Northfield – Page 3 – Valerie's Voice

Pellet

At home, I use lists and set timers to help me at remember to do things around the house…like check the dryer, make a phone call, etc. Otherwise, I tend to forget…

In my car, I use a different method. Years ago, I was given a cute, hamster beanie baby -officially named Pellet by its maker, the TY Corp – and it has always lived in our cars. I have come to rely on this sweet, little stuffed animal to help me remember things. When I’m driving and think of something I need to remember upon arrival at my destination, I pull Pellet up from the driver’s side door pocket and put him in my lap, or by my purse, or on the passenger seat. Then, when I stop the car to get out, I see him and think, “O, yes…” and he reminds me of what I needed to remember!

Content to ride in the driver’s side door.

He has worked well. Pellet has been in our car for many years…I want to say over 20 years…maybe longer. We transfer him when we get a different vehicle. He is my friend! Maybe not as beloved as The Velveteen Rabbit, but he does look a bit worn from being a treasured and a reliable asset to me. I’d miss him if he ran away…

Northfield Library

Have I mentioned how much I like the Northfield library? I know I have, but it seems I always walk away with such good feelings about our wonderful Carnegie library in downtown Northfield. I am thankful we have this great space and resource in our town.

The big beautiful atrium near the entrance to Northfield’s library.

A couple weeks ago I had a scheduled session to learn about the Libby app, an app used to borrow ebooks from the library. I had to go in again, for more help with additional questions. I got the help I needed, with the feeling “my personal librarian” had all the time in the world for me and my questions…This librarian has helped me before with technical questions, so I try to meet with him when I can. I had to go in a third time and learned I was using the app correctly, but the kindle had to be reset. I think I’ve got it now, but if not I will not hesitate to go in and get help.

When I arrived at the library, the librarian saw me through the beautiful glass windows and waved to me. It felt so welcoming. And always…the person behind the desk greets patrons as soon as they step through the doors.

After my initial help session, I went to the children’s section and once again, received the help I needed in finding a book from one of the children’s librarians I know. I met her when I took my grandchildren to the library story hours when they lived in Northfield.

The day I had my initial app training session I learned that the library now loans out Canon DSLR cameras, a sewing machine, a telescope and more. They are experimenting with these new items to borrow. I like the idea.

For a few minutes my librarian friend and I talked a bit about taking photos. We found out we both like to take pictures. I mentioned I use my iPhone to take my photos. He has a fancier camera. He suggested I try one of the Canon DSLR cameras the library loans out. I laughed out loud and said… I want to learn one thing at a time, and right now that is simply how to use the Libby app.

Jacobsen’s Department Store

When you walked into Jacobsen’s department store, it was like stepping back in time. Jacobsen’s was a quaint, family-run, old-fashioned store, complete with wooden floors and an atmosphere not unlike what you see on Little House on the Prairie. Jacobsen’s was located on Division Street in downtown Northfield.

Business seemed to be doing fine when we moved into town in 1994, but struggling a bit to survive in the midst of big retail giants. The store had been in the family over 40 years by then. It was known to have just about anything you’d need, or they would order it for you, and their slogan was “Jacobsen’s – Northfield’s “Store with a heart”. The Jacobsen family ran the store and were customer friendly, living up to its slogan.

Jacobsen’s slogan printed on their bags.

Jacobsen’s offered a wide variety of goods. We were surprised to learn they carried tall sizes for men…which is unusual, and convenient, for our family.

I thought of Jacobsen’s recently, as I helped feed the animals on the farm where I help out. There were fresh eggs in the chicken coup. I didn’t have a bag or basket along, so I carefully placed them in the deep pockets of my heavy, hooded sweatshirt. Gary and I bought these matching, navy blue sweatshirts at Jacobsen’s years ago (tall for Gary). The sweatshirts have been good utility work jackets for many years. When I opened the deep pockets of my sweatshirt, to place the eggs, Jacobsen’s popped into my head.

A few of the fresh eggs I collected from the chicken coup.

There is another time during the year when Jacobsen’s comes to mind. At Northfield’s first Winter Walk, in 1998, we bought a Santa hat at Jacobsen’s department store. I wore that Santa hat that night, as we strolled along the streets enjoying this fun Christmas festivity in our small town. I have worn that Santa hat to Winter Walk every year I’ve gone since, and every time I think of… Jacobsen’s.

Northfield Winter Walk 2021…my Santa hat.

The store closed its doors in 2003, so we really didn’t get to enjoy and shop Jacobsen’s that many years like many of the townie’s did, but it still was a sad day when the doors closed on such a long standing tradition.

Merry Christmas

The children’s Christmas pageant at our church, includes shepherd and angels and cows etc.
Our wonderful children – telling and singing the Christmas story.

Luke 2: 8-12
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The full set design…the stable and a living room se,t complete with fireplace, for a grandmother and grandchild to reflect on the Christmas story. A new member of our church created this elaborate set.

Merry Christmas.

Winter Walks

Northfield’s Winter Walk took on an interesting twist for me this year. The children’s book author Kate DiCamillo was at our local bookstore, Content, for a book signing. I invited my daughter-in-love to come join me for Winter Walk, to meet and greet this author, who I knew was a favorite of hers.

Kate DiCamillo signing books at Content Bookstore.

First, my daughter-in-love and I went out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant, Reunion, and then we got in line for the book signing at Content. We were assigned a wait list number, which worked well and we didn’t have to wait long. It was a brief encounter, but sweet.

Enjoying our greeting time with Kate DiCamillo.

Understandably, Kate DiCamillo was masked which doesn’t make for lovely photos, but she was very gracious, and a joy to meet. (It was interesting to learn from Wikipedia that this beloved and award-winning children’s author received 473 rejection letters before her first book was published!)

Beautiful horses pulled a wagon, giving rides throughout the night. Photo taken 2021.

After shopping a bit in the children’s section of Content, we meandered along the closed-off main street lined with luminaries; going in and out of the stores, checking out the model trains at the library, waiting in line for a quick horse-drawn wagon ride, and hearing different groups playing or singing Christmas music.

The weather was mild, and the lights and crowds made it festive.

I love this tree that is lit up during the Christmas season, welcoming everyone to Northfield. It sits on top of the old Malt-O-Meal hot cereal plant, near downtown. Photo taken 2021.

Also, last week I took another walk along Central Park in Faribault. It was lined with creative and artsy Christmas trees.

The Christmas trees are decorated by local businesses, then donated to families who might not be able to afford a Christmas tree and decorations this year. For more about this event visit MN Prairie Roots…click here.

The Christmas trees are put on display in Central Park for a few days before they are given away. It’s a fun idea, and a benefit to others.

I especially enjoyed seeing the different tree toppers.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, is celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church. I’m grateful our church celebrates this day, always on the Sunday before the official November 1st date.

In our church, names of loved ones that have passed away are collected from members prior to the Sunday service. You add names of those people who have gone before you, those that have made a difference in your life, especially spiritually. The list scrolls through the ceremony in the church service, and the congregation can read the names to get a visual of the many people we consider important to us…Ruby, Herb, Agnes, Bob, Warren, Jean, Ed, Henry…

During a time set apart in the service, people from the congregation get up and walk to the front of the church. On the altar there is a table with many votive candles. You can light a candle(s) for your loved one(s).

Sunday’s sermon focused on the several long-time members our church who passed away in the last four months. It was somber, yet celebratory, as we were reminded of these wonderful folks who were a part of our congregation, whom we loved, and whom we will miss.

We sang the old, traditional hymn, For All The Saints, written by William Walsham How, in 1864.

A few select verses (from 8 stanzas):

1 For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness dread, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

4 Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Today is All Saint’s Day…take time to remember.

The North Shore 2022

Our trip to the north shore proved to be a lot more colorful than we were expecting.

We had already started seeing pockets of beautiful fall colors on our drive up, so I started to get a little excited…and then the colors began to pop out everywhere…with wonderful contrasts to the evergreen trees.

The weather also turned out better than I had hoped for, with warmer temperatures and some nice sunshine and blue skies (and one cloudy day). We had packed clothes for colder weather.

Looking inland from the Tofte overlook, on a spur trial off the Carlton Peak trail. (1)

Looking inland from the Tofte overlook, on a spur trial off the Carlton Peak trail. (2)

We followed our annual routine of balancing cabin time and lake time with hiking and local drives.

We watched the sun rise over the big lake and had a camp fire on the rocks. We stopped in Hinckley and Duluth on the way up, and stopped in Grand Marais one day. It’s all so familiar, yet all so refreshing, relaxing, and restorative… and so much fun!

A leaf-covered hiking trail through the forest.

The colors were breathtaking…everywhere we went. It was spectacular to see and hard to photograph with my iPhone.

But it was enough to witness the colors and breath in the fresh air, smell the different whiffs of pine scents, lake water, decomposing leaves, feel the crisp air and to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8a).

I stand in awe of the Creator of these incredible autumn colors.

And the colors were not only up north…we saw them driving home, and right here in Northfield, and outside our front and back doors!

Our neighbor’s burning bush, where our mailbox is tucked in.

Hair

I can’t tell you how many times I went to turn on a light switch, or look at the clock yesterday morning…and neither of them worked. The electricity went out in our neighborhood Sunday morning, as we were getting ready for church.

I had showered and dried my hair…the next step was to use the flat iron to smooth out and curl my hair under a bit. But that’s when the electricity went out. I thought, if it doesn’t start up soon I won’t be going to church because of my hair.

Next, a text came through saying the electricity would not be restored for a couple hours. Hmmm

OK, so I wondered if I should stay home from church because of my hair? That’s not a very good reason…yet it kind of is…then I thought of some old Velcro curlers I had in my dresser drawer. I retrieved them and set my hair, and looked a sight– think 1960’s!

Although my hair was dry I thought maybe the curl would still take, especially if I used hairspray. I let the curlers set for ten minutes and then took them out. It did help enough, so I did get to Sunday school, and church.

I learned the power went out in much of Northfield, and I talked with others who struggled with the same issues of no electricity…shaving, curling hair, getting the car out of the garage (electric garage door openers)…

The power came back on in time for church, everyone settled in and no one paid one bit of attention to my hair… imagine that! Ha

And on the subject of hair…after church, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of these three characters from our church who were talking together…

Photo taken with permission to publish on my blog. 😉

A Morning Walk

On my morning walk this morning, along the ponds in my neighborhood, I looked for nature photo ops, and found many signs of fall.

Sumac – soon the foliage will turn bright red-orange.

More sun flowers…or maybe yellow cone flowers.

A curious cat. Animals always are worth a photo…

Psalm 23: 1-4

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,
       he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
       for his name’s sake.
 Even though I walk
      through the darkest valley,
      I will fear no evil,
     for you are with me;
     your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me

But summer is not over yet…my hibiscus in bloom, this week.

Dundas Trail

Yesterday I took a morning bicycle ride on the Dundas Trail. Even though it was cloudy, it seemed like the sun was shining…

because bright sun flowers were blooming profusely on both sides of the trail.

Golden rod was already blooming yellow in a few places too, adding to the vibrant yellow color all around.

Golden Rod, a sure sign that fall is coming.

To top it off, three yellow (gold) finches flew across the trail in front of me. I didn’t capture any photos, but they are always a delight to see, and added much cheer to the already lovely, yellow scenery.

I don’t know the name of this variety of sunflower.

Also, I’m grateful for the garden club who tends to the flowers in these bicycle sculpture baskets that are on the Dundas Trail.