News From Lowell Township

The rainfall amounts over the last week have been welcomed, even though they have sometimes interrupted the wheat harvest. We had an inch late Monday evening, almost .20 on Thursday morning, and another half inch on Sunday morning. Returning from Salina Monday night, I saw the dark bank of clouds in the west. As I left Osborne, I was hit by a wind and dust storm, almost as if I were in the middle of the harvest field. Then came the driv-ing rain, and I was worried about hail. I was glad to see we had received an inch of rain.

I was in Salina for a doctor's appointment and drove to Abilene to check out an excellent place for an upcoming birthday celebration. Sometimes, strange things happen. I took a shortcut by the fairgrounds to reach downtown and drove by a familiar- looking house. Our farm home was moved recently to Abilene and is being remodeled by the new owner. At first, it was a tearful moment, but I realized my childhood home gets to live on and have more valuable years.

I discovered a delightful business in one of the historic homes built in 1904 and across the street west of the Dickinson County Courthouse. Cody and Emily Miller own Midwest Creamery and Q. The Q is for barbecue. They offer a sandwich menu and wonderful flavors of snow cones but their big draw is the homemade ice cream. They use milk from the Hildebrand Dairy near Junction City and purchase pork from a nearby business for the sandwiches. That turned into another story! Eagle Ridge Ranch raises and manages multiple livestock species, is pasture-based, and is located northwest of Abilene. They offer tours of their ranch and sell pasture- raised pork, lamb, beef, chicken, and eggs.

I didn't have time to see the exhibit at the Eisenhower Museum since I spent too much time browsing an antique shop. I am a hometown fan and need to spend a week there! I purposely left for Salina early on Monday to stop at the Kansas Originals Market off I-70 near Wilson. I knew my time was limited, so I had to quickly observe everything this wonderful place offers from Kansas artists and craftsmen. I came away with our favorite sand plum jelly and a few gifts. Their food products have increased and well over half of their sales are from travelers off I-70 from other states and foreign countries.

Additional comments on the air conditioner problem: We purchased a new one this past Thursday, and Steven had it installed. It is cooling the house quickly. How wonderful to get a good night's rest, and the new one is much quieter. This past Sunday morning was so cool that a jacket would have felt suitable for chores. We opened the house, turned off the air conditioner for the entire day, and enjoyed the breeze.

We picked up a Smith County Pioneer newspaper on Thursday's business trip to Hastings. They have a report from the U.S. Center location in Lebanon, listing notes and names of visitors. This week there were visitors from California, Texas, Alaska, Nebraska, Wyoming, Missouri, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Idaho, Mississippi, Germany, Slovakia, India, and many Kansas locations. One couple left a message stating, 'We love that there's a chapel here and the word of God is displayed. We need to seek God for the healing of this great Nation before it is no more.' It is a neat place to visit and show your children if you have never been there.

I read an article recently concerning a specialty white wheat being produced near Dighton by the Suppes family. Hard white wheat is excellent for whole grain diets, and making more whole white wheat would enhance the Kansas economy. Kansas can't compete with the low costs of other countries growing hard red wheat but can compete in higher-end Asian markets and other places. The family also raises white food-grade sorghum as a specialty crop as they can be more drought tolerant. Ron Suppes shared his farming history from the days of no air-conditioning and smaller equipment. He used to trade equipment, but now, because of higher costs, equipment is repaired, and the distance to dealerships is greater. Suppes has served on the Kansas Wheat Commission. He is now serving on the Wheat Foods Council, helping educate people about wheat nutrition and promoting domestic sales. He has traveled overseas to promote wheat interests and research. Researchers have found ways to reduce gluten in wheat for those who are intolerant. He believes there is no better job on earth than producing food for people. 'Too bad farmers can't get paid what is needed, and we could control two things: moisture and government. He stresses not to get hung up on the latest fads. We were given this land to care for and should leave it better. They can call it sustainability, regenerative, or some new term, but we have been doing those things for years unlabeled.'

Here is a recipe for a festive 4th of July Punch: one large jar of cranberry juice, one large can of Red Hawaiian Punch, two packages of raspberry KoolAid, sugar to taste. Combine juices and dissolve Kool-Aid. Add two quarts of ginger ale before serving, and stir in frozen strawberries. Story Time at the museum, Saturday morning, June 29, a dozen or more children and their parents learned about the patriotic symbols representing the 4th of July and why we celebrate in the U.S. Kari Becker, Stockton first grade teacher, led a discussion of the American eagle, our flag and stars and stripes, and the Statue of Liberty and the children had sheets of the symbols to color. Kari read 'The Pledge Of Allegiance' book, and everyone recited it. 'You're A Grand Old Flag' was a singing book, and a 'Chocolate Chip Cookie' book was read. The most favorite activity was decorating sugar cookies with red, white, and blue frosting and sprinkles. Linda Melton brought two tiny frogs that had newly hatched for the children to visit. The next Story Time will be Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m., July 13, with rumors of ice cream making on the schedule.

China has a population of more than a billion people. One billion. That means if you're a one-in-a-million kind of guy, there are still a thousand others exactly like you.

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice?' If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress? If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Remember to fly the flag this week.

Quote: 'Faith gives you an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life.' —Gregory Peck.