While out and about today I noticed something that have become a modern occurance in the countryside around these parts. Farm houses that have recently become vacant and scattered throught the landscape that have been condemned by the owners. These owners are the new owners of the farmground they bought from families of farm families when the "old heads" have passed on or taken to the nursing homes in town. It is now a common site to see a track hoe settin in the barnyard awaitin it's designated job of tearin down the house and all the outbuildings and then burrin it all. While it's illegal to burry buildings now it's still bein done.

I can understand the farmers side too. Insurance on a building is outragous when nobody is livin there. Upkeep is also somthing to consider along with people who you might rent it to and they destroy the entire house and out buildings.

Government set aside farm programs will pay good money to leave the land lay idle and houses/out buildings set on that land! That alone will garner more cash that all the good renters around.

The cool air has come to stay for the winter I rekon. Will try and get a 55 gallon drum filled with shelled corn tomorrow for my winters supply of "critter feed". Much easier to buy from the farmer straight from the hopper of the corn sheller.

When we go to town buyin grub it's always a hassel what with all those nasty traffic lights. I hate, loathe and despise those "things from hell". I swear they all see me before I get to'm and turn red!!!! Of course that ain't true but sometimes it sure seems like it.

Check on some old folks and see how they're preparin for winter. You might be able to help some of'm out a mite. old hoot. Matt.24:44

-- old hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), October 17, 2002