What does she need? Here I am, standing in front of her. Deep, dark-brown eyes, long slender legs, floppy ears, and she’s not eating. Something is wrong. Standing next to this gentle giant, I wish she could talk. She’d explain how she’s feeling, or why she’s bent on doing the opposite of everything I want her to do. Communication. Should I say, “Why does it have to be so … [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...]
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...]
A little of this, A little of that.
“My momma didn’t raise no spendthrift.” She loved sales, particularly with 80% off. She shopped garage sales and often picked up the entire free box. We had few books in our home, but after I learned to read, I discoveredthe public library. Almost everything was free. There was one rack that was a rental usually preventing young children who didn’t have a quarter from reading … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage Unexpected at the door!
Not everyone may consider themselves to be a host or hostess. For some folks it comes naturally, but whether or not we see ourselves with such a gift, there are times when we have that very opportunity to entertain guests. We had that chance recently. Now you might find this list of events a bit much to handle. Back to back like this, they might be. Despite being … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – A berry good day
Summer can be a very fruitful time on the farm. Besides baling hay, the garden gets a start in producing its treasures. After the asparagus and rhubarb emerge and produce, the berry blossoms silently make their presence known. As the mature strawberry crop climaxes and declines, the June berries, the currants, and raspberries take to the fore. Yes, fruit is in the making … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The shelves are pretty empty
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com In the past, I’ve shared a message about the needs of our local food shelves, but that usually doesn’t happen until around Thanksgiving. At a recent Preston Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, one of our chamber members who is very active with volunteering for many organizations shared that … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Farm
“Recipe” for success: Raw milk benefits for your immune system “I love when my kids are sick,” said no mom ever. Playing mommy-nurse is hard. (Especially if you are sick!) My daughter had RSV as an infant. I spent countless nights watching her labored breathing, wondering what I could do to strengthen her struggling lungs. For many months after that, every cold she got … [Read more...]
A Little of this, A little of that
Soon after wagon trains crossed the country, but B.C. (before computers) ; women saved recipes on index cards in special boxes. These were made of wood or metal and called recipe boxes. Don’t you love the logic of this? I collect recipes. I own 15 recipe boxes. The ones with advertising on them are the most valuable but most of them cost under $10. I used to organize recipes … [Read more...]
A goodly Heritage
Farming Father’s Day Melodious bird songs, bright sunshine and the wide blue sky greeted us as my family awoke on this Father’s Day. We all set out to prepare to attend church. The grandchildren, their parents, my daughter and I busied ourselves to celebrate Father’s Day. From all appearances we could expect to spend the day happily with Father. One of our number was … [Read more...]