Observations – Yarns from the Lake

Too Much Stuff

Throughout history most people have lived with few possessions, by necessity, economic limits, or cultural norms. Early nomadic groups moved regularly. Most people for thousands of years were, or are still, just surviving. After WWII in the United States there was an economic boom that resulted in many people owning homes and experiencing financial stabilityContinue reading “Too Much Stuff”

Mother’s Ten Rules for Living

My mom passed away last fall. To honor her for Mother’s Day, I am sharing a little bit about her. My mom loved being at home. She rivaled Martha Stewart in her homemaking and creative abilities which included entertaining, cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, knitting, painting, ceramic art and writing. Following is a photo ofContinue reading “Mother’s Ten Rules for Living”

Self Quarantine

We are almost done with our two week self imposed quarantine, after leaving California and traveling across the country back to Minnesota. In the meantime a shelter in place order has started, so after the quarantine period is over we will continue to spend most of our time at home. I don’t know where theContinue reading “Self Quarantine”

The Woodpiles of Otter Tail County

I don’t think there are any covered bridges in Otter Tail County, but there are plenty of woodpiles. My sister Betsy and I had taken photos of the massive woodpile created during a family work weekend that included splitting and stacking wood needed for the maple syrup evaporator. Later, after we found some creative woodpilesContinue reading “The Woodpiles of Otter Tail County”

Winter Art

Winter is beautiful. Back when we were still contemplating the idea of living up here full time I had nightmares about winter driving, especially in the dark. That still terrifies me, but the good thing about not having a regular job is that you can stay home if conditions are bad. Looks like I willContinue reading “Winter Art”

Things That Are Different

It is mind boggling to think about what I was doing, planning and expecting one year ago for 2019, compared to all the things that actually happened and what my situation is today. I could not possibly have anticipated or planned for most of it. So now here I am living at Jewett Lake. WeContinue reading “Things That Are Different”

My First Post

Welcome to my new blog, Yarns from the Lake. I will be writing about a variety of topics including observations on life in Otter Tail County compared to life in the Twin Cities, retirement, my yarn adventures, things that happen, projects I am working on, cool photos I take, essays on various topics, traveling, andContinue reading “My First Post”