November 18, 2022 When I was a kid, I thought that my town kept to a rigid schedule – one I could never hope to understand as a mere civilian. The idea that workers put up our Christmas lights whenever they felt like it was blasphemy. That illusion was finally broken for me this week,Continue reading “Lights and Display Contest”
Author Archives: Driftless Grace
Wild Life
October 3, 2022 Thanks for your well-wishes after my last post. I’m happy to report that there are no lingering effects from my unprovoked fight with a window. There is an alley here in town that makes bird sounds. When I passed it last week, I heard hundreds of house sparrows cheeping their delight atContinue reading “Wild Life”
Heads Up
August 17, 2022 I’ve had a busy summer, so it wasn’t too surprising last week when I was rushing to get somewhere and sustained another silly injury. I imagined no window where indeed there was one, and came away with a cartoonish – though very real – concussion. My prescription from the urgent care doctorContinue reading “Heads Up”
When Life Gives You…
June 21, 2022 I never carry cash, but I felt guiltier than usual about it the other day when I walked past dueling lemonade stands. The two tables were set up across from each other on a silent back street. If they were relying on foot traffic, I would be their only visitor for aContinue reading “When Life Gives You…”
Gatherings
June 1, 2022 One of my favorite summer rituals, which I’ve mentioned before on this blog, is watching chimney swifts gather at their roost sites. I’m grateful to the friend who introduced me to these little guys – and pleased that I correctly guessed where they would be in my new town. It was aContinue reading “Gatherings”
Service Announcement
May 5, 2022 The other day, I went into a store and was immediately helped by three considerate employees. These folks knew exactly what I wanted and where to find it. They talked me through my options and I left promptly, glad I had made the trip. There’s no way to tell this story withoutContinue reading “Service Announcement”
Almost
April 6, 2022 People who know such things have told me that the average date of last frost in our Driftless region is April 15. That means spring is almost here (to say nothing of tax refunds). As tortured as our weather seems right now, the temperature is guaranteed to get steadily warmer. Meanwhile, lifeContinue reading “Almost”
Perspective
No cats harmed in the making of this photo. Only couches. February 6, 2022 I used to think that I hated February, but then I moved 300 miles north and encountered March. A short month of predictable cold, I learned, beats a month of expecting warmth and continually getting my hopes crushed. This year, though,Continue reading “Perspective”
Welcome(d)
December 31, 2021 I recently walked into a local restaurant and was greeted by five employees shouting my name. Cheers jokes aside, it felt wonderful to be both recognized and welcomed. I know how much effort it takes to process the hundreds of faces encountered in customer service, especially during busy hours – let aloneContinue reading “Welcome(d)”
Onward!
November 6, 2021 The time is ripe for an announcement, folks. I will not be blogging on a regular basis this winter (here’s where you pretend along with me that I’ve been blogging regularly up to this point). Instead, I’m going to direct my energies into a book. Or rather, the book — the oneContinue reading “Onward!”
Driftless Grace 