BLT Bacon
When I think Wisconsin farms, I think cows and pigs and horses and . . . . llamas. Yes, we do have some Peruvian imports nearby. It’s hard for me to be a vegetarian with all this tasty meat grown right here—well, the cows and pigs, that is. On the other hand, it’s hard NOT […]
Fences
He did it again! Mr. Teenager, Nick, is really getting into my blog brain. The other day, as I was serving breakfast to our horses, Nick strolled into the barn and said, “Mom, I have another blog idea for you.” I smile. Clearly, Nick is beginning to see his world in a whole new way. […]
Sonflowers
Tomorrow begins September. My massive perennial garden wanes as we head into fall. Faded pinks and purples are being replaced with golden yellows, vibrant reds, and burnt oranges. Now is the time of pumpkins ripening in our side yard patch, vines still flowering in hopes of creating a few new squash before frost. Next […]
Strengthen
“Please pray for a miracle!” she pleads. She is not just a friend. She is closer than a sister to me. My heart aches for this woman watching her daughter with two young girls withering away with cancer throughout. My friend inspires me. She boldly goes before the throne of God entreating Him for miracle, […]
Pure
As a little girl in the mid-sixties, one of my favorite things was collecting and trading marbles with my friends. Marbles were the most beautiful objects to me. I loved the feel as they rolled in my hands and the sound of hard glass clicking together. My collection consisted mostly of cat eyes. Also in […]
Bloom Time
I have been an impatient sort. One of my many flaws. With my spiritual growth, I have often been impatient with God. I want holiness now—not later. And I would certainly appreciate a painless path, by the way. Such demands of immediate and painless are not included in God’s plan, I have found. God is […]
Cantaloupe
On the back deck sits a basket full of freshly picked, huge cantaloupe still with vines on. Or at least that’s what I think they are. I grow lots of vegetables and fruits here on the farm but not cantaloupe. Where did these come from? (Enter Mr. Teenager, Nick, from side door, looking amused) “You […]
Clouds
Driving down country road toward home, Mr. Teenager says to me: “You should blog about clouds.” Sky is thick full of clouds commanding notice—billowy, dark and white clouds juxtaposed on cornflower-blue. “Really? What do you see in the clouds?” I ask. Matter-of-factly, Mr. Teenager teaches.“Well, see those black clouds? Those are like sin—full and ready […]
Showered
Dark night sky beckons me as I awake at 3:30 AM. I saunter over to slightly opened window facing east and hear gentle lapping waves from Lake Michigan. All else is still. Husband sleeps in bed. Lab pup glows under night light. Youngest son and friend camp in back yard. I rest my arms on […]
Quiet
With a bowl of cantaloupe and blueberries, and half a toasted, multigrain bagel spread with cream cheese, I sit down to enjoy summer morning sounds flowing through screens. Birds chirp as they flit through blue sky. Cicadas buzz from the honey locust tree top. August breeze swishes leaves. I breathe deep, relax and savor each […]
Rubble
It’s 9:30 AM. I am heading to Milwaukee for a meeting at 10:30. In good traffic, the drive time is 45 minutes. I gave myself an extra 10. Not six miles from my home, I encounter a construction zone on the interstate slowing, then stopping, traffic. WHAT?! You’ve got to be KIDDING! There are no […]
Thing One and Thing Two
When our kids were little, they used to climb onto our daughter’s vintage brass bed and cuddle with me while we read stories. Two of Dr. Seuss’ characters made us laugh, especially because of their names—Thing One and Thing Two. Oh, the things they would do! Full of mischief, they got the story’s two children […]