Preston Public Library and country side

Nancy and I left early for our show at Preston Library on Thursday for the sole purpose of arriving early. We looked forward to driving around the hills and lowlands and taking pictures. The drive to Preston took nearly three hours. Once we arrived, we quickly found the library and then drove out of town to witness the scenic country side.

Preston Library with sidewalk sign announcing our 7:00 PM show.

The city of Preston is located in a scenic valley with a river running through it. Whichever direction you take out if town, you are treated to an uphill climb and then a panoramic view of the valley below.

The slightly over cast day gave magical haze to the countryside.

The windmill above and the farmhouse below stand as proud reminders of past successes.

Current farms and cattle provide pleasant viewing.

Nancy spots a fox trotting through a field.

We slow down. He stops to check us out. Looks like something is in his jaws.

After the fox moves on, we drive another 200 yards to spot young foxes playing along the road bank.

They quickly scurry to the safety of the tall grass. We know our pictures will be blurry. 

We content ourselves with taking a few photos of wildflowers, which patiently wait for us to point and shoot.

 Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

To see photos of the program at Preston Library, please click below on Read More.

Salvation Army Adult Day Program, Rochester, MN

Back in April when we did a show for Spring Valley Historical Society's Annual Banquet, we met Sheryl Strain, who works as a Trained Medical Assistant and Program Assistant at the Salvation Army Adult Day Program in Rochester. She said she wanted to suggest to the activities coordinator there that we come to do a show for them during a week day. A couple weeks later Jesse Buchner, Activities Coordinator, emailed me to set up a date. I love it when one thing leads to another.

 We arrived an hour before the show yesterday so Jesse took time to give us a short tour of the facilities,  introduce us to some of the staff, including Program Director Cyndy Gove, and explain what services they provide. Ron Strain, pictured below, drives the bus that picks up adults who need care during the day when their other care-givers are at work and he also assists with activities.

Ron has years of experience driving buses.

Ron's wife Sheryl, who we had met at Spring Valley Historical Banquet, explained that the guests are given a snack when they arrive. A lunch is catered in at noon and another snack is given to them before the bus returns them home. 

Activities during the day include exercises, many various crafts, watching some TV, volunteer entertainment (my show as an example), field trips shopping, or just going for coffee. 

Activities Coordinator Jesse Buchner introduces me to the guests.

They proved to be a great audience, showing interest throughout the show and asking many questions after the show.  In the picture above Program Assistant Sheryl Strain, CNA, TMA, stands in the back on the left and Activity Coordinator Jesse Buchner stands on the right. 

Sheryl set up a photo with some volunteer guests.

 Donovon (red shirt) paints and exhibits his work at the Mayo Clinic.

Farm Heritage touches many people, and after the show several of the guests took time to tell me their stories of visiting a farm as a kid, living on a farm, working on a farm, or doing farm work as a kid. Nancy and I had a great time, and we wish to thank Sheryl and Jesse for inviting us, Cyndy for allowing us to do our show, and all the staff and guests for their friendliness and their interest in our show.  

It's good to know facilities like this exists for people who may have some disability and need some care, but who also desire to be physically and socially active. Staff members at the Salvation Army Adult Day Program at Rochester provide a good blend of special care with challenges to keep guests active and engaged. They deserve our praise and support. 

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Stewartville Intermediate School

The city of Stewartville is a bit less than a two-hour drive from our home, but the weather was nice Friday morning and we didn't have to be there until about 11:45 AM to set up for two shows of A Farm Country Christmas Eve. 

Secretary Maribeth Cooper greeted us warmly, and even though she was really busy, she took the time to show us where to set up, and she explained which doors to use for the easiest entry with our equipment. Her extra effort made Nancy and I feel really welcome, which is an important first step to the success of any visit.

 Billed as "Home of the Fourth and Fifth Grades,"the intermediate school has about 150 fourth graders and 175 fifth graders, and I looked forward to the energy the larger audiences would generate.

Fourth grade students settled in quickly on their floor seats (above) 

and raised their hands to answer quiz questions after the show (below).

The fifth grade made a larger audience (above), and (below) they were one of the few groups I've ever had who answered the hardest quiz question correctly: "Name the six places the cats come from when Joey calls them."

Several fifth grade students stop to chat after the program.

Thanks to District Media Specialist Renita McCabe-Irvin for inviting me to visit Stewartville and Maribeth Cooper for showing Nancy and me around. Also, thanks to all the staff members who made an effort to make us feel welcome.

A special thanks to Mark Peterson from the Stewartville Star for covering the event.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Wells Depot Museum

Betsy Hermanson from the Wells Depot Museum greeted us in the parking lot on Wednesday afternoon. She chatted with us as she led us into the restored depot, which is the Wells Museum. Since we had plenty time to set up, we took a short tour of the museum while Betsy enthusiastically explained some of the special pieces on display. Her husband, Ross, helped her get the building ready for visitors.

End view of restored Depot at Wells, MN

Every year U.S. citizens log thousands of miles to visit the many great places in our country, but let me put in a plug for the many museums found in small towns throughout the land. Although our interstates are wonderful, they unknowingly help us speed past many small jewels worth seeing.
Wells Depot Museum is one of those jewels.

Early arrivals pictured above.

We were concerned that the nice weather might keep people away doing "spring" activities.

Well, the audience was small, but they arrived early to visit and stayed late after the show to visit, ask questions, and tell stories. It was a fun group of people and an interesting afternoon for all of us.

Beginning of program featuring my book, A Farm Country Christmas Eve

We can't blame it on the interstate if we do not take an hour or two to turn off to see real America, and now, with the help of websites, you can check out the whereabouts of small museums that are near your route to other destinations. Wells Depot Museum is only about 15 minutes north of I90 if you take exit 146. Admission is free, but they welcome donations. Visit when you can and donate what you can afford. They offer a variety of gifts, including t-shirts. Nancy bought one for a future quilt.

Once again, we thank Betsy Hermanson and Sheila Treptow for arranging the event.
Nancy and I hope they invite us back soon.

No, this isn't an illustration from my book, If  I Were a Farmer: Field Work. It's a picture of the real thing. On our drive home, we were treated to many views of farmers doing field work.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Lake City Library

On Saturday, April 30th, Nancy and I waited for the rain to subside a bit before we unloaded our equipment at Lake City Library, Lake City, MN. Since we were early, we had time to visit with Sherry Mooers, the librarian, and we discussed whether or not the cold, windy, rainy weather would keep people away. Well, the turnout was low; however, the spirits of those who attended were high and we had fun.

After the show, the children enjoyed sticking their hands in the oats as their grandmother and I watched.

And I enjoyed signing a few books as William waited patiently.

Before and after the show we talked to some interested audience members who were more than a little familiar with farming. Katie Schmidt, who grew up on a farm on the bluff near town, Dorey, the grandmother of the children who attended, and Lesley Ann Gerken shared some stories with us.

We thank Sherry Mooers for inviting us to do our show at Lake City Library. We hope to return soon.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Winona Historical Society

Winona County Historical Society hosts a monthly "Food for Thought" series during lunchtime at the new wing of the Winona County Museum, which was dedicated last fall during a visit by Governor Pawlenty.
Jennifer Weaver, assistant director at the Museum, invited me to speak for an hour and I eagerly scheduled April 20, 2011, at noon.
The facilities were beautiful and the people were really enthusiastic about rural history and the history of their city. It was a fun group.

Nancy set up our book display below a fine grouping of historical details.

We arrived early as did a number of people who introduced themselves and visited with me and Nancy before the show. In the picture above I am showing Orlin Brommer the illustrations in the original Christmas book that I wrote. 

Orlin lives in Wisconsin and writes a column for the Winona Daily News.

He is pretty humble about it and calls it his "Ramblings," but after Nancy and I returned home, I read a number of his articles and I found them fascinating. His articles display details from routine things of the past and his style is a special cross between fiction and memory that you don't want to miss. To find the articles, just google his name.

The audience enjoyed the show on a big screen. After the hour program, many stayed to ask questions, buy books, and tell stories. Their enthusiasm made the day fun and the knowledge they shared was educational for all.

Allan Aldinger (left) gave me some copies of photos and stories from his childhood after I signed a book for him. I love to see these photos and read the stories. I am always looking for information to put in my shows.

I thank Jennifer Weaver for inviting me to speak and for purchasing books to have available to sell at the museum's fine gift shop. Nancy and I plan to return sometime soon to check out the museum more thoroughly.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Tweeten Health Care, Spring Grove, MN

Instead of driving home after the Sunday afternoon show at Spring Valley, Nancy and I decided to stay overnight at Preston because we had scheduled two shows nearby on Monday, April 18, one in Spring Grove and another at Mabel-Canton School.

On Monday afternoon we arrived early at Tweeten Health Care, Spring Grove, and set up in a large room. Palma (right) and Rollie (left) visited us. Rollie talked about his hometown in South Dakota and Palma talked about farming. "It was hard work but we had fun too," she said. 

As in many nursing homes where almost everyone in the audience is immobile and limited in movement of hands and even facial expressions, I work extra hard to elicit reactions. Although they seldom clap or laugh loudly, their subtle smiles and nodding heads spark my desire to do my best. 

Rollie is seated up front and to my right so he can tilt his head up and view my show from his left side.

Many stayed to chat after the show and after most had left, Rollie wheeled himself over to me. I knelt  down to make eye contact, and he talked more about farming and explained the layout of the businesses in the small town he where he was raised. "The town had a population of about 20, including the dogs," he said. Rollie had a keen sense of humor. He decided to buy his nieces the Halloween book instead of the Christmas or Thanksgiving stories because "...they have lots of books about those holidays."

Palma's three-year-old great grand daughter, Olivia, enjoyed the company of everyone and checked out our poster and the books.

The staff and residents at Tweeten Health Care treated us warmly and we had fun doing the show. I want to thank Gloria Oakes-Speltz for inviting us and we hope we can return soon.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Spring Valley Historical Society

Doing my 55-minute show about farm heritage at Spring Valley Historical Society on April 17 was a bit like preaching to the choir. Nothing I said was new to the audience, but I could tell from the laughter and head-nodding that they loved hearing it anyway. Since it was their annual dinner, I was assured of a good crowd of people ready to have some fun.

Members were avid historical buffs, and before and after the show they shared many stories of their lives on and off the farm. 

Although the banquet was open to members only, my show as open to the public and a few parents brought young people.

I'd like to thank Spring Valley Historical Society Secretary Julie Mlinar, forefront on the right in the picture above, for inviting me to the banquet. Nancy and I enjoyed the great food, the lively conversation, and the stories many people willingly told us. 

Many audience members purchased books and kindly told me how much they enjoyed the show. This kind of feedback means a lot to me because it lets me know they understand that the small farm heritage belongs to all Minnesotans.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson

Wabasha Public Library

Saturday, April 2, 2011, was a fine sunny morning and Nancy and I enjoyed the drive to Wabasha to do a story at the Wabasha Public Library. On Friday, I had called the library to check if flooding was going to be an issue. Children's Librarian Beverly Hall,  who had invited us to Wabasha, indicated there would be no problem this weekend, but she made no promises beyond that.

The river is high, but the road is still higher.

The sign on the door made me feel welcome in the photo below:

As you can see in the photo, the library is celebrating 150 years of service to the community.

The early morning audience was small but appreciative, and before and after the show we were able to meet and chat with Children's Librarian Beverly Hall and Library Director Michelle McCaughtry. Staff member Mary O'Neill greeted us and stayed pretty busy helping customers.

My favorite part: I sign a book for Hannah and Ryan.

We hope they invite us back soon.

Photographs by Nancy A. Fredrickson.

Fun at LeCenter Elementary

It may be cold but the kids in grades K-6 made me feel pretty cozy as I performed 8 half-hour shows for grades K-3 on Wednesday, February 2, and 5 shows of various lengths for grades 3-6 on Friday, February 4, 2011.
The second graders in the two pictures below seem to agree that anytime is a good time for a story about Christmas as I performed my book A farm country Christmas Eve.

And when I quiz them, they all seem to know the answers.

And these third graders in the picture below know what is under the tree: