For decades, America has been battling the outsourcing of manufacturing and services to countries like Mexico, China, Philippines, and India. The United States has lost so many jobs to other countries for a variety of reasons, including labor costs, environmental restrictions, and tax incentives. Most people would be surprised to hear that some newspapers have fallen into … [Read more...]
Still hopeful
It’s amazing how creative and resilient humans can be. Here, in the midst of fear and tragedy, good arises. It was an odd Easter at home. But churches live streamed services. I heard the pastor play his trumpet and it was the most uplifting and triumphant sound coming right into my home. My parents, who are in their 90s and homebound pandemic or not, were able to attend church … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Hummingbirds in your garden If you watch carefully, hummingbirds should be making their appearance in a few weeks after migrating north from the warmer climates. Many gardeners love to attract these tiny, skittish birds to their gardens. Not only do hummingbirds feed from the sugary mix that we put out for them, but they also are attracted to the sweet … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
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...]