Fact Or Fiction? (175)
Ed and Arlene Miller didn’t raise any dumb children. They raised four smart children (Keith, Dale, Nancy and Cindy).
On the 15th of December, in the year 1998, Cindy plus others of the immediate Miller family set a record on Beaver Lake for water skiing the latest ever in any year.
At the 2015 annual Thanksgiving Day get-together at Cabin 36 on Beaver Lake, Ed, with Arlene looking down from a heavenly cloud, reminded the children of how much he was impressed with their smartness. He mentioned The Farmer’s Almanac was predicting a late fall/late winter. Based on the prediction, he suggested they watch the weather and try to stay the record holder as he was very proud of them being the latest ever to water ski Beaver Lake in December.
The four smart children watched the weather very closely and decided by December 14th they must have a plan of action to maintain their December 15th record.
Did the children go water skiing to keep their record? Oh no. They are much smarter than that. They put up a sign at the ramp saying, “Extreme danger, Beaver in Rut ‘til Lake Freezes Over.”
Now you know why it can be said Ed and Arlene Miller didn’t raise any dumb children.
In case you’re wondering, Beaver Lake froze over December 24th, 2015, the latest ever. I froze over December 20th in 1998, the former record.
Other unusual occurrences because of the warm weather:
1. Getting out of the car in the parking lot going to church, I saw and picked up a huge night crawler on December 13th. I put the crawler on a crawler harness and went fishing at the channel between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake for a big walleye on Monday, December 14th. My first cast, I got a snag. It came loose, flying back and becoming hopelessly entangled in a branch overhead. The red and white bobber, harness and night crawler are all yours for the taking as I cut the line.
2. My neighbor, Jim S., mowed his lawn the week of December 14th.
3. I picked dandelions on December 22nd.
4. More rain than snow in December.
5. No hard frost with snow on top to kill the allergies.
6. If you wanted to golf in December, no problem to find a course in Minnesota.
7. Santa’s sleigh with rubber tires left tracks on our green, green lawn.
8. A black Christmas is defined with less than one inch of snow on the ground at high noon on December 25th. Thus, a black Christmas in this area.
In summary, what a December!
In case you’re wondering if any of this is fiction, the answer is “YES.”
All this brings up the question: “Could this be due to the full moon on December 25th?”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
On a balmy Saturday, December 5, with a temperature of 43 degrees, 43 people boarded a coach bus in Albert Lea with Dale Matson at the helm. The bus, sponsored by Fully Rely on God (F.R.O.G.) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, headed south of the border on I-35.
Fifteen games of “Deal or No Deal” were played on the bus. Winners were Betty Gulbrandson, Rhonda Jacobson, Carol Bertelson, Dorothy Kirsch, Darlene Tue, Nancy Harris, Donna Stolaas, Jodie Johnson, Sandra Johnson, Cindy Olson, Dominic Olson, Jerry Jensen, Stacy Jacobson, Olivia Harris and Janice Dempewolf.
A Christmas stocking shaped like a litter bag from the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau was given to each person on the bus. In the bag were coupons from Keith at Slumberland, Jamie at Dairy Queen south, Gayla at KFC, Debbie at Arby’s, and Andrew at Pizza Ranch, all in Albert Lea.
We reached our destination of “Christmas by the Lake” and Dale parked the bus in such a way that we could see the lighted Christmas parade and the fireworks shot over the lake from the bus. We even had about an hour to tour Main Street with all the Christmas activities.
After the excellent fireworks display, with very loud fireballs at the end, we boarded the bus and headed back to Albert Lea (destination: Pizza Ranch).
By now most of you have figured out that the bus went south of the border to Clear Lake, Iowa, and back. The Chamber of Commerce staff in Clear Lake is rated “best of the best of the bunch.” Libby helped us with arrangements (she even had an SUV holding the parking stall for our bus) and prizes. (The Chamber Character “Kweenbe” informed us of their rating!)
We stopped at the Pizza Ranch in Albert Lea with our tummy gauges at empty. After the gauge read full, Lowell Elmer led us in singing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to the staff.
The next Christmas by the Lake bus is planned for December 3, 2016 (it is always the first Saturday in December).
The next planned F.R.O.G. party is a Valentine’s Day party with pizza and pop, followed by twelve games of fast-moving Norwegian Bingo and ending with an ice cream buffet at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church on Saturday evening, February 6.
Many, many moons ago at this time, Mary and Joseph were really in a bind, as she was about ready to deliver a son and they couldn’t find an inn to stay at. The little feller born in a manger was named Jesus. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
On Thursday, Nov. 5, Genie and I headed north from Albert Lea on our annual sabbatical in the north woods. We took two cars as Genie decided to split the sabbatical between two locations (the north woods and Branson, Mo., on a bus from Albert Lea along with Julie Ehlers of Albert Lea).
On our way, we stopped at the smallest town in America that has a McDonald’s, namely Garrison, Minn., with a population of about 210 and declining. The natives blame the decline on the reduced walleye limit (the season was even closed for walleyes this fall). McDonald’s was very busy with deer hunters headed north.
We stayed at the Palace Hotel outside of Cass Lake, Minn. The facility has a snack bar, a non-smoking dining room, a smaller casino with both fast and regular Bingo, once-a-week Neon Bingo where many of the players are in costume, and an 80-room hotel with a swimming pool all under one roof.
The rates are very reasonable. The food is excellent with good-sized portions. The employees all have the ability to make your stay enjoyable and they shine in doing just that.
We attended the Veterans Day complimentary brunch for the veteran and a guest at The Palace. It was just great, even a woven basket ice carving. The highlight was when I got to be the speaker thanking The Palace and the employees for honoring the veteran and their guest with a long, round of applause by all.
We also attended the Nov. 11 Veterans Day activity in the evening at the American Legion in Cass Lake (I am a Legion member).
We attended Trinity Lutheran Church on Hwy. 2 just west of Cass Lake. As usual, the welcome mat was extended to us. After Genie left for Branson, I attended there the next two Sundays. I was even asked to read one Sunday, which I did. One of the male members informed me it was a two-doughnut Sunday as he handed me a second doughnut! Did you know Mr. Larson, the head wrestling coach at NRHEG, has relatives at Trinity?
Thanks Janet, for giving me a complimentary ticket to see the lady boxers at Northern Lights in Walker.
I know you have heard of “catch and release,” but how about “hatch and release?” Codey Dahl, a fifth-grader at Northern Elementary in Bemidji, starts out with about 500 brown trout eggs and the result is about 100 released in a river. My reaction, “Wow.”
Genie and I, along with Grace and Charlie (Trinity members) enjoyed an excellent meal at the Big Fish Supper Club on Hwy. 2 by Bena, Minn. Al and Amy Hemme are the owners. I’ve known Al for many years as a very good deer hunter. Amy did admit Al was a good hunter but she was a lot prettier!
As we left, I counted 10 professional deer hunters either bellied up to the bar or filling their belly with a great steak dinner. They all had one thing in common, the possibility of professional status having “non” added to it.
Did you know that Genie and I are stars on the Ron Schara TV show about the big fish?
The ambience and amenities keep us returning to The Palace as shown by: Dave, Diego, Diane, David, Doug, Don, Dana, Delma, Danny, Dale, Diana, Danielle, Dennis, Dawn, Dan, Dolly and many other Ds; Ethan, Elizabeth, Emily, Edwin, Elroy, and many other Es; Freeman, Frank, Franny and many other Fs.
Thanks to Brennon, Nancy and Jean at White Oaks Casino for helping me remember who is who.
After Genie left, I hunted hard but I’m now in the non-professional deer hunter status. Sorry LeRoy, but I didn’t get that deer I promised you.
The Christmas Hot Line telephone number is 951-262-3062.
In summary, one year closer to getting a deer.
Remember the reason for the Christmas season.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
What was it about him? Was it the bushy hair that stuck out under his cap? Was it the neat accent? Was it his lack of height? Was it the neat chuckle? To me, it was all of those that made “Digger” one likeable Irish leprechaun.
On my morning walks, I sometimes walk through Lakeview Cemetery. The last time I saw Digger and his digging partner, Jeff, was on one of those walks. I asked Digger if he would dig my grave in the next few years. His reply was “Maybe,” with his infectious chuckle.
Digger, it was my (along with many others’) great pleasure to know you.
Genie and I celebrated the second of our second 50 years wedding anniversary. We know that our ages were the cause of us slowing down. It took us three days to celebrate one day. The first day we celebrated at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church by hosting the coffee hour. The second day was batter fried fish at Trumble’s in Albert Lea. The third day was noon lunch with a two-spoon sundae at The Old Mill in Austin.
It seemed like the population of squirrels and rabbits (in our back yard) in Albert Lea had greatly increased. I did a statistical random sampling of four houses with a back yard plus oak trees in the four quadrants (north, south, east, west) of Albert Lea. The answer was an average of seven squirrels and four rabbits. Our yard had 10 squirrels. I’ve started a relocation program and it is now three squirrels and four rabbits in our back yard.
Orange you glad it’s fall? After this column, future columns will not be every week until next April. We have a number of things planned until then. Deer hunting the entire season staying at Cass Lake Casino Hotel in November. Genie is going by bus to Washington, D.C. in October plus Branson in November by bus. Ice fishing will be Red Lake or Lake of the Woods (maybe both). The Eel Pout Festival on Leech Lake in February is a must for both of us. Norwegian Bingo with pizza and ice cream bar Saturday evening February 6 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church in honor of Valentine’s Day.
How’s this for a part of your Christmas activities? Board a coach bus in front of Albert Lea Pizza Ranch at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, going to Christmas by the Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa. You can tour Christmas activities on Main Street, watch the lighted Christmas Parade followed by viewing fireworks over the lake. (The parade and fireworks can be viewed from the bus if you wish.) Board the bus back to Albert Lea Pizza Ranch for the buffet. All this for $26 per person paid in advance to F.R.O.G. ($5 cash back per person if the bus is full). Call Bob or Genie Hanson at 373-8655 or Wayne or Bev Indrelie at 826-3267 for reservations. (The Pizza Ranch buffet can be purchased for $10 per person paid in advance to F.R.O.G. if not on the bus).
All this is presented by F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Remember, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
They came from near, they came from far. (I saw car license plates from Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and California.)
They came by car, they came by truck, they came by SUV, they came by shuttle bus (St. John’s Lutheran Home and Good Samaritan Home).
There were young, old, and in-between ages of male and female attendees.
They came by ones, twos, threes, and fours. They all came to eat at the annual social event of the year (Soup and Pie Supper) Monday, Sept. 21 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church.
They were welcomed by parking lot attendants Bob Hanson, Barry Mosher, Gene Wangen and Roger Wangen who did an excellent job as no paperwork was needed for any car insurance company.
Six hundred and eighteen people came, got out of their vehicles and walked at a fast pace (they left at a much slower pace) to the special entry door (only VIPs were allowed – they all qualified) to be greeted by Wayne Indrelie.
After paying for the meal, decision time began. Four different kinds of soup tempted you plus gluten free if you decided. After the first bowl of soup it was time to check the elasticity of your undergarment with more soup or your choice of pie with or without Blue Bunny Vanilla ice cream.
If you had to wait to be seated to eat, you could wait in the church proper with music provided by Orville and Irene Goskeson or Ken Bertelson and Millard Hamborg. (It was O.K. to enjoy the music after eating with toe tapping at the same time.)
You had your choice of seating (inside or under the tent on the patio).
Who were the 618 people? They were from all walks of life. For example: Real estate agents, pancake flippers, hospital Auxilians, American Legion Auxilians, college officials, nurses, truckers, teachers, preachers, farmers, Sturgis bikers, lawyers, politicians, Beaver Lake plus Geneva Lake residents, President of Southeast Minnesota Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Social Security-ites and wanna-be Social Security-ites.
The Central Church council again proved their prophetic ability in selecting the date. There was very little wind, no rain, sunshine with the temperature in the low 70s. (A tentative date of Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 will be verified later).
A very special thanks to the people of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church for making this event a success. Mary Ann Atchison was the chair with Gary Goette, Genie Hanson, and Ole Olson the four co-chairs.
Summarizing: Great food in a rural setting, that’s what America is all about. Amen!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Labor Day morning, Sept. 7, Genie and I left from Albert Lea for our annual one-week stay at Arrowhead Lodge in the Big Horn Mountains, above Sheridan, Wyoming. This tradition began in 1973.
Our first major stop was Mitchell, S.D. to look at the new corn theme on the outside of the Corn Palace. The next year’s theme, currently in process, is Music. There are sculptures, outside on top, that look like corn leaves. At night, they change colors. Beautiful.
Four hundred seventy-five miles later we pulled into Wall, S.D. to eat the evening meal at Wall Drug and say “Hi” to my old buddy T. Rex in the Wall Drug back yard. T. Rex is very old, so he eats every 15 minutes. (formerly every 12 minutes) His favorite entrée is redheaded females. He eats so fast that you can always see red hair in between his teeth.
Our Great Place to Stay in Wall is the Super 8 Motel. The lady manager, Lane, is not so “unfriendly” as previous years. She even introduced us to her hubby, Brady. In the conversation Brady referred to her as his CEO (strange??) of their ranch.
As you entered the back door of the Super 8, a small black kitty wanted your attention. His collar read, “If you feed me, you keep me.” (On our return trip the kitty must have found someone to feed him, as he was gone.)
Tuesday morning we were on our way with cruise set on 80 (Minnesota speed limit is 70 compared to 80 in South Dakota and Wyoming).
We arrived at our destination, Arrowhead Lodge, 7700 feet elevation in the Big Horn Mountains, Tuesday evening – 815 miles from Albert Lea. With a welcome and a handshake, Richard checked us into our favorite, Rustic Cabin #3 (per Richard, this was the 11th year in a row he checked us in.) Yuki, Mike and Dale, all employees from previous years, found us later with hugs and handshakes.
As usual, three Wyoming Mountain Brothers (Dan, Fred and Frank) were there to greet us with their tales of hunting and fishing. They are in the process of perfecting Catch-and-release mule deer hunting. One drives and the other two ride in the box of the pickup truck, one on each side, with a rope tied on the end in a slipknot to lasso the deer. They lasso the deer, and the slipknot lets the deer go, thus catch-and-release deer hunting.
Jim Palmer, graduate of Albert Lea High School, along with Dan Blegen, both of the Mankato area, were there. They have decided to try Catch and Release next year, as for the third year in a row, no deer with a bow and arrow, only hard work.
Short Shorts:
1. We saw 1300 ewes and 1800 lambs taken off the mountain.
2. The weather was 10-20 degrees warmer than normal every day with no rain.
3. After Sioux Falls, on I-90 westbound, the gas price gets a lot higher (like 40-50¢ per gallon).
4. There is a mandatory boat check on I-90 going into Wyoming.
5.Crops looked real good all the way.
6. We met Red Hatters on their way to the Wyoming State Stampede.
7. Vanessa and Sammy are friendly food servers.
8. Billboard on I-90: “Jesus is Right For Whatever is Wrong”
9. Cenex billboard on I-90: “Gas Now or Gas Can Later”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
“I have called you by name, Sylvia, you are mine.”
These were the words on a banner Sunday afternoon, August 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, as you found a place to sit.
Shortly, members of the New Richland Legion Auxiliary, in full uniform, walked in and occupied the first three rows in front on the left side. They were there to pay respect to their fellow Auxiliary member of 69-plus years.
The family entered later and occupied the front of the church on the right (the same side where they gathered holding their lighted candles at the Christmas Eve service as a family tradition). Son, Curtis, gave a reading from the family in honor of their mother.
The children sang that great hymn, “Jesus Loves Me,” just as they did for Grandpa Gene at his funeral in 2013.
The Reverend Paul Andree conducted the church service with interment at St. Olaf Cemetery followed by lunch in the church basement.
Sylvia was born June 18, 1921. After graduating from New Richland High School she managed to find her way to Santa Ana, California, where she married Gene C. Dodge on June 5, 1943.
In 1945, Gene was honorably discharged and they moved back to New Richland.
I am nominating Sylvia as a founding member of a club that didn’t exist at the time of the following. Please read the following and express your feelings by saying, “Uffda.”
Fast forward to the spring of 1952. Sylvia is the mother of three youngsters and has just found out she is pregnant with birth expected in October (the oldest is now 6 years old).
“Uffda.”
The year 1952 was a tough spring, a lot of snow, freezing, thawing, and then more snow. The roads were a mess, plus road weight restrictions prevented the New Richland school buses from running (yes, school was held).
“Uffda.”
Sylvia and Gene stepped up to the plate and invited Robert Tollefson, Carol Tollefson and Robert Hanson (me; all teenagers) to stay at their place until the buses could get through. Now you have three youngsters, three teenagers, a young couple expecting another child in October, all in a not-that-big of a house for two-plus weeks of three extra people.
“Uffda!”
Think of the situation: three children age six and under, expecting a fourth, three teenagers, shuffled sleeping arrangements, one-plus bathroom – this was truly an “uffda” situation.
I think all of you will agree with me, Sylvia Dodge, you are nominated as a founding member of the “Minnesota Nice Club.”
“Uffda.”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Once again, it’s time for one of the two “must attend” local social events of the year. There will be handshaking, back patting, and a friendly, “How are you?” Along with, “It’s good to see you.” All this will accompany a pleasant smile at the same time.
There will be old and young and in-between ages of males and females. All those attending are in the VIP classification – including you! Representatives of the Freeborn County Hospice Program and the Nepal Disaster Relief headed by Dr. Earl Thompson will be there to greet “the great you” at the door.
You are such an important person that they will let you enter through a special door. You will even be just ahead of the person behind you.
This is an eating event, so get those taste buds ready. If you’re a light eater, fast for at least a day before attending. If you’re a heavy eater, fast for at least two days. A word to the wise: “Be sure your undergarment has good elasticity.”
Live background music by local celebrities will be featured prior to your eating.
Wild rice, chili, potato and chicken noodle soups will be served; key lime, chocolate, apple and pumpkin are some of the pie choices, along with vanilla ice cream. Norwegian juice (coffee), lemonade, water and 1919 root bear will be available for your beverage choice.
Ah yes, all for your presence, so come on down! Put on your eating shoes and boogie on over. The parking lot attendants (Bob Hanson, Wayne Indrelie, Barry Moszer, and Gene Wangen) are waiting for your vehicle. Their motto is, “a full driver is a happy driver.”
Many of you know what I’m referring to, you just don’t know when. This year the soup and pie supper at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (just north of Albert Lea) will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Sept.21. Be one of the first 700 and you won’t have to worry about running out of food as we’re planning on 700-plus.
The net proceeds of the soup and pie supper will benefit the Freeborn County Hospice program and Nepal Disaster Relief with supplemented funds by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Please bring a non-perishable food item or two to help support the local food shelves.
If you’re unable to attend (you’re in the hospital or at a funeral – your own) a donation would be most appreciated.
Short shorts:
A. This is a food event with no counting of calories.
B. Gluten-free food items will be availbable.
C. What you hear here, doesn’t have to stay here – you hear.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, I attended the funeral services for a great lady named Arlene Miller. She was most certainly an example of Minnesota nice. In fact, I wonder if the person that coined the phrase, “Minnesota Nice,” didn’t get the idea because of knowing Arlene.
At the service of celebration, Pastor Matt Griggs gave a children’s sermon from the book, “The Giving Tree.” It was an example of how Arlene was one great giving lady, as was the Giving Tree that was also a female. (I have never experienced a children’s sermon before at a funeral — it was just beautiful).
In my career as an AAL agent, I got to know most of Arlene’s immediate family. Many great memories were renewed at her funeral. One such great memory was when the Miller family would host Sunday morning church service at their Beaver Lake cabin.
Another great memory was the family of Terry and Cindy Vaith (her daughter) water skiing on Beaver Lake on the 15th of December in 1988. (This is the latest I am aware of. Santa Claus water skied on Fountain Lake Dec. 3, 1988).
Genie and I attended the August birthday party at Oak Park place in Albert Lea. Thanks to Phil and Neta Jensen for inviting us to Phil’s birthday party.
The entertainment was Jonny Bird from Geneva (The Man of Many Hats). He brings back your memories of famous singers as he sings their song while sounding like the famous singer.
We went to the annual senior summer picnic in Albert Lea. Once again Jonny Bird was excellent as the entertainment.
Genie and I attended the Steele County Fair in Owatonna. We danced the night away on the grass in front of the Fair Square Stage. After attending two county fairs, I think it would be fair to say, “August is fair month.” (By the way, Jonny Bird also entertained at the Owatonna fair).
A certain retired conservative banker from Geneva is concerned that I’m never home. I’ll leave the concerning to him.
Brian, our regular mailman, is very good. His replacement admits he is better, but she is prettier. On my morning walk I saw her walk into a ladies restroom in long pants and came out with shorts. She says, “Go ahead, make my day!” I did, with a wolf whistle!
Trivia question: Who has the best buns in New Richland? Nancy Jane’s Bakery, that’s who.
Short Shorts
A. Monday, Sept. 21 — The area social event of the year at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (also known as “Soup and Pie Supper”)
B. Per our crystal ball, Genie and I will see snow on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
C. That same day (Sept. 8), we will see temperatures in the high 80s — per our crystal ball.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
I know most of you are aware that the best thing to come out of Iowa is I35. Who you don’t know is the best lady to come out of Iowa on I35, who happened to become a resident of Minnesota.
She got married the same day she left Iowa. In fact, she got married twice that day. This happened because the Lutheran pastor had the best man sign as the groom and then he caught the error and had the groom sign as the groom – thus she was, for a short time, married to the best man and then married to the groom, making her married twice in the same day.
After 50-plus years of being a Minnesota resident, she decided her birthday celebration should be a weeklong affair, every year starting this year.
Sunday, she served fresh fruit, sweet rolls, plus beverage (while announcing it was her birthday week) to fellow church members attending the coffee hour.
Monday, she enjoyed a birthday luncheon at Applebee’s in Albert Lea.
Tuesday, a McDonald’s lunch takeout, followed by a picnic at Fountain Lake Park in Albert Lea.
Wednesday, coffee and cupcakes with friends in the morning followed by working a three-hour shift in the coffee shop at the hospital. The evening, the actual day of her birthday, meal was at Trumbles in Albert Lea with her husband and another birthday girl.
Thursday was a morning of coffee and goodies. The evening was a celebration with Domino’s pizza.
Friday was a birthday luncheon at the Old Mill in Austin with her husband. Lunch was topped off with a sundae and two spoons.
Saturday was a noon picnic type lunch at the American Legion in Albert Lea. Sweet corn was delivered to her house in the p.m.
In a week of birthday celebrating she ate food fro 11 different sources. She received: 21 birthday cards, seven telephone calls, three e-mails, three house visitors, three gift cards, a cyclamen plant and many hugs.
The above was from people in six states, plus the Minnesota–Canada border. Even the weatherman was involved by letting it rain only at night.
I have known this great lady for 54 birthdays and 52 anniversaries.
By now most of you readers have figured out who this week long birthday lady is. Just in case you haven’t, she goes by the handle of “Genie.”
In case you want to say hi, Genie will be working the big bash Monday evening September 21 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. (The soup and pie supper.)
Her 2016 weeklong birthday celebration will be Sunday, Aug. 7 through Saturday Aug.13. You are welcome to take part if you wish.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
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After 37 summers of walking around Beaver Lake, it was just natural to keep on walking now that we’re living in Albert Lea the year around. On my morning walk by Fountain Lake, a female runner moving at a fast pace, sweat running, headband, jogging apparel, is headed right at me. Wendy Schultz, you brought back memories of old when the same thing happened many times on my morning walk around Beaver Lake.
Genie and I attended the annual meeting of the Ellendale Area Heritage Society at the old Thompson Boat House on the south side of Beaver Lake. It was well attended with many stories and sharing of great memories about the Beaver Lake area. Memories of the waterslide, Black Wool Rental, bathing suits, cattle in the lake, skinny dipping, fishing, swimming, etc., were enjoyed by all. (The coffee and goodies were the frosting on the stories.)
Many times, for one reason or another, my Adams apple has caused talking and swallowing to be temporarily a bit difficult. One such recent happening was when the luminaries, in the grandstand, were lit to spell, “Hope,” at the annual Relay for Life in Albert Lea.
Going into the baseball season for the Twins, I told myself I’d be happy with a .500 percentage year. It looks like my sights might be a little high. Do you realize every game the Twins play at Target Field is about three million dollars spent in Minnesota? (30,000 in attendance at a conservative $100 per person.)
Have you shopped at Salvies in Albert Lea? This store just might have what you want that is not edible or drinkable. The store is run by two lady CEOs with both answering to the title of Major. If you are looking for the location of Salvies, the store is on 416 Bridge Avenue. Salvies is most certainly a store with reasonable prices. (Both Ellendale and New Richland have a similar store.) I can never remember the right name of the store so I just call it Salvies.
Thanks to Crystal Miller and employees of the Albert Lea Tribune for being such great hosts in giving the Noon Albert Lea Lions Club a tour of your facilities. (I’m a long time member of the Noon Lions.) We were each given a “visitors special edition,” plus a “got issues” yellow t-shirt with Albert Lea Tribune on the back in the size we wanted. The special edition with our Lions group picture was printed while we were there!
Some interesting statistics about the tribune:
14 tons of paper per month to print the paper.
Older people (over 55) are the highest percentage of readers.
Over $50,000 yearly incomes are the highest percentage of readers.
It is one of 25 daily papers in Minnesota.
Two of the current female employees are good winkers!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
On Tuesday, July 28, 56 people boarded a bus behind Slumberland in Albert Lea. Departure was at 4 p.m. with destination Target Field for the 22nd Annual Lutheran Night at the Twins.
There were bus people of all ages and varied backgrounds. They all had one thing in common, that being a Minnesota Twins fan hoping to see a victory of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
I know you have heard the expression, “Dynamite comes in small packages.” Our bus driver was not only on the small side but also a dynamite lady. She handled the road construction plus heavy traffic like it was an everyday normal occurrence. In our reserved parking spot she backed that big bus in so we could exit from the front. Marilyn, you are good. (We honored her request of applause upon arriving at our destination and then again in arriving back in Albert Lea.)
Before leaving Albert Lea, each person was given a ticket to the ballgame with a number on their ticket for bus prizes. (Thanks to Landon Oldenburger for the Twins prizes.)
Enson Maattawa celebrated his birthday on the 28th of July. To honor him, the bus passengers sang “Happy Birthday.” The Twins even had his birthday on the scoreboard!
Rea Sliper, Richard Sliper, Cathy Crowe and Enson Maattawa were the representatives of the bus selected to be out on the field helping lead in singing the national anthem before game time. They even had a guide (Natalie Fell) to escort them to the singing area.
F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church in rural Albert Lea was the sponsor of the bus trip to the Twins. Steven Appel approached co-chairs Ben and Wayne Indrelie plus Genie and Bob Hanson to trade a free motel room coupon at America’s Best Value Inn of Albert Lea for a free ticket on the bus plus the Twins game. The co-chairs said, “Deal.”
The co-chairs decided to give this to one of the 14 youth on the bus whose number was drawn. Samatha Jamtgaard was the lucky one.
There were 20 other Twins prizes drawn. (Teddy bear, caps, pencils, ladies scarf, T-shirts, magazine, bubble head, banner, year book, floppy hat, plus others all relating to the Twins baseball team.)
There were people from near and far on the bus. For example: Jai, originally from the Philippines. Duane, the man that always is a prize winner from Hartland. Luis Jamtgaard, the best thing to come out of Iowa by way of Lake Mills. Al, the wheeler dealer of 900,000 dollar green machines called combines.
Thanks to Susie at the Albert Convention and Visitors Bureau for the plastic bag to hold all the coupons from the guys at Slumberland, Laurel and Debbie at Arby’s, Guya at KFC, Jamie at DQ, Brandi and Sara at Perkins given to the people on the bus.
The next planned activities are the number one event of the year. (Soup and Pie Supper on Monday, September 21 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church) and F.R.O.G. will be taking a bus to Christmas By The Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa on Saturday, December 6.
In case you’re wondering it was a very exciting game. The Pittsburgh fans were most happy with the final score of 8 to 7.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
According to Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything. It is time for another one of my hopscotch columns. (A running of the words.)
When you live on a lake, you always fish on the other side of the lake. Mark Kath lives on Geneva Lake and is a very good fisherman. Does Mark fish on the other side of the lake? Oh, no! He does most of his fishing on Fountain Lake in Albert Lea.
We have a big welcome sign in our basement. “Welcome earwigs – first you will get a good squeeze and then a swim in the toilet bowl.” Genie and I can’t believe the enthusiasm shown by so many earwigs to take advantage of our welcome sign.
Genie and I attended the Farm and City Days pancake breakfast in New Richland, Saturday, July 11. We got in line, with about 400 others, to get good pancakes with lots of conversation from the two flipping sommers brothers. (The young man serving beverages truly knew and gave excellent service.)
We toured the tractors and cars on display. Of special interest was the 1959 Silver Hawk, shown by fellow columnist Mark Bernard, as it was identical to the Silver Hawk Studebaker at one time owned by the parents of Genie.
I was told (because I have a yellow Shine-fest T-shirt) by my CEO to be the greeter at the door when the Shine-fest tractor parade arrived at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. My job was to announce rest rooms to your right, refreshments straight ahead. It was a big job, but I pulled it off. (I was surprised with how many of the tractor drivers were ladies.)
I also learned that the black Farmall tractor, shown at Farm and City Days in New Richland, came off the assembly line in true Farmall red color.
In doing a crossword puzzle, the clue was a stone high at the top of a castle near Cork, Ireland.” The answer was Blarney. I did a Google search and found that if you climb to the top of the stone stairs in the castle and hang upside down while kissing the Blarney Stone, you will be blessed with the Irish gift of giving sincere flattery while speaking to someone. (Sincere flattery is both parties feeling good after talking to each other.)
The search went on to state that some people were blessed with sincere flattery even though they hadn’t kissed the Blarney Stone. It further stated one could submit no more than 15 of the first and last initials plus the area of residence and one would receive back a yes or no if they were blessed with sincere flattery.
I submitted M.B. and L.E. of New Richland; R.T. of Waseca; D.A. and N.J. of Beaver Lake; D.S. and L.H. of Albert Lea; M.S. and W.T. of Geneva; A.B. and V.T. of Hartland: A.B. and B.M. of Ellendale; O.J. of Manchester; and J.H. of Bath Road.
The answer was yes, all the submitted names were blessed with giving sincere flattery and there was no difference between male and females.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a vagabond as, “one who travels from place to place with no visible means of support.” Genie and I most certainly qualify.
We so enjoyed our east back west trip to Vermont that we decided on a south back north trip to Harrison, Arkansas. We arrived back home in Albert Lea on a Thursday from Vermont and left the next Wednesday for Arkansas.
We visited with Frank and Sandy Meng on Thursday at their home in Harrison. Sandy and Genie took part in a weekend ladies retreat in the Ozark tree mountains, about 40 miles from Harrison. The area is known as The Grand Canyon of Arkansas. A beautiful tree mountain view for miles.
Frank and I were most impressed when the wives told us they had a lady chauffeur to take them to the retreat. We were really impressed when the chauffeur drove up to the house. It was Tonya, a well known celebrity in the Harrison area.
While the wives were gone, Frank and I went to the library, purchased Little Caesar’s Pizza, bummed around town, and sat on his porch ready to whistle at all the pretty girls that went by. Sad to say, none went by. (If you live in the south, your residence is a house only if you have a porch, otherwise it is a shack). Frank stayed overnight at his house to take care of Gracie and feather his two doggies, while I stayed at the Quality Inn, in Harrison.
While at the Quality Inn we enjoyed an excellent complimentary guest breakfast. I met the Country Case band from Alabama. They were performing in Harrison and from there were going to perform in Branson, Missouri. As the name suggests, they played mainly country music. They travel together, (wives, kids, etc.) in a vehicle big enough for 12 to 14 people.
One of the wives asked me if the wife ruled the roost in Minnesota. She told me the wife was the boss in Alabama. For example, if you gave the wife $20 and the husband $5, the end result would be $25, in the purse of the wife.
The hospitality at the Quality Inn in Harrison was once again great. For examples, upon check–in Janie (front desk) said to the new employee (Lori) “Titis is Mr. Buts.” Tiffany and Melissa in housekeeping welcomed us back. Another example of “warm Southern hospitality,” was four days in a row of temp in the 90s.
The sad part of the drive was the amount of rain. Many of the Missouri fields had not been planted or had been and were under water. There were four to six inches of rain forecast in the wet area after we came thru on highway 65 Sunday, June 7. (I found out the forecast came true).
The weatherman called this a “tropical rain,” meaning it rains every day.
One interesting thing we saw was two boats fishing on a flooded lake. They were casting into tree branches that contained bugs that bass were feeding on. The amusing thing about all this was the name of the nearby town, Deepwater, Missouri.
Thanks to Ken Bertelson for being greeter at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church while I was gone. Thanks to Kaden for mowing the lawn. Thanks to the Knudsons for taking the mail in, plus checking the house.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.