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...]
Peering at the Past The 1850s, Territorial Days on Portland Prairie
Part two, Portland Prairie, 1850s After Minnesota was organized as a territory in 1849, pioneer settlers arrived in numbers sufficient enough that statehood came nine years later - in 1858. Wisconsin had become a state after 12 years as a territory, Iowa after eight years. Minnesota Territory extended west to the Missouri River, which now crosses both central North Dakota and … [Read more...]
I Was Worried the Quicksand Would Get Festus
We had a manure pile lurking behind the dairy barn. It was called a manure pile because "a pile of manure" was taken. It's what our neighbor called his Dodge Disappointment, which started only on Tuesdays and every other Thursday. On TV, when there were horses or jungles, quicksand was an effective method of population control. Poor souls, trying to evade pursuers, fell into … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past 1854, Her First Week in Minnesota Territory
It has a name and people live there, but it its not on a map. It was an agricultural community, not a village, which from the early days of settlement became known as Portland Prairie. If you visit historic Portland Prairie Church, you are on a short span of pavement named Portland Prairie Road, part of the dividing line between Wilmington Township and Winnebago Township. The … [Read more...]