In Cook County many folks know that “the shortest day” of the year is December 21. On that day we receive 8 hours, 23 minutes of sunlight (if the skies weren’t gray, at least). For some, that amount is just toooo short. Last week I overhead a comment while in line at the Java Moose: “Maybe darkness is overtaking us;... READ MORE >
Maybe you have seen what I saw the morning of Tuesday, March 31: new snow, and plenty of tracks. On my morning walk, I’d seen signs of some of our local woods critters—fox, ravens, deer, chickadees. The fresh snow showed tracks so clearly, and they were intriguing. An hour later, I was back outside, looking again. This time, more snow... READ MORE >
The first day of spring has come and gone, the temps haven’t quite changed. The ice is not melting quickly, nor ground defrosting quickly. With so little snow, yet without open ground, it can seem a time of “non-interest” or “nothing to do.” While downhill at Lutsen is available, other outdoor interests aren’t as appealing with snow crusty or sparse,... READ MORE >
Last winter there came an opportunity to do something I’d not done for a very long time. The opportunity? An all-afternoon art class with kids and a couple of adults. The subject? Each of us would draw a clown. “You’ll get tips on drawing all kinds of clowns and for portraying hats, faces, clothes and shoes” we heard. Outlines and... READ MORE >
We can’t really “bank” daylight, can we? Can’t save it up to “take out” when wanted. We either have it, or don’t—it’s daylight, or isn’t; sun is up, or down; moon and stars are above, or sun is high. But this time of year, we bump into “daylight saving time.” We move the hands of clocks, but don’t really store... READ MORE >
When my family got our first television (did we call it TV back then?), it was pretty exciting. I don’t know how old I was, maybe 11, but my brother was older. One day, our parents decided we could be home on our own for an evening. Heading out they told us, “Remember your bed time…it’s Friday night, but you... READ MORE >
For several years Trinity has shared a partnership with the congregations of Bonne Nouelle (Good News) Episcopal in the village of Bigonet, Haiti and St. James Episcopal in Minneapolis. A lot has been learned, and the learning expanded this March when Kathi Johnson, Pastor Kris Garey, both of Hovland and Ruth Anne Olson, a part-time Hovland resident, joined other St.... READ MORE >
Have you noticed a pencil lately? Pencils: a core of material inside another material. Cores are usually graphite mixed with clay, perfect for making marks that can easily erase, yet are resistant to most chemicals, moisture, or natural aging. Most of the outside cylinders are wood or wooden composites. Today, many are still yellow outside, but there are also many... READ MORE >
“This___ (weather vane, cream pitcher, hand-made desk, duck decoy, book) is a family treasure. It is priceless!” If you are a fan of the TV series Antiques Roadshow, you’ll recognize the statement above. Words like it are said each week as families bring generations-long treasured items in for expert appraisers to admire, give history of, and estimate monetary value. If... READ MORE >
“God of peace, the hours are long, the work is hard, the duties are complex, and the fears and anxieties are real. Enable me to lay in your hands the day that is past…” This prayer admits real life, real stories. Wherever life’s work or life’s choices take any of us, there are long hours of work, complex duties, fears,... READ MORE >
