“Tell me about yourself.” That’s what the fellow seated next to me on the airplane said. When someone says, “Tell me about yourself,” where do you begin? I replied, “I’m a father and a grandfather. I was born in Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. I have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious family.” I thought that ought to hold him, but he asked what I did for a … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – The First Two Weeks in Minnesota: Venison, Revelry and the Passing of the Fruit
Third of a series Eating venison was a new and enjoyable experience for 11-year-old lad T. R. Stewart, whose pioneer family was one of the first to settle in southeast Minnesota, coming west from Massachusetts in 1853, five years before Minnesota statehood. The last leg of the journey was by steamboat from Galena, Illinois up the Mississippi River to Brownsville. Their … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The Mystery of Bat Cave, the Face of Chief Waukon Decorah and a Warm Minnesota Welcome
Part two of a series Samuel McPhail, the founder of Caledonia, and a couple of other early 1850s pioneers, while heading to Crooked Creek for water, noticed a large, yellow dog perched near a clump of trees on a hillside of a rocky ridge. They recognized the canine as belonging to a man who had been searching the area for land a few days previous. His owner was likely … [Read more...]
That’s no Weather Vane; it’s Tula the Wild Turkey Hen
A friend stopped by to tell me there was a turkey on the roof of my house. I told him it was Tula. My wife named her, but the yard turkey (a wild turkey hen) didn’t care. She was busy chasing rooster pheasants, squirrels, rabbits and crows. Tula flew high into a maple tree to harass the crows that appeared to take it as a game of tag in which they would never be it. They … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: I was recently the victim of identity theft. My driver’s license was among the items stolen. I am concerned that this person will use my identification to drive, among other things. What can I do in regards to my license? Answer: I am sorry to hear about your situation. This is not my area of expertise but the Minnesota State Patrol is part of the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: What a Game!
By Pastor Mark Geselle Valley Christian Center, Spring Valley Well the big game is over and what a game it was! I don’t know if your team won or not, but I was hoping for a different outcome. In talking with some friends its funny how you can start the game and not really care who wins, but as the game progresses you get drawn to one side or the other. That reminds me … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: Bittersweet – Part 2
Excerpt from “Tales From Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. Last month’s story continues as Little Sister opens up to share her trouble with Mother. Let’s see if her problem gets resolved. Wiping away the wetness of the tears from her long lashes, she confessed, “It’s something I have tried not to tell you, but it is always on my mind. I just think I need … [Read more...]
Winter Sowing
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Has the end of January fog and the rollercoaster temperatures we’ve been having have you dreaming of spring? While it is still too early to start seeds indoors, there are a few things you can do to stretch your green thumb. Several people recently have made inquiries about winter sowing, which can be a great way to start … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Are Video Games Unhealthy?
By Saturn Ludewig Video games have become an integral part of modern entertainment, but as their popularity soars, debates about their impact on mental and physical health continue to surface, highlighting both the positive and negative effects they can have on an individual. A common belief and misconception made by people is the thought that video games are bad for a kid’s … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Two Boys, Plenty of Pigeons and Three Indians
Thomas Rice Stewart came west as an 11-year-old boy with his parents and siblings from Massachusetts to the wilderness of Minnesota in 1853, five years before statehood. The family was one of only a half-dozen to spend the winter of 1853-54 in the new settlement that would become Caledonia. A half-century later, he wrote about those early years. Shortly after their arrival … [Read more...]