Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

“My cousin is crazy. He’s so skinny — he stands 5 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds.”

“How can he be skinny when he is only 5 foot tall and weighs 250 pounds?”

“I told you he was crazy.”

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: People like crowds. The bigger the crowd, the more people there are who show up.

I’ve learned

1. A vacuum cleaner cord is never long enough.

2. Life may throw you but it doesn’t determine how you feel after you hit the ground.

3. To pick up discarded pennies. It’s good exercise.

A tall drink of water

“How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” said the woman in a store.

I told her. I told her that I was a year younger than I really was. I didn’t mean to. For just a moment, I thought that was how old I was. I guess I was surprised when she didn’t ask me how tall I was.

When you are tall, people tend to tell you that you are tall. Complete strangers inform me of my tallness as if I were unaware of it. I wonder if that is true of short people. Do folks let them know how short they are? It has been a long time since I was short. I am tall enough that if I fall over, I’m halfway home. Because I am vertically enhanced, I am considering getting a tattoo of a short person.

I was in the store to buy replacement blades for my razor. Apparently, they are made of gold. I paid approximately nothing for my razor. Cheap razor. Expensive blades. As I've heard so often, that is where they get you.   

The store was large enough that they had camping supplies for those who became lost in the store. I heard a voice, “Marco.” Another replied, “Polo.” Those two words were exchanged a good number of times by an extended family maintaining contact while shopping. I walked by a displayed shoe that caught my eye. I asked a kind and helpful employee if they had that particular model in a size 13. He went somewhere to check. He came back shortly and told me, “No 13s, but I do have it in a size 10.”

That information was as useful as a pocket on the back of my shirt. 

Halloween

I was sitting at the breakfast table eating a piece of toast covered in peanut butter — smooth. I was wearing my “Yeah, I know” T-shirt. I had a big day ahead of me. Halloween was past. I needed to replace the fake cobwebs with real ones. 

I recalled another Halloween. We were new to the marriage game. We’d grown up on farms and gone to college in cities. As newlyweds, we moved to New Richland. Halloween was coming and we quizzed the neighbors as to how many trick-or-treaters to expect. We bought candy accordingly. Then we bought more candy because we didn’t want to be one of those houses kids went to and left with less candy than they had come with. On Halloween, the children started showing up at our door. They didn’t stop. We ran out of candy and gave out cookies, apples, raisins, and cheese. We had to turn off the lights and hide silently in the darkness. 

Mismatched socks

I presented a class at the Science & Nature Conference hosted by Gustavus Adolphus College. A young woman showed me that she was wearing socks that did not match. She said that was in style today. I had no idea that I was a trendsetter. I’ve been unable to tell black socks from navy blue socks for years.

In gratitude

My thanks to those who have commented on my columns in Bird Watcher’s Digest (BWD). I appreciate hearing from you and it is an honor to write for that fine magazine. BWD does much for birds and nature.

My thanks to all those readers I encountered while speaking at Fountain Lake Sportsmens Club, Freeborn County Employees, Hidden Creek, the staffs of many area schools, and Healthy Seniors of Steele County.

Thanks to the many who offered photos of Hartland.

Nature notes

Despite e-mails to the contrary, eagles do not mate in flight. A bald eagle nest in Florida was 9.5 feet across, 20 feet high, and weighed 2 to 3 tons. There was once a bounty on bald eagles in Alaska--up to $2 was paid for a pair of talons and over 128,000 bald eagles were killed for payment.

Meeting adjourned

If you don’t forgive, you allow someone to live rent-free in your head. Be kind to yourself and forgive others.

The scurs may have missed the snow in the forecast but as of this writing, it remains to be seen whether the weather will rinse us off a tad or continue to dry clean us as it has become fond of doing the past several months. Starting Wednesday, mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the morning with skies clearing in the later afternoon. Highs of 40 and lows around 25. Thursday, clear skies with highs back to 40 and lows once again near 25. Clear skies again on Friday and warmer, marking the start of another warming trend. Highs of 45 and lows of 30. Partly cloudy on Saturday and warmer with highs of 50 and lows of 40. Partly cloudy becoming cloudy by evening with a slight chance of an overnight shower. Highs near 50 and lows around 35. Cloudy on Monday and continuing warmer than normal. Highs of 50 and lows once again staying above freezing at 35. Remaining cloudy on Tuesday with a chance of a shower. Highs staying near that 50 degree mark with lows around 30. The normal high for Nov. 11th, Veterans Day is 44 and the normal low is 25. The scurs will be flying the flag in honor of those who fought for their rights to freedom of the press.

The 10th brings us the Full Moon for the month and it is named the Full Beaver Moon for the trapping that was part of the fall ritual for the fur traders this time of year. It is also a time of year that beaver are actively storing up food for the long winter ahead. It is also known as the Full Frosty Moon. The Ojibwe called this the Full Freezing Moon and the Sioux knew it as the Moon of Falling Leaves. They likely weren’t too worried about the impact the leaves would have on their lawns.

Around Greater Bugtussle, there are a few remaining trees exhibiting some color, most notable among them being the hard maples that are bright yellow this fall. Surprisingly enough the strong winds didn’t manage to totally dislodge all the leaves from their branches and Monday morning it was still interesting to look at the trees, some still stubbornly clinging to their autumn cloak of many colors.

Jupiter is still a fixture in the sky both morning and evening, showing up at dusk in the east and shining brightly as the most prominent feature aside from the moon. Now that the time has changed, we’re not seeing it in the morning in the western sky as easily because it’s light out. Check an hour earlier however and it can still be seen, cloudy weather aside.

The birds are starting to return in slightly greater numbers now. There are half a dozen goldfinches making regular daily appearances and the red-bellied woodpecker has made herself at home with the ear corn. More blue jays are announcing their presence and some house finches are becoming common guests. The nuthatches have been loyal visitors and have company as downy and hairy woodpeckers help themselves to the sunflower seeds. Of course, the juncos are always present, ready to clean up under the feeders, especially where the squirrels have essentially made cracked corn from their corn feeder.

The Orange Army took to the woods and fields this past weekend. It didn’t sound like there was much gunfire however so most of the deer were safe. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as it was extremely windy both Saturday and Sunday. Like most wildlife, deer tend to stick close to cover and don’t venture forth any more than they have to. Not being able to hear something coming eliminates one of the tools they use to escape predators. This is also why the little fat buddies are holed up at the Mall for Men during inclement weather. In addition to forestalling a honeydew list, there are usually cookies to be consumed.

One might think the gardening season is over with but there are still some winter radishes yet to be harvested. The snap pea planting turned out to be about like the rain needed to make them a success, disappointing. There were a few pods on the earlier varieties but they were pretty rubbery by the time they were spotted. The frost and dry weather had already taken their toll. The winter radishes that have been sampled while small certainly pack a punch. They’ve fared slightly better than the peas with the dry weather but if I had it to do over again, I’d opt to plant both crops a week or so earlier to take advantage of any rainfall in the earlier part of August.

There are still a lot of things to be done at the ranch before the inevitable sets in due to some of the as yet imaginary precipitation that’s been forecast. On the way out to do chores the other night I heard something go zipping by my feet in the shadows. A bunny was making tracks as fast as he could for the electric fence with Ruby in hot pursuit. That reminded me that I needed to get the tree wrap on some of the small trees that were planted or they’ll be cottontail candy. Of course if we get 24 feet of snow like we had in 1936 as the white bearded Cockshutt owner points out, my problems will be solved. I may be tunneling under the snow to get to the barn like they purportedly did, but at least the bunnies won’t eat my trees.

See you next week…real good then.

Maxon Leonard Crumb, 89 of Austin Minnesota passed away Tuesday November 1st, 2011 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

He was born December 2nd, 1921 in New Richland, Minnesota to Winfred and Mary (Chicos) Crumb.  Max served in the United States Army in 1943 and 1944. He married Isabel Reistad on August 10th, 1946 in New Richland, MN. On August 10th, 2011 Max and Isabel celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary with their Family.

Max was the Manager of Hunting Elevator in Matawan and Lansing for 34 years and enjoyed farming in his retirement years.  He was a member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale, Minnesota for over 50 years. Max was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Verla Mae (Enzenauer) Holman, 79, of Hanibal, MO died at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Luther Manor Nursing Center. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hannibal. Burial was at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal. Pastor Michael Stoerger officiated.

Verla was born on March 17, 1932 in Ellendale, MN to Wm. and Amanda (Ginapp) Enzenauer. She married James Robert (Bud) Holman Nov. 22, 1958 in Hannibal. He preceded her in death along with her parents; and a brother Donald Enzenauer.

Survivors include a son Kevin (Nancy) Holman of Columbia, MO; one granddaughter Abigail Holman; one brother Marvin (Ruth) Enzenauer of Ellendale; one sister-in-law Lou Lutes of Columbia, Mo; seven nieces and nephews; God daughter Linda (Gary) Seykora; Dan Enzenauer, Dawn (Dave) Macht, Tim Enzenauer, Suzann (Tracy) Skaar, Dr. Frank (Irina) Quattrocki and Louann (Ray) Frizzell.

Verla was a professional seamstress.

Cards or memorials may be sent to Kevin and Nancy Holman, 5132 S. Brock Rodgers Rd., Columbia, MO 65201.

HAUNTED STAGE — Members of the NRHEG Drama Club took a breather from scaring people half to death to assemble for a photo on Sunday, October 30. The “lovely” ladies and gents are front (l-r): Maurya Johnson, Cecilia Torb and Rachael Nelson. Middle: Tori Stencel, Jessica Katzung, Nikki Kaupa, Elizabeth Eder and Lizzie Hagen. Back: Jory Fischer, Kirby Butler, Chris Bently, Kayanna Wibbins, Cody Wobbrock, Hans Frank, Jessie Blouin, (adult volunteer) and Doug Rudau. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)

TOY STORY COMES TO LIFE — The staff at Farmer’s State Bank in Freeborn decided to have a little fun this Halloween. The movie “Toy Story” was the theme as the bank and people were decorated for the occasion. Pictured from left: Mrs. Potato Head (Marcia McKean,) Buzz Lightyear (Peter Scheffert,) Jesse (Amy Schmidt,) Woody (Mark Nowak) and Toy Soldier (Cindy Whitcomb). (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)

ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES — NRHEG Elementary in Ellendale celebrated Halloween last week. Here, Mrs. Jensen’s kindergarteners Jordan Adams, Grace Borchers, (face unseen) and Candice Borchert are helped out by adult Debra Rollins. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

In keeping with the season, this painted pumpkin was spotted at Blondie’s Grill in New Richland. The image, painted by artist Betty McShane of New Richland, bears a spooky resemblance to local man about town Paul Stennes, except everyone knows Paul is not a JD guy. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)

SLAM TIME — NRHEG’s Harlee Vokoun, left, goes up for a spike as Waseca’s Sarah Trickey (4) defends last week. The Panthers beat the Bluejays, and went on to defeat Blue Earth Area 3-2 at home Tuesday night. They'll play for the sub-section championship Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:45 p.m. at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. If they win, they'll play for the section championship and state tournament berth Saturday at 7:45 p.m. at Gustavus. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG volleyball team was triumphant in the opening round of sub-section tournament play, defeating Waseca 3-0 last week in New Richland. Game scores were 25-14, 25-18, 25-21.

“Though we didn't play our prettiest volleyball, the most important thing is we were able to get the win,” said coach Joe Kuechenmeister. “It's sometimes tough to play your best against unorthodox teams like Waseca, and we struggled with their off-speed attack. To their credit, the Waseca girls played hard and played scrappy defense, and it was certainly a test for us in the first round. Hopefully, we'll learn from this first victory and keep building as we have a tough match on Tuesday against a very talented Blue Earth Area team."

Individual statistics from the Waseca match: Anna Schlaak 29 kills, 10 digs, 3 ace blocks, 2 ace serves; Carlie Wagner 10 kills, 5 ace blocks, 2 ace serves; Jade Schultz 2 kills, 5 digs, 2 ace blocks, 2 aces; Harlee Vokoun 3 kills, 1 ace; Tori Raimann 6 digs; Noelle Bartness 41 assists, 5 digs.

The Panthers beat BEA Tuesday 25-21, 23-25, 25-14, 18-25, 15-11, advancing to the sub-section semifinals Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:45 p.m. at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. The winner of that match plays for the section championship and state tournament berth Saturday at 7:45 p.m. at Gustavus.

The Panthers, who finished 7-1 in the Gopher Conference, improved their overall record to 23-6.

The Panthers lost 3-1 to No. 1 seed LeSueur-Henderson Thursday in the sub-section finals.

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Through one quarter, it was anybody’s game.

By halftime, the outcome was decided.

Turnovers plagued the NRHEG football team in its upset bid at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Saturday night as the undefeated home team racked up 32 points in the second quarter and went on to end the Panthers’ season 53-28 in the Section 2A semifinals.

“WEM took advantage of our turnovers and their size and power running game was just too much for us,” said Panthers coach Dan Stork. “We turned the ball over four times in the first half and all four resulted in touchdowns for WEM. You can't do that against any team and win let alone the No. 1 ranked team in the state. WEM is a very good football team. We wish them the best of luck.”

NR bowler rolls sixth 300 game

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The ghosts and goblins who were out and about on Halloween didn’t scare Al Waldhauser of New Richland. The long-time kegler rolled his sixth 300 game last Monday evening.

“We were bowling on lanes seven and eight,” said Waldhauser Tuesday morning. “There was a little extra pressure because I was bowling against my son Nate, who had a 249.”

As is the norm, the entire bowling alley stops to watch a fellow bowler who has run a long string of strikes. You can hear a pin drop until the ball approaches the rack of pins, then bedlam breaks out.

“It was the last game of the night,” Waldhauser added. “I ended up with a 732 series.”

Waldhauser has been a member of the New Richland Liquor Company Team for many years and also bowls Wednesday nights in a different league. The retired postal worker also enjoys golf when he isn’t bowling.

The fortunate thing for Waldhauser is if he would have been golfing, he would have been obligated to buy refreshments for the house as is the custom.