DOWN ON MAIN STREET
HARD TIMES AND EMPTY STOREFRONTS, BUT WE’VE LIVED THROUGH WORSE
by Anne O’Conor
Paula Eckern stands at her desk in Buzzy’s, in downtown Viroqua, and ticks off her list of deliveries for the week—Viroqua,

Keeping abreast by Anne O'Connor

When I first heard about a mom being asked to cover up her nursing baby at the library, I cringed. (See page 6.) First, because of the ramifications for that woman, that baby, the whole of breastfeeding. And, honestly, because I knew I would have to write about librarian Shirley Creager, who’s always been friendly and helpful to me, my kids and everyone else I’ve seen her interact with. She’s a good, kind woman.

Cover-up exposed
Breastfeeding in public a touchy issue
by Anne O’Connor

The medical world is notorious for contradicting itself about what is really the healthiest way to live. But in this highly contentious field, one area of universal agreement stands out: Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby.

There is no opposition here because the research is solid and clearly weighted in favor of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding babies and moms are healthier than those who don’t breastfeed, both while nursing and in terms of the child’s long-term health.

The bridges are coming
county parks regain their footing
by Theresa Washburn

Rung Hollow, Duck Egg, Esofea, Jersey Valley, Sidie Hollow. Ask anyone outside Vernon County to identify these locations, or even guess to what these proper names refer, and the air around that question will likely fall silent. But around here, “I was at Sidie today” can mean boatfuls.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A MAIN STREET UPDATE

The improbable journey
Preparing for the Mad-town two-wheeled challenge
by Leigh Anders

The snow is gone, the roads are clear and cycling season has begun here in the Driftless region. Even for me, the woman still haunted by flashbacks of the great Big Wheel smash-up of 1972 with the scars (okay, scar) to prove it. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not the most experienced cyclist, unlike my husband Darrell, who most likely pedaled his way out of the womb.

Mai oh mai
First as daughter, then as Mom
by Ann Morrison

The first time I recall hearing the words “Syttende Mai” was when I was in first grade and eavesdropping on a conversation my father was having with his best friend Hank. They were talking about a new festival in Westby. I was enjoying the early May sun, doing cartwheels in the front yard of our cabin in Ferryville, Wisconsin, with its magnificent view of the Mississippi.

Show stopper
Cranes sing, dance, mesmerize
by Rebecca Wainscott

I didn’t know about cranes until I moved to the Kickapoo Valley. My first sighting was on one of those side roads off Highway 131 just south of La Farge, in a wetland area close to the Kickapoo River. It was early spring, and the cranes were stepping slowly through the reeds and cattails, barely visible. I’d heard enough to know these were sandhill cranes, looking for a place to nest.

My parents? My bed? Setting loving limits

Dear Prudence:
I want to know how you handle people using land irresponsibly. I know people who raise animals that are of no use to anyone. They don’t provide meat or milk or eggs, or transportation, or do any work—they just eat grass and waste resources. If I could afford that many acres, I’d be growing food for people! This kind of waste makes me sick. How can I make them see what they’re doing?
—Disgusted

Dear Disgusted:

Jupiter’s retrograde phase begins in May, returning to its current position in December. Jupiter is about expansion and the Great Journey. In retrograde, those energies are turned inward. Interior expansion in a step-by-step, mature way is Jupiter retrograding in Capricorn. Let’s see how and where to find structure to get the results of our deepest desires.