I am proud to be a Minnesotan. Our state really gets out the vote and values education. Minnesota is first in the nation on the ACT tests! When I read that fact, my mind wandered back to my school days. I started thinking about former teachers, classmates and hot lunch. Some students think of lunch and recess as the best parts of the day. I didn’t start eating school … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
Going solar It just sits there, silently holding its shiny blue face to the sun. Nothing moves. The 24 large solar panels are installed on a frame mounted to four big poles cemented into the ground, after a few days of commotion while workers scrambled. Now it passively waits for sunshine, as it will for the next 25 years. From now on, whenever the sun shines, invisible … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
Andrew (Drew) Hatzenbihler has recently joined the Solid Waste and Recycling Team at the Resource Recovery Center in Preston. He will be working with Randy and Nick to assist you in the disposal of your landfill garbage and recycling. The telephone number at the Recovery Center Office is (507) 765-4704. In the 10 years I spent with the recycling program here in Fillmore … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
There is a bit of a nip in the air, the first digit of the thermometer is a “4”, the maple trees are turning color, and the produce in the garden is coming to an end. These are all hints that it is time for the fall Household Hazardous Waste event here in Fillmore County. As usual, the party will be held in Preston at the Resource Recovery Center/Recycling Center on the … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse
Sport Now that Gilbert is middle-aged, six in dog years, 42 in human years, coaxing him off the old couch to go for a run is a bit harder than it used to be. However, once outside, his tail sets to wagging as Lu leads him off at a trot. I once thought that if I stretched every time Gilbert did, this old set of bones might move more easily. The thought of movement made me … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
“Chatty Kathy” was my name in high school for obvious reasons! There aren’t many people who have a doll named after them. Well, of course there is my sister Barbie. She is a real life doll who everyone one loves because of her fun nature and generous heart. I guess no one gets to choose their nickname. If I could have chosen , I would be called “Crafty Kathy.” My hands … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
The most common item made from iron is the steel food can. Rechargeable batteries must be recycled. A recycled aluminum can is usually back on the grocery shelf in about sixty days. Approximately 11% of household garbage is compostable. The easy open aluminum can has been around since 1962. It has been estimated that more than 275 million dollars worth of uneaten turkey … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
Eclipse, Minnesota style We knew the eclipse of the sun would only be partially visible here in southeast Minnesota. We knew we had failed to find the right dark glasses to protect our eyes, despite an online purchase of ten pairs at an incredibly low price (later found to be counterfeit.) We also knew the forecast for clear skies was doubtful. Nevertheless, we persisted. … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
Only one in six households disposes of batteries correctly. Minnesota is number two in the nation with a recycling rate of nearly 45%. The “chasing arrows” on a Styrofoam container does not make it recyclable. Thirteen million glass jars and bottles are used in the United States each day with only 25% being recycled. There are containers for Salvation Army donations of … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
Wisdom through the years Hello friends! I have been writing this column since 2009 and sharing stories about my life and family and probably embarrassing them many times. As I was writing my column last time that talked about my son getting ready to leave for college soon (three weeks!), it really hit me that as parents we can only hope we have instilled good values into … [Read more...]