I’ve been going through old photos and scanning them for a column collection from 1982-1983.
Today I’m sharing two here.
This first one is of Rebecca and baby Rachel Jo.
The second shared photo is of Russell and big brother Rob.
I love the expressions in both photos.
Of course, everyone was sweet every day–NOT. As they grew, these four had many meltdowns. But they survived.
Today, our children are best friends.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
How much rain did you get?
It all depends on where you live and how you measure.
We have a rain gauge on Sunny’s pen. This day we had 3/4s of an inch.
Bob used to talk about his grandfather. In days gone by, they compared the amount of rain measured at their homes. No matter the storm, Grandpa always had more rain, even when he lived next door.
How could this be?
It was the way Bob’s grandfather measured. His rain gauge wasn’t like the Manzkes’.
This was Grandpa’s rain gauge…
…his wheelbarrow.
Of course, he always had more rain.
This method brought a measurement of 2 inches, not 3/4 inch. The day that I took these photos, the guages were about twenty feet apart.
Grandpa never saw the need for a calibrated rain gauge. He liked his wheelbarrow method, which he used all his life.
So, how do you measure the rain coming into your yard? Rain gauge? Wheelbarrow? Teacup?
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
I was looking through some papers and had a photo show up.
It brought back many memories.
Can you guess who this is?
If you know our family you won’t have any trouble naming this baby.
The second photo shows a pink hospital top. That narrows down the identification of the baby.
The baby is Rachel Jo. She came into the world in July 1982.
I believe I will use a Rachel baby photo for the cover of my next book, a collection from 1982-1983. It seems appropriate to use it.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
I’ve been working on setting another collection of my columns in book form. Now that most of my words are digitized, I’m looking to add photos.
I found a photo book from 1982-83 that will work. Now comes the hard part, selecting ones to include.
Then scanning them, as nothing was digital back then.
This takes time but also brings back good memories. Often my scanning process pauses as I reminisce. My book may take longer to put together because of these long pauses, but in today’s world taking time to remember family times is a good thing.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
A certain young grandson has a peanut allergy. When Wyatt comes for a visit all peanut products are stored in cabinets.
I read labels so when I bake cookies to share with grandchildren, I do not include anything with even the possibility of peanut contamination. Food labels highlight use of peanuts and if the product is made in a factory where peanuts are put into other products.
Cross-contamination isn’t good for Wyatt. This I learned the last time he and his family visited.
Rachel was making Wyatt a jelly sandwich. She found a jelly in the fridge he didn’t dislike and thought about using it. Then she asked me, “Do you ever put your knife in the jelly after putting peanut butter on your toast?”
“Yes,” was my answer. This is a no-no. We had cross-contaminated the jelly with peanut butter. Even a tiny bit could cause Wyatt a reaction.
I don’t remember what we did about Wyatt’s jelly sandwich that day, maybe we opened a new jar, even so, I’ve been changing my BAD habit ever since.
I still eat peanut butter,
I no longer put my contaminated knife in any other container, especially the jelly,
I use a separate spoon for the jelly or have squeezable jelly for my company to use. The squeezable container doesn’t need a knife.
I am doing this even though no one is visiting me at this time. It is a good habit I want to keep so there will never be any peanut butter mistakes in the future.
Using separate utensils in the jelly jars is something everyone can do. Then if you have company with a peanut allergy you know your jelly is safe to share.
Here’s wishing everyone allergy-free days.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved