Hallo-Thank-Mas Want to celebrate three holidays at the same time? Just go to any large retailer and you will see the Halloween decorations on sale, the Thanksgiving items on the shelf around the corner, and the Christmas décor and displays starting to take shape in the next 10 aisles. Seriously, I haven’t managed to even clean out my summer flower beds and get some mums … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau I took a delightful stroll this morning. Blue sky peaked through the passing clouds. I stepped my way through the dew-covered lawn on my way to our rural mailbox. As I trekked through the moistened blades of grass, our pup spied me and came running to greet me as if to say, “Good Morning!” I gave him a cheerful pat on his head. He joined me as I walked … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski It’s finally time to admit that our short summer has come to an end. As record-breaking precipitation is being recorded, try to find some time between the raindrops to clean up your summer veggie garden. Several of my clients have reached out and asked about underperforming vegetables. Unfortunately, much of this is due to the moisture. Tomato blight … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Everything I know about playing poker I learned from country western singer Kenny Rogers. Perhaps you recall his hit song “The Gambler”? Some of the lyrics are very educational. “You got to know when to hold’em. Know when to fold’em. Know when to walk away.” The song continues with a warning about counting your money at the table. Personally, I don’t have to worry about … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 Hazardous Waste collection October 1
Hazardous Waste day in Fillmore County is almost here again. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 1, from noon until 5 p.m. As always, we are expecting this to be a very busy day. Every time we have this event, there is always a bit of confusion about what materials we accept during the event for free and which ones you need to pay to get rid of. I also wanted … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau Heritage is a big part of each person’s life. It is defined, in The World Book Dictionary, as “What is or may be handed on to a person from his ancestors, such as land, a trait, beliefs, or customs; inheritance:” Our inheritance does, indeed, include all of that. Our farm has existed for 163 years. We have spent but a short time in its history. We … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Sprucing up the summer garden Summer has flown by! Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday the lilacs were blooming. Before you know it, the leaves will be putting on a blazing show for us as they change color for the autumn. How did your garden do? Do you still have blossoms on your plants? Experience has taught me that deadheading and … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Word association game. I say “parade” and you say __________________. Maybe you said “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” or the “Rose Bowl Parade.” Both are awesome if you like balloons and floats made of thousands of flowers. Who doesn’t love a parade? In southeastern Minnesota each little town has its own celebration and that usually includes a parade. Lucky us! Most of us … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau In horse and buggy days, country roads did not need long sweeping corners to get folks to town. Roads followed an acreage and made short, tight corners. One such road passed by our farm in days gone by. During that time, our ancestors planted a windbreak alongside the road. To get tall trees for the windbreak, young small trees were planted and needed … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Most mature adults no longer believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the tooth fairy. However, have you seen all the fairies in gardens? Have you seen all the fairy houses and yard ornaments for those houses? Almost every store has them. Hmm......I wonder if garden fairies are related to the tooth fairy? How about gnome garden ornaments with blue jackets and red … [Read more...]