Who knew that growing up poor in the Midwest could be such an advantage! As a young person I quickly learned the value of hard work. That’s how I earned money for clothes and make-up and records (they came before cassettes and cds for any young people reading this column). I babysat and worked as a carhop at the root beer stand. Later I worked at the radio station. Having … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
Imagine, “The Munsters Ghastly Glow Lamp” for only $225. Surely, you remember the spooky funny TV show by that name. It starred Herman, the head of the family with a Frankenstein-like head, his wife Lily, their son Eddie and Goofy Grandpa who all lived at 13 Mockingbird Lane. They also had a daughter, Marilyn, who was a total outcast because she looked like an all-American … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
Taking the time It seems like many people are reciting the same phrase about trying to “take the time” to get something done or to spend time with someone. The time in the day is often filled with work commitments, children’s school and athletic activities, upkeep of our homes, and daily chores and we try to carve out time around all of that busy time to maintain cherished … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
One hundred columns Thank you, readers of A View from the Woods, for allowing me to write this, my one hundredth column. I began 18 years ago, when then-editor of the Fillmore County Journal, John Torgrimson, called for prospective columnists to apply. Thinking I might enjoy the discipline of writing about my experiences in this beautiful rural area, I hoped others would like … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Small towns are having a difficult time surviving, let alone thriving. Young people graduate and move away because there are no jobs. Dwindling populations cause stores to close so people drive to big box stores out of town to shop. This causes more stores to close. It is a vicious cycle. If a town loses a school, it might make matters even worse. County seats are … [Read more...]