Judith Sutherland: Honoring a good-natured neighbor

If Emerson had not lived and died in the 1800s, I would have sworn he was writing his success credo about Bill Cameron. Cameron takes the very first one of these points and lives it full-tilt.

Part III Looking back offers perspective

“We are each feeling quite alone and low now. For what is a home without a mother?” — Alexander Smalley, 1894 Part III The next best thing to a diary has proven to be a series of annual ledger books kept by my paternal grandmother, given to me by my father. Record keeping The fragile [...]

Part I: Grandmother’s influence on family

“My mother was deeply conscientious, hopeful, loyal. The land on our farm was beautiful, full of adventure, beckoning. The life there must sometimes, though, have been a heartache to the woman who had the responsibility of feeding, doctoring, inspiring and disciplining a family of nine plus the resident hired men, and all without any of [...]

Summer of surprises won’t be forgotten

Life is full of surprises, each one a chapter in the book that spices up a life. For me, one of the greatest surprises of the year was my son being asked to photograph a June wedding in Big Sky, Mont. Better yet that he was healthy and strong enough to happily accept the job. [...]

Enjoy good old days while you can

While moving my little herd of fainting goats from their pen in the old bank barn, my pair of English Shepherds decided they would help me with the job. I had Blossom on a lead rope, easily moseying along, curious to see where I was taking her. She had her eye on the big pasture ahead, and the rest of my goats followed along like the herd animals they are.

For some, farming can’t be denied

A connection to a plot of ground is difficult to explain to others who have never experienced it, but for a dyed-in-the-wool farm kid, it needs no explanation.

Judith Sutherland: Local, farm-fresh food is the best

I have always enjoyed conversation with those who enjoy growing as well as hunting their own food. There is an insight that goes beyond the typical, because for each of them, this became a conscious choice at some point in their lives.

Lyme disease: Learn this lesson from Janet (or me)

“I was a strong, hardworking woman raising a family, helping my husband with his business, mowing four acres of yard every week, gardening and holding a job. I felt like superwoman. But as time wore on, so did my health.”

— Janet DeCesare,

from Ticked Off

What do you mean my name is Judith?

Some can say that they come from a dash of royal heritage, others can claim a background family tree filled with military heroes. Me? I come from a long line of nicknames. When my parents were youngsters, each had been given a pet family name. Dad was his parents’ first born in 1932, and his [...]

Yes, I’ll gladly blow out my candles

I try to embrace the gift of another birthday, the gift of each and every day, really. I try to celebrate for those who didn’t get to grow older along with us, while holding them dear in treasured memories.