Is spring here? Is that grass I smell? I bet most of you are waiting for those Minnesota smells, like fresh cut grass, that let you know that spring is here. It has been a cold and blustery winter so this column is dedicated to all of those sights and smells we wait for each spring. So, set the scene….it is 5-10 degrees outside..brrrrr: It just kills me when I am in … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse – Women’s History Month
I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister. But first and foremost I am a woman. This fact is important as the day I write this column is March 1, the start of the celebration of Women’s History Month. I wonder how many people even know March is Women’s History Month, or even care? Historically, women have had to fight for basic rights and freedoms, and have … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
I love weeping willow trees. On a windy day I watch them whipping their branches wildly, showing off their flexibility! Because the branches bend, they don’t break. Flexibility is needed when traveling because often times expectations are not met. Either you deal with the disappointment or you go home. For instance, my sister, Barb and I recently traveled to visit my … [Read more...]
A View From the Woods ~ 2/20/17
Searching for spring in the time of climate change Our beloved northland pastime of celebrating every early sign of spring is now upon us. The sun arcs wider and higher every day, as we move away from the winter solstice of late December. Even on cold days, that sun is warmer on our faces and can be felt through south-facing windows, when the gray clouds deign to … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ February 20, 2017
There are going to be some changes in the recycling process beginning April 1, 2017, and these changes should make recycling here in Fillmore County even easier. We will continue with single stream recycling, as we do at the present time. The recyclables that are brought to the recycling center here in Preston by individuals or waste haulers will be transported to La Crosse … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ February 6, 2017
Today’s article deals with environmental issues as well as recycling. I will offer some suggestions on becoming a better steward of the land, air, and water, and a friend of the environment. Many of us use refillable coffee mugs when we are away from home. This really cuts back on the number of Styrofoam cups going to the landfill. Now, to avoid all those plastic water … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse – Winter treats
As I glance out the window and write this column, my world is awash in a sea of white. As a counterpoint to winter, seed catalogs are spread out across the dining room table. The colorful illustrations of tempting veggies and favorite flowers are a sharp contrast to all that white. Dishes made with frozen roasted pasta sauce and canned pears with cinnamon basil or fennel fronds … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that.
I have never been a trendsetter, but I used to read about them. Then I would follow some of them in fashions, furnishings and even paint colors. Remember lime green and harvest gold appliances? Remember miniskirts, bell-bottoms and tie-dyed everything? What about shag carpeting, the kind that you raked rather than vacuumed? No longer young and impressionable, my choices are … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods – Slick ice
I creep out the door at early dawn in my Vibram-soled boots, hoping to get good traction. Overnight rain left a slick inch of ice over everything. The trees are sparkling and clicking in their ice jewels, but walking is impossible. My first step onto our boardwalk results in a slow slide and a fall, so I step into the ankle deep snow for surer footing. I am trying to get to … [Read more...]
The Working Mom ~ If you can’t lose it…
There is a funny saying when talking about losing weight, “If you can’t lose it, decorate it.” Maybe this explains my attraction (addiction?) to jewelry and all accessories with bling. As we enter this new year, it is customary to do a self-evaluation and determine if we are happy with our weight or if we have a New Year’s resolution to make. After the famous eve celebration … [Read more...]