I have been enjoying wonderful weather in Indiana these past two days with mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the eighties (Fahrenheit) and the occasional terrifying thunderstorm. The best part is that I can watch the storm draping the cornfields in rain, punctuated by lightning strikes.

Unfortunately for the farmers, they’ve had too much rain. On my drives between villages and cemeteries, I’ve noticed small ponds where there should be soybeans. At least the corn is tall enough to rise above the waves.

Yesterday, my fourth cousin and I walked a couple of cemeteries, visiting the graves of our great great grandfathers who were Barker brothers. One of cemeteries was literally the corner of a cornfield and there was no pavement nor gravel in which to park so I just pulled onto the grass. Stepping out, I could feel my feet sink a couple of centimeters into the gurgling earth. My new car is designed for efficient fuel use, not for off-roading, so I was a little worried about getting back on the road but it did just fine. So far this trip I’m averaging 52mpg. Not bad.

Samuel Barker and Mary Jane Willits Barker, his fourth[?] wife.

John Barker and Nancy Jane Farlow Barker