I was sitting in the shade watching a most interesting game of baseball recently. Four young boys were playing four-man baseball. Yes, four-man baseball.

It was as exciting and intense as any Twins game. It got a little tricky with only two guys on each team, but they had it worked out. Though the pitcher for both teams was always the pitcher, somehow he also managed to be the catcher, first baseman and played in the outfield as well.

Did I say it was exciting? 

All was going well until someone from Park and Rec came along and told the boys they couldn’t play on the diamond because it had been chalked for a big game that night. The boys didn't protest; they quietly picked up their equipment and left - each in a different direction.

Sure, it takes time to line those fields, but I felt bad for the boys just the same. They were having so much fun.

It was early morning, and the first pitch for the big game that night was many hours away. The boys would likely never come near the chalk line - after all, there were only four of them. After the boys were gone, it seemed to me the diamond looked sad and empty.

I guess I felt the boys were cheated. How many hours would the diamond be idle before the game would begin? Couldn't the chalk have waited until later? Those boys were playing a quiet, sportsman type game. They weren't causing a disturbance, robbing a bank, shooting a friend, or messing with drugs. They weren't even drinking pop or littering.

Considering the value of land - how many years will it lie idle waiting for little boys or girls to grow up to be adult players? Where will the young kids play in the meantime?

I think we lost the game. The game was called by interference, and there were no winners! 

Talking about the number four - I feel so bad that I forgot to include Shay, Lia, Hatlie and Raegen Broskoff in my birthday column this past week. While attending the Geneva Fire Departments Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning I saw the four little Broskoff children opening their birthday present from Grandma Diane and Grandpa Dave. They were so excited! I felt so bad when I later realized my error.

These four children always amaze me. They are the healthiest, happiest, most pleasant children anyone could possibly know. Their personalities are different but all wonderful. A lot can be said for their parents. It may not have been easy, but they made it look natural. Doesn't everyone raise four babies at once?

These kids are exceptional. I feel such closeness when I see them on walks with their Mom and Dad, and big sister, when they are at community events, at church where they are always demonstrating such good behavior - no pouts, tears or tantrums. Just all those happy smiles.

Love shows in different ways and it definitely shows here. Maybe it is a closeness shared in the womb? Could be, because I see the same trait in the Nielsen triplets and the Knudsen triplets. 

I am so happy for these four little miracles, Shay, Lia, Hattie and Raegan on the occasion of their fourth birthday. It was fun to watch them figure out how to hold up those four little fingers, and see the smiles on their faces as I took their picture.

They couldn't be more perfect. I hope they had a great day; I sure did! 

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me. 

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, October 2: Laurie Jensen, Taya Richards, Amanda Hullopeter, Makayla Vangen, David Lembke, Christopher Bergerson, Adrian Jensen, Andrea Zamora, Wilma Ditlevson, Dawn Hanna, Chuck & LuAnn Hanson, Amy & Alex Kromminga, Brooke & Tim Krohn, Brody & Katie Richards, Bob & Kathy Hanson

• Friday, October 3: David Bunn, Lori Neidermeier, Dawn Enzenauer, Colette Holmes, Carrie Thompson, Wendy Thostenson Bogen, Paul Wayne, Lisa Zabel, Edna Thomas

• Saturday, October 4: Susan Cornelius Wehr, Helen Jagusch Mantahei, Skyler Hanson, Clair Clausen, Michelle Lageson, Jerome Simon, Dale Waage, Jeff Waage, Lori Zabel, Matt Redmon, John & Cynthia Nelson, Krista & Randy Baana

• Sunday, October 5: Kijah Joy Mikesell, Bethany Otto, Graciela Solveig Ortiz, Larry Pence, Karen Wiersma, Julie Cornelius, Jamie Farr, Elizabeth Randall, Peggy Sorenson, Linda Harding, Karen Kasper, Ray & Bunny Jepson, Jim & Pat Lyle, Wayne & Jo Schimek, Mandi & Darren Johannsen, Doug & Deb Braaten

• Monday, October 6: Evan Matthew Beckman, Mesa Jo Grace Krause, Jackson Wyatt Lageson, Mark Plunkett, Marlin Beckman, Kaira Glienke, Melissa Horan, Aurie Brighton, Caden Reichl, Gail Turvold, Julie Born Beenken, Scott Holmes, Tait Misgen, Cindy Kasper Johnson, Jayme & Ryan Paulson

• Tuesday, October 7: Candace Lageson Baker, Carolyn Weller, Jason Huber, Todd Wayne, Debbie David, Garrett Briggs, Jill Bergdale, Kris Strenge, John & Ellen Hanson, Denise & Jerry Abbott, Jamie & Brian Riley, Pat & Barb O'Conner

• Wednesday, October 8: Mandy Moon, Lauren Olivia Sommers, Haley Hanson, Barb Hagen, Barb Dobberstein, Barb Strenge, Mary Kay Spurr, Brad Anderson, Doug Anderson, Hazel Spiering, Daniel Paulson, Kay Nelson, Julie & Brian Dahl

• Thursday, October 9: Matt Kubiatowicz, Joshua Kasper, Cheryl Paulsen Wilson, Randy Mucha, Nancy Jo Anderson, Ashley Hove, Keith Neidermeier, Dennis Blouin

• Friday, October 10: Pat Goodnature, Trevin Stollard, Aarin Gray Pirsig, his 2nd; Eric Anderson, Nicole Anderson Loken, Luverne Hamor, Haley Hanson, LeRoy Ingvaldson, Nicole Lonning, Betty DeRaad, Elena Grace Spande

• Saturday, October 11: Alisha Moody, Reed Michael Kath, Mitchell Edwards, Ebonie Mullenmaster, Earl Klinger, Mayro Leak Kubista, Melissa Otto, Jenna Swearingen, Mike Trumble, Cory McGrath, Shawna Besco, John Cyr, Alisha Moody, Lee & Jody Loverink

May all of your favorite things be within reach. Have a wonderful day!