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...]
Sue’s Muse
The library, one of my favorite places As a child, I always thought of the library as a magical place. The building itself was rather spare, set apart from any town, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. But, once I entered the Glen Lake Library, the shelves held books full of mystery, magic, and exotic places I could visit with just the turn of a page. Today, I love the … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
CONFESSION! I am an addict. I got hooked early on. My grandmother was my first supplier. While eating homemade donuts with a side of chocolate kisses and a glass of milk, grandma showed me a McCall’s magazine. I was not interested. Then she turned to the page with Betsy McCall, the paper doll with great clothes. We cut out the doll and clothes and I was hooked! My … [Read more...]
A View From the Woods
Ancient loons haunt the lake Word comes to us in early June from family members visiting our extended-family cabin. A loon is nesting at Hammock Point! At our three-acre island, we often listen to the loons calling their hysterical laughing call or the haunting wail that sends shivers down your spine. The sleek black bird sparkled with white spots on its back swims and dives … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
During the 10 years that I have been the Recycling Educator of Fillmore County, a lot of recycling and environmental information has appeared on the computer as well as printed material on my desk. In the next several 101 articles, I will share some of the information I have collected. A lot has been compiled by Oberlin College of Ohio and the MPCA. Other environmental … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
Seriously Mom — Are You Crying? Probably. A state of calm is something generally not associated with a child’s high school graduation and, since we only have one child, the inner crazy mom in me was getting ready for a breakdown this past May. It was the craziest chain of events though. Having made it through our only son’s graduation on just one Kleenex (yes, folks, … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse
Gilbert’s photo shoot Gilbert took part in a photo shoot the Monday before the 4th of July. Gilbert is a photogenic lad, with his large and caring brown eyes. However, it is tricky to get a good shot of a black dog. In fact, I once read that people avoid taking black dogs as a pet for this very reason. In my last article, I discussed the fact that Lions Club International was … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
This is the second article dealing with recycling habits and possibly how we can improve the way we recycle to protect the environment. I hope you found the first one somewhat interesting, informative, and helpful. Do you recycle all your steel/tin cans? Cans that once held condensed soup, sardines, vegetables, spaghetti sauce, olives, pumpkin, sauerkraut, and all kinds of … [Read more...]