Category Archives: Columns

Art Street and Farmer’s Market

August 24, 2019Columns, crafts, Family, Odds and ends, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Rebecca came by today and offered to drive me to Art Street in Green Bay. Though my sciatica was bothering me, I decided to go for the outing.

We had to park on the 6th level of the parking garage. The elevator was busy with all the people going up and down, I decided to walk down, and then we walked around Art Street. I hadn’t been there in years. It was so much fun.

As we prepared to head home, Rebecca decided to get cheese from a vendor at the farmer’s market (two events makes a HUGE crowd). She said to stand in line for the elevator and she would catch up after getting the cheese.

Well, I stood in line and stood in line. Eventually, I started the climb up, as did a group of other ladies waiting for the elevator.

I took my time, one step at a time. Since I was slow, I stood aside when others needed to me.

Rebecca caught up to me when I reached the third floor–halfway home.

Eventually, I paused and took a photo out a window.

This is from the parking garage fifth-floor landing. It’s of the Farmer’s Market, but looks very much like Art Street from this height.

I made it to the car without a problem, but I think I’ve had enough exercise for today. Time to sit and catch up on some reading.

The question of the day

August 19, 2019Columnssusanmanzke

Our critter cam caught a photo of a flying bird.

This is a first for us. We’ve gotten turkeys and sandhill cranes walking into view, but none flew into the spotlight.

Now it’s your turn to guess what this bird is. Post your answer on my Facebook page.

Storm Alert!

August 5, 2019Columns, Product review, Weathersusanmanzke

I was sitting by my desk, finishing my next column, when a sharp tone emitted from our weather alert. The radio happens to be within 4 feet of my desk and I almost jumped out of my chair when it went off.

This alert gave me plenty of time to park my car inside the barn before the thunderstorm arrived.

I have to say that last Saturday’s alert almost didn’t come soon enough for Bob and me. We had been inside, out of the heat, when the alert sounded. Bob went to put the cart in and I quickly parked my car inside the barn as hail was a possibility, just like today.

We weren’t outside long and just got back inside the house when the storm hit. That really surprised us. Usually, we are given at least a half-hour’s warning, like we were today.

It used to be that one alert would come after another as a storm worked its way through the area. On the new weather alert radio we just set our county and only when our county is included in the warning or watch do we hear any piercing alert.

I recommend everyone have a weather alert radio. You don’t want to be caught up short if it’s time to take cover–it’s great to know that some cell phones send out bad weather alerts, too. On a trip, you may need more time to find shelter.

Camp Manzke begins

July 25, 2019Columns, Family, fun, Memoriessusanmanzke

First campfire of our long weekend.

First tent going up. More to come tomorrow.

Serenity helps hook up the tent.

Now time to eat pudgy pies.

Susan’s first column

June 11, 2019Columns, Farming, writingsusanmanzke

The beginning of many years writing a weekly column – printed in the Farmer’s Friend and Rural Reporter.

What’s rotating besides crops?

January 17, 1980

It’s always silent. Not a word is ever heard. It’s the heart of every man or woman concerned with crops out in the field. It’s the farmer’s prayer.

My heavenly request started in midwinter. I was trapped indoors with three children and a man crazed with the cabin fever. The one who could end our imprisonment was reached only through prayer.

“Oh, God, let the sun warmed the hills and valleys. Let the green spring come. And let my nervous husband sit once more on his tractor to till the soil…. His winter pacing has a 10-foot path worn across the living room rug…. Amen.”

My prayer was answered… finally, spring arrived. A little late, in my opinion, but it arrived. Was it my fault that came as a wet, rainy spring? Did I forget to say I wanted a dry spring?

“P.S. God, thank you for the glorious spring. I appreciated it very much. But I do have to ask you to hold back the rain. My husband’s still in the house. Now that living room path is 15 feet long…. Amen.”

Well, He heard my prayer again in our crops found their way into the ground. And there they sat high and dry…. I must have forgotten something again.

“It’s me again…. I’m sorry to bother you, but remember that rain you so graciously turned off? Well, it would be greatly appreciated if you could turn it back on again…. Please?”

This year my prayers were answered tenfold. The rain came and gave life to failing fields. But again, I didn’t want to stop. So humbly I approached the Almighty once more… after a while, the weather changed. The clouds remained, but they were dry. Only trouble now is the slight shiver threatening an early, killing frost.

“God, I know winter has to come. I’ll even welcome its white beauty and time. But would you mind holding the cold off until we get our crops out of the field…. I promise not to complain… much… about a long, cold winter, if only you let fall continue warm and dry a little longer…. Amen.” I’m not sure what the answer will be to this last prayer, yet. But I know it won’t be my last request.

2019–Things have changed over the years, but praying continues for good weather and a lot of other things, especially good health.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person