Tag: Memory

The Gumdrop Tree

The Gumdrop Tree

Last night, I stopped at the grocery store and was scooping mixed nuts in the shell from the bin when a sweet lady approached me from the side and said, “Excuse me, but are you, by chance, buying those because it is a Christmas tradition 

How I Spent My Summer

How I Spent My Summer

Explore a summer tradition in Iowa through my childhood memories and current experiences as I return to the Buena Vista County Fair in northwest Iowa. The food, the people and the enjoyment of simple things make for a perfect summer day.

Mother’s Day Picnic

Mother’s Day Picnic

A simple picnic is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. This is the story of my favorite picnic basket and the memories it evokes.

The Traveling Jelly Jar

The Traveling Jelly Jar

This jar, filled with simple gifts, traveled between houses for years, building friendship and memories.

Thanksgiving Humble Pie

Thanksgiving Humble Pie

Pumpkin or Sweet Potato? The Thanksgiving dessert that taught a lesson.

The Relatives Came

The Relatives Came

This past weekend, two of my favorite summer events took place: the 4th of July and our Glienke Family Reunion. What’s a Glienke (pronounced glink-ee)? If you don’t live in NW Iowa, that is a reasonable question. My mom’s maiden name is Glienke, so my brothers