Do you know how to solve any delivery of the U.S. mail problem that you have? Just have a hot, hot cup of chocolate to trade as you’re handed your mail on a wintry 20 degree below zero, 40 mph wind day. In case you’re wondering if this really works, I refer you to Fred of the U.S. Postal Service delivery in Albert Lea.
I’ve been told the U.S.A. is no longer a democracy. It is now a kakistocracy. (In English, a government run by the least qualified.) I believe in those four words on our U.S. currency, “In God we Trust,” to be in control.
But seriously thinking about it, maybe even making some preparations for what? For a trip to the Minnesota State High School Basketball tournament in Minneapolis. Both the NRHEG boys and girls have the possibility of going. Two teams, the same year, from the same small school. Wow!
True ice fishing story at Mille Lacs Lake this winter: Some old guys (as old as dirt) rented a fancy stay over night in the fish house from Lybeck’s Resort on the shore of Mille Lacs Lake.
As they are getting ready to crawl in the sleeping bag for the night the vehicle driver accidentally dropped his vehicle keys. Just like water seeking its lowest level, so did the keys. Yup. Down the hole and to the bottom of the lake. No problem, he has a second set of keys held by a magnet on the underside of the vehicle.
Next morning, time to get the keys. Ugh, the magnet is there but no keys attached to the magnet.
Now what? About that time the resort owner stops in to see how they are doing. After hearing the sad story, they are told to keep fishing and he would be back with a possible solution. He returns with an underwater camera and a powerful magnet. The camera is put down the hole where the keys fell in. 30 feet down on the bottom, there the keys were. Another problem; the keys were about 6 inches to the left of the straight down. The solution was to cut two more holes to get directly above the keys. With fingers crossed and the underwater camera focused on the keys, the powerful magnet was slowly set on the keys. Success, the key ring attached to the magnet and was pulled up through the hole.
After the keys and key fob were dried off, the ignition key was inserted. Yes. The vehicle started!!
Vern Rasmussen, of Albert Lea, is the only ice fisherman in the great state of Minnesota to be driving a vehicle with keys that have been on the bottom in 30 feet of water and the vehicle hasn’t.
My conclusion, ‘truth is most certainly stranger than fiction.’
P.S. This tale will be passed on to the local liar’s club as they have an opening for Vice President, President to be.
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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.