The Land Online - Home & Afield

Cookbook Corner: ‘Our Daily Bread’ offers cooking wisdom, new recipes
The glory of buying a church cookbook is that you get the cooking wisdom of the ages alongside the exciting new stuff. And you get tons of each so you can browse ingredient lists and prep times to suit your fancy.
Ace of Spades: Don’t let berries ripen too far; that’s what birds, bugs want
The best way to keep birds out of the raspberries is a light-weight nylon cover. Always pick raspberries, just like strawberries, when they are ripe. An over-ripe raspberry or strawberry will attract more birds and the little speckled fruit bugs.
The Bookworm Sez: ‘River’ flows with waves of emotions, sentiment and beauty
Natalie will always remember the summer of 1966 and the young man who walked up the road to the farmhouse. She was just 15, and in the new novel “After River” by Donna Milner, life was never the same again.
The Outdoors: Gas prices fueling high cost of fishing
Remember those days when the cost of gas was just an incidental thing, one of the myriad minor expenses? The cost of stuff may be relative, but all relativity aside, the cost of petrol nowadays undoubtedly has changed the way some of us plan our angling trips.
The Yield: Cousins reconcile decades after hurtful correspondence
My mother’s side of the family grew up in Duluth. The terrain was a stark contrast to the black farmland of southern Minnesota. The cool air up north smelled of pine trees.
Ace of Spades: Mosquito repellent, now static-free and springy fresh
Thanks to Steve and Carol from Alexandria for this idea: Place a fresh clothes dryer sheet under the collar of your shirt or blouse. This can also be rubbed on your ankles for protection.
The Back Porch: Going down wrong lane of life can give you strength
Contrary to popular belief that life is only good when it’s easy and contented, it’s important to note that sometimes in the hardest circumstances, we experience the best stuff. Struggles often strengthen relationships and give birth to better times.
Ace of Spades: Gardening thoughts for 2008
Visit public gardens, pick up some ideas to take home to your garden. Don’t be afraid to ask your neighbor for their ideas and gardening tips.
Cookbook Corner: Uff da! It’s a collection of easy-to-make recipes
The Yield: First ‘Yield’ column still rich in memories
This past winter, I have been writing my book about our family’s journey as written in The Land. It has been a wonderful time of reflecting 42 years of farm life.
Ace of Spades: Some new feathered friends are out at the feeders
Many birds have returned, or are returning daily, from the South. Be sure to have fresh feed available for these little ones.
The Outdoors: Angler takes aim at toms on state fishing opener
It is said that on the opening day of the Minnesota fishing season, a million anglers wet a line. This year, make it 999,999.
The Back Porch: Three young people changing the lives of so many
Is it really possible to fulfill your lifetime dreams? Is graduation really the launching pad to greater heights and the ability to help solve societal problems?
Ace of Spades: Rhubarb can be replanted throughout growing season
As soon as there is some growth, these plants can be replanted in a sunny area, if at all possible. Rhubarb can be transplanted all season long.