Well, it is about time to take down the old Christmas tree. Some years I have been the lone decorator. At other times I have been delighted by a surprise when my family put up the tree and donned it with lights, garlands and ornaments. Our first Christmas tree filled our apartment with the typical refreshing scent of pine. As a young married couple, our budget did not allow … [Read more...]
November Stroll
I made my way this morning to my rural mailbox to send a gift to a friend. Its blistered paint reminded me that it needs some tender loving care. Mild temperatures called out and lured me to stroll around this old farm. I noticed the sights and sounds today that I have so long neglected. Horizon to horizon stretched a canopy of varied shades of gray. Naked tree … [Read more...]
The Burr Oak The Burr Oak This day began like most other days. But the planned events made this particular day one that proved to be out-of-the-ordinary. This morning, a woodcutter would come and remove a landmark that had towered over our farm for as long as any of us could remember. For an unknown number of years the monster Burr Oak tree sheltered our family from … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Here on the farm, business has been very steady as this season comes to a close. The garden is the business to which I refer. It has been a challenge, too, since there has been a shortage of canning lids. Many stores tell me that they have not been able to get lids all year. Regardless, I kept busy. My supply of well-loved dill pickles was replenished. Tomatoes have been … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
A beaver tale In the dusky moments at the end of the day when the hush of evening descends, the loon’s song echoes through the forested lake land of northern Wisconsin. Besides the call of the loon, the whippoorwill serenades the northland’s listening ears. Yet these birds are not the only creatures taking advantage of the transition of day to night. A beaver family … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Summer days Summer days bring much work on the farm. Lately, we have been baling hay. For that we need sunshine to dry the hay in the field. Some frequent rains can make the job frustrating. We make small square bales which used to be popular. On a farm adorned with gently rolling hills, small tractors and equipment do the job well. Our method for making hay bales … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: Some losses in this world become another’s gain
By Wenda Grabau Some losses in this world become another’s gain. One such thing happened on the farm several years ago. On a summer day a new cat showed up in our yard. While not full grown, she was not just a kitten. She had the gray tabby-look but with some alterations. Her feet and legs were white. In honor of the white leggings she displayed, we named her “Pippy” … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Garbau From one generation to another This year has been eventful and, as I write, it is only May. My dear mother passed away. My husband and daughter traveled out of the country for a mission trip. Briefly after their return, we all came down with COVID-19. We spent 35 days in quarantine. Now that our health has been restored, it is time for farm work. My … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau My brush with the virus A few days after my family’s return from a trip they had been on, symptoms reared their ugly heads. Coughing uncontrollably, nearly sleepless nights, sore throat, and fever all descended on our little home in the country. Doing his regular chores drained my husband’s strength. Life was not going as usual. After several days … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau The days are getting longer. Do you feel new energy swelling in your heart and mind? Can you hear the trill of the blackbirds singing in your neighborhood? Spring is my favorite season. The world awakes from its slumber and displays its God-given beauty. Last fall, a friend gave me several potted plants that she had been nurturing. I learned that I … [Read more...]