Randy McDaniel grew up on a small farm near Leota, Minnesota during the classic baby-boomer years of the 1960s and 1970s. These are his stories of growing up in the idyllic world of southwest Minnesota.
An American Tradition: The Small Town Summer Celebration
The little Minnesota town of a few hundred suddenly became a town of several thousand.
As A Kid I Loved Disorganized Baseball. Let’s Play ‘Work-Up’!
If you played 'work up' as a kid with your friends, chances are you might be as old as I am!
I Took A Half-Century Plus Trip Back Home In A Half-Hour Drive
There's something special in getting together with an old neighbor.
Confirmed: McDaniel Is One Crotchety Old Man
Yes, 'tis true. I've crossed over into the land of "crotchety-dom". It's a land where Haggard and Jones still roam free, Waylon and Willie are outlaws and Johnny still walks the line.
That Small Town Water Tower Holds More Than Water
A small town water tower holds more than water, it holds magic and memories.
Growing Up Leota
OK, the question is, who had a door in the floor?
Growing Up Leota: And Then There Was Gravy
Gravy has become something of a lost art. But back in the day Mom could make gravy out of anything.
His Name Was Jacob
I miss a man I never met, never knew. But it's true, I miss him. Strange, isn't it?
Growing Up Leota: A Most Unusual Teacher
Teachers comes into our lives in a number of ways, and sometimes we may not realize it until a whole lot later.
You Never Heard Of My Favorite Car
Go to a young person and say the word 'Biscayne'. You'll get a blank stare.