Hello from the Lebanon Valley

Good morning!! It is a cold clear morning here, the trees are showing off their varied hues and all creatures sense the need to prepare for winter. Actually Dad and I are on our countdown of the last week before Israel. I have been busy packing - and thinking of things that maybe I should have or wondering what I might need that I haven't thought of yet. I think we are planning on doing some shopping today, Dad needs better fitting jeans!! I would like some new jeans too but Vanity Fair is too far away. Let's hope that Kohl's is worth the space it takes up on earth.

Brent Copenhaver is here this morning, last night Dad pulled a calf around midnight. When he came to bed he asked who do I think Philip should call if he needs help at night. Suddenly reality kicks in and I am thinking about Philip checking the cattle at night and sweeping in and checking on cows that maybe freshening and then I start to pity Philip. Somehow I don't imagine that Joe will be a lot of help in those situations. We decided that Philip needs to call Brent.

Sorry about that interruption, we had 2 renegade heifers here and Dad, Eddie and I had to get them penned up - actually Jeff Hostetter had to help before he could leave. Nelson Martin noticed that he lost some and so they are loading them up as I write.

There is also a huge black cloud of smoke descending from the south Lebanon area. I turned the radio on to try to find out what is going on - and promptly stopped paying attention. Then I heard fire activity on the 300 block of state drive. I wonder what in the world in going on. If this day keeps going the way it started - we are in for trouble!! Well Eddie just left with feed wagon - so maybe things are improving. Hope all is well in Blacksburg, College Park, and Le Creusot!!!