Northwoods Conservatives

10 hours ago

June 2, 2026, the 153rd day of 2026 Adjusting as Necessary This year it took so long to warm up that it swiftly changed from cold to chilly to warm to hot. It really is typical though. The unusual... View MoreJune 2, 2026, the 153rd day of 2026 Adjusting as Necessary This year it took so long to warm up that it swiftly changed from cold to chilly to warm to hot. It really is typical though. The unusual years are the ones that we actually have a month or so of beautiful Springlike weather before the heat settles in. But these past few weeks have been pretty close to perfect, with only a few days that were uncomfortably warm to work outside. Summer always has to have its time or we would only be lakes and forests without any delicate produce or flowers. It would still be beautiful, but we do so enjoy the time of sweet fragrances and beauty that only Summer weather allows for, including swimming. We need this warmth and accelerated growth to turn the Northwoods into a lush and beautiful area, one that is hard to believe was covered in snow not that long ago. Because too soon the frost and then freeze will return, and many plants will begin to prepare for dormancy. There is only a short window where we can slip in delicate plants, like tomatoes and squash etc... The danger of a late frost keeps most of us only from planting our delicate plants until after June 15th-18th depending on the forecast. If we want to get a headstart on delicate plants or we buy plants instead of seeds, we usually keep them in pots that can be brought inside before that, if frost threatens. We usually won't get our first frost that puts an end to the delicate plants until some time in September, but hopefully not until mid-October. The hearty crops grow fine, as long as they are started early enough and picked before it gets too hot, because when it gets hot they have a tendency to go right to seed. If more hardly plants are needed, we replant for a Fall picking. This year is another year of rearranging our yards and gardens, which we did not manage to do earlier because of the late cold, lots or rain and slow thaw of the snow. Then suddenly so much happened at once. We have been rearranging things now, differently than we intended, so we have to rework our plans. Changes required that we use the place we had intended for the new garden area. So we will probably do a potted garden again this year and try preparing for next year's garden spa,ce this Fall. Taking it day by day and as it comes, no matter what we had planned, is about all we can do. Trusting in Jesus to see us through and praying for His wisdom, first and foremost, is the highest priority. We cannot know what will happen, but He does. And there is always an answer, even it takes quite a bit of prayer and creativity to make it happen. Stay strong! Pray, plan and work, but be flexible so you do not break under the unexpected complications when they arise. NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

June 1, 2026 7:27 pm

June 1, 2026, the 152nd day of 2026 More to be Desired Than Gold I learned these verses first by singing them, and I it takes effort to read them, without singing them. But since the Psalms were me... View More

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Nelani Nettrour

May 31, 2026 8:00 pm

May 31, 2026, the 151st day of 2026 Blue Moon and Ponderings Today is the second full moon in May, a Blue Moon. There are other ways that a Blue Moon is counted, but thr 2nd full moon of the month ... View MoreMay 31, 2026, the 151st day of 2026 Blue Moon and Ponderings Today is the second full moon in May, a Blue Moon. There are other ways that a Blue Moon is counted, but thr 2nd full moon of the month is the easiest one for most people to remember. It is not that rare to have a Blue Moon, they are frequent enough over the years, but it is still fun to keep track of them. As we need to keep an eye on the phases of the moon for planting different kinds of plants and other gardening work, we notice these kind of phases. We also enjoy getting pictures are going outside to enjoy the beauty of the sky, both day and night. God placed the sun the moon and the stars into the sky, and gave them to us for multiple purposes beyond light. "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth,' and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day." Genesis 1:14-19 I love the fact that God spoke light into our world on day one, even before He created the sun, the moon and the stars etc. God gave our world day and night even before He gave those He would create a way of reckoning time. And He used the night and day to count the days of creation and make our week. Using night and day for one day, and seven of them for one week started at the very beginningof creation. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 Besides the fact that night and day sets up the counting of our days, the movement of the Earth in relation to the sun gives us our seasons because of its unique tilt and rotation. God really takes care of so many things that we take for granted. I sing along with David these words: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." Psalms 19:1-3 Stay strong! Let the glory of the skies sing the praises of God in your heart! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

May 30, 2026 6:33 pm

May 30, 2026, the 150th day of 2026 Finally a Farm Swap We finally had a farm swap again! It was a little one, a little start to get it going. A lot of bigger cities in the area had one as well to... View MoreMay 30, 2026, the 150th day of 2026 Finally a Farm Swap We finally had a farm swap again! It was a little one, a little start to get it going. A lot of bigger cities in the area had one as well today, so they had quite a bit of competition. But it is a good location for a lot of people in the area, especially ones that don't have enough to sell at the bigger venues, or don't want to travel that far to look for additions to their farm. And knowing there is a place to sell close by, more farmers who do not have a lot to sell, can sell there. It is why local Farmers' Markets work so well. They are able to bring together farmers selling there produce, whether weekly or here and there, during the seasons it is open. Farmers can plan for it. Local areas work best for local farmers. There will be at least three more farm swaps this year, so that will give time to get it worked out, and see if anything needs to be changed for next year. Today there were not that many farmers selling, but we did get an adult female turkey for our Tom, which we were happy to find. It really was an answer to prayers. Most turkeys in the area are raised for meat. Those birds get fat and heavy and don't live very long. This one was perfect as we raise ours for eggs. Besides, having the Tom turkey strutting his stuff is just so spectacular and he needs his female. And God knew that! We made some contacts with those selling, which is always a useful thing between fellow farmers. I am so glad that someone took the initiative to get this thing going. I look forward to going to each one and checking out what they have, even if we are not in the market for anything in particular thst month. It is good to have that opportunity. It was a great event for us. It did not need to be large for us to find our turkey. It just needed the right vendor. It was a blessing to be able to find what we needed and to share information with one another. Our Tom looked so happy to meet his lady. And though she will need time to feel comfortable in her new location before they can hang out together, he knows that she is here. Farming may be hard work with long hours and the unexpected happens so often that it becomes normal, still it is a blessed life, a full life. It is the kind of life that keeps us connected to God as we deal with His wondrous creation and all the ups and downs of it! Stay strong! Cherish your slice of God's creation. NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

May 29, 2026 4:53 pm

May 29, 2026, the 149th day of 2026 Twin Baby Goats Yesterday was a pretty full day on the farm and off, but it wasn't complete when we had started to settle in with only evening chores to be done, ... View MoreMay 29, 2026, the 149th day of 2026 Twin Baby Goats Yesterday was a pretty full day on the farm and off, but it wasn't complete when we had started to settle in with only evening chores to be done, because mama goat went into labor. Though it was getting late, almost 8:30 pm, it was not too late for us to be a part of it. Some goats will start labor at night, but not deliver until the next morning. But her labor was steady and we knew it wouldn't be long. My daughter helped in all stages. Though mama needed no help in delivery, mamas always do better with someone there cheering them on and encouraging them. And though mama did a good job in cleaning the first baby's face and licking her clean, there was another one the way that was demanding her attention. Another beautiful baby girl! So, my daughter continued to towel dry the first baby, while also getting ready for the next. I had been there with them before the babies were born, with our little buckling--who still had not settled in with the other goats--and mama's daughter and grandson who wanted to be in the midst of it. I kept them out, being the door for a while, as it was easier to keep the door open for conversation and if any help was needed by my daughter. But as our little goat was having a rough time with all the excitement, and my son had come home from work, I took baby boy in, and left them to their work, continuing to pray. I went inside with him, wrapped him in his towel blanket and he settled down to sleep almost immediately. It was too much excitement for such a late night for a baby goat used to playful days and quiet nights. It was about 8:50 then. It had been a strange night for him, going out when it was starting to get dark to play with the other goats. And those goats were not really interested in him. They were trying to get back into the coop and were jumping and hoping around. Then pictures came through from my daughter of the babies!!! So beautiful!!! When the twins were dried off and mommy and babies settled in, her daughter and grandson were moved to another coop for the night. Then my daughter got me to come and visit the babies. It was dark, but still nice out, and dry, which really helped with all the outside time, and the back and forth to the house. The sky was clear and stars were shining. The waxing moon--which in 2 days will be a Blue Moon--was rising between the trees. It was peaceful out and gorgeous. And the babies are so adorable! As I was finishing up this post, a duckling hatched, a cute little friend and snuggle buddy to the single gosling that was hatched by a duck 3 days ago. Good timing mama duck! Stay strong! Babies, babies everywhere! Not only on farms but in the nature around you. NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

May 28, 2026 8:42 pm

May 28, 2026, the 148th day of 2026 The Greens and Blues of the Northwoods There is something otherworldly to the vibrant greens and blues of the Northwoods, in this time of Spring growth with Summe... View More

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