Editorial note: This column was intended for the Christmas edition of the Star Eagle. A double feature of Bob will be run next week.
The world is changing too fast for this old octogenarian Lutheran. Why do I say this?
Because first we changed the City of Albert Lea logo. Second we’re changing the state of Minnesota flag. Third the ornithological society is planning to rename 80 species of North American birds named after people. This would be about 200 different birds and take years to complete.
Fourth is possibly changing the name of public places honoring people. For example, Albert Lea, Ellendale, Libraries, roads, streets, schools, etc.
My question becomes, “Can’t public funds be used for public needs, not for public wants.”
“If it ain’t broke, why use public money to fix it?
I think you can see I’m concerned about spending money to fix a problem that doesn’t exist!!
The following is using public money to fix problem that does exist. I’m referring to the pollution of public water, especially in the water in the state of Minnesota.
There is now – “Finally” – a law stating “It is illegal to place garbage and human or other waste or under the ice in Minnesota.”
In other words, “”Don’t leave your crap on or under the ice in the great state of Minnesota.”
Genie and I want to express our being amazed at the 185 trick-or-treaters at our house 10-31-23. They were polite and left no litter at our place, I repeat, No-None-Nada.”
If you’re a high school junior this year and interested in college, check this out. In 2024 as a qualifying student you’re eligible for up to free tuition to a Minnesota College. Your High School counselor should know the details. (I don’t.)
Competitive archery is a college option at Alexandria Community College in Alexandria, Minnesota, including funds for tuition for both male and female students.
For a monetary donation to the Salvation Army, Julie Ehlers will autograph the picture and article of her ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at Hy-Vee in Albert Lea.
Do you consider this as good offense or poor defense?? Two professional football beams played each other in November, 2023. One touchdown was scored, yet the team scoring the touchdown lost game. Yes, it did happen to the Vikings!!
The following is an interesting true COVID story that happened to our son, Dan, Genie and myself.
On Sunday afternoon we took him back to the airport in Duluth to fly back to Buffalo, New York where he lives. Genie and I return to Blue Water Lodge on Leech Lake, Walker, Minnesota to pack and leave Tuesday morning to return home to Albert Lea. On Monday morning Genie had a terrible store threat and cough, so we went into the walk-in clinic in Walker. Tests were done with the diagnosis being COVID and quarantine for ten days!!
Now what do we do? The decision was made still to leave on Tuesday morning going home to Albert Lea.
We quit drinking any fluids Monday evening, packed the car, emptied our bladders and left early a.m. Tuesday, bought gas at the pump, purchased the noon meal thru McDonald’s drive-up in Garrison, Minnesota and thus complied with the quarantine as we arrived hone to our house in Albert Lea Tuesday afternoon while under quarantine for a total of 10 days.
On Thursday son Dan called saying “I’ve tested positive.” (I never got the COVID as I tested negative twice.)
Guess where we headed as soon as we got in the house in Albert Lea!!
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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 New York. 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.