We had a manure pile lurking behind the dairy barn. It was called a manure pile because "a pile of manure" was taken. It's what our neighbor called his Dodge Disappointment, which started only on Tuesdays and every other Thursday. On TV, when there were horses or jungles, quicksand was an effective method of population control. Poor souls, trying to evade pursuers, fell into … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past 1854, Her First Week in Minnesota Territory
It has a name and people live there, but it its not on a map. It was an agricultural community, not a village, which from the early days of settlement became known as Portland Prairie. If you visit historic Portland Prairie Church, you are on a short span of pavement named Portland Prairie Road, part of the dividing line between Wilmington Township and Winnebago Township. The … [Read more...]
Thyme & Again – Dressing for Success
By Angela Denstad Time and again, when life gets hard, little adages and bits of advice spring to mind. It’s tempting to gather them all together, reasoning there must be some greater truth to be compiled from all the individual bits of collective wisdom imparted to us over the course of our years. In difficult times, we seek solutions; in times of grief, we seek solace. And … [Read more...]
I Said Eye See Eye Saw Eye Smiled
Rome wasn't built in a day or without specs. I needed to see an eye doctor to make sure my eyes were cutting the mustard. The Oxford English Dictionary says that "to cut the mustard" means "to come up to expectations, to meet requirements, to succeed." The doctor was right on schedule. I was prepared if he wasn't. "Better late than blurry," I told myself. I was at a … [Read more...]
If Those Walls Could Talk, What Would They Say?
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) I was sitting in the historic church at Lenora which was built in 1865. Sunshine was streaming in the windows and the venerable sanctuary was filled with a cheery warmth. All around the room reminders of pioneer days spoke to me. … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – No Shame in Wearing Mended Clothes
One night each year, four young sisters on a Houston County farm helped round up roosters. Twenty roosters perished so that that the girls had $20 to buy school clothes on what was known as Dollar Day Sales each autumn at stores in La Crosse, Wis. A blouse cost 50 cents, wash dresses $1 each. Underwear were four for $1. One sister, Anita Lee (Hartmann) Palmquist, would much … [Read more...]
Properly Planting Trees
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Trees provide many things for our communities: beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and countryside. If you are looking to plant a tree for the … [Read more...]
If You’re Ever In a Pillow Fight, Let the Pillow Win
Sleep well. Those aren’t words inked on many forearms. Sleep well I was told, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Bedbugs? Are there monsters both under and on the bed? I didn’t need to hear that. I was born with a rare condition that caused me to never want to go to bed. This just worsened my problem. A neighbor had something called insomnia, which caused … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – The Lost Table Is Found
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Some time ago, the Preston Historical Society was busy getting ready for the construction of their new Depot Museum Building and in the process were doing a lot of cleaning, sorting and moving things around in preparation for the … [Read more...]
Plan Your Perfect Dog-Friendly Getaway
The year’s Visit Bluff Country magazine honors our furry, four-legged friends. We encourage you to go out and experience the vibrant rural communities of historic Bluff Country with your dog. Whether you are planning a day trip, an overnight stay, a weekend adventure or a weeklong trip, the Visit Bluff Country magazine is your must-have resource for all things interesting, … [Read more...]