Whatever Comes To Mind (268)
My sister, Kaye, who lives in Arizona, spent the past two weeks visiting us here in Minnesota. One day while she was here we spent the day in Rochester. It isn’t too often that my sister, my nephew, my mother and I can spend a day together like that— not that it was a planned fun day. It turned out to be a pretty good trip. The sky was gray and there was plenty of moisture in the air.
Anytime you think Rochester, what comes to mind? The clinic and hospitals, as well as all the doctors that are there now, as well as what all got it started of course, the doctors Mayo.
During our time together, somebody started talking about some of the things we have done, loved, endured, laughed over and cried about over the years. It is funny how much you can remember when someone starts the ball rolling and from there it keeps rolling and more and more memories come to mind.
When I think about it, I realize we have had a rather eclectic family life. I hope my sharing some of our adventures may jar loose some special memories for you also.
One of the things we remembered and talked about were the good times we had spent at the lake, when friends came on horseback or snowmobile, as well as for family gatherings. We talked about how we learned to water ski and rode a round surf board around the lake sitting on a collapseable stool.
How did we get there, to the lake I mean? Guess I better start at the beginning. My dad had done some carpenter work for Buzz and Minnie Lerum at Beaver Lake and as a gesture of thanks, they invited us to come and enjoy a steak supper. The visit on a Saturday was something my dad seldom had time for – but was just what he needed. He had always enjoyed fishing, and his time spent at the lake, got him to thinking about what he could do or find that would help him spend more time at Beaver Lake.
My dad knew what it was like to be poor, so he never threw anything away in case it could be used for something else. I swear he was a recycling king before they even thought about recycling.
He asked them if he could come back with a bus. Yes, a bus. This dates back to the early ‘60s before motor homes were mass produced. My dad was able to find an old school bus and proceeded to convert it into a motor home, which went on to change his life, and our family’slife as well.
My uncle gave him some excess paint he had. Dad used it to paint that school bus a bright blue color, but we didn’t care. He took out just about all seats and proceeded to made bunk beds for us to sleep on that could be folded up when it was daytime.
Buzz and Minnie invited us to set up our “motor home” in their back yard at Beaver Lake, which provided us a place to enjoy the summer.
We made our meals on a restaurant coffee burner unit that first summer. It worked quite well considering. We were also able to use Minnie’s old wood cook stove, which was out under the big oak tree. On Sunday mornings we would enjoy a picnic breakfast of pancakes and sausages outside in the fresh air. How could anything taste any better than that?
That summer provided us many opportunities and as a result we have a lot of memories. We had a lot of giggles over the huge, and I mean huge, snapping turtle we found. We put a very large wood stump on it so it wouldn’t get away before the men came back so they could see it. That beast had evidently been eating his Wheaties and he walked away with the stump on his back as if he were Superman.
My mother’s cousin, Mark Christensen, spent quite a bit of his summer vacation from school with “Buzzy” and Minnie at the lake. He lived in a swim suit all summer long. He had a number of them in fact and would change from wet to dry suits before he and his dog climbed into the bunk bed at night. He was a busy boy who collected bait for his good friend and mentor, Noel Thompson, who had a bait shop at the lake back then. Mark wandered the lakeshore morning and night and visited with all the neighbors.
Mark’s mother, Nancy, and her sister, Minnie Lerum, were known for their cooking. Minnie’s husband, Buzzy, liked the breading that was on the chicken at some place they liked to eat. It took a while and a lot of taste testing, but they finally managed to find the right combination of ingredients and started enjoying their chicken at home.
And we can’t forget about the Beaver Lake “shrimp.” Actually, the shrimp were really pan fish that Mark had caught. Nancy cleaned them, Minnie cooked them and they fed a lot of free “shrimp” to those people who stopped at “the joint,” as it was called, where they worked. The Sportsman’s Club was on the north side of Beaver Lake and Minnie started calling it the joint, and the name stuck for a great number of years.
They even had a juke box at the joint back then.
I believe I have rattled on a bit too much for this week’s edition and will have to continue with more of our family memories next week. I hope this may bring back a few memories for you too!
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron, Jean & Chuck Groth
• Friday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 9th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz
• Saturday, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller
• Sunday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 14th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin
• Monday, May 2nd: Shayna Kress and Tyler Kress, their 6th; Jack Benjamin Owen, his 7th; Diane Smith, Ted Radke, Jill Goodnature Kubicek, Bonnie Shaunce, Stephanie Corey, DeWayne Farr, Nolin Joe Simmons, his 11th; Joshua Nicholas Paulsen, his 13th; Roger Anderson, Gerald & Mildred Flugum, Dean & Carolyn Wangen
• Tuesday, May 3rd: Jase Dean Knudson, his 7th; Cassidy Worrell, Fern Possin, Justin Robertson, Dale Dulas, Wayne Dobberstein, Anthony Brandt, Merle Bartness, Leah (Ruth) & William (Bill) Scott, their 6th
• Wednesday, May 4th: Joyce Wayne, Angie Worrell Aaseth, Daniel Knudson, Kenneth Schumacher, Charles Wangsness, Keith Miller, Shirley Draayer Anderson, Dean Heskett, Thad Tuttle, Leslie Ray Farr, her 13th; Jessica Marcus, Julia Elizabeth Rye, her 8th, Brooklyn Cecila Strand, her 11th, Melonie Butler, Lexi Jo Brandstad, her 14th
Wishing you sunshine and flowers and many, wonderful days ahead.
Babies quickly have to learn that they will be buckled into a special carrier for traveling and then placed in the back seat. They don't ask questions; they just know it is the correct thing to do. The car seats are handy and they help provide safe travels. Surprisingly, babies seem to like them, but they lack that warm feeling you get from "holding" those dear little ones close to our heart.
Just as, or more important, is the need to sanitize your hands as you leave the supermarket as it was to sanitize them when you first came in. Think of all the exposure to bacteria you touched as you made your way around the store and filled your shopping cart. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but it does help keep you healthy.
Speaking of washing, it always seems silly to wash new clothing and bedding, etc. before using them because they look and feel so clean when you bring them home from the store. But “new” has the potential of picking up germs that may have come on the fabric as it was handled. Think of the number of people who sewed and handled the items before you purchased them.
Washing soda is a good way to brighten T-shirts, and other items, to get rid of the yellow coloring often there because of perspiration.
I have found cinnamon to be a very good alternative from using sugar on oatmeal or cooked cereal. My nephew, Kade, as a cook tends to use cinnamon and pepper in quantity as opposed to sugar and salt and I have found I like it too!
Known fact. The “fat” in an avocado is good fat. They are considered Mother Nature’s miracle food. The avocado tree is strong and requires no spraying with poisonous chemicals. The avocado helps provide a perfect balance of life giving nutrients: potassium, folic acid, fiber, B6, protein and more. Its unsaturated fat helps lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Cast-iron cookware is recommended as opposed to Teflon pans that have a type of coating on them that makes them usable without shortening. We know if they get too hot and are often used, the pans have a tendency to change that special coating. What happens to it? Do we eat it?
The “computer doctor,” as I call him, was opposed to eating anything that had been in the microwave, except maybe water. He maintained it ruined the value of food and it was dangerous to eat foods that had been in the microwave. I believe him, but it is still hard to give up the convenience of microwave use.
My grandmother Hanson would never let us give her a microwave and she wouldn’t use one. I don’t know why, but she stuck by it. The microwave always seems to be a great way to reheat a few leftovers without leaving half of them in the pan because they stuck. I guess my grandmother knew what she was doing. She lived to be 99!
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel, Mariette Sommers Ruppe have a son who was born on this date
• Friday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 11th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill
• Saturday, April 23rd: Dan McElfresh, Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller
• Sunday, April 24th: Keralyn & Bill Powers, Madison Kae Wagner, Marnie Ray Wagner, Dak Sorenson, Gladys Burr, Marilyn Cuden, Audrey Paulson, Lowell Wichmann, Scott Brandt, Kara Vangen
• Monday, April 25th: Ed Deml, Nicole Langlie La Tourneau, Nicole Nielson, Evie Toft, Christine Davidson, Jeff Kunkel, Janice Morreim, Stan Reichl
• Tuesday, April 26th: Jim Arends, Lester Casterton, Teresa Deml Sisler, Beverly Harpel, Jean Larson, Pat Motl, Ashley Bangert, Mary Peterson, Pat Pichner, Steve & Judy Christensen, Bob & Gerry Flim, Allan & Darline Jensen
• Wednesday, April 27th: Brian Schember, Norma Robertson, Heidi & Christopher Olson
• Thursday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron, Jean & Chuck Groth
• Friday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 8th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz
• Saturday, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller
• Sunday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 13th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin
Birthdays and anniversarys are for reflecting...dreaming...enjoying. Wishing you a wonderful day!
Aren’t people funny? When the temperatures reach 68 or 70 degrees in the fall we put on extra clothes to keep us warm. Then when spring arrives, and the temperatures are back to those same temperatures, we shed the layers.
Why does the same temperature feel differently?
Bundling up in our winter attire has its advantages as well as disadvantages. It does help keep us warm, but it also helps hide the pounds we have put on from eating all those great comfort foods.
Spring has arrived, and as a result those extra pounds are now visible as we take off all those extra layers of clothing. It is, once again, time to start eating healthy.
Did you know that orange juice or other fruit juices made from concentrate have little of the really good stuff left in it? The fiber and vitamins have been reduced to not much more than a sweet beverage through the processing.
My mother used to scrub oranges really well to hopefully get rid of some of the pesticides – and then she would “juice” the whole orange in the blender. Yes, it is good and gives you so much real goodness because of the vitamins and nutrients in the skin and “white stuff” you usually peel away. Most fruits have the majority of their nutrients in the skin.
What is it about a dollar store? They seem to feature some of the same things found in the old “F.W. Woolworth” stores – everything from bobby pins to birds. For real variety, and hard to find items, it is hard to beat a thrift market, a “goodwill” store or a benefit auction.
If you’re old enough you will remember when hair styles were often “set” for the older, white haired ladies that had a hue of purple to them. Purple colored hair seems to be back but not exactly the same way. We can also see it in many shades of red, green and yellow. A fun thing - at least it will wear or wash out when the fad goes away.
Too bad those permanent tattoos can’t fade away. It is hard for me to understand why anyone would spend money and suffer misery to blotch their skin. I guess I think of the German concentration camp victims who were tattooed for the death chamber or calves that are branded for identification on a ranch.
I shudder when I see someone holding their cell phone up against their check for any length of time. Maybe it isn’t dangerous, but some say too much of that type of exposure causes tumors. Pregnant women should be careful about where they put their cell phones, such as the pockets of their clothes, because of the potential danger to the baby that they are carrying.
I know if we went by everything we hear we wouldn’t be able to do much of anything or eat anything. But there is some truth to be considered. Some items like bread and meat are filled with chemicals that keep them from spoiling, which is a plus, but what does it do to one’s body?
Maybe it isn’t nice but have you ever sat and watched shoppers leave a store and thought about the variety of clothing and merchandise they had bought?
Dressing choices can vary from flip-flops to boots, winter coats to T-shirted customers. That temperature test can hinge on 68 or 72 in the fall and feels cold but yet in the spring those temperatures feel warm enough to shed some clothing.
The weather service has been kept busy trying to predict the weather. Is it only in Minnesota that weather can be varied, changeable and “spotty”? It can snow or rain in a patch here and there while leaving other patches warm and dry and very sunny.
During our recent snowfall it was interesting to see the great number of robins in the back yard. Spring has sprung? What is that old saying? ”A robin’s tail will be snowed on three times before spring.” I wonder if the robins know that and can count?
Spring tempts us into treating ourselves to an old-fashioned ice cream cone at McDonalds. It is hard to believe how different the texture and taste of the ice cream can be that is served from the different McDonalds you patronize. You would think it would all be the same.
Don’t throw it - stow it. Keep a bag in your car for garbage and wait till you get to the nearest garbage can before you dispose of your trash. The corner of the access to Geneva from the freeway is like a magnet – attracting the trash that people throw out of their windows from their fast food stops.
One thing about yellow cars: you see them – just like the safety apparel that has become fashionable for visibility and safety sake. People who walk or ride after dark would do well to adapt their clothing choice during those times to something bright so they can be easily seen.
Doesn’t it make you feel good when you see an empty building come to life again as a renewed or new business? Think of all the Western towns and their abandoned buildings – like on old TV Western. It is such a sad situation to see empty buildings that were once busy with people coming and going.
Squirrels! I can’t believe how these little rodents can manipulate even up the smallest metal pole. I know some people don’t care for them but they are entertaining and their babies cute.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 14th: Dakota Clark, Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen;
• Friday. April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 8th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy
• Saturday, April 16th: Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 64thd; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 32nd
• Sunday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, Jerry & Mary Peterson
• Monday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 14th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 10th
• Tuesday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 9th; Cody James Reistad, his 10th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 14th; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 12th
• Wednesday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 9th; Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 13th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne
May the year ahead bring you a world of pleasure.
My Grandma Hanson could entertain, teach and discipline without actually disciplining the children in the family. Peeling a potato with a peeler – feeling the skin, the water you washed it in, why we should eat that potato or whatever fruit or vegetable we were preparing — were always part of her teachings.
Children learned what measuring was all about and were able to observe and help her as she prepared oh so many meals.
The grandchildren liked to do dishes when they could squish the soap suds, felt big when they could pick up the dirt from the floor by sweeping, could mix things together and wear an apron like hers.
Picking up sticks or pulling weeds or dandelions could be a counting game, as were climbing the stairs and counting the steps.
My sister, Kaye, also taught a form of “Grandma School.” She was great at teaching her boys to be watchful when she was driving, identifying cars, the shapes and colors of signs and what they meant. She also explained why we have rules of the road and the value of side vison so one didn’t get caught unaware of dangers along the road.
Her boys still observe and identify makes and models of cars and, of course, license plates.
I’ve always enjoyed watching “Smarter than a 5th-grader” though it should be renamed, “Smarter than a kid.” Children do have natural abilities. Adults don’t always squish them.
Mrs. Zeman, who raised her family east of Geneva back when I was growing up, would bring her children into the town restaurant, not necessarily for the food, but to read the menu, as well as learn how they should behave when in a restaurant. She also taught them how to order their meals, etc. so when the real opportunity would come up they knew how to act, order a meal, and so on.
Another type of Grandma, or Mother School in this case.
The natural and the obvious of childhood intelligence is often overlooked. It is time we realize it.
I see by the Mankato paper that condolences need to be extended to Dan Dorman of Albert Lea.
Dan’s 75-year-old bus driving father-in-law walked across the road to pick up his mail and was killed by a lady who was texting a message on her phone to her daughter as she was driving down the road. The lady didn’t realize where she was until she saw the blaze of orange from what the victim was wearing.
A high price to pay for distracted driving. The memory of the tragedy will linger for longer than the few minutes it would have taken to stop her vehicle and relay the message if it was really that important.
Cell phones are a convenience and a blessing, but what did we do before they hit the market? It is not the phone, like guns, that is the problem. It is the misuse of the equipment that matters.
Today is the oldest you’ve ever been and also the youngest you’ll ever be again. Make the most of it. Let’s make this day worthwhile.
Smile and know God is watching you. I know because I asked him to!
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 7th: Janye Villarreal, Janice Jensen Skovera, Lou Hanson-Vu, Katie Lembke, Michael & Kari Ingvaldson, Gary & Sonya Peterson
• Friday, April 8th: Ivy Obermoller, Dick Tracy, Nick Vreeman, Tim Stollard, Mark Hemingway, Sherri Carlson, Karen O'Byrne, Bob Donovan, David Pitcock, Dale & Vivian Dulas, Paul & Karissa Dolan
• Saturday, April 9th: Becky Larson, Justin Tufte, June Lageson, Abby Paige Christopherson, Raianna Thomas, Jim Kaplan, Kiersten Knudson, Mike Nechanicky, Larry Sarver, Clarice McGrath, Tiffany Chrz, Joe & Mandy Moon
• Sunday, April 10th: Kimberly Luhring, Sara Bergerson, Sarah Skroch, Sophia Rose Christensen, Luke David Olson, Daniel Gould, Liz Reichl, Harold Pitcock, Arlen & Coleen Brekke, Lawrence & Dorothy Sprankle
• Monday, April 11th: Barb Marcus, Ruth Benson, Lori Dobberstein Sodeman, Jessica Dobberstein, Jacob Alan Reynolds, Dan Nelson, Darrin Thostenson, Theresa Bartsch, James Thompson
• Tuesday, April 12th: Tiegen Kay Richards, her 8th; Rory Ann Bickler, Guy Cromwell, Charise Oland, Cheryl Thompson, Deb Wilking, Allen & Betty Brandt, Roger & Reta Draayer
• Wednesday, April 13th: Victor Mrotz, Jamie Johnson, Andrea Casteron Malo, Ava Raye Chapman, her 7th; David Clausen, Margie Nesdahl, Pat O'Conner, Jason Sullivan, Roxie Ritz Simmons, Megan Benson, Charlotte Miller, Curtis Klecker, Shannon & Jason Peterson, their 11th
• Thursday, April 14th: Dakota Clark, Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen8; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy
It is your special day - take a break and celebrate!
Isn’t it strange that we try to change the obvious because? Because why? I watched a segment on television about how they are now enhancing the teaching of math classes by using dance and exercise. For how many years have we fought, bribed and disciplined children into adult thinking when all the time those kids were just acting normal and learning the easy way?
What do I mean? It doesn’t mean we let children believe without restrictions or using discipline. It means we’ve simply put rules in place that are often unnecessary and destroyed the national instincts of childhood. For example: jumping on the bed. It is natural and children love it. Parents don’t, but then they come up with trampolines.
How slow were we to realize the value of washing our hands to protect them from the bacteria that is all around us? So simple, and yet the doctors didn’t think about its importance until the last few years.
If your children were like my children, the fascination with stairs was something to reckon with. Yes, it is dangerous in some respects, so you teach children to respect them. So what did somebody finally come up with? Climbing walls, that’s what.
Climbing is a natural thing for children. Ask your parents about climbing trees when they were kids. For far too long we have worked against the natural instinct of children and have not given them credit for what they knew naturally.
Often children have adverse feelings about certain foods and tastes, so do we argue, urge and run the risk of having them hate that food forever or develop bad eating habits? In Head Start, children are allowed to eat their food in whatever way they choose. Dessert before dinner is fine. Just make sure the meal is something good and healthful.
We’ve come to learn that breakfast isn’t breakfast as we once knew it. It might be beneficial to eat the protein and more sustaining meal we usually call “supper” for breakfast and the lighter “breakfast” foods for dinner or supper. After all, when do you need the energy? In the morning before the day’s workout or at night when you should be getting ready to sleep? What and when you eat should be a bit negotiable. Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Our ancestors probably ate a hardy breakfast and retired at night with less, like a bowl of oatmeal or leftovers.
Back to the children. Most will grow up without that taste of “flavored sugar water” called “pop” if they don’t see it as a mainstay at home by their elders. Even juice should be monitored and should not be used to take the place of fresh fruits.
We didn’t always know that peanut butter sandwiches didn’t have to have jelly on them. Peanut butter, though high in calories, has potentially as much protein as about the same amount of meat – two tablespoons.
Most kids will eat most anything if they are started out right and have good models to follow and no negative language like, “not that again,” “Yuck,” or “I don’t like” whatever.
They should be given a right to choose, but suggest they try one teaspoon of everything just to taste, or even a tiny little bite. My mother tried the “It’s O.K., you probably aren’t old enough to appreciate how good it is” tactic. That doesn’t always work. Though it is often true. Do you eat food now you would have turned your nose up to as a child?
Medical science has now decided that for every time you sit for a period of time, you should get up and move around. Yet, for years we have expected children to sit at a desk without moving and if they moved too much they were labeled AD, Attention Deficit, and are often, sadly, “showed down” with drugs. It is part of being a kid.
We now know the value of getting up and moving around for exercise and circulation. Children are born with natural instincts. It is society that makes the errors. But thank goodness teachers and doctors are learning.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 31st: Carson LaShawn Ray, his 8th, Hannah Haroldson, Melissa Collins, Jill Anderson, David Hemingway, Ross Johnson, Shane Johnson, Doug Hunt, Joanne Neuhart. Jinny Nielsen, Mollee & Joseph Tscholl
• Friday, April 1st: April Fools Day! Madison Hanson, Irene Paulson
• Saturday, April 2nd: Harold Wayne, Leanna Burns, Genevieve Wayne, Deb Nelson, Luke Miller, Joyce Tufte Sorenson, Sonja Larson, Teresa Jensen, Kaleb Smith, Dwight Schewe, Greg Nelson, Matthew Halla, Bill & Pat Draayer, David & Shelly Mangskau, Brian & Lois Nelson
• Sunday, April 3rd: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Jase Dean Knudson, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Kevin Born
• Monday, April 4th: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Rhoades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff, Amber & Daryl Jacobson
• Tuesday, April 5th: LaVada Jensen, Colette Bauers, Samuel Thompson, Alyssa Haried, Brian Schultz, Duane Nelson, Mike Johnson, Gary & Sue Hunnicutt, Dale & Nancy Kelly
• Wednesday, April 6th: Skip Cromwell, Dean Westrum, Andrew Hareid, Paul Underland
• Thursday, April 7th: Janice Jensen Skovera, Michael & Kari Ingvaldson,
• Friday, April 8th: Ivy Obermoller, Bob Donnovan
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
"God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it." Those were the words of Bishop Bruce Ough, who recently visited at United Methodist Church in Ellendale.
It's a statement we should all take to heart because God lets us know He is always there. When we are shrouded with trouble we wonder, "Where is He?," but never fear, He is there and just biding His time.
Easter is upon us and the stores are loaded with candy treats, Easter bunnies, eggs, and what have you. A jealous God could think, "But are you really celebrating Easter with the right attitude? What has all this commotion and merchandising got to do with Easter?”
Ask those at Baptist Church in Clarks Grove, who have hosted an Easter Egg hunt for many years. Or ask the residents of area nursing homes and various civic organizations, who experience the joy they share on this day. Of course, the children love it, and it brings some to church. It brings warmth to the heart of those who volunteer time and service and realize how important children are. The residents of nursing homes may have tears in their eyes, but smiles on their faces because during this time they are enjoying sharing the children and seeing what "happy" is.
Religion makes us happy if we take part in all the things it offers. It opens the doors for parents to share the Easter story and have a chance to tell their children about a loving and giving God. It is not a frivilous thing. It is sharing the love that is so essential in today’s world. It is a time when sharing the love of God is accomplished through the joining of the young, old, races and religions.
Today, plastic eggs are often provided for “the hunt” because they can be taken apart and little treasures placed inside like pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters or small toys — not just sugar treats. Parents can encourage children to share their prizes with other children, service people, and others they care about. That and games of interest are part of the fun and, of course, the sharing of the food — another way to introduce "those who have" to the reality there are "those who haven't."
Easter is the beginning of spring, a time when many kinds of spring animals are born, and are a new beginning. My doctor once said it seems like spring is a natural time for birth or rebirth. It is also a time of growth for children because of all the opportunities
That’s right. God loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it but open your heart wide and let all the goodness come in.
Speaking of babies, my nephew Kade’s three baby love birds are not babies any more. Freely feathered and frisky as all youngsters, they are so entertaining and a circus to watch as they swing and climb ladders and so on. All three are different in color and, like saints at the Lord’s Supper, they stand together to eat their food.
Mrs. Love Bird is "sitting" again. At last count she had four eggs in the nest. Wouldn't it be nice to have an Easter egg hatch?
More Minnesota... The weather is making it tempting to start digging and planting, but then we never know if there could still be more snow in the forecast. I can especially remember when my middle daughter, Kimberly, was born in April following a snow storm. Daryl wasn't able to get back home the night before and I had to get ahold of him and break the news. And then figure out how he was going to find a way to get back to Geneva and get us both back to Albert Lea.
Sorry to report the winter sports season for our local athletes has come to a close, but I have already saw a large number of our local athletes out preparing for the spring season. And then before we know it, prom will be here, and that, of course is followed by graduation. Hard to believe those "little ones" we once brought into the world have grown to this stage.
What do you think the style of Easter dresses will be? Expensive, but for some it is their one moment of feeling like a star. They would probably feel better in a pair of blue jeans and T-shirt, but it wouldn't be the same.
Everyone has their favorite season, but I like spring. Like I said earlier, it is a new beginning.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 24th: Gail Ottesen, Seth Chad Staloch, Dave Meixner, Kurt Hanson, Laurie Phagan, Angie & Cory Klemmensen, Tony & Sandra Tonsing, Lonna & Dean Broitzman
• Friday, March 25th: Melissa & Brandon Van Hal, their second, Brad Hagen, Michelle Ritz, Pam Anderson, Faith Jensen, Tom Marlin, Trevor Loverink, Bernice Farr Mattson
• Sarurday, March 26th: Amber Luella Theobald, Nikita Zelpha Peterson, Jackie Draayer, David Hanson, Ray Coxworth, Lonnie Misgen, Ginger Cornelius, Dillon Hanson, Daryl Jensen, Amy Dobberstein, Marge Wobschall, Mary Lou Spurr, Gerrit & Jean Molenaar, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Jennifer & Matthew Dinneen
• Sunday, March 27th: Kim Weckwerth Farr, Jim Ottesen, Verona Winegar, Tom Lund, Tina Jensen Wangen, Jodi Loverink, Neil Born, Ralph Randall, Todd & Sheri Utpadel, Wes & Julie Schroenrock
• Monday, March 28th: Jordan Brye Wagner, Katie Ann Lee, her 11th; Daryl Van Ravenhorst, Alan Olson, Paul Marlin, Josh Stevens, Daniel Suleter,
• Tuesday, March 29th: Taran Waalkens, Heather Lyn Shearman, her 10th; Dylan Lee Ingvaldson, his 9th, Becky Johnson, Amanda Bergerson, Judy Strenge, Dorene Richards, Bruce Jensen, Linda Seykora
• Wednesday, March 30th: Leah Brittan Moststad, Gretchen Jensen Ray, Darrell Hanson, Kim Roberts Sletten, Aiden Michael Berg, his 9th, Matthew Cornelius, Fern Robertson Sommers
May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!
A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the alphabet song and how it is a good thing to think about when washing our hands. It really is recommended that we sing the ABCs twice as a length of time to wash our hands thoroughly.
That got my mind to thinking about the ABCs and wondering how the ABCs came about, how they were developed, how the letters were designed, how the sounds were determined, and when.
Robert Bringhurst wrote that writing is the solid form of language. I learned the origin of writing. The way it is now woven into our civilization is truly a wonderful story. It was interesting to learn that how the letters were designed, developed and determined goes back 5,000 years.
One of the earliest examples of writing was actually done in pictograms. One of advantages of using that form was that a picture or graphic represented a thing or an idea; while people may speak many different languages everyone could understand the pictograms.
Alphabets are usually associated with a standard ordering of letters. The most popular alphabet is the Latin, which was derived from the Greek, and has been modified for many languages. We use 26 letters here in our corner of the world. The Romans use 23. The Chinese have to learn thousands of characters to express themselves.
While most alphabets have letters composed of lines, or linear writing, there are exceptions, such as the alphabets used in Braille, finger spelling, and Morse Code.
Children learn to read long before school age. I remember when my nephew Kade was little and how he was just starting to talk and was able to pick out letters off the side of a box car as we waited for trains.
Finding letters and making words was always a fun game to play with our children when we were traveling to and fro. Of course every kid knows the words “McDonald’s”, “Wal-Mart” or “Lerbergs.” True, it is by association, but they are recognizing letters and words.
And now I know about my ABCs.
It has been so nice to see people out walking on these nice "winter" days. Some have been walking their dogs and others have been walking with their children. Kids love the experience of spending time with Mom and Dad.
But one thought always comes to mind. How difficult it must be for those little legs and feet to keep up with adults. Often during those walks the parents are holding their children’s hands as they walk, often to help protect them. As a result, the young children’s arms are raised up high so they can hold their parents hands. Try it sometime….walking with your hands above your head for any distance.
We don't always remember we are walking with children and their legs are shorter and they can't take as big a steps as we do, and as a result it is harder for them to keep up.
I remember how my mother handled those situations when my sister and I were younger. She put us on a leash. No, she didn’t treat us like dogs, she just put a dog collar on us for a belt. The belt provided her a way to snap on a leash. Some people may find it repulsive I know, but my mother said that taking us for “walks” in that manner allowed us room to move around, and still be protected from getting separated from her, and it worked.
God made parents taller than their children, so the kids would have someone to look up to, not to be afraid of or to be bullied or abused because they are larger. The answer so many parents use is, because I said so. To me that is a poor excuse and needs explanation or clarification. Be mindful that children are most often aware of what you say and do because they are always watching you.
Think before you speak negatively. Things you could/should tell your children and grandchildren: “Good job.” “You are wonderful.” “That was really great.” “I appreciate all the nice things you do.” “You come first in my life.” “You're not just my child/grandchild, you're my best friend.” “I wanted you.” “I will always love you.” “I love the sparkle in your eyes.” “I like your smile.” “You make me feel good. “I am sorry.” “I was wrong.” “Let me listen.” “You are special.” “I can't imagine life without you.” “What can I do to help?” “Pray with me.” “Play with me.” “You make every day brighter.” “I prize every moment we spend together.” “Thanks for loving me."
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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. Read your Star Eagle and you will know why we choose to live here.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day! Emma Victoria Schember, her first; Mike Cady, Ashley Marie Hagen, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Dakota Ray Janning, Nicole Hanna, Patrick Wobschall, Harvey Zicafoose, Mandy Galbraith, Joel Hill, Jenifer Jensen Pietari, Kevin & Marsha Jensen
• Friday, March 18th: Axel Jameson Ladlie (2011), Ashley Marie Hagen, Lynn Sommer Eaton, Chad Cornelius, Randy Brandt, Michelle Bartness, Dan Enzenauer, Matthew Larson, Wanda Stanley, Kent Toft, Matt & Jennifer Van Hal, Dean & Sue Westrum
• Saturday, March 19th: Samuel Bartness, his 4th; Laverne Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin
• Sunday, March 20th: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson
• Monday, March 21st: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr
• Tuesday, March 22nd: National Goof Off Day! Gordy Carroll, Brenna Lynn Hagen, Shannon Johnson, Karin Lieberg, Bob Sommers, Leah Elaine Bergerson, Jerry Peterson, Nancy & Jerry Walterman, Dennis & Glenda Blouin
• Wednesday, March 23rd: Chris Newgard, Penny Obermoller, Alan Edwardson, Troy Johnson, Troy Wagner, Jason Dwight, Alexi Jo Kitzer, Alex Dobberstein, Delaney Sue Vander Syde, Alexander James Thompson, Peter Bergerson, Chris Rutheford, Phyllis Anderson, Rick & Liz Wangsness
It is your special day. Get carried away. Enjoy the day!
Call me "Whiney." No, don't call me "Whiney." Call me frustrated, discontented, or Kathy.
What brought this on? I wonder why I am paying a lot of money to watch commercials that have gotten so overwhelming. They sometimes overlap and are often so strange you wonder when one commercial ends and another starts. Once upon a time, commercials were sometimes more interesting to watch than TV programming. You not only have to wonder about the content of commercials – and whether they are appropriate – but whether they are effective. Did the commercial inform the buyer? Did it make the buyer want the product? Have you ever watched a commercial, then asked, “What was that company selling?”
It is hard to believe that we can have hundreds of stations available on cable or on Dish, but there are few things worth watching on our television sets. Obviously, SOMEBODY must watch some of the offbeat channels, but I resent them being packaged with popular shows. I question whether people would actually pay to subscribe to these channels.
At times like that, I shut off the television and listen to the radio. Not always great, but I can at least get the news and weather – and like the newspaper — it is LOCAL news of interest.
They get you coming and going. Unlike the fact that many good changes have come out of refusing to buy food with ingredients you feel are undesirable, with TV they could care less if you turn it off. The big companies still make their money and you can't coerce them into changing because you shut it off.
Get what I am saying? I know it is confusing, but it sort of upsets me to think I am paying big money for commercial programming that is already making big money to use television as an advertising outlet.
Sort of a double take and at the consumers’ expense. If you turn off your television, it is really no problem for the business. I can appreciate they all want to make money, but I feel they are taking advantage of the consumer.
Are there good things on TV? Of course, but is it enough to put up with the junk that contaminates and influences our lives and our children?
The television content that parents are supposed to supervise and remove so their children aren't influenced is difficult to block. It is pretty hard for parents always to be there to change the channels, especially so when the advertisement for the garbage can come on at any time. Children shouldn't be glued to the TV without adult supervision, but it would save a lot of time and trouble if it wasn't there in the first place.
Enough about television, but writing something out on paper, or on your computer, helps me cope with what is bothering me. Misery loves company!
There has to be something better to share with you than my frustrations.
The weather? If there is never anything to talk about we can always talk about the weather. We may not be able to do anything about it, but it is always a topic of conversation.
We have had an eclectic winter this year. The weather has been so varied day to day, but I won't complain. I can only feel empathy and concern, and pray for those all around us who have had more than their share of weather conditions out of their control.
Living in Minnesota and its often frigid state, we are at least more apt to realize and cope with even unseasonable or unreasonable conditions. Weather here shapes us – who we are, how we approach life. We take precautions when summer or winter storms approach. When weather gets TOO bad, we simply hunker down and wait it out. It makes Minnesotans prepared, accepting, stoic, well-mannered, and believers that there are some things in life too large for us to control. When the bad weather passes, it gives us greater enjoyment for the good weather that follows.
When my uncle was serving his country in the New York area he used to laugh about how tragic a small amount of snow was to New York drivers. They had never learned how to drive under those weather conditions. And of course they didn't have the equipment or knowledge needed to minimize the effect on the area.
So what else is new, or old, but needs to be thought about? My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered from cancer or other health problems. I especially think about the parents of children with health problems who have had to suffer with their children. Currently, Connor Weckwerth especially comes to mind.
It is heartwarming when we hear of young people who have taken up a share of love to help others. They don't have to, but often live under adverse conditions to help give faithful service to others, as Hannah Lundberg recently did.
I asked the ladies in the church kitchen what will happen when those older “standbys,” and those who do all the things they do, are no longer with us. They said they didn't know because today’s generation is so busy with jobs and other activities. Perhaps as they get to that stage of life they will slip in quietly and fill the vacancies.
Heroes aren't always honored in the headlines. They can be found washing dishes, making coffee, knitting or crocheting afghans, making quilts, collecting food and providing help for the needy. They often are doing it so quietly and so often we just take them for granted.
Don’t hesitate to give them kind words of appreciation.
Birthdays and annivsaries:
• Thursday, March 10th: Julie Stieglbauer Dahl, Sue Misgen, Aaron Callahan, Travis Johnson, Michelle Olson Bedney, Tom Vavra, Heidi Mattson LaFave, Chuck Hanson, Gayle Dummer, Douglas Schmidt, Linda Anderson, DeLynn Johnson Rohrbacher, Hannah Emily Brunsen
• Friday, March 11th: Arielle Lynn McClaskey (2011), Elsie Jacobson, her 3rd; Marian Mast, Carolyn Flesche, Leroy Folie, Kari Thostenson, Jon Carlson, Michelle Meyer, Larry Richards, Tim Simon, Joan Ahlstrom Diderrich, Tanya Swearingen, Tom Arbogast, David Callahan, Dean Lembke, Spener Sebastian Sommers, his 12th; Doug Blouin, Wendell Kuehni, Paul & Shirley Nelson
• Saturday, March 12th: Sadie Jaymelynn Arends, David Paulson, Jason Bowman, Terri Engel, Robert Hall, Harla Stanley Malz, Spiering Brody Sundbland, Gary & Barb Paulson, Jack & Virginia Jensen
• Sunday, March 13th: Joanna Ver Hey, David Mangskau, Lynda Kruckeberg, Darla Waltz, Jessica Liverseed, Craig Lunning, Tony Tonsing
• Monday, March 14th: National Potato Chip Day!; Laura Katherine Worrell, Connor Duane Klemmsensen, his 8th; Sierra Christine Krause, her 6th; Brian Cerney, Brent Huber, Marcia Hutchins, Lee Loverink, Mary Finch, Kathy Molenaar, Trevor Titus
• Tuesday, March 15th: Angie Haberman Lyman, Marvel Beiser, Andy Ditlevson, Robin Jepson, Judy Lunning, Tim Phagan, Steve Clausen, Tony Motl, Julie Peterson, Don & Cindy Gould
• Wednesday, March 16th: Ava Pospesel, Blair Pospesel, Al Batt, Cortnee Langlie, Judy Waage, Tyler Lewis Hagenbrock, Jackson Taylor William Churchill, Harold & Pat Wayne, Hugh & Karen O'Byrne
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
Wash your hands. How many times have you heard those words? It’s always important, but especially now during the cold and flu season.
Imagine a mean little germ just waiting for a chance to come and attack you and you will remember how important such a simple thing it can be to wash our hands.
One of the first things to teach our children (and ourselves) is the importance of hand washing. It is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine. It involves five simple and effective steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry. Regular hand washing, especially before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others.
While my mother worked with the Head Start program, they were instructed to teach children to wash their hands as they sang the ABC song. Singing that song was just the right amount of time to do a thorough job.
Another helpful hint to help keep us healthy is to make sure things we are going to touch are clean and free of germs. It is good to see the local grocery stores have "wipes" available to use before we grab a hold of a shopping cart.
I also believe it is just as important to use the "wipes" after you shop as well. Think of all the germs you encounter in your quest for groceries. How many hands do you think touched those cans of fruits and vegetables, those boxes of cereal, that bottle of ketchup or bottles of laundry or dish soap? The list is endless.
Another thing to consider is stair railings and door knobs. They are very good and necessary items, but don't forget how many hands are put on them every day. If you can't wash your hands, please use the disposable wipes or hand sanitizers.
Another thing we don't often think about: the beds we sleep in. There is something true about the adage that the state of your bed is the state of your mind. But whose?
There is another theory. "Opening" your bed may be a better solution than closing it up when we get out of them in the morning. Left open to the air it causes the nasty little bed mites to be exposed to air, which dehydrates them, and kills them.
Those little critters love the good bed maker who leaves nice corners and well made beds because they need the moisture and cover to survive.
Speaking of critters, we need to take a lesson from the animal world. Rabbits eat things we should eat, like carrots, greens and whole grains. "Organic" has really progressed for consumers. Some things aren't so bad if they have removable skin, like oranges and bananas, but they should still be washed before you handle them. Green beans should always be bought organic.
I don't know why, but I always wonder about all those heads of lettuce and cabbage, etc. if it has been sprayed at intervals as it is developing so it is safe to eat.
And a few more thoughts....
It if is small enough to go through a simple toilet paper tube it is a danger for small children as they could swallow it and choke. Please be careful with all those "little items" we have in our homes. We all know young children like to put things in their mouth.
How do you divide your love among your children? You don't divide it — you multiply it!
Television programs and movies used to include people smoking cigarettes in their stories, which promoted using cigarettes. We don't see that happening too much anymore, thank goodness.
But sad to say, it seems like the greedy promoters of money over peoples’ welfare now seem to be promoting wine. Wine may be fine to a point, but it is still an alcoholic beverage. Many times it appears many people treat it like a carbonated beverage instead of an alcoholic beverage.
It is always time for a new beginning. Make it happen.
How to make love endure....remember to share your hugs and kisses with your loved ones.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It is not. —Dr. Suess
Enjoy life now, it has an expiration date. Do the best you can while you can make your life worthwhile.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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. 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 to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 3rd: Jeff Lageson, Terri Jensen, Charlie Hanson, Jessica Tufte, John Crabtree, Valerie Tobiason Quiring, Muarine Larson, Frank Thompson, Bill Draayer, Darlene Christensen, Terri Miles, David Underland, Darren & Christine Hanson, Angie & Jeff Rasmussen, Nicole & Nathan Milender
• Friday, March 4th: Dawn David, Teresa Hove, Larry Spear, Julia Elizabeth Neitzel
• Saturday, March 5th: Dayna Schember, Nicole Ella Schultz, Tim Toft, Vickie Haberman, Steve Van Ravenhorst, Declan Dean O'Brien, his 5th
• Sunday, March 6th: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann & Travis Marzolf
• Monday, March 7th: Jace John Goslee, his 10th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 12th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins and Peggy Evenson
• Tuesday, March 8th: Derek Alan Lee, Janice Olson Paulson, Greg Nelson, Carla Paulsen Haugen, Melissa Trindad, Kathy & Mike Plunkett, Stephanie & Tom Pulley
• Wednesday, March 9th: Reese Sharon Glynn, her 9th; Taylor Jensen, Chris Clausen, Peter Dammel, Curtis Langlie, Mark Sawyer, Joel Wacholz, Dean Waltz, Jacklyn Cromwell Olson, Chris Farr, Joleen Thompson
• Thusday, March 10th: Julie Stieglbauer Dahl, Sue Misgen, Aaron Callahan, Travis Johnson, Michelle Olson Bedney, Tom Vavra, Heidi Mattson LaFave, Chuck Hanson, Gayle Dummer, Douglas Schmidt, Linda Anderson, DeLynn Johnson Rohrbacher, Hannah Emily Brunsen
• Friday, March 11th: Arielle Lynn McClaskey (2011), Elsie Jacobson, her 3rd; Marian Mast, Carolyn Flesche, Leroy Folie, Kari Thostenson, Jon Carlson, Michelle Meyer, Larry Richards, Tim Simon, Joan Ahlstrom Diderrich, Tanya Swearingen, Tom Arbogast, David Callahan, Dean Lembke, Spener Sebastian Sommers, his 12th; Doug Blouin, Wendell Kuehni, Paul & Shirley Nelson Gould
Wishing you sunny smiles to warm your heart on your special day!
Water is something to think about. We need a lot of it – but not just any water. Am I the only one who finds that “city water” leaves a bad taste in their mouth? What is in that water?
Bottled water seems to be an answer, but what does that plastic container contribute to our welfare?
My sister, Kaye, has a friend who told her a true story about her mother. Her mother had suffered terribly with varicose veins, had a heart condition, took pills by the quantity and had been told by her doctor there was nothing he could do to help her. She could only wish that she could die to relieve her suffering.
Then her sister from Oklahoma came for a visit and after she heard about her doctor’s comment and said, “Your blood vessels are clogged and hard, and, yes, you are going to die.”
She advised her to get a machine and start distilling the water she was drinking and using in food preparations.
My sister’s friend decided to do as suggested. What did she have to lose? She went to the store and bought a distiller.
To make a long story short, during a visit my sister had at her friend’s house, she was able to meet her mother. She showed Kaye she no longer had varicose veins. She also told her she did not have to take all the pills that she had been taking, nor did she have a heart condition.
She went on to inform Kaye that the added benefit of drinking and using distilled water was unbelievable!
She found that coffee made with distilled water tasted better. She had always canned her own foods in glass, but now that she was using distilled water, the result was unbelievable. When she entered her canned foods in contests, they tasted and looked so good; they won many awards.
No wonder her daughter got a distiller and started using only distilled water. Her health and life were worth it.
While I was at the Steele County Fair this past year, I stopped to look at a booth demonstrating distillers. A man came up and said to the lady working the stand, “That is why my wife is alive today,” and went on to share a story so similar to what my sister’s friend had told her.
He said, “If you don’t believe me, go down and talk to her. Don’t tell her you talked me, just listen. Your health and well-being are worth any positive action you can take.”
My mother has also found the benefits of using vinegar in her life.
She first learned about the benefit of vinegar when my grandmother used vinegar to help her when she had “croup.”
She also learned vinegar was also a good thing to wash fruit and vegetables. It helps minimize the dangers of chemicals. Granted, food grown in tainted soil can’t be cleaned away by washing it.
Vinegar can also be used as a disinfectant. It can also be used when doing the laundry, cleaning, or whatever. Ordinary vinegar works for most things we have in our lives.
We also have to be aware that though room airsprays smell good, they may have chemicals that aren’t so good. Maybe is it time we start spraying the air in our homes with vinegar. The smell won’t linger, but it is cheaper and better than store bought items and it really does refreshes the air.
I am so happy with my beautiful, wonderful grandchildren. But it hurts me to think about the world we are putting them into. Hopefully, they will find the way out of the mess we have made of the “good life.”
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 those important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, February 25th: Berniece Farr Mattson, Coltan Hagen, Brad Hagen, LuAnn Miller, Sherri Larson Fritz, Steve & Vicky Dobberstein
• Friday, February 26th: Sharon Menefee, Shawn Jensen, Becky Lassahn, Ray Coxworth, Ginger Cornelius, Mary Lou Spurr, Chris Sauke, Mike Glynn, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Joel & Peg Radjenovich
• Saturday, February 27th: Steve Pence, Jean Anderson, Garry Nordhorn, Doris Rasmussen, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Erik Cooper, John Olson, Jayden Dakota Tonkins, Nancy Ingvaldson, Daryl Van Ravenhorst
• Sunday, February 28th: Troy Utpadel, Neil Pence, Jackie Miller, Steve Engel, Dan Nesdahl, Bennett Dobberstein, Atom Oquist, Sharese Lehmberg, John Marlin, Gerry Flim, Michelle Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tyler Titus, Tiffany Mischke, Michael Coy, Jim & Diane Butler
• Tuesday, March 1st: Dan Nelson, Arlen Brekke, Chet Alan Hansen, Jordon Cook, Rick Loberg, Sara Ihrke, Duane Reichl, Nicole Farr, Emily Ayers, Paula & Richard Conroy
• Wednesday, March 2nd: Willard Christenson, Wilfred Christenson, Laurie Jensen, Angie Hagen Rasmussen, Joanne Kaiser, Roger Langlie, Casey Lyman, Abner Smith, Alexis Elizabeth Klocek, Ronnie & Marcia Hutchins, Paul & Kathy Underland
• Thursday, March 3rd: Jeff Lageson, John Crabtree, Valerie Tobiason Quiring, Maurine Larson, Frank Thompson, Bill Draayer, Terri Jensen, Darlene Christensen, Charlie Hanson, Jessica Tufte, Terri Miles, David Underland, Darren & Christine Hanson, Angie & Jeff Rasmussen, Nicole & Nathan Milender
May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!
More...
I saw a big black fly in the house the other day. I couldn’t imagine why it would stick its ugly head out on such a cold day. He must have got his signals mixed.
Flies drive my dad crazy. He becomes a bug killing monster. They drive him bananas. Of course thinking where they might have been before they come here sort of blows my mind too. A housefly can transport germs as far as 15 miles away from the original source of contamination.
Assuming that all the offspring survived, 190,000,000,000,000,000, 000 flies could be produced in four months by the offspring of a single pair of flies.
One thing can be said for this cold weather that we have been experiencing. I haven’t had to swat even one mosquito for quite a few days now. They must be tough little buggers though because they seem to come alive in quantities when warm weather hits again. Mosquitoes are the hardiest of all the world’s insects. It has been found that they live in the coldest region of northern Canada and Siberia and can live quite comfortably at the North Pole. It is equally at home in equatorial jungles.
Mosquitoes do not bite. They stab. A mosquito has no jaws; when attacking a victim it pierces it with its long proboscis and sucks the blood up through the nasal tube. At one “sitting” a mosquito can absorb one and a half times its own weight in blood.
The buzzing of flies and bees is not produced by any sound-producing apparatus within the insects’ bodies. It is simply the sound of their wings moving up and down and back and forth at a rapid rate. A mosquito’s wings move at the rate of 1,000 times a second.
I have always loved the story of the bumblebee. Attending a seminar in Texas the speaker, Mamie McCullough, challenged us that how different the goal or whatever the handicap is, one could convince themselves of the truth, “I can.” Strongly believing enough one can use power wisely.
We need to be like the bumblebee. Scientists can prove that it is aerodynamically impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Its body is too heavy and its wings too light to sustain flight. Since the bumblebee however chooses not to be affected by this sophisticated opinion - he flies, he works, and he achieves!
Bees create their own air conditioning. When the weather becomes hot and the temperature inside the bee hive threatens to melt the wax, one group of bees stations itself at the entrance to the colony while another remains inside. Both groups then flap their wings simultaneously, sometimes at a rate of 400 flaps per second. Thus they create a cross-draft that pulls the hot air out of the hive and draws cooler air in.
Remember the movie, “Karate Kid” where the old Chinese judo expert would catch them with chop sticks? Impossible? No! I have a couple of cousins and a nephew who use to be very skillful at catching them that way. Hard to believe as their wings vibrate 340 times a second and they have a rotating eye span better than a gunner pilot in an airplane.
My nephew Cam as a young child was always a good bug catcher. Fireflies were easy and he would put them in a glass jar and they became little flashlights. He did get in trouble once. He was an expert at catching bees by their wings, seldom ever getting stung. It was something he was proud of and one day he took a collection of bees in a glass jar to school for “show and tell.” The teacher wasn’t so pleased, thinking he was up to mischief. When she saw the expression on his face and realized it wasn’t a prank but was an accomplishment of great intent, she did apologize but advised him to remove the jar from the classroom just in case someone might open the cover, or that the jar might fall onto the floor and break.
Without a doubt, bugs will be the last living thing on the earth. For one thing there are so many of them. There are more insects in one square mile of rural land than there are human beings on the entire earth. Scientists discover approximately 7,000 to 10,000 new insect species every year – and they believe that there are between 1 million and 10 million species as yet unfound.
It thoroughly disgusts me to see people eating bugs on repulsive TV shows, but in reality it is said that bugs are really high in quality nutrition.
How could they know that? The thought of some research person on his hands and knees counting is rather hilarious.
Some bugs injure crops, but most are relatively harmless. They are usually controlled by chemical sprays or dust however other insects most often provide the best control of bugs.
Moral of the story: Size doesn’t give us power even though we are capable of killing the little beasties with a fly swatter or step on them with a foot.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, February 18th: Karson Kenneth Benning, 2015; Kris Munson McDonald, Janice Waage, Zola Wayne, Jamie Kunkel Riley, Brad & Rachel Lerum
• Friday, February 19th: Abraham Peterson, Allison Schmidt, Maklela Larkin, Deedee Hunt, Jason Jensen, Teri Ravenhorst, Marjorie Solberg
• Saturday, February 20th: Derek Dobberstein, his second birthday; Hadley Routh, Derek Flesche, Amy Shaunce, David Swearingen, Joyce Lageson Hoddick, LuAnn Sommer Granholdt, David & LeAnn Hanson, Jim & Nancy Cornelius
• Sunday, February 21st: Jeannie Worrell, Andy Butler, Phillip Ingvaldson, Bryan Dirkson, Leanna Peterson, Chris & Kim Jensen, Darrell & Cynthia Farr, Max & Marlene Jensen
• Monday, February 22nd: Shelia Nelson White, Carlie Thompson, Dalys Waltz, Joan & Marian Mast
• Tuesday, February 23rd: Sharon Gasner Ramaker, Bernie Warnke, Josh Krueger, Daniel Suelter, Dale Waltz, Tiffany Mischke, Daniel Walterman, Laura & Jamie Baudoin
• Wednesday, February 24th: Jerry Hemingway, Rick Draper, Nathan Wayne, Roxy Menefee Ray, Sarah Zamora, Nancy Larson, Kathy & Daryl Reed
Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!
Another holiday is fast approaching. Valentine’s Day was named in honor of St. Valentine, who was an early Christian Saint. It is celebrated on February 14th by the sending or exchanging of cards, letters and gifts.
Some may think it is a frivolous, romantic day. You might be right. But I believe it is a pretty important day.
In fact, I believe that we should celebrate every day with love and kindness for our fellow man. How hard is it to say, “I love you,” or give a hug or a kiss to let people know we care? It is, but not really enough to expect that our loved ones know that we truly do care for them. We take it for granted that they know. Those three little words, “I love you” are really big words that express a lot.
My dad was not great on saying, “I love you” but he was good about distributing a kiss whenever he left the house, something he learned from his brother, George, and felt very strongly about it.
As I was waiting for the elevator at the hospital this past weekend while we were visiting our daughter, Keralyn, and her new baby boy, Oliver, I said “hello” to a couple of young children I am guessing were brother and sister. It is interesting that young children always notice that I am missing part of my leg. Later I saw them again and they each gave me a note that they had written and signed with love.
They were concerned about my leg and expressed their thoughts and hoped that I would feel better. They didn’t know me, or I them, but their notes were a beautiful gift to me.
So why would anyone want to take Valentine’s Day off the school calendar? It is so important that children grow up knowing about love and kindness.
I see by the papers that some schools have, or are planning to take what we have accepted as “holidays” from their school calendars because they aren’t what other cultures celebrate and it may be seen as offensive.
How do you feel about that? Are you ready to give up Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s etc.? Everything but Presidents’ birthdays and Martin Luther King Day, which I think should be named differently. Something like, “Civil Rights Day” instead of honoring just one man.
It is hard to believe that businesses would give up the commercial value of these days. Children also look forward to these days.
As are expected to put our heads in the sand and give up these things that have been an important part of our culture for years?
We have been willing to share and made concessions for their religions and culture. Those who come from other countries have their special days and moments. Isn’t there room for more? Why take away the feeling of love and caring?
Our kids over the years have taken great pride in making cards and drawings for our appreciation. The kids of course were great on making and sharing Valentines then and now they mean more than a fancy, over-priced commercial card. Though there are times there is a card that says just the right thing.
Happiness is all in how you look at things! Downsides and drawbacks can be hard to ignore. But there is always more to celebrate than to stress about.
Every day holds so much to be joyful about – and so many blessings. Start counting them, and you will see how they add up!
Too bad there isn’t a Valentine’s Day every day but we can celebrate the love that generates on that holiday. What can we do every day to make it more loveable? Hugs and kisses, flowers now and then, surprises or unexpected chores done, special meals, a shelf put up, anything that adds to everyday living that makes it special and/or rewarding and portrays love an caring from one’s family and friends.
P.S. My nephew’s lovebirds’ three babies are almost fully-grown now. This family has been such a joy to watch as they care and protect each other. We can all take a lesson from “the birds.”
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like to 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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, February 11th: Megan Pence, Jet Wayne, Neil Douglas Schmidt, Donna Wilker, David Dunn, Julie Christensen, Rhonda Thompson Christensen, Steve Gallentine, Earl Cleven, Teresa Knudson Pratt
• Friday, February, 12th: Gail Skroch, Joe Moon, Michael Hanson, April Van Riper, Rick Borchert, Eugene Kruckeberg, Travis Wayne, Jessie Olson, Greg Oswald, Taff & Jean Worrell, David & Carolyn Hanson
• Saturday, February 13th: Cobi Gowlland, Becca Spurr, Greg Spurr, Jim Brocker, Eric Olson, Linda Ingvaldson, Bonnie Jensen, Brian Rechtzigel, Anita Kes, Terry & Pam Roberts
• Sunday, February 14th: Happy Valentines Day! Angie Entwisle, Elsie Vander Stoep, Michelle Peterson, Matthew Reiter, Angela Westrum Lair, Lee & Jean Johnson, Bob & Mary Macko, Gene & Linda Pederson
• Monday, February 15th: Kloe Renee Wacek, Nancy Cornelius, Patty Kunkel, Eric Olson, Adam Warnke, Ron Jensen, Michelle Hanson, Angie O'Byrne, Elina Butler and John Pfaff
• Tuesday, February 16th: Delores Hemingway, Marian Horan, Jesse Lund, Wayne Jensen, David Peterson, Sara Miller, Sarah Nelson, Ian Oolman, Tanya Callahan, LeAnn Hanson, Donald & Dory Hunt
• Wednesday, February 17th: Toni Wayne Smith, Nancy Johnson Erickson, Thomas Farr, Keith Wayne, Dave Von Gorkom, Dawn Pence Gross, Brian Dobberstein, Joan Richards, Joan Kaphers, Michelle Cortinas, Carolyn LaFave, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Alvin & Cheryl Cooper
May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!
We can't complain on winter — yet. It was super cold, but the snow in our area hasn't been a big problem like I remember it from yesteryear.
It occurred to me one day that we no longer see many snowmen sitting on the front lawns of most homes anymore. My dad was a super snowman maker. For one thing, he was tall and a big man and as a result had the advantage of making his snowmen tall and large. I remember one year we had a group of snowmen on my Grandmother Hanson’s south lawn, all shapes and sizes.
Another thought that comes to mind is snowball fights. The boys in my day were tricky and made snow forts to duck behind, but I don't remember anybody getting really crushed by snowballs. Those forts must have done the trick and helped protect them.
Another event we always looked forward to each winter was playing fox and geese. I guess I am not remembering why it was called fox and geese, but everybody played from little and on up.
I also remember seeing pictures, or family who talked about the huge snowdrifts. My mother can remember there was a place they actually had to use dynamite to break open the snow drifts as they were so thick and hard. Back then they didn't have any machines that could do the job.
It was not unusual to get the big plows out to get through the snow on the hilly area between Dr. Ertel's and my grandparents’ farm, which was just south and west of the county line road near Ellendale.
Machines couldn’t do it all. Surprise! Individual men had to get their shovels out and clear snow for the bulldozer to go through.
There were always detours across fields and fences, so the farmers could get the cream to town or get groceries. My grandmother’s mail carrier, Zielger, invented the first little "snowmobile" of sorts back then so the mail could be delivered. It had track wheels and was kind of egg shaped and could climb over the snow banks.
They say we get as much snow now as back then. We just have better equipment and roads, but memory still says we had more blizzards and snow years ago.
I have a picture of my dad and his dad straddling the telephone lines along one of my Grandpa Schember’s snow plowing routes in the New Richland area back then.
Back in my younger days we developed our own skating pond across the street from where I now live, before the Community Lutheran parsonage was built. It wasn't real big, just the right size to keep in shape for skating. I think we all thought we would grow up to be Sonja Heine.
My Grandmother Hanson used to talk about ice boats they used to sail across Geneva Lake. One year, the ice froze and rose to extraordinary heights right across the lake. We had a picture of my dad, who was 6-foot-2, standing on his snowmobile and reaching his arm as high as he could, and still didn’t reach the top of that blade of ice that extended halfway across the middle of Geneva Lake.
I wonder does something like that happen often on lakes or oceans? I know I am not too smart about those things, but that was a natural sculpture worth remembering.
Winter doesn't seem so bad when you are a kid, I guess. Of course many will remember the snow bank in Geneva that had a tunnel running through it. The area I am talking about was two blocks west of Geneva Bar & Grill. We have had snow that required plowing in April. The year my middle daughter Kimberly was born (1973) we had to get Wilfred Nelson out with the snow plow so I could get to the hospital. And the year when my cousin, Pixie, as we called her, was born, her mother had to walk a quarter of a mile to gain transportation from where Orlando Thompson was living at the time. (Pixie was born in March of 1951.) And my mother still wonders what she would have done if grandson, Cam, hadn't been born January 8th, just hours before the blizzard blast that lasted for days back in 1975.
And we won't talk about the Armistice Storm. That was something else I guess, but before my time. It came in a flash and a fury.
Watching the storms that have bombarded the east coast this winter, I wonder how they compared. Of course, Midwest farmers are tougher than city folks and also were semi prepared with experience and equipment. Cold as it may be with its little surprises, I still like Minnesota best.
Bernice and Adrian Thompson, would ride horseback, pulling the other one on snow skis for a ride and a half up and down the snow banks back in the pre-snowmobile days. It wasn't all that easy hanging onto the hay rope and staying on an even keel with the horses.
Toody, Athan, Barb and Jerry (Langlie) saved the day for my Grandma Hanson, who had prepared Thanksgiving dinner for almost 50 people before getting snowed under. They came on horseback with snow up to the horses’ chests and almost buried Barbara’s little pony. Grandma didn't cry often, but she did, with happiness.
I am quite sure you have a number of great winter memories too. Think about them. Times change, but memories linger on.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, February 4th: Aaron Duane Bauers, Tyler Cerney, Tyler Sorenson (1994), Waylen Busho Jr., Billy Glynn, David Newgard, Roy Jensen, John Lent
• Friday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock
• Saturday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson
• Sunday, February 7th: Cheryl Cornelius, Ted Pelzl, Kelly Simon, Emma Lorraine Klemmensen, Karissa Dolan, Joel Radjenovich, Steve & Holly Glynn
• Monday, February 8th: Lainee Ann Krohn, Erin Thompson, Terry Wacek
• Tuesday, February 9th: Emily Eder, John Warnke, Donnavon Eaker, Laura (Edwards) Baudoin, Brad Lerum, Kelly Lageson, Heidi Nelson, Karen Knudson, Tami Sorenson Hansen, Jay Wangsness
• Wednesday, February 10th: Brooklyn Jo Baudoin, Brett Mitchell Kubiatowicz, Greg Hagen, Abbey Jensen, Tom Wayne, Dean Reiter, Michael Glienke, Wayne Osmundson, Rachel Strand, Judy Thostenson, Peggy Talamantes, Greg Nelson, Madison Johnson, Dick & Mary Ann Ewing
• Thursday, February 11th: Megan Pence, Jet Wayne, Neil Douglas Schmidt, Donna Wilker, David Dunn, Julie Christensen, Rhonda Thompson Christensen, Steve Gallentine, Earl Cleven, Teresa Knudson Pratt
• Friday, February, 12th: Gail Skroch, Joe Moon, Michael Hanson, April Van Riper, Rick Borchert, Eugene Kruckeberg, Travis Wayne, Jessie Olson, Greg Oswald, Taff & Jean Worrell, David & Carolyn Hanson
May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!
We always look forward to seeing what new little girl or boy is the one to welcome in a new year. Sad that we can’t offer a better atmosphere and environment for them to grow up in.
In Dakota this year a pair of twins were born. One was born on each side of the clock, so one has a 2015 birth date and the other a 2016 birth date. How nice that each one has their own birthday. I wonder how many times they’ll argue that one is older, or younger than the other. Or that they should respect their elders.
Not to be outdone, January 1 is the birthday of my nephew, Kade’s, triplets. Yes, his love bird’s eggs hatched on the first day of the new year. It was almost as exciting as the real thing. What a miracle of birth they are.
How can all that bird come out of a little egg? We talk about how fast our children and grandchildren grow. These new little ones are far from beautiful with their naked little bodies, but it is beautiful how the parents take care of them. One parent will take up food to feed the little ones. First they chew it, then deposit it in the mouth of the other parent, who then feeds those hungry little baby birds.
Thank God for parents who love their children and care for them with tender loving kindness. I won’t say, but only pray for those who mistreat their young. How can they do that? Because they are bigger or stronger and can take advantage of these precious children? I wish there were an answer.
On to another topic. My mother and I finished the puzzle. It was a doozy. When we looked at the difficulty it would entail we had a strong thought to put it all back in the box. But we didn’t. It sat there for a long time with some days only a piece or two added to the total picture.
Isn’t that a little like our commitment to the cancer cure? Looking at it, it seems impossible, but when we take one piece at a time, bit by bit, it comes together.
We can’t give up no matter how hard and hopeless it may look. Some days there is little or no progress, just like the puzzle, and some days there is a lot. Hopefully some day we will see a great picture.
Now if I could just tackle my computer problems the same way. When it works for me it is wonderful, but when it doesn’t it is complete frustration. Try writing a story for the paper and losing it three times. Yes, three times. But I kept working on it. Sorry to say, it never comes out the same way the second, or even the third time around.
We need to keep working at it and never give up.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that 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 to 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.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, January 28th: Brian Brekke, Kevin Stieglbauer, Kalei Wilson, Caleb Brocker, Ruth Paulson, Denise McGowan, Rachel Schei, Lona Berg
• Friday, January 29th: Molly Jo Wayne, her 8th, Jalen Aaseth, Rick Seath, Andrea (Hanson) Carter, George Dettman, his 86th, Kim (Harpel) Johnson, Zenobia Haberman, Stephanie Jensen
• Saturday, January 30th: Allison Grunwald, Renae Wallace, Trudy Nelson, Cody Boverhuis, Dennis Jensen, Jeanette Fetterly, Michael Robinson, Scott Morreim, Wally Wobschall, Missy (Wayne) & Sean Engel, their 7th, Paul & Diane Stollard
• Sunday, January 31st: Ethan River Thompson, his 11th; Avery Routh, her 11th; Dana Jensen, Jim Worrell, Keith Hagen, Sue Richards, David Skroch, Jim & Lois Plunkett
• Monday, February 1st: Madeline Anne Marlin (2012), Grayson Joseph Bickler, his 8th; Richard Grunwald, Brad Hagen, Tom Olson, Shelly Wencl, Sam & Sharon Peterson, Darrin & Michelle Hanson
• Tuesday, February 2nd: Kia Jayann Buendorf, her 8th; Matt Davis, Addie Farr, Joey Farr, Michael Farr, Butch Otteson, John Fornberg, Robert Hanson, Jim Motz, Karri Bangert, Lillie Fenney
• Wednesday, February 3rd: Avery Jean Blouin, 2014; Bowen Gregory Jensen, his 10th; Lily Neitzel, Julie Hanson, David Johnson, Sherry Misgen, Tara (Stollard) Richards, Francene Pittman, Jeremy Hanson
• Thursday, February 4th: Aaron Duane Bauers, Tyler Cerney, Tyler Sorenson (1994), Waylen Busho Jr., Billy Glynn, David Newgard, Roy Jensen, John Lent
• Friday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock
• Saturday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson
May your special day be a happy memory and tomorrow a bright new promise.