(In the column dated 06-29-23 somehow the last two paragraphs were not included in the printed column. To make it readable, the previous two columns are printed plus the two columns.)
Genie and I stayed in the same village as Canada fire fighters when we were teaching vacation Bible school in Canada. We saw them fly over a lake and suck up about 2,000 gallons of water, dump it on the first fire and repeat the process again and again.
In the Big Horn Mountains, while staying at Arrowhead Lodge above Sheridan, Wyoming, we were invited to a meal honoring the fire fighters. We saw them filling big balloons with water and dropping the water on a forest fire by helicopter and repeat the process again and again.
Did Genie or I have any problems from the forest fire in Canada or Wyoming? None!!
Fast forward to July 2023 living in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Canadian forest fires caused health warnings locally. As a result, both Genie and I had a burning sensation in our eyes, sneezing and a slight headache.
We were within a few miles of the forest fire in Canada and Wyoming with no health issue.
We were hundreds of miles from the July 2023 fires in Canada while suffering health situations in Albert Lea. Maybe age has a more likely affect as we’re about 30 years older!!
In last week’s column (07-06-23) were fact or fiction statements lettered A through S. You were to decide the correct answer of “Fact or Fiction” for each statement. I suspect many of you got at least one statement wrong. The statements were all fact including E (a bull moose has been seen by many in downtown Ellendale). For verification, please take a slow deliberate walk through Lerberg’s in downtown Ellendale.
What a great start to July. July 1st was a Saturday with many people having the day off. This led to family get-togetherings. July 2nd was a Sunday giving many families time to attend the church of their choice plus more family activities. July 3rd was a timeto watch parades and enjoy the full moon. July 4th was musical concerts, a salute to veterans, time to be appreciative of the Great Country we live in as the sky is aglow with fireworks.
In watching parades, ball games, military in parades, plus other events honoring July 4th. I noticed the number of people with no respect for the U.S. flag. All I can say to that person is “Your disrespect for the flag will end when you receive a folded one.”
Short Shorts:
A. Earwigs are back in great number in our mailbox. I’m putting them on Scotch tape with the message: “Addressee Unknown, Return to Sender.”
B. There is a loon in the channel between Fountain and Albert Lea Lake with a bad leg, thus the loon can’t fly. It is very enjoyable watching the loon dive to catch fish. I think it is a male but Only the Loon Knows For Sure.
There are two celebrity Twins on the Twins game Tuesday August 15th leaving at 4 p.m. from behind Hy-Vee in Albert Lea. Get your reservation n by calling me at 507-373-8655. The celebrities’ initials are M and M.