To TV, or not to TV, that was the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to buy a TV. Mom wanted a TV more than Dad wanted one. Dad thought television was a fad that would never catch on. Besides, he had a radio. Who could ask for anything more? Marriage is the art of compromise. My parents bought a used TV. We … [Read more...]
Of Princesses and Peas
By Angela Denstad Time and again, life offers us opportunities to question what we thought we had already learned. We take as universal truth the stories we were told in childhood, or facts we were taught at school, and we fail to question them further. They remain fixed in our minds as the bricks out of which we construct reality. While it’s certainly helpful to have some … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – The Evening “Big Irv” Saved the Basket Social
Part two, Basket Socials During the previous column, Houston County historian Sumner Sheldon described early 1900s basket socials - opportunities (or socially-accepted excuses) for rural folks to socialize as well as raise funds for the host school or church. But one such event was likely the longest lasting and surely the most memorable because it so drastically differed from … [Read more...]
There is a Word or Phrase for Nearly Everything
After the hello. That was when we talked about where we hailed from. We were states apart. The idle chatter that followed led to the discovery that we had a friend in common. It was one of those odd coincidences that connect the dots of the universe. "Oh, my word," she said, at that revelation. "Oh, my word" is a mild exclamation of surprise, shock or dismay. It's a polite … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – A-Tisket A-Tasket, Bidding on a Basket
In what he termed those “dreary days before automobiles,” Houston County historian Sumner Sheldon noted that residents, who even though were “starved for entertainment, amusement and companionship,” desired a reason to party. It was not thought proper to “hold a jollification just for the fun of it.” One excuse for organizing a social gathering was the long-popular, … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – So, Bring to Her Good Food!
At the beginning of May, I was privileged to hold my newest daughter for the very first time. I’m not sure if I’m really good at timing or really bad at timing, but having a baby due right smack in the middle of corn planting is typically not the best time to take a few days off. But, as we see time and time again, this verse still holds true: “We can make our plans, but the … [Read more...]
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free This will be the fix we have been waiting for. It took 10 days to come, it was the third replacement part, and my wife had been numbering the days it was an official count down. I came in triumphant when it arrived; finally, the fix had come, with over assumed confidence I said should I not take up the load of laundry … [Read more...]
You Are What You Eat – You Blooming Onion
Americans will eat anything if it's deep-fried. Deep-fried cardboard doesn't sound bad to most people. We know we should eat better. My second cousin twice removed – I'm not sure who had him removed – told me, "There's only one thing that keeps me from going on a diet – food." I sat at the Table of Infinite Knowledge at the Eat Around It Cafe, when one member said, "I have … [Read more...]
A Ride on Sunday Afternoon
When a girl gets asked by her sweetheart to join him for a ride on Sunday afternoon, why not do it? My husband suggested we take a trip to view the Virginia Bluebells down in the river valley near our farm. On our way we were delighted to see pink puffs of apple blossoms. Along with that we spied dead, gray trees which made holes in the verdant spectacle to see through. … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – … And It Was Good
By Rev. Anders Nelson Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish - Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church and Henrytown Lutheran Church In the last few weeks, I’ve started a new Bible study with my three congregations and we’ve chosen to start those sessions with a whirlwind tour of the Bible. This tour is focused on a 10,000-foot view of the Bible, highlighting important … [Read more...]