Et Cetera
An Open Book: Oh, Snap!
Oh, Snap!Photography is on my mind this week for a few reasons, but mainly because my daughter just had her Senior Pictures taken. An emotional milestone to say the least! Photographs are so intwined with my most cherished memories, I often find myself wondering if I remember an event, or if I just remember that I have a photo of the event. Linda and Donald Burke to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
Linda (Smith) and Donald Burke were joined in matrimony on September 8, 1973 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Urbana, Iowa. They have four children and 11 grandchildren.To help celebrate their monumental milestone, there will be an open house. on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Fross Park - Main Pavilion, Center Point, Iowa.Light refreshments will be served in their honor. Luther College Announces the Spring 2023 Dean's List
Congratulations to Newelle Dalton of Urbana, IA, who has been named to Luther College Dean's List for the 2023 spring semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, Dalton must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).
Queen of Saints Cluster announces new information
The Cluster of five parishes in Southern Benton County, IA including:Immaculate Conception, Van HorneSt. John, BlairstownSt. Michael, NorwaySt. Patrick, WatkinsSt. Paul, NewhallNew information:Rev. Jacob Dunne, replaced Rev. Craig Steimel on July 11, 2023 as Rev. Steimel moved away.The only phone number to call is (319) 228-8131 ext. #306. Please remove the (866) 854-7555 number.
The Open Book
Oh, Snap!Photography is on my mind this week for a few reasons, but mainly because my daughter just had her Senior Pictures taken. An emotional milestone to say the least! Photographs are so intwined with my most cherished memories, I often find myself wondering if I remember an event, or if I just remember that I have a photo of the event. The Open Book: Peace and Quiet
I enjoyed some quiet time weeding the library flower beds this week, and my mind started wandering. I began to mentally list some of my favorites: favorite cookbooks, soundtracks, textbooks, mystery novels, songs by female artists, whodunit movies, juvenile fiction books, movies based on books, and so on. I can confidently say I have a singular nonfiction favorite; "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. Yard and Garden: Growing and Harvesting Potatoes
Potatoes are a popular crop to grow in home vegetable gardens. However, there’s a lot to know about growing and harvesting potatoes properly. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists have tips on growing, harvesting and addressing common problems sometimes seen on potatoes.When should I harvest potatoes?Potatoes can be harvested when the tubers are small and immature, known as new potatoes, or when the crop is fully mature. 6 Things Parents Need to Know Before Helping with Education Loans
Next year's first college bills are coming out, and students and families are looking for ways to pay for any amount not covered by financial aid, savings or earnings. Many turn to private education loans at this time of year.A traditional-age student may need help from parents, either because the student needs cosigners to qualify or because the parents take out a loan in their own names to help pay the student's college expenses.
The Open Book: Strawberry Pie
Every summer for the 4th of July I make my Grandma Ketchen's strawberry pie. I've got the recipe in Grandma's handwriting, as part of a collection of many of her favorites. It starts with an oil crust, or as Grandma wrote 'liquid shortening'. The baked shell is then filled with fresh strawberries, covered in a homemade strawberry glaze. Once cooled, I top it off with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberry garnish. The Open Book: Take a Hike
This summer I'm training for a four-day backpacking trek with my son's Boy Scout Troop. We will be covering a portion of Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail, and will be 'packing-in', meaning we will carry all of the supplies we will need on our backs. This trip is considered a High Adventure in the Scouting world, and I'm really looking forward to the trip.