Minnesota

by

Oles’ White Lutefisk

Oles’ White Lutefisk
And The Legend of the Singing Coyotes

A long, long time ago, before the Hudson Bay trappers explored Minnesota’s vast prairie and timber, before all the beaver were driven from the cool valley streams, Minnesota was inhabited by the Dakota Sioux, the Ojibwa, and the Winnebago. For as far as the eagle can see, the grasslands and forest spread across the prairie, providing sustenance for all manner of living creatures. The drums, flutes, and rhythmic songs of the ancient tribes echoed in the evening skies, comforting all that wandered through the land, eating and drinking only what was needed from the land of their fathers and their father’s fathers.

Into this paradise walked Ole with his cow and wooden cart, squeaking and squawking, wandering about. Past deer trails and river beds, he sang as he strolled, of his memories, his daydreams, his life on this road.

Ya sure, you betcha
I’ve come a long, long way
Cross the sea I sailed…
Uff-da Norway’s so far, far away!

Sweet land of brown bread
Where lutefisk’s served
A gift for the senses
Homes’ aroma preserved

Here the rivers are deep
The valley’s so wide
Don’tcha know day after day
My song is my guide

Ya sure, you betcha
I’ve come a long, long way
Cross the sea I sailed…
Uff-da Norway’s so far, far away!

 

To be continued…

©2021 cj holm

by

Minnesota Tall Tale

Oles’ White Lutefisk
And The Legend of the Singing Coyotes

A long, long time ago, before the Hudson Bay trappers explored Minnesota’s vast prairie and timber, before all the beaver were driven from the cool valley streams, Minnesota was inhabited by the Dakota Sioux, the Ojibwa, and the Winnebago. For as far as the eagle can see, the grasslands and forest spread across the prairie, providing sustenance for all manner of living creatures. The drums, flutes and rhythmic songs of the ancient tribes echoed in the evening skies, comforting all that wandered through the land, eating and drinking only what was needed from the land of their fathers and their father’s fathers.

On this day walked Ole with his cow and wooden cart, squeaking and squawking, wandering about. Past deer trails and river beds, he sang as he strolled, of his memories, his daydreams, his life on this road.

Ya sure, you betcha
I’ve come a long, long way
Cross the sea I sailed…
Uff-da Norway’s so far, far away!
Sweet land of brown bread
Where lutefisk’s served
A gift for the senses
Homes’ aroma preserved
Here the rivers are deep
The valley’s so wide
Don’tcha know day after day
My song is my guide
Ya sure, you betcha
I’ve come a long, long way
Cross the sea I sailed…
Uff-da Norway’s so far, far away!

To be continued…

©2020 cj holm
by

My Prairie Garden

This is the second year of my one acre prairie restoration project I have been working on in my yard. Last year’s step one was to cut down weeds and then break the soil to plant a Minnesota blend of prairie grass and wild flowers. This year will involve hand weeding and removing any noxious weeds (like ragweed and Canadian thistle) and allowing the grasses and wild flowers to gain a hold on the land.

So far I have noticed 4-5 different varieties of grasses along with some annual flowers that have sprouted. I am expecting some perennials and bi-annuals to begin showing up this fall for next year’s flowering.

I am expecting the garden to start maturing in 3-5 years.

Already I have noticed more birds and butterflies in the area along with a number of rabbits and critters to take advantage of the tall cover.

This fall I will add some small berry and honey suckle bushes to attract even more wildlife.

Below are a few pictures from my new prairie garden.

Prairie 2

7/2/2019 Wild Yarrow

7/2/2019 Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

7/2/2019 Black Eyed Susan

Prairie 6

7/2/2019 Native Grasses

Prairie 5

7/2/2019 Foxtail

Prairie 4

7/2/2019 Switchgrass

Prairie 3

7/2/2019 Foxtail