Friday, December 8, 2023
It is a bit cloudy out there today, but it is warming up and it is very windy. We should reach 60ºF (16C) this afternoon. Up and down temps… life in southern Indiana.
Brandon and Bill are out in the Tony and Volvo trucks, delivering soybeans to ADM at Newburgh. Each trip takes about 3 hours, and they get in 2/day. John remains here, making sure the load-out bin is ready to refill the trucks. He is also working on installing M-modems in the Gator and the trucks that are not currently busy. He is also working on the upgrades to our GPS systems, making sure we are ready for spring work.
The changes we are making to the GPS systems are from John Deere. When this is fully implemented, we will be able to apply our NH3 (which we do pre-plant) and then when the corn planter comes along the corn rows will be planted between the rows of NH3 application. That will be agronomically better for the emerging corn. Also, the accuracy of the planting pass will enable what JD calls “Autopath”, which will guide the combines at harvest time to know the correct row to begin through the field. This should eliminate what farmers call “the row of shame”… which is when you have to pass through the field on less than a full 12-rows of corn in your header. Whether you count the rows to begin a new pass through the corn, or you try to visually find the correct one, you don’t always get on the right row, and thereby you often leave a row (or two or so) of shame for the final pass.
John is also removing from our grain storage bins a system that monitors the condition of the grain called “Telesense”. He signed installed this a couple years ago, and has not had a good experience. The sensors have been “glitchy” (is that a word?), and the information they generate is not consistent or reliable. The main problem has been support from the company. They are based in California, and the local support is rare and infrequent. We will look for another type of monitoring system for our biggest bins, hopefully with good support.
We attended granddaughter Molly’s 3rd grade school Christmas program last night. So cute. It wasn’t a long show, but very well done. Granddaughter Kate had her pre-K program last week, it was on the same night as granddaughter Ella’s cheerleading at at 5th grade basketball game. So, grandma went to the program, and grandpa went to the ballgame. It’s a fun time of year, and it is so great to see these girls in their activities.
Pat discovered yesterday that she is going to need a knee replacement. She has been pretty limited in her walking movement for a couple months now. It’s several weeks away, for the local doctor is in high demand. He did mine 1 year ago, and the results were excellent. So, we wait for her turn next spring. They fitted her with a special knee brace, and that seems to be helping. We are confident that she will do well. It just seems like a long time to wait. Patience, huh?
We learned this week that our sons and their families will be home for Christmas on the 26th. We don’t demand that they arrive here on any certain day, it’s just nice that we can find a day that fits for everyone to be here… it doesn’t have to be on Christmas day, but whenever it works out for them. We are really looking forward to that day together! I have a gift for each of our 3 granddaughters that I cannot wait to give them! I think I finally understand how its more blessed to give than receive.
As this week wraps up, we are looking forward to a wedding tomorrow, and to church on Sunday. The kids’ Christmas program will take place Sunday morning, and it is always a highlight of the season. Our Children’s Director Jennifer and her volunteers do an amazing job all through the year, but especially for this program.
I’m hoping for some snow at Christmas. How about you?
Have a great weekend.