After-beaver clean-up I once wrote you a story called “A Beaver Tale.” Unfortunately, to my point of view, the story was not over. Mr. Landowner returned to his little cabin on a small lake in the north woods of Wisconsin. His aim was to improve the cabin itself by cementing in several stunning split rocks from the fireplace and chimney. The past 50 years had taken a toll … [Read more...]
A goodly Heritage
The old house story I drove to town today to get groceries. My four-year-old grandson accompanied me. We chose to take a picturesque route. The farmers’ fields sporting the typical colors of the harvest season attracted our attention. The blue sky illumined the way before us. I have taken this road to town for many years. During that time much has changed and much has … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Time out with the kids Grandpas and grandmas can find it a challenge to get time with their grandchildren. Time and distance take a toll on how often and how deep their relationships can go. Our children’s families are not unlike many others. Their homes are not situated close to the farm. So we are faced with making the times we have together something special. One … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Thankful for once a year jobs Today I sat in my centenarian farm kitchen cutting fresh broccoli we harvested from our garden. As I worked I could hear the echoes and the low drone of my husband’s tractor. Finishing my job of blanching the green delicacy and packaging it, I sauntered outdoors to the corn cribs where the action was taking place. A corn crib is a structure … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
The beauty of it all Since I have lived on a farm that has been in our family since 1856, two years before Minnesota became a state, I have a wealth of history to search out and consider. History is told in the photos we store in the house. We have old photos of the farm buildings and fields. Some pictures introduce us to people who either lived on this farm or who were … [Read more...]
Springtime inspiration
The coming of spring greatly influences each of us in many ways. On the farm we have planned for it, but some things still happen with elements of surprise. Just take today, for instance. Today started with an unexpected early morning phone call. “Hi, I am calling from the post office. I have some chirping chicks here for you,” the caller informed me. I had ordered … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Diary about the little orphan Day One: Today started like most others. After doing exercises, I did my reading and had breakfast with my family. I admired the new seedlings that I have been nurturing. I checked my emails and set out to do my regular chores in the house. Then I heard my name called from the basement. My husband ascended the stairs and handed me a … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
When a high school student, one of my least favorite duties in English class was the oral book report. First, I had to read a book. Second, I would have to write a paper summarizing what I read. Lastly, I was required to give a report on the book orally to the entire class. To stand up before a crowd and to present the idea given in the book repulsed me. Rather than … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
It all started with a phone call from my daughter. “Can we come visit? I need to leave the kids with you so I can keep an appointment.” Now this kind of news generally comes to me with particular delight. I enjoy having my children and grandchildren at the farm. “Of course, honey. When will you be here?” I responded. “I really won’t be there much. I will have to leave … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
I have been looking for an interesting recipe to share with you this month. Since I happen to live on a farm that has been in our family since 1856, I have several historic assets in which to look. I spent time yesterday looking at a bunch of recipe books I inherited from our parents and, perhaps, our grandparents. They range from how to cure bacon to making liver cakes, … [Read more...]