open doors and create opportunities or, conversely, close them. In many cultures, maintaining a good name is paramount. For instance, in Japanese culture, the concept of "meiyo" (reputation) is deeply ingrained, and a tarnished reputation can have significant social and professional repercussions.

In the modern world, character continues to play a critical role in personal and professional success. With the rise of social media and online presence, maintaining a positive reputation has become even more challenging. A single misstep can quickly spread and damage one's standing. This reality underscores the importance of integrity. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, "It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it."

The Erosion of Trust in Society

In contemporary society, the erosion of trust is evident in various aspects of life, from politics and business to personal relationships. Scandals, corruption, and dishonesty have made people more skeptical and cautious. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, a global survey that measures public trust in institutions, trust levels have been declining steadily in recent years. This trend is alarming, given the critical role that trust plays in fostering cooperation, innovation, and social cohesion.

The implications of this erosion are far-reaching. When trust diminishes, relationships suffer, organizations face more significant challenges, and societal progress slows. The lack of trust can lead to increased regulation and oversight, creating a bureaucratic environment that stifles creativity and growth. In personal relationships, the absence of trust can result in insecurity, conflict, and the eventual breakdown of bonds.

Returning to Core Values

To counteract the decline of trust, it is essential to return to core values that emphasize integrity, honesty, and respect. This shift requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and institutions. Initiatives that promote ethical behavior and transparency can help rebuild trust. For instance, companies that prioritize corporate social responsibility and ethical practices often earn the trust and loyalty of consumers and employees alike.

On a personal level, individuals can strive to embody the values they wish to see in society. Leading by example and holding oneself accountable are powerful ways to inspire others to do the same. As Albert Schweitzer once said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." By fostering a culture of trust, we can create a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Trust remains a fundamental aspect of human relationships and society. The value of a person's word, the integrity behind business deals, and the importance of reputation are as relevant today as they were in the past. While the erosion of trust poses significant challenges, it also presents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these core values. By striving to return to a culture of integrity and trust, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. As the great philosopher Socrates once said, "The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear."

In contemporary society, the significance of trust cannot be overstated. With this in mind, envisioning a trust rating system, akin to the existing credit rating system, could revolutionize how we value and maintain trust. This hypothetical "Trust Score" would measure the balance between promises made and promises kept across various sectors, including politics, business, professional services, religious institutions, and personal relationships. For instance, politicians could be rated on their campaign promises versus their actions in office, while business leaders might be evaluated on their adherence to corporate social responsibility pledges. Such a system would hold individuals accountable, fostering a culture of integrity and reliability. Essentially, a high Trust Score would become a badge of honor, signifying an individual or entity's commitment to honesty, transparency, and follow-through. By quantifying trust in this manner, we could significantly enhance accountability and trustworthiness in our everyday lives.

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Reaching Out...But Not Touching Hands

2020-03-23T16:35:00.004-07:00

Never a Dull Moment in the Home Office

It has been a mix of sun and rain here today. The weather has been very seasonal and it is easy to forget about all that is going on around our country and the globe. Here in rural America, it is not so different than anywhere else. People are adjusting to the new and temporary norm of social distancing and working remotely.

Skinks by B-Beatty as it appeared on https://rangerrick.org/ranger_rick/skinks/

I was at work in my home office before daylight this morning and as the sun rose and the shadows in the woods behind my house began to lighten, I glanced out just in time to see a flying squirrel soar from one giant oak tree to another. Later as the sun warmed the brick window ledge outside my office I watched two skinks in what appeared to be a mating ritual. The stripes on the male's back disappeared and his head and neck turned bright and bold orange. They danced around each other as only skinks can do, but alas he was distracted by something else and left abruptly. So, they did not consummate the deal. He was gone and she lay or stood there, with skinks you really can't tell. And as only a skink can do, looking sort of mad but not disappointed she snacked on a small grasshopper that made the mistake of landing near her.

Neil Diamond, Serenaded Us with a Special COVID 19 Version of "Sweet Caroline"

Yesterday I was searching around the web for some good news to report on my blog and I ran across this and wanted to share it with you. Neil Diamond serenaded us to lift our spirit with a twist on one of his all-time best selling hits Sweet Caroline. Click on the link below to see and hear Neil sing his song just for you.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1241584423927074818

This type of loyalty to his fans is exemplary of the many things that continue to make Neil Diamond one of the most loved entertainers of our time. But I must admit his wonderful bass-baritone voice hasn't hurt in that aspect either.

Thank you Mr.Diamond for sharing your gift with us.

Here are Some Links You Might Enjoy If You are Looking to Break Away from the Normal News Cycle

There are hundreds if not thousands of places to look for entertaining magazines, newspapers and periodicals online. Take your time and search around the internet and find some that suit your way of life and interests. When you find them send me the links and I will share them with my readers.

Below you will find a few that I enjoy online.

https://www.grit.com/food Grit Magazine

https://www.outdoorlife.com/ Outdoor Life

https://www.trailgroove.com/
Trailgroove Online Magazine- this is one of my favorites.

https://www.aba.org/magazine/ American Birding Association

Until next time...enjoy your life every day!

The Country is A Great Place to Be

2020-03-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

There Are Other Coronas Like Better

COVID-19

It has been a long time since I awoke early every morning to dash to the news and check the world situation. This is not to say that I am not normally a news junky but it is to say that I am now. Like so many others, more consumed by the goings-on in the world with the rapid spread of Covid-19 I have broken my morning routine to quickly check the news to see the progress of the Pandemic before I look at anything else...that is if you can find anything else. Because of the nature of this virus, the news is more urgent and obviously more personal than it most often is, even when the stories come from the other side of the world.

Sol

I don't know about you but I am tired of seeing the picture of the corona above (COVID -19), I would rather see one or two other types of coronas. One on the left here isn't too bad to look at.

I could dwell on all of the bad we are seeing and hearing on the news or social media but I think, for a while at least, I am going to share with you the primarily good news that I see.

Now, Some Good News

Spring Has Sprung

While we have been enjoying spring weather for several weeks here in the southern United States, the season officially rolled around on the calendar last week. We have, up until today, had absolutely beautiful weather. It has been sunny and warm with temperatures in the low 80s in the day and in the low 60s at night.

Today it is raining but the temperature is Mild and the day is off to a great start. This morning I actually awoke to the sound of a single, loud clap of thunder as a brief storm rolled across the county. I could have easily gone back to sleep except for Tip our little dog is deathly afraid of thunder. As a result, he bounded into our bed and I gathered him in my arms and took him to my office to soothe him by giving him a little company. After getting out of bed and calming him, I made some dark roast coffee and listened to the rain outside my window.

Text Message from a Friend

Last night I got a text from a friend. He is a former print journalist and a bit of curmudgeon. His text said," Who knew I had been a practitioner of social distancing, all this time I just wanted to be left alone?" That sums him up.

Charles Barkley in the News - source: goodnewsnetwork.org

Last week former NBA star and Sports Broadcaster Charles Barkley said, "I don't think I need to walk around with my gold medals or my MVP trophy for people to know I am Charles Barkley, so I am going to sell all that crap." After that he announced he is going to auction off his trophies and award medals, take the proceeds and build 20 affordable houses in his hometown of Leeds, Alabama. After admitting he didn't care much for memorabilia, he told WJOX 94.5 " I want to do something really nice for Leeds, and I could build 10-20 affordable houses. I want to go green houses, too. If I could sell all that stuff, it would just be a really cool thing."

Thank you, Charles Barkley, for being a really good human being.

Seven Feel-Good Movies: One a Day for the Upcoming Week

These are in no particular order, just the way they came to mind.

Up (2009) - This is a great movie in which a goofy little kid, an old grouch and an A.D.D. dog all form fast friendships with a common goal in an uncommon situation. This movie is sure to make you feel good. Take the time to watch it. You will feel better for it.

Big (1988) - A boy, makes a wish and he turns into Tom Hanks. Hillarious situations await as a boy's innocence somehow translates differently through a man's body and actions. Watch this and you will jump back in time with the sometimes silly plot and excellent acting of Tom Hanks.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - Jimmy Stewart tackles corrupt politics in this classic film from the golden age of Hollywood. What you have here is a movie with a lot of heart. Of course, it is. Jimmy Stewart is the star.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - Every kid's dream is answered in this movie. You will be transported back to a time when all you wanted to do was sleep late and play hooky from school. Oh, what happens to that Ferrari is a shame. (No classic cars were hurt in the filming of this movie.) Enjoy this movie over and over again.

When Harry Met Sally - This may be the best romantic comedy of our time. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are at their best. With a plot that takes two friends from their college days through the years where they find they are more than just friends. The road to this discovery is winding and hilarious. This movie was worth the admission just to see Meg Ryan "enjoying" herself in the diner. Watch this and laugh like someone is tickling you.

Groundog Day (1993) - A modern classic we have all probably watched a dozen times. Bill Murray is classic Bill Murray in this film as he plays a weatherman who just can't make it through Groundhog Day. This film is funny, touching and hopeful all at the same time. Watch it again and then watch it again. It never gets old.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) - I think this may be the ultimate feel-good movie but again, I am not ranking them. Jimmy Stewart's earthly load gets too heavy for him and he contemplates ending it all just to find out how much different the world would be if he had never existed. It's A Wonderful Life will make you feel good about the world around you while it proves to you it is not just for Christmas anymore.

Notes to Reflect on

Take some time to enjoy being with your family
Read a book.
Take time to check on your friends and family.
Enjoy a cup of tea, a cup of coffee, a glass of iced tea or for that matter any beverage of your choice, while you stay in touch with your friends via social media, text messaging, cell phone
Share funny stories.
Watch that TV series you have been wanting to watch for the past few months but haven't been able to make the time to watch.
Sit on your front or back porch and just look and listen to nature.
Listen to the birds sing
Write a note to a friend.
Write a poem.
Write a novel.
Compose a song.
Do whatever it is that makes you happy.
Slow down down your pace and enjoy being You.

Please share my blog with friends and family. http://acountryjournal.blogspot.co m

Until next time. Enjoy every day!

Too Much Rain, A Lot of Time To Think

2018-09-30T08:08:00.004-07:00

I thought I would share some random thoughts with you today. This time of year, and for that matter most times of the year, my thoughts drift to things that make me ponder why or how or even just wow.

It is fall and the weather is changing. It is still warm here in Mississippi but the mornings are cooler and added to the cooler weather we have had daily rain showers. No not showers; showers would be the wrong word. It has been pouring buckets for a couple of hours every day. I woke up this morning and it was cloudy but at least there was no rain. I turned on the radio and played the news in the background while I made my coffee. Once my coffee was done, I ran across a Bass Pro Shop sale flyer. They are having their “Fall into Savings” event. I really enjoy perusing their outdoor items and their men's clothing including the flannel shirts, hiking boots, hunting and fishing accessories and everything else.

How About Using Some Real Guys in Your Ads Bass Pro Shop?

Note to Bass Pro: I occasionally visit your store just because the indoor environment you create allows me to go on a mini holiday...vacation...as we call it here in the US. I also enjoy perusing your flyers for the same reason. They make me feel like I am planning a vacation. Anyway, in your flyer I found a great looking long sleeve knit shirt...a tee shirt actually. As I was looking at it I was thinking about how nice it looks, but it was on a paid model who is in perfect shape; strong, slim and paid to make clothes look their best. Ok, here is my thought Bass Pro. Why don’t they take those same clothes and let real folks model them? Put that shirt on a skinny guy or, better yet, let someone like me model it. I am almost sixty-four-years old, in fair shape(round is a shape, too), but by no means am I a model. I show evidence of being a beer drinker for over four decades. Here is my thought. Get a guy like me with a little bit of a gut to show what those shirts really look like on a human, not a humanoid.

Hell, they photographed the same two guys throughout their flyer. Of course, the clothes look good on them, they are models. You could put a flour sack with a hole for arms on those guys and they would look good. They ought to get the folks buying those clothes to model in them. If those clothes look good on guys like me then they will look good an almost anyone.

Next time I walk through their store maybe I will offer my services to the manager. “Hey, you need an old, out of shape, real dude to pose in your clothes, to show folks what they really look like?” Now that would let real men see what they will look like in your shirts, vests, and jackets.

Here is my advice, pick some “normal” guys to show off your clothes. I bet sales, at least the sales to men, would improve. I would look at one of those guys and say to myself, “that might even look good on me.”

I Don’t Write About Politics but...

During the past week, there has been a political circus of monumental scope taking place in Washington, D.C. Last week the pot we call D.C. came to a rolling boil over these happenings. Without going into detail, because I refuse to write about it, I will talk about my thoughts. I refuse to state my opinion on the two good people whose lives have forever been placed in turmoil. Why would anyone willingly put themselves through the horrible, unrealistic scrutiny that has become the vetting process of modern appointees? I am not just talking about the appointee but also those wishing to discuss matters pertaining to the appointee. Why would someone expose themselves to the other side of that picture? Both sides openly expose their lives to the world and open themselves up to the opinions of millions. I don’t know how anyone could do either of these things.

As I said, Washington, DC boiled over and in my opinion, the smell that came from our nation's Capital City wreaked of unbridled political ambition. Maybe, just maybe we are vetting the wrong people. Maybe we are putting good public servants and witness through the horrible wringer of public opinion when it is not necessary.

I have an idea. How about we set up a new system for doing this vetting process. Let’s allow the appointees and the witnesses to have the opportunity to ask a question, any question of the senators. For every question they are being asked by the committee, they will be allowed, in return, to ask a question of the committee member asking them a question. If those being interviewed are required to answer the questions asked of them, then so are the senators. Now you talk about a circus. That would be a circus. For every question a committee member asks, they would be required to answer a question by the one they are interrogating. Think about this for a moment. The questioning would go in both directions. You could sell tickets to an event like this. It would be like Wrestlemania for politicos and news junkies.

I can see it now. The parties would come in the room dressed in their party colors. Red on one side of the room and blue on the other. The room would be decorated with beer signs, sports gear ads, and ads for automobile companies. There would be an announcer, probably the Committee Chair to bark out introductions and set the stage for the spectacle that would begin with the dropping of the gavel.

It might go something like this.

Chairman: "Ladies and gentlemen, let's get ready to argue! Senator, you have the floor. Ask your first question."

Senator: “Sir, is it true that you say you ghostwrote for Ernest Hemingway and that you say you should have been given a Pulitzer Prize for your writings?”

Answer: “Well, that is not exactly the truth, I actually said when I was a child I once met Mr. Hemingway in his home in Ketchum, Idaho."

Chairman: "Sir or madam, you may ask your question of the committee member now."

The witness or the appointee would then smile. "Well, my question is, did you or your campaign, Senator, receive a donation of $6 trillion from the law firm of Dewey, Stickam, and Howe for a positive vote on the legislation that provided for that firm the executorship over the Congressional Slush Fund for disgraced and accused senators who have various indiscretions?"

Senator: "Where would I have gotten $6 trillion to give anyone?"

Chairman: "Thank you for your question Senator, but you must answer the question." "Mr./Mrs. appointee or witness, you may ask your second question."

Senator: "Wait, that wasn't my question. That was an answer.'

Chairman: " Oh, I beg your pardon Senator, yes that was a question. There was no answer."

Senator: "Wait, a point of order sir."

Chairman: "Careful Senator, you may be about to be down two questions if you ask another one. This could get ugly for you. Are you certain you want to ask another question? You have not answered the first one yet."

Senator: "I don't think like the way this going."

Chairman: "Is that your answer, Senator?"

At this point, the senator contemplates getting up and leaving the committee room because he sees the direction in which this whole exercise is headed. He doesn't think he can win in this scenario. The fight or flight instinct takes hold and he quietly gets up and leaves the room.

I hope you see the satire in this. We are asking good men and women to endure a horrible experience for the political and narcissistic gratification of our elected officials. The process could be clean and neat. It is, however, necessary to make certain appointees are qualified for their jobs, are not convicted criminals, are citizens of the United States, and that they are decent human beings. At this point I have to say, not everything should be "transparent." While I completely agree with transparency in government, I think not all things are supposed to be transparent. Lives are supposed to be private and even our senators should show a modicum of compassion when dealing with people even if they are being appointed by members of one or the other party.

My final thoughts on this. Civility is a lost trait. Let's search for it, find it and use it to recreate our form of government into one which works for all of our citizens.

A Short Update on a Post from a Couple of Weeks Ago

2018-08-24T16:22:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the times in August here in Mississippi when we get a brief but wonderful taste of the early days of Autumn. While we are in the midst of the summer heat and when we think we can stand the oppressive heat no longer, a day or two of cooler weather tempts of the days of fall yet to come. We are experiencing exactly that weather as I write these lines. We are in enjoying "Autumn's Tease."This morning the temperature was in the lower 60s, which is unusual for this time of year in Mississippi. The air is dry and the deep blue sky is higher and wider than those in Montana.

William Faulkner from the Cofield
Collection

Again the quote from William Faulkner, “...in August in Mississippi there are a few days somewhere about the middle of the month when suddenly there’s a foretaste of fall, it’s cool, there’s a lambence, a soft, a luminous quality of light, as though it came not from just today but from back in the old classic times. It might have fauns and satyrs and the gods and —-from Greece, from Olympus in it somewhere. It lasts just a day or two, then it’s gone...it reminded me of that time, of luminosity older than our Christian civilization.”

Until next time...enjoy your days.

Late Summer in Southern USA

2018-08-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Early goldenrod bloom showing signs that summer is waning and fall is on its way to Mississippi.

Late yesterday brought heavy rains to our place here in the country. We had winds in excess of 25 mph and close to an inch of rain here and the house and it seemed to come down in buckets at times. Roads briefly flooded and my drive home was challenging at times due to the intense rain, but once home I enjoyed sitting on my porch and watching the weather roll through. It rained off and on during the night and the morning brought a freshness to the countryside. August is usually a dry month here in Mississippi and rain is always welcome when the changing weather patterns of the late season often bring rains and cooler weather that breaks the normally hot, dry weather giving us a taste of what we can expect a couple of months from now.

On my early morning walk, I noticed goldenrod which first popped open its first blooms on August 3rd is farther along in the bloom than is usual for this time of the year. I watch that bloom and, more often than not, can predict our first frost of the fall within a day or two. This year may not prove to be a good one to use this sign of nature to predict that date but, it is really too early in the season to say that conclusively.

Pet Update...our family has grown again.

If you have followed this blog for long you probably know already that our family is a household full of animal lovers. Since we live in the country, in the middle of a pine tree farm we have abundant room for lots of animals. Our menagerie is comprised of two horses, a potbelly pig, a number of chickens, a cat, a rabbit, a ferret, a sugar glider, an aquarium full of tropical fish, a goldfish and eight dogs. Three of those dogs were either found abandoned on the road or left on the outskirts of our property by someone who obviously doesn't have the respect for life that we do. Yes, they were left there to fend for themselves because someone decided they didn't want to take care of them any longer. Two of the three were puppies when we found them and the other is what we think was an old puppy mill stud who had developed a skin condition and outlived his usefulness to an unethical breeder who probably should not have one dog much less a yard full of them who was put out on the highway to die. Well, Cooper, as we named him, has become a sweet yet cantankerous, loved member of our family. He is old, very old and has only one tooth; a rather long lower canine that protrudes out of his mouth making him look like a muppet more than a dog. He is a great dog who asks little of his family.

Anyway, the two puppies have come of age and yesterday we had them spayed. We feel strongly that our animals should be spayed. It makes them happier, healthier and much better companions. The surgery went well and the girls are at home resting so they can resume their duties of joyfully protecting their family and home.

These two little girls are wonderful additions to our family. The older of the two who is about 18 months old is either an English Lab or a mostly English Lab mix. Her name is Hadley and she is a natural retriever, full of spirit, life, and energy. She is a fearless watchdog and that is always welcome in the country but in spite of her penchant to protect is a joy around the house. if she has a flaw she thinks she is a 42-pound lap dog. She will lie at your feet for hours, fully satisfied to be with her adopted family. Then without a moments notice or any warning, she will climb on the sofa with you and try her best to get in your lap. Her nose goes to your face and she stares longingly into your eyes, making you completely and totally aware that she is wanting a little more attention than you have been giving her.

The other little girl is still less than a year old. She is almost solid white. We had her DNA tested and it showed that she is a Swiss Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Lab mix. Macie is her name and she and her sister were left on the railroad tracks that cross through our family property. A friend adopted her sister and she became one of our family. She was about an eight or ten-week-old puppy when she showed up last December. Now at probably ten-months-old, she weighs in at almost 60 pounds. She is going to grow to be a much bigger dog and is presently eating us out of house and home. Macie is a gentle giant and except for the length of her hair looks remarkably like a Swiss Shepherd. Like most shepherds, she is protective of her family. When guests show up at the house she expresses no aggression, other than her very loud barking but, always places herself between the guest and her family until she is sure there is no threat. Once she has accepted that there is no threat to her family, our friends are her friends, too. She is a majestic dog and another very special member of our family.

Both of these girls are on "bed rest." Of course, they really aren't on bed rest but, they are taking it pretty easy this morning. I can tell their anesthesia has completely worn off but they are still lying around a good bit. As the day rolls on they will feel better and better. These girls have a pretty good life; not a dogs life by any stretch of the imagination. Both of these girls have added a lot of love to our family.

...Today is Saturday

Well, today is Saturday and I have to get to the chores that the end of the week always brings. I am putting my computer away and grabbing a bite to eat to go with this early morning cup of coffee and then I am off to take care of a few chores.

Until next time...I hope you are having as good a weekend as I am.

Thinking About Pulling Out my Flannel Shirts

2018-08-12T09:08:00.005-07:00

Thinking about pulling out the flannel shirts is all I can do right now. It will be at least seven or eight weeks before it is cool enough to even think about wearing a flannel shirt, but I am dreaming of the cooler weather and the changing leaves.

A day or two ago the mercury in the thermometer was boiling up to near the century mark and with the humidity, it was an almost unbearable 105+ degrees. Today it is a hot and humid morning and my mind is wanting to take me to cooler fall days with leaves turning the warm colors of the season which bring with them a crispness in the air that lets you know that a fire will soon be in the fireplace and frost will soon cover the rooftops, lawns, and car tops. As I sit on my porch sweltering in the heat, I look ahead to the cooler days ahead and think of wearing my favorite red flannel shirt as I move about completing my morning chores.

I have for years remarked of that couple of cool days that often come in the middle of August. It is those days that give us a small taste of the autumn that is still six to eight weeks away in our part of the county. I have never known what that time is called so I researched it. I have been unable to find a name for this season. We have all heard of Indian Summer. Those are the days in mid to late autumn when we experience unseasonably warm, dry weather and we enjoy the last of our summer gardens before the first frost comes and changes the landscape, readying it for late fall and winter to come. Since there is no name for it. I think this time when autumn blows a kiss backward into summer should have its own name. Maybe, for now, I will just refer to it as Autumn’s Tease. Whatever it is called, I am ready for that brief respite from the heat that comes with those days.

My grandfather was a county farm agent in a much simpler time. He was born around 1885 and worked as a county agent until the 1950s. When I was a boy and after he retired, we would sit for hours and talk about the weather, the crops, the wildlife and many other things. He taught me Much about the seasons and life in those hours we spent sitting outdoors talking and sharing. Pop as we called him, told me of this time of year and those early days of autumn which tease us in the middle of summer. Pop was obviously not the only one who noticed these days. One of my favorite authors and a native Mississippian, William Faulkner summarized this time more eloquently than I am capable.

He said, “...in August in Mississippi there are a few days somewhere about the middle of the month when suddenly there’s a foretaste of fall, it’s cool, there’s a lambence, a soft, a luminous quality of light, as though it came not from just today but from back in the old classic times. It might have fauns and satyrs and the gods and —-from Greece, from Olympus in it somewhere. It lasts just a day or two, then it’s gone...it reminded me of that time, of luminosity older than our Christian civilization.”

Men simply are not capable of writing words as beautiful as this today...I only wish I were. For now, I must content myself to sit in admiration of the writer of those words and dream of the days in the not too distant future when I can pull out my flannel shirts and enjoy the coming autumn.

Until next time...John.

Counting the August Fogs

2018-08-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Folklore has it...no wait weatherlore has it that for every fog in August you will have a snow in winter. Today is the third day of August and there was no doubt about it, we had a heavy fog this morning. So, by this measure, we should be expecting at least one snowfall in Central Mississippi this winter.

I am certain that weatherlore is based as much on observation through the years of common weather occurrences as on educated speculation, but from all my readings and observations through the years it is amazing how much of this folklore seems to be correct.

I always predict our first frost of the fall by when the goldenrod is in full bloom. I look at wooly worm coats for color and thickness, the color of our local whitetail deer coats, how strongly a pig builds its nest of sticks and numerous other things to predict the coming winter weather. You can say it is just folklore, but I have often maintained a garden deep into the autumn based on my predictions. I have also harvested my last vegetables early in the season just to beat a frost the goldenrod told me was coming.

I am in a rush. I am heading to my day job...the one that pays so I will have to go for now. Until next time...

It Has Been a Long Time

2018-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

I arose early this morning and headed to the front porch to watch the sun rise. It is a great morning. The porch fan keeps any hungry mosquitos from landing and feasting on my legs while at the same time keeping me cool from our often times oppressive heat down here in Mississippi. Actually, the past few mornings have been comfortable with temperatures in the high 60s. For those who don’t know, I drive an old ragtop unairconditioned Jeep, and yesterday I was actually a little cool on my 45 minute commute to work. That is not a complaint by any means. No, it is simply an observation. I will take what I can get this time of year.

Back to this morning. I watched the sun rise, listened to the early morning birds heralding the start of a new day and enjoyed a quiet, very good cup of black coffee in a cup my wife gave me for Christmas. Simply put, there are not many things in life as simple and wonderful as a country morning. In a short while I will go in and get some bacon started for a good old country breakfast for the family. I will probably have another cup of coffee and get ready for the day.

Today is going to be an easy day for me if all goes as planned. I did a lot of chores last weekend and there is not much I need to do this weekend unless something crops up that I don’t know about. I will have to run to the feed store to buy horse, dog and chicken food later today and then I have a labor of love to take care of. I will be brewing a few gallons of beer. I have the ingredients for nut brown ale for me and a light lager for my wife. I am not sure which one I will make first. I may just make them both if the mood hits me just right.

I like to brew beer at this time of year. It will be ready to drink in about 21 days which pretty much coincides with the start of college football season. Perfect timing, huh? Anyway, I am looking forward to the start of my brewing and college football season. I have some four month old Mead which I need to rack for the final time before bottling. Mead is more time consuming and though I love it, I don’t make as much of it as I do beer. I am not patient enough to leave it for the year or more of aging. I know you can drink it as soon as it is bottled but, in my opinion, it is so much better the longer you let it age.

I really have to get moving. The sun is well up above the tree line now so, I am heading inside to get my real day started.

I will try to post again soon. I hope you have a great day and until next time...

One Shot from Today's Photo Excursion

2016-08-21T17:26:00.002-07:00

The result of excessive rain and heat in our part of the country is lavish growth of everything green, turning our countryside into near jungle-like undergrowth.

Dog Days of Summer

2016-08-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Elvis, the beagle would rather be sleeping on the back of the sofa in the family
room, but he is loyal and follows his best friend, me, around in the heat
taking a few photos.

Today started out hot and humid which made me rethink my statement about dusting off my camera, but then I had a special incentive. Holden, our youngest son at 12 years of age, said he would like to go with me so he can take some photos, too. So, we gathered up the camera, one lens and a polarizing filter and headed down the lane toward photo opps and some good old fashion father and son companionship. We were joined by Elvis our beagle and Holly our 9 month old black lab. Holden, Elvis and Holly were all in as we walked and found interesting subjects to photograph all along the way.

Holden has been asking for a GoPro camera and I have hesitated because if he is interested in photography then I would really like for him to learn to compose and snap photos he will enjoy. I have used my time behind a camera to soothe frayed nerves, calm my moods and sometimes just give me time to think about the ways of the world. I would like to give that pleasure to him and today was a good start.

Photo by Holden Helms- His first photo of the day was
pretty good.

As we walked along the lane we searched for pretty and interesting subjects for our

Photo by Holden Helms - I think his
composition is good he was just a
little short of the depth of field.
We are working on that.

exercise in creativity. Normally by this time of year the summer drought has taken its hold on our landscape, but because of the excessive August rain, we hare living in a lush, green near jungle environment here in central Mississippi where we live.

I had to try my hand at the same subject
and I think his shots were as good or
better than mine.

We walked about a mile or so and there were shots everywhere. We tried to be somewhat selective in what we shot, but somethings were just asking to be shot as they posed along the lane leading away from our house.

In the south we have some very interesting problems caused by our high humidity. Right out of the house we encountered a condensation problem on the lens of the camera. That was a rookie move on my part and trust me I am no rookie. We didn't acclimate the camera to the temperature change when we took it from our air conditioned house and took it out into a 90+ degree heat 90% humidity so problems arose. It took us a few minutes in the sunlight, allowing the camera to warm to the outside temperature, to be able to use it with any success. I carefully cleaned the lens and within just a few minutes we were taking photos of things along our way.

Because of the excessive
rain, vines are covering
anything and everything
that stands still.

As we wandered kept an eye on our dogs because we have a number of venomous snakes here. Among them are copperheads, water moccasins and several different types of rattlesnakes just to keep us on our toes as we walk through underbrush. We normally don't worry about them much, but you do have to watch where you step when you are walking. Today, we were lucky or fortunate or something, and we didn't see any wildlife except bees and one tiny anole (lizard) that was eating insects on a goldenrod bloom.

Photo by Holden Helms - Years ago someone saved a little work and wrapped a piece of barbed wire around this pine tree to save a little time. Eventually it will either disappear into the tree or kill the old pine tree. Both may be accomplished in time.

Photo by Holden Helms

Photo by Holden Helms - Holly romping in the tall grass.

Photo by Holden Helms--An intermittent
stream that crosses our property has
running water in it. That is very unusual
during summer, much less in the
late summer months.

It is difficult to see in this photo, but

if you look you will see the dark area in the

upper right third of the photo. It runs

toward the center toward the bottom

of the photo. That is a trail that has

been traveled more than a few times in

the past few days.

Beautiful results of excessive rain and heat.

Sounds of Morning.

2016-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Morning comes silently and then at times nature, the farm sounds and civilization all compete...

Good News and Bad News

2016-08-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

There is an old saying Mama's baby, Daddy's maybe. As distasteful as that saying is, I have news about our little Corgi pups. It is not necessarily good news to someone that is wanting to buy or sell purebred dogs. Our little female Corgi may not be the most virtuous dog in the pen.

Since our pups were about three days old, I have had a little suspicion that they may not be full Corgi. I broke that news to our family yesterday. They all should have figured it out before now, but puppies are so cute they just weren't looking for the tell tale signs of Corginess that they, and honestly I should have been looking for. They all have short legs, they swish their little hips when they walk just like Corgis, but their coloration isn't what it should be. And most important, their ears were not even beginning to stand up like they should if they were Corgi puppies. So anyway, last night I asked our oldest to look up photos of 5 week old Corgi puppies and then compare them to our puppies. After that I said now find photos of 5 week old half corgi, half Shih Tzu puppies. Bingo! Cooper our old Shih Tzu will pass the DNA test. Ponce, bud, you are not the daddy.

To paraphrase the song, he ain't as good as he once was, but he is as good once as he ever was. Ponce is our beautiful 9 year old Corgi who we thought was the daddy of this litter, but last night we had to break the news to him that he is not these babies' daddy. Logan, our 17 year old immediately went into an impersonation of Maury Povich. Ponce deLeon Redbone Helms, yes that is his name, Ponce deLeon Redbone Helms, your are NOT these puppies daddy.

Luckily for us, Shorgies or Shihgies or Corgtsues or whatever they are called are very cute puppies. they all already have homes. These are four of the cutest puppies you have ever seen.

A Country Journal

I Know Fall Weather is on the Way, but I Wish It Would Hurry.

Still Waiting on Autumn Rain

Hummingbirds Will Be Migrating Soon

Hummingbird Facts from the Porch Swing

...until next time.

Ramblings and a Bit of History from High School Years

Here is a quick question. Our national debt at the time of this writing is roughly 37.4 trillion dollars ($37,434,9776,225,430 to be exact). If you laid 37.4 trillion one-dollar bills end to end, how far would they reach? The answer: From Earth almost to Pluto.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Total Length in Inches

Convert that to Miles

Cosmic Comparisons

Total Height in Inches

Convert to Miles

Choosing a Simple Life

A Country Journal by John Helms

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about intention.

False Fall, Faulkner, and a GardenTomato Pie

But the chores don’t wait long.

False Fall

Back to the Farm

Late Summer on the Farm

Welcome Back to A Country Journal with John Helms

Let's look into the future by seeing what our local weatherman is saying

Central Mississippi Weather Forecast: August 15–21, 2025

No Monopoly On This Concept

Do you read a lot? Here is a hint for you.

Thriftbooks is a great source for the avid reader.

Shifted Gears a Little Today

Mock Interviews

This Is a Crazy. Mixed-up Blog

Jack Daniels Creates an Uproar Among Its Customers

Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own. Jonathan Swift

A Solitary Sunday Stroll

The Timeless Value of Trust: Reclaiming Integrity in Modern Society

The Value of a Person's Word

Business Deals and Handshakes

Reputation as Valuable Wealth

The Erosion of Trust in Society

Returning to Core Values

Reaching Out...But Not Touching Hands

Never a Dull Moment in the Home Office

Neil Diamond, Serenaded Us with a Special COVID 19 Version of "Sweet Caroline"

Here are Some Links You Might Enjoy If You are Looking to Break Away from the Normal News Cycle

The Country is A Great Place to Be

There Are Other Coronas Like Better

Now, Some Good News

Spring Has Sprung

Text Message from a Friend

Charles Barkley in the News - source: goodnewsnetwork.org

Seven Feel-Good Movies: One a Day for the Upcoming Week

Notes to Reflect on

Too Much Rain, A Lot of Time To Think

A Short Update on a Post from a Couple of Weeks Ago

Late Summer in Southern USA

Pet Update...our family has grown again.

...Today is Saturday

Thinking About Pulling Out my Flannel Shirts

Counting the August Fogs

It Has Been a Long Time

One Shot from Today's Photo Excursion

Dog Days of Summer

Sounds of Morning.

Morning comes silently and then at times nature, the farm sounds and civilization all compete...

Good News and Bad News

Here is a quick question.
Our national debt at the time of this writing is roughly 37.4 trillion dollars ($37,434,9776,225,430 to be exact). If you laid 37.4 trillion one-dollar bills end to end, how far would they reach?
The answer: From Earth almost to Pluto.