Oak smoke once again trickles from the chimney of the wood stove at the old farm. A reminder of fall and winter soon to come. A tantalizing smell that brings back memories of when we heated our drafty farm house with wood stoves, one in the kitchen and one in the dining room. Memories of making wood. Sawing down huge old dead oaks in the woodlot back of the farmstead with a two-man crosscut saw for there were no chainsaws in those days. Hauling the limbs and tree trunks to the farmstead and piling them. Hard work. Dangerous work.
And then inviting the neighbors for a wood sawing bee when a power-driven circle saw sliced the limbs and trunks into blocks of wood of a manageable size. A reminder of threshing, silo filling and corn shredding when the neighbors helped each other. But the work was not done when the neighbors left, for the blocks of wood had to be split into pieces that would fit in the kitchen stove, in the dining room heater, in the pump house stove, and in the potato cellar wood burner that kept our potato crop from freezing.
Today, I enjoy cutting wood, even doing some of the splitting. Mostly because it is my choice to do it. And because I enjoy the smell of oak smoke on a chilly fall morning when the sun is just peaking above the horizon and white frost covers everything.
The Old Timer says: Take time to smell the oak smoke. It is a mysterious smell filled with memories of an earlier day.
Upcoming Events:
October 27, 7:00 PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 28, 1:30 PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 30, 2:30-3:45 PM WEAC Teacher Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
November 1, 10:00-2:00 PM Land Genealogy Workshop. Wisconsin Historical Society
Museum, Capitol Square, Madison. How to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land. (See below for details)
November 5, 5-7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble, Green Bay. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7-9, National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville Iowa. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7, 6-9 pm
November 8, 9-6 pm
November 9, 9-2 pm
Land Genealogy Workshop
November 1, 2008, 10 am-2pm. Check in begins at 9:30.
Contact InfoE-mail: museum@
wisconsinhistory.org
Phone: 608-264-6555
Fax: 608-264-6575 Registration Deadline 10/25/2008
Ticket Info: Cost is $45 for Wisconsin Historical Society members, $50 for non-members.
Jerry Apps, author of Old Farm: A History, reveals how to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land, including its geology and discovering who lived there over time. Participants will receive a copy of the book, and lunch will be provided.
Location: Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 North Carroll Street, Madison.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Family Celebration
We celebrated my brother Donald and his wife, Marcie’s 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend, near Tomahawk in Wisconsin’s North Woods. A wonderful weekend of story-telling, reminiscing, roasting and toasting. All of us wondering how it was that 50 years slipped by, so quickly, so very quickly. A reminder of how important each day is, no matter what the challenges, problems and other disturbances that pop up in front of us.
The Old Timer Says: Never forget. Family comes first, no matter how important everything else may seem at the moment.
Up Coming Events:
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring Old Farm
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
November 1, 10:00-2:00 Land Genealogy Workshop. Wisconsin Historical Society
Museum, Capitol Square, Madison. How to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land. (See below for details)
November 5, 5-7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble, Green Bay. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7-9, National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville Iowa. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7, 6-9 pm
November 8, 9-6 pm
November 9, 9-2 pm
Land Genealogy Workshop
November 1, 2008, 10 am-2pm. Check in begins at 9:30.
Contact InfoE-mail: museum@
wisconsinhistory.org
Phone: 608-264-6555
Fax: 608-264-6575 Registration Deadline 10/25/2008
Ticket Info: Cost is $45 for Wisconsin Historical Society members, $50 for non-members.
Jerry Apps, author of Old Farm: A History, reveals how to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land, including its geology and discovering who lived there over time. Participants will receive a copy of the book, and lunch will be provided.
Location: Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 North Carroll Street, Madison.
The Old Timer Says: Never forget. Family comes first, no matter how important everything else may seem at the moment.
Up Coming Events:
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring Old Farm
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
November 1, 10:00-2:00 Land Genealogy Workshop. Wisconsin Historical Society
Museum, Capitol Square, Madison. How to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land. (See below for details)
November 5, 5-7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble, Green Bay. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7-9, National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville Iowa. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7, 6-9 pm
November 8, 9-6 pm
November 9, 9-2 pm
Land Genealogy Workshop
November 1, 2008, 10 am-2pm. Check in begins at 9:30.
Contact InfoE-mail: museum@
wisconsinhistory.org
Phone: 608-264-6555
Fax: 608-264-6575 Registration Deadline 10/25/2008
Ticket Info: Cost is $45 for Wisconsin Historical Society members, $50 for non-members.
Jerry Apps, author of Old Farm: A History, reveals how to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land, including its geology and discovering who lived there over time. Participants will receive a copy of the book, and lunch will be provided.
Location: Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 North Carroll Street, Madison.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Geese Migrating
The Canada Geese are on the move again. I saw several flocks yesterday. Flying high in long, sometimes ragged Vs. Calling loudly as they flew from north to south. Telling us the seasons are changing and that fall is fading and winter is near.
I remember as a kid standing with my dad out back of the barn on a cool late fall afternoon, watching the geese high overhead, impressed with their strength, their sense of direction, and hearing Pa say: Weather is about to change. Geese know about it first.
And today, so many years later, I still marvel at the migrating geese. Each time I see a high flying flock, I relax a bit, for at least one thing is still right with the world. The seasons are changing and the geese know it.
The Old Timer says: When you hear the flocks of migrating Canada geese, look upward. See the grace and beauty, cooperation and respect.
Upcoming Events:
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing. Featuring Old
Farm
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin.
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation, “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring Old Farm
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
November 1, 10:00-2:00 Land Genealogy Workshop. Wisconsin Historical Society
Museum, Capitol Square, Madison. How to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land. For further information: museum@wisconsinhistory.org
November 5, 5-7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble, Green Bay. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7-9, National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville, Iowa. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7, 6-9 pm
November 8, 9-6 pm
November 9, 9-2 pm
I remember as a kid standing with my dad out back of the barn on a cool late fall afternoon, watching the geese high overhead, impressed with their strength, their sense of direction, and hearing Pa say: Weather is about to change. Geese know about it first.
And today, so many years later, I still marvel at the migrating geese. Each time I see a high flying flock, I relax a bit, for at least one thing is still right with the world. The seasons are changing and the geese know it.
The Old Timer says: When you hear the flocks of migrating Canada geese, look upward. See the grace and beauty, cooperation and respect.
Upcoming Events:
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing. Featuring Old
Farm
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin.
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation, “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring Old Farm
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring Old Farm
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
November 1, 10:00-2:00 Land Genealogy Workshop. Wisconsin Historical Society
Museum, Capitol Square, Madison. How to conduct a genealogy of a piece of land. For further information: museum@wisconsinhistory.org
November 5, 5-7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble, Green Bay. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7-9, National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville, Iowa. Book signing. Featuring Old
Farm.
November 7, 6-9 pm
November 8, 9-6 pm
November 9, 9-2 pm
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Garden to Bed for Winter
I put my garden to bed for the winter last week, just ahead of the first frost. Took me two days, starting with taking down the fence that kept out the deer and turkeys (well), and the groundhogs and rabbits (not so well).
Then I dug the potatoes (average crop), lifted out the onions (good crop), dug the carrots (best crop in years), picked the last of the tomatoes (average crop), cut down the sweet corn stalks (average crop), picked the pumpkins and squash (terrible crop), dug the beets (lost most of them to critters), cut the cabbage (excellent crop), and pulled out the cucumber and zucchini vines (August dry spell did them in).
When the harvesting was done, I hitched my John Deere tractor to the disk and worked up the patch. Finally, I sowed winter wheat, which grows well in the late fall, stays green all winter and takes off in the spring. A treat for the deer and turkeys I have kept at bay all summer. I will plow down the wheat in the spring and start all over.
The Old Timer says: Remember, in this business of farming, next year will be better.
Upcoming events:
OCTOBER 7, 7:00PM BARNES & NOBLE, West Towne Madison LAUNCH OF OLD FARM
October 9, 6:30PM Barron Public Library, Barron. Presentation and signing.
October 11, 11-2:00PM, Apple Blossom books, Oshkosh. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 12, 2:00-4:00PM, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle. Book signing. “Autumn on the
Farm Celebration.” Featuring OLD FARM.
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing.
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin.
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation, “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing.Featuring OLD FARM.
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
Then I dug the potatoes (average crop), lifted out the onions (good crop), dug the carrots (best crop in years), picked the last of the tomatoes (average crop), cut down the sweet corn stalks (average crop), picked the pumpkins and squash (terrible crop), dug the beets (lost most of them to critters), cut the cabbage (excellent crop), and pulled out the cucumber and zucchini vines (August dry spell did them in).
When the harvesting was done, I hitched my John Deere tractor to the disk and worked up the patch. Finally, I sowed winter wheat, which grows well in the late fall, stays green all winter and takes off in the spring. A treat for the deer and turkeys I have kept at bay all summer. I will plow down the wheat in the spring and start all over.
The Old Timer says: Remember, in this business of farming, next year will be better.
Upcoming events:
OCTOBER 7, 7:00PM BARNES & NOBLE, West Towne Madison LAUNCH OF OLD FARM
October 9, 6:30PM Barron Public Library, Barron. Presentation and signing.
October 11, 11-2:00PM, Apple Blossom books, Oshkosh. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 12, 2:00-4:00PM, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle. Book signing. “Autumn on the
Farm Celebration.” Featuring OLD FARM.
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing.
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin.
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation, “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing.Featuring OLD FARM.
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing. Featuring OLD FARM.
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Old Farm at MBA
Ruth and I just returned from the Midwest Booksellers Association show in St. Paul. An event where publishers and authors show their wares to the booksellers.
OLD FARM: A HISTORY, my newest book from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, got considerable attention, and less than modestly I must say lots of praise. Everyone who saw the book was immediately impressed with Steve’s photos (Steve is my son and we did the book together).
Now we begin a heavy schedule of events to tell folks about the book. Come if you can.
One needs only attend an event such as MBA to realize that the book business is very much alive. Or to paraphrase Mark Twain and to change his words a bit: “The death of the book has been greatly exaggerated”.
The Old Timer says: “So many books. So little time to read them.”
Upcoming Events:
October 4, 10-2:00 PM. Dregne’s, Westby. Book signing.
October 5, 1:30 PM Edgerton Library. Presentation and signing. Edgerton Book Festival.
OCTOBER 7, 7:00PM BARNES & NOBLE, WEST MADISON. LAUNCH OF OLD FARM
October 9, 6:30PM Barron Public Library, Barron. Presentation and signing.
October 11, 11-2:00PM, Apple Blossom books, Oshkosh
October 12, 2:00-4:00PM, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle. Book signing. “Autumn on the
Farm Celebration.”
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing.
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio,
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: "A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin."
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation and signing. “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing.
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing.
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing.
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing.
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
OLD FARM: A HISTORY, my newest book from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, got considerable attention, and less than modestly I must say lots of praise. Everyone who saw the book was immediately impressed with Steve’s photos (Steve is my son and we did the book together).
Now we begin a heavy schedule of events to tell folks about the book. Come if you can.
One needs only attend an event such as MBA to realize that the book business is very much alive. Or to paraphrase Mark Twain and to change his words a bit: “The death of the book has been greatly exaggerated”.
The Old Timer says: “So many books. So little time to read them.”
Upcoming Events:
October 4, 10-2:00 PM. Dregne’s, Westby. Book signing.
October 5, 1:30 PM Edgerton Library. Presentation and signing. Edgerton Book Festival.
OCTOBER 7, 7:00PM BARNES & NOBLE, WEST MADISON. LAUNCH OF OLD FARM
October 9, 6:30PM Barron Public Library, Barron. Presentation and signing.
October 11, 11-2:00PM, Apple Blossom books, Oshkosh
October 12, 2:00-4:00PM, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle. Book signing. “Autumn on the
Farm Celebration.”
October 14, 6:00PM, Kewaskum Public Library, Presentation and signing.
October 15, 11:45-12:30PM Larry Meiller show, Wisconsin Public Radio,
October 16, 7-8:30PM Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison. Panel
Discussion: "A half-century of change in rural Wisconsin."
October 19, 12:00-1:30. Wisconsin Book Festival, Overture Center, Madison.
Presentation and signing. “For the Love of a Farm.”
October 21, 6:30 PM Prairie du Sac Public Library. Presentation and signing.
October 23, 6-8PM. Conkey’s Bookstore, Appleton. Book Signing.
OCTOBER 25, 1:00 PM. PATTERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, WILD ROSE.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAUNCH OF OLD FARM. PRESENTATION AND SIGNING.
October 27, 7:00PM. Schwartz Bookstore, Mequon. Presentation and signing.
October 28, 1:30PM Brillion Public Library. Presentation and signing.
October 30, 2:45-4:00PM WEAC Teacher’s Convention, Madison. Presentation and signing.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Schumacher Farm
Yesterday Ruth and I attended Schumacher Farm's Heritage Fest. The farm, a Dane County Park but once an operating farm, is located just east of Waunakee, WI.
I had the difficult task of serving as a judge for their pie contest. Thankfully, I could rely on the other judges--Roberta Bauman, editor of the Waunakee Tribune and Karen Crossley, Dane County Cultural Affairs--who seemed to know what they were doing.
After wading through nine pies, that's right nine of them ranging from green tomato to several apple pies, cranberry, chocolate, rhubarb and still more, we discussed, compared, tasted a little more and declared a cranberry nut pie the winner.
I avoided stepping on the scale this morning.
The Old Timer says: "You can have your pie and eat it, too."
UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 4, 10-2:00 Dregne's, Westby, WI Book Signing.
October 5, Book Festival, Edgerton, WI Library Presentation and book signing.
October 7,7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison. Launch for OLD FARM.
I had the difficult task of serving as a judge for their pie contest. Thankfully, I could rely on the other judges--Roberta Bauman, editor of the Waunakee Tribune and Karen Crossley, Dane County Cultural Affairs--who seemed to know what they were doing.
After wading through nine pies, that's right nine of them ranging from green tomato to several apple pies, cranberry, chocolate, rhubarb and still more, we discussed, compared, tasted a little more and declared a cranberry nut pie the winner.
I avoided stepping on the scale this morning.
The Old Timer says: "You can have your pie and eat it, too."
UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 4, 10-2:00 Dregne's, Westby, WI Book Signing.
October 5, Book Festival, Edgerton, WI Library Presentation and book signing.
October 7,7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison. Launch for OLD FARM.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Old Farm: A History
My newest book, OLD FARM: A HISTORY, is out. Check details on my website. I introduced it last night at a Mineral Point, WI Historical Society meeting. My photographer son, Steve took the pictures--and they are all in color, from a beautiful Karner Blue Butterfly to Big Blue Stem grass. It's the story of my farm, from the time of the glacier to the present time, with lots of central Wisconsin history. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publisher.
Launch party for OLD FARM: Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison.
The Old Timer Says: "Do the best you can with what you've got."
Upcoming Events:
September 20, 2:00 PM. Cheese Days, Monroe, WI. Presentation and book signing featuring CASPER JAGGI: MASTER CHEESE MAKER biography.
September 21, 1-4:00 PM Schumacher Farm, Wauankee. Heritage Fest. Book Signing, and pie judging.
October 4, 10-2:00 Dregne's, Westby, WI Book Signing.
October 5, Book Festival, Edgerton, WI Presentation and book signing.
October 7,7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison. Launch for OLD FARM.
Launch party for OLD FARM: Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison.
The Old Timer Says: "Do the best you can with what you've got."
Upcoming Events:
September 20, 2:00 PM. Cheese Days, Monroe, WI. Presentation and book signing featuring CASPER JAGGI: MASTER CHEESE MAKER biography.
September 21, 1-4:00 PM Schumacher Farm, Wauankee. Heritage Fest. Book Signing, and pie judging.
October 4, 10-2:00 Dregne's, Westby, WI Book Signing.
October 5, Book Festival, Edgerton, WI Presentation and book signing.
October 7,7:00 PM. Barnes and Noble West, Madison. Launch for OLD FARM.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Silence
The barber in my hometown, Wild Rose, WI, was a talker. He went on and on about anything and everything. One day, an infrequent customer sat in his chair.
"And how would you like your hair cut?" the barber asked.
"In silence, please," the customer said.
Silence is difficult to find these days. If it's not a cellphone jingling, a TV ad blasting the airways with political ads, its the never ending sound of traffic, day and night.
My son, Steve and I spent last week in northern Minnesota, canoeing in the Boundary Waters. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of waves against rocks, the occasional call of a loon, and the chatter of a pesky red squirrel intent on stealing our lunch.
Silence! How I enjoy it, but infrequently find it.
The Old Timer Says: "Keep things simple. They'll get complicated enough, soon enough, without you intending that they should."
ANNOUNCEMENT: My new book for this fall is titled OLD FARM: A HISTORY. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publisher and it will be in the stores by the end of September. My photographer son, Steve and I did this one together. Go to www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
"And how would you like your hair cut?" the barber asked.
"In silence, please," the customer said.
Silence is difficult to find these days. If it's not a cellphone jingling, a TV ad blasting the airways with political ads, its the never ending sound of traffic, day and night.
My son, Steve and I spent last week in northern Minnesota, canoeing in the Boundary Waters. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of waves against rocks, the occasional call of a loon, and the chatter of a pesky red squirrel intent on stealing our lunch.
Silence! How I enjoy it, but infrequently find it.
The Old Timer Says: "Keep things simple. They'll get complicated enough, soon enough, without you intending that they should."
ANNOUNCEMENT: My new book for this fall is titled OLD FARM: A HISTORY. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publisher and it will be in the stores by the end of September. My photographer son, Steve and I did this one together. Go to www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tomatoes
Tomatoes. Easy to grow and wonderful to enjoy. This is the time of the year to eat those grown in your garden and allow the juice to run down your chin, while you are smiling all the while. Not like the tomatoes that one finds in the stores in January that look like tomatoes and taste like . . .well is cardboard close.
I plant enough tomatoes so Ruth cans tomato juice and tomato soup, which we enjoy all winter.
The Old Timer says: "Don't matter none if tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable. Those grown in your garden can't be beat."
ANNOUNCEMENT: My new book for this fall is titled OLD FARM: A HISTORY. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publisher and it will be in the stores by the end of September. My photographer son, Steve and I did this one together. Go to www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
I plant enough tomatoes so Ruth cans tomato juice and tomato soup, which we enjoy all winter.
The Old Timer says: "Don't matter none if tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable. Those grown in your garden can't be beat."
ANNOUNCEMENT: My new book for this fall is titled OLD FARM: A HISTORY. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publisher and it will be in the stores by the end of September. My photographer son, Steve and I did this one together. Go to www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Threshing Days
About this time in August, when I was a kid, the threshing crew came by our farm. What a great time going from farm to farm in our neighborhood. Teams of horses hauled the grain bundles from the fields to the enormous machine that shaked and shuddered and sent a stream of golden yellow oat straw onto an ever growing straw stack. Oat kernels trickled down the grain pipe and men, sturdy men, carried sacks of oats on their shoulders to the farmer's grain bins in his granary.
When I was 13 or 14, I made the rounds with the threshing crew. Working hard, but eating well. Oh those threshing meals. Never to be forgotten. A great social event it was as well with storytelling, practical jokes and one more way for neighbors to get to know each other well.
The Old Timer Says: "Know your history, but avoid being stuck there."
Coming Events:
September 1: Paperback edition of IN A PICKLE available.
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
When I was 13 or 14, I made the rounds with the threshing crew. Working hard, but eating well. Oh those threshing meals. Never to be forgotten. A great social event it was as well with storytelling, practical jokes and one more way for neighbors to get to know each other well.
The Old Timer Says: "Know your history, but avoid being stuck there."
Coming Events:
September 1: Paperback edition of IN A PICKLE available.
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Rose Bush
A tough old rose bush grows at the corner of my cabin at the farm. I planted it more than thirty years ago. Not once have I sprayed it, dusted it, or covered it for the winter. It's a little shaggy around the edges and prickly enough so no rabbit, deer or other critter comes near it.
Best of all, it begins blooming in the spring and blooms all summer without any attention whatever. It attracts bees and old farmers who stop and look--and yes, stick their noses up close to the red blossoms as the flowers smell like I think a rose should.
My rose is a bit like some people I know--a little shaggy around the edges, but dependable and require little attention. And are a joy to have around.
The Old Timer says: "Get yourself one of those old fashioned rose bushes--and take time to enjoy it."
Coming Events:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
Best of all, it begins blooming in the spring and blooms all summer without any attention whatever. It attracts bees and old farmers who stop and look--and yes, stick their noses up close to the red blossoms as the flowers smell like I think a rose should.
My rose is a bit like some people I know--a little shaggy around the edges, but dependable and require little attention. And are a joy to have around.
The Old Timer says: "Get yourself one of those old fashioned rose bushes--and take time to enjoy it."
Coming Events:
September 10, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing, Borders West, Madison. In A Pickle.
September 11, 7:00 PM Presentation and Book Signing. Mineral Point Historical Society, Opera House, Mineral Point, WI. "Stories From the Land."
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
September 20, Saturday, 2:00 PM Monroe Cheese Days. Presentation and Book Signing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tell Your Story
Everyone has a story to tell. That was the theme of the writing workshop I taught at The Clearing in Door County, Wisconsin last week. Sixteen students, examining their memories, jotting down their stories, and sharing them with each other. Laughter, tears, smiles and smirks. A great week.
The Old Timer says: "When something gets in your way: Don't try to go around it. Don't try to crawl under it. Don't try to step over it. Meet it head on."
Coming Events:
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
The Old Timer says: "When something gets in your way: Don't try to go around it. Don't try to crawl under it. Don't try to step over it. Meet it head on."
Coming Events:
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
September 13, Saturday. One-day writing workshop at The Clearing. A few slots still open. Call 1-877-854-3225 for further information.
Friday, August 01, 2008
The Clearing
I'm off to The Clearing in Door County, Wisconsin where I will teach a week-long writing workshop. Jens Jensen, a Dane by birth, established The Clearing as a residential learning center in 1935. He was then 75 years old. Jensen saw The Clearing as a place where city people could renew their contact with the "soil" as a basis for life values.
The Clearing has continued over the years offering classes in natural sciences, fine arts, skilled crafts, and humanities including writing. Jensen's dream was to offer a year-round folk school in a natural setting. And that's what it is. I've been teaching there for 18 years, and for Ruth and me, it's one of our favorite places.
To learn more, go to www.theclearing.org.
The Old Timer Says: "To walk forty rods on a never before traveled trail is far more difficult than traveling five miles on a well-used road."
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
The Clearing has continued over the years offering classes in natural sciences, fine arts, skilled crafts, and humanities including writing. Jensen's dream was to offer a year-round folk school in a natural setting. And that's what it is. I've been teaching there for 18 years, and for Ruth and me, it's one of our favorite places.
To learn more, go to www.theclearing.org.
The Old Timer Says: "To walk forty rods on a never before traveled trail is far more difficult than traveling five miles on a well-used road."
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Bigger Boo
A grandfather story. Our four-old granddaughter walked into a fairly dark room where I was sitting. I said, "boo."
She stopped, put her hands on her hips and and looked at me. "Grandpa," she said. "You've got to have a bigger boo than that to scare me."
So I'm working on a bigger boo.
The Old Timer Says: "This time of the year, stop by a pond. Listen for the bullfrogs singing slow and deep, a strange but beautifully haunting tune."
Upcoming Events:
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
She stopped, put her hands on her hips and and looked at me. "Grandpa," she said. "You've got to have a bigger boo than that to scare me."
So I'm working on a bigger boo.
The Old Timer Says: "This time of the year, stop by a pond. Listen for the bullfrogs singing slow and deep, a strange but beautifully haunting tune."
Upcoming Events:
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
September 1: IN A PICKLE available in paperback. If you've not yet gotten the book, here's a second chance.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Farm Tech Days
I spoke at Farm Technology Days this week on a farm in Brown County, WI--always a fun thing for me. Farm Tech days shows off the newest of the new in farm equipment and agricultural research--the future of the industry. But I talked about the old, what it was like to farm without electricity, when farmers listened to battery operated radios, got their local news from the party-line telephone, milked cows by hand, and farmed with horses.
Great changes in my generation, because I grew up with the old, when electricity was a welcomed novelty, a milking machine was a wonder, and a new tractor--according to Pa--just might make his boys lazy (I have two brothers).
The Old Timer Says: "Some people are hard to listen to because their actions speak more loudly than their words."
Coming Events:
August 3-9. Writing From Your Life Workshop at The Clearing in Door County. (Class is filled)
(September 13, One Day Saturday writing workshop at The Clearing has open slots. Call toll free 877-854-3225 for more information)
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
Great changes in my generation, because I grew up with the old, when electricity was a welcomed novelty, a milking machine was a wonder, and a new tractor--according to Pa--just might make his boys lazy (I have two brothers).
The Old Timer Says: "Some people are hard to listen to because their actions speak more loudly than their words."
Coming Events:
August 3-9. Writing From Your Life Workshop at The Clearing in Door County. (Class is filled)
(September 13, One Day Saturday writing workshop at The Clearing has open slots. Call toll free 877-854-3225 for more information)
August 16 and 17. Railroad Days, Stonefield Village, Cassville, WI I will be there both days to sign books. I will also speak at 1:00 p.m. each day, "Every Farm Tells a Story."
Monday, July 14, 2008
Wild Turkeys
The other day I was walking in my field, checking on some trees I'd planted back in April. The grass was knee high and I was concentrating on finding trees when a wild turkey hen exploded up in front of me, her huge wings pounding the air. I was no more than six feet from her. Slowly I walked to where she'd flown up and saw the grass moving in every direction. Little turkeys were trying to hide. All except one. It sat there looking up at me, it's big brown eyes checking me out. Not moving. Not doing what his nest-mates had done. Taking a chance. There's always one.
I quickly walked away because I knew the hen was watching me from the top of the hill and would return to her little family--not so small, there must have been a dozen of them.
The Old Timer Says: "Don't forget the importance of a good example."
Upcoming Events:
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
I quickly walked away because I knew the hen was watching me from the top of the hill and would return to her little family--not so small, there must have been a dozen of them.
The Old Timer Says: "Don't forget the importance of a good example."
Upcoming Events:
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Pitch forks
I have fond memories of pitchforks, mostly. About now we were in the midst of haying season on the home farm. We "made" our hay loose in those days, which meant after it was cut and raked we piled it into bunches with a pitch fork. Tossed it on a steel-wheeled, horse drawn hay wagon with a pitch fork. And moved it into the upper reaches of our barn with a pitch fork.
I had my own pitchfork, a three-tined, hickory handled beauty that slid through my hands with ease, was well balanced, and did what I wanted it to do.
You could tell who was a city person in a minute by the way he handled a pitchfork. We tried to teach our city cousins the nuances of pitchfork use, but they never seemed to catch on. How dumb they were, they thought. As I think back, we were the dumb ones. We did the hay pitching while they watched, pretending ineptness.
The Old Timer Says: "There's lots of talk these days but little being said."
UpComing Events:
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 12-1:00 Booksigning.
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. "Who Was Casper Jaggi?"
Circus Camp, Mazomanie. Thursday, July 10, 12:00 noon. "The Ringling Boys and Their Circus."
Barnes and Noble Wausau. Saturday, July 12, 11:00-2:00 PM. IN A PICKLE and more.
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
I had my own pitchfork, a three-tined, hickory handled beauty that slid through my hands with ease, was well balanced, and did what I wanted it to do.
You could tell who was a city person in a minute by the way he handled a pitchfork. We tried to teach our city cousins the nuances of pitchfork use, but they never seemed to catch on. How dumb they were, they thought. As I think back, we were the dumb ones. We did the hay pitching while they watched, pretending ineptness.
The Old Timer Says: "There's lots of talk these days but little being said."
UpComing Events:
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 12-1:00 Booksigning.
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. "Who Was Casper Jaggi?"
Circus Camp, Mazomanie. Thursday, July 10, 12:00 noon. "The Ringling Boys and Their Circus."
Barnes and Noble Wausau. Saturday, July 12, 11:00-2:00 PM. IN A PICKLE and more.
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Bluebirds
Thoreau once wrote, "The bluebird carries the sky on his back." I would add, "and the sun on its breast." I watched a busy bluebird pair out my back window this morning, flitting in and out of the house we built for them a couple years ago.
We have many bluebird houses at our farm. We've placed them several yards apart for the half-mile that separates our farm from my brother, Don's place. Rather than a fence, we define our boundary with bird houses. What a joy it is from early spring through the summer watching bluebirds and tree swallows--the latter in greater number than the former, but equally fun to watch.
The Old Timer says: "Take a child for a walk in the woods. You'll both see more than either expected."
Coming Events:
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. "Who Was Casper Jaggi?"
Circus Camp, Mazomanie. Thursday, July 10, 12:00 noon. "The Ringling Boys and Their Circus."
Barnes and Noble Wausau. Saturday, July 12, 11:00-2:00 PM. IN A PICKLE and more.
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
We have many bluebird houses at our farm. We've placed them several yards apart for the half-mile that separates our farm from my brother, Don's place. Rather than a fence, we define our boundary with bird houses. What a joy it is from early spring through the summer watching bluebirds and tree swallows--the latter in greater number than the former, but equally fun to watch.
The Old Timer says: "Take a child for a walk in the woods. You'll both see more than either expected."
Coming Events:
Barnes and Noble Madison West. Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. "Who Was Casper Jaggi?"
Circus Camp, Mazomanie. Thursday, July 10, 12:00 noon. "The Ringling Boys and Their Circus."
Barnes and Noble Wausau. Saturday, July 12, 11:00-2:00 PM. IN A PICKLE and more.
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Wednesday, July 16, 12:00. "Stories From The Land."
Farm Technology Days, Greenleaf, WI Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM "Stories From the Land."
Garden Tour and Book Signing, Governor's Mansion, Madison. Thursday, July 17 4:30-6:00 PM
Monday, June 23, 2008
Garden Produce
I pulled my first radishes from the garden a couple weeks ago--big red ones. Each with a bit of personality that was muted with a spot of salt. Not like those wimpy radishes from the supermarket with no kick whatever.
I sow carrot seed in the same row as the radishes and with the radishes pulled the carrots are growing wildly--happy to be on their own I suspect.
Last week I filled a bowl with fresh cut leaf lettuce and spinach leaves. What a treat.
The Old Timer says: "Always nice to know where your food comes from. Even more special to grow it yourself."
Want some help in writing your own story? Consider looking into the one-day workshop I offer at The Clearing in Door County. It's from 9-4 on Saturday, September 13. The fee includes a catered lunch. Call 877-854-3225 for details, or check www.theclearing.org.
I sow carrot seed in the same row as the radishes and with the radishes pulled the carrots are growing wildly--happy to be on their own I suspect.
Last week I filled a bowl with fresh cut leaf lettuce and spinach leaves. What a treat.
The Old Timer says: "Always nice to know where your food comes from. Even more special to grow it yourself."
Want some help in writing your own story? Consider looking into the one-day workshop I offer at The Clearing in Door County. It's from 9-4 on Saturday, September 13. The fee includes a catered lunch. Call 877-854-3225 for details, or check www.theclearing.org.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hoeing
When I was a kid, I hated hoeing. Just when I thought we'd caught up with farm work and might go fishing, Pa would say, "Potatoes need hoeing." It seems the potatoes always needed hoeing. In those days we grew three or four acres of potatoes and it would take my dad, two brothers and me several days to do the job. Row after long row we hoed, stopping only long enough for dinner and maybe a drink of water now and then from a Red Wing jug kept under a shade tree on one end of the potato patch.
I'm still hoeing. Only now I enjoy it. I hoed my garden yesterday morning. It took me an hour and a half--I'd done the potato rows the previous day. The birds were singing, the sky was a deep blue, a slight breeze blew from the west and tree swallows circled above their birdhouse a hundred or so yards away. I could smell the freshly turned soil and I could immediately see the results of my work.
Funny how a few years--quite a few years--changes one's perspective on a once boring task.
The Old Timer says: "Teach your children to hoe. Never can tell what they might do with the skill."
Coming Event: Saturday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. Stanley Historical Society, Stanley, Wisconsin. "The Lighter Side of Country Living."
I'm still hoeing. Only now I enjoy it. I hoed my garden yesterday morning. It took me an hour and a half--I'd done the potato rows the previous day. The birds were singing, the sky was a deep blue, a slight breeze blew from the west and tree swallows circled above their birdhouse a hundred or so yards away. I could smell the freshly turned soil and I could immediately see the results of my work.
Funny how a few years--quite a few years--changes one's perspective on a once boring task.
The Old Timer says: "Teach your children to hoe. Never can tell what they might do with the skill."
Coming Event: Saturday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. Stanley Historical Society, Stanley, Wisconsin. "The Lighter Side of Country Living."
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