Blizzard conditions were just down the road. Unbeknownst to us, the snow was blinding, and the roadway was covered with white. We eagerly set out for our destination. On this January evening, we were heading to our home at Heritage Farm. It was my hope that we would “beat” any stormy conditions that might be brewing. Interstate highway travel is generally rather humdrum and … [Read more...]
Do You Drive With Your Eyes Closed? Something New for 2026.
When was the last time you intentionally drove with your eyes closed? I hope your answer is never. The “why” is pretty obvious. Seeing, while driving, is on par with breathing while living. Without it, catastrophe is basically inevitable. As moms, we’d never endanger those in tow by being so reckless. We’d never think of driving without vision, so why live life without … [Read more...]
To Have Your Cake, Time and Again
By Angela Denstad I’m time and again forgetting dates and details, needing to think back to the context of what was happening or what felt important at the time in order to uncover a clue that allows me to do the simple math – still disbelieving – to answer a basic question. Such as, “How long have you lived here?” Time and memory seem to operate on separate non-linear … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Are You Ready for Christmas?
Winter seems to have come early this year. Snowstorms, cars in the ditch, below-zero temps, cold tractors, frozen manure, and air so cold it makes me chilled just thinking about running into the air for a winter flight! I often wonder what the cows are thinking with all this cold and wind. No matter when it happens, it always feels a couple weeks too early. But didn’t … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Farm – I Need Your Help
Do you have a definition for success in your motherhood? Do we even have an answer for this question? Especially during the holidays. Think about it. Successful motherhood is ... Home cooked meals? Maybe any meal at all? Is it clean clothes? Maybe folded laundry that actually gets put away? Lots of presents? Swept floors? A day with no yelling? Or maybe: No one … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – His Birthday Present
I married a man who has self-discipline and enjoys his work. In the early years, I learned many things from him and his parents. Their practical knowledge opened my eyes to a new side of life that I had not known – farming. Besides farm life, one thing that was new to me was car care. I had never owned a car, so caring for one was brand new to me. My husband changed the … [Read more...]
Thyme & Again – A Gratitude List Calendar
By Angela Denstad November is equal parts linger and scurry, pressing on in fits and starts as we brace ourselves for the exhilarating race through the holiday season down to the bottom of the year. Given this month’s ample opportunity for reflection and importunity to prepare our hearts and homes in hopes of joyful times to come, here’s a quick calendar list of gratitude … [Read more...]
Semcac Food Shelves Ready to Help
As October drew to an end with no end in sight for the government shut down, people became more anxious about their food supply. SNAP benefits were set to end as of November 1; where would people receiving those benefits find food? Wendy Todd, director of the Food Shelf program at SEMCAC noted that both donations and visits to the Food Shelves began picking up. Todd … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Thankful November
It’s November! I love November! It’s the start of the celebrations I look forward to the most. November is my favorite because it’s the kickoff to the season! If you ask my kids, they’ll tell you I have a lot of favorites. Does that mean I don’t actually have a “for real” favorite? That could be true. May is my favorite spring month, June is my anniversary – an automatic … [Read more...]
Real Bites: Burgers, Fish Frys and Community
Over the years, Rack’s Bar & Grill in Spring Valley, Minn., has become more than an award-winning restaurant. It’s become a place where the community gathers before and after the big game. It’s become a place where people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and delicious food. It’s a place where tourists see a parking lot full of vehicles, and they say, “This place must … [Read more...]