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Former farmstead memories

It was a saturated summer, and large portions of the pasture on the dairy farm I was renting were inundated. Had they a mind to do so, my Holsteins could have dogpaddled right over the submerged fence and strolled onto the adjoining highway. They might have then tried to thumb for rides except that they lacked thumbs. This wouldn’t do, so I opted to construct a temporary electric fence on the shoulder of the highway. My wife, who was several months pregnant at the time, helped me string the wire. “What was that noise?” she asked in a startled voice. I replied that I hadn’t ...

Use it or lose it: A phrase that comes with the aging process

The phrase “use it or lose it” never applied to me, not until earlier this month. In October I took a hike on the lookout trail at Camden State Park. It was a hot day, but I never expected to get so tired from a half hour hike. The story didn’t end after I got home and rested. Instead I had pain the next day in my lower back on the left side. I was concerned that it might be my left hip. My right hip was replaced in 2021, which went well but which is something I didn’t want to repeat after only two years. I saw my doctor after the pain didn’t subside. I was told based ...

Clothing choices

The onset of colder weather has necessitated some serious rethinking regarding our outdoor attire. Gone are the days when you could simply toss on a T-shirt, go outside, and get nasty looks from your neighbors because you forgot to put on pants. It’s time to drag out your heavy winter coat, your heavy snow boots, and your heavy winter socks. No wonder we feel like we’ve gained weight in the wintertime. My wife and I live near a bustling university. When we drive past the campus, we often see young people languorously strolling to their classes wearing shorts, a T-shirt and ...

Let’s celebrate holidays instead of stressing out

We all want to celebrate the upcoming holidays, but stress can darken the season. Nearly one in three Americans expects more stress this holiday season. But we can all take steps to reduce it. Enjoy the moments High, sometimes unrealistic expectations add to stress. Practicing mindfulness means intentionally focusing on the moment at hand, and the thoughts and sensations you are experiencing. Many resources, online and in real life, can help you focus on “now” and not worry so much about tomorrow or yesterday. You can say ‘no’ — it helps prevent burnout Joy — and ...

Connection between homelessness and domestic abuse

On a single night in Minnesota, specifically Jan. 25, 2023, 8,393 people were experiencing homelessness. November is National Homeless Awareness Month. There is a large connection between homelessness and victimizations such as domestic violence and human trafficking. Domestic and sexual violence is a leading cause of homelessness in women and children. “Between 22% and 57% of all homeless women report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness. Additionally, 38% of all victims of domestic violence become homeless at some point in their lives.” Oftentimes ...

Hope

The other day, I was in the grocery store checking out when I heard an excited voice behind me say, “We only have one thing.” I turned to see an adorable, bright-eyed, tousled-haired little boy. He excitedly smiled at me, showing one adult front tooth growing in, and said, “It’s cake!” He brought joy to my heart, and I asked him what kind of cake. He replied, “A Black Panther cake.” I said, “Oh, is it your birthday today?” His mother said, “No, it’s tomorrow, but this is for him to share at school tomorrow.” As I continued to scan my items, I asked him how ...