“I’d rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” ― George Washington
The grief of losing a child is unfathomable. Lila wrote a poem March of 1997, six months after losing my older brother, her first-born, to the ravages of his alcoholism September 24, 1996.
Continue reading “On Making Pepper Jelly”
Iowa County fair season starts in late June and really starts cranking up the month of July, culminating with the Iowa State Fair, held in August. With over 1 million people attending, the Iowa State Fair is the Granddaddy of all state fairs. The start of Iowa schools are delayed until the end of August to accommodate attendance to the fair.
Continue reading “Purple Ribbon Coconut Snack Cake Recipe”
About three years ago my dear husband was picking up rocks on the far east end of our farm. He happened to look up into the towering eastern red cedar trees at the end of our fields and saw a large nest! A Bald Eagle nest!
Continue reading “Bald Eagles in Iowa”
I have to warn you that some of the photos in this post are disturbing.
Continue reading “How Farmers Can Save Soil”
Wind conditions are just right to use our air compressor to “dust” the combine. A strong northwest wind is blowing consistently to help me with this three-hour job. Our John Deere 9410 four-row combine is considered vintage, and while it may appear laughable in 2024, it’s OUR vintage combine. We own it and we can repair it at will.
Now hunker down for the longest post I’ve ever written….
Continue reading “What is Big Ag?”
Is there a better combination than chocolate and peanut butter? I can’t think of any. Here’s a vintage No Flour/No Egg/No Bake Cookie recipe that is quick, easy and tasty! I started making this No Bake Cookie since I was ten years old, so I’ve been making this for over 50 years! Yes, Lila let me boil things on the stove. She was nearby to make sure I didn’t burn myself or burn the house down.
Continue reading “No Flour No Egg No Bake Cookies”
Lila wrote these two related gems over a decade ago. Still fresh. Still profound.
Note: The featured photo is a painting by Francisco Goya (1746–1828) titled, “The Third of May 1808”. Though over 200 years old, the work of Goya is relevant today.
Continue reading “Who Needs Anger?”
Who isn’t cold and hungry right now? This Rustic Ham & 15 Bean Soup is a better than the back of the bag recipe that is not only thrifty, but also tastes good. I do have some hacks to the basic recipe to increase flavor and make you want to lick your bowl. This soup does require soaking the beans the night before, so plan accordingly!
Continue reading “Rustic Ham and Bean Soup”
It is now time to get cozy. Snow and rain forecasts are increasing, while temperatures are decreasing. We are getting weather alerts of increasing winds and it’s as dark as night before our work day is done. Time to break out the soup pot to create a one-pot meal that will pierce the cold and darkness with comfort and calm.
Continue reading “Chicken and Dumplings”
A Story of the Ultimate Sacrifice
I was going through a box of newspaper clippings of Lila’s. There was a farm auction sale bill dated from January of 1944. I think you will find it very clever.
PUBLIC SALE
As I am sick and tired of farming and quarreling with my neighbors, I have joined the Navy and am going to end it all by offering the following to the highest bidder at my place, known as Poverty Point, located 2 miles south and ½ mile east of Center Point, Iowa.
Continue reading “Farm Auction Sale Bill 1944”