Pictures from the Fall

Banjo Barb - I've been playing claw-hammer-style banjo for about 2 years. Homespun Tapes and Mike Iverson's website are my primary sources of instruction. The right hand banjo technique is so dang counter-intuitive to the guitar, but strangely enough I can switch instruments without missing a beat. Dan isn't impressed...he says the banjo just sounds all the same.



Mom and Dad celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on December 18th at the Starlight Inn. As Dad says, "57 and counting!" I got to join the celebration which was done in true George and Ann style.





This autumn picture was taken from our deck overlooking the pond and Tom's corn. We don't rake leaves on the farm because they simply blow away in good time.






Labor Day weekend.








Here is Tom playing the ever-popular "Stump" game which originated from northern California.

















Karen is pretty good at the game. She has to wear sunglasses to ward off the Stump paparazzi.







I'm more of a chump at Stump.








Craig








This Stump player usually delivers lots of laughs with his style.

Fall Harvest 2011

Tom has been combining corn and soybeans these past 10 days. In just that time he has harvested roughly half of his acreage, so it has gone rather quickly.







Despite a very dry year, the crop has been about average. The corn has done a little better than expected, and the beans a little worse.






There are 6 pictures in this post. At the end is a 30 second clip of Tom combining beans and Andrew "catching on the go" with the tractor and auger wagon. He makes it look pretty easy.








This particular farm is in a place called Cropsey, IL. Fitting, huh?

Tour de Chatsworth

A bicycle race? In Chatsworth? You bet! On 9/10/11, Gordon realized a dream he'd had for quite some time.

If you click on the picture for a closer look, you'll see he thought of everything in the organization of this event!






Bobby, Steve, and Dennis helped with race logistics.








Mark is resting up before his flight. Tom mostly trash-talked while Dan pondered entering the fray.






Here is Gordon crossing the finish line.









They had music, adult beverages, and food.







And everyone was invited.









Diane greeted the crowd as she sailed across the finish line.







I've ridden nearly 1300 miles in 2011 and this kid of mine not only jumped on my bike to do a lap, he beat my time!






Mike Leahy's great artwork: Tour de Chatsworth.

Backyard reception

We hosted a wedding reception








Joel tapping the keg.








Pre-reception dinner the night before at the farm.

















Cutting the cookie cakes.

















Lori preparing a tasty Margarita.








It was a beautiful day!






























The small set brought their dancin' shoes.







Braydon striking the pose.









Welcome remarks and introductions.







Toast time













Mrs. K chatting it up with her former students.







Amy made the awesome centerpieces.