Category Archives: Columns

A taste of spring

In this 1985 column I wrote about having a winter thaw in February.

It’s something we can dream about today as we freeze in extreme cold weather in Wisconsin.

The below-zero temps will fade…hopefully soon. Spring will arrive.

Just be patient.

And bundle up!

Because it’s COLD outside.

Copyright 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Winter theme continues

As I write today, I am looking out a window watching the snow fall. I made an early run to the grocery store, so I’m set for the storm.

This column is an account of one slippery day when driving wasn’t so great. It’s another reason I stay off icy roads except in an emergency.

So if you are also watching the snow fall, stay safe.

Hopefully you won’t need to venture out on slippery roads.

Copyright 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Looking for a snowstorm

These days people are often in lock-down at home. In this early column, I was looking forward to some downtime.

Being snowbound meant everything else would be put on hold. Listen to this column from the 1983 to see my view when no snow was in the offing.

Tomorrow a winter storm will be hitting here. I’ll be snowbound with my cats, chickens, and dog. That’s fine for a day or two, but hopefully not too long.

It’s 44 days until spring. That knowledge keeps me going.

Copyright 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A bumbling video game player

I love computers, but not video games. I have two left thumbs when it comes to working my way through a video game, though I have no problems with Solitaire.

When we were first married, Bob and I bought Pong. That was about my limit when it came to video games.

I was unprepared for this upgrade gift in 1983 and never caught up.

This might have been an Atari game, at least I remember having one. I probably couldn’t even play Pong today.

Copyright 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A toy for everyone & a playful cat

This video starts with Car-E trying to play with my hand, which means he’s chewing on me. This cat-play goes on for a minute before I start reading–just to let you know.

Eventually, I read about three-year-old Russell’s favorite toy, a shopping cart. I hope you enjoy the story and the cat antics.

All toys are outgrown and handed down. That’s the way it should be.

Rachel ended up using the pink shopping cart.

Family memories are good to save, even little ones.

Copyright 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved