Thank You

A big thank you to each of the more than 100 people who attended the launch for Living a Country Year at Barnes & Noble West in Madison on Wednesday, May 30.

Also, a special thank you to Sherry Klinkner, Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble West who is retiring after eleven and one-half years at the store. She has been of great help to many writers.


What you think is right may not be what your neighbor thinks is right. There is always the possibility, as remote as it may seem, that you may be wrong. (From Living a Country Year)

Launch for Living a Country Year

"Many of us, whether we live in a city or a small town, are searching for the simplicity that was once country Life."

Those are the words I use to introduce my new book, Living a Country Year. The launch party for the book is Wednesday evening, May 30, 7:00 p.m. at Barnes and Noble West in Madison, WI. Hope I have a chance to see you there. Oh, by the way, my wife, Ruth, has prepared some of the recipes from the book. Free samples available.

May Baskets

I remember May baskets, homemade paper baskets that we made in school and filled with spring flowers. We hung them on a neighbor's door, yelled "May basket," then ran with the hope that the youngsters inside would chase us and catch us and join up as we walked to the next neighbor to repeat the spring ritual. With neighbors more than a half mile apart, the evening was more walking than hanging baskets.

Book Events:: Living a Country Year

Mark your calendars:

Following are upcoming events for Living a Country Year.

Book Signings

Saturday, May 26: Bookworms Bookstore, Wautoma, WI 11:00-2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 30: Barnes and Noble West, Madison, WI 7:00 p.m. This will be a big launch party with food, stories and much more.

Tuesday, June 5: Barnes and Noble Bayshore (Milwaukee) 7:00 p.m.

Thursday June 14: Barnes and Noble Racine, WI 6:30 p.m.

Stop by for a visit; I would enjoy meeting you.

Radio Show:

June 7, 11:00 a.m. Larry Meiller Show, Wisconsin Public Radio

Rainy Day

On this rainy day in May, I'm reminded of one of my father's sayings:

"Rain in May is a barn full of hay." Of course farmers always hoped for a barn full of hay to get them through a long Wisconsin winter.

Living a Country Year Available

I just received my advance copy of Living a Country Year. It should be in your bookstore in a few days. If you don't see it, ask for it. Also, you may order a copy directly from my website.

The design people did a wonderful job with the cover and the interior arrangement. I must also say (I'm bragging now) the content is pretty good, too. Check it out and let me know what you think.