Last year’s growing season seemed longer than normal. Windy, dry days with rising prices of fertilizer, fuel, and other supplies became frustrating. Equipment seemed to constantly break. I began to fall out of love with my job. My mood was touchy, irritable, and defensive. I was exhausted but couldn’t sleep. The seasonal aches and pains seemed extra achy. Add this to dealing … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Math was never my best subject. My high school algebra teacher, Ken Denny did his best. By the time I figured out how to balance equations, it was time for geometry. It seemed hopeless. Why did I have to figure out proofs? I was willing to accept whatever had been already been proven! I have memorized this formula: Family (friends) + delicious food (and plenty of it) = … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
My “Milky Whey” day Today went quite well. Early in the morning, my husband gifted me with a bucket containing about three gallons of raw, chilled milk and its cream. He carried it from the milk house ready for my use. Since my refrigerator was already filled with all of the milk and cream I could use, I skimmed off the cream and dutifully began making butter. Mixing the … [Read more...]
Real Bites
Stellar 181 Taphouse There’s something pretty special happening in downtown Spring Valley, Minn. Stellar 181 Taphouse. But that’s not all. This has been years in the making. It started with a hair salon and spa, then a clothing boutique, then a dessert and cake specialty store... and then a restaurant. Chateau de Chic Salon & Spa, Chic by Chateau, Some Like It Hot, … [Read more...]
A little of this, A little of that
Fabulous fall is finally here. I can’t stand the heat; I can’’t stand the cold. This weather is Goldilocks right for me. The color of fall leaves makes me feel like I live in a fairytale book. Even without a fairy godmother I can finish many chores because of the cool mornings. Getting a good night’s sleep really helps with the fresh air from an open window. I even got … [Read more...]
Real Bites
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery This past weekend, a collection of relatives gathered at Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, just outside of Spring Valley, Minn. We celebrated Randy Reiter’s 50th birthday, a little earlier than usual, because the weather was perfect. This is my wife’s brother. We selected Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery because we’ve all agreed … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
I’ve got plants in tough places... We all have it; the frustrating spot in the garden where nothing seems to want to grow. Many gardeners respond by planting tough plants. Hosta for shade, even though the deer eat it. Iris for full sun, even though the bloom time is so short. Some plants, although challenging to find, are great candidates for tough spaces in the landscape. The … [Read more...]
Real Bites- Good Times Restaurant and Bar
I had a meeting scheduled in Caledonia, Minn., recently, and Good Times Restaurant and Bar was the place of choice. Over the past decade, our family has spent quite a bit of time in Caledonia, attending basketball games for our daughter and son. So, we have become quite familiar with Good Times. Restaurant owner Sarah Glasrud runs a fine establishment. Caledonia has quite … [Read more...]
Real Bites – Shari’s Sports Saloon & Lanes
At the newspaper, many of us wear multiple hats. Paul Trende is our sports coverage guru along with some other reporting, and he also makes sure all of the newspapers make it to each post office location in our coverage area. When the newspaper grows beyond a certain page count, we have to haul over 5,000 pounds of newspapers in two one-ton vans to get the newspapers … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
Well, it is about time to take down the old Christmas tree. Some years I have been the lone decorator. At other times I have been delighted by a surprise when my family put up the tree and donned it with lights, garlands and ornaments. Our first Christmas tree filled our apartment with the typical refreshing scent of pine. As a young married couple, our budget did not allow … [Read more...]