Don't tread on me.

At last, Shadow feels on top of her world with the squirrel she's treed in this picture.  She stayed there for an eternity keeping it in its proper place just to make clear who really runs the barn yard.  This is more the exception than the rule, however.

One morning the mamma barn cat and her 4 kittens set out to explore the lands beyond the barn. They pranced around the yard, chased each other into truck tire wheel wells, and into nearby trees. A good time was being had by all until Shadow happened upon the party. She became very alert and pleased with what she saw...until the mamma cat spotted her. The scrawny little momma cat a-sashayed over to Shadow growling and hissing the whole way. She went right up to Shadow's NOSE and growled. Shadow just cowered and looked completely socked of her dignity and purpose in life.

Later, Dan found Shadow running like a crazed dog through the barn trying to show those cats who the real boss was.  Of course, the kittens just perched themselves up in the hay loft looking at Shadow with their tails flitting about, all the while driving Shadow mad.  So you can see, when she gets the chance to tree a squirrel, she will.

Dress Up and Dance!

Here we are in southern IL for KCs wedding last weekend.  What a blast!

 Mark and Diane

 Jim and Ruth

 Ken and Kathy

 Dan's PC Homecoming gang!

Dan and Shania  :)

Gearing up for harvest

 Barn cat

Last Sunday I was all ready to do a 100 kilometers (62 miles) at the annual "Bike Psychos" ride when it started to rain...so I opted for the 50 mile ride instead!  

 The remnents of Hurricane Isaac brought us 2.2 inches of rain this weekend.  All together we've received over 6 inches of rain since mid-August.

Here is Tom's "new" 2588 Case IH combine (2007).

It took a few cuss words to figure out the high tech monitor and gadgets.

 He entered in the names of his different farms.

 Tom said this picture contains his favorite option. 

Dan is riding my folding bike for work.  It folds into a small bundle and fits in the trunk!  Tom and Dan say it makes me look like I belong in the circus. I drive to the outskirts of Normal and ride the rest of the way on bike trails.  It is a blast!

 Working hard...

 Hardly working...

 After nearly 3 months since Tom's motorcycle accident he is back to normal!  And guess what, when he rides his motorcycle he wears a helmet!!

Dan and Shadow












 Public Service Announcement:  When I turned 50 last year my doctor encouraged me to get a colonoscopy.  I politely ignored her request.  Two months later a friend (who also ignored her doctor's advice) was diagnosed with colon cancer, had to undergo treatment for much of last year and, luckily, is doing well today. At my annual physical this year I heeded her advice and got the colonoscopy. The test revealed 2 polyps, one of which had the potential to become cancerous over time. People complain about the preparation process...just look at it as a way to lose a few quick pounds!  The heavy sedation was very relaxing. So if your doctor has been after you to take this test, do it!