Part one of a series It has long been called “Swede Bottom,” in honor of early settlers and reflecting on the agriculturally-rich bottom land where the South Fork of the Root River flows near the town of Houston. On August 18, 1853, a group of five immigrant families from Halland Province, Sweden arrived to become significant citizens in Houston County. They were already … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Peace: Our Perpetual Prayer
By Rev. Anders Nelson Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish - Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church and Henrytown Lutheran Church As we celebrated Memorial Day last week, I was reminded of the rich collection of hymns that celebrate our national identity, giving thanks for the grand experiment in demo-cracy that we get to be a part of here in the United States and … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – An Afternoon with My Grandson
Nowadays we look forward to a sunny day. Just a few weeks ago the world “woke up” and blossomed due to the warm temperatures and the sun beaming its rays down on the earth. The greening of the landscape is expanding. I have been drawn to the flowers and vegetables we have transplanted into the soil. One afternoon, after watering them, I decided to cut the asparagus that had … [Read more...]
There’s no Need to Duck, Duck, Buckle Up When a Gulp of Swallows Attacks
“Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night.” That famous line, often misquoted as “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride,” was spoken by a past-her-prime actress with a flair for drama named Margo Channing, played by Bette Davis, in the movie “All About Eve,” released in 1950. The film was based on the 1946 short story “The Wisdom of Eve” by Mary … [Read more...]
Farmers Markets Now Open for the Season
Farmers markets are back in full swing, offering fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods nearly every day of the week in Bluff Country. Seasonal offerings vary, starting with rhubarb, asparagus, and lettuce in the spring. Summer brings strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and peppers. Come fall, expect to find … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past A Well, Which Is Well Worth Remembering
This column begins with a continuation from last week’s article written in the 1940s by Edith Thompson (1873-1950) of Looney Valley, published posthumously in 1977 in the Houston Gazette and Country Journal. The column concludes with another water well, which is well worth remembering. Our second well was dug out round and lined with brick. A trough for watering horses was … [Read more...]
A New Commandment for a New Thing
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist On May 18 the texts that were read in many churches were from John chapter 13 and Revelation chapter 21. Both passages spoke to a new thing. In Revelation God says: “Look, I am making everything new.” In John, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment, love each other as I have loved you.” As I read these verses in … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Farm Kefir is an Antidepressant?!
Everyone knows I’m crazy about kefir, but I heard something this week and I had to share: Did you know kefir can act as a natural antidepressant? I always heard kefir could help your mood, but I didn’t really believe it until this week! A new farm guest was picking up raw milk from our farm store and told me that when he regularly drinks kefir made with raw milk, he can tell … [Read more...]
Those are the Rules – Like ‘em or Lump ‘em
You grew up in a weird family. Everyone did. The International Order of the Wacky and Quirky Rulemakers created most of the rules, but each family was given considerable latitude in making or changing rules for the weirder. Most people can remember bringing a significant other home to meet the family. That was stress-inducing. Much preparation was required to cover all … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project – Helping our Pollinators Grow
By Sarah Schneekloth When we see pretty butterflies and bees, we don’t think about how they are a crucial part of our environment. We see bugs as either nice to look at or something that needs to be removed from the area. But that’s not true. These insects are our main pollinators and without them our trees wouldn’t produce fruit, the flowers wouldn’t flourish, and the … [Read more...]