The wind gained speed as it blew through the cracks of the old house. My upstairs bedroom was called the freezer. I was the only one who called it that, but that means it was called that. My science teacher told me that hot air rises. I was convinced cold air did, too. Our house had a furnace in the basement which provided rumors of heat. The furnace could have been in … [Read more...]
Rustic wood
Rich Sather has always enjoyed getting out in the woods and cutting wood. Since farming practices changed on his farm, the side hills in back of his house have been overgrown with thousands of trees that are considered “weed” trees, including box elder, buckthorn, and aromatic cedar. Originally, his plan was to merely cut down and burn all those trees; however, after seeing and … [Read more...]
Smoked meats and horseradish — yum!
Dale Brand of Rushford has an unusual “man cave.” While he has a big screen TV, a popcorn machine, and a fridge for his beer, he also has a stainless steel sausage filler, a stainless steel processing table, a dehydrator, several food/meat grinders, and some woodworking machines! In the adjoining garage, he has a pellet grill smoker and another smoker where he can adjust air … [Read more...]
They cut off heads at the drugstore
I couldn’t find a short pier as someone had suggested I do. But I went for a long walk anyway. I’m a chronic walker and often put my camera on a leash for company. I take photos of birds because I’m a birder and of wintry things like snow and more snow. I fell in love with photos because of Ansel Adams, the iconic American nature photographer known for his striking black and … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: A future with hope
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger “Surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Six hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Jewish people in the Holy Land faced one of their darkest times. The northern … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Why modern cartoons are gay
By Zenessa Anderson When you think of cartoons, you probably picture the “Looney Toons,” “Mickey Mouse,” or “Tom and Jerry.” These classics had an episodic structure that could be picked up at any episode. No matter what season the show was on, you would know everything you needed to to understand the plot. Some modern cartoons are like this as well, such as “The Amazing … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – You could see four churches from there
“You can see four churches from here,” observed Paul Klinski decades ago from his farm in Union Township, Houston County, according to David Klinski, son of Paul and fourth-generation resident of that family farm. Two of the four church buildings still stand on or near Highway 44 north of Caledonia. Pioneer congregations faced considerable challenges: finding a meeting place, … [Read more...]
Times are a changing
Throughout the years of writing this column, I have always tried to find humor in everyday life and the small things that each of us do. The day that we quit finding humor in the small things is the day we become crochety, dusty, and participate in those empty and lackluster kind of conversations. My husband and I have been talking on and off about how life is good and how we … [Read more...]
2020-The worst year ever?
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston As we look toward 2021, many regard 2020 as the worst year ever. Pandemics, wild fires, economic collapse, closing of schools, and the disruption of daily routines definitely place 2020 in the category of “not what I expected.” However it should place it in the category of “just what I needed.” As a pastor, I have … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County A winter landscape
When this beautiful picture was taken 128 years ago, in 1893... It was just a mere six years before the letters from Dr. William J. Mayo and Aaron H. H. Dayton, from my last column were sent! Great poetry was being written and spectacular photographs were also being created by our good friend Aaron L. Sleyster and all the while the Brothers Mayo were getting the groundwork in … [Read more...]