The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill. I'm a hope'n ya all are of the right frame of mind fer this come'n Easter Sunday.
Seasonal Events
As I write this weeks column it is rain'n with predictions fer snow. It'll be enterest'n ta see how that turns out.
Several folk started plant'n corn last week but this rain put the brakes on that activity right quick like. Quite a bit of fertilizer has been applied dure'n last weeks good weather and with burn down chemicals be'n applied several farmers were a itch'n to start plant'n in all earnestness this week if'n it hadn't rained.
An ole rule of thumb sez not much field works gets accomplished ahead of Easter. Remember'n last years wet and late spring caused many to want in the field early, should this spring turn off wet as well.
What will be, will be and with the large equipment of modern agriculture, a lot can get done in short order.
Young Lad with Puppy and Gun
A good friend gave me the follow'n picture of a young lad carry'n his puppy along with his double barrel toy gun. The caption with the photo is well worth reflect'n on:
Country Boys Creed
The picture of the boy, his dog, and gun brings to mind "A Country Boy's Creed' by Edwin Osgood Grover. I'm a hope'n ya will enjoy it as well:
I believe that the country which God made is more beautiful than the city which man made; that life out-of-doors and in touch with the earth is the natural life of man. I believe that work is work wherever we find it, but that work with nature is more inspiring than work with the most intricate machinery.
I believe that the dignity of labor depends not on what you do, but on how you do it; that opportunity comes to a boy on the farm as often as to a boy in the city; that life is larger and freer and happier on the farm than in the town; that my success depends not upon my location, but upon myself not upon my dreams, but upon what I actually do; not upon luck, but upon pluck.
I believe in working when you work and in playing when you play, and in giving and demanding a square deal in every act of life.
Well, there ya has it then, one mans thoughts on "A Country Boy's Creed'. Mr. Grover shore knew how ta put words together in such a manner as ta cause a feller to reflect on grow'n up in the country. The boys shore will have a nice spell of a time discuss'n Mr. Grovers "Creed'.
Easter Egg Hunt
Don't forget the 11th Annual Stronghurst Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, April 19th fer kids up to 10 years old sponsored by the Bank of Stronghurst and Stronghurst Lions.
The association of eggs with Easter is ancient. Just when it developed is not know, but the egg is a symbol of new life, fertility, and rebirth in many countries and in many religions, it represents the revival of the fertility of the earth.
The return of spring meant more ta our remote ancestors than it does to us, fer it was a sure promise of creature comforts of which they had been deprived dure'n the winer months, include'n pleasant weather and a greater variety of food.
On the other hand after this past winters more harsh weather than we have experienced in recent winters, maybe we can better relate to our remote ancestors as fer as be'n glad ta see spring arrive.
The Easter bunny is German in origin. The boys and girls place nests in their gardens so that the Easter rabbit may fill them with eggs. If the weather is unpleasant, he hides them in various places inside of the house. In case of inclement weather in Stronghurst, Saturday, Easter goodie bags will be handed out at 1:00 p.m. in the park shelter house.
Well, that's all fer this weeks column. Be proud to live in the country and value its riches in the value of its quality of life.
Keep on Smile'n and where ever ya is, what ever ya be a do'n, "BE A GOOD ONE!'
Catch ya later!
BARNYARD BRUKE