Corn Canyons

The soybean leaves were turning as we rode through the corn canyons of Midwest farms. We commented on how good the year had been for growing crops. Late in the ride we saw four deer. The group was a mother and what appeared to be triplets. It has been a good year for many growing things.

We passed through an neighborhood west of town that was a first time experience for me. Both of us noticed that the folks dwelling there were just surviving. The cars in driveways and general appearance of the homes suggested just enough to live. There was no fixing up, fresh paint, or plush landscaping. This perspective allowed me to appreciate the relative abundance I enjoy.

We passed an old building, that was once a home, standing several yards from the road. I wondered, as we passed, what emotions the walls of that house would reveal if they could. What feelings might had been enjoyed at family meals inside? Were there arguments between those who once lived there? I imagined joys of newborn babies and gleeful shouts of growing children. Yet, now the grounds and the walls stood silent. Life changes around us all of the time. It would have been interesting to know what circumstances led to the house no longer being lived in.

There were only two riders and one coin was found. We noted a total distance of 21.4 miles and an average speed of 14.5 miles per hour. Even with the extended time for the ride, the sun was still above the horizon at our completion. I look forward to more nice rides as we end the summer and move into Fall.