With many construction issues looming, it’s not likely at this time

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

Is the NRHEG School Board ready to consider the feasibility of a new gym for NRHEG?

Maybe, maybe not.

Discussion was intense at the close of Monday’s board meeting in Ellendale, as members (board chair Rick Schultz was absent) struggled to get their heads around a new project close on the heels of the renovation in New Richland – a job which is still not complete and has unsolved problems.

The Building and Grounds Committee has conferred with D.L.R. Group architects in the matter, and they were given a price of $15,000 for an initial design study, and about $38,000 for a proposal, half of which would be returnable.

The District Superintendent of Southern Prairie District of the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, has announces that it is the intention of Bishop Bruce Ough to appoint Pastor Randy Cirksena as Pastor of the Ellendale United Methodist Church. Acting on behalf of the congregation, The Staff/Parish Relations Committee has confirmed the Bishop’s intention.

Riverview Golf Course Men’s League

Week 7 Standings

Tuesday Afternoon League

Leo Nissen-Al Miller 81.5

Dale Agrimson-Randy Dokken 77

G.Nordhorn-Xan Johnson 74

Mark Routh-Pat Adams 73

G.Walstrom-Jon Walstrom 71.5

Gary Miller-Todd Spencer 67.5

Russ Hanson-Al Waldhauser 66

Dan Baynes-Greg Jacobson 63.5

Karl Proehl-John Proehl 60.5

Randy Anderson-Al Waldhauser 58.5

Jerry Neitzell-Doc Clausen 56

Lonnie Kormann-Dave Warke 52

Dale Waage-Jim Worrell 43

NRHEG High School Principal David Bunn has announced the names of students selected to the honor roll for fourth quarter 2013-14: 

A Honor Roll

Grade 12 —Adam Anderson, Emily Christensen, Hailie Clausen, Dalton Dahl, Kendra Grothem, Stormi Hagen, Presley Johnson, Hannah Lundberg, Jadyn Nelson-Spies, Paige Overgaard, Ryan Patraw, Douglas Rudau, Morgan Staloch, Carlie Wagner, Alexis Wyatt

Grade 11 — Nicholas Bartness, Brady Beenken, Jana-Elin Brand, Alyssa Esplan, Karina Gaona Quezada, Ryann Hagen, Jade Hill, Celia Ilisch, Julia Kanngiesser, Jake Langlie, Melissa Malakowsky, Keith Maxon, Hudson Mrotz, Sandra Quezada, Shanna Stencel, Anna Stork, Aurora Strom, Spencer Tollefson, Trevor Tracy

Why is it such a surprise when we find people with community ties involved in great things? Someone is involved with admirable things somewhere, so why not here? 

There are so many accomplished people in this area. Some are recognized, but there are many more who are active but we don't recognize.

In this past week I was reminded that Sander Jellum, who grew up in Ellendale, was witness to the flag raising at Iwo Jima in 1945.

It is noteworthy that Hunter Pence, son of Howard Pence, whose family ties have been long and strong in the Geneva area, plays major league baseball for the San Francisco Giants and recently was selected to play outfield in the All Star baseball game. Hunter’s team didn’t win, but Hunter was there to play. 

If you're a fan of the HGTV's show, "Brother vs. Brother," you may have watched as Albert Lea graduate Melissa Roche, who has her own design studio in Las Vegas, won $50,000. She competed as one of 10 contestants. Melissa was described as having creativity “unmatched in this competition.”

Jonathan and Drew Scott of the Property Brothers announced Melissa as this year’s winner. The brothers each led teams of five contestants during the competition and Melissa was on Drew’s team. Drew described Melissa as a "team player" and a "workhorse." 

Or how about Whitey Hagen, who picked up a chicken and started a campaign in the community that has gone on to raise over $1 million for Cancer Research in the little town of Geneva?

Or Don Broskoff, who spent two years in Vietnam himself, thinking of all the servicemen and women and wanting them to be remembered brought an Iwo Jima commeration to the Geneva Cemetary.

Or Jim Hanson, who wanted to fly like his uncle, Athan Langlie. His dad said, "Go for it if you've got the time and money." He rode his bike to the airport, mowed lawns, and waited for his 16th birthday so he could solo. He had a plane before he had a car and was licensed to drive. He now manages the Albert Lea airport and writes for five aviation magazines. He doesn't feel his work is a job and has flown to every county in the world except Russia educating school kids and adults in geography and history by documenting events of his flights.

Or Kim Hammer, who turned the former Clarks Grove State Bank into a "pot of gold" of information and enjoyment by opening it as a book store sharing her love of books to everyone.

Or Tom Lenort, who was just a kid when he started saving dead animals and fish, and is now known throughout the area for his workmanship as he saves memories of "the one that didn't get away" for many hunters and fishermen.

Or Warren Sorenson, who fell while painting and broke his back. He had a family to feed and a friend, "Squeak” Torgerson, who let him tend his gas station during his rehabilitation, something his doctor might not have approved of. "Squeak, who was an electrician and also sold appliances, later sold his business to Sorenson, and you guessed it. Salesmanship, trust and service turned it into the employment for many as it became the best known appliance store in the country. His son and grandson carry on the tradition.

Then there is Ashley Meyers, the little gal from around Hope who makes aprons and was featured in Martha Stewart magazine. Looking for a simple quality "work apron," she couldn't find one, so she bought drill quality material, moved her sewing machine to a shop on their acreage and thrilled many who were looking for something simple and sturdy.

Or the lady near Clarks Grove who started personalizing cake pans and went on to personalize almost anything for her wide array of customers.

And more.

Mike and Michelle Peterson had a passion for plants and launched one of the first tomato greenhouses in the neighborhood. Sonshine Gardens was built on faith and a very green thumb. Michelle said her biggest thrill is watching for the seeds she plants awaking to be strong, sturdy plants. Geraniums and other flowers shared some space and a new desire blossomed. Over 2,000 of the cemetery’s flowers blooming in red, white and blue are the work of Michelle and her family adding memorial beauty to area cemeteries.

Sue Stadheim Nasinec became interested in being a mortician when she was in 7th grade, and is now one of the first young women to take on the responsibility of owning and operating a funeral home. She offers services to grief stricken people who have lost loved ones. Why? Because she felt only the best care and concern should be a part of this sad occasion. She went on to buy the business and provides appropriate services for departed loved ones.

The Misgens, once known as cattle buyers, branched from the business of trucks and semis and into "junk" that isn't junk, but valuable replacement parts needed in the automotive business, as well as disposal of metals for recycling.

Hope started as a milk pick-up on the railroad. I know because my grandma was there. Hope didn't grow a lot during those early years but it provided necessities and services - groceries, hardware, fuel and feed and a renown depot for cattle to be sold. The name Ed Oliphant "comes to mind” but later Krause’s was a big part of transferring cattle to market. 

Some things change; though no longer a cattle exchange, Krause’s grew into a 24 hour gas station, a place to buy feed for livestock and pets, plus furniture like feeders and fences. It fills the void of the grocery store and hardware that are no longer there, and is a hub of this small community. 

Did I say, small community? It is, but it is a valued asset. 

When the creamery was about to close, Victor Mrotz was looking for "that something special” and found it in the creamery where he could continue the tradition of Hope Butter, known from coast to coast for its special flavor reminiscent of the butter churned in a special way, slow and carefully so the flavor is unique.

Sun Opta is a grain facility that is instrumental in providing food for human consumption that is organic, safe and nutritious. It goes through a strenuous inspection and process beyond what is necessary for animal uses.

And right next door is competition so large it fits the nation. Still in construction, the facility will allow customers to quickly unload their grains to be sent by train or truck to shipping lanes around the country.

There is more to explore and realize. We are an area rich in quality and steeped in tradition. When they say “there is no place like home,” they must be talking about here.

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

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

This weeks birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, July 24: Marilyn Goslee Jurrens, Robert Carter Edwards, Katie May, Joy Peterson, Pat Schultz, Jeff Thompson, Phillip Briggs, Denise & Richard Olson, Trisha & Casey Johnson, Greg & Shari Lassahn

• Friday, July 25: Sue Hill, Kari Janka Hareid, Stan Mork, Ivy Oland, Ann Falksen, Rick Hagen, Cole Pospesel, Kristine & Jesse Routh

• Saturday, July 26: Jordyn Marie Wobschall, Kristine Broskoff Routh, Mark Bartness, Jane Osmundson, Amy Radke, Jean Smith, Scott & Cheryl Christensen and Clara White, her 104th birthday. Wouldn't it be nice if we all could shower her with special greetings on her big day! Cards, letters and special greetings can be mailed to Clara at the Onalaska Care Center, at 1600 Main Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin, 54650.

• Saturday, July 27: Ben Groth, Lori Dirksen, Nita Dooley, Mark Helmers, Nicki Spurr, Rick Spurr, Rhiannon Farr, Alison Underland, Dave Schulz, Kory Klecker, Lillian Rose Olson, Steve & Jinny Nielsen, Travis & Ashley Broskoff, Marguerite & Milton Nelson

• Sunday July 28: Mike Luhring, Kari Wayne, DeWayne Jensen, Dennis Jensen, Penny Jensen, Eric Lee, Christian Burnes, Donnie Turvold, Jim & Maryalice Hanson, George & Sue Stieglbauer, Gary & Emily Ayers, Melissa & Scott Michie, Ellie & Chad Schutrop

• Monday, July 29: Randy Dokken, Doug Flugum, Candie Underland, Jennifer Huber, Dory Hunt, Jim Misgen, Brent Jepson, Lorrell Beaber, Todd Wangen

• Tuesday, July 30: Tregg Hagen, Levi Horvei, Trevin Andrew Stollard, Scott Briggs, Amy Hohansee VanderSyde, Gary Sloan, Cindy Vaith, Larry Jensen, Kay Cassen, Shane Christensen, Cindy Esplan, Dani Layland, Kurt & Kelly Krumwiede, Nathan & Lindsey Schlaak, Jerry & Tanya Blouin

• Wednesday, July 31st: Zane Andrew Miller, Michelle Eaker Stevens, Coni Misgen Evenson, Lorie Paulson, Joan Mast, Brian & Pam Muri

Hope you have a day filled with things that make you smile!

Once again I have been blessed by being able to spend time at the cabin with my grandson Dylan. I always know going in that whenever he and I go to the cabin it will be pretty much all about fishing.

It was just a couple of weeks ago that my wife Jean and I were at the cabin for a few days. We had planned on relaxing and getting some work done on the cabin which we did. The days that we spent there seemed to go by all too fast and I can’t remember the last time that I spent a good chunk of time in the North Country and didn’t fish; well this was one of those times. I asked Jean if she wanted to go fishing but she decided not to so we left it at that. In the back of my mind I knew that Dylan and I would be doing our fair share in another week.

I can’t say enough good things about time spent up north away from the daily routine. Where else can you be greeted each morning by a chorus of birds singing and loons calling to each other? There is entertainment galore when watching the birds at the feeder or the chipmunks as they scour the ground for dropped seeds. We have one feeder that looks like a red barn which they can reach by climbing a tree. Sometimes they will slide off the roof of the feeder and bounce to the ground and after shaking the cobwebs out like a Disney cartoon character they keep right on trying. This is more entertaining to me than anything you will ever find on TV.

One observation that I have made is that there just doesn’t seem to be the tourist traffic that I can remember from years gone by. When I was growing up folks took their vacation a week at a time and that had to be planned plenty far in advance. I just don’t see the typical vacationer that I saw as a kid and later on when I entered the working world. My Dad had two weeks of vacation a year and we usually never went on a real vacation like most folks. If we went anywhere it was only for a day but there were a couple of times that I remember when we went to visit a distant relative or friend of my folks.

I do recall this one time when we went to visit their friend Vern Johnson and his family who had moved to Milaca where he had purchased a bar-gas station which was quite common back then. I guess that was what some folks referred to in those days as a “beer joint”. I was really excited because to me that was going “up north” and to an aspiring young fisherman that is where the good fishing was. Well, things didn’t exactly turn out as I had expected when we finally got to go fishing. We went to the banks of the Rum River to fish for that elusive game fish (to some) the bullhead! We actually drove home with a gunny sack full of bullheads in the trunk of our ’49 Buick. When we hauled that sack of bullheads to the basement to clean them, I couldn’t believe it - some of those dumb fish were still alive!

I was actually introduced to real vacations by my Uncle Ben and Aunt Marcie when they would take me along on their fishing vacations “up north”. I still have some of the souvenirs that we had bought from roadside stands. It was pretty common to see folks selling miniature birch bark canoes and tee pees along with assorted other Indian related items. I believe my favorite was this drum with the face of an Indian Chief on it. That drum could really put out the sound but eventually it wore out much to my parents dismay I’m sure.

Yes, it almost seems like the weekly family vacations are being replaced by day trips to Valley Fair or Mall of America. This is a little disheartening to me but sadly it is the sign of the times. I believe that we need to introduce our future generations to the beauty of the outdoors so that they can appreciate and preserve it for generations to come. I realize that not everyone will be a fisherman or hunter but taking the time to get a break from the neighbors barking dog or the guy a block over that doesn’t know the 4th of July has passed can be rewarding.  You may be surprised at how relaxing something as simple as a drive in the country or maybe even a trip to one of those nice little communities to the southeast corner of the state can be.

As I sit here writing this column I am looking out between the pines at the beauty of our little lake as the sun disappears below the horizon.  There are many scenes like this that cannot be duplicated by a camera or even an artist’s brush because these are things of beauty that are there for a fleeting second or two and can only be captured in our memories.

Until next time; enjoy the great outdoors and take some time to go for a walk, take a bike ride or introduce a youth to the great outdoors. We could all take a little time out of our busy lives to step back and take in some of the wonders of nature that we have nearby.

Please take a little time to remember those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today. 

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

"We’ve been married 33 years."

"It’s nice you’ve remembered."

"It’s easy to remember. We got married the same year I bought the new toaster."

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce — who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: if only I knew then what I know now but can’t remember.

The news from Hartland

• Woman finds snake on porch and cautiously burns her house down.

• Ferris Bueller fired from yet another job for missing too many days of work.

• Pumpkin Patch repairs leaking squash.

New to these parts

I was searching for the right Allen wrench when I came across a bag of small parts. They’d been placed nicely into a plastic bag. There was no labeling or instruction booklet with them. I’m sure I put the items into the bag, but why? And what were they for? Spare parts or leftovers?

Perhaps I’d put the odd parts into the bag so that one day, I’d find the bag and wonder what the parts were for.

I keep myself entertained.

As Tony the Tiger said, "They’re great!"

I stopped briefly at a reunion recently. I wanted to express my appreciation to those in attendance for their good work and fine company. The reunion was for those who had worked at Tony’s, a gas station in New Richland. It was much more than a gas station, but that’s what we called them before they became convenience stores. Tony Arnfelt’s establishment offered gas, repairs, snacks, pop, air for tires, windshield cleaning, advice, and wisdom. It was shelter in a storm and gave life depth. Tony hired good people and I’m glad that Tony’s was a part of my life, even if my role was merely that of a loiterer.

It was a great idea for a reunion. I think a school bus reunion would be a good idea, too. Many of us rode with a flock of folks over the years.

A peregrination

I turned off Interstate 94 and visited New Salem, North Dakota to see Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein. The fiberglass cow is 38 feet high and 50 feet long.

Another turn off I-94 brought me to Jamestown’s Dakota Thunder, the world’s largest buffalo monument 26 feet tall, 46 feet long, and weighing 60 tons. The sculptor’s name was Elmer Peterson. A name meant for the job.

Near Devils Lake, I stopped at Sullys Hill National Game Preserve. Sullys Hill is one of 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service specifically for wildlife. Sullys Hill is named for Gen. Alfred Sully. President Theodore Roosevelt established Sullys Hill as a national park in 1904. In 1914, it was designated as a preserve to conserve bison and elk.

A monument claimed Rugby was the geographical center of North America. There is some argument about that assertion, but while I was there, it seemed to be true.

Work took me to the Netherlands. I arrived late at a hotel. I didn’t have the time to get much sleep. The next morning, as I waited for a ride to the Amsterdam airport, I found myself in a Holland daze.

A goof goes grocery shopping

I was doing the best I could. I moved about the supermarket in fits and starts. I’d had a piece of paper itemizing the groceries I needed to buy. It refused to present itself. Lost, I suppose. I wandered listlessly about the store.

Did you know?

• Folklore says that equestrian statues contain codes whereby the rider's fate could be determined by how many hooves the horse has raised. One hoof raised, the rider was wounded in battle; two raised hooves, death in battle; all four hooves on the ground, the rider survived all battles unharmed. This isn’t true.

• A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey showed the average American sleeps 8 hours and 45 minutes daily.

• People once blamed bad dreams on the night-hag. This demon caused nightmares by inducing feelings of suffocation. Strategies for keeping the night-hag at bay included putting bread blessed by clergy under a pillow or hanging flint chips (hag-stones) on the bedposts.

Nature notes

Julie Bronson of Glenville asked if the bobolink is called a skunkbird. The distinctive appearance of this species has given rise to colorful nicknames--skunkbird, butterbird, skunk blackbird, and ricebird (it has a fondness for wild rice patches). The male’s breeding plumage is unique in North America. It’s the only bird with a black front and white back.

Meeting adjourned

Engage the world in a conspiracy of kindness.

Genie and I attended the funeral service of Marilyn Nelson at Bayview in Albert Lea on Sunday, June 29. Her mother was Thora (Haug) Sunde. Thora was my godmother. My grandmother Hanson was a sister of Thora’s. Thus, many of the Hanson, Haug, and Sunde relatives plus friends from the New Richland area were there. Marilyn was also a graduate of New Richland High School.

We arrived at Bayview just before the service started – thus not many open seats. Genie sat in one row of seats and I in another. The row I sat in was five chairs. The first three seats were occupied by Haug relatives, a vacant seat and then a young lady whom I didn’t recognize. I introduced myself and asked if she was a relative on the Nelson side as I sat in the vacant seat. She informed me her name was Tracey and she was a nurse at Wellsted of Rogers, MN, and was with Marilyn as Marilyn left this earth for a room prepared for her.

I asked Tracey if she knew my old fishing buddy Floyd, of the AAL Fishing Team, for about 30 years, who was now a resident at Wellsted in Rogers. The answer was yes. She had been a nurse for Floyd until he moved to another building. She told me it had been a pleasure to know Floyd and be his nurse. Small world, isn’t it?

Tracey Cushing, you are definitely cut from the bolt of cloth that says: “For comforting, caring nurses only.” Marilyn’s family thanks you, Floyd’s family thanks you, and I thank you.

At the fellowship afterwards, I promised the cake server I would put in my column that he served the cake. Funeral Director Todd Dumke, I have now kept that promise.

Genie and I had a very enjoyable July 4th celebration. We talked smart, ate hot dogs, and drank pop while watching the July 3rd parade in Albert Lea. The NRHEG Marching Band, as usual, did a good job representing my old alma mater.

Thanks to Zion Lutheran Church for the food stand in front of their church on Bridge Street in Albert Lea during the parade. They even let you sit on the stops, so Genie and I ate their food and sat on their steps!

The night of July 4th, we listened to the Community Band and then watched the fireworks while sitting in Fountain Lake Park in Albert Lea. It was very enjoyable music, especially when they played all the military anthems. When the branch of the service you were in was played, you stood up. At the playing of “Anchors Aweigh,” I stood up, clicked my heels, gave a snappy salute and with a tear in my eye said, “I’m proud to be an American.”

From an old Navy buddy, who when he was alone looking for a place to sit would sit by someone he didn’t know, I learned to do the same.

While Genie was getting popcorn before the band and fireworks, I looked for a place to sit. I didn’t see anyone sitting alone, but I did see three ladies and a guy on one side of a picnic table and nobody on the other side. I introduced myself and sat down, and we were talking as Genie arrived with the popcorn. One lady says, “Genie” as Genie says “Susan.” As nurses, they worked together at St. John’s in Albert Lea about 35 years ago and hadn’t seen each other since. Small world, isn’t it? (Genie is retired and Susan is the school nurse at the Wells school district.)

———

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.

The scurs got the temps to warm up finally after discovering the cable for the heater was unhooked on the Weather Eye. Will their efforts continue to yield results? Starting Wednesday, mostly sunny and pleasant with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the upper 50’s. Mostly sunny Thursday with a good chance of an evening shower or thunderstorm. Highs in the mid-70’s and lows in the low 60’s. Friday, partly sunny becoming mostly cloudy with a moderate chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs again in the mid-70’s and lows in the mid-60’s. Mostly sunny and warmer for Saturday with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs near 80 and lows in the low 60’s. Sunday, mostly cloudy and cooler with a modest chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs in the upper 70’s with lows near 60. Partly sunny on Monday with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the low 70’s and lows in the mid-50’s. Tuesday, mostly sunny with highs in the mid-70’s and lows in the mid-50’s. The normal high for July 25th is 82 and the normal low is 62. The scurs are camping near the ceement pond in hopes warmer temperatures will continue.

Warmer temps over the weekend were just what the doctor ordered. However, there are areas, believe it or not, that could use some rainfall. July appears to be pulling the same stunt now for the third year in a row with well below normal precipitation. Normal precip for July at the SROC in Waseca is 4.42”. So far at the ranch we have recorded .56”, at the SROC .73” and at the Mall for Men a paltry .3”. August has also presented us with lower than normal rainfall amounts for three years prior and most forecasts are not indicating any inkling of increased precipitation. Lack of August rainfall has taken the top end out of the crop locally and with all the problem areas this year, we could use a break just this once.

Corn has been tasseling this past week, although the sins of the spring fieldwork have caused it to tassel unevenly in many cases. Some has been able to gut down and grab some of the nitrogen many assumed was lost and in other cases not so much. Soybeans are rolling along although complaints of short plants abound. July frequently disappoints as August is the month that makes the soybean crop. See comments about August rainfall above. Soybean aphids were spotted locally last week so it remains to be seen just what they may do. The pea crop has been about as expected: poor. Late planting followed by heavy rains doomed this crop right out of the chute. Alfalfa could use some of the aforementioned rains in order to make for a better third cutting and in some instances potential for a fourth. 

The garden at the ranch has begun to bear some fruit! The first two yellow pear tomatoes were plucked recently with the promise of more to come. The mosquitoes have prevented me from foraging through the cucumber vines to see what might be hiding there. The muskmelons are setting lots of fruit as are the pumpkins and gourds. The first planted string beans are flowering profusely and even though the stand was thinned due to the wet conditions, they may compensate somewhat for that. The late planting was being attacked by rabbits so a bunny fence was constructed. The mosquitoes were almost unbearable but the fence was built and has effectively kept the varmints out so far. The fall garden area was worked down for planting in another week or so. The snap peas and more winter radish seed was ordered so it’s ready whenever we are.

The Haralson and Fireside apple trees are heavy laden with fruit as are the crabapples. The Snowsweet has a dozen or so on it, not bad considering it’s only been there a few years now. They quickly became a favorite eating apple for us so we can’t wait to see what the little tree can do over the next few years. Most of the fruiting trees and shrubs are loaded this year at the ranch including the nannyberries, chokeberries, honeysuckle and American cranberries. The serviceberries were too until they ripened and the robins made short work of them. 

We’ve been attracting orioles now for a long time although I don’t recall ever seeing as many as this summer. The orchard orioles must’ve had a banner hatch as there are frequently a half dozen or more showing up to gobble the grape jelly. The Baltimore orioles usually move them out when they arrive but the orchards are persistent. The hummingbirds have also been more numerous than some years. Mrs. Cheviot’s pots with several different types of salvia in them keep them flying in circles around the house then back to the nectar feeder. Frequently when gazing out the window one can see a hummer working over the flowers. I never tire of watching them and am still awed by their flying capabilities.

Ruby and Fudgie have had the life of Reilly this summer when one thinks about it. Not only when the weather has been cool but even when it has been on one of its infrequent warm spells. Take the other day for example. Working in the garden and getting more dog help than a person should be allowed to have, I made a beeline for the garden hose for a drink. Ruby immediately takes this as a sign it’s time to play. Her pirouettes chasing the water coming out of the hose probably belong on a You Tube video. Fudgie would rather watch Ruby and go inside to enjoy the AC. On the first day I started it up, she could feel the cool air and plopped on the floor in front of the register. Definitely the dog days of summer.

See you next week…real good then. 

The number 100 holds significance in our world. We have big celebrations for 100th birthdays and centennials. For TV shows, the 100th episode is often marked by a “greatest hits”  or “behind the scenes” and the 100th issue of a comic book is usually super-sized and has a major event.

This is my 100th column. Yes, for those of you who have been here since August 29, 2012, thank you. For those of you who haven’t read all 100, thank you for tuning in to this one. (And you can always go online and read those you missed!)

This column-writing endeavor actually started long before I typed the first one. Years back, Betty McShane occupied this space. I ran into her one day and told her how much I enjoyed her columns; she responded that maybe I should consider writing one. “Nah,” I responded, “what would I write about?” Still, that simple encounter got my wheels spinning.

When Jim said he needed a new columnist, I thought about it for about five minutes. I’m glad I stopped in at the Star-Eagle office that day, though I’m not sure I honestly thought I could come up with 100 columns, with plenty of ideas still on deck!

I did make a list of ideas when I started, and some of those ideas are still on the constantly-changing page of random thoughts. Many times, when I think I might have to go to one of those original ideas, something pops up in life that spurs me to a different topic.

I usually sit down on Wednesday or Thursday to write my first draft. That’s right, I don’t just preach it in my classroom, I practice it as well! I often tell my students that the best revision is done after letting your work sit for a day or two, so I then wait until Saturday or Sunday for that step. Depending on how I feel about it after that, I’ll usually send it in, though sometimes I’ve come back to it a day later for some fine-tuning.

When I began, Jim said he needed 400-500 words per column. These days, I generally sit between 700-800 words. I’ve had first drafts come in at over 1000 words! In general, my first draft takes me about half an hour to write. Once I get going, it’s tough to stop me! While I mostly know where I’m going when I start, sometimes I’ll surprise myself with where I end up. Plus, I have to pick out a word for the Word of the Week (which I probably receive the most comments about), and I’ve really tried to pick one that fits the theme of the column. Overall, I’ve written about 74,000 words over all these columns!

What I enjoy most about this (as Anton has also discovered after his debut) is knowing that people actually read my column! Any feedback is welcomed, and I treasure each of my readers and knowing what they think. I’ve met so many people who tell me they read (and even sometimes enjoy) my ramblings every week. Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourselves!

I’ve gotten emails, Facebook feedback, and even snail mail regarding specific columns or just in general. I try to respond quickly when these arrive. Email is easy and usually gets a quick response from me. (Thanks to another former occupant of this area, Jody Wynnemer, for his frequent thoughts and encouragement!)

I have a number of former students who catch up online, as well as some that subscribe to get it current, and their remarks are great. They may not always agree with what I say, but we’ve had good discussions, always done in a respectful manner.

Jim has printed a few letters to the editor regarding my column, not all of which like what I write. I’ve endeavored to touch base with those folks, and I do appreciate constructive criticism. I keep copies of the negative feedback along with my clippings to remind myself never to get too big a head.

And then there are the anonymous letters and even phone calls! Paul Cyr took a call after a column about parenting that demanded I be fired from my teaching position; Jim took a similar one at the newspaper offices that week. I happened to be home with a sick child that day, and even my sub had to listen to someone rant about me.

I recently received a letter without a name (and without courage by leaving that out) railing about a column. I was called a liberal (true, at times), an egotist (I’ll go with that – who doesn’t like their ego boosted?), arrogant (I guess I can come off that way when I feel strongly about something), and godless (tough to be when I believe in God). It’s actually fairly entertaining, once I get past the numerous grammatical errors (oops, there I am being arrogant again).

Margaret Wheatley, an American author, said, “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.” Hopefully, I’ve done that at least a few times. Lastly, and if I haven’t said it enough, thank you so much for reading! I hope I can continue to meet your expectations week in and week out and come up with enough ideas so we can celebrate my 200th column on June 23, 2016!

Word of the Week: This week’s word is facetious, which means comical or flippant, as in, “The columnist’s facetious tone humored some and torked off others.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!