Category Archives: Columns

Thankful throughout the year

November 27, 2020Columns, Farming, Memoriessusanmanzke

Being thankful after harvest is nice, but every day is a time to give thanks on the farm.

This 1981 column shows how farmers give thanks.

Often we pray for things we want and need. A change of weather, and asking for good health are two that come to mind. But every day there are things, little and big, for which we can offer prayers of thanks.

Right this minute, I’m thankful my cat Car-E is sleeping quietly on my lap, keeping me warm, and not walking across my keyboard.

A thank-you message

November 26, 2020Columns, Family, Farming, Memoriessusanmanzke

Staying out of farm bankruptcy in the 80s made feeling thankful difficult then, but I managed.

I’m thankful today even in these tough times without Bob.

Sorry I kind of lose it at the end. I recorded this November 12, so don’t think I’m still weepy. I’ll be meeting up with family on Zoom.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy your family and friends, even at a distance.

May you have plenty of food today, tomorrow, and all the days to come.

A video minute walking in the snow

November 25, 2020Columnssusanmanzke

The large flakes drew me outside. Of course, Sunny wanted to join me.

I walked across the yard to the big barn.

That refreshed memories of my childhood, going to the barn, enjoying the snowfall, the solitude, and the nearby animals.

A working mother’s hands

November 25, 2020Columns, Family, foodsusanmanzke

As I looked at my hands I was reminded of my mother’s.

Hands don’t have to be beautiful to be able to show love.

If your hands are stained and callused they show that you work, yet they are lovely.

Susan’s overflowing Wednesdays

November 24, 2020Columns, Familysusanmanzke

There was a time when I had to drive all our children to town for clubs and events. Wednesdays were especially busy.

Here’s an account of one particular Wednesday when I was also working at Heritage Hill State Park.

Photo of my program dealing with the fur trade of the seventeen hundreds.

I look forward to the time when I can entertain audiences with my fur trade program again.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person