Imagine, “The Munsters Ghastly Glow Lamp” for only $225. Surely, you remember the spooky funny TV show by that name. It starred Herman, the head of the family with a Frankenstein-like head, his wife Lily, their son Eddie and Goofy Grandpa who all lived at 13 Mockingbird Lane. They also had a daughter, Marilyn, who was a total outcast because she looked like an all-American … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
Taking the time It seems like many people are reciting the same phrase about trying to “take the time” to get something done or to spend time with someone. The time in the day is often filled with work commitments, children’s school and athletic activities, upkeep of our homes, and daily chores and we try to carve out time around all of that busy time to maintain cherished … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
One hundred columns Thank you, readers of A View from the Woods, for allowing me to write this, my one hundredth column. I began 18 years ago, when then-editor of the Fillmore County Journal, John Torgrimson, called for prospective columnists to apply. Thinking I might enjoy the discipline of writing about my experiences in this beautiful rural area, I hoped others would like … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Small towns are having a difficult time surviving, let alone thriving. Young people graduate and move away because there are no jobs. Dwindling populations cause stores to close so people drive to big box stores out of town to shop. This causes more stores to close. It is a vicious cycle. If a town loses a school, it might make matters even worse. County seats are … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
Restoration and degradation As cars pull in full of people dressed in sensible shoes and long sleeves, the annual wildflower walk of the Harmony Garden Club is about to commence. A warm, sunny morning welcomes us as the first tinge of green is visible in the surrounding forests. Our hosts, members of the group, welcome us to their several-hundred acre property. Everyone is … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
I am ALMOST positive that spring (the season without snow but with green grass and flowers will arrive) just like it always has. Spring will be followed by summer and that great American Tradition: a vacation which entails sponging on your relatives for a cheap getaway. Just buy a summer lake cabin or a time share or move to an exotic location and relatives that you have … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
Winter grumpiness prevails; spring bliss to appear soon By the time my dear readers see this article in mid-April, I hope and pray that warmth and thawing have returned. However, at the time of this writing in early April, there is massive grumpiness throughout the land. Snow and cold weather haunted us with a vengeance in March and April. We barely dodged two winter storm … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
Wounded woods “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds. Much of the damage inflicted on land is quite invisible to laymen. An ecologist must either harden his shell and make believe that the consequences of science are none of his business, or he must be the doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
I may have been watching too many episodes of “Ancient Aliens.” I am wondering what humans will be like in the far, far distant future. I predict that humans will no longer have voice boxes. Instead they will have a texting device installed in their hand at birth. Fingers will be elongated and pointed at the tips, better to text with other humans. Many are bemoaning the … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods
To those seeking homes in the west Like many of my retired compatriots, I find myself in a the process of decluttering our household. Boxes, shelves, closets and filing cabinets hold the precious stories of our lives, along with reams of useless paper that is better sent off for recycling. I am not one to “just toss it all,” as my husband encourages, but I am game to go … [Read more...]