Category Archives: Columns

A family science project

February 25, 2021Columns, creativity, Familysusanmanzke

I follow rules. When the teachers said not to do the kids’ science projects, I stood back and watched. It was my job to get supplies and answer questions. That was all.

It really bothered me when I saw projects done by an adult show up at school.

This is how I coped back in 1987 when it was time for school science projects.

I might have been able to help with writing assignments, but I made a point to let all my children learn by doing. That seems to have worked out pretty well with my brood. Even today they know how to write a sentence.

Oh Captain, My Captain … Kangaroo

February 24, 2021Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Most celebrities I will never get to meet. But in 1987, I met a television celebrity in Green Bay, Captain Kangaroo.

It was a breakfast for young children, but many parents came because they grew up watching Captain Kangaroo as I had.

This column is about seeing a visiting celebrity.

Of course, Captain Kangaroo is gone from regular TV but the shows and clips can be found on youtube.

Captain Kangaroo is behind friend Michael, Russel is in blue, and Rachel is far right

Thank you Bob Keeshan for 29 years of fun for children, starting in 1955.

Inventing a day to celebrate

February 23, 2021Columns, Family, fun, Odds and endssusanmanzke

I get an email every day from National Day Calendar telling me what is celebrated today. BTW: Today is National Dog Biscuit Day.

This column from 1987 talks about other days of celebration.

I think my dog Sunny and his canine friends invented National Dog Biscuit day! Sunny wants to celebrate by eating treats all day long.

A salty treasure

February 22, 2021Columns, creativity, Memories, Odds and endssusanmanzke

How do you decorate a home when you are broke? When Bob and I were first married in 1973, I rummaged at sales for salt and pepper shakers. They cost a quarter then.

Here’s a column about opening a box filled with my treasures from 1987.

These are just a few from my collection. (The glass bird and ceramic angel are not shakers.)

I don’t buy any salt and pepper shakers any more. Their too expensive these days, so I guess I do have a treasure after all.

A family story that still makes me smile

February 21, 2021Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Life on Sunnybook Farm has been documented in my column for over 40 years.

This story from 1987 brightened my day when I came across it in my archives. Poor Rob was completely shocked by what his little sister did, or thought she did.

I hope you enjoy it, too.

I cherish this family story and think how lucky I am that my column helped me save it all these years.

Suggestion: write down one of your own family stories today.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person