I got a few comments on my last column about making salsa verde and hopefully a handful of you tried it out. Writing about it triggered me into picking up all the ingredients and making a nice 4 cup batch. I made the roasted tomatillo, garlic, and serrano pepper green salsa and then put it a Dutch oven with 3 pounds of large trimmed chunks of country style pork ribs (which … [Read more...]
Celebrate “The Good Old Days” in Peterson, MN
Celebrate heritage, community, and tradition on June 21 in the charming town of Peterson, Minn., during its beloved Gammel Dag festival, Norwegian for “the good old days.” Held on the longest day of the year, this vibrant celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience Peterson’s rich Scandinavian roots in a fun and festive atmosphere. Secretary Gail Barnard-Boyum, … [Read more...]
The Day Reuben Nearly Lost His Spunk
He’d been a spunky boy. Everyone said so – his parents, teachers and family elders. He had way too much energy for those who weren’t morning people. “You’ve got spunk,” Lou Grant said to Mary Richards on the first episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” And then Grant added, “I hate spunk.” Reuben loved spunk. He worried he was losing something that had defined his … [Read more...]
Founders Day Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Caledonia
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Founders Day being held in downtown Caledonia. The celebration has grown from a one-day to a three-day community celebration filled with memorable homegrown activities. Previously held at the county fairgrounds, the event was moved downtown 10 years ago to support local businesses. Today, the focus remains firmly on the city’s historic … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Bound For Swede Bottom: Storms, Sweet Tea and Two Blind Horses
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...]