Today, I had to ask my husband the big question.  “When I go out to do chores, how long will it take you to come out and look for me?” He set down his paperwork, looked at me through his reading glasses and his lips began to curl up in a mischievous little smile.  “Why?” he queried. ”Did you have some trouble today?” I began to give him the blow-by-blow facts as I went … [Read more...]

Some days stand out above others. For me, January 31 holds precious memories. It was on that day, 50 years ago that my husband asked me to be his wife. As I look back on the past 50 years, we have had good times and some difficult times. But with the perspective of time, it is easy to spot one characteristic that is noticeable. It is faithfulness. The World Book Dictionary … [Read more...]

Blizzard conditions were just down the road. Unbeknownst to us, the snow was blinding, and the roadway was covered with white. We eagerly set out for our destination. On this January evening, we were heading to our home at Heritage Farm. It was my hope that we would “beat” any stormy conditions that might be brewing. Interstate highway travel is generally rather humdrum and … [Read more...]

I married a man who has self-discipline and enjoys his work.  In the early years, I learned many things from him and his parents. Their practical knowledge opened my eyes to a new side of life that I had not known – farming. Besides farm life, one thing that was new to me was car care.  I had never owned a car, so caring for one was brand new to me.  My husband changed the … [Read more...]

Family brings us many characteristics, interests and activities as our inheritance.  From my side of the family, we gained a longing for the north woods and life at the cabin.  I still speak with a Wisconsin accent. My husband’s family has given us the appreciation for county living on the farm with all the work it entails.  One activity my husband’s dad enjoyed was the … [Read more...]

Isn’t it nice when you take a break for a change of pace?  That is just what we did.  The pattern of summer’s rainy weather this year made farming a challenge.  Getting work done was frustrating.  Yet, finally the work did get done enough so that we could have a getaway.  We traveled to our cabin in northern Wisconsin.  Although a short visit, it became a much needed … [Read more...]

Summer brings a host of activities for us to enjoy.  The warm and hot days also bring plenty of work, but I digress.  One activity my whole family enjoys is going up north to the cabin. The cabin is tucked in the forestland of northern Wisconsin.  Birches, poplars, tamaracks and pine trees help to cover acres of land.  Whether privately-owned or publicly-owned land, such as … [Read more...]

Nowadays we look forward to a sunny day.  Just a few weeks ago the world “woke up” and blossomed due to the warm temperatures and the sun beaming its rays down on the earth.  The greening of the landscape is expanding. I have been drawn to the flowers and vegetables we have transplanted into the soil.  One afternoon, after watering them, I decided to cut the asparagus that had … [Read more...]

I had a pile of old calendars in my office. They stretched over several decades. I just could not destroy them since they documented so many little details I preferred to not forget. Some have great photos from which I might get some use. But the dates and the events we have participated in bring back special memories.  So in an effort to “spring clean” the office, I decided … [Read more...]