Every morning (Yes, you read that right, every morning), my alarm clock rings long before the sun says hello. I roll out of bed, stretch my stiff neck, whisper “I love you” to my wife, and sneak down the squeaky stairs. If I’m lucky, I trip on one of my kids who decided the floor next to my bed was the best place to be just because it was near me. That is the closest I’ll ever … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: A Work in Progress
Recently we have been at work to remodel our kitchen. It was last remodeled in 1941. It has brought us an added appreciation for how workers before us put such good quality in their workmanship. We boxed away and neatly hid light fixtures and decorative items away in the basement. Much went to the basement, but for our sustenance and survival during this remodeling … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer“And… action!” “Welcome back to… REALITY!”
By Johnathan Gerdes My daughter was in the barn with me late one evening, assisting me in a difficult birthing situation and we decided to start a little “TV” show that we would share on my family’s social media page. We called it “Reality!” My daughter would hold the camera and record things as they were happening. When she would say, “Action!” I would say, “Welcome back … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage by Wenda Grabau
Bittersweet - Part 1 Excerpt from Tales From Heritage Farm written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. There are snapshots in life when the sweet moments delight us. But oftentimes it comes mingled in the bitterest situations. The following story illustrates a day in the life on one girl and her mom who tasted the bitter with the sweet. * * * * A huge tear welled up in her … [Read more...]
Bluff Brothers Brewing: From Homebrew Hobbyists to Spring Valley’s Newest Taproom
Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]
Fresh Off the Farm
Are You Tracking with Me? I’m embarrassed to say that I made a 2023 image board for my 2023 goals and I am STILL planning to print it... as in, I lived 12 months meaning to take action on my goals and there it sits on my computer - unprinted and unused. It’s not like I didn’t do anything last year. I did a lot, but did it align with what I wanted for my year? It could have … [Read more...]
Farm Walk in December
Today, my workday included printing and cutting this year’s Christmas cards with its accompanying year-end letters. We send out cards intending to reconnect with many dear friends and relatives. At lunch, my husband brought in the mail. As I went through the various envelopes, it brought my attention to bills to pay and a bank statement from which to balance our account. … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Don’t Settle for the Postcard
Don’t Settle for the Postcard I know you’ve seen it. That postcard that makes you long to be at the beach. As our Minnesota winter starts to rev up, the feeling in my toes and fingers starts to go away. My aunt, who grew up on the farm, says, “Winter means pain.” The cold gets in and likes to stay. That’s where the postcard comes in. It’s bright, with blue water, white sand, … [Read more...]
Mr. Rooster
Mr. Rooster This morning my daughter and I dug up bulbs from our flowerbeds to preserve them till next spring. After completing our task, I chose to take a walk on the farm. I noticed that the cool, crisp air of autumn was carrying on it the sounds of the harvest. As I walked, I could hear the laboring of our neighbor’s combine as it moved down the amber swaths of … [Read more...]
Fresh off the farm: Why I’m Not Thankful
Nothing has gone as planned today. You know the day. I set my alarm early to get some kid-free work done and then they woke up before my alarm. (How do they know?!) I didn’t eat the nutritious breakfast I was planning because I was feeding a crabby baby and I felt munchy. (#oops) I didn’t stretch, exercise, or gather my thoughts this morning because #littlepeople. Now they’re … [Read more...]