Have you had the honor of meeting that fantastic trio of siblings from New Richland? Namely Kayden, Kylie and Kelsey (sometimes known as the 3Ks). Their fame is ringing the Salvation Army bell. (They even let me assist in ringing at Shopko in Albert Lea while under the direction of mom, Kelly.)
My first year of writing this column was 2002. The heading was “Beaver Lake Fact or Fiction—You Decide” writing for the Ellendale Eagle from April through October, as that was the time of each year we were at Cabin #67 on Beaver Lake.
In 2007, The Star and Eagle newspapers merged, becoming the Star Eagle newspaper. I continued writing the “Beaver Lake Fact or Fiction—You Decide” from April through October to correspond to the time of the year we were at Cabin #67, Beaver Lake. After I turned in my last column for the summer of 2007, a certain lady employee of the Star Eagle “told” me I should write the year round, concentrating on our activities away from Beaver Lake when we weren’t staying there. She was one powerful lady, as her name appeared in the Star Eagle more often than the mayor’s name. In fact, when she said “jump” the mayor of New Richland said, “How high?” With all of her power, I took that as an order—so complied, and am still complying, plus enjoying each writing.
In October of 2012 Genie and I decided (just like Ecclesiastes—a time for everything) to say goodbye to Cabin #67 at Beaver Lake after 37 summers. The heading of this column was then changed to “Fact or Fiction—You Decide” while continuing this column as long as I’m able.
Weather will be weather, whether you like it or not! For example: It was so warm deer hunting this 2016 that Genie didn’t have to wear cuddle duds and I didn’t have to wear long johns. December 18 was a different story. Twenty-five below zero and the cuddle duds and long johns were necessary before the official first day of winter, December 21. On the first day of winter, a balmy 40 degrees and off went the cuddle duds and long johns. It even rained on the first day of winter.
The good news: Did you know Security Bank in Albert Lea will give you a checkbook with money in it? They qualify this with you have to forget your checkbook there on a previous visit!
More good news: After house arrest for almost three weeks, Genie was free to come and go. Her medical house arrest due to bronchitis, laryngitis and sinus infection causing vertigo was lifted.
My reaction? “Happy days are here again.”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.