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  • I hope you had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. I walked to Greenmill in downtown St. Cloud MN and had a brunch style meal. I had plenty to eat. I walked back home!
    I mainly watched television.  I took only a 10 minute nap. The walk home must of did me good!  Thank You!
    Hello this is Randy from randlsauthor.com.    A  environmentalist  job is to  be ones  conscience.eLearn More

Life at  the Farmstead  by Randy Schreifels      Inspired by trip to New Salem in Illinois



     He built it with the help of an older and more experienced friend and neighbor Salmon Shields. John Bigelow did. It was his  medium size cabin in the woods.  There was  enough open area for a small field.

     A small sitting and eating area, plus a small kitchen area. The table had drop leaves. There was a folding table against the wall that was used for baking. There was a wood burning cooking stove. There was a small windmill on the roof for the lights. On one side of the cabin, there was a double bed. It was high enough so a lower bed could be rolled under. A tumble bed. 

  Hard times in the 21st Century Economy gave  folks like Bigelow the opportunity   to get back to nature to survive. He found the land on the internet.

    John, a lean, but strong man about 5, 8, 26 years old, gets out of a car. It is owned and driven by a friend and neighbor Salmon Shields. Shields and his wife Bessie are 50  and 48 yrs. old respectively.

Like most folks John's age, he had no car.

     With them is John's Mail new Bride.  Frances Trowbridge, now Mrs. Bigelow. Folks just called her Fanny. She was an Native American with some white blood.  Somewhat tall, plump and plain looking. Yet had an attractive figure. She was honest. She had black hair. It was pulled back in the library look.

  With modern computers, one can see what the other looked like before they saw each other in person.

  On the ride from the wedding, (John had to go on ahead)  Mrs.  Shields gave Fanny some good advice.

  Fanny looked forward to living with John on his land.

     John sweped his bride off her feet with a grunt. She looked startled, but  happily at him through her large size eyeglasses. They were solid black plastic frames with silver metal around the bottom and the nose bridge. .  John bounced his bride vigorously around in his arms.  She laughed hardily. She was in tears of joy. When she beamed her high cheekbones would gently raise her lenses then drop them down. Every time she'd grip the whole frame and adjust her glasses.   When he set her down over the trestle, she removed her glasses briefly to whip them.  She then slowly cleaned her glasses as she scanned the room  in a squint. All without breaking stride.

She placed her glasses back on and said very touched, ``Wow John", This is wonderful. You guys did a beautiful job". John held her a little tighter.

  Fanny was no stranger to farm work, though she never lived in a cabin. She spent her life thus far on her Aunt and Uncle's farm. She loved the work and learnt to be a good cook and baker.

  She put an ad to be a Mail Order Bride. She was guaranteed safety. Yet it was risky. John had to borrow money to get her, but he had plans on how to pay his creditors.  They were both lucky.

  The shields help bring her belongings inside.The Bigelows changed clothes, then John showed her the rest of the farmstead. There was a small animal barn for the mule team and a Holstein-Friesian milking cow.There was a hay barn above and two small bins for gain and dry nuts or and fruit. There was an adjacent shed for a few hogs complete with a farrowing crate and a chicken coop. There was enough laying chickens to keep them supplied and have extra to sell. There was a corn crib also. There were also ducks and geese from the nearby brook. A man made pond with constant running water circulation from the brook brought the ducks and geese to the barnyard. The following water and the birds help keep the mosquitoes down. . There were a couple of Purple Martin houses for the same purpose.

  John bartered for the animals and birds. 

     They went back to the cabin where the Shields were patiently waiting. They drove the Bigelows to a lakeside resort that was ideal for a honeymoon. The neighbors watched the farmstead during the two day reservation. They relaxed and had fun on their honeymoon.

     When the Bigelows returned they set out for work. John checked  his tools. The farm was too small with too many trees for  regular machinery, so they used wide spaded hoes and other hand tools. Fanny picked out a good place for a garden. Much of what they planted could be within the shade of the trees. Sweet corn was planted at different times. In fact the whole garden was rotatable. Before Fanny came Bessie Shields grew her early garden food and gave the Bigelows the extras.From now on  Fanny could grow her own early  and late crops.  Taller plants could

     It has been awhile!  Now I got something more to say.  I saw this guy ride a small motor scooter.  Yes, motor scooter on the 5th Avenue sidewalk turning on to University Drive' s sidewalk.  This is what what you get when you allow bicycles on sidewalks.   Thank You!

   I am in the process  of revising my book, Simply Short Stories.    There will be illustrations .    Autumn is here and the colors are changing. How beautiful.  Lets pray for many things like peace and the environment .     

      Saturday October 19, 2024    On Wednesday, October 9, I woke up early in the morning.  I found out that Amtrak was going to be on time.  I called Go-Go Grandparents who got a cab for me.  I rode it to the St. Cloud Amtrak Depot. I was dropped off at the back which I was hoping-something different then being dropped off in from.  Those doors were locked from the inside. I had to go around the front door.  Back doors did open from the inside.  After a not too long wait the train did come.   I got a nice window seat.  I went out for breakfast in the Cafe Car. I spent time in the Observation Car and my seat.       More on another day.    Monday afternoon perhaps.  

Monday October 21,2024, I arrived at Union Station in Chicago that afternoon. I killed time in the Great  Hall.  They were doing major overhauling.  We were funneled through posted walkways.  The hall's benches were scattered .   When we got on,  pretty much on time, I got my first roomette ever.  I settled in and order my supper which I ate in the Diner Car .  Was good.  I slept well.  Meditate on the movement of the train.   More next time!

Tuesday October 22, 2024        At the Pitsburg Station , we had to wait, not a too big of a spell to catch the next Amtrak Train.  The Capitol Limited.   It was early morning, around 7:00 or 8:00 hour.  That was a coach only train. No Observation Car. They did have a cafe car.  I had a window seat all to my own.  A lot of America to view.  A lot of miles to Harrisburg PA.   I killed time at the station.  It is a huge building.  I used video to capture an image.  I walked out to the proper bus stop to catch the 15N Rabbit Bus to Gettysburg.  An hour passed and no bus.  I asked at least one other Rabbit Bus. The driver said " traffic was heavy.  It was becoming kinda scary.  A small Rabbit Express Bus came along and notice I was wearing a Gettysburg hoodie.  I was in luck and eventually I got.

        I walked my pack on my back, roughly ten blocks to my lodging and checked in.  I thought I locked myself with faulty door, but I absently secured the bolt.

        I walked out to find a grocery store to buy a sandwich, oranges and a bottle of corn syrup to take home for making cookies on another day.  I had to settle with a 7-11 Store. I got a sandwich and three apples and no corn syrup.  I walked back to the lodging and settled in.  This was October 10.

          The next morning ,  October 11,  I did morning routines . I stop off at the office and got one pack of pastry.  Your allowed only one a day along as you stay. It had an effect on me afterwards, I think.  It did save money. I enjoyed it in my room while I watched television, catching the weather. I went to the library and updated my E-mail. I surely stopped at a couple places.  I ate lunch at the Blue & Gray Bar& Grill.  I ate outside.  It was delicious. I walked just a few blocks to G's Ice Cream.  They sold old fashion ice cream.  I did not see the horses and carriage, but quickly saw it  nearby around the back.  I made it.  I went along with five others and the guide on the horse and carriage ride to view of the Kulp's  Hill Battlefield area.  I enjoyed it greatly.  We got to get off twice for closer looks.  And a bathroom call for those who needed it. The tour was 2 hours and 7minutes.  I was not the only one that did, but I had one of the drivers shoot me with the horses and carriage.  

         I took a short nap on a small memorial park across from G's Ice Cream.  I walked over to G's and had a double scoop Waffle Cone Ice. Root Beer flavor. It was huge and delicious. I sat down and enjoyed it . It isn't  like I had such things everyday.  

    I have to keep you coming back. So that all for now.

 

 

October 23, 2024 Continuing on October 11.   I did some exploring at this time.  I do not have my diary on me, just notes to clarify.  But that evening, I ate supper a Farnsworth Inn. I ate outside.  I had a beer with my meal.  There was no valence for their fine dining.  Perhaps next time I visit, I'll do it on line.   

      I eventually walk to the 7-11 and landed up buying a jerky stick.   I listened to a few songs from Jack Funk.  By the time they set.  I know it takes time.   I had walk back to my lodging and settle down to bed.

 October 12, 2024;  I did my morning routines and ate my breakfast pastry.   I believe I watched television at this time. Waiting to brush my teeth one hour after eating.  I walked to the place I thought I was to meet my tour guide.  I got in with a wrong group.   Well to make it short, it was my bad. I did have a good tour anyways. 

      I ate lunch at Farnsworth Tavern. This time I ate inside.  I thought inside or outside, but I was spotted.  It was a neat  looking place anyways.  Meanwhile, I tried to returned the call from the lady tour guide I was suppose to and what to be with. One of the reasons it was my bad.    More next time.

October 24, 2024;  I briefly walked back to my lodging. I took along my walking stick and headed down the Emmitsburg  Rd.   I revisited battlefield marker.  With some asked help, I found the moment for the 1st Minnesota .  Was on my Bucket List. 

        I walked back to my lodging to drop off  my walking stick.  I believe I napped earlier.   Well anyways.  I did some more exploring . I ate outside at Hunt's Battlefield Fries & Cafe and had a simple burger.  ( I just looked them up for a proper name and they will be closing for good in November. )

      October 13 was a warm day;    I walked down the street and attended Mass at Francis xavier  Church.  I walked back to the lodging. I brushed my teeth and did whatever else. I journeyed out again.  I found an old fashion brick house with a brick porch with a couple of rocking chairs to invite you to sit down. So I did.  I haven't done something like that in a long time. Just relaxed and watched the traffic, auto and pedestrian.  I then continues on another walking tour.  Almost another wrong one.  It was with a man.  I was at the right place.  Jerry looked it up and said my was with Ted who was just outside.  He was the one who texted me.  I went one on one with him and he showed me the less known.  It was a enjoyable 90 minute tour.   Well next time.

October 25, 2024;  It was time for lunch.  I could not make it to Dobbin's  by 11:30 to have lunch downstairs in their tavern.  I had to be put on the waiting list. I walked back to my lodging.  I believe I would have brushed my teeth.  I have taken advice on brushing my teeth one hour after eating.  I took a nap also.

        I walked back to Dobbin's  and waited at their outdoor liquor  stand. I was call in earlier than I thought .   I was to sit at the bar. A good place to eat.  I had a wonderful lunch.   Imaging a 18th to19 Century tavern .  Under candle light,  which was done safely. More later.

        October 26, 2024;   After lunch, I went to the Gift  Shop and bought a small bottle of Sarsaparilla  just sitting outside the door in the hallway.  Everything in water. The clerk whips my bottle with a paper towel and except my money as usual. I walk out and find out that there were paper towel out there to do it myself.  My bad!  I sat down on their outdoor benches and slowly enjoyed it.  I very seldom drink soda.   I drink them occasionally often months apart.  I drink to enjoy! 

         I walked back to the lodging and grabbed my small amount of laundry and walked to the laundromat.  Mostly underwear and socks.  If I would of brought an extra shirt and had more time, I would have washed my shirt and pants also..   I had to go to nearby McDonald's  for a roll of quarter.  The laundromat had no machine and their office was out of them at this afternoon hours. 

      I dropped my bag off at my logging then walked back to Dobbins.  I was there in plenty of time  and made a reservation for fine dining that even.  Before that I sat on the lonely bench outside the door and took a nap.

       I had a fine Candle Light Dinner with complimentary wine.  It cost me about $48.  I was tempted it but had to past on the dessert.  It is good to spurge once and awhile.

       I  went back to the lodging  and went to bed. I had to get up early. Like  an hour and a half.

       That morning, October 14, 2024; I showered and hurried to pack.  I loaded my large bag on my back and walked to the bus station and after a not too long wait, rode the Rabbit bus back to Harrisburg.  More later!

       

 October 28, 2024;  I spent my time at The Harrisburg Train Station.  I did think until long after that I had the cash to store my bag and do some exploring. Including finding a place for lunch.  I never thought of it.  I got lunch from the store at the depot.  I did save money. Yet.....

      That early afternoon, I did catch the Capitol Limited to Lancaster PA.   More later!

October 29, 2024; I asked direction then walked with my bag on my back to the Holiday Inn on 26 East Chestnut.  I checked in.   I got myself settled. 

      I seek out for the bus depot.  I left the building and turned right to look for Christian.  Queen the bus station is to be nearby  I walked quite a distance.  Saw  nice building.  I walked back to the inn.  I asked the lady at the desk.  She said I'll have to ask the people at the bus station.  " Go out the door and make a left turn and Queen Street will be the next block and the station is a half a block".  So I did.  I saw Christian to the right.  More next time!

  October 31, 2024;  On the morning of October 15, it was cold and windy!  Got nicer later.  I did my morning routines. Ate break at the Imperial, the Inn' s restaurant.   I waited outside at the temporary stop of Gap 21 bus.  The lady driver left the bus longer than she should of .  It left late and almost without me.  With haggling with the driver I got off close to where I needed to go. With ask direction, I was heading south on Ronks Rd to the Strausburg Rail Road and Museum.  I saw much Amish farmland.   It was still harvest time.  There was one field where they were cutting corn stocks by some machine.  The son would grab big arm fulls and lay them on the rack while the daughter drove the horses.  Because the Amish are traditionally camera shy.  I shot from behind.  Probably wouldn't have noticed me anyways.  I regret not using video.  That would of been awesome.  Maybe next time.  I lost count on how many One Horse Amish buggies past by.  Mostly in the morning and more mid afternoon.

     I made to my destination after an hour 15 minutes.  I got there early so I had to wait.  I rode in The Diner Car.  A choice I made.  We received a large pull pork burger, chips and a cookie.  If I expected more than I would of had to pay more.  I was informed of it.  Much of the $49 was for the ride itself.  It was lovely in the Diner Car.  You have to see to believe .  The trip was only 45 minutes.  Half there and half back.  The steam engine which was awesome pulled the train as it backed up.  At the halfway mark, it drove past us to hook up to the other end pull us forward.  I hung around and did more more exploring of the place.  I found out that the museum across the road was closed on Tuesdays. I started walking back.  I got lost. I asked direction three times, taking two right when I should of went left.  I made my way to Lincoln Highway where I could wave down the Gap 21, but I had plenty of time to walk the one to two miles to the Turkey Hill Convenience Store.  I used the restroom and bought a bottle of water.  I called the bus folks,  getting the answer I was hoping.  Just wave the bus down and it will stop.  I napped on the bus.  It was my bad.  I broke my own rules.  You look for address marking, mail boxes , The direction of the sun. Land marks.  There was too few road signs.  I had my compass with me in case there was no sun out.  I assumed too much.  Yet as long as I got back safe, it was an  adventure.   I have to go.  Next time.  

November 4, 2024;  Continuing on October 15,  I got back to the Holiday Inn.  I went up to my room.  Did I take a nap?, I don't  recall.  I did as I earlier mentioned napped on the bus.  I do not have my  diary on hand as I typed this.  I did us the computer in their lobby area. I had to leave it  a few times to use the restroom in my room. I had some catching up to do in my E- mail. I ate supper at their Imperial Restaurant.  

      I went up to my room on the 7th floor.  I watched television while I prepared for bed.  I was hoping to get a good night sleep, but, I kinda pull a muscle in my left hand.  It was not all that more than a slight nuance during the day, but at night it bothered me.  I got up at night. ( had to a couple of times anyways) to take two aspirin.  I later massaged it.

        The next morning, October 16, I showered.  I got some ice and iced  it.   I massaged it time to time.

       I ate breakfast then packed my backpack and then checked out.  I walked back to the train depot.  It did not take long and I did not get lost.  After some waiting in which time I worked in my traveling puzzle book and ate a two part sandwich for lunch ( forgot to put the mayo on half the first one, but did on the second.  They were good.  

         I rode the Capitol Limited 43 west to Pittsburgh PA.   We got on the next train well enough after midnight.  I slept pretty comfortable in my seat in the waiting room.  I slept the rest of the night in a roomette.  Slept good.  

        The next morning, October 17,   I ate my free breakfast in the diner car.  I don't remember what I had.  Surely it was something I don't usually have.  I went to my roomette , relaxed and watch the scenery outside my window.  Morning was a good time for it .  I shot images of the foggy scenery.  Was neat.  There was no mirror reflection.    I have to go.  So as before next time.

November 5, 2024;  We were about an hour late in arriving in Chicago.  Like Lancaster  and Harrisburg,  There was major construction going on.  Perhaps I mention it earlier.  I don't want to scroll up.   The Grand Hall was in disorder due to an upcoming concert.  I ate a healthy lunch out of a machine.  I found out later that the food court was assailable and I did have my beef jerky with me after all.  

        We boarded the West bound Empire Builder on time.  I claimed my roomette and some took my reservation for supper.  

         I killed time in the observation car watching the scenery.  With the mirror reflections.

         I shared a dinner  with an elder couple and an elder lady.  She was surely older than my 67 years.  The two could of been close.  It was a five course meal. bread, An appetizer, an entrant , a small drink of wine, ( any more, you had to pay for the extra) a dessert.   All delicious!  I enjoyed my time with the three.

        I soon went to bed.  I had to get up early.  I roomette was warmer than usual for awhile, things got better.  I slept well.

       The attendant got me up in plenty of time.  I was at the end of the train so when the train arrived in St. Cloud MN,  I had to wait for a few stops before I could get off.  I think I mentioned a short temporary loading platform.    I always seem to get off last.  

        I was able to get an Uber ride through Go Go Grandparents.  And rode it home.  

      I hope you liked my adventures.   I blog when I got something to say.  Thank You for reading! 

Donald Trump will back in office!   That is good for the economy , but he probably sign an executive order against the environment project and setting them back.    I pray  things are too far ahead that he can do no harm.      

     Donald Trump is now back in and I have peace with it.  About the only real concern about it is on the environment.  Perhaps Biden twisted too many arms. but  we can not keep using fossil fuel.  The Conservatives need to encourage a change over to clean energy.  The latter is getting cheaper and cheaper . It has and is increasing more jog.  It is more science type jog.   Is Trump going to go to war on Environmentalist because ultra Conservatives don't like change when we need it like the Liberal who want change when we do not need it.   Hopefully things are too advance for him to do and damage.

      When you watch Meet the Press they show the upcoming pannel talking around a low table.   I don't believe they're talking about political subject, but shoot the breeze.

Just to remind you about my books.   They will interest you.   I am sure I told you that :  My Travels into History"    has a large print version!   Blog again at some time.   Hope had a nice Thanksgiving!

Yes for my books get a hold of Barnes & Noble or Amazon.  I do not have my own computer to take day long request!  Thank You!

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