Thank you Joe Back for noting in the August 25 edition, “A Look Back,” that Chapman Park was donated to the city of Stanley 100 years ago. I would think that local historians should celebrate the donation in some fashion. I personally think it deserves a celebration, as Chapman Park is one the Stanley’s gems. Perhaps in 2023, all of our Stanley celebrations can be headlined with “Stanley Rodeo Truck Pull At Beautiful Chapman Park Celebrating Its 100th Birthday.” “Stanley Lions Watermelon Festival At Beautiful Chapman Park Celebrating Its 100th Birthday.” *** Recently, I drove to Loyal for a meeting. What a wonderful journey as I passed field after field of corn and soybeans that look extremely good. The rains in our area have been timely. The corn cobs have formed nicely and are now filling out and the soy beans look lush. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin farmers have planted 4 million acres of corn and 2.25 million acres of soybeans. The acres planted in corn is about the same as in 2021, but the acres of soybeans is up about 150,000 acres. Hopefully, our areas’ corn and soybean crops can be harvested with good results, as some areas in Wisconsin and nationwide are suffering from lack of rain. *** The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture has also reported that potatoes were planted on an estimated 65,000 acres, down 4,000 acres. Types of potatoes planted were 44 percent Russet, 41 percent White, 10 percent Red and 5 percent Yellow. All the potato manufacturers in the Stevens Point/Plover area are going to be producing less, or bringing in potatoes from other nearby states. +++ We traveled on Interstate 39, south of Stevens Point, on Thursday, August 25 and noticed that a considerable number of the potato fields have already been harvested. Potatoes are one of the earliest crops planted so I guess it is harvest time. +++ In 2021, less honey was produced in Wisconsin. Wisconsin beekeepers produced 1.97 million pounds, down from 2.25 million pounds in 2020. Total U. S. honey production dropped 14 percent to 126 million pounds in 2021. *** Speaking of harvesting I am told the elderberries are being picked by the wine and jam makers. I remember all the wine my grandmother made – elderberry and dandelion wine were her specialties. *** On Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30, we were able to spend a few more days away. This time we spent our time in the Sparta – La Crosse area. We had beautiful weather both days and did mostly visiting historic sites, visiting an old friend and had two delightful food treats. Over the course of two days we visited what is called, “The Wegner Grotto: A Grassroots Art Environment.” The sculptures on this plot of land were made with cement embedded with broken pieces of glass from colored bottles, stones, and sea shells. The major pieces include a Bench, Star, Heart, Flag, Glass Church, Well, Peace Monument, Pulpit, and Prayer Garden. The structures were the work of Paul and Matilda Wegner, self-taught artists, and were constructed between 1929 and 1942. In 1986, the Kohler Foundation acquired the site and restored the art environment. Other places visited included the Monroe County Local History Room and Museum, Grandad Bluff, which offered an overview of La Crosse and the expansive Mississippi River, a visit to the Franciscan Sister’s Motherhouse, which offers tours of the Mary of the Angels Chapel constructed in 1906 and its Perpetual Adoration Chapel. These are all historic sites for those interested in local history. Our food treats included dinner at our favorite La Crosse Supper Club – Diggers Sting and a mid-morning stop at Meringue Bakery and Cafe in downtown La Crosse, owned by award winning Stanley native Jen Barney, the daughter of Martino’s in Stanley owners, Ron and Karen Haas. All I can tell you is that you will not be sorry if you order an almond croissant and any of a wide selection of beverages. Our travels concluded with a drive along the Mississippi River and lunch at a little riverside cafe, before taking scenic by ways as we headed east towards home. It’s always nice to go and always nice to be back home! *** On Saturday, August 27, family and friends of Joyce Boie helped her celebrate her 90th birthday. The gathering took place in the dining area of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where Joyce is still an active member. A large lawn sign, near the churches’ entrance, greeted Joyce and her guests, and wished her a Happy 90th Birthday. Early morning risers, who passed the church on Saturday viewed the sign, which must have been placed during the evening hours. Besides her church activities, Joyce enjoys playing cards with friends and is a long time member and supporter of the Stanley Area Historical Society. *** Wild rice is one of my favorite dishes at Thanksgiving. I am sure most of the time I eat commercially grown wild rice, but I have had true wild rice harvested in Northern Wisconsin waters by Natives. It is truly a great dish. I read recently that there are more than 300 wild rice waters in Wisconsin and most do not have opening and closing harvest dates. However, on some lakes the opening and closing dates are regulated jointly by the Wisconsin DNR and the Great Lakes Indian, Fish and Wildlife Commission. Those lakes have postings that must be followed. Harvesting wild rice is only allowed with a permit. It is illegal to harvest wild rice in any area of the state between sunset and 10 am. Wild rice maturity ranges from late August through September, across the state and differs by water body and rice beds within them. Those are lucky who are a friend of Stanley Native Ron Fandry, as he is knowledgeable on all things Native! Ron knows where the best wild rice beds are located. *** Smile time. There are many theories on why humans even need to sleep, but I’m pretty sure it’s to charge our phones. +++ A retired guy was often asked, “What do you do now that you’re retired?” He would say, “Well, I don’t have much of a chemical background but one of the things I enjoy the most is turning beer into urine!” +++ When Wanda Sue, the Buckhorn waitress was married, she decided to join the church choir. From time to time she would practice while she was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Whenever she would start in on a song, her husband would head outside to the porch. Wanda Sue, with hurt feelings said, “What’s the matter?” Don’t you like my singing?” He replied, “Honey, I love your singing, but I just want to make sure the neighbors know I’m not beating you.” +++ A guy walks into a bar and sees a dog playing poker. The guy is amazed that the dog is playing poker. “Bartender is that a real dog playing poker?” the guy asks. “Yep, real as can be,” the bartender relies. “Well, is he any good?” the guy asks. “Nah, Every time he has a good hand he wags his tail.”