What’s New
How Big Is Little Missouri River Country?
On August 7 during Morning Edition, National Public Radio ran a story about Theodore Roosevelt and the Little Missouri River. The story titled Roosevelt's Badlands Ranch Faces Potential Threat gave the history of TR's connection to the North Dakota Badlands and the...
Happy 90th Birthday, Uncle Leo
Tomorrow Mom's oldest living brother, Uncle Leo, turns 90. Not an unusual feat in their long-lived family. What is unusual is that Uncle Leo lives on the Pipestone County farm his parents bought and moved to in the late 1920s, and he's lived there ever since. Except...
Summertime Cooking Tips
Between helping with our friends' wedding rehearsal supper and a day at the Iowa State Fair, the past week wasn't conducive for cooking. So no new recipe this week. Instead, I'll share some tips that will maximize the flavor of your summertime produce. Tips for...
Top Ten Reasons to Visit the Iowa State Fair
Hiram and I went to the Iowa State Fair Sunday. The weather was cool and the rain held off - a perfect day to celebrate our state's agricultural history, people watch, and eat food we don't touch the other 364 days of the year. If you haven't been there yet, here are...
Ten Years Ago This Week
Ten years ago this week, I began my twenty-fifth year of teaching. My son with undiagnosed PTSD had just moved to an Orthodox monastery. My daughter began eighth grade. My husband worked crazy hours as an ICU nurse and loved it. My mother lived in her own home and was...
Peach Pie Heaven
Pardon the latest of this post, but I just got back from peach pie heaven. Though those of you who shudder at the thought of making 5 fresh peach pies before 10 AM, my peach pie heaven may be your peach pie hell. But the opportunity to prepare dessert for a wedding...