“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...]
Pastor Devotions – Easter People, Raise Your Voices!
By Pastor Bridget Sheely Co-Pastor of Prairieland Parish Peace and Grace to you during this beautiful Eastertide season. I love this time of year. As we approach spring into summer and celebrate the holiest and most rejuvenating seasons of our spiritual lives. Easter is a time for us to not only repent of our sins but a time to renew our commitment to our Lord and … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Foreordination, Free Will and Well-Witching
Part one of a series Editor’s notes: The following, entitled Springs and Wells, written in the 1940s by Edith Thompson, Coulee Region’s poet laureate, was published posthumously in the January 6 and January 13, 1977, editions of the Houston Gazette and Country Journal. A few alterations reflect currently preferred spelling and punctuation. Father always said of this land of … [Read more...]
Breathtaking Views of the Mississippi River
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Bluff Country by exploring its stunning scenic overlooks. From elevated vantage points, you’ll take in sweeping views of the mighty Mississippi River. This unique region showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes found only in Bluff Country. Along the way, you’ll encounter misty wetlands and ancient hardwood forests to delicate white and pink … [Read more...]