Thunderstorm

When the weather alert sounded that a severe thunderstorm was heading toward Seymour, I had time to put the car in the shed.

This look at the storm clouds was a bit earlier, before the alert when I took Sunny out for his morning constitutional.

The worst of the storms went south of here, lucky for me but not for the people who had large hail drop from the sky.

I was sitting in the living room when lightning struck somewhere near. I jumped, so did my dog and cats. The lightning was close enough to leave the odor of O-zone in the air.

When I could, I walked outside to look for damage. Trees were standing as usual, as were the farm buildings, but I continue to feel nervous. That was too close for comfort.

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

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Gravel road changes

A gravel road can have many issues: dust, holes, bumps, and loose gravel that sends a bicycle flying. After years of living on such a road, you get used to it.

This column is about big changes that took place to Gardner Road starting in 1986.

Eventually, the greenery returned but tree replacements took many more years of growth.

Still, for the Manzke family, there were many memories that started with gravel.

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

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Less than a minute with Car-E

A quiet day on the farm so I brought Car-E to join me for my vlog.

One second, he’s purring. The next, Car-E is nibbling on my hand.

Just holding onto my cat can be a chore. He’s a big handful.

Now he’s happily eating his evening meal. Maybe tomorrow he’ll be showing off for the camera again.

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

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Special delivery

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.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A Minute with mosquitoes!

I took canned-air outside to clean off my bug zapper.

It quickly does the trick, but not quick enough as my blood was being sucked by the live ones.

This zapper is away from the house to draw the mosquitoes away. It works, but can not keep up with the onslaught this year.

I thought that I could do this video without being harassed by the mosquitoes as it had started to rain.

They didn’t care.

Swat! Wave! Run for the house! And safety.

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

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved