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...]

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...]

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...]

The Burr Oak The Burr Oak This day began like most other days.  But the planned events made this particular day one that proved to be out-of-the-ordinary.  This morning, a woodcutter would come and remove a landmark that had towered over our farm for as long as any of us could remember. For an unknown number of years the monster Burr Oak tree sheltered our family from … [Read more...]

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Here on the farm, business has been very steady as this season comes to a close.  The garden is the business to which I refer. It has been a challenge, too, since there has been a shortage of canning lids.  Many stores tell me that they have not been able to get lids all year.  Regardless, I kept busy. My supply of well-loved dill pickles was replenished.  Tomatoes have been … [Read more...]

A beaver tale In the dusky moments at the end of the day when the hush of evening descends, the loon’s song echoes through the forested lake land of northern Wisconsin.  Besides the call of the loon, the whippoorwill serenades the northland’s listening ears. Yet these birds are not the only creatures taking advantage of the transition of day to night. A beaver family … [Read more...]

Summer days Summer days bring much work on the farm. Lately, we have been baling hay. For that we need sunshine to dry the hay in the field. Some frequent rains can make the job frustrating. We make small square bales which used to be popular. On a farm adorned with gently rolling hills, small tractors and equipment do the job well.  Our method for making hay bales … [Read more...]

By Wenda Grabau Some losses in this world become another’s gain.  One such thing happened on the farm several years ago.  On a summer day a new cat showed up in our yard.   While not full grown, she was not just a kitten.  She had the gray tabby-look but with some alterations.   Her feet and legs were white.  In honor of the white leggings she displayed, we named her “Pippy” … [Read more...]

By Wenda Garbau From one generation  to another This year has been eventful and, as I write, it is only May.  My dear mother passed away.  My husband and daughter traveled out of the country for a mission trip.   Briefly after their return, we all came down with COVID-19.  We spent 35 days in quarantine.  Now that our health has been restored, it is time for farm work.  My … [Read more...]