Technology changed life for the residents of Houston, Minn., during the first half of the 20th century (1900s), when according to area historian Ingrid Julsrud, “More has been invented and new things have come into existence… than in many previous centuries together.“ Electricity came late to the village of Houston, maybe conjectured Julsrud due to a lack of labor and/or … [Read more...]
There Will Be Weather Each Day Except Every Third Monday
Reindeer sweat isn’t a pretty thing. The temperature on Christmas Eve in my neighborhood set a record high of 52 degrees. Not a single economist predicted that. The doorbell rang. I opened the door and a robed visitor accompanied by sitar music walked in out of the dimming twilight. The renowned mystic from the Far East part of the township, the fabled soothsayer, … [Read more...]
My Winter Bucket List is a Short One: Stay Warm
Into the mouth of the wolf, we go. I catch myself bundled beyond recognition and talking to a thermometer, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to winter we go. Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of winter. It’s the Great White. Do you imagine the toothy grin of a shark? I picture the icicle smile of winter. It’s Gilligan’s Winter and we’re stuck in … [Read more...]