A tradition of gnomes The holiday season is all about traditions. Foods, decorations and hosting duties are often set in stone. My family has had to become more flexible over the years. We have one unique tradition that can be practiced any time of the year! It all started because my artist husband sold individually handcrafted ceramic figures at Nordic Fest in Decorah, … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Hocus Pocus, I need wine to focus! Just kidding. I have been watching too many “Fear Fest” movies on television. Most people associate October with Halloween. Who doesn’t like to dress up and get free candy? I think of October as a very romantic month. No, not because of “Bride of Dracula.” I was married on October 4. It was a beautiful day and many people helped make … [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...]
A little of this, A little of that
Growing up, I lived several feet from the Root River and the Preston Soybean Mill. Soybeans and water attract rats. To combat the rats we always had pet cats. They were all free, named Tabby, and died young from eating poisoned rats. After moving away from the soybean mill we didn’t need the cats anymore. When I was a junior in high school, I had boyfriend who had … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
I spent some time recently in a sisterhood. No, did not enter a convent or escape to a nunnery! I spoke at the Root River Conference Spring Gathering at the Chatfield Lutheran Church. The church is beautiful with a rose window. I found the expert on the church organization, Michelle, the administrative assistant. She found a small table that I needed for a demonstration … [Read more...]
A little of this, a little of that
It all started with a walk on the beach to pick up shells. My sisters and I recently vacationed in South Padre, Tex. Take your time and hate me for a few minutes. I usually feel angry at people who take winter vacations while I am at home during February and March in Minnesota. Now that you have that out of your system, I will continue my story. I confess that compass … [Read more...]
A Little of This a Little of That
“LOVEUARY” is what the Hallmark Channel has named the entire month of February. Does that make you deliriously happy or incredibly sad? I guess it depends if you are in a romantic relationship or not. A bakery in Los Angeles bakes 1/2 heart cookies for the broken hearted, and they are big sellers! Of course any business that depends on romance to sell their products will … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
I am a carnivore, not a salad lady. I enjoy salad along with my meat. I guess God and inflation want me to eat less of it. I have been thinking about food much of the time lately, especially about stretching meat. Then I realized I already knew how. My mother and grandmother did it all the time. I wasn’t grocery shopping or cooking at the time so I never noticed. Before I … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Math was never my best subject. My high school algebra teacher, Ken Denny did his best. By the time I figured out how to balance equations, it was time for geometry. It seemed hopeless. Why did I have to figure out proofs? I was willing to accept whatever had been already been proven! I have memorized this formula: Family (friends) + delicious food (and plenty of it) = … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Without shame, I admit that I have never made a pumpkin pie from scratch. Maybe you haven’t either? Now, before you get testy and mad at me please let me explain. I have never purchased a frozen pie crust. My “never fail pie crust recipe” lives up to its name. My husband says it is even better than his mother’s. Please don’t pout, Myna, everything else you make is better … [Read more...]
