Category Archives: winter

A snowsuit dilemma

March 18, 2021Columns, Family, winter, worksusanmanzke

Snowsuits were handed down as our children grew. In this account from 1988 I tell about snowsuits that almost didn’t make it through to spring.

The expense of a new snowsuit wouldn’t have fit our budget, even if one could found for sale.

The eighties gave us many problems. Money was tight. I always say we hung onto our farm by the skin of our teeth. Sadly some of our friends lost farms.

We did our best, even patching a disintegrating snowsuit helped save money.

Blah! When will winter end?

March 4, 2021Columns, Weather, wintersusanmanzke

Some years our Wisconsin winter starts early and ends late. In 1986, I was sick and tired of winter.

Here’s what I wrote about winter in March 1986.

Spring looks like it’s just around the corner this March. Next week we expect 50 degree temperatures.

Still, things can revert to winter without much notice.

Don’t put away your winter things yet. If you do, you are tempting fate.

Winter gardening?

February 7, 2021Columns, gardening, winter, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Are you yearning for growing green things? If so, you might want to listen to this column about my March garden.

I hope you have a few plants in your home to lift your spirts. Artificial flowers might help too, especially if you happen to kill house plants.

Join me in looking forward to spring.

A taste of spring

February 5, 2021Columns, Weather, winter, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

In this 1985 column I wrote about having a winter thaw in February.

It’s something we can dream about today as we freeze in extreme cold weather in Wisconsin.

The below-zero temps will fade…hopefully soon. Spring will arrive.

Just be patient.

And bundle up!

Because it’s COLD outside.

Winter theme continues

February 4, 2021Columns, Susan, Weather, winter, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

As I write today, I am looking out a window watching the snow fall. I made an early run to the grocery store, so I’m set for the storm.

This column is an account of one slippery day when driving wasn’t so great. It’s another reason I stay off icy roads except in an emergency.

So if you are also watching the snow fall, stay safe.

Hopefully you won’t need to venture out on slippery roads.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person