Sean Dengler.

Last week, the cornhead was moved to its final resting place before it is sold. While traveling the country roads to the destination, it was a trip down memory lane. Whether it was driving by formerly Dengler farmed fields or familiar farmsteads which laid on the path to my Grandma Pohlman’s house, it was a familiar route from over 33 years of crisscrossing this beautiful God’s country landscape.

As a way to pay homage to the former farmers, laborers, and other Tama County folks who came before, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard music was played. This happened while the combine bopped up and down these dusty country roads on one of the warmest days of the year. While lacking the mechanical skills when compared to previous generations, this mostly German “retired” farmer felt connected to those Tama Countians who came before.

Passing the various hollowed out farmsteads with a house here or a grove of trees still standing there. Some have seen better days while still some reflect the past when farms were diversified with multiple barns and sheds. At this point, these multifaceted farmsteads have either been hollowed out or replaced by a large grain or large livestock operation. There are also other farmsteads which might not fit either description. They are still holding on, retired, or some good folks enjoying country life.

When passing by Clutier from the northeast side, it has a romantic, picturesque view. The very gentle hills on the east side of town give way to the town on a rising hill while flanked by fields to the north and south. The beautiful rolling hills rise in the background on the west side of this Bohemian village. While the tattered school has seen better days, the Co-op’s grain bins stand tall above the cityscape. If Grant Wood had grown up in Tama County, this could have been one of his best works.

This drive may not have been for the happiest of occasions, but what gave me pause throughout it is the beauty. The sights and views still give time for reflection. A combine is not the quickest of vehicles, but it slowed down time to look back in time. This Earth provides beauty. In the hardest of times, places which one has seen many times in their life can still be awe inspiring. Stopping and seeing everything for it can be a good reminder that what is here or there is only for this small moment in time. Take the beauty when you can get it and thankfully, the higher power has provided beautiful sights in Tama County.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.