The coming of spring greatly influences each of us in many ways. On the farm we have planned for it, but some things still happen with elements of surprise. Just take today, for instance. Today started with an unexpected early morning phone call.  “Hi, I am calling from the post office.  I have some chirping chicks here for you,” the caller informed me.  I had ordered … [Read more...]

It was hot enough to complain about everything. I’d completed compulsory mechanical work. I’d put a rear end in a recliner. The heat had stalled the clock at noon. The hands had become motionless. Hot weather is more of a stick than a carrot. Hot weather bangs us about. People wilted in the sun. Swimming pools boiled. Ice cream trucks and plastic flamingos melted. It was … [Read more...]

Trista Rowland, of Chatfield, Minn., stood next to her brand new kayak she won in a recent contest. On May 31, 2021, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the first prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 36 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Area), they will be … [Read more...]

Diary about the little orphan Day One: Today started like most others.  After doing exercises, I did my reading and had breakfast with my family.  I admired the new seedlings that I have been nurturing.  I checked my emails and set out to do my regular chores in the house.  Then I heard my name called from the basement.  My husband ascended the stairs and handed me a … [Read more...]

Did you know that God “scatters the frost?” In Psalm 148:8, we find that the snow fulfills His Word.  Job 37:6 tells us that He says to the snow, “Fall on the earth.” Perhaps, as Minnesotans, we consider the snow and frost to be simply an ordinary part of life.  It makes us shovel and sweat as we have to make our sidewalks and driveways passable.  Much of our tax money is … [Read more...]

Starting a new garden can be intimidating.  Seasoned gardeners will often try to give advice that they have accumulated over a lifetime. This can sound like a foreign language to a novice.  Don’t worry too much.  Creating a new perennial garden, while it can be hard work initially, will reward you for years to come.  For the beginner, my advice is: keep it simple! Remove all … [Read more...]

Kingsley ~ Lock Isaiah Kingsley and Shawna Lock are excited to announce their engagement. A small ceremony is planned on January 16, 2021, with family. An announcement will be made for the big ceremony and celebration when we are able to celebrate in a huge way with all our family and friends after restrictions have been lifted. A whirlwind romance with the person who will … [Read more...]

Lane Everett Sylling Lane Everett Sylling was born September 7, 2020, weighing 7 lb 13 oz. and was 19 3/4 in. long. Proud parents are Alyssa Burmester and Kyle Sylling of Decorah, Iowa. Grandparents are John and Dawn Sylling of Spring Grove, Minn., and Bob and Angie Burmester of Mabel, Minn. … [Read more...]