Whatever Comes To Mind (268)
Sunshine always brightens up the day, and we have waited a long time for it.
But when spring finally comes out alive and well, everything turns bright and beautiful, including the grass, leaves, flowers, gardens. Branches, dry leaves and winter "collect" seem to disappear in trash cans, landfills and mini bonfires.
So many things "come to mind," my head feels like a beehive.
Incidentally, be kind to the bees - yes, they sting, but they also pollinate the plants we need for survival, and produce honey, that miracle stuff and cure-all that never spoils and tastes so good.
Graduation is a BIG thing. Think about the advantage of education. Not just book-learning "education.” To be able to read and write and do figures is the basis of everything.
Memorial Day - A day of reverence, of thoughts toward those who never had the chance to live their true life. Sadness, pride, courage, and love. If ever there is an example of brotherhood it is evident in those who served and knew what war is.
I look at the dandelions and think "let them grow" – then we know we care about the children and the future. Anything that kills one thing is also capable of killing another.
I read in the paper that Garrett Wangsness, son of Jay and Sherry, was named "most valuable" freshman wrestler at Luther College, and though he isn’t my child, I know his family well, and I am so proud.
I look at the wide-open fields beautifully manicured to raise the food needed around the world. They say one farmer can feed and clothe 144 people. I thank God and the farmers who play such a vital role in feeding the ever-increasing global population. I'd watched a movie of the future - there wasn't enough food to feed the people. Possible? I don't know but it was scary. Those who lived during times of rationing probably have an idea of what it could be like. It can't happen here? Let’s hope we never find out.
Sometimes we can think we're so smart, and in reality we could go to the ends of the earth and find technology not be scoffed at, but there is also healing power in nature. Before doctors, prescriptions and machines that take pictures inside and out, there were people who lived by using facts of nature - leaves, flowers, and bark from a tree. No, we don't want to go back, but we can accept that there were remedies that worked even then. I suppose they had side effects then too.
Makes one chuckle – My mother said they used to come home from school and change into "everyday clothes.” Then it was the same clothes for going away and at home. Now "everyday clothes" are high style clothes. Denims with holes and shabby - "comfort clothes.” It is surprising what one will or won't wear and no one thinks anything of it - or do they?
I have to hand it to marketing companies - establishing a trend is like getting the lead sheep to do what you want it to do and the rest will follow. I sometimes wonder how long the stainless steel and marble countertop trend will continue until everybody goes for something else. Actually stainless steel is a protective substance and has its value. But ask anyone who has had to maintain a stainless environment and they will tell you how tired one can get trying to keep it sparkling. As for stone countertops - they require special care as well and will no doubt be replaced by some new trend. But that's business and makes for jobs and exchange of money.
Gone are the days when my grandmother was just glad to have a davenport that would last her lifetime, and inside water, even it it was from a pump.
Sometimes we get so eclectic and sidestep the obvious for the sublime. That's why it's called "Whatever Comes To Mind.”
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, May 29: Brent Peterson, Deb Farr, Odean Otterson, Gene Pederson, Mark Butler, Ross Lein, Colin Quimby, Rod and Sandi Serdahl, John and Susan Oolman, Lily and Jerry Neitzel
• Friday, May 30: Payton Allen Misgen, Daniel Larson, Molly Hanson, Chuck Crabtree, Shirley Nelson, Julie and Toby Oquist
• Saturday, May 31st: Nathan Jensen, Jerry White, Pat Draayer, Ryan Sletten, Jim Hamor, Robert DuBois, Cierra Hanson
• Sunday, June 1st: Carter Anthony Martens, Randy Hagen, Brandi Hagen, John Hanson, Bert Wiersma, Phyllis Benson, Joe Wallace, Julie Dulas, Kenny Toft, Maria Misgen, Tony Sommers, Bob Flim, Glenn Gerdes, Lindsey Lembke, Denise Evenson Wilson, Jeff and Sharon Lageson, Orville and Mavis Langlie
Monday, June 2: Maia Kathleen Peterson, Brent Dobberstein, Angie Goodnature Kath, Taylor Draayer, Sue Jensen Kuckenbecker, Steve Kasper, Cindy Olson, Barry Esplan, Krystle Lonning, Donald Haberman, Ahston Haried, Trent Hanson, Brandon McLaughlin, Tammy and Garth Gonnering, Greg and Nicole Shultz, Eric and Snow Lee, their 6th
Tuesday, June 3: Isabella Grace Kohn, her 4th; Devin Matthew Haddy, his 7th; Justin Stieglbauer, David Hall, Troy Vavra, Jason Jenkins, Michael Bartness, Angie Kasper Christenson, George Kasper, Chrisopher Conley, Max Miller, Esther Van Ravenhorst, Misty (Ebnet) and Jeremy Krueger, Eric and Christine Nelson
Wednesday, June 4: Dale Miller, Becky Nordland, Jim Borchert, Judith Severson, Warren Nelson, Jamie and Tina Hagen, Art and Doris DeNeui, Jan and Andrew Bernau, their 7th
May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day.
We recently had a "meeting of the minds" regarding the progression of the Ellendale Public School system. There is a planned effort to recall some history from yesteryear that has developed into the school system as it is known today. We know that the first graduating class in 1922 was a class of three students, but there are other things to consider that we easily forget or never knew about.
For example, we remember when the Ellendale district paired and shared educational resources with the Geneva school, then with the combined district of New Richland-Hartland. But how much knowledge do we have of all those little country schools that closed and consolidated along the way?
Information from our readers who still remember when their neighborhood’s rural school became part of the Ellendale, and later Ellendale-Geneva, school systems, would be greatly appreciated. If we were to have a history of education, it would be best to acquire thoughts and memories while there are still individuals to share them. We tend to put these facts in the back of our minds; and of course some things were before our time.
With 957 students in our present school system, a total of 473 at Ellendale and 484 in 6-12th grade at New Richland, it may be hard to vision what it was like back then. Geneva had two years of advanced education, or high school, in those early years. I remember my aunt Helyn speaking of attending school and staying with my Grandma Hanson’s brother, Hans’s, family. Unfortunately I didn't ask enough, and she can no longer talk about those early years. Is there anyone who can help fill in the blanks, so to speak? It would be appreciated.
We had a very impressive girls’ basketball team this year. We also had an impressive girls’ basketball team many years ago. Helen Johnson Davidson, Floyd Davidson’s mother, was one team member. How did it happen that when at one time, girls had competitive sports that were later dropped for a number of years? When did they start again as an organized competitive team instead of a physical education or noon hour mural game?
There are people who valued education and gave their all to support it, including those who taught classes that are no longer offered or absorbed into other classes. Names like Dr. Ertel, L. A. Arnold, Mr. Skovbroten, Martina McIntyre, and David Garceau come to mind, but there were others in the shadows that were a part of this school’s history. Students today who sometimes turn up their noses at healthy, delicious breakfasts and lunch would hardly believe what the first hot lunches were. Many times it consisted of soup or hot dish cooked in dark corners of the school’s maintenance and furnace room by Eliza Schultz, who led her blind husband to the school each day to cook that kettle of food to be served to students. It was a beginning – or was it? The next day, the leftovers or potatoes brought from home were heated in the old jacketed wood stove in the country school during the winter.
Office classes, like typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping were taught by Agnes Frei at one time, and by Alma Tollefson later in Ellendale. This also included cutting stencils, mimeographs, and copies made by hectograph. Students would be far sighted if they saw machines today that only require a flip or a punch of the finger to do it all.
When first invented, pencils were used more than pen and ink, and teachers did a lot of writing and preparing work and tests that may not have been already printed.
My mother remembers at least 25 years ago, she was taking college classes in Waseca when an instructor said, "We have the capability to teach today by mechanical methods that would be easier and result in a better education where students will learn more and quicker, but it is doubtful it would be accepted because there will always be a need for human intervention."
One wonders where we are headed now and what will one day be obsolete. Education includes learning to live in the times. Home schooling, year-round school, charter schools, private schools and religious schools are non-traditional yet important methods of education.
Are today’s children brighter, more talented and better trained to handle a more complex world? Of course they are in many areas, but not all. If one has access to some of the old books in libraries from those early years, it might surprise you what the student was expected to know by grade levels in those days. More? Less? Different, because the world and expectations have changed. Your thoughts and memories will be appreciated.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, May 22nd: David Eliason, Christine Thompson Krause, Lori Lembke, Scott Dirksen, Pat Horan, Mark Christensen, Jim Obermoller, Michael Sarver, Roger Thompson, Andrew Grunwald, Karla Hanson, Dick Swift, Chuck & Susan Grubish, Toni and James Perschbacker
• Friday, May 23rd: Stephane Paul Martin, her 5th; Will Richard Utpadel, his 7th: Ilsbeth Wayne, Jeanne Simonson, Melissa Shaunce, Burton Borchert, Orville Langlie, Karen Quam, Rodney & Peggy Sorenson, Duane & Janice Morreim, Jeff & Sara Miller, Rebecca & Tim Brekke
• Saturday, May 24th: David Christensen, Marlyn Swearingen, Reta Draayer, Nina Widlund
• Sunday, May 25th: Dakota Matthew Kath, his 9th: Riley Dean Disher, his 7th; Jack Harpel, Jackie Johnson Miller, Jim Pichner, Cara Christensen, Valerie Peterson, Richard Fetterly, Bill Nechanicky, Rick Miller, Deb Parks, Paul Reese, Troy & Kelly Utpadel, Dave & Barbara Van Gorkom
• Monday, May 26th: Jeff Wayne, Roger Wangsness, Natalie Hanson, Jim Cummins, Jennifer Beaber, Jeremy Beaber, Melissa Redmon, Karey (Kalakian) & Chris Shearman
• Tuesday, May 27th: Eileen Bergland, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Shane Callahan, Stacy Wobschall, Rev. Beaber, Theresa Kasper, Rick Loven, Carolee Broitzman George, Tracy Marcus, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Michael Butler, Steve & Karen Quam, Megan & Joel Cooper
• Wednesday, May 28th: Sara Beth Carlson, her 4th; Lily Lee Olson, her 4th; Madalyn Kehne, Madison Catherine Knudson, Susan Schmidt, Marie Fowler, Rick & Jenny Loberg, Gerritt & Kathy Molenaar
May your special day blossom with many reasons to smile!
My uncle Paul Hanson was the mayor of Clarks Grove for 33 years and grew up near Ellendale. I ran across one of his notes about growing up in Ellendale in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Paul was one of those people that was always cognizant of what was going on around him. In this piece, he reminisced about small towns. There’s a lesson there for all of us — the smallest thing (like an odor) can take us back across the years. Ellendale-area residents will know many of the places he wrote about, but the lesson is just as appropriate for residents of any small town. Here are some of Paul’s observations:
"Perhaps one of the things that one never forgets, along with sight and hearing memories, is the smell factor. To this day, I can close my eyes and come up with the aroma of a roast beef dinner at Johanna Jensen's cafe, the smell of a big burger with onions at Wes's place and the taste of a chocolate malt at Jorgenson’s. Jorgenson’s was sort of a high school hangout; probably because of their two teenage daughters, Betty and Aileen.
"I can recall the smell of leather at Ziegler’s harness shop, the oil used to temper the leather, as it was a big purchase to get custom made harness from Paul Ziegler.
"The smell of binder twine from the two implement dealers and Nic Jansen, and the distinctive odor of rope, cutting oil and other metal objects at the hardware stores of Miller Brothers, Nelson-Meland and John Stadheim.
"The smell of sawdust on the floor at Anderson Brothers' meat market; fruit odors from Lerberg’s and Speed Nelson’s grocery stores, with the added nose twitch of new denim overalls at Lerberg’s. The smell of freshly steamed cream cans at the Ellendale Creamery, the smell of chickens, testing cream and general merchandise at Nels Peters’ produce station. The iodine smell of Dr. Ertel’s office, as well as the odor and shrill of the drill in Dr. Algie’s office as he ground out your cavities was a smell one doesn't forget easily.
"I never could figure out why the doctors in those days were at the top of about 17 steps, but then they did make house calls. The smell of new tires at the various filling stations, a new car at Aronson’s garage, or the smell of hair tonic at Sander Jellum’s barbershop were not easily forgotten. Neither was the distinctive odor of Jack Ellingson’s pool hall, the smell of new money at the Security State Bank or the Ellendale State Bank. There was also the smell of printer’s ink and the clank of the typesetting machine at the Eagle office where Cecil Campbell and Jimmy Hand put the paper together.
"The smell of freshly ground feed at the Farmer’s Milling and Elevator Co. or from Misgen’s Stockyard also comes to mind. All of it an indelible memory, yet all of it spelled prosperity for the Ellendale community.
"Did I miss some business places? Of course...the smell of lumber and sawdust at the lumberyard, the odor from the forges of blacksmiths Rasmus and Chris Laursen as they sharpened the plowlays, shaped horseshoes, and repaired broken equipment of the community.
"Wouldn't it be fun to go back to those days for just a few hours? I'd order one of Tillie Lerum’s famous hamburgers, with the meat sticking out the side with pickles and onions. I would plunk down a nickel or dime. And of course I would have to save room for one of Jorgenson’s ice cream malts, too thick to suck through a straw, or Nic Jansen’s popcorn — yellow with Ellendale butter, or a soda from the drug store that many people remember and talk about."
Yes, that is life in small towns. Most of us, if we close our eyes and think about it, have those same vivid memories of small towns, but writers like Al Batt and Paul Hanson express them for us. Who would have thought that smells would bring back memories? There was a time when you could get almost everything you needed in small towns. A trip to the Twin Cities was a grand adventure and something only done perhaps once a year. Anything not available in a local store could be ordered by the storekeeper or bought from a catalog.
People supported their local merchants in small towns, because the merchants (and their employees) were friends. Many rural kids got their first jobs working for these local merchants.
Perhaps the first threat to small towns would be the loss of a grocery store. Most people today aren’t aware that in the days before supermarkets, people raised many of their vegetables in their gardens, and put up produce in glass jars. They may have even raised and butchered their own livestock, and in the era before home freezers were popular (mid-’60s) they would put up the meat by renting space in local locker plants. For those who had to purchase their meat and vegetables, they went to the butcher shop for meat, to the greengrocer for produce, and the store for canned and dried goods. The supermarket is a relatively new invention; putting all grocery needs under one roof and causing the demise of many small-town shops. Even supermarkets are now threatened by mega-stores — and by non-stores like the Internet.
Think back to all of the small shops in your town. Will you have memories similar to my Uncle Paul’s, or will your memories consist of products that were delivered by UPS or FedEx? As for me, I like small-town merchants and supporting small towns. I try to patronize them every chance I get by doing business with friends and neighbors. It’s one of the reasons we choose to live here.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, May 15th: Carter Hagen, Evan Dobberstein, Megan Grubish, Alex Wayne, Mark Flesche, Dan Hagen, Don Hagen, Nicole Strand Harris, Stephanie Krueger, Neil Berg, Sandy Jensen, Marsha Neitzell, Tammy Thompson, Brett & Jessica Richards, Ralph & Irene Krueger, Jon & Nicole Farr
• Friday, May 16th: Ron Kubicek, Mark Reistad, Mark Skroch, Vernie Stieglbauer, Kim Lageson, Doug Lembke, Judy Karsjens, Anne Larson, Allycia Zinke, Becky Phagan, Bev White, Annie Larson, Christine & Brian Carlson
• Saturday, May 17th: Laura Caroline Deml, her 7th; Caitlyn Nelson, David Thompson, Dale DeRaad, Rhonda Lund Thevenot, Jerry Blouin, Robert Briggs, Dyne Thereneau, Kay Barclay, Darlyne Paulson, Judith Hatch, Thomas Shawback, Rose & Carl Glienke
• Sunday, May 18th: Blake Ihrke, Zachary Jacob Dau, Cory Bailey, David Farr, Arlene Busho, Arlene Cummins, Xan Johnson, Mandy Muri Johannsen, Charlie Hanson, Dan Schember, Hank Thompson, Carol Stohr, Roger Draayer, Kelly Krumwiede, Rod Serdahl, Dan & Val Schember, Sue & Dean Westrum, Ken & Pat Sable
• Monday, May 19th: Christina Hill Berry, Madison Schweirjohann, Summer Schember Schultz, Mike Rysavy, John Oolman, Dawn Parks, Tim & Tiffany Hanson
• Tuesday, May 20th: Oakley Baker, Kaye Schember Cady, Laureen Hohansee, Kathy Hanson, Hannah Ashton, Carrie Thorstenson, Penny Nordhorn, Haley Collins, Scott Stohr, Kevin Peterson, Kent Lageson, Josh Kelly, Virginia Jensen, Cynthia Butler, Jay & Marsha Neitzel, Ed & Camille Nelson, Hannah Ashton, Adam & Kristen Arends
• Wednesday, May 21st: Tony Dodge, Christopher Flim, Tom Wilker, Joel Cooper, Ryan Parks
Celebrating with you as you mark another year. Hoping that your day is filled with family, friends and cheer!
I hope that the people of New Richland know how fortunate they are to have a library in town. I wish there was one in every small town; even a casual place to bring one’s already-read book for others to read while you read theirs.
Having been brought up in the generation of book lovers, it should be no surprise that my mother is drawn to books like metal to magnets. Having no experience with electronic books, (maybe because she still enjoys turning the pages and the feel of a book), she admits to being a book fanatic. I used to enjoy reading books too, but since my bout with encephalitis I find it difficult to remember a great deal of what I read in books.
I knew the locals in New Richland had been working hard investing time and dollars into enlarging their library, but I hadn't had the opportunity to visit the newly renovated building. I was amazed!
Truth is, I was drawn there by the one and only Al Batt, who presented and signed copies of his first published book, "A Life Gone to the Birds.” I must admit — he is my favorite author. I read everything he writes! He boggles my mind with the many things that come out of his mind.
Hearing him speak with intelligence and laughter was enough to take away any aches and pains or tiredness of the day. It was time well spent. Granted, the book was ror the birds — no pun intended — but little things called home and family and the territory we live in often come to the surface and somehow tells you who we are and how we have become this way.
It is a challenge I would give to every individual: write about their story with the insight of good, bad, old and new that makes one’s life what it is.
The crowd assembled because they wanted to be there. They knew this man would not disappoint them. There was hardly room for more people and hopefully it is an incentive for Al Batt to share more of his stories.
There was coffee and cider, and the delicious bars that could only have come from favorite cookbooks. It was served by those who are always there with a helping hand.
Recently I had written a story about observation of crows by my uncle Paul Hanson, and set it aside for something more appropriate at the time. Ironically, attending Al Batt's book signing, I found there were others who are interested in crows too.
My uncle Paul was a wise old bird. He always said that he disagreed with the choice of naming the loon our state’s bird. We may love that big, clumsy, black and white featured creature. It can glide for seemingly forever underwater but has all the characteristics of a handicap when it tries to walk on dry land. The loon is the most handsome of the diving birds and their loud screams can sometimes be heard echoing over the lakes at night.
A typical "snow bird" is a loon heads south for the winter before the ice freezes and comes back north again when the ice is gone. They like only the finest, clearest lakes where they can find the freshest food available as they feed chiefly on fish. Love them? Of course I do, because that call of theirs vibrates across the quiet so distinctive and mournful sounding, it makes your heart beat a little faster. For many years the loons stopped over on St. Olaf Lake until the speedboats became such a big feature on the lake.
Uncle Paul used to say he felt there was a better representative than the loon for our state – “in the crow." Laugh if you would, but I think he may have been right. Like the hearty Minnesotan, the crow sticks around come hot summer, cold winter or deluge of wind, rain, sleet or snow. I don't know if that is smart or not, but they most certainly are helpful because in their quest for survival, they clean up road kill and garbage that's edible, adapting to the environment, making do with what is there.
My grandpa Hanson used to tell how the crows would follow his planter when he was planting corn and would pull up seeds and later the sprouting corn and eat them. They also eat young birds and eggs. Unlike the loon, the crow has strong feet that are well adapted for walking.
That distinguishable “caw” of the crow lets you know they are alive and well, and all is right with the world. Highly intelligent, they are a natural insecticide and rodent remover. Crows do help farmers by eating insects. Scientists estimate that an old crow on an average farm will eat 19 bushels of insects in a single season. They also have a reputation for playing tricks on other birds, animals and human beings, all seemingly for the fun of it. A trader, the crow loves bright and shiny things and is known to leave a rock in place of an item, as if in trade.
Not the most popular bird, for whatever reason many treat him as the proverbial bad boy. For this reason he is shot at, trapped, poisoned, cursed and belittled, but he ignores it as best he can and may respond in a mockery of his tormentors with his loud caw.
There are many stories to tell that "the old crows" are almost human-like in their trickery. I remember one crow picking up a mangled dead snake, which he didn't want but laid it out in tempting splendor for an owl or hawk to pick up. Mission accomplished -- another bird took the bait, and the crow and his flock took off in pursuit, cawing all the way. I laughed and laughed; this is some humor in the animal world!
Isn't there a little bit of "crow" personality in all of us? That's maybe why Paul thought they represented us better than any other bird.
If someone refers to you as an "old crow" say thank you, and remind them that the crow is not just a big black bird, he is really a hearty, intelligent bird with personality and ability. Like Minnesotans, crows are also social animals; they stick together. Isn't that a good lesson for all of us? The crow is truly worthy to represent the hard working pioneers and people who live here. And like the crow, that is why we live here!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, May 8th: Grace Carol Jean Riskedahl, her 2nd; Olivia Kay Smith, her 8th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer
• Friday, May 9th: Elli Pearl Baker, Aidan Jeffrey Schlaak, his 9th; John Jensen, Sue Pence, Jake Simmons, Julie Haroldson, Sue Hohansee, Audrey Horan, Karol Carroll, Nijole Aaseth, Rachelle Doran, Carolyn Greer, Karla Kelly, Jerry Westrum, Jill (Ottesen) & Cam Kehne
• Saturday, May 10th: Tari (Walterman) Erickson, Ryan Callahan, Tina Nelson, Steve Nielsen, Christine Ingvaldson, Dave Oeljenbrun, Mary Wilker, Brody Johnson, Mark & Sara Misgen, Rande & Jamie Nelson
• Sunday, May 11th: Michaela Ann Hanielton, Jaxon Edward Beavens and Parker Reese Beavens, their 8th; Carol Cromwell Cox, Ed Haberman, Krista Hanson, Troy Janka, Daniel Robertson, Robert Vaith, Loretta Schewe, Scott & Shannon Pacholl
• Monday, May 12th: Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek
• Tuesday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 11th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara
• Wednesday, May 14th: Clair Dahl, Linda Olson, Anna Mae Peterson, her 9th; Katie Peterson, Ginger Thompson, Bruce Waage, Brad Wayne, Judy VerHey, Mark VerHey, Jeff Christensen, Shannon Krikava
Here's hoping that your special day brings you laughter, a light heart and much love.
Cruising the countryside and checking out the changes
Written by Jim LutgensIs spring really here? Spring is like Christmas, full of "presents" that bring us anticipation and happiness. Driving down the road brings the gift of observation.
Geneva Park...
The beautiful day brought a number of young people to the Geneva Park. That park seems to frequently have children enjoying the great outdoors, playing on the many swings, monkey bars and slide.
On Tuesday afternoon the children of Vicki and Kory Kress were among children that were having a great time playing in the park.
First Farmer In The Fields...
En route to New Richland, I observed the first farmer that I had seen out in the field preparing for spring planting.
Mike and Gretchen Supulla always seem to be in the fields, which might have something to do with the soil content on their farm. Driving back to Geneva I observed that the tractor could not be seen, so I thought I would stop to have a chat with Mike. Surprise but no surprise I learned that the farmer driving the tractor in the field was Gretchen, who was just finishing up working up the soil on 105 acres of the 1000 acres that the Supullas own and farm near the New Richland Golf Course.
While visiting with Mike I observed a number of Panther golfers on the driving range at the club — a sure sign of spring. It made me think of how fortunate we are to have such facilities close by for golf advocates.
Ellendale Park and Flower Garden...
While passing through Ellendale on Tuesday afternoon, I noticed those ever-faithful ladies, Gail Skroch and Cynthia Nelson, busy working in the little park in mid-town Ellendale, just east of the Ellendale Cafe. Like a tranquil bit of love on earth, this grand park offers everyone a place to sit and meditate or enjoy the labor of these workers in presenting beauty and enjoyable entertainment to anyone who partakes of its beauty. What a welcome sight to anyone passing through town.
In talking with the ladies I learned that in June, a "wagon train" will make its way through Ellendale. How can they not notice how much the town means to us when they see the efforts made to make it beautiful? Not to be overlooked, the mini-garden behind the bank building and the tribute to our servicemen and women by the community building.
Lerberg’s Foods...
The sign outside that Ross Sletten had in front of Lerberg’s Grocery advertised onion sets and seed potatoes. A reminder that what we can grow ourselves is always at its freshest and it is time to plant!
Clair Clausen...
As always I observed Claire Clausen on her dedicated walk/run; a reminder what a commitment she has always made to enhance her health. The number of years and how many miles Claire has logged might take her around the world many times and all within a few miles from home.
I feel guilty that I haven't yet been able to recommit to those daily walks I used to take 31 years ago. I do find my love for our paper and the ability to share good news, good people, good times and the amazing worth of our small towns and the big value they provide me in getting "out and about" and getting some exercise.
New Look for Ellendale Businesses...
Have you noticed how many businesses in Ellendale have updates? Jim Johnson, who has his barber shop in downtown Ellendale in the old Security State Bank building on the north side of main street, recently had K & C Construction of Morristown install new energy efficient windows and a new front door.
K & C then moved from that location across the street to the First National Bank in Ellendale and did repairs and updates for a more attractive exterior. In talking with Kenneth Stenzel from K & C, he said the crew removed a two-foot strip of wood, as well as the blue belt of aluminum that had been around the top portion of the bank and replaced it with brick that matched the rest of the building.
K & C’s next project is removing an old, unused chimney on the Union Creamery. Obviously this crew does good work and keeps busy.
Tree Stumps...
Meanwhile, our own Rollie Johnson of Ellendale has been grinding out stumps from various properties in Geneva and elsewhere when he isn't busy hauling fuel for Love’s. I believe he said he had demolished some 80 large stumps already this year. Rollie said, "You find them, we grind them."
What a difference these updates make in our great little towns.
The recent rains, along with the appearance of green grass and buds on the trees are starting to make everything look clean and new.
One negative note...
I also observed the handiwork of those inconsiderate people who throw their trash out their car windows or their cigarette butts on the ground once they have finished. Others work hard cleaning up their mess but shouldn't have to. How hard is it to keep a bag in the vehicles to collect trash to stash, or place that cigarette butt in the proper place?
Think you have to travel around the world when you have so many, many sights and scenes right out your own windows?
I spent an afternoon just enjoying my hometown surrounding. That's why I live here!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 12th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin
• Friday, May 2nd: Shayna Kress and Tyler Kress, their 4th; Jack Benjamin Owen, his 5th; Diane Smith, Ted Radke, Jill Goodnature Kubicek, Bonnie Shaunce, Stephanie Corey, DeWayne Farr, Nolin Joe Simmons, his 9th; Joshua Nicholas Paulsen, his 11th; Roger Anderson, Gerald & Mildred Flugum, Dean & Carolyn Wangen
• Saturday, May 3rd: Jase Dean Knudson, his 5th; Cassidy Worrell, Fern Possin, Justin Robertson, Dale Dulas, Wayne Dobberstein, Anthony Brandt, Merle Bartness Leah (Ruth) & William (Bill) Scott, their 4th
• Sunday, May 4th: Joyce Wayne, Angie Worrell Aaseth, Daniel Knudson, Kenneth Schumacher, Charles Wangsness, Keith Miller, Shirley Draayer Anderson, Dean Heskett, Thad Tuttle, Leslie Ray Farr, her 11th; Jessica Marcus, Julia Elizabeth Rye, her 6th, Brooklyn Cecila Strand, her 9th, Melonie Butler, Lexi Jo Brandstad, her 12th
• Monday, May 5th: Mckenzie Lynn Jensen, her 13th; Alexis Janning, his 13th; Jeff Draayer, Shirley Jensen, Melody Krenke, Ron Langlie, Ryan Larson, Shirley Swearingen, Amber Obermoller, Dennis Sauke, Martin Whelan, John & Lucille Nechanicky, Tim & Jolene Sorenson, Kevin & Annie Avery
• Monday, May 6th: Caleb Scott Harpel, his 14th; Brad Borchert, Tracy Haddy, Cheryl Nelson, Iris Jensen, Brandon Wallace, Bill Vavra, Tim Wilker, Jennifer & Michael Vetsch, their 14th, Bill & Judith Hatch, Everett & Marian Camp
• Tuesday, May 7th: Brody Hanson, Brian Jensen, John Snyder, Nancy Swearingen Grant, Brian Johnson, Heidi & Jason Owen, their 9th, Bryan & Diane Brighton, Heidi (Crabtree) & Jason Owen, their 9th
• Wednesday, May 8th: Grace Carol Jean Riskedahl, her 2nd; Olivia Kay Smith, her 8th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer
Wishing you sunshine and flowers and many, wonderful days ahead.
When will this thing called spring finally arrive?
Written by Jim LutgensMaybe it is being surrounded by snow, ice and cold weather too long, or it could be the bright and lengthening rays of sun that make appearances, often fooling us as to actual temperatures. Has spring arrived, or not?
The cat sitting on my mother’s front porch rail, getting an imaginary tan, paired up with the calendar that says it is mid-April, helps me. It is getting to be that time of the year when one can think of gardens, flower seeds, outings and doing things just for fun.
My mother says, "I plant them for the kids," but I think that it is still the kid in her. She can't resist trying that old trick that my grandmother used to do. Years ago there weren't places to buy plants around every corner so women started "cuttings" and planting seeds in soup cans on their window ledges.
Recently she helped the grandkids see what they could grow. She now has ever so many little plastic cups in her big windows to the south. Now don't laugh, she has the "stub end" of celery that is putting out delicate, green leaves, some garlic and onions that sprout fast and long. She also has the top part of some carrots planted that really look like fern, which reminds me of the year she had one that grew to bucket size.
The sweet potatoes they planted didn't sprout. I think they are treated so they don't, but she always has to try, and of course she always has some petite little Chia plants that delight the kids because they come up so fast. I think somewhere in her stash she still has a clay head with lines to fill with seed to grow green hair, but it is still fun just having a little pot of tiny green plants. Yes, they are edible, whether dry seeds or grown, green as grass.
Do you think it is time to get ready to plant a garden like our grandmothers and mothers use to? Even my mother has quit (except for tomatoes and peppers) because it is so easy to pick them up at the market. She no longer has the hassle of cultivating, pulling weeds and dealing with all those mosquitoes one has in a big garden.
I do admire those who still grow their own and can the produce besides. Is there anything fresher than those fruits and vegetables you grow yourself? I was watching a news cast recently where they were talking about planting "school gardens" to not only teach the growing process, but encourage children to eat nutritious vegetables and fruits. Sounds like a good idea to me!
Almost like finding Easter eggs as they discover that first little radish or cucumber or tiny baby carrots, just like in Mr. McGregor's garden.
I remember the late Bud and Nadine Berg, of Clarks Grove, who planted a garden and gave spare seeds to the kids, who planted them in their sandbox. Guess who had the nicest and most productive garden? The kids.
I didn't know seeds would grow so well in sand, but evidently enough dirt made its way into the sand, and the mixture produced exceptionally well.
Heirloom seeds are available to borrow. You save seeds from your garden to give back to the seed banks. Why heirloom seeds? Because they are still the "real thing"; not maintained by manipulation that is supposed to make them better or more productive.
Ask a master gardener and they will tell you they are different and the taste will be worth the effort.
Glen Hanson, who lived in Geneva for a great number of years, always planted potatoes on Good Friday. One year the cold or snow was too prohibitive and he took a ribbing, "Now what are you going to do?"
He found some five-gallon pails and planted some potatoes so he could brag about his "new" potatoes for the 4th of July.
My neighbor, Solvieg Sorenson, would take one of the top prizes for her garden and she still cans the extra produce. Old habits that some consider work, to others, can be fun.
I noticed Everett Jensen, from Clarks Grove, had some neat garden boxes last year that he had built in his yard. Made me green with envy. His were not as high as I would need, but those raised garden beds were not only attractive, they looked like the "clear deal." I have learned that it is surprising what one can do "sitting on the ground," as I often do.
I think of all the good stuff we send with the garbage truck that we could mulch for good soil. I thought that my mother was a little daffy when she would save eggshells, coffee grounds, banana peels, vegetable peelings and mulched leaves that crowded the backyard, but the results were amazing and no artificial fertilizer. Of course, she also had the privilege of using lake water and shoreline "seaweed" etc. to add to the mix.
Makes you wonder if we were eating and drinking the right stuff or should we go back to nature.
My Uncle Paul always saved his lawn clippings and used them between the rows in his garden. Surprising how it kept the ground moist and warm but free of pesky weeds. His garden plot grew up to raise garden dimensions in the process. More produce than he needed? There was always someone who was happy to share, in particular the elderly who could no longer garden. I recall he planted cabbage while it was still cold in the spring, but the cabbage grew and was always early, crisp and tasty. When he was a kid, my mother says he was more apt to shy away from gardening, but as an adult it was a very productive and healthy hobby that benefited many.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 24th: Keralyn & Bill Powers, Madison Kae Wagner, Marnie Ray Wagner, Dak Sorenson, Marilyn Cuden, Audrey Paulson, Lowell Wichmann, Scott Brandt, Kara Vangen
• Friday, April 25th: Ed Deml, Nicole Langlie La Tourneau, Nicole Nielson, Evie Toft, Christine Davidson, Jeff Kunkel, Janice Morreim, Stan Reichl
• Saturday, April 26th: Jim Arends, Lester Casterton, Teresa Deml Sisler, Beverly Harpel, Jean Larson, Pat Motl, Ashley Bangert, Mary Peterson, Pat Pichner, Steve & Judy Christensen, Bob & Gerry Flim, Allan & Darline Jensen
• Sunday, April 27th: Brian Schember, Norma Robertson, Heidi & Christopher Olson
• Monday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron, Jean & Chuck Groth
• Tuesday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 7th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz
• Wednesday, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller
God bless you and have a great day!
Birthdays and anniversaries are for reflecting...dreaming...enjoying...Have a wonderful day!
A long time ago, when I was in school, my home economics teacher instilled in me that to be a good cook, you must measure carefully.
I admit to still following my teacher’s advice in that I faithfully use my measuring cups.
My grandma didn't own a measuring cup. I'll take that back; she did tell us that an ordinary coffee cup, not a mug, held the equivalent of one cup. She was right; I tested her knowledge with my measuring cups.
Now watching some of the cooking shows on television, I see the cooks are not the prudent students of measuring that I was taught to be and the experience of eyes seems to be prevalent.
Nonetheless, I still find myself using measuring cups, though I do make my own calculations at times because all brands of flour and such do not seem to be the same, and often less sugar can be used without damaging the results.
Perhaps more important, measuring should be considered when we eat. We tend to underestimate the amount of food we put on our plates and often overestimate how much we feed our children. A dietitian would probably have you measure or weigh portions to get the point across. A good idea, and I am sure it would provide an awakening, but there is the "grandma method" that isn't so far off as to the size of a serving. You have to hand it to her; she knew what she was doing.
Everyone knows a meat measure is the size of a deck of cards or the size of the palm of your hand. That is the equivalent of about three or four ounces. We just often tend to ignore that fact if the meat really tastes good.
Butter, margarine, mayonnaise etc. should be measured by the teaspoon or by the "thumb nail." Go to "thumb," or one or two tablespoons, if you are measuring dressing, sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter or hard cheese.
The size of your fist equals one cup if it is cereal, soup, casserole, fresh fruit or raw veggies or salads.
Cup your hand for a 1/2 cup serving of pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, cooked vegetables, pudding or ice cream.
Two cupped hands, or 3-4 ounces, works for chips, popcorn, crackers and such.
Maybe if we went back to "dishing plates" instead of home style, serve yourself, we would eliminate a lot of second helpings that don't really help us, and in fact often harm us.
Everybody has their likes and dislikes, which can often be incorporated into foods like casseroles and smoothies so you are not conscious of it. Some foods we just don't get to because they weren't a part of our "growing up" or difficult to prepare or present: eggplant, brussels sprouts, kale, okra etc. Ethnic foods are no less important, so masquerade is sometimes in order.
I was really surprised recently watching the Dr. Oz show. He was game to try anything, but when it came to a zucchini dish he very nervously said, "No, I can't eat that." He gave no explanation why, but it was realistic. There are foods, for one reason or another, people dislike. I am sure if it were disguised in breads or something he would have no problem, but he didn't explain.
Back when I was in grade school in Geneva, I remember there was a student who couldn't stand to eat peas. Mena Johnson, our school cook, conceded to "just one pea" in her attempt to get the child to eat it, but to no avail.
Speaking of vegetables, if you typically start your own tomato or cabbage plants inside you should have already done so, but give it a try and a boost of good dirt with sunshine and talk to them. Also realize that lettuce seeds can't germinate when soil temperatures reach or exceed 85 degrees. Shade the soil and the emerging seeds to cool them off. It is important to get cool, season veggies like cabbage in the ground early.
Plant carrot seeds three or four weeks before the last frost. Plant a new crop every three or four weeks until midsummer. It is true; carrots are good for your eyes. Did you ever see a rabbit wear glasses?
Asparagus, once established, grows and produces for years. In the refrigerator, stand the stalks upright, like a bouquet of flowers with just a little water in the glass. They will keep longer.
Never put tomatoes in the refrigerator if you want the best flavor. Look for those nice red varieties still with a bit of a stem on them. Turn the tomatoes to that side down, "bottoms up" so to speak. They keep better, but don't resist the temptation to eat them. They’re delicious raw but even more nutritious cooked. It is the lycopene that makes them good for you.
Most vegetables are best raw or lightly steamed, both for flavor and nutrition. Low temperature and less water just make sense.
We all learn when others share their information. We all have choices in regards to what we do with it.
Oops, I forgot, bananas keep better if they are separated individually, or is it the other way around?
Remember, eating strawberries three times a week will lower bad cholesterol. I didn't say how many; let the temptation be your guide.
— — —
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, their 9th, Jerry & Mary Peterson
• Friday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 12th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 8th
• Saturday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 7th; Cody James Reistad, his 8th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 13th; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 10th
• Sunday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 7th; Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 12th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne, Don & Delores Glynn
• Monday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel
• Tuesday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 10th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill
• Wednesday, April 23rd: Dan McElfresh, Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller
May the year ahead bring you a world of pleasures.
I can just hear what you're thinking -- where does she come off thinking about some of the things she does? That's what this is all about: whatever comes to my mind, and yours. Take it for what it is worth.
My thoughts today concern illnesses -- germs, colds, flu and allergies.
Common sense tells me that the jobs we do and the places we go all contribute to illness; it also tells me germs can only enter ones body through open orifices, such as our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat.
Simple as it seems, the best way to avoid illness is to keep your hands clean and out of your face. Most people are aware of this – just use good old soap and water, anti-bacterial is not necessary.
Second to not washing your hands, and a common mistake: failing to wash hands long and thoroughly enough. Children are taught to sing the “ABCs” while washing. Adults sing faster; so sing it twice. However, we’re constantly exposed to germs and bacteria, so I repeat – always keep hands away from your face!
Some stores offer sanitary wipes to use on grocery carts, and they are a plus, but aren't enough. How many things in that store carry bacteria and germs? Be sure to sanitize thoroughly before beginning your shopping, and maybe even after. Think about it!
I know, washing your hands every time you turn around is monotonous, but it sure beats coughing, sneezing, upchucking, sniffling, or anything from catching some illness.
People get colds from other people, not the weather. I know that is hard to believe, but ask the polar bear and Eskimos, who don't get ill until they make contact with outsiders.
How do you know if you have a cold or an allergy? People will usually see a rise in temperature with colds, not with allergies.
When developing better health habits, keep in mind my “rule of five.” If you're a Dr. Oz fan, you know he advocates protein five times a day. It doesn't take much; two tablespoons of peanut butter will do the trick.
Five is an important number regarding serving sizes of fruit and vegetables, but don't forget that a variety of color is also important. Our immune system relies on the flavored and other helpful ingredients they supply.
Most people like orange juice, which is good, but the whole fruit provides an added benefit, because of the fiber. If you like orange juice, scrub the entire orange thoroughly, then put the whole thing in the blender. Yes, leave the peel on. The best ingredients are in the peeling and white fiber that is usually discarded. Surprisingly, it does taste good – really, it does.
You aren't apt to go wrong if you indulge in vegetables, though some provide more benefits than others. Popeye wasn't wrong when he promoted spinach. It is far richer in nutrients than the lettuce commonly found on a salad. Before there were dozens of salad dressings on the market, our great grandparents always kept vinegar "with the mother," in other words new and unpasteurized, in a cruet on the table.
Tomatoes as a fruit are delicious, and also one of the few fruits/vegetables that are healthier when cooked because of the lycopene. Many are better raw or lightly steamed
Don't forget popcorn is a whole grain with lots of fiber and ability to fill you up more than out. Eat it plain or flavored with low-calorie enhancers. Popcorn contains a great deal of antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, which help protect our cells from free radicals. Try putting cinnamon on your popcorn to help lower your blood sugar.
Eat like your life depends on it. It does!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, April 10th: Kimberly Luhring, Sara Bergerson, Sarah Skroch, Sophia Rose Christensen, Luke David Olson, Daniel Gould, Liz Reichl, Harold Pitcock, Arlen & Coleen Brekke, Lawrence & Dorothy Sprankle
• Friday, April 11th: Barb Marcus, Ruth Benson, Lori Dobberstein Sodeman, Jessica Dobberstein, Jacob Alan Reynolds, Dan Nelson, Darrin Thostenson, Theresa Bartsch, James Thompson
• Saturday, April 12th: Tiegen Kay Richards, her 6th; Rory Ann Bickler, Guy Cromwell, Charise Oland, Cheryl Thompson, Deb Wilking, Allen & Betty Brandt, Roger & Reta Draayer
• Sunday, April 13th: Victor Mrotz, Jamie Johnson, Andrea Casteron Malo, Ava Raye Chapman, her 5th; David Clausen, Margie Nesdahl, Pat O'Conner, Jason Sullivan, Roxie Ritz Simmons, Megan Benson, Charlotte Miller, Curtis Klecker, Shannon & Jason Peterson, their 10th
• Monday, April 14th: Dakota Clark, Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen
• Tuesday, April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 6th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy
• Wednesday, April 16th: Linda Christensen, Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 62nd; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 30th
Wishing you every joy as you celebrate your special day!
Our community has much to be proud of, which was proved once again by the incredibly talented NRHEG girls’ basketball team’s second state championship in a row. Not only did they make history, they received deserved admiration in our area, statewide, and beyond.
I couldn’t express the positive feelings I have for John Schultz and the team as a whole. I could not possibly repeat the many accolades that were expressed by the media, strangers and even the opposing teams. The real honor is more than all the wins and records set — it was the girls themselves. What a close-knit unit. Their conduct on and off the court was, in my opinion, greater than any trophy they received.
Carlie Wagner, always humble, was quick to share and give credit to her teammates. It was interesting that she was almost apologetic about breaking Janet Karvonen’s record. All of the girls showed admirable sportsmanship and never got big-headed, despite their success. We can all be proud of how the girls put NRHEG on the map.
I am proud of our spectators; it was great to see the support of our community, something else the media emphasized. Carlie and Jade will stay close to home as Golden Gophers at University of Minnesota next year, which wasn’t a difficult decision. They are loyal to their family and friends and it shows.
The tears shared when the girls realized this was their last game together really showed how much they care for their school, and for each other.
Pride also goes to another young individual, Jake Langlie, who received an EXCEL Award at the state tournament. It came as no surprise to those who know this young man, and it was an honor much deserved.
I am reminded of one day he joined a group of volunteers who were helping senior citizens with tasks that needed to be done before winter. Most of the volunteers were older, but there was Jake, a youngster, who was not only working hard but smiling, joking and obviously enjoying what he was doing — tasks that most young people would have passed on.
It’s amazing what young people can accomplish. These are the leaders of our future with the personality and pride that makes our community worthy of recognition. With young people like them the future is brighter and filled with promise, and sometimes we lack in giving them the credit that they are due.
My uncle, Paul, had a philosophy. Whenever his kids wanted to do something and asked for permission, he replied, "Your mother and I will talk about it,” followed by, "Yes, if you have the time, energy and money to do so."
His idea was that if the child wanted something bad enough they would be able to achieve it and in so doing they would realize their own ability. He showed respect and faith in their competence and desire. Though criticized by family that said he was expecting too much, his method produced results. His kids spent summers in Mexico studying at an early age because they earned money doing odd jobs, babysitting, etc. Jim, the oldest, earned his pilot’s license before he had his driver’s license, and rode his bike 10 miles to Albert Lea, one way, where he mowed lawn and did odd jobs at the Albert Lea airport. He went on to accomplish much in life. His parents had faith in his ability and desire.
Sometimes we don't give children an opportunity for independence by stepping in to help, or by teaching our own methods, when sometimes, it’s best to let them go about it in their own manner.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, April 3rd: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Jase Dean Knudson, Kevin Born
• Friday, April 4th: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Roades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff
• Saturday, April 5th: LaVada Jensen, Colette Bauers, Samuel Thompson, Alyssa Haried, Brian Schultz, Duane Nelson, Mike Johnson, Gary & Sue Hunnicutt, Dick & Judy Wacholz, Dale & Nancy Kelly
• Sunday, April 6th: Skip Cromwell, Spencer Kubat, Eric Crabtree, Duane Lembke, Dean Westrum, Andrew Haried, Paul Underland, Laurie Wayne, Paul Highum, Chris Phillips Carlson
• Monday, April 7th: Janye Villarreal, Janice Jensen Skovera, Lou Hanson-Vu, Katie Lembke, Michael & Kari Ingvaldson, Gary & Sonya Peterson
• Tuesday, April 8th: Sarah Collins, Ivy Obermoller, Dick Tracy, Nick Vreeman, Tim Stollard, Mark Hemingway, Sherri Carlson, Karen O'Byrne, Bob Donovan, David Pitcock, Alice Grosland, Dale & Vivian Dulas, Paul & Karissa Dolan
• Wednesday, April 9th: Becky Larson, Justin Tufte, June Lageson, Abby Paige Christopherson, Raianna Thomas, Jim Kaplan, Kiersten Knudson, Mike Nechanicky, Larry Sarver, Clarice McGrath, Tiffany Chrz, Joe & Mandy Moon
It is your special day — take a break and celebrate!
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
We have been “super sizing” in regards to our food, and look where it has got us - right around the middle. Isn't it about time we pay attention to the actual amount we should be eating? It may come as a shock, but it has hit our health interest hard, as well as our pocketbook.
Try leaving out that one extra potato you peel "for good measure." Consider the recommended amount of meat that should be eaten; it is advised to only eat beef one day a week, and in fact, no meat one day of the week cuts calories and costs.
It is not hard to find a lot of foods that contain high fructose corn syrup. You will find them listed in the first few items in the ingredient listing. If you find it listed there, put it back. You don't need it!
All this came to be because it often makes a product cheaper, but it has also been proven it causes addiction to sweeteners.
Frozen juices often have high fructose corn syrup in them. Eating the whole fruit is more beneficial than juice. Juice is also something we tend to drink more of than is necessary. Health experts advise adding a little water to the juice, as it is stronger than need be. Smoothies contain real fruit, thus retaining the fiber.
Supermarkets today are busting with an assortment of food items. It should be exciting to view all the things you can purchase, but should you?
Shopping for food for the family has become a scientific task, and I am still not sure I have it right. Labeling helps, but there is controversy over them. Labels are being updated, which is long overdue. Let’s hope the new labels are more complete and easily understandable.
It can be a stretch to buy conventional grown foods or pay the price for organic. With grocery buying getting higher priced, one wonders if it is worth the difference. I believe it is, but it gets to be a juggling act.
Experts recommend that everything be washed before consumption, but that may not solve everything. Fruits and berries are good for you, but are very hard to clean. How they are grown has become a big deal.
I have washed fruits and vegetables in "fresh wash", supposedly a cleaning alternative, and I've also washed in "local water" with vinegar, which probably helps - but I wonder if it is enough. The bread I buy says no fructose, corn syrup, artificial colors or bleached flour. It may be whole wheat, but it doesn't say “no GMO,” and it bothers me.
The milk I buy is labeled, “From cows without artificial hormones.” When I purchase canned goods I look for B.P.A. free food. I also look at the labels of food in boxes, glass jars or frozen foods to see if they are safe as some specially marked cans state that fact.
Then there are "root vegetables" - are they safe? No. Unless its organic, the ground they were grown in may be contaminated with chemicals and pesticides.
Often, vegetables are sprayed while growing, and when they are harvested it is like a storehouse of chemicals that washing won't cleanse.
A family garden is a big help. You can control what goes in there. Mulching is a labor and moisture saver and good use of otherwise discarded items like egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings. The exercise provides added benefits, and you know where the food you are eating has come from.
The food coop handles vinegar, honey and other necessities that are all organic or not processed, which destroys the goodness of the product. So how do you budget your buying? Think realistic portions or sizes; meat consumption can be downsized by using smaller amounts in salads or hot dishes.
Are many of the illnesses and problems faced health-wise a result of less-than scrupulous-marketing? Suggestions to the probability is certainly "out there" to consider.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, March 27th: Kim Weckwerth Farr, Jim Ottesen, Verona Winegar, Tom Lund, Tina Jensen Wangen, Jodi Loverink, Neil Born, Ralph Randall, Todd & Sheri Utpadel, Wes & Julie Schroenrock
• Friday, March 28th: Jordan Brye Wagner, Katie Ann Lee, Daryl Van Ravenhorst, Alan Olson, Paul Marlin, Josh Stevens, Daniel Suelter, Richard & Lisa (Long) Hocking
• Saturday, March 29th: Emily Eder,Taran Waalkens, Heather Lyn Shearman, Dylan Lee Ingvaldson, Becky Johnson, Amanda Bergerson, Judy Strenge, Dorene Richards, Bruce Jensen, Linda Seykora
• Sunday, March 30th: Leah Brittan Moststad, Gretchen Jensen Ray, Darrell Hanson, Kim Roberts Sletten, Aiden Michael Berg, his 7th, Matthew Cornelius, Fern Robertson Sommers
• Monday, March 31st: Jinny Nielsen, Hannah Haroldson, Melissa Collins, Carson LaShawn Ray, his 6th; Jill Anderson, David Hemingway, Ross Johnson, Shane Johnson, Doug Hunt, Joanne Neuhart. Mollee & Joseph Tscholl
• Tuesday, April 1st: April Fools Day! Madison Hanson, Irene Paulson
• Wednesday, April 2nd: Harold Wayne, Leanna Burns, Deb Nelson, Luke Miller, Joyce Tufte Sorenson, Sonja Larson, Teresa Jensen, Kaleb Smith, Dwight Schewe, Greg Nelson, Matthew Halla, Genevieve Wayne, Bill & Pat Draayer, David & Shelly Mangskau, Brian & Lois Nelson
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
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It’s disappointing how few people make an effort to be part of heritage groups, though I do see more interest than in the past. Maybe age has something to do with it, but many people have developed an interest in things from those "good old days."
As I have said before, history was not my favorite subject in school, but it has become more interesting to me later in my life.
When stories about days of old are included in the paper, they are of interest to me, and I hope that they are for others too. Some stories of the "good old days" make me glad I’m living now instead of then. Many who think things are hard now, I wish would have really lived in tougher times. Maybe then they would really appreciate all they have.
It is surprising to think how things have changed recently, let alone since the early 1900s.
My mother used to cry when someone older died because she said, "There went a bit of history." I remember she had a particular fondness for Mrs. Lemack Johnson because of the stories she told about her childhood, which coincided with that of my Grandma Schember, one of her best friends. She often talked about stories relating to Highway 30.
My mother also remembers Grandma talking about Mrs. Gilma Olson. At St. Olaf Lake where my parents lived for many years, we learned many stories about the "Four Corners at St. Olaf Lake" and its surrounding territory. My mother always wished she had asked more questions, but she still learned much about the history of St. Olaf Lake from those three great ladies.
Seems impossible, but true, that Indians came through on the bluffs east of the lake every spring and fall - just about where my nephew Cameron’s house now stands. Back then those three girls camped out in tents by the lake during the summer and slid in snow down the big hill in the winter. My Grandma often talked about when Highway 30 was changed from its original location. That "neck of the woods" was pretty much an Irish Catholic settlement and most of the people who lived there were related.
I also found it interesting that Mrs. Johnson’s dad walked from Iowa to Waseca to file for homestead on the farm where they were later to live their entire life. He walked because he felt it would be too hard on the family oxen to travel so far.
The Verplank school also served as a landmark for the New Richland area and the Verplank diary is a gold mine of history from that time period.
Recently, while talking with Marvel Beiser about the plans the Clarks Grove Heritage Society are making to build a museum, it has been interesting to look through two history books about the area. Records about the Village of Clarks Grove and the Baptist Church contained a great deal about the early history. I am sure this was typical of all the churches that sprung up during those early years.
I wish we had the commitment and loyalty for church today like the early settlers did. So many things now compete for our time. Church was once a time of rest, reverence and respect for the Lord’s Day. That is no longer true. Many use the day to catch up before the next week arrives.
Strange fact – there were fewer bugs in the olden days except for potato bugs. The early settlers experienced some blizzard conditions back then that would rival what we have experienced this year. We are more fortunate than the early settlers because we are because we are better equipped for the cold and snow. People then had to prepare for winter and cut wood that would be used to heat their homes. They also did not have the large machinery that we have now to move all the snow.
It seems incredible that my Grandma and Grandpa Hanson, and even my mother and dad, had such different experiences then we do today. Can kids today with a cell phone in their pockets even realize that not that long ago there was only one telephone in the entire village of Clarks Grove? Now most homes have at least one phone, maybe even two, and many members of the family carry cell phones.
On to another subject, we always gave my grandmother static because she was so often inclined to go barefoot. Many during those early years went barefoot to save on "wear and tear" of their shoes. Imagine people walking barefoot to church or school and then putting on their shoes before entering.
We never could quite comprehend what Grandma said when she told about how she and her brother, Hans, would share one pair of "good shoes." She said she felt guilty, but happy, when Hans stayed home from school to help with farm work, because that allowed her to wear the "good shoes" to school. School was like a gift of gold for her.
This was true of clothing in general - often kids borrowed each other’s clothes when it was time to go to church. The children would change off who got to wear the "good clothes" to church or school.
Back in those "good old days," ice was cut from Geneva Lake to be used at the creamery. The ice blocks were stored in a 20 x 30 shed and packed in sawdust to keep the milk cool during the hot summer days.
I've often shivered thinking about the "Polar Bear Dives" today. Would you believe that baptism at the Clarks Grove Baptist Church, back in those early days, was often held by chipping a hole in the ice on Geneva Lake. Surprising, one never heard of people getting sick or dying as a result.
And yet another interesting fact I learned about. The first licensed engineer in Minnesota, who was a lady, lived in Clarks Grove. She never went to school, but learned the language and how to read. She also learned to operate many of the different types of stationery engines too.
Back in 1890 the people of Clarks Grove witnessed the start of the "Cooperative Movement." First they organized a co-op creamery, then a store, then the hardware and implement. Later the mercantile, the lumber yard and stock yard. Later still, the telephone company would be owned by the users.
At one time, during the years of 1898-1904, Clarks Grove had a grinding mill which was operated by windmill power and in 1901 one teacher taught 60 students, which were many different ages, all in one room.
What goes around comes around? History repeats itself? In some ways, yes, and like all things in life there is always two sides to a coin - good and bad. Sometimes we can yearn for the simplicity of those olden years.
And that is one of the reasons we choose to live here.
Birthdays and anniversaries :
• Thursday, March 20: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson
• Friday, March 21: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Doris Krause, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr
• Saturday, March 22: National Goof Off Day! Gordy Carroll, Brenna Lynn Hagen, Shannon Johnson, Karin Lieberg, Bob Sommers, Leah Elaine Bergerson, Jerry Peterson, Nancy & Jerry Walterman, Dennis & Glenda Blouin
• Sunday, March 23: Chris Newgard, Penny Obermoller, Alan Edwardson, Troy Johnson, Troy Wagner, Jason Dwight, Alexi Jo Kitzer, Alex Dobberstein, Delaney Sue Vander Syde, Alexander James Thompson, Peter Bergerson, Chris Rutheford, Phyllis Anderson, Rick & Liz Wangsness
• Monday, March 24: Gail Ottesen, Seth Chad Staloch, Dave Meixner, Kurt Hanson, Laurie Phagan, Wes & Ruth Neidermeier, Angie & Cory Klemmensen, Tony & Sandra Tonsing, Lonna & Dean Broitzman
• Tuesday, March 25: Brad Hagen, Michelle Ritz, Pam Anderson, Faith Jensen, Tom Marlin, Trevor Loverink, Bernice Farr Mattson
• Wednesday, March 26: Amber Luella Theobald, Nikita Zelpha Peterson, Mary Lou Faldat, Jackie Draayer, David Hanson, Ray Coxworth, Lonnie Misgen, Ginger Cornelius, Dillon Hanson, Daryl Jensen, Duane Morreim, Amy Dobberstein, Marge Wobschall, Mary Lou Spurr, Gerrit & Jean Molenaar, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Jennifer & Matthew Dinneen
It is your special day. Get carried away.
If you ask my mother she will tell you, "I don't own any cats.”
If you ask me, I can tell you, "Maybe not, but they sure own her.”
At any rate I have found out you can learn a lot from a cat – especially the orange kitties that frequent my mother’s front door. The biggest surprise is the amount of water they drink, and though they are always looking for something more or different than dry cat food they are also very particular about what they will eat.
Putting out leftovers, mom’s cats, as I call them, don't mess around with "sweet things,” artificial anything, or greasy things like gravy on potatoes. We could take it as a lesson we should all adhere to. They would drink a certain amount or kind of milk, but my mother doesn't give them milk often because she read someplace it isn't good for cats.
Recently she tried some out-dated sardines, but those cats turned up their cute little noses and left them for the dog that frequents my mothers front door. The "Garbage Dog" takes care of anything the cats leave behind. The cats are friendly and cordial but also a little leery of anyone getting too close to them. Those really cold days we have had recently were a conflict for my mother. Though I can remember we had our share of canaries, parakeets, aquarium fish and even puppy dogs. My mother says she has too many memories of newborns, orphaned, or unwanted baby pigs and lambs and other livestock that wouldn't have survived if there hadn't been room for them in a box by the old cookstove back when she was a kid.
Saving them wasn't just a humane effort – it was often necessary when farmers had to depend on income from animals. That was before electricity and heat lamps that gave them the necessary warmth, but the memory lingers on.
During one of our earlier cold spells this winter, my mother froze the end of her fingers on her right hand. She was out on the front porch making a shelter for the benefit of the cats she “doesn't own.” She will tell you she wasn't out there that long, but the cruel temperature that day did a number on her fingers that required medical attention. Frost blisters which have fluid inside could cause infection. It took a while for the blisters on my mother’s fingers to quit weeping. Eventually they did dry out and new skin and nails took their place. After being cautioned by the doctor about only going outside from the house to the car, and with warm gloves on – my mother is taking the orders to heart. Though it is just something in the past now, I still see her working her fingers after being outside because they tingle.
Like most kids I could write a whole lot about my mother but she would say that nobody would believe it – I’m not so sure about that.
My mother’s grandson, Kade, just asked her, "Did you learn your lesson? That is what you would ask ME!" She sheepishly laughed and said, "I remember those early days when some (not so smart) adults had an enjoyable snowmobile potluck picnic in the gravel pit, west of Geneva, when the wind chill was 35 degree below zero and we thought that we had a really good time."
I guess they were younger and more hardy back then. The cold weather and snow, and the snowmobiles, seemed to bring out a lot of memories and laughter whenever they get together and share talk about those evening and weekend rides.
Where does time go so fast? That was before they opened I-35 and the highway still ran through the heart of Geneva. I was in high school and the high school band was asked to be a part of the official ribbon cutting ceremony, back in the late 60s. Would little Geneva have prospered and grown if the highway had continued to go through the heart of Geneva or would it have spoiled the quiet tranquility and friendly atmosphere that makes Geneva what it is?
Going way back, my grandmother would have been able to tell you about when Geneva was a multi-task, self sufficient town. A stagecoach would stop in Geneva during their run between Albert Lea and Red Wing and beyond - but then that is another whole story.
It would be about legal immigrants who came here years ago because of the economics they were experiencing in their foreign country. Life history is not always told in history books. Our newspaper talks about the stories of local happenings and people - past and present. Isn't that what it is really all about?
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 13: Joanna Ver Hey, David Mangskau, Lynda Kruckeberg, Darla Waltz, Jessica Liverseed, Craig Lunning, Tony Tonsing
• Friday, March 14: National Potato Chip Day! Laura Katherine Worrell, Connor Duane Klemmsensen, his 6th; Sierra Christine Krause, her 4th; Brian Cerney, Brent Huber, Marcia Hutchins, Lee LoverinkMary Finch, Kathy Molenaar, Trevor Titus
• Saturday, March 15: Angie Haberman Lyman, Marvel Beiser, Andy Ditlevson, Robin Jepson, Judy Lunning, Tim Phagan, Steve Clausen, Tony Motl, Julie Peterson, Don & Cindy Gould
• Sunday, March 16: Ava Pospesel, Blair Pospesel, Al Batt, Cortnee Langlie, Judy Waage, Tyler Lewis Hagenbrock, Jackson Taylor William Churchill, Harold & Pat Wayne, Hugh & Karen O'Byrne
• Monday, March 17: St. Patricks' Day, Ashley Marie Hagen, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Mike Cady, Dakota Ray Janning, Nicole Hanna, Patrick Wobschall, Harvey Zicafoose, Mandy Galbraith, Joel Hill, Jenifer Jensen Pietari, Carol Scott, Kevin & Marsha Jensen
• Tuesday, March 18: Ashley Marie Hagen, Lynn Sommer Eaton, Chad Cornelius, Randy Brandt, Michelle Bartness, Dan Enzenauer, Matthew Larson, Wanda Stanley, Kent Toft, Matt & Jennifer Van Hal, Dean & Sue Westrum
• Wednesday, March 19: Samuel Bartness, his 1st; LaVern Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
With a stack of magazines and great things to read, I don't always have the time or inclination to get them read. It sort of makes me mad that publications will stoop so low that they don't wait for you to subscribe to their bargain rates (I admit, many of them are good), but take it upon themselves to just continue to send a subscription unless you say, "enough yet." I do have some favorites that I have subscribed to for years, but much as I might enjoy others, or like the magazine, enough is enough.
The price of the magazine may be right, and actually often a year’s subscription can be almost as low as one issue on the newsstand, but there are also other uses for one’s money. I will admit, giving a magazine subscription is a good idea for birthdays, Christmas, or whatever because you are giving them something to look forward to every month, plus you don't have to pay the postage to send it.
There are quality magazines that stand behind the products they advertise. And of course, there are some magazines that just seem to advertise. I laugh when I think that the "Woman’s Day" magazine was first published as a "freebie," then went to 2 cents a copy, then 5 cents, and now is sells for whatever. It has a circulation of about 3,800,000 and publishes 17 issues a year.
"Woman’s World" started out as a cheapy too. I do still buy this weekly magazine because, though it doesn't look like a great deal, it really does have a lot of things I enjoy reading. I just growl at the price.
"National Geographic" has been published continuously since its first issue in 1888. When I was in high school we used to wonder why some of the natives in strange countries would do things to their hair and bodies that didn't make sense. Now it seems to be the trend in a supposedly civilized country like America.
Of course who could forget “Sports Illustrated,” if for nothing else their annual "Swimsuit Edition", which this year will mark their 50th anniversary.
Remember the "Grit" magazine, which never carried any negative news? I also remember how much we enjoyed "Ranger Rick" type magazines and the kids still do.
If you go for science, "Discover" magazine advertises it has science for the curious. In particular, the February issue this year has a story about 170,000 mirrors near the California and Nevada border. The mirrors are spread over 3,500 acres of federal land, which generated electricity enough to power 140,000 homes.
I have found some of the free magazines put out by the grocery stores interesting and useful. There are some ideas that I try, but it frustrates me when there are so many things one has to purchase to do the projects but may never use again. For me, simple is best.
It comes to mind that many of the little entertaining tips they suggest for holiday enjoyment could be used for the "cold lunch" prepared for the child who doesn't always want the nutritious "hot lunch" prepared at their school. Making a cold lunch a surprise and exciting with new things that may entice the fussiest becomes hard at times. One caution — often fancy food needs a toothpick to hold it in place, and they can be a hazard.
So what am I talking about that can show the young one that Mom and Dad care and want their children to eat healthy? Sometimes crackers are more fun than bread, but bread can be "cookie cluttered" and made into interesting shapes to meet the occasion. — as can cheese or filling. A nice green lettuce or spinach leaf can be more tasty and adequate to wrap ingredients than bread. Little bites, cut quarter size on a cucumber slice, such as sliced turkey and/or cheese, with a pickle or olive, provides a fancy touch. Skewers on a pick or chop stick can contain all kinds of things including veggies and fruits like grape tomatoes, chucks of pineapple, grapes, strawberries or blueberries. (Once again, one needs to be careful if using a skewer with little ones.)
We also need to be careful with using meats that contain nitrates, but try slices of turkey wrapped around asparagus or super thin carrot, celery or cheese sticks.
Most kids like apples, but a whole one may be a big bite for a little mouth. We are able to find apple slices, that are treated so they don't turn brown, in our grocery stores. A few slices of oranges or kiwi, or the fun of "I can do it myself" peeling of those little "cuties" of oranges that peel so easily, are also good items for the children.
There are washable or throw away containers that can contain that quarter cup of "eatables" like apple sauce, pears, peaches or other fun, healthy things. There are smoothies or yogurt and deviled eggs, too.
Letting the child pack his/her own lunch, with supervision of course, means they get what and how much they think they will eat, which incidentally I found true back when my dad carried a lunch pail and often complained he thought there was too much.
In our desire to not let the kids be hungry, we sometimes forget the actual amount that is truly needed and we should remember what an actual serving size is. That is something we all need to remember; say it often, even if it is just in your mind, portion sizes can and do grow. Eat less, move more.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 6th: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann & Travis Marzolf
• Friday, March 7th: Jace John Goslee, his 8th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 10th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins, Peggy Evenson and Rose Myhre
• Saturday, March 8th: Derek Alan Lee, Janice Olson Paulson, Greg Nelson, Carla Paulsen Haugen, Melissa Trindad, Kathy & Mike Plunkett, Stephanie & Tom Pulley
• Sunday, March 9th: Reese Sharon Glynn, her 7th; Taylor Jensen, Chris Clausen, Peter Dammel, Curtis Langlie, Mark Sawyer, Joel Wacholz, Dean Waltz, Jaclyn Cromwell Olson, Chris Farr, Joleen Thompson
• Monday, March 10th: Julie Stieglbauer Dahl, Sue Misgen, Aaron Callahan, Travis Johnson, Michelle Olson Bedney, Tom Vavra, Heidi Mattson LaFave, Chuck Hanson, Gayle Dummer, Douglas Schmidt, Linda Anderson, DeLynn Johnson Rohrbacher, Hannah Emily Brunsen
• Tuesday, March 11th: Elsie Jacobson, her 2nd; Marian Mast, Carolyn Flesche, Leroy Folie, Kari Thostenson, Jon Carlson, Michelle Meyer, Larry Richards, Tim Simon, Joan Ahlstrom Diderrich, Tanya Swearingen, Tom Arbogast, David Callahan, Dean Lembke, Spener Sebastian Sommers, his 10th; Doug Blouin, Wendell Kuehni, Paul & Shirley Nelson
• Wednesday, March 12th: David Paulson, Jason Bowman, Terri Engel, Robert Hall, Harla Stanley Malz, Spiering Brody Sundbland, Gary & Barb Paulson, Jack & Virginia Jensen
Wishing you sunny smiles to warm your heart on your special day!
Call me a dreamer, but I’m already thinking spring
Written by Jim LutgensMaybe it is being surrounded by snow, ice and cold weather too long. Or it could be the bright and lengthening rays of sun that make appearances and often fool us as to actual temperatures. But we are starting to believe that spring will come. The cat sits on the porch rail at my mother’s getting an imaginary tan. The calendar says it is mid-February, and it is getting to be that time of year when one can think of gardens and flowers and "cuttings" and things just for fun.
My mother says she plants things for the grandkids, but I think it’s still the kid in her. She can't resist that old trick of Grandma’s of letting the kids see what can grow. She has little plastic cups sitting on the counter by her big south windows.
Now don't laugh, she has a stub of celery that is putting out little green leaves, some garlic and onions that sprout fast and long. She also has the top part of some carrots that really look like fern almost, remembering the year we had one that grew to bucket size.
The sweet potatoes didn't sprout. She thinks they might be treated so they don't, but she always has to try. And of course she always has some petite chia plants that delight the grandkids because they come up so fast. I think somewhere she still has a clay head with lines to fill with seed to grow green hair. But it is just as fun having a little pot of the tiny green plants – and yes, they are edible, whether dry seeds or green as grass.
Do you think it’s time to start your garden like our mothers and grandmothers used to? Even my mother has quit planting a garden (except for tomatoes and peppers) because it is easy to pick them up at the market. We don't have to go through the cultivating, weeding, watering and fighting the mosquitoes to have a big garden.
I do admire those who still grow their own fruits and vegetables and then can the produce besides. Is there anything fresher than those you grow yourself?
I was watching the newscast the other night on television and they were talking about planting "school gardens.” It not only taught the kids the growing process but it encourages children to eat nutritious vegetables and fruits. It’s almost like finding Easter eggs, as they discover that first little radish or cucumber, or tiny baby carrots just like in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Years ago there weren't so many places to buy plants, so women started their cuttings and seeds in soup cans and set them on the window ledge, where they could get sunshine and light.
I remember the late Bud and Nadine Berg of Clarks Grove, who planted a garden and gave spare seeds to the kids who planted them in their sandbox. Guess who had the nicest and most productive garden? I didn't know seeds would grow so well in sand, but evidently enough dirt made its way into the sand and the mix produced exceptionally well.
It is almost that time of year when one can start those little seeds to grow plants to set out in the spring. Heirloom seeds are available to "borrow.” You save seeds from your garden to give back to the seed banks. Why heirloom seeds? Because they are still the real thing, not manipulation, which is suppose to make them better or more productive. Ask a master gardener and they will tell you different and the taste will be worth the effort.
Glen Hanson, who used to live in Geneva, always planted his potatoes on Good Friday. Always! One year the cold or snow was too prohibitive and he took a ribbing. His friends said, "Now what are you going to do?" when he thought he was going to be able to plant potatoes in the cold ground. He found some five-gallon pails and planted some potatoes in them so he could brag about his new potatoes for the 4th of July.
My neighbor, Solvieg Sorenson, would take one of the top prizes for her garden, and she still cans the extra produce. Old habits that some think of as work, can be fun to others.
Once again my thoughts go back to Everett Jensen. He had some neat garden boxes he had built in his yard. Made me green with envy. His were not as high as I would need but those raised beds were not only attractive but looked like fun. (Over the years I have learned it is surprising what one can do sitting on the ground. Also, working while sitting on the ground has its advantages. It can really give you a different outlook on things.)
I think of all the good stuff we send with the garbage truck that we could mulch for good soil. I thought my mother was a little crazy when she used to save egg shells, coffee grounds, banana peels, vegetable peelings and mulched leaves that crowded the back yard. The results were amazing, and no artificial fertilizer. Of course she also had the privilege of using lake water and shoreline "seaweed" etc. to add to the mix. Made one wonder if we were eating and drinking the right stuff or should we go back to nature.
My uncle Paul always saved his lawn clipping and used them between the rows in his garden. Surprising how it kept the ground moist and warm but weed free. His garden plot “grew up” to raise good dimensions in the process.
More produce then he needed? If so, there was always someone who was happy to share. In particular he remembered the elderly who could no longer garden. I recall he planted cabbage while it was still cold in the spring. The cabbage grew and was always early, crisp and tasty.
Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, but thinking about working in the garden sure beats shoveling snow! After all, this is supposed to be "Whatever Comes To Mind!" Call me a dreamer, but that is where my thoughts took me today.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like included, or news to share, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, Feb. 27: Steve Pence, Jean Anderson, Garry Nordhorn, Doris Rasmussen, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Erik Cooper, John Olson, Jayden Dakota Tonkins, Nancy Ingvaldson, Daryl Van Ravenhorst
• Friday, Feb. 28: Troy Utpadel, Neil Pence, Jackie Miller, Steve Engel, Dan Nesdahl, Bennett Dobberstein, Atom Oquist, Sharese Lehmberg, John Marlin, Gerry Flim, Michelle Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tyler Titus, Tiffany Mischke, Michael Coy, Jim and Diane Butler
• Saturday, March 1: Dan Nelson, Arlen Brekke, Chet Alan Hansen, Jordon Cook, Rick Loberg, Sara Ihrke, Duane Reichl, Nicole Farr, Emily Ayers, Paula and Richard Conroy
• Sunday, March 2: Willard Christenson, Wilfred Christenson, Laurie Jensen, Angie Hagen Rasmussen, Joanne Kaiser, Roger Langlie, Casey Lyman, Abner Smith, Alexis Elizabeth Klocek, Ronnie and Marcia Hutchins, Paul and Kathy Underland
• Monday, March 3: Jeff Lageson, John Crabtree, Valerie Tobiason Quiring, Maurine Larson, Frank Thompson, Bill Draayer, Terri Jensen, Darlene Christensen, Charlie Hanson, Jessica Tufte, Terri Miles, David Underland, Darren and Christine Hanson, Angie and Jeff Rasmussen, Nicole and Nathan Milender
• Tuesday, March 4: Dawn David, Teresa Hove, Larry Spear, Julia Elizabeth Neitzel
• Wednesday, March 5: Dayna Schember, Nicole Ella Schultz, Tim Toft, Vickie Haberman, Steve Van Ravenhorst, Declan Dean O'Brien (his 2nd)
• Thursday, March 6: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann and Travis Marzolf
• Friday, March 7: Jace John Goslee, his 8th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 10th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins, Peggy Evenson and Rose Myhre
• Saturday, March 8: Derek Alan Lee, Janice Olson Paulson, Greg Nelson, Carla Paulsen Haugen, Melissa Trindad, Kathy and Mike Plunkett, Stephanie and Tom Pulley
Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!