One of my favorite childhood memories was when Dad would get the popcorn popper out and pop popcorn. It was during the winter months and at least three or four times a week. He would find the cobs give us kids one to shell and then start heating the popcorn popper. Dad always would plant a small patch of popcorn so we would have plenty for the winter. He also had a popcorn bowl set, each bowl was a different color. Just thinking about this makes me almost smell that popcorn popping.
I recently cleaned out my sock drawer, an overdue task that I hadn’t reached the appropriate level of boredom to tackle in a number of years. It also served as a reminder that I’m absolutely terrible at estimating just how useful a range of items will be in the future.
The top drawer of the walnut chest where my socks reside also has a habit of collecting an assortment of other items—loose change, notes on scraps of paper, cable clamps, buttons, stray ammunition—that either fell from the flat surface above or were “temporarily” stored for later.
We had the Four Food Groups, then the Five Food Groups, then the Food Guide Pyramid, then we got Myplate. Each came with Dietary Guidelines that we are to follow for a healthy lifestyle. What is great about these changes and updates, is the knowledge we have learned and developed over the years so we can manage a healthier lifestyle. It’s not that we were doing things wrong, it’s we can do better with the knowledge of the food and how our body uses it.
McPherson County farmer and rancher
I was recently asked to help judge an FFA speech contest. I happily agreed to help as I thoroughly enjoy listening to young adults present their research and memorized written work before a panel of strangers. Besides, setting aside a few hours to judge is the least I can do to help support a valuable organization that helped shape me.
If you are considering purchasing fruit trees this spring, there are certain factors that should be considered for some fruit tree species. Spring in Kansas is often unsettled with apricot and peach tree flowers being very vulnerable to late frosts that can kill fruit buds. Of course, the tree itself will be fine but there will be no to little fruit for that year. Other species of trees can also be affected but apricots and peaches are by far the most sensitive. Also, the closer a tree is to full bloom, the more sensitive it becomes to frost.
Along with anything new and controversial, COVID-19 Vaccines fit right in that category. From our State Specialist I received this article from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and felt it would make a timely news article.
Now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. Here are some common questions the CDC receives along with their answers.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
By Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher
Dreams have been on my mind lately. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality; our founding fathers’ dream of a government of, by, and for the people; and the dreams of little girls who want to grow up to be president of the United States of America.
If you are considering purchasing fruit trees this spring, there are certain factors that should be considered for some fruit tree species. Spring in Kansas is often unsettled with apricot and peach tree flowers being very vulnerable to late frosts that can kill fruit buds. Of course, the tree itself will be fine but there will be no to little fruit for that year. Other species of trees can also be affected but apricots and peaches are by far the most sensitive. Also, the closer a tree is to full bloom, the more sensitive it becomes to frost.
