Category Archives: Friends

Special delivery

September 4, 2021Friends, Susansusanmanzke

Last weekend, Facebook birthday greetings abounded. Too many to count. Beyond digital wishes, the USPS brought me real cards. (I don’t know how column readers remember the date.) A few old chums took me to lunch. I’m grateful to all who noted my special day.

The crazy thing is this mail delivery had nothing to do with my birthday. It came out of the blue and touched my heart.

Miranda Paul and I have been friends for many years but haven’t been able to get together for some time. Her note thanked me! “Thank you for your column and being such a consistent example of reflection and inspiration….” My word! I never thought of myself like that. I just plunk away at bits and pieces of life. Now I have something to live up to.

I just had to share this today.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm.

An old mare gives birth at 22

August 25, 2021animals, Friendssusanmanzke

Continuing with my visit to an Amish farm.

This mare doesn’t look her age. Not too long ago she came to live on my friends’ farm. She was a gift to their adult daughter. I don’t know more of the horse’s history.

I was surprised when I learned the age of this new mother. She was 22 years old when she gave birth to her first foal this past June. Both are doing great and are much loved.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm.

Oil of a Different color

February 26, 2021Bob, Columns, Friendssusanmanzke

This column from 1987 could have happened any year. It is not tied to a specific time period.

Listen to hear as one major car problem is solved.

I hope you enjoyed the twist at the end.

I would never had remembered this short happening if I hadn’t written it in my column. This is a good example why everyone should save their stories, no matter how short.

Pick up your pen/pencil today and jot down a story you remember. Maybe one with a fun twist at the end. Good luck.

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

A call from tomorrow

January 27, 2021Columns, Friends, funsusanmanzke

This phone call was the first time my pen pal Pauline and I ever spoke to each other. Up until then, we sent letters and a few tape-recorded messages.

Pauline’s call in 1985 took me by surprise. This column is what I wrote about it.

As a teenager, I remember waiting to find one of Pauline’s blue airmail letters in my mailbox. It was always a treat when one arrived. These days real paper letters are non-existent but we can still connect for free over the internet.

It’s wonderful to have Pauline as my friend. Messages from her, whatever the mode are always special.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person