I was invited to a childhood friend’s 50th birthday party last weekend (yes, I’m soon there myself)! The party was a pot luck and was in Minnesota, land of the hotdish, so I decided to bring a dish to share that incorporated things I had harvested myself from the wilds of Wisconsin. I rarely start … Continue reading Venison Wild Rice Hotdish
Late Winter on Phantom Lake
I took a walk one recent afternoon and saw some interesting early signs that spring is not too far off! There was a small pool of open water along the shore where dozens (maybe hundreds?) of tiny bullheads and a couple larger ones were hanging out. A pair of Trumpeter swans flew in just before … Continue reading Late Winter on Phantom Lake
Wolf Sign on a Winter Walk
It was a beautiful sunny day today, perfect for a winter walk. The snow is too deep for my short-legged companion Annie to accompany me on an off-road snowshoe hike, so I took advantage of the marvelous gravel roadways on Crex Meadows, not far from home and blessedly unplowed after the latest 3-4 inch snowfall … Continue reading Wolf Sign on a Winter Walk
Canned Spiced Pears
I recently bought a case of pears from my daughters school fruit fundraiser. They were not yet ripe when I got them (this is normal for pears), but they all ripened at the same time earlier this week. We can only eat so many fresh pears, so the best way to make them last is … Continue reading Canned Spiced Pears
Christmas Bird Count
Each year around Christmas time, groups of birders across the country and around the world participate in a winter count of the birds in their areas. They spread out over an area 15 miles in diameter to count their observations. The data is compiled by the Audubon Society and a report is issued each year. … Continue reading Christmas Bird Count
Spicy sausage wild rice soup
I had a pound of hot Jimmy Dean sausage in the fridge that I had planned to make wild rice pie with, but my son said he would prefer some wild rice soup. So, I adjusted my plans to accommodate his wishes. (I still plan to make that pie soon!) The results were fantastic, with … Continue reading Spicy sausage wild rice soup
Tortilla Soup
I cooked a chicken in the crock pot the other day with the thought we would have chicken tacos for dinner. I added chili powder and taco seasoning, a whole chopped onion and some minced garlic to the pot that morning so the chicken would have the right flavor at supper time. By the time … Continue reading Tortilla Soup
