The new windows in Stan’s workshop kept out the cold winds of an early October storm. It was whistling to get in our snug and warm workshop. I sensed a childish whim to run out and play in the snow.
I felt sorry for the snow-laden trees as they bowed waiting for the sun to relieve them of their burden. Lawns, still green, held up the snow, but finally, exhausted, sagged beneath its heavy wetness. Patches of fall leaves untouched by the gardener and her rake was a lovely fall puzzle of snow, rain, leaves and remnants of green grass.
School buses rushed down the street to gather children for school. I thought of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her book “The Long Winter.” Hundreds of school children were caught and died in the early October blizzard in Ingalls Wilder’s book.
But Stan and I were warm as we worked on Christmas gifts. They were the topic of our conversation. We talked about our exciting summer and the various celebrations featuring farm activities.
But mostly we were quiet, listening to classical music. The sounds were somewhat unfamiliar to me. I usually listened to chat shows or Christian radio. I was surprised when I first met Stan that he enjoyed classical music.
My appreciation for the gentle harmonious musical sound grew as I listened to the old and newer “masters” of music. I appreciate Stan all the more as we tinker away and find peace with the music and our Christmas surprises.
There have been several positive responses to my published book, “The Yield.” Many are going to give them as Christmas gifts. Some got books to give to caregivers.
I read somewhere “caregivers can enjoy Christmas, too.” How sad Christmas was when Larry was in the nursing home. So I try to remember caregivers at Christmas time.
Some readers appreciate the short chapters in the book. They read them while waiting in the doctor’s office, to friends who are in the nursing home or waiting for hubbies to come from harvesting in the fields. A few thanked me for telling about Larry enjoying my reading to him. Not only did Larry enjoy my reading, but also I loved to remember the stories of when he was well and did not have Alzheimer’s. Some read to their spouses, who enjoy the gentle messages of the book. Each chapter has a scripture and questions at the end of the reading.
There is a right time for everything, a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to harvest, a time to kill, a time to heal, a time to destroy, a time to cry, a time to hug. Ecclesiastes 3:1
What season do you find yourself in? What music do you enjoy most?
Sue Peterson has been writing “The Yield” column since 1978 and has been a staple of The Land. She may be reached at sustan2@bevcomm.net or 1010 East 5th St., Blue Earth, MN 56013.
Matthew 6; Psalm 37:5-7
