Vacations can be at a beach, in the mountains, in farmland, the ocean side or even in the desert. Whether touring, fishing, boating or shopping, a change of pace can energize some and wear out others. As farmers, our lives have been spent pretty close to home, but a few short weeks ago, we took a long overdue trip to visit my husband’s brother and his wife in the 48th state … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – An Apple A Day?
Many folks like us have an apple tree nearby. Some years the blossoms are profuse. Apples may or may not grow as a result. Bugs and other maladies can affect any plant or tree as it seeks to produce fruit. And when fruit appears, bugs may still mess with the crop. But this year turned out to be different. Our fruit trees did the unexpected. Tree branches hung low under the … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – Out in the Garden
Memories can come at any time. But today as I have been out in the garden, memories invaded my thoughts. As I picked each buttery-colored wax bean, I thought of my mother. Even when she lived with me at the age of 94, she helped me snip beans. Along with the beans, I brought in a fine bouquet of gladiolas to please her and to perk up the scenery in the house. Though … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – Rasberry Tactics
With the ripening of berries like currants, Juneberries, and especially raspberries, I have been reminded of past situations at berry time. The following story taken from the book, “Tales From Heritage Farm” by Randall and Wenda Grabau illustrates such a memory. Judy, my mother-in-law, had a raspberry patch which I inherited when my husband and I moved onto Heritage Farm. I … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – Dent de Lion
Over the years, I have developed an interest in several different languages. I have also enjoyed studying botany, the science of plants. So when I learned from a naturalist at Forestville State Park that a particular, seemingly ordinary plant had its origin in France, I listened attentively. Immigrants inadvertently introduced this plant onto the American landscape many … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – The Dawn of a New Day: Part 2
The following is taken from “Tales from Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. Huffing and sputtering out her troubles, Hildy listed all of the things she expected to encounter that day. “I’ll hunt and get pecked by Annie. I will peck and be nipped by Dolly. After scratching a while, I’ll get chased and jabbed at by Little Red. Once I lay my big brown egg, … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
The following is taken from “Tales from Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. The Dawn of a New Day Part 1 “Cock-a-doodle-doo———God-is-good-to-you——!” This abrupt, piercing chorus trailed off, not without ruffling more than a few feathers. Brilliant pink and subdued rose washed the eastern sky as the twitter of the first morning bird began her melody. … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: A Work in Progress
Recently we have been at work to remodel our kitchen. It was last remodeled in 1941. It has brought us an added appreciation for how workers before us put such good quality in their workmanship. We boxed away and neatly hid light fixtures and decorative items away in the basement. Much went to the basement, but for our sustenance and survival during this remodeling … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: Bittersweet – Part 2
Excerpt from “Tales From Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. Last month’s story continues as Little Sister opens up to share her trouble with Mother. Let’s see if her problem gets resolved. Wiping away the wetness of the tears from her long lashes, she confessed, “It’s something I have tried not to tell you, but it is always on my mind. I just think I need … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage by Wenda Grabau
Bittersweet - Part 1 Excerpt from Tales From Heritage Farm written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. There are snapshots in life when the sweet moments delight us. But oftentimes it comes mingled in the bitterest situations. The following story illustrates a day in the life on one girl and her mom who tasted the bitter with the sweet. * * * * A huge tear welled up in her … [Read more...]
Farm Walk in December
Today, my workday included printing and cutting this year’s Christmas cards with its accompanying year-end letters. We send out cards intending to reconnect with many dear friends and relatives. At lunch, my husband brought in the mail. As I went through the various envelopes, it brought my attention to bills to pay and a bank statement from which to balance our account. … [Read more...]
Mr. Rooster
Mr. Rooster This morning my daughter and I dug up bulbs from our flowerbeds to preserve them till next spring. After completing our task, I chose to take a walk on the farm. I noticed that the cool, crisp air of autumn was carrying on it the sounds of the harvest. As I walked, I could hear the laboring of our neighbor’s combine as it moved down the amber swaths of … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: One Job Done for the Year
One Job Done for the Year Our old rooster is resting warmly in my kettle. Today has been a big day for us all. At the farm, there are three big days out of the year which our children and grandchildren come from their homes to help with butchering our roosters. In exchange for their work, they receive some of the tasty meat for their freezers. There is a good deal of … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – To Renew or To Make New Again
To Renew or To Make New Again Between the harvests of several crops and caring for our animals, farming brings a lot of repair work. Many things on the farm age and need a helping hand to renew them to usefulness. This summer has been no different for us. My husband has been busy renovating, or bringing back to life, a shed which formerly served as a chicken house, a … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – Memories Come
Memories can come at any time. But today as I have been out in the garden, memories invaded my thoughts. As I picked each buttery-colored wax bean, I thought of my mother. Even when she lived with me at the age of 94, she helped me snip beans. Along with the beans, I brought in a fine bouquet of gladiolas to please her and to perk up the scenery in the house. Though her … [Read more...]