While riding our bikes through the Heartland, we see lots (and lots!) of silos. For you city slickers who may not know what a silo is, they’re ginormous storage structures for silages and high-moisture grains used for livestock feeds.
[Discussion while bicycling]
“Len, you know that today, right now—this moment—is our life, right?”
“Yes Laurie.”
“You know how those farmers are storing food for their livestock for the winter months?”
“Yes Laurie.”
“Are you drinking it all in—tucking these memories into your heart like a treasure for this winter when it’s 40-degrees below and we can’t get outside?”
“No Laurie.”
“Well, why not?”
“Because you’re taking dozens of photographs and will show them to me over and over again. I won’t possibly be able to forget!”
“Len?”
“Laurie, if you stop pedaling one more time we’re gonna have a domestic.”
“Yes Len.”
As we came around a bend in the road we averted our eyes because right there on the side of the bike path was a farmland hussy—a topless silo!
Listen with your heart,
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan
www.HolEssence.com
Copyright © 2010 Laurie Buchanan — All Rights Reserved.
Tuesdays with Laurie 
What fun to be on a bike ride with you, Laurie. I have an idea. You and Len can get stationary bikes and then you load up all your bazillion photographs on the screen saver of the computer. Then, you hook your computer up to a large screen, place that screen in front of your stationary bikes, and then while you ride you get to see all of the photos! It will be just like being outside, except you don’t have to worry about getting bugs in your teeth.
Barbara – It’s obvious that you’ve got a wonderfully colorful imagination; that’s what makes you such a good writer! I guarantee you that if we did try to ride stationary bikes in the house, our dogs would want to be in on the action and be as disruptive as all-get-out … probably after our ankes. I hope you’ve had a wonderful Labor Day holiday.
OMG
A hussy silo!
You really hit the funny bone today!
Take care….
Kim
Kim – I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
“Lazy bones,” said the Ant to the Grasshopper, ” the day will come when you’ll wish you had stored something for the Winter instead of dancing and fiddling all Summer long.” Words of wisdom to be sure. This year my Inner Grasshopper has been large and in charge. If I could live on peppers I would be in high cotton but as matters stand, I am very grateful for the modern grocery store. Thank you for the virtual journey through the heartland!
Sandi – Those words are a great reminder. I see the squirrels and woodpeckers right outside my window laying stuff by for the winter every single day. They’re busy scurrying and hurrying hither and yon. Peppers … ooh-la-la that sounds good. We’re awfully glad for grocery stores, too. You’re welcome for the virtual journey — I had fun taking the photos.
I giggled at “if you stop peddling one more time we are going to have domestic.” Yesterday as I was out “catching fall” I kept losing site of David as he strolled along because I was taking photographs. Such a lovely time of year and good to drink it all in before the fullness of winter is upon us. Great post Laurie:)
Terrill – I thoroughly enjoyed your post, Catching Fall, today. And hitting the jackpot when I learned that you’re back to your Mon-Fri posting schedule whenever possible. Congratulations on the resounding success of your art exhibit — I’m thrilled for you!
A TOPLESS silo!! Oh how hysterical! What a good joke to start the day. I have actually been thinking a lot about the old barns and how in several years they will no longer be around. The silos will be here…but not the old barns. Sigh…
What am I storing for the winter? Not acorns, although they keep raining harder and harder in the night. I am maybe storing joy for a day when it’s hard to be joyful. Don’t know if you can store joy, though.
Kathy – Ohhhh, I love the old barns. We have lots of them in our neck of the woods, many of them in disrepair. I’m not sure about storing joy either – it might spontaneously combust 🙂
Oh
I missed this part—Duh
What are you storing up for the winter??
Lots of sunlight!!
Although it is one my favorite seasons,it can seem dark and dreary. Keeping that light of Divine Love shining is so important.
I think it is going to be a challenging one for me,as my mom is not talking to us.
I like Kathy’s response too! Store up Joy!…awesome thought.
Kim
Kim – I’m storing sunshine memories too, for when it’s a bazillion degrees below zero and there hasn’t been a hint of the sun in ages. Hey, why don’t you reach out a hand of peace with your mom? Make an attempt … life’s too short. You know if it was happening between you and your kids, you’d sure appreciate a hand being reached out to you.
You and Ailsa are so alike. With our tramping club the standard response to “where is Ailsa” is stopped to take some photos.
We’re just coming out of winter and into spring.
I’ve started knocking down a few trees, and laying in firewood so that we are well prepared for next winter (also so that I can get some new nut trees planted for future autumn harvests.
Weather today is lousy – rain and cold – fire going again.
Cost estimate of the quake in Christchurch has been upped from $2B to $4B, and Ailsa’s sister’s house has been condemned (only 15 years old, but damaged beyond economic repair).
Water is back on for about 90% of the city, but the rest might take months.
Sewers are out for about 30% of the city, and it may be many months before they are restored. Estimated 200,000 homes damaged and requiring insurance claim repairs or replacement. State of emergency extended for another week. Aftershocks still coming at about 1 per hour. We’re not feeling anything here, we’re too far away, and some people are calling in to stay with us as they leave for quieter parts.
Ted – I’m so grateful that you and yours are okay in the midst of that literal upheaval. I imagine that Ailsa’s sister will be one of the people staying with you guys until she can get herself situated; it’s got to be an insurance nightmare. With sewers out in many places, that’s got to generate concern for contamination and disease — a whole nother monster to tackle.
Our summer is slipping away. We’re getting ready to do a little riding before going to HolEssence, and it’s only 51 degrees. It’s gonna be a bit nippy…
Wonderful Slide Show…I just now got a chance to view the whole thing, as my BB does not want to show it……
I especailly like the rows of corn in some of them!
Kim
Kim – When you’re riding a bicycle pretty fast and looking at the rows of corn whip by, it has an almost dizzying effect.