Columnists

Basket added to the fishing hall of fame

As I look out at Lake Tetonka from our little cabin in Waterville, it’s interesting to realize I am looking at one relatively small part of a much larger picture. Tetonka is one of many lakes in the Cannon River watershed. The Cannon River has its origin in Shieldsville: a tiny creek grows as it...

Work to live not live to work

I am sometimes reminded of the many two-week vacations that our family would take almost every year. The making of these fond memories consisted of packing up our 1972 Palomino popup camper, loading the family of five into our brown Ford pickup, and traveling west, usually to Colorado, Wyoming,...

A century farm

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I was going to get a new car, but I decided not to. You couldn’t find the perfect car? I didn’t need to. The check engine light on my current vehicle finally burned out. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce....

When called by the wrong name

Vanellope von Schweetz knew that she was something special. She knew she was born to race. She believed in her heart that she was destined for the top of the leaderboard. But to everyone else, she was not known as a great racer. She wasn’t seen as a worthy opponent. Instead, she was known as…a...

The doorway effect

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFER’S CLUB MEETING My wife says that I can be an idiot sometimes. That’s good to know. Why is that good to know? Rather than as an accusation, I take it as a permission to be myself. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce....

Unnecessary pastor

Real Life Church is hosting our annual outdoor service and free picnic this Sunday at Clear Lake Park at 10:00 a.m. A lot of work goes into a service like this. Sound equipment must be rented, picked up and installed, then taken down and returned. Grills have to be transported. Signs are...

Amazonesia problems

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I was in a rut, but I changed my life. How did you do that? I got a universal remote control. It changes everything. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. I sat...

Speak only kindness

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING What’s wrong with you? I forgot to take my stupid pills this morning. Don’t worry, it doesn’t show. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. My family used to go...

Three lagomorph species in the state

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFRES’ CLUB MEETING I’ve got big news for you. Well, I’m glad I’m sitting down. I just painted that chair you’re sitting in. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. The sky was as black as...

Redemption story

If you have been attending Christ Community Church, you know that we’ve been in the Book of Ruth. Ruth is a beautiful story of how God can redeem even the most dismal circumstances to bring about redemption in His time. If you’re not a part of our church family, let me give you a quick...