Articles written by Julie Garden-robinson
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Prairie Fare: Exploring nature while mowing can promote health
"You're doing a good job," my husband commented. I needed the positive reinforcement. I was mowing the lawn with a push mower, which typically is on my husband's task list. I usually weed and tend...
Prairie Fare: July is National Grilling Month
The aroma of food on a grill and the scent of freshly mowed lawns signal summertime to me. Even if mowing lawn is not part of your regular summertime routine, enjoying grilled food probably is. July i...
Prairie Fare: Enjoy the season's fresh fruits and veggies
I look forward to May because I know that high-quality, rosy red strawberries will be available in my local grocery store. Strawberries are among my favorite fruits. You may have heard the recommendation about “eating in season.” What does that...
Prairie Fare: May is Melanoma Awareness Month
Are you cold?" someone asked me as I walked into a conference room. "I'm OK," I replied. Yes, wearing a coat into the hotel conference room was a bit odd. In my defense, I was pulling a suitcase, hold...
Prairie Fare: What would you call these foods?
Whenever I travel, I enjoy the "local foods" and recipes. I often bring another cookbook home in my suitcase. Besides having many flavors and forms, food has many meanings. Some foods bring promises...
Prairie Fare: Are you eating for your brain health?
When our kids were young, we read to them every night before bedtime. Some of their books put us to sleep. Often, I'd find my husband and child sound asleep in a chair with a half-read book. Our kids...
Prairie Fare: Spring greens will be a welcome sight
“My daffodils are coming up!” one of the people said. We were talking about what we like about springtime on a recent video call. We were from cities throughout the U.S. “I have a bunch of crocuses blooming,” another person commented. “We h...
Prairie Fare: Stay motivated to maintain your fitness
Every morning when I arrive at work, I come to a fork in my path. It’s not a real fork. This week’s column is not about food. As soon as I walk into my building, I have to make a choice. I can take the elevator, which is a few steps directly to...
Prairie Fare: Don't break the bank this holiday season
"I am only going to put up a few decorations for the holidays," I mentioned to my husband. "We will keep it simple." I don't think he believed me. "OK, I'll bring up the tubs," he said. As I began...
Prairie Fare: Phones, tablets may spread germs
"You can take the new phone," my husband said to me. We were on the way to the airport. I put the palm-sized phone in my purse along with the charging cords. I really had no idea how to use this littl...
Prairie Fare: Keep food safety in mind during holidays
My first attempt at cooking our Thanksgiving meal bordered on disaster. I was newly married, and I had not flown solo on cooking a holiday meal. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a large enough pan for the turkey. The turkey was wedged into my roasting...
Prairie Fare: Prepare and store wild game safely
“Watch out for deer!” my parents would say when I left after a weekend at home during college. I knew to drive slowly and be observant, especially at dawn or dusk. I looked for glowing eyes in the ditches along wooded areas on my drive back to...
Prairie Fare: Is your evening meal 'dinner' or 'supper'?
When I was in grade school, I used to walk the short distance home for dinner around noon. After school, I was really hungry, so I had lunch at 3 p.m. About 6 p.m., we had supper. When I went away to...
Prairie Fare: Celebrating 25 years with a prize drawing
What were you doing in 1997? Some of you may not have been born yet. Others may remember the year well. The “Titanic” movie was in theaters, and the first Harry Potter book was released. The Mars Pathfinder arrived on Mars. The Hale Bopp comet...
Prairie Fare: Keep your immune system strong this fall
Most of us get a cold or the flu on occasion. What's the difference, anyway? I visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for some clarification. Flu is caused by influenza...
Prairie Fare: Stay on the pulse of healthful eating
Food is a great pleasure for most people. I decided to treat myself to a fancy meal after a recent conference ended. I made a reservation so I could be seated at the chef’s counter at the hotel. This was the “best seat in the house” according t...
Prairie Fare: Make every day 'Better Breakfast Day'
Before going to a mid-morning meeting at work, I usually quickly grab a granola bar or a cup of yogurt to eat. Who wants to interrupt a meeting with a growling stomach? That is kind of embarrassing....
Prairie Fare: Think of food safety for spring events
“Do you know all these people?” I asked my daughter quietly. My daughter was at the door welcoming another long line of teenagers for her graduation party at our home last spring. “Yes, I do,” she replied. She was a bit annoyed at my...
Prairie Fare: Are you meeting your needs for Vitamin D?
I had the opportunity to go to a warmer state south of us, not Florida- or Arizona-warm but warmer than North Dakota. I really didn’t know what to pack. I have three levels of coats for winter and...
Prairie Fare: Eat more fruit with these six tips
“Mom, how much fruit is too much?” my older daughter asked. “I have been eating a lot of fruit.” I probably raised my eyebrows when I read her text message. I did not think my kids would ever...
Prairie Fare: Enjoy the health benefits of music
"Did you crank up the music?" my friend asked. "No. Music distracts me when I am writing," I said. "I tend to focus on the music." I was alone in my work office finishing up some projects. No one...
Prairie Fare: How to add physical activity to the New Year
By Julie Garden-Robinson Food & Nutrition Specialist NDSU Ext. Service “I’m only spending $40 a month on coffee drinks now. I have my budget on a spreadsheet,” my older daughter and coffee lover commented. My daughter’s 2021 goal was to...
