Category Archives: Columns

When I chose agriculture

February 12, 2021Columns, Memories, Susansusanmanzke

I didn’t know I was a feminist when I became one of the first girls to sign up for an agriculture class in Lincoln-Way High school, New Lenox, Illinois, but I guess I was.

Up until 1965, female students were not allowed to take agriculture classes or join FFA. As soon as I was permitted, I signed up. I was a sophomore at that time and I took ag courses the rest of my high school days.

Here’s my account of those days.

As a shy student, I can’t believe I did this. It sure didn’t add to my popularity. Maybe it even made me even odder.

Still, I’m proud of my young self for stepping forward.

And after our first steps, girls were allowed and welcomed in all agriculture classes and FFA, too.

An unusual treat

February 11, 2021Columns, Family, Friendssusanmanzke

Plans were set, though the actual 1986 date was months away. It would be August before my pen pal Pauline would arrive in Wisconsin.

This is how I wrote about my anticipation in my column.

I will continue giving bits and pieces of Pauline’s 1986 visit in future readings.

I hope you return

I missed it again

February 10, 2021Columns, funsusanmanzke

The second Monday in January is National Clean off your desk day.

As usual, I missed this special day again. I’ve done that for many years as you will hear if you click on this video.

There’s no use cleaning off my desk this year. I’m not using it. These days my desk is my kitchen table.

My office is upstairs, but I don’t use it so I don’t heat it. Winter may be a good time for cleaning, but not when it is too cold to work.

Do more with an ad

February 9, 2021Columns, funsusanmanzke

I don’t know where I get some of my ideas, but I think this is a good one. I know I wrote it in the mid-80s, but it still could work today, well possibly.

If you are lonesome my suggestion might be the thing to brighten your day.

Maybe these phone calls would be a change from all those garbage calls that keep interrupting our days.

Ideas like this just pop into my head. Sometimes they even work, but not too often.

A chance of a lifetime

February 8, 2021Columns, funsusanmanzke

Do you play the lottery? Have you sent sweepstakes entries back? Do you know what you would do with all that money if you won?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, this column is for you.

I have to admit, when POWERBALL and Mega whatever had jackpots beyond belief, I bought a couple of tickets. In all, I spent $6, but that’s all.

About those Publisher’s sweepstakes, well, I asked to be removed from their mailing list and I don’t get them any more. Thank goodness.

Maybe thinking about winning big bucks keeps people dreaming. But I would rather buy a candy bar with my money. At least then I’d have something…and a few more pounds.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person