An orange was a precious Christmas gift, a century ago, for children in southeast Minnesota. In general, however, fruit could be consumed during the winter only if it had been canned after summer or autumn harvests. The transition from canned fruit to fresh fruit was highly anticipated each summer. “There were wild strawberries that were the sweetest and most succulent that I … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – Unwanted Visitor
Agriculture is a diverse occupation. Not only do we raise crops, but we have a variety of animals. Dairy was our main product for many years. We now raise beef cattle. In addition, for our own use we raise chickens. There are many ways where farming is productive and of value. The chickens, though small creatures, do require attention. Generally, our flock is free to … [Read more...]
The vexatious fly nailed the screen test
It was the time of the screen door slams. I was trying to spell Czechoslovakia. I’d found a lucky rock and put it in my pocket to help me with my spelling. I was a good student and got two A’s on every single report card. There was one in Allen and another in Batt. The Sandman had put me to sleep, the smell of bacon was my alarm clock and I spilled my milk at dinner. That … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Better to be the plaintiff in early Yucatan
Part two During territorial days and the early years of Minnesota statehood, minor legal disputes were most often settled in townships by a justice of the peace, an appointed or elected magistrate. Some handwritten records from the 1860s and 1870s survive from the court of Justice James Kelly in Yucatan Township, Houston County. There was one case of an indelicate nature, but … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – The case of the missing chocolate
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches I get excited about Halloween – not because of the decorations, because I find a lot of them kind of creepy-scary – but because of the candy! When I was younger and could burn it off easily, I used to buy a few bags for the trick-or-treaters and a bag just for me. I don’t do that anymore (I’m not … [Read more...]
I can’t part with my emotional support clutter
I finished it. Yay me! I can summarize the book in a single sentence. Get rid of things that no longer have a purpose or spark joy and keep only the things that are purposeful or meaningful. I’m not sure why I read a book on decluttering a home. The book wasn’t in my wheelhouse, but I’d just donated many dear books to a library and sought affirmation I’d done the right … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Getting to court – by canoe, by wagon, on foot
In 1887, Judge Flandrau appeared before the Ramsey County, Minn., bar, where he delivered a lecture on the practice of law in the early days after statehood in 1858. “To give the younger members of the bar some idea on the difficulties attending the practice in early days, you must allow me to relate a few instances connected with my own experience. Mr. Brisbin called me down … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – One
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free The air feels crisp as the nearing of fall begins to tease us with leaves changing, temperatures dropping, and pumpkins transforming. The world is filled with so much joy; children laughing, people gathering, weddings, babies, hope, and song. The world is also filled with sadness, unexpected death, tragedy, … [Read more...]
A lane was closed to ease congestion
A turtle passed me. It was a bafflement. I’d been humming the theme from “Jeopardy” as I paused on a busy highway. The turtle gave me a keen grasp of my situation. I don’t know what kind of turtle it was because it zoomed by so quickly. It might have been a Mitsubishi, but I think that was what I was driving. Upon further investigation, I discovered it was Labor Day and I … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Lawn
I’m learning the hard way: Why I need a forehead tattoo The words clogged my throat, choked by feelings of inadequacy. You wouldn’t think that five words would be so hard. Honestly, words aren’t hard, but feelings are. Just spit it out! Wrapped in lies of my own creation, I feared the response to my words. For many years, I’ve believed I should be a better homeschool … [Read more...]