Well, I learned a lot this day (2/21/09)! I have also developed a deeper appreciation for our local meat lockers. I grew up on a farm, but still did not know a lot about the meat lockers where we had our meat processed. I always thought they only did processing for farmers & hunters. But they offer so much more than that! Anyone can go into a meat locker and buy fresh meat and meat "snacks". You don't need to have your own animal to bring in. And the prices are going to be competitve with those you see in your local grocery store. One of the things I like best about the local meat lockers, is you will always know where your meat is coming from! Sometimes you may even know the producer of the meat. With the economy the way it is, right now is a great time to shop local! Support your neighbors and you help your state stay afloat during these tough times.
There was quite the turn-out for some of the meat processing contests! There was a delicious aroma the minute you stepped inside the building! I was honored to be the guest of Clint Smith and his family. They were the ones
who were so kind as to give me a "lift" during the Stanhope Parade last summer. What a wonderful family they are! They may not be natives of Iowa, but they truly embody what Iowans are like. I met another family, the Kerns, who own a meat locker in Edgewood, IA. They were the lucky winners of several of the meat contests. I am pictured with 3 of their children (whose names I have misplaced!) as well as with Clint Smith & his wife, of Stanhope (above).
We had our very own "American Idol" at Augustana Lutheran Church, Sunday afternoon & evening! I was blessed to be a part of this talented group of people. Every year Augustana puts on a talent show called Augie's Diner (Augie is short for Augustana) to raise funds for our youth to participate i
n the Youth Gathering held in New Orleans. The show is made up of people from the church and include singing, instrumental and comedy acts. I even took a stab at telling a few jokes (which I am not very good at!) but still managed to get a few laughs! I was asked to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for both the afternoon show and the evening show. I had such a great time! I would love to do it again next year! of course, that would mean coming up with a few new jokes! Yikes! I am glad of the opportunity to use some of the "talents" that God has given me and look forward to many more chances to showcase His generosity!
