Book Review: The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

I have always loves books that are written during the past and are spiced up with historical issues, settings, struggles. This book takes place in Ely, Minnesota in 1860. It deals with some issues that we may not completely understand today as we intermarry into different cultures as well as many color lines have blended. Also many people do not work in such dangerous jobs as they once did.
This is a story of being faithful to God as well as family. Talks about the struggle of what to do when people you are related to will not see that things are changing and can be different then they once were and that that it is ok. 
Chantel as an older sister wants to protect her sister as well as her family when her younger sister falls in love with a man from a family  that her family have sworn to be enemies with! What can Chantel do? She feels left out of the whole situation in the beginning as she has just come back from Italy where she has been for a year. Isabella has fallen in love with Orlando and they plan to be married if they have the families blessing or not. This all leads to sneaking around, being put in compromising positions and with Chantel always having to be around Dante- who she finds to be attractive. They are held down by history, rules, attitudes. Can they learn from the past and move towards the future? Will they find true love and still be able to see their families? 
There is all kinds of twists and turns, running away, being found again, death, murder and mystery.
If you are a Tracie Peterson fan you will enjoy yet another great book! Get a cup of tea, a good seat and snuggle as you start a book you won't want to put down!
Bethany House has graciously given me a copy of this book to read at no cost. They just ask me to post an honest review and let people know what I thought of the book.

Book Review: Invisible by Ginny L. Yttrup

I picked this book up and would read, put it down and think about it as I went about my business. It made me look inward to see what I felt, thought, believed and how I would handle things if this was me.
I think Ginny really gives you a birds eye view of how each person is going through their own struggle, but doesn't struggle alone with it. She shows that God is always with us, to help us, talk to us and that he never leaves us.
I think it is refreshing to read a book that handles many different issues at the same time. They do overlap as the friends do care about each other and know what is going on with each. However there are still deep down struggles that have to work their way to the top before they can be shared. I think the author really does this well.
I think each one of us can connect with Twila- not being happy with our body is some way. Learning how to work with ourselves and love ourselves. Ellyn- I don't know about you but I have voices inside my head that tell me I am not good enough, pretty enough or will never find really happiness. Where and how do we get rid of or at least over ride these voices? Even Sabrina-we have all gone through a loss that has brought us to our knees in some way. How does one keep on living and not give up? How do we survive and not become bitter?
I enjoyed reading this book! A great book to curl up with. I would suggest it as a book to read, and to give as a gift.

Spooner Advocate- Springbrook Column- February 20, 2014

Good afternoon friends- I hate to complain but it is snowing again! When is this going to stop? I am so tired of the snow, and I know I sound like I whiner but really? I left here on Thursday to go to a conference in Minneapolis and we had snow and rain all day then too. The conference was great, the National Farmers Union did a great job along with all the people that presented and shared. It was fun going to various co-op companies- I have been a member of Seward Co-op for a long time but I did not know that REI was also a co-op! Did you know that you can become a lifetime member with REI for $20! Then you get a discount on things you buy and get a dividend at the end of the year. So anyway I really learned a lot and had a great time meeting new people and doing some new things!

Mikhaila and Kaelan went with some friends to Book Across the Bay on Saturday, up in Ashland. They all had a great time and said it was really fun! People walked, ski, or snowshoe across Lake Superior at night! Mikhaila said there were lighted ice luminaries, of course treats along the way. If you would like more information or would like to participate next year here is the link, www.batb.org. Thanks to all the people that put on this event, sponsor it and all the volunteers. You did a wonderful job!

There is a new restaurant in our area, Pine Brook Farms at W4221 County Hwy A, Spooner, Wisconsin 

(715) 635-4511. I have heard that they were pretty busy over Valentine's Day. Sounds like they are open Friday 4pm - 9 pm,Saturday 9am - 9pm, Sunday 9am - 4pm. So welcome to the neighborhood!

I totally forgot to say happy birthday to all the folks born in February! I have to say that the nicest, most wonderful  people are born this month! Yes... you guessed it I have a birthday this month...no I will not tell you how old I am! A lady must keep her secrets! Happy birthday goes to Leif Nestingen on the 9th, Haley Bintner on the 20th, and her mom Gail Koskela on the 22nd. I sure hope you do something fun and exciting, with friends and family for your birthday. Remember we love you!

 

I hope everyone does get out and have fun in the snow. Snowmobiling sure  has been one great way to spend time outside. Skiing and maybe doing some snowshoeing. Even going for a walk is really pretty and takes alittle of the cabin fever away! I have see some wonderful snow creations on Facebook as well- why not spend some time building a snow _____- you fill in the blank. I have seen frogs, snowmen, knitting snowmen, to name a few. Whatever you do have fun while doing it!

LCOOCC has their calendar of events out so here are the classes we are offering for February.  Feb 13- Chef Al-Italian Night for your Valentine, LCO kitchen  from 5-8pm. Feb 14 - Winter Wonderland at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds from 6-9pm, must get a ticket. Feb 15- 2014 LCO Mid- Winter Social at the Convention Center from 2-9pm.  Feb 17th - Ice fishing at Grindstone Lake from 10 am-4pm, Bread making at the LCO  kitchen from 5-8 pm, Feb 19th Beading Circle in room 305 from 5-8 pm and Bellydancing from 5:30- 6:30 in the auditorium. Give Amber a call with your class registration, questions or with an idea for a class, 715-634-4790 X156. 

 

I received some great barn pictures from Jan Johnson in Solon Springs! Thank so much! It is fun to see that someone else out there likes barns too! The three pictures were all very nice! Love the one on La Pointe! Thanks Jan for taking the time to send me such great mail!  

Have a friend or family member that would be interested in the column? Maybe they live out of town? They can access the column on my blog on Thursdays, at www.twogirlsandagarden.blogspot.com .

 

 

Spooner Advocate- Springbrook Column- February 13, 2014

Good afternoon friends- It is suppose to be turning cold again! Are ever going to start warming up and stay there? I know the car was cranky this morning when I went out to start it. But she finally got warm enough to get going! 

I totally forgot to say happy birthday to all the folks born in February! I have to say that the nicest, most wonderful  people are born this month! Yes... you guessed it I have a birthday this month...no I will not tell you how old I am! A lady must keep her secrets! Happy birthday goes to Leif Nestingen on the 9th, Haley Bintner on the 20th, and her mom Gail Koskela on the 22nd. I sure hope you do something fun and exciting, with friends and family for your birthday. Remember we love you!

 

The church in Earl had a good turn out for their pie sale. I went to the sale and ate some wonderful soup, Mikhaila brought her boyfriend, his mom and grandma- they all enjoyed the soup and we all bid on some raffle items. We won four different raffles! It was a great time with lots of great stuff to look at and buy! Remember to put it on your calendar next year! A big thanks to all the men and woman who put the sale together!

 

Are you looking for worm castings? Call Hay River Worm Castings,Contact Jake Welle at (715) 933-0799
Prices are $1.00/pound; contact them for prices over 100 pounds. Delivery is available. Worms for sale--call for prices.
Like them on Facebook: Hay River Worm Castings
Worm castings are great for: gardens, food plots, house plants, lawns, golf courses, vegetable farms, greenhouses
Benefits of worm castings:Improved plant growth, Soil softening, All natural and nontoxic, Castings build and rebuild the soil, Extend root growth, Retain moisture: one worm pellet holds 1500 times its weight in water, Harmless around kids and pets, Bug and pest deterrent: worms produce chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down exoskeletons of insects, Better root growth.

It was great to see my neighbors Maria & Wally Golden and her husband at the fish decoy class at LCO! It really was a fun class and the fish really turned out awesome! Thanks for coming and I hope to see you at another class real soon!

LCOOCC has their calendar of events out so here are the classes we are offering for February.  Feb 13- Chef Al-Italian Night for your Valentine, LCO kitchen  from 5-8pm. Feb 14 - Winter Wonderland at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds from 6-9pm, must get a ticket. Feb 15- 2014 LCO Mid- Winter Social at the Convention Center from 2-9pm.  Feb 17th - Ice fishing at Grindstone Lake from 10 am-4pm, Bread making at the LCO  kitchen from 5-8 pm, Feb 19th Beading Circle in room 305 from 5-8 pm and Bellydancing from 5:30- 6:30 in the auditorium. Give Amber a call with your class registration, questions or with an idea for a class, 715-634-4790 X156. 

 

Did you guys know there is a Feed Store in Trego? Well I did not know that there was until my friend Susie Kuha told me that there was this cute little store in Trego called Trego Mercantile. I have to say they have alittle of everything- snacks, bait, feeds. So if you are in that area why not stop in and see what they have to offer. While you are there you can pick up some soap that Susie makes, its nicely packaged up there for sale. The location is N7340 Benson Blvd in Trego, their number 715-635-3511.

 

 I received some great barn pictures from Jan Johnson in Solon Springs! Thank so much! It is fun to see that someone else out there likes barns too! The three pictures were all very nice! Love the one on La Pointe! Thanks Jan for taking the time to send me such great mail!  

Have a friend or family member that would be interested in the column? Maybe they live out of town? They can access the column on my blog on Thursdays, at www.twogirlsandagarden.blogspot.com .

 

  Stay warm, stay focused, February is a short month!

Spooner Advocate- Springbrook Column, February 7, 2014

Good afternoon friends- Wow can you believe that it is February? Thank goodness, there is hope on the horizon that we may be getting closer to warmer weather. One can only hope as I have to  say I really am through with this cold weather! My heart goes out to all the animals that are trying to make it through this harsh weather. It sure is not easy on them!

 

THIS WEEKEND!!!! Don't miss it! Earl Church in Earl, WI would like everyone know that you are invited to the Third Annual Triple Treat. It will be held on Saturday- February 8th, 2014 from 11:00-2:00 pm at the church. Homemade soup and rolls- all you can eat for $4.00 (until gone). Pies will be for sale (until gone), flea market, silent auction and more! All I can say is that Mikhaila and I went last year and got soup by the skin of our teeth! We also got one of the last pies that were there! I have to say that I know the pie was awesome only because I did not even get a piece! So come support this great event and all I can say is get there early, and get two pies that way you are sure to get some! Thanks Sherrine for letting me know the details.

 

Are you looking for worm castings? Call Hay River Worm Castings,Contact Jake Welle at (715) 933-0799
Prices are $1.00/pound; contact them for prices over 100 pounds. Delivery is available. Worms for sale--call for prices.
Like them on Facebook: Hay River Worm Castings
Worm castings are great for: gardens, food plots, house plants, lawns, golf courses, vegetable farms, greenhouses
Benefits of worm castings:Improved plant growth, Soil softening, All natural and nontoxic, Castings build and rebuild the soil, Extend root growth, Retain moisture: one worm pellet holds 1500 times its weight in water, Harmless around kids and pets, Bug and pest deterrent: worms produce chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down exoskeletons of insects, Better root growth.

LCOOCC has their calendar of events out so here are the classes we are offering for February.  Feb 8- winter storytelling in the Cultural Center, 10am-noon- lunch provided. Feb 11- quick healthy Meals the Diabetic Way, LCO kitchen, 5-8pm. Feb 12 Beading Circle, room 305 from 5-8 pm. Feb 12- Bellydancing, in the Auditorium from 5:30-6:30.  Feb 13- Chef Al; Italian Night for your Valentine, LCO kitchen  from 5-8pm. Feb 14 - Winter Wonderland at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds from 6-9pm,must get a ticket. Feb 15- 2014 LCO Mid- Winter Social at the Convention Center from 2-9pm. Give Amber a call with your class registration, questions or with an idea for a class, 715-634-4790 X156. 

 

Did you guys know there is a Feed Store in Trego? Well I did not know that there was until my friend Susie Kuha told me that there was this cute little store in Trego called Trego Mercantile. I have to say they have alittle of everything- snacks, bait, feeds. So if you are in that area why not stop in and see what they have to offer. While you are there you can pick up some soap that Susie makes, its nicely packaged up there for sale. The location is N7340 Benson Blvd in Trego, their number 715-635-3511.

 

Is anyone else out there into barns? Whenever I take a road trip or even am going around our beautiful state I am looking for barns. There all kinds of barns, some are still standing and housing animals. Some need some TLC and would love to be given a couple animals to shelter. I dream of having the cool old barns with a big room to put hay in, stalls to put pregnant ewes in. Chickens running around hiding eggs and then coming out with chicks when they hatch. I also want to hang the quilt square painted on a piece of wood on the outside of my barn. I am just an old barn type of girl. So I came across some "barn people" in my travels and thought I would share them with you. The Kansas Barn Alliance- www.kansasbarnalliance.org and National Barn Alliance- www.barnalliance.org and Kansas State Historical Society -www.kshs.org. I am still going to look and see if WI has a chapter and see what is going on to preserve our barns. If you have any info and would like to share a ppicture of your barn let me know! 

Have a friend or family member that would be interested in the column? Maybe they live out of town? They can access the column on my blog on Thursdays, at www.twogirlsandagarden.blogspot.com .

 

 Stay warm, stay focused, February is a short month!

Spooner Advocate- Springbrook Column, January 30, 2014

Good afternoon neighbors- I am praying that all of you out there are staying warm. I know that everyone has heard by now of the propane issues and alot of people are in dire straits with their houses needing to be heated and the lack of money. I just want you to know that you are not alone. We are all feeling the crunch and there does not seem to be an end in sight with the weather being so bad. Please lower your heat when you can, dress in layers, block of rooms that your not using. If you have drafty windows put towels on the window sills, plastic on them if you can, also heavy curtains help alot. Also a quilt or blanket hung above the door on a rod can keep drafts out of the house as well. Remember to check on elderly, handicapped, or just someone you know doesn't go out of the house to often. Stay as warm as you can and please don't go out unless you have to....

Earl Church in Earl, WI would like everyone know that you are invited to the Third Annual Triple Treat Saturday. It will be held on February 8th, 2014 from 11:00-2:00 pm at the church. Homemade soup and rolls- all you can eat for $4.00 (until gone). Pies will be for sale (until gone), flea market, silent auction and more! All I can say is that Mikhaila and I went last year and got soup by the skin of our teeth! We also got one of the last pies that were there! I have to say that I know the pie was awesome only because I did not even get a piece! So come support this great event and all I can say is get there early, and get two pies that way you are sure to get some! Thanks Sherrine for letting me know the details.

I have started some seeds in the house! They are up! The seeds are up! Can I just say how happy I am to see something that is green and growing! Has anyone else out there started anything yet? I am going to take some seeds as well as chive plants and calendula plants to the Pow-Wow in February. So I hope they grow fast! I also started some rhubarb, this should get me through January! LOL My next project is to build some shelves to start more plants on, this year I will be starting ALL the plants for the gardens on the reservations here at my house! It seems alittle scary I have to say! But I will be able to pay closer attention to the plants if they are here instead of being at the College. So wish me luck... guess this means I need to invest in some grow lights too huh?

LCOOCC has their calendar of events out so here are the classes we are offering this month.  Jan 30 a- Homemade bread making from 5-8pm, held in the College kitchen from 5-8pm. The February Calendar will be out soon but there is always time to tell us what kind of class you are interested in taking. Give Amber a call with your class registration or with an idea for a class, 715-634-4790 X126. 

Happy Birthday to all the January birthdays out there! Hope the couple warmer days here in NW Wisconsin make your birthday extra special and bright!  Have a beautiful birthday spent with friends and family, doing something that makes YOU happy! We love you!

Is anyone else out there into barns? Whenever I take a road trip or even am going around our beautiful state I am looking for barns. There all kinds of barns, some are still standing and housing animals. Some need some TLC and would love to be given a couple animals to shelter. I dream of having the cool old barns with a big room to put hay in, stalls to put pregnant ewes in. Chickens running around hiding eggs and then coming out with chicks when they hatch. I also want to hang the quilt square painted on a piece of wood on the outside of my barn. I am just an old barn type of girl. So I came across some "barn people" in my travels and thought I would share them with you. The Kansas Barn Alliance- www.kansasbarnalliance.org and National Barn Alliance- www.barnalliance.org and Kansas State Historical Society -www.kshs.org. I am still going to look and see if WI has a chapter and see what is going on to preserve our barns. If you have any info and would like to share a ppicture of your barn let me know! 

Does anyone out there read the Country Today? I love to get this paper, I need to get a subscription instead of driving to Shell Lake to get it. Anyway there was a great article in the last paper dated Jan 20th about a Bed and Breakfast in Washington County. Sounds like it would be a great place to go and stay, I love that they keep animals on the farm, a wonderful greenhouse that I really need in my backyard, and a vineyard with the wine named after the animals! Seems like they have alot to offer... For more information on this you can checkout their website www.coldspringinn.com . Remember the Country Today also carries the LCO College calendar in their paper- just in case you miss it in the column.

Have a friend or family member that would be interested in the column? Maybe they live out of town? They can access the column on my blog on Thursdays, at www.twogirlsandagarden.blogspot.com .

 

More Than Petticoats: Remarkable Colorado Woman By Gayle C. Shirley

What a great book! I got this book on my travels to Colorado this fall. I have to say I just love Colorado and thought I would learn about some great woman from that area.
I have to say that it was a great read, easy to get into, hard to put down. I started reading it and was just fascinated by all the history. These woman were very strong, influential people during their time. If you want a book to read that really shows some real Girl Power I would highly recommend this book!

Here are just a couple of woman that are listed:

Chipeta, Indian Peacemaker
Frances Wisebart Jacobs, Mother of Charities
Aunt Clara Brown, Angel of the Rockies
Josephine Roche, Labor Advocate

I will definitely go check out some more of these books.
Happy Reading