When I married into my Finnish husband’s family, my culinary world expanded to include a plethora of new delights. Mojakka, rich with beef broth and veggies, steaming on the back burner getting our tastebuds ready for supper. Meatballs and gravy with that special Finnish touch (whatever did my mother in law add to make them … Read more
Tammikuu Tammikuu nips at my nose.Reddens my cheeks and tingles my toesWhat shall I wish for in Tammikuu’s snow?A hill and a sled and a bonfire to glowIce skates and cocoa and cardinals that singA promise of hope as the earth tilts to spring Helmikuu Helmikuu shiny and brightTrees decked with pearls in the first … Read more
On a fair Friday in the middle of March, change was in the air. The men were gathered in the common house for military instruction when they heard the cry, “Indian coming!’ A tall Indian man strode down their main street, wearing nothing but a leather loincloth. He addressed the Pilgrims in perfect English. “Have … Read more
Before Massasoit returned to his people, he and the Pilgrims made a treaty of mutual aid and assistance which would last for forty years, and would become a model for many more treaties. Massasoit was quite possibly one of only two chiefs on the northeast coast of America who would have welcomed the Pilgrims. The … Read more
The summer of 1621 was a beautiful one. New dwellings were completed, and with Squanto’s help, successful trade with the Indians enriched their storehouses. The Pilgrims were filled with gratitude to God and their Indian friends. So Governor Bradford declared a day of Thanksgiving to be held in October. They invited Chief Massasoit, who brought … Read more
It’s Period H at last. This huge high school campus pulses with adolescent energy as over 3000 kids trek from building to building, tramping over the dirty snowpack in their winter jackets and hoodies. Friends bump into each other and lock in afternoon plans.“Meet me in front of the library, ok?”“Let’s head for McDonald’s for … Read more
Christmas Eve, 2010. Firelight and candlelight. The tree by the fireplace spilling over with presents, its warm glow pushing back the early darkness of December. Christmas concoctions spread across the dining room table. The house brimming with the bubbling chatter of grandchildren. How can they possibly wait another minute to dig into those surprises? The … Read more
COUNTRY SCHOOL It all happened in School District # 62, Spruce Grove, Menahga, Minnesota – many years ago. Two miles must be an exaggeration, I thought to myself, as my Finnish husband began to recount his first grade experience in a real, bona fide country school, reminiscent of “Little House on the Prairie” tales. It … Read more
I don’t consider myself to be a coffee addict. I will admit that I’d rather not speak with you until I’ve had a sip or two from my first morning cup. But I live with a real live addict. In fact, our day always starts with breakfast and coffee in bed. I highly recommend this … Read more
There are so many kinds of love in our world. The love of a mother for her newborn, the love of parents for their kids, (even the 15 year olds!), the love of grandparents, falling in love… But the love of Jesus is absolutely astounding. It never ceases to amaze me that He, who knows … Read more