“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Farm Retirement

During the last years, there has been many smaller dairy farms being taken over by larger farms. In many cases, the farm buildings were taken down and the previous owner moved to a dwelling space in town.

Moving away from the farm place created a really big change for the farmer. He had probably spent up to the last 40 years improving the buildings, to create a more efficient way to perform the many facets that were needed to improve the operation. He now sees many of the improvements that were special in his mind, being eliminated. The fences, sheds, hay storage buildings, shops and probably the main dairy barn will no longer be needed. The machinery that had given the farmer a feeling of joy when originally purchased, needed to be sold and removed from the property. No longer needed.

The usual work schedule began at 5:00 AM, followed by a couple of hours of dairy work. After breakfast, the morning hours were spent doing field work if it was in season, or throwing down silage, feeding cows, young stock, pigs or chickens. If it worked into the schedule, manure was hauled or feed ground.

The afternoon was spent finishing up the work that was left over from the morning. At about 4:30 PM, there was feeding to be done again along with cleaning the mangers and carrying the leftover hay to the young stock. After supper the cows needed to be milked, calves fed and the night's supply of hay needed to be fed to the cows. It's now about 7:30 PM and if

Community Chorus Showcase Musical Talent April 23

By Robert Kutter

The Grey Eagle Community Chorus will host a spring music showcase Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, 30422 County 2.

Talented musicians from the area will present a variety of spiritual and secular music for your enjoyment. Both vocalist and instrumentalists will perform, including the Grey Eagle Community Handbell Choir. Gather some friends and enjoy an afternoon of music. Admission is free.

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

it is summer hours, the next couple of hours were spent in the field. Usually by 9:30 PM it was time to get to the house and go to bed.

The farmer that had been working all of those hours looks forward to having the same long day tomorrow and the next day. He didn't work in town, where he looked forward to working 40 hours that week, followed by two days off on the weekend. He became very accustomed to working long days and also working the weekend. His mind becomes convinced that he can't make the farm profitable if he doesn't put that much time into it. It becomes the most important reason for living, even sometimes taking priority over his family. Was it profitable or not? He needed to work around weather changes that he had no ability to control, which sometimes caused the economic factors to collapse.

So now this farmer that had been working long hours, seven days per week and for 40 years needs to retire and move to town. There certainly are less needed hours, doing much less physical labor. He doesn't realize it, but he is beginning to notice that the less exercise is making the waste line to expand. His blood pressure now needs attention. He is just not accustomed to his new life. He may take up fishing or do some traveling, which will help make the retirement easier. However, as all of us mature individuals know, a lot of the traveling will be done to and from the doctor.

Retirement from the farm is not always as gloomy, but some planning and research ahead of time, can make it more enjoyable and rewarding.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

All Stars

HORSE RACES & Meat Raffle

Friday, April 14

Corner Pub & Grill

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Nightly Specials

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack)

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Apr. 14: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Apr. 17: Chicken Wild Rice Soup w/Chicken Sandwich

Tues., Apr. 18: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Apr. 19: Hamburger Hot Dish

Have you ever been at a business meeting and maybe things didn’t go as smooth as you would have hoped? After the meeting has been adjourned you notice several groups of people discussing the agenda of the meeting. I call that “The meeting, after the meeting."

This same sort of thing happened after Jesus’ Resurrection. Two men were walking home after the events of Easter morning. Emmaus was seven miles from Jerusalem and they talked about the events of the last three days as they walked. Somewhere in the middle, Jesus came along side and took part in their conversation. After listening for some time, Jesus asked what they were discussing as they walked. They were shocked that He knew nothing of the events of the last three days.

The two men went on to tell Jesus, about Jesus, strange I know. They mentioned how they had hoped that He would deliver them from Rome and that He was powerful in word and deed. When they had finished Jesus began to teach them about Moses and the prophets and what was in Scriptures, concerning Himself. When they got to Emmaus, they invited Jesus to come in and eat with them. As they began to eat, He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave them some. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. Jesus immediately disappeared from their sight.

Luke 24:32 “They asked each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scrip-

Spring Fundraiser

Sunday, April 16, 2023

St. John’s Church Basement, Meire Grove

Bake Sale & Free Lunch • 11 AM BINGO • 12-Noon

10 games $20.00

Parish Raffle Drawing 1:00 pm

$20/Ticket

$2000.00 Grand Prize & More tures to us?”

I am wondering, how many of your hearts burn after the things of Jesus? Do you desire to spend time with Him? If no, not really, then maybe I can encourage you to open His Word (start with the Gospels) and let Him speak to you.

-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916

Earth Day Celebration April 22

An Earth Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop in Avon. Come together as a community to celebrate our beautiful planet.

There will be kids’ activities, give-always, local products and educational materials. A little something for everyone!

Weekend Specials

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

SATURDAY: 5-9 PM

• Prime Rib $22.95

• Ribs $18.95

• Deep Fried Walleye $15.95

• Creamy Sweet Chili

Thurs., Apr. 20: Liver & Onions

Fri., Apr. 21: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of: Grilled Chicken $9.00; Crispy Chicken $8.50; Buffalo Chicken $8.50; Taco $8.50; Philly Steak $8.50

Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50 Toppings w/Breadsticks

MONDAY: 5-8 PM $3 Off 14"

Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $12.95

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM

• 1-1/2 lb. Wings $8.00

• $6 Baskets Your Choice: Shrimp Basket, Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase Specials to go $1.00 charge

SUNDAY: 3-8 PM

• Steak & Shrimp $19.95

• 10 oz. Pork Chop $13.95

• 1/2 Chicken $10.50

• 1/4 Chicken $8.50

THURSDAY: 5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95

• 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $13.95

• Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice $15.95