Category Archives: fun

Lights that brighten a winter

February 19, 2021Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Northern lights are awesome, but you can’t always see them, especially if it’s cloudy.

These winter lights are different. Just take off your sweater in a dark room and they will capture your attention, too, especially if you then touch a light switch.

This 1987 column talks about the times our children zapped each other using these lights.

Sometimes after my cat leaves my lap, Car-E also leaves a charge of static electricity. I think we both get zapped at these then, which is not fun for either of us.

Tasting a tomatillo

February 17, 2021food, fun, Susansusanmanzke

I have been intrigued by the look of a tomatillo. Google says it’s a fruit.

This video shows me tasting it for the first time–with the help of Car-E who shows off his whiskers.

I will buy this fruit again. It had a slight citrus taste and will add something a little different to my boring meals.

Try something out of the ordinary today. When I come across an unusual fruit or vegetable, I’ll give it a try, too.

Little food experiments make life interesting.

A picture’s worth

February 14, 2021Columns, fun, photographysusanmanzke

Here’s an account of some of my picture taking.

My first Brownie camera came my way when I was seven. It was a gift for my First Communion. I’ve graduated from that model since. Here’s what I had to say about taking pictures in 1986.

Now my phone is a handy camera for sunrise and sunset photos. Digital is perfect for me. Having the phone in my pocket means I’m ready to whip it out when something happens and I can document it with a photo.

Happily I can share my photography efforts on Facebook with friends near and far.

Cat fun

February 13, 2021Car-E, cats, funsusanmanzke

I entertained Car-E my cat and myself with a strip of material.

This was also a good way to tire him out.

In the end, Car-E grabbed the material and took off across the house, tossing it in the air and making his own fun.

This furry friend made my day.

He’s just so funny and I appreciate his company.

I missed it again

February 10, 2021Columns, funsusanmanzke

The second Monday in January is National Clean off your desk day.

As usual, I missed this special day again. I’ve done that for many years as you will hear if you click on this video.

There’s no use cleaning off my desk this year. I’m not using it. These days my desk is my kitchen table.

My office is upstairs, but I don’t use it so I don’t heat it. Winter may be a good time for cleaning, but not when it is too cold to work.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person