By Wenda Grabau My brush with the virus A few days after my family’s return from a trip they had been on, symptoms reared their ugly heads. Coughing uncontrollably, nearly sleepless nights, sore throat, and fever all descended on our little home in the country. Doing his regular chores drained my husband’s strength. Life was not going as usual. After several days … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
The following is a true story. The names are not mentioned to protect the innocent from embarrassment. When I was in elementary school my sisters and I played with the three sisters who lived up the block. In the summer we built forts in a vacant lot, played kick ball, and had tea parties with our dolls. In the winter we went to their house to play school because in the … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau The days are getting longer. Do you feel new energy swelling in your heart and mind? Can you hear the trill of the blackbirds singing in your neighborhood? Spring is my favorite season. The world awakes from its slumber and displays its God-given beauty. Last fall, a friend gave me several potted plants that she had been nurturing. I learned that I … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Well-behaved natives Many people hear the phrase “native plants” and think of a grassy prairie dotted with flowers. While this can be true, many native perennials can be planted in your flower gardens as part of a manicured landscape. Native plants are beneficial because they provide food, water and shelter for birds, bees and other … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
A mom’s 20/20 vision This column has been around now since 2009 and I still remember writing that first article to submit and see if they would like the concept of a working mom column that included mom-isms, easy recipes, and talking about comical every day events. Well, so far so good. When I look at what I was writing about 11 years ago, I find that there are many of … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
I AM NOT A HOARDER. I AM NOT A HOARDER. I AM NOT A HOARDER. I am a collector with impeccable taste, and I collect a wide variety of treasures. Wide variety being the most important words! My carefully selected collections include: glassware, china, silverware, candle holders, old prints, vintage fabrics, oak and walnut furniture, books, boxes that were used to hold gloves … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau One life… how much is it worth? It is probably not a question we entertain until it hits home. Even one life holds untold value. I used to work in Sears Tower in Chicago. That building was 110 stories tall. I worked on the 44th floor. Sears Bank was on the ground level. Working in payroll, it fell to me to take money in the form of a check to the bank … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski A need for seeds As beautiful as winter can be, it starts to feel like the season is dragging on this time of year. A great way to combat cabin fever is to get a little dirt on your hands! Starting seeds can be a fun way to create new life for the garden, even when there is still snow on the ground. First things first: What plant goes … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Let’s play movie trivia. I will give you clues, and you guess the name of the movie. What movie featured ruby slippers and flying monkeys? What movie had a dead horse’s head appear in a man’s bed? What movie had priests trying to rid a girl of the devil inside her who gave her the power to turn her head all the way around and spit green goop? The answers are The Wizard of … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau February, though a short month, is known for several notable things. Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays are among them. Valentine’s Day, another occasion, is included in the mix of memorable dates, reminding us of special people to whom we can express our love. This year our shortest month of the year has an extra day, giving us another leap year. … [Read more...]