Category Archives: fun

Lost in a hayfield

October 4, 2020Family, funsusanmanzke

This memory/column is from 1982. Bob and I went to Farm Progress Day that year. Rachel Jo was with us. She was only three months old and I kept her near as I was nursing her.

When it was time to feed little Rachel, I started out across a huge hayfield where all the cars were parked. It took a little while to fine our van, but I finally found it and settled back to take care of my baby.

As I relaxed, I watched as others came to the same hayfield looking for their cars and trucks. To me their searches looked like a game.

This is the column I wrote after that Farm Progress Day excursion.

These days, when drivers can’t find their vehicles they can push the button on their keys and have their car honk and blink. That way they are easier to find. It wasn’t that way in 1982,

There are no big adventures in my headlights these days so remembrances will have to do.

P.S. I also remember how cozy I felt in the van that day as I nursed my baby. That’s a good memory, too.

Car-E wrestles with a bag

September 28, 2020Car-E, cats, funsusanmanzke

My kitten went into the bag I brought books home from the library. Too bad for him he went in via one of the handles.

The handle didn’t stop or hinder his play.

Eventually I helped him out by ripping the paper handle from the bag. After I did that, Car-E continued to play with his paper toy.

Grandchildren visit extended

September 27, 2020Family, fun, Memoriessusanmanzke

This weekend daughter Rachel, her husband Dave, and their three children visited, camping in my backyard. This started with rain and lightening and ended with a cool drizzle.

I can’t keep them here all year, so I thought I’d capture a part to save.

This five second video is for me to use as a daily pick-me-up.

I will also take air-hugs any way I can get them.

This last video is a reminder to laugh as well as love.

Eli, Arianna, and Wyatt, thank you for making today fun and for letting me save a part for days when we can’t be together.

More water fun with Car-E

September 22, 2020Car-E, cats, funsusanmanzke

I knew Car-E was interested in water but I never allowed him this close to the sink.

As I was getting a bucket of water for the beta fishbowl, I let Car-E have a closer look at the filtered water stream.

Of course, Car-E had to check it out. He flicked the water onto the floor, but those were only drops. He didn’t take a bath in the water … this time.

Now when I’m at the sink, Car-E comes for a look-see. Even when I’m washing dishes he wants to be involved. Once he almost did take a dip.

Upstairs Car-E emptied the cat water bowl, not drinking, just playing. He really keeps me on my toes.

Backyard camping

September 6, 2020Family, funsusanmanzke

Friday afternoon, Rachel, Dave, Arianna, Eli, and Wyatt came to camp over night on the farm.

Sunny joined the twins for a good brushing, 1/2 filling the yellow bucket with fur.

After setting up their tent, Eli helped his dad get a campfire going. Over the two days, hotdogs were cooked over this fire, as were a few potatoes and marshmallows for s’mores.

The three youngsters retired to the tent late in the evening, while we three adults watched stars appear and the moon rise.

Even though we continue to distance visit, it was another good time with part of my family.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person