“You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime you’ll find. You get what you need.” Those words were written by the noted philosophers Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. One year, I wanted a Rolling Stones record album. I liked the Stones. Still do. I believed in the triumph of hope over experience, but no one must have heard my constant … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – A wonderful October
Again we have come through a time of year that when it is passed, brings a sense of relief and rest. The deadlines of processing foods from the garden before spoilage sets in have been reached. The fresh garden vegetables are settled on the cellar shelves, or they are at rest in the deep freeze. Now I can look forward to equally-pressing work that has been set aside while … [Read more...]
Trying to survive mom-life on empty? This recipe changed everything for me!
Mom-life is no joke; but we often don’t take it seriously. Sure, keeping little people alive is serious, but the person who holds the “mom” title is often an afterthought. For many years, I ignored my mom-nutrition, and my whole family suffered for it. I’ve learned the hard way, that there is a better way. Recovering from my first daughter’s birth nine years ago was … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Many-colored grace
By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley Fall is a favorite time of year for me and for many. There is nothing that surpasses a cool fall evening followed by a warm fall day, low humidity, and the sight of brilliant multi-colored leaves against a bright blue sky. I look forward to going on … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past From farmland to gold fields and back again
It was a life-changing journey for those of European descent who first settled southeast Minnesota in the 1850s, especially for those having recently immigrated across the Atlantic Ocean. But one of the most colorful journeys was that of eventual Spring Grove resident Anders Brynildsen Foss, who before crossing the Mississippi River in 1854 had not only crossed the Atlantic but … [Read more...]
Real Bites: Saxon Hall along The Great River Road
As travelers gaze at the beauty and wonder of Historic Bluff Country – chiseled bluffs, winding roads, deer crossing roads in angst, the peacefulness of farmscapes, and waterways pushing toward the storied Mississippi River – they may find themselves in a traffic jam in a town of less than 700 people. A Saturday night in the little town of Brownsville, Minn., attracts a crowd … [Read more...]
A Bigfoot saw me but nobody believes him
My name is Batt. I’m a private investigator. I get $5 a day minus expenses. I’ve been meaning to write a business plan. I sat in my smoke-filled office located in my obscure corner of the world. I don’t smoke, but some things shouldn’t be reheated in a microwave. The leisure suit I wore matched any gravy stain. I’d learned plenty from the patter of tough talkers … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Hocus Pocus, I need wine to focus! Just kidding. I have been watching too many “Fear Fest” movies on television. Most people associate October with Halloween. Who doesn’t like to dress up and get free candy? I think of October as a very romantic month. No, not because of “Bride of Dracula.” I was married on October 4. It was a beautiful day and many people helped make … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – Jesus is the light of the world
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Recently, Deanna and I took our 11-year-old grandson on a trip to Duluth. He had never seen Lake Superior before. We had a great time! The weather was perfect and there is so much to see and do on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We visited the … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Hired men, rat traps and cat naps among the cows
There were always men looking for work. Growing up in Houston County during the Great Depression of the late 1920s and 1930s, Anita (Hartman) Palmquist said there was more work on the Hartman farm than the family could handle. They often hired men, who were either bachelors, widowers or younger unmarried men. Regardless of their job skills, they were glad to work for food and … [Read more...]