“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Farm Animal Pets

Farm animals were a part of the economic structure of the farm. There were usually a large number of cows, calves, steers, heifers, chickens and pigs. Most of these animals were raised to create income for the farm, while a few were used as food for the family. Others became pets, maybe because they were friendly or maybe they had a physical impairment. Although they were pets, they ultimately were sent to market or were used as food.

We raised pigs which resulted in the production of baby pigs. About every year there would be a baby pig which had a rupture on the navel. This defect made the pig to be unmarketable. After the rest of the pigs had been sold, the ruptured pigs were let run around the farm place. They became very accustomed to people and would wait for you to leave the house, so they could follow you around the farm squeaking and grunting to you as you went. When you went into the granary or the chicken barn, they followed. Almost like they wanted to see what you were doing and maybe get a chance to sneak a treat from the feed supplies. They were the ones that became family food.

We had an Angus steer that my brother played head bumping with. This game began when the steer was a little 40 pound animal and continued until the animal was full grown. As an adult the steer would act like a wild bull. My uncle was not aware of the steer and when he came to remove horns from some of the animals, he took a walk across the farmyard and about the time he got to the middle, the steer started his act. He stuck out his tongue, bellowed and kicked dirt up on his back with his front feet. As the steer began running across the barnyard, my uncle, who was rather portly, ran to and cleared the fence. The steer came to the fence and insisted that we scratch him behind his ears. He just had a unique way to show his affection.

We also had a bantam rooster who felt he was the king of the barnyard. Whenever we walked across the yard, he came running over, flew up and sat on either your shoulder or head, flapped his wings and crowed at least once. He wanted everyone to know he was boss. He especially loved to catch a ride when I was going to the hen-house, because he felt the hens should know that he was number one.

There was always a dog and a variety of cats. The cats included some who were permanent residents and also a rotation of strays who stayed temporarily. The strays usually left because the permanent tomcats wanted to eliminate the competition from their property. The decision to move was usually followed by a loud, fierce fight. When the fight occurred in the barn it created a mess. It usually involved the local humans cleaning up the hair and blood from the floor, pipes and other equipment. Not a welcome sight, but it was their way of life and we had to accept it.

The pets created a break from the work routine. I’m wondering if today’s electronic gadgets are replacing some of the pets in the lives of our younger generation. Is it good??? or not.

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

Pulse on People

Jonathon Loecken, a native of Freeport, was recently initiated into the University of Minnesota Duluth Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. The Society welcomed 1,869 new initiates from 78 universities during April 2023.

Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

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From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

This article should probably be written at Thanksgiving. If I were to give it a title it would probably be “Attitude of Gratitude.” I have been preaching out of Ephesians over the last couple of months. But as I prepared for last week’s message, I was impressed by the Apostle Paul’s attitude. Ephesians 1:1516 says, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” The verses directly before this, talk about our Spiritual Blessings: God chose us to be in His Family, we are Redeemed (sins paid for), Revealed the Mystery of Eternity, and the gift of the Holy Spirit (who helps us become more like Jesus).

Paul says, (Miller Translation) In consideration of these four “Blessings” and after hearing about your faith (the church in Ephesus), verse 16 says “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” In this article I simply want to encourage all the readers to be thankful, above all else give thanks. Paul has learned the secret of contentment, Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

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Just a couple other verses showing how Paul understood this concept. Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Can I just say in closing: If we all had an “Attitude of Gratitude” our world would be less stressful and more calm.

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

Please contact Gov. Tim Walz to protect E-tabs and YOUR small community!

Here is what E-tabs do for our state:

• 131 million in charitable gambling donations.

- Since 2021 the St. Rosa Jaycees have donated $239,407 to local organizations!

• 86 million in total taxes are generated by electronic pull tab gaming.

OUR communities depend on our local organizations, please take a moment to call Governor Tim Walz: 651-201-3400

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