Breakfast with Santa always heralds in the Christmas season. Imagine the community Center decked out in Christmas ficery and filled with families of all ages and sizes. The Lions Club members, some wearing Santa hats, are cheerily mixing up pancakes, including a Mickey Mouse or two and snowmen for the kids, and serving with sausages. The Girl Scouts, decked out in reindeer … [Read more...]
A little of this, a little of that. ~ 12/5/2016
According to a Chinese proverb, “Happiness is having something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for in the future.” That sounds like Christmas to me. We all have much to do during the holiday season such as cooking, decorating, shopping, crafting, wrapping, entertaining, and baking. My sisters, my nieces, and I baked cookies for six hours on Friday. It is an annual … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods ~ 11/28/16
Water is Life I stayed up late, painting my protest placard. Using an old yard sign from a political campaign in the distant past, I painted over both sides. Then, I carefully printed the words, “Water is Life” in periwinkle blue and added wavy lines to represent a flowing river. On the reverse side, I painted the cryptic phrase, “NoDAPL” — No Dakota Access Pipeline. I … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ 11/28/16
Many of the residents of Fillmore County are concerned with the environment and are dedicated recyclers. A great number of these people enjoy reading some of the facts and figures that are associated with recycling. This is the second article where I will share a variety of information that has crossed my desk in the past several years. Fillmore County recycles only plastics … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse ~ Gilbert’s bike ride
Another fine Indian Summer day has dawned, beckoning us to the bike trail. After a quick stop by the apple tree for treats later, and a supply of water for all of us, we pedal off in the golden light. The trail in our area has several long hills, easier for our dog to trot than human muscles to scale. However, the trail’s pavement can be trying on Lu’s service dog’s paws. So on … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 – 11/7/16
I have been looking over some of the articles that have been written since I started this job. The next few articles will contain information I have collected from different sources, including Oberlin College in Ohio, during the past several years. Please think about these statements and how you can possibly change some of your habits to become a better steward of our planet by … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that. – 11/7/16
Eating at the kids’ table during the holidays is one of my favorite memories. The food was great, but the company was superb. As the oldest cousin, I was put in charge by trusting adults. It worked to everyone’s advantage. The adults had some peace and quiet, and the kids had the kitchen with running water, a refrigerator full of bowls of whipped cream and the garbage can to … [Read more...]
The haunted house
By Yvonne Nyenhuis One sunny day, my sister Vange and I set off on a great adventure. I was nine and Vange was thirteen. We were heading for the “haunted” house, a two-mile walk from our home, along Second Street Pike. When we arrived at our destination, we waited for a lull in the traffic and darted across the highway. There it was, a massive, dark, imposing stone … [Read more...]
A View From The Woods ~ 10/31/16
Cider time Pressing apple cider is one of my favorite events of the year. Timing is crucial, because apples need time to ripen to their full potential and crispness, and they really like to get a nice hard frost to bring out the best flavor notes. Going against that goal of waiting is the fact that apples are dropping every day, and a bruised apple is not going to last … [Read more...]
Sue’s Muse – Gilbert and bicycles
By Sue Ommen Fall has finally come, with the appearance of pumpkins and changing leaves heralding this colorful season. Crisp fall days have been perfect for a ride on the bike trail. Since Lu retired the beginning of this year, leisurely rides with Gilbert on the trail have become a favorite pastime. Earlier in the summer, Lu purchased a lightweight three-wheeled recumbent … [Read more...]