Category Archives: fun

I should have known better

October 21, 2020Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Some people write in their journals every day. I write every day, but not in a journal. Lately most of my writing has been in this blog.

This column even made me laugh when I came across it in my archives. I hope you enjoy it, too.

What have family members borrowed from you? Was it usable afterward?

I suggest you be suspicious of children’s borrowing requests.

A great noise

October 21, 2020Car-E, fun, Sunnysusanmanzke

I was in the living room when I heard a great noise coming from the kitchen. All I could think was that my large kitten Car-E was getting into mischief again.

Of course, I was right. Car-E had turned over the dish drying rack and trapped himself in the sink.

Could he get out? I grabbed my camera to document another Car-E adventure.

Here’s that video.

Happily he escaped and happily the rack was empty and nothing was broken.

I have to watch what I leave on the counter. As I was putting my groceries away, Car-E grabbed a package of hotdog buns. In his play, he threw the bag on the floor, giving it to Sunny, my dog. Sunny took the bait and tried to eat the buns.

I got there just in time to rescue the buns.

Car-E has tossed other things down to Sunny. I think he wants to get the dog into trouble.

I can only wonder what kind of trouble Car-E will get into next.

Gaslight — the experience

October 20, 2020Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

I’m having fun going over old columns. This particular one was fun to write.

Back in the day, I didn’t have to worry what my next column would be about. Our children and/or Bob would do something crazy during the week that turned into a column.

Here’s a fun one depicting family life on Sunnybook Farm.

I’m so happy I was able to save and share our stories.

All families have stories like this one. Our family wasn’t (isn’t) special. The only thing different was that I wrote about our adventures….and still do.

I encourage you to jot down a memory today. It doesn’t have to be long or perfect. Even a short memory will be a gift to your family.

With just a little imagination

October 18, 2020Columns, creativity, fun, writingsusanmanzke

I have been a writer/author for over 45 years. I’ve also been a speaker, centering my talks on saving family stories and/or how to use your imagination in fiction writing.

Since, like many writers, I’m an introvert and fear speaking in public. I’ve worked hard over the years to overcome this problem.

This column was written many years ago when I first began speaking.

I’ve learned how humor and fun can take hold of a crowd, no matter their age.

In the future, when the pandemic comes under control, I hope to be able to get out to visit schools and libraries again. I miss the face-to-face interactions.

A gathering of geese

October 16, 2020Family, fun, wildlifesusanmanzke

Just stand outside for a time and you’re bound to hear and maybe see geese flying south. Seeing these migrating birds isn’t anything unusual, still people stop and stare at the flying flocks.

Many times in fall and again in spring, we visited the Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a spot many Canada geese stop over for a rest and meal.

This column is about taking our young family to feed the geese. Our visit was fun, but of course also eventful.

I hope you enjoy this column from the 80s.

Maybe, to get out of the house, you’ll take a trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary, or another wildlife stopover.

Just take care if you do and watch your footing.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person