[Adam Helmer]

Gas leasing is BIG Business hereabouts and many folks are getting big money for 5-year leases.

A neighbor stopped by yesterday and we had a chat on the front porch. He is a farmer with about 130 acres he bought in the 1970s for about $50,000. He got his check and went to the bank and put it into CDs for the time being. He stopped by his tax accountant to settle up for the federal and state taxes. After all the deductions for taxes he has just over One Million Dollars! His dilema: He does not feel like a rich man.

We had a good chat and went turkey hunting this morning. We will hunt chucks on his place tomorrow as he settles into his new status. Windfalls do bring culture shock to folks who recall when they had less cash on hand.

Adam