Author Archives: Julie-Ann Baumer

Manitowoc Calling

For the last three weeks, I’ve received an unknown call on my cell phone.  The call comes in at the same time every day, but I never answer it. Manitowoc Calling.  That’s what I think every time I see it … Continue reading

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Apfelmus Uber Alles

“Applesauce for Everyone.”  That was the title of a Cook’s Illustrated magazine article in their “Fall Harvest Recipes” special edition.  Publishers are still publishing magazines and twice in the last year, I’ve impulsively thrown Cook’s Illustrated on the conveyor belt behind … Continue reading

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Pour Me a Glass of That, Buddy

The verb “collaborate” is popular today.  It’s primary definition, according to Merriam-Webster, means to “work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.”  Yet according to a search engine “use over time” chart, the word is approaching “peak … Continue reading

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The Politics of Coffee

Boom! It’s August 7, 2020 and I’m up at the crack of dawn drinking coffee and listening to a British band I discovered in college, The Jam.  Thanks be to the masters of the universe!  Today, I can stream all … Continue reading

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Pretty Ugly

The other day, an acquaintance on Facebook posted this: “If only people could see the advantages of wearing a mask.  Not related to the novel coronavirus.  You can stick out your tongue at rude people; you can mumble comments to … Continue reading

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The Moose Lottery

I got a letter from my brother the other day.  Apparently, he’s sequestered in his basement during this “unprecedented time.”  When he takes a break from his guitar, he writes a letter.  It’s been fun catching up with each other … Continue reading

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The Bluebirds of Happiness

Maybe you didn’t grow up Catholic (or Anglican or Lutheran), so you are not familiar with the Easter Vigil.  It’s a long service, beginning at sundown.  The church is dark and the priest lights a fire outside and then lights … Continue reading

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Palm Sunday 2020

Let us consider that Friday, March 13, 2020 was the beginning of The Apocalypse here in the United States.  What were you doing on that day?  Little more than three weeks ago, yet I cannot remember what I was doing.  … Continue reading

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The Apocalypse Brisket

Friday was the first full day of Spring.  It was overcast and damp; unlike many of my fellow Americans, I got paid. I did the duties of the intellectual sweatshop to the best of my ability, taking occasional breaks to … Continue reading

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The Conundrum

February came and went; we even had an extra leap year day.  I sat down last night and tried to write a February blog post about the benefits of “getting outside” every single day.  For 60 consecutive days, I have … Continue reading

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