Category Archives: Columns

A couple of skunk tails

March 3, 2021Columns, wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

I haven’t seen any skunks yet, or smelled any, but eventually they will be venturing out again.

One time Bob and I were driving our cart about 100 yards from the house when Bob stomped on the brakes. A mother skunk and three babies were crossing the road.

We didn’t say a word, or make any sudden movements, not wanting to disturb the little parade before us.

What I did notice was how beautiful that mother skunk looked. The wide white stripe down her back looked like she had been to the beauty shop.

Today I’m reading a column from 1987. At the end I remember my mother and an experience she had with a skunk.

Warning! Keep an eye out for skunks. You don’t want to end up writing about a stinky confrontation.

Solomon had to divide Mom

March 2, 2021Columns, Family, worksusanmanzke

Four children tried to pull this mother in many different directions.

There was never enough Mom to go around, especially when Dad was working. This 1987 column tells about one frustrated mother, me.

Friends told me how they often felt pulled apart, too.

It wasn’t easy being a mother in 1987. These days it might be even harder.

Here’s wishing all parents days when Solomon isn’t needed to divide you in two, or in three, or into more pieces.

A virus from the past

March 1, 2021Columns, Family, Memoriessusanmanzke

This virus is from my distant past, so don’t get excited. I’m fine. Just reliving a time when I took care of a house filled with other people. Most of the time the germs missed me, but not this time.

Car-E gets very playful at the end of this recording, but I kept him on my lap anyway.

A little later, he was curled up by me, purring and being a sweetie.

One minute Car-E is Dr. Jekyll and the next he’s Mr. Hyde. Both keep me on my toes, especially when Mr. Hyde’s nibbling on them.

Oil of a Different color

February 26, 2021Bob, Columns, Friendssusanmanzke

This column from 1987 could have happened any year. It is not tied to a specific time period.

Listen to hear as one major car problem is solved.

I hope you enjoyed the twist at the end.

I would never had remembered this short happening if I hadn’t written it in my column. This is a good example why everyone should save their stories, no matter how short.

Pick up your pen/pencil today and jot down a story you remember. Maybe one with a fun twist at the end. Good luck.

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.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person