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Wild Krumpos

Year

1979

68 entries

  1. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Back Porch and Hollow Pillars

    Event Date: 1979–1982 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The back porch was the border between the “house world” and the “farm world.” Inside meant rules, chores, quiet voices, wash your hands. Outside meant mud, goats, Dori, and adventure. But beneath the back porch…

  2. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Chores were religion in our house. Splitting wood, stacking wood, hauling wood

    Chores were religion in our house. Splitting wood, stacking wood, hauling wood — entire weekends swallowed by the rhythm of survival. I didn’t think of it as “character-building” at the time. I thought of it as just life — what…

  3. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Daycare of Grandmothers

    I grew up in the soft perimeter of grandmothers — the ones who stepped in when my parents worked nights. Their houses all had a certain texture: thin curtains that let in the morning light, ceramic knick-knacks, the smell of…

  4. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    For Christmas in 1979, Dad built me a barn.

    For Christmas in 1979, Dad built me a barn. Not a store-bought plastic one — a replica of our family barn, made of wood, with hinged doors and removable roofs over the stalls and hay section so my small hands…

  5. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Goat Days and the Uninvited Tourists

    Every so often, a school would come visit our farm—not because we were a tourist place, but because Mom simply said yes when teachers asked. The farm became a classroom, and I became the odd little resident boy watching strangers…

  6. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Event Date: 1978–1985

    Event Date: 1978–1985 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The pump house sat at the edge of the play yard like a small fortress — concrete walls, a metal door, always a little mysterious. It wasn’t big, barely enough room for an adult to…

  7. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    I got Dori when I was four — a lab puppy, small enough to curl up above my

    I got Dori when I was four — a lab puppy, small enough to curl up above my head on the pillow. She was more than a dog. She was an accomplice. We dug together under the porch, her paws…

  8. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Event Date: 1979–1983

    Event Date: 1979–1983 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The chicken yard sat just beyond the goat pen, a small world enclosed by wire and the rhythmic cluck-cluck-cluck of hens who always seemed to be gossiping. Chickens were ordinary creatures to adults, but to…

  9. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Event Date: 1979–1985

    Event Date: 1979–1985 Drafted: 2025-11-23 We had many goats over the years, each one with its own personality — stubborn, sweet, curious, chaotic. Goats have a certain presence, a mix of holy mischief and old-soul calm that made them endlessly…

  10. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Mean Goose

    Event Date: 1979–1983 Drafted: 2025-11-23 Every farm has one. The tyrant goose. Ours was a grand old gander — white, loud, and irritable. His orange beak was like a warning sign, and his eye had that sharp, prehistoric glint that…

  11. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Pump House: Secret World of Water

    Event Date: 1979–1983 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The pump house sat on the east side of the yard, a small cinderblock structure that hummed with a mysterious mechanical pulse. To adults, it was just the building that kept our well water flowing.…

  12. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Raking leaves was our autumn ritual. The yard was huge, so leaf-raking took

    Raking leaves was our autumn ritual. The yard was huge, so leaf-raking took hours. We rarely talked during it. We didn’t need to. The scraping of the rake on the grass, the rustle of the pile growing, the moment when…

  13. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Riding the Tractor Seat

    Event Date: 1979–1984 Drafted: 2025-11-23 There was nothing in the world like riding on the tractor with Dad. His Allis-Chalmers — that classic orange — didn’t have a buddy seat. No tractor did back then. Kids didn’t need safety rails…

  14. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Event Date: 1979–1984

    Event Date: 1979–1984 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The hay hook was one of the most mysterious objects in the barn — a long iron tool with a wicked curved end used to haul bales or loose hay. To an adult, it was…

  15. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Sand Pile Kingdom

    Event Date: 1979–1982 Drafted: 2025-11-23 If there was one place on the farm that felt entirely mine, it was the sand pile. Not a sandbox — not something purchased, installed, or shaped — but a natural heap of sand and…

  16. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Behind the barn, our land bled into a small patch of woods, not large enough

    Behind the barn, our land bled into a small patch of woods, not large enough to be called a forest but large enough to be a kingdom for a child. There was a path — not official, just a line…

  17. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Memoir Year: around 1978–1981

    Memoir Year: around 1978–1981 Written: 2025 We didn’t have a modern tractor; we had an Allis-Chalmers WD, a bright orange relic that looked like it had rolled out of a 1940s farm calendar. To me, it was enormous—the first machine…

  18. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Event Date: 1979–1982

    Event Date: 1979–1982 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The pigpen sat in the southeast corner of the yard, a little kingdom of mud, wood, and noise. To a grown-up, pigs are just pigs, but to a child — especially a child on a…

  19. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Every childhood house has a threshold space — the in-between of outside and

    Every childhood house has a threshold space — the in-between of outside and inside. Ours was the mudroom. It smelled like: • wet boots • woodsmoke • old coats • the metallic tang of winter air warming too quickly •…

  20. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Tractor Shed

    Event Date: 1979–1984 Drafted: 2025-11-23 The tractor shed always felt like a sacred place — quiet, dim, full of potential energy. It wasn’t really a “shed” so much as a long lean-to attached to the old barn, a structure that…

  21. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Before the structured world of adulthood, before clocks became tyrants, time

    Before the structured world of adulthood, before clocks became tyrants, time was a soft organism. It stretched and folded itself around play. Our backyard had two pear trees, their branches bent with fruit. I remember climbing them barefoot, scratching my…

  22. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Some of our windows didn’t have curtains. Not because we preferred openness

    Some of our windows didn’t have curtains. Not because we preferred openness — because we couldn’t afford them. At night I could see my own reflection, faint and ghostlike, superimposed over the blackness outside. I used to stare at it,…

  23. Monday, January 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    When the fire caught, the woodstove made a sound like an old creature waking

    When the fire caught, the woodstove made a sound like an old creature waking up — metal ticking, creaking, expanding molecule by molecule. It was almost language. The house had a rhythm during winter: • tick tick tick of the…

  24. Tuesday, May 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Mom’s Journal as a Second Camera

    On May 1, 1979, my mom opened a fresh notebook and wrote: “This is to my children, Donny and Helen. Forgive me darlings, for not starting this years ago…” I was four. Helen was two. To us, that journal didn’t…

  25. Tuesday, May 1, 1979

    Here it Starts

    This is to my children, Donny and Helen. Forgive me darlings, for not starting this years ago. Donny is 4 years old and Helen is 2 years old. Thank you God for giving Keith and I two such beautiful children.

  26. Saturday, May 5, 1979

    Saturday, May 5, 1979

    I woke up late this morning. The weather has been miserable. We had rain and snow mixed for the last 2 weeks; the temperature has only been in the 30's and 40's. We (the kids and I) went to town…

  27. Sunday, May 6, 1979

    Sunday, May 6, 1979

    We went to church today that is, we took Donny and Helen to Sunday School. Keith and I went to Ken and Cathy's to see the girls. Seems like we dont hae too much of a chance to get to…

  28. Monday, May 7, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Bedknobs, Broomsticks, and Big Boy Sundaes

    I didn’t know it at the time, but May 7, 1979 was one of those rare days when both of my parents’ calendars lined up and we got something like a holiday. Mom’s journal says: “Today was Keith’s day off……

  29. Monday, May 7, 1979

    Monday, May 7, 1979

    Today was Keith's day off for our whole family — that is always a special day for our whole family. I washed and cleaned in the morning while Keith and the kids were outside. Donny and Helen do love it…

  30. Tuesday, May 8, 1979

    Tuesday, May 8, 1979

    Today is a pretty nice day — very humid though. I had to go to the dentist this morning and Keith came with to see if the chestnuts from our trees were good to eat — he went to the…

  31. Wednesday, May 9, 1979

    Wednesday, May 9, 1979

    We went to take care of Kim and Carrie today. Donny and Helen were really a big help. They really love their little cousins. We didn't get home until 3:45 p.m. so I had to hurry and get ready for…

  32. Thursday, May 10, 1979

    Thursday, May 10, 1979

    Today is such a beautiful day. Debbie came over and got some manure this morning for her garden so Donny and Helen played outside with Aaron. Donny went with Debbie and stayed there until Debbie had to go to work.…

  33. Friday, May 11, 1979

    Friday, May 11, 1979

    Full flower moon tonight.

  34. Sunday, May 13, 1979

    Sunday, May 13, 1979

    I didn't get a chance to write until today so Friday and Saturday aren't done. Today was Mother's Day. I ran downtown and got some cards. Today was sunny for awhile and then we had rain this afternoon. Donny and…

  35. Monday, May 14, 1979

    Monday, May 14, 1979

    It was a beautiful day today just a little on the cooler side but very sunny. We were too tired to do much work today so we went shopping for groceries and also went to K-Mart. Donny got a Superman…

  36. Tuesday, May 15, 1979

    Tuesday, May 15, 1979

    Today was sunny, windy and a little cool. I guess pretty normal for spring time. Helen's cold is still pretty bad but she still had to play outside. I guess the sunshine can't hurt her as long as she's dressed…

  37. Wednesday, May 16, 1979

    Wednesday, May 16, 1979

    Helen was really sick today. All she did was sleep. Aaron came over as did Jason at 11:30 a.m. after school. Debbie had to go to a tea. Donny played outside with the boys and I had to stay in…

  38. Thursday, May 17, 1979

    Thursday, May 17, 1979

    Helen is just a little better, not much. I can't wait until she's over this. I'm not going to work tonight because she has a fever.

  39. Friday, May 18, 1979

    Friday, May, 18 1979

    I called the doctor for Helen today. her prescription won't be ready until later this afternoon. I was late for work so I could go to get her medicine. They stayed by Grandma's tonight until 11:00 p.m.

  40. Saturday, May 19, 1979

    Saturday, May 19, 1979

    Keith didn't have to work today because of rain. Helen's feeling better. Today Kenny, Keith and I went up North to play some music for a birthday party for a friend of Bucky's. Helen stayed by Grandma's and Donny went…

  41. Sunday, May 20, 1979

    Sunday, May 20, 1979

    We didn't go to church today because Helen still isn't the very best and Donny didn't get home from up North until 1:00 p.m. I went to work for 4:00 p.m. so the kids stayed by Grandma's.

  42. Monday, May 21, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Garden Rows and Truck Roads

    Mom wrote on May 21, 1979: “Today was beautiful… We finished our strawberries and raspberries today. Keith also planted some trees. What a great day this was.” And a week or so earlier: “I planted some peas and beans in…

  43. Monday, May 21, 1979

    Monday, May 21, 1979

    Today was beautiful except just a little cool. We went to town to get some plants for the garden. After lunch which we had at the Wildlife Sanctuary, we came home and worked outside the rest of the day. Keith…

  44. Tuesday, May 22, 1979

    Tuesday, May 22, 1979

    Today was really cold. We had light frost last night. I planted some peas and beans in the garden and mowed a little lawn. I was pretty tired from working so hard yesterday. Donny and Helen went by Grandma's because…

  45. Wednesday, May 23, 1979

    Wedneday, May 23, 1979

    Today was very cool and looks like rain. The kids and I stayed in the house — the kids played and I washed clothes. I used the dryer. We're supposed to get frost tonight.

  46. Thursday, May 24, 1979

    Thursday, May 24, 1979

    The sun is shining this morning. I guess it got down to 43 last night. I'm listening to the radio and there was a fire at Packerland Packing Co. last night. There was a 20 year-old boy in Wisconsin that…

  47. Saturday, May 26, 1979

    Saturday, May 26, 1979

    We woke up around 8:00 a.m.. The kids like watching cartoons Saturday mornings. Donny likes Godzilla and Super 7 and Helen likes whatever is on. They both like watching Super Friends, Bugs Bunny and Fantastic Four. I brought Keith to…

  48. Sunday, May 27, 1979

    Sunday, May 27, 1979

    We went to take the kids to Sunday School but when we got there, found out there wasn't any. It was nice (60's) but cool and looks like rain. I cleaned house today and the kids played. I went to…

  49. Monday, May 28, 1979

    Monday, May 28, 1979

    Today was Memorial Day. The weather was really nice. Donny and Helen went by Grandma's this afternoon and I went to Dimick's house with Bucky, Kenny, Cathy, Debbie and Rick, and Lloyd came too. We played music and I had…

  50. Tuesday, May 29, 1979

    Tuesday, May 29, 1979

    Today was beautiful. Keith wasn't going to have an assistant cook today so I went over and helped him with the kids event by Deena I worked until 1:00 p.m. The kids went by Grandma's at 5:00 p.m. because I…

  51. Wednesday, May 30, 1979

    Wednesday, May 30, 1979

    Today looked like rain but it didn't. We planted tomatoes, brocoli and such today. We also planted shrubs. Donny helped water everything. Helen came in and took a nap after lunch and Donny fell asleep on the chair. I got…

  52. Monday, July 30, 1979

    Monday, July 30, 1979

    Boy, I'm sorry I didn't get to write in this for awhile. , but things have been so hectic with work and the garden. My garden is doing quite well considering this is the first year we really had one.…

  53. Wednesday, August 1, 1979

    Wednesday, August 1, 1979

    Today was beautiful. Jason and Aaron came over in the morning. The kids had lot of fun playing . I just heard on the news that President Carter has just receive the power from Congress to have an emergency gas…

  54. Saturday, August 4, 1979

    Saturday, August 4, 1979

    It's really raining today. Keith still had to go to work — I can't understand how people can golf in this weather. The kids watched cartoons this morning. Helen went with me to Dimick's to take care of their animals…

  55. Sunday, August 12, 1979

    Sunday, August 12, 1979

    It seems like the days are going so fast — I just don't get a chance to write in this journal every day. Today was a beautiful day but we got colder temperatures and rain this evening. The kids played…

  56. Monday, August 13, 1979

    Monday, August 13, 1979

    It looked like rain most of the day. Tonight it could get in the 40's — that's really cold for August. Jason and Aaron were over today so the kids had fun playing. I made lots of dill pickles today.…

  57. Friday, August 17, 1979

    Friday, August 17, 1979

    Today was cloudy and coll with rain this morning. Keith and I took the kids to K-Mart this morning to get their pictures taken. Seems like University Ave will never get fixed they have it under construction now. Tower Drive…

  58. Wednesday, September 5, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    Five on the Fifth at the Royal Scot

    Mom’s entry from September 9, 1979: “We celebrated Donny’s birthday last Tuesday the 4th at the Royal Scot. It was really a surprise for Donny… This was the year he was 5 on the 5th that only happens once in…

  59. Sunday, September 9, 1979

    Sunday, September 9, 1979

    It sure is hard trying to find the time to write in my journal everyday but I guess I'll just have to write when I can. We celebrated Donny's birthday last Tuesday the 4th at the Royal Scot. t was…

  60. Sunday, September 23, 1979

    Sunday, September 23, 1979

    Sunday school started last Sunday and the kids love it. This morning Helen said she didn't want to go — I asked her why and she said because she didn't know how to write. Kids think of the darnest things.…

  61. Sunday, September 30, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    First Lessons in Fall

    Mom, September 30, 1979: “Today was just beautiful outside; it was in the 70’s. The leaves are changing colors. I don’t think there could have been a nicer day. The kids and I went to church this morning then we…

  62. Sunday, September 30, 1979

    Sunday, September 30, 1979

    Today was just beautiful outside; it was in the 70's. The leaves are changing colors. I don't think there could have been a nicer day. The kids and I went to church this morning then we went to Hardees for…

  63. Monday, October 1, 1979 · Don Krumpos

    The Night the Bunk Beds Arrived

    Mom’s October 1, 1979 entry: “Today Keith had off so we went to Dad’s and got my old bunk bed set that Kenny and I had when we were very little… We got new mattresses and a Superman blanket for…

  64. Monday, October 1, 1979

    Monday, October 1, 1979

    Today Keith had off so we went to Dad's and got my old bunk bed set that Kenny and I had when we were very little. We got new mattresses and a superman blanket for Donny and Mickey Mouse sheets…

  65. Sunday, October 7, 1979

    Sunday, October 7, 1979

    We had a going away party for Deena and Floyd at the Royal Scot last night. We had a very nice time. This morning the kids and I went to church then stopped by Grandpa and Jenny later and had…

  66. Sunday, October 14, 1979

    Sunday, October 14, 1979

    Last night we hit a record low of 22 degrees. It was also the lowest temperature in the United States. Helen has some congestion in her chest; I hope she doesn't get a bad cold. The kids and I went…

  67. Sunday, November 11, 1979

    Sunday, November 11, 1979

    Here it is November already. I just don't know where the time goes. The kids and I went to church this morning and then by Ken and Cathy's for a birthday dinner for Grandpa; he's 61 years-old tomorrow. We had…

  68. Thursday, November 22, 1979

    Thursday, November 22, 1979

    Well, today was Thanksgiving. We had turkey with all the fixins'. Grandma Krumpos, Steve, Carol, Grandpa Schmidt and Jenny all came over for dinner. We all had a good time. Donny said "we had the best turkey in the whole…