Houston - We have lift off!

What a week this has been! Two magazines, two deadlines and both are at the same time. (Whose idea what that?!) Earlier this week I went over to the publishing office where I had 2 magazines to look over. I bounced back and forth from one designer to the next. Suzanne has been laying out Oliver Heritage for a while so she's got the hang of it. I wasn't too worried about her, but Heritage Iron is a different story. It's brand new and we had to completely build the magazine. My page designer, Jason, did a phenomenal job. He understood exactly what look I was trying to convey with this magazine and he nailed it! We had a blast!

The magazine has been uploaded to the printers and is now out of our hands. All we can do is pace the floor until the USPS gets their hands on it December 1.

It's that time of the year again. That means if I'm going outside to run or do anything, I had better be wearing a bright orange vest or I'll be taking my life into my own hands. I have a big picture window in my living room and it looks out over my pond. There has been a big buck running around out there every day this week. I expect he'll be hiding tomorrow though.

Next week is the big antique tractor auction in Taylorville, IL. Since that's only 20 miles from me, it's a "must". If you've never been to this auction, you really should go at least once. But be forewarned - dress for the cold! Maybe I'll see you there.

The Countdown

It's getting closer.....only 20 days left until the first issue of Heritage Iron goes in the mail. The magazine is complete and it goes to the printer next week. We printed off the proof on Friday and it looks great! I can't wait until every else gets to take a look at it. If you're wondering what's inside, here are a few of the topics: IH 1206, White Mighty-Tow 4-115, JD Buyer's Guides, Ertel toys of 1970, Rome 4WDs, M&W Gear and much more. I know I might be a little biased but I think it's a great issue with a bit of something for everyone.

No sooner did I have the proof in my hands when I decided to get out of the office for a few days and hit the National Farm Toy Show in Dyersville, IA. I had never been to this show before. It seems like every year I have something else to do but this year I was going to make time. So I threw some clothes in the car and headed north.

If you have never been to the toy show, you should make plans to go sometime and experience it at least once. I have never seen so many toys in one place in my life! The entire town gets ready for this event. The Beckmann school cleans out all of their classrooms, covers the gym floor with protective paper and then turns the entire school over to the toy vendors. There were hundreds of them! And when there wasn't room left inside, there were tents and trailers set up outside everywhere. It didn't seem to matter to anyone that it was below freezing. It was unbelievable!

Unfortunately my little office vacation was short-lived. It's back to work getting the next issue of Oliver Heritage off to the press too. My work is never done....but oh what fun.