Although I’ve resigned myself to the idea that I’ll never travel to Australia, I enjoy learning the culture of Australia and the unique character of the land down under. Bill Bryson wrote IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY that detailed his travels in Australia, a book worth reading in part because he’s such a wonderful writer. He […]
Humor
ALMOST a Disaster, Almost
ALMOST a Disaster, Almost
Humor, and minor disaster, can be defined as something painful or uncomfortable happening to others. Others is the key word, like the Funniest Home Video TV show. If you or I experience it, it’s terrible, and it’s not funny, until years later, maybe These photos I’ve found elsewhere. I call them almost because it doesn’t appear […]
- Amery Stories
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Ida Mae’s Cafe in Amery; Inquiring Minds
Ida Mae’s Cafe in Amery; Inquiring Minds
A stranger approached Kathleen and Lou as they scarfed down breakfast at Ida Mae’s Café. He introduced himself as traveling through the area and asked if they’d be able to answer a question. “Go ahead,” Lou said with his mouth full of bacon. “I’m headed for Clayton, I think that’s east here.” Kathy and Lou […]
Little Carl Goes to Sunday School
Little Carl Goes to Sunday School
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Amery, Wisconsin. The Sunday school teachers arrive early and figure out which classes they’ll take. “I want to make an announcement,” Donette stated, serious as ever. “Carl’s coming today. His mom called.” Scrambling, they made sure the 4th grade classroom had two teachers. During class, Robyn wanted to get through to […]
Quick, Grab a Toothpick !
Quick, Grab a Toothpick !
All seven members of the Miller family on this evening chipped in to help get supper and the table ready for a great meal. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh peas. They’re often at each other like a pack of coyotes, but when food is involved they cooperate. But surprise! Loretta the mom yells out: […]
A Contest of Minds on a Flight
A Contest of Minds on a Flight
Warning. This is longer than I’m used to posting, and also I can’t cut it halfway in and ask if you want to read the rest. I hope you enjoy this test of wills. A tired and cranky lady boarded a plane and found her assigned seat. Next to her would be a young fellow, […]
Bits and Pieces of Wisdom and Humor 1
Bits and Pieces of Wisdom and Humor 1
Occasionally I’ll assemble a few observations and humorous events, and sometimes I’ll include trivia and unique facts. My check engine light came on, and of course I was in Madison, 100 miles away from home when I spotted the little sign. Check engine, that doesn’t sound too difficult. At a gas station I opened the […]
The Teaching Challenge
The Teaching Challenge
Welcome, Ms McCarthy, to the wonderful world of teaching where you are able to connect with eager learners and make a significant impact on their lives. BECAUSE this is your first job, you will be instructing the kids with the most unique personalities. The other 3rd grade teachers already siphoned off most of the girls and […]
The Perfect Pie Crust
The Perfect Pie Crust
It’s not often that I put a complete picture and text in like this, but I’ll make an exception here. The wisdom learned in the kitchen of beloved relatives, and the secrets that go with it, create wonderful memories of great times together.
The Elkins at Ellis Island
The Elkins at Ellis Island
Several years ago on a tour of New York City, one of the side trips was a ferry to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) and Ellis Island. It was here that we decided to spring for a portrait. We didn’t have to put on any prop clothes, we simply were told to look toward the […]
The Missing Kid
The Missing Kid
Another pranktical joke. This popular story came out a few years ago, timely now as the school year winds down and practical jokes gear up. In a high school with some clever pranksters, overnight students released goats into the hallways. When principals opened the doors that Friday, SURPRISE. Small goats, with numbers painted on their […]
A Prayer from Little Camden
A Prayer from Little Camden
Dear God, thank you for my family and my room and thank you that Mommy and Daddy don’t fight like the neighbors do. Thanks for the nice teachers I have and for a wonderful, sometimes, sister Kylee. Thanks for the good food to eat but not broccoli. Sorry, God, I can’t thank you for […]
Pranktical Joke 2
Pranktical Joke 2
(Suggestion: read P. Joke 1 before reading this post) Arlen took awhile to recover from his eye injury, hiring his ex-wife to come in for an hour or two to take care of it. A few days later he walked past the same spot, outside the Blalock Asylum. Arlen felt both nervous and curious. The […]
The Pranktical Joke I
The Pranktical Joke I
The residents and patients at the Blalock Asylum on 7th Street in Port Edwards were a sharp and high functioning group. Continual pranks, staying one step ahead of the “normals” on the outside. The old mansion stood on a path that many walked to move about the village. Often people happened by the fence that wrapped around […]
Humor from Kids, Twice
Humor from Kids, Twice
One One day the first-grade teacher read the story of Chicken Little to her class. She came to the part where Chicken Little warns the farmer. She read, ” . . . . and Chicken Little went up to the farmer and said, “The sky is falling!” The teacher then asked the class, “And […]