A turtle passed me. It was a bafflement. I’d been humming the theme from “Jeopardy” as I paused on a busy highway. The turtle gave me a keen grasp of my situation. I don’t know what kind of turtle it was because it zoomed by so quickly. It might have been a Mitsubishi, but I think that was what I was driving. Upon further investigation, I discovered it was Labor Day and I … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Lawn
I’m learning the hard way: Why I need a forehead tattoo The words clogged my throat, choked by feelings of inadequacy. You wouldn’t think that five words would be so hard. Honestly, words aren’t hard, but feelings are. Just spit it out! Wrapped in lies of my own creation, I feared the response to my words. For many years, I’ve believed I should be a better homeschool … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Falling cows among fallen apples
A standard large cow herd had 16 cows, according to Anita Lee (Hartman) Palmquist while describing her childhood chores on the Hartman family farm in Pleasant Valley near Hokah during the late 1920s and early ‘30s. Cows were milked by hand, and milk was carried by hand in pails from the barn to the milk house to be separated. Someone kept the separator tank full of milk while … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – Finding comfort in Christ
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston Where do you look for strength when your entire world is upside down? As a pastor I have counseled many on finding hope in the Lord. I have sat bedside with many people experiencing trials and held the hands of some as they passed. However, it is often much easier to comfort others than to comfort self. Recently, I … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
“My momma didn’t raise no spendthrift.” She loved sales, particularly with 80% off. She shopped garage sales and often picked up the entire free box. We had few books in our home, but after I learned to read, I discoveredthe public library. Almost everything was free. There was one rack that was a rental usually preventing young children who didn’t have a quarter from reading … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Choosing the better way
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist There is a story about Jesus and his friends that is often not appreciated, particularly by those of us whose lives are full to overflowing with activities and responsibilities. Mary and Martha are friends of Jesus who often host Jesus and his disciples in their homes. On this day, Jesus is in Martha’s home and, as is … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Overall, there were plenty of pockets
With an emphasis on function, bib overalls were the everyday fashion on the farm for men and boys during the mid-20th century (1900s). Nine or more pockets were available for whatever basic tools might be needed at a moment’s notice. That attire allowed a farmer to be a “walking tool bench,” concluded David Beckman, recalling his youth on a Houston County farm. The bib would … [Read more...]
We take odd things and make them our things
Why are the cardinals the last birds to leave the bird feeders at the end of the day? That’s a good question asked by a reader. I tell people they have asked good questions and hope that makes them feel good when I’m unable to answer their inquiries. I think I’ve got this one. Cardinals are among the earliest visitors in the morning and the last to leave the feeders at … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Aprons: yesteryear’s coverups, carryalls and facecloths
Nowadays, few remember them. But in a previous century, aprons were an everyday essential in every woman’s wardrobe. With an overhead strap and tied in back, they were worn to protect a lady’s dress, “because women couldn’t afford to ruin the few dresses they had,” recalled David Beckman from his 1940s upbringing in rural southeast Minnesota. Compared to a dress, an apron … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage Unexpected at the door!
Not everyone may consider themselves to be a host or hostess. For some folks it comes naturally, but whether or not we see ourselves with such a gift, there are times when we have that very opportunity to entertain guests. We had that chance recently. Now you might find this list of events a bit much to handle. Back to back like this, they might be. Despite being … [Read more...]
