The Familiy Edition for 2006
Feature Article
"I didn’t know what to say. He was the perfect image of Santa in a bright blue plaid flannel shirt. Julie spent the rest of the meal alternately glaring at me and smiling at Santa."
December 4: This year the Family Edition feature is written by Cheryl Eggers. Remember those holiday traditions from your childhood? Do fond memories return whenever you smell the pine tree or hear the familiar tune from A Charlie Brown Christmas? Cheryl has a few memories and traditions to share with you. Read about them in: "A Homegrown Christmas"
Backyard Gardener
"...I remember when it was my turn to walk over with an empty jug and fifty cents I would enter the milk house and stand on tip-toes to peer through the window into the parlor. I would see the farmer busy with the cows and rather than bother him I’d fill my jug and leave the money on the bulk tank."
December 18: This month Keith Bellinger reflects on the life of a neighbor, a small farmer who'd been farming since before Keith was a child. Perhaps you'll recall a few memories of your own as you read: "Small Town Farmers"
Flower Gardenerr
"There is something so precious about watching life and growth unfold right before your very eyes, not only in your garden but also in your children."
December 18: This month Jeannie Pierce offers a piece written by her own daughter Julia Stake. Julia looks at the quality of the time she spends in her garden - not just necessarily alone - in: "Owning the Time"
Market Farmer
"Food is a big part of our family get togethers. I’ll never again eat a newburg as rich and satisfying and wonderful as Elsa’s."
December 25: Robin Follette returns with a reflection on the tradtions her and her husband's family practice during the holidays in: "Assorted Branches On The Family Tree"