Chris Hardie

Remembering the poor farm

It was a quiet afternoon with gray skies that threatened rain when I stepped into the Jackson County Poor Farm Cemetery.

Ladies and gentlemen…the beetles

It’s as certain as the trees changing colors and the inevitable decline towards winter – the annual invasion of the Asian lady beetles.

Seasons are just a guideline

I learned a long time ago that we don’t live in a black-and-white world and the choices between right and wrong or good and evil are often veiled in shades of gray – no matter what the political ads say.

Hickory tree tells story

In the middle of one of my ridgetop clearings stands a large shagbark hickory tree that’s nearly 100 feet tall.

Making cider and making memories

It’s apple harvest season with community festivals celebrating the fruit and many commercial orchards open for picking and family fun.

Corn moving to maturity

Fall is officially here and farmers will soon be busy bringing in the harvest of corn and soybeans as the growing season comes to an end.

Goldenrod and more bridges

It’s tempting to proclaim the lawn and garden season over as we creep closer to fall, but the work remains even after the growing season ends.

The stories of bridges

I’ve always been fascinated with bridges, ever since as a youngster our family drove across the Mackinac Bridge for the first time.

Nessie and party lines

Even in a divisive world that will become even more so between now and the November election, there’s always room for a little kindness.