No…that’s not a play on words. It seems that farmers have found a new way to make the most of their corn fields. They’re taking several acres of their fields and cutting designs into them, and selling passes to walk the mazes.
Mazes are common in England, but the farmers have a new twist. Their mazes can be made from scratch each year, and the designs are complex. Most of them are new designs that don’t bear any resemblance to the boxwood or evergreen mazes which take years to develop. Maze Play is one company that helps farmers create the designs. Take a look at some of their photos.
The invention of GPS gave the farmers the tool they needed to cut precision designs in the crops. Early in the year a design is chosen or created, and the crop is planted. The paper design is covered with a grid of GPS locations, and the information is converted into a device that the designer wears in the field.
As the designer walks the field, guided by the GPS device, he is followed by a tractor which removes specific cornstalks to create the alleyways of the design.
There is a farm in Northern Illinois that has nine miles of trails. I heard of this phenomenon while traveling through Indiana, but there are mazes all over the US and Canada.
If you haven’t been to a farm lately, go and see the newest aspect of 21st century farming! Depending on your location, mazes will be available from August to November. Surf the web to find the one nearest you, or call your county extention service for more information.

1. What time do you wake up on weekday mornings?
The first time, between 4:40 and 5:00 when hubby kisses me goodbye. THe second time is between six and seven.
2. Do you sleep in on the weekends? How late? No, I try to take responsibility for the dog walk on weekends, so I’m up anywhere from 5:30 to 7:00 depending on Defer.
3. Aside from waking up, what is the first thing you do in the mornin? Pee. Doesn’t everyone?? Okay…..pee, shower, dress, hair, makeup, TEA!
4. How long does it take to get ready for your day? From bed to door, 30 minutes if I am working at home, 45 if I have to go out.
5. When possible, what is your favorite place to go for breakfast? Quincy’s. I like Cracker Barrel’s hash brown casserole, but I haven’t had it in a few years.

I love watching men!
A few years ago I was sitting with my youngest sister. We had the oddest conversation. Her daughters were tiny then, and she was very conscious of the fact that small children are quick to learn by observation. Sis has always been a great watcher of men, especially their rear view. She was trying to tell me that she felt it necessary to put an end to that terrible habit for her daughter’s sake, but as she was talking, her head swiveled to follow one particularly exceptional vision of male pulchritude. All I could do was hoot with laughter!
Remember the scene from “Roxanne” where the new firefighter meets the Chief (Steve Martin), and is mesmerized by his nose? Martin moves his nose back and forth, and the guy’s head follows the movement. Sis is sorta like that around handsome men! *G*
I was in the grocery store today, and a man walked past pushing his cart. I just stayed where I was and watched for a bit. What a nice tush! I think male teens are missing a bet, wearing those darned baggy pants. Not only do they LOOK stupid….they are also missing out on the chance to find a girl who might be attracted to their (ahem) figure! That’s one thing guys in their thirties have going for them…pants that FIT. I don’t want to see a guy in pants that are so tight there’s no room to squirm. Pants that nicely cup the curve of the butt are just right!
Another thought about those baggies…. I was also at the car wash today. Being a basically lazy person, I have the SUV washed for me, rather than doing it myself. I was waiting for the guys to finish the wipe-down when a young man sat down across from me. Guys, if you’re going to wear shorts with really wide legs, you might want to have someone teach you how to sit with your knees together.
I recall an episode of “Friends” that was about guys “hanging out.” I thought it was a funny, but contrived incident for a plot, and discovered today that it really happens. This guy was sitting with his legs sprawled open. I really TRIED not to look…..
*G*