This last weekend we hosted our 4th Field to Feast community dinner. Because the weather was beautiful, it was the second time we were able to host this event in the street by Pleasant Lake. Forty-two tables set up in three rows. The colors this year were white, blue and wheat representing waves of grain. Everything about the day was... READ MORE >
The best thing about summer in a small town is the traditional gatherings. Here in Annandale the Fourth of July is celebrated over five days with a carnival, parade and great music. It’s the same in Cook County. Only in Grand Marais the traditional gathering is the Fisherman’s Picnic. This is also celebrated over several days the first full weekend... READ MORE >
Amy and I recorded our KRWC AM 1360 radio show Leisure Time at In Hot Water last week. It was live. We had the morning coffee ladies as our guests at a special time of 5 p.m. This is a group of local Annandale women who have been meeting every Monday and Friday to enjoy coffee for over 17 years.... READ MORE >
One of my favorite short stories comes from a man named Moses. Moses was not a handsome man. He was short and he also had a very hunched and disfigured back. When he met a beautiful young lady named Frumtje, Moses fell madly in love, but Frumtje was repulsed by the appearance of Moses and his hunched back. Finally getting... READ MORE >
This week Annandale held its Annual Gala and each year the Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization names an Honorary Commodore in recognition of volunteer service and community involvement. I was surprised and almost beyond words when they announced a man from Big Lake had been given the Annandale Commodore Award for his service in building a local dog park. After realizing... READ MORE >
My cousin’s Grandma, Elsie, died on Monday, March 15, 2009. (I give you the date for only one reason… since her death I have received many reminders that she looks down on me and my sister cousin from heaven at least twice a week.) Born on October 23rd, 1905, she lived to be 104 years and five months. Grandma Elsie... READ MORE >
Do you know the analogy about BIG ROCKS? This story is one of my favorites. An instructor was lecturing his students on the use of time. He reached under the table and pulled out a wide-mouthed gallon jar. He then filled the jar with big rocks and asked the class, “Is this jar full?” Everyone said, “Yes.” He then reached... READ MORE >
Summer is almost here, so I think it’s time to work on a bucket list. As a kid, nothing was more important than summer break. It seemed like the entire school year revolved around how many days of school that were left before the next break. My high school English teacher, Mr. O, kept a running total of the number... READ MORE >
My neighbor Ann lost her dad this year, she wrote a lovely tribute to him about all the things she missed doing with him this spring. As I read it, I thought of how much I miss my friend, Rose Mary. Every time I hear Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper sing the song In The Shallow on the radio, I... READ MORE >
I grew up listening to the radio more than watching television for two reasons: first we only had one TV, and it was in the living room, and the programming was limited to three channels and two, I had a school bus ride that was about two hours a day that had the radio on for the entire journey. When... READ MORE >
