How is your memory? As the old year passes and the new one arrives it is common for us to look back over the events of the past year and reminisce. For some people wonderful things happened, yet for others harsh or tragic experiences occurred. My hope is that the former has brightened your life and been a delight. For those with the severe times of life to recollect, may … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
My “Milky Whey” day Today went quite well. Early in the morning, my husband gifted me with a bucket containing about three gallons of raw, chilled milk and its cream. He carried it from the milk house ready for my use. Since my refrigerator was already filled with all of the milk and cream I could use, I skimmed off the cream and dutifully began making butter. Mixing the … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
After-beaver clean-up I once wrote you a story called “A Beaver Tale.” Unfortunately, to my point of view, the story was not over. Mr. Landowner returned to his little cabin on a small lake in the north woods of Wisconsin. His aim was to improve the cabin itself by cementing in several stunning split rocks from the fireplace and chimney. The past 50 years had taken a toll … [Read more...]
A goodly Heritage
The old house story I drove to town today to get groceries. My four-year-old grandson accompanied me. We chose to take a picturesque route. The farmers’ fields sporting the typical colors of the harvest season attracted our attention. The blue sky illumined the way before us. I have taken this road to town for many years. During that time much has changed and much has … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Time out with the kids Grandpas and grandmas can find it a challenge to get time with their grandchildren. Time and distance take a toll on how often and how deep their relationships can go. Our children’s families are not unlike many others. Their homes are not situated close to the farm. So we are faced with making the times we have together something special. One … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Thankful for once a year jobs Today I sat in my centenarian farm kitchen cutting fresh broccoli we harvested from our garden. As I worked I could hear the echoes and the low drone of my husband’s tractor. Finishing my job of blanching the green delicacy and packaging it, I sauntered outdoors to the corn cribs where the action was taking place. A corn crib is a structure … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
The beauty of it all Since I have lived on a farm that has been in our family since 1856, two years before Minnesota became a state, I have a wealth of history to search out and consider. History is told in the photos we store in the house. We have old photos of the farm buildings and fields. Some pictures introduce us to people who either lived on this farm or who were … [Read more...]
Springtime inspiration
The coming of spring greatly influences each of us in many ways. On the farm we have planned for it, but some things still happen with elements of surprise. Just take today, for instance. Today started with an unexpected early morning phone call. “Hi, I am calling from the post office. I have some chirping chicks here for you,” the caller informed me. I had ordered … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Diary about the little orphan Day One: Today started like most others. After doing exercises, I did my reading and had breakfast with my family. I admired the new seedlings that I have been nurturing. I checked my emails and set out to do my regular chores in the house. Then I heard my name called from the basement. My husband ascended the stairs and handed me a … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
When a high school student, one of my least favorite duties in English class was the oral book report. First, I had to read a book. Second, I would have to write a paper summarizing what I read. Lastly, I was required to give a report on the book orally to the entire class. To stand up before a crowd and to present the idea given in the book repulsed me. Rather than … [Read more...]