Category Archives: Wisconsin

Invasion! … Maybe

October 1, 2019gardening, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

I didn’t know that Queen Anne’s lace was considered an invasive species in Wisconsin. I’ve always liked this plant.

Some call Queen Anne’s lace Wild Carrot, Birds Nest, and Bishops Lace.

It may be thought to be invasive by some but the black swallowtail butterfly find it a good host plant. I’ve added some to a bouquet of flowers to bring out the colors of my cultivated flowers.

I just want to say that I will continue to enjoy the blooming of Queen Anne’s Lace in our ditch where it makes the world a little prettier–at least I think so.

Enjoying the season

September 18, 2019creativity, Farming, photography, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Too much rain has put a damper on the best of days. Water and mud block our farm lane. Yet I am enjoying today’s warm, windy weather–I’m trying to take it all in, even the humidity, and keep it in my heart. That way I can bring it out mid-January and remember.

Last evening I raced outside with my cell phone to take a photo of the sunset. It was another day I’ll set in my heart.

As I was enjoying the sun setting over the cornfield, I saw another view of the sky.

I stepped down into the ditch and used the tops of the corn to frame the evening sky colors.

Hope you enjoy my view.

Bria Bella & Co. Fashion show

September 14, 2019Family, Odds and ends, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Our daughter Rebecca and I took a ride today to Stevens Point for a fashion show at Bria Bella, our daughter-in-law Tara’s boutique.

The show was delayed from the original July date when a terrible storm hit, and damaged the area. Today we had lovely weather. Not a storm in sight.

Before the show, I got to visit with grandson, Ethan. He was taking some time away from his freshman studies at UWSP and helping out on this special day at the shop.

The finale of the fashion show–Tara is center stage

Watching the guest models show off clothes from Bria Bella was a lot of fun. I’m so happy to be able to have made the trip to Point. Thanks Rebecca for driving.

FYI: Bob stayed home today deciding he wasn’t up to too much walking, or hanging out in a woman’s fashion boutique. It really was a ladies day out for Rebecca and me.

One windy day

September 13, 2019Bob, nature, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

To get to our usual critter cam location we’d need a boat. Because of all the rain we’ve had we relocated the camera. As Bob switched the cards today a wind blew one out of his hand. He was worried it had flown into the water-filled ditch. Luckily I found high on the bank close to the tree.

We almost lost this photo and hundreds more. So happy we found the SD card. Bob says he’ll be more careful when switching cards next time, or he’ll just let me do it.

Quick change

September 3, 2019Farming, Weather, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Yesterday was a perfect September day. It was not too hot and not too cold and not too windy.

One of our rented fields was being chopped to prepare it for cattle feed. It needs a couple of days to dry before it can be harvested completely.

Last night the weather changed.

Two and a half inches of rain overnight will make finishing that field tricky, though a breezy wind may help.

Temperatures will go up and down for us in September, or so goes the forecast. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes next.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person