About The River

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Wisconsin Cotton Year Two

 

 My friend L gifted me cotton seed last year. I wrote a post about it 2025 Cotton in case you want to read the birth of Wisconsin cotton. 

Well that cotton grew, but did not form its pods until late in the year. I brought the plant inside for the winter. Two cotton bolls were harvested. 

The plant wintered well, so this spring I potted on the plant into a larger pot.

Thanks to our hot and humid summer. I am going to have a bumper crop of Wisconsin cotton this year. 


 

Cotton flowers... as the flower matured it changed color.

 

 

Cotton pods are forming. 

 


 

More cotton pods.

 


 

Before the pod, came the flower. The flower started out yellow/white. 

 

 


 

Year two of the cotton plant.

 


The below photos are from the start of the cotton plant in 2025. 

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

A Morning Glory Hodgepodge

 

It never fails, the last week of August the morning glories will start to bloom.

 

Happy September Friends and now it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 

 1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

 
My husband and I wanted to go on a canoe trip on the Red Cedar River.  We have our route planned out for the day trip, including the place we plan to eat after.
 It will have to wait until next year.
 
 
 2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 
 
We had assigned seats in my school district growing up. I never had a choice. Although I did get moved a few times after the teacher found out they had placed me by a friend and we would not stop talking. Hee Hee!
I loved Biology, sign me up. 
 
 3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? 
 
A teacher who can understand that we are not all cut from the same cookie cutter.
Boys will be boys. As a mom to boys, boys learn differently than girls. And that is the same with girls. If a teacher can TRULY understand that.. High Fives!
 
  4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 
  
I have not eaten grits. But I just clipped a recipe out calling for them. The question is will I make the recipe. 
 
 5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 
 
Lake Superior
 
This past weekend we were with several people who had never visited Lake Superior. They were in awe. She is mighty and beautiful.
 
 

 
  6. Insert your own random thought here. 
 
Happy Morning Glory Day to You! 

 


Tuesday, September 1, 2026

In a Homemade Happy Life

 

Stuffed Squash

Hello Friends,

Not sure I want to heat up the kitchen, we currently are at 90 degrees as I write this on the last day of August. I am ready for a cold north wind and the comfort foods that autumn brings.  

Taco Soup

 

Nachos

 

I open the door to the oven - warmed kitchen and smell my childhood ... a happy homemade happy life!

 

Wishing you a beautiful September. 

Can you believe I just wrote September?