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”
Category Archives: April
Regionalism (something a little different…)
April 20, 2021 Geologists will call this place “Driftless”, But it defies term, time, and space, Driftless. – A death below the ice hath no sting here, Yet all around we find its trace: Driftless. – Knotted oak holding court upon the bluff, Trout stream free of any millrace: Driftless. – Deep spirituality of nationsContinue reading “Regionalism (something a little different…)”
With Green Returning
April 14, 2021 Growing up here in the Midwest, I learned the old adage that corn should be planted when the oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear. I can’t say if that still holds true. The oak by my window is boasting new miniature leaves, but I just haven’t looked at enoughContinue reading “With Green Returning”
From the Archives III
Many thanks to the folks who donated to “the Driftless Grace fund” (see previous post)! April 6, 2021 I’m still settling into my new home, but rest assured that inspiration is seeping in from all sides. For now, I thought I’d bring to light this piece that Dad wrote in 1978. It’s every bit asContinue reading “From the Archives III”
Thumbs Up
April 29, 2020 On Monday afternoon, while visiting my mom, I managed to slam my car door onto my thumb. It hurt badly and looked even worse. But when the initial shock had subsided, what I mostly felt was embarrassment. In the midst of a societal slowdown, I could have avoided an injury if I’dContinue reading “Thumbs Up”
Standstill
April 25, 2020 In “things I should be doing” news, today would have been the annual Ice Age Trail conference. What have I done today? Not much. I have a daily routine, but it’s nothing profound — and even that falls by the wayside sometimes. As an illustration, the highlight of my day was makingContinue reading “Standstill”
Mostly Sunny
April 21, 2020 Momentary panic aside, the last week or so has felt like a dream to me. I say “dream” not only in the surreal sense, but in the sense that I’m leading the kind of life I have always hoped for. I’ve gotten used to the rhythms of my new town. I knowContinue reading “Mostly Sunny”
The End of the Beginning
April 16, 2020 (better late than never) Staying in, as I’ve come to realize, is a necessary task that keeps us all “safer at home”. But there’s a part of my brain that insists on treating it like a game, Mary Poppins-style. How long can I go without encountering another person? How many nutritional mealsContinue reading “The End of the Beginning”
Disenchanted April
April 12, 2020 A stroll through the misty and deserted streets of my new town was just what I needed this Easter morning. It’s no substitute, though, for everything else I should be doing this time of year. My not-to-do list has quickly become a want-to-do list. I’ll admit that there are perks to theContinue reading “Disenchanted April”
Change of Address
April 8, 2020 The man in his garden was right. Life does go on amid all this darkness. Last week, my life took me to a new apartment about twenty minutes’ drive from my childhood home. I can’t remember why I was in such a hurry to move – all that packing and driving andContinue reading “Change of Address”
Driftless Grace 