Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

My car makes funny noises.

That’s no surprise.

Why do you say that?

There is a clown driving it.

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: Where I live, everybody knows a guy who knows a guy with a truck.

The cafe chronicles

It was hard to hear over his loud shirt. He claimed being so short that he had to look up to see down. The local population grew as the number of people younger than him increased yearly. He’d seen a lot in his day, most of it on TV.

The waitress said, "Please listen carefully as our menu has changed. The special is alphabet soup with a spell checker. What would you like?"

The man replied, "The special at half the price and a dinner roll to put under the leg to balance the table."

She brought him a pine float — a glass of water with a toothpick in it.

Car cares

It’s nice having a gallon of gas cost less than a cup of coffee. I drive. I don't drink coffee.

A family matriarch was pulled over three times during her motoring career--twice for driving too slow and once for attempting to drive too slow.

I don’t have bumper stickers. I’m thinking of getting one reading, "Save the turn signal."

Each winter, I wish my car were the color of road salt. A friend groused that a feral shopping cart had dinged his new car. It could be worse.

Oscar will rebound

I sat in the bleachers, having watched a B-squad basketball game and waiting for the varsity game to begin. I was eating a bag of salt that needed more popcorn. A woman carrying a baby carrying a huge grin stopped to talk to my wife. She said that she had two children, the baby and a teenager. She thought the spread in years was good. By the time the youngest started hating her parents, the older child would start loving them again.

Donna Swenson of Waseca said that her young grandson Henrik told his mother Jodi, "Mom, don’t go upstairs, even if you hear Oscar yelling, "Help me."

Henrik had locked his brother in a closet.

Dying words

An issue for a tissue offers many euphemisms for death such as: Passed away, kicked the bucket, gave up the ghost, bought the farm, got out of the canoe, checked out, bit the dust, crossed over, tipped over, entered the sweet hereafter, resting in peace, slipped away, called home, gone to his reward, laid down his burden, no longer with us, in search of other opportunities, shuffled off this mortal coil, took a harp, answered God's call, gone to eternal rest, met his maker, keeled over, transitioned, left the building, caught the last train, pushing up daisies, at the pearly gates, singing with the heavenly choir, the credits are rolling, took the big bus, having a dirt nap, at peace or with the angels.

When passing a casket, we say, "He looks good."

I asked my neighbor Crandall what he’d like to hear when laid in his casket.

He answered, "He’s moving!"

Telling stories

I’d just recorded 12 hours of TV shows without using a script. The director asked how I could do that. It’s not that hard. Any old farmer could talk that long about picking rocks. Ask him questions and press "record" on an electronic device. If you’re interested and listen, he’ll tell stories and you’ll have a precious record of family history.

Customer comments

Keith Batt of Bellingham, Washington, told me that he’d eat vegetarian lasagna only if it had been rubbed against a cow.

Judy Schmidt of Big Lake said that if it isn’t chocolate, it isn’t candy.

Marvin Christiansen of Hartland enjoys woodworking. In the process, he nicked a thumb. His doctor said that a woodworker like Marvin could expect to sacrifice a bit of a digit every five years. Marvin kept at it, not selling his woodworking equipment until the five years had nearly ended.

Russ Anderson of Albert Lea wore an antique "Taft for President" button pinned to his coat. Russ collects campaign buttons. Someone offered him $100 for it. Russ declined. His reasoning? He had $100, but he wasn’t sure he could find another button like it.

Nature notes

It’s a persistent myth that duck’s quack doesn’t echo. It does, but it’s typically too quiet to hear.

Meeting adjourned

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Now is typically the time of year when the dreaded “cabin fever” virus usually sets in but with the weather temperatures hovering above freezing most of the time winter hasn’t been quite as hard to take. I’m not saying that I miss the days of sitting in the house with the wind whipping snow past my window but when the temperatures remain in the 30’s and cloudy I feel like I am in limbo. The other day when the sun was shining brightly and the temperatures were hovering around 40 I had that “spring fever” feeling which is much better than the other one.

There is a part of me that feels that it is only a matter of time before we get hit with some very real Minnesota weather. A few days ago New York State was ready to pull the plug and pretty much shut everything down in anticipation of that great storm that never really materialized. Have we become so paranoid that the first time we hear of some possible bad weather we shut down schools and close businesses to sit by the window and watch for the forecast to become reality? Even with all of the modern technology that we have available to us nature still has the final say.

The fishing on Fountain Lake is still going strong but I am not too sure about the catching part. I have heard that the heavy action that fishermen were experiencing a couple of weeks ago has lessened. Drilling a couple of holes and wetting a line is still a great way to spend a few hours enjoying the winter outdoors.

I have thought many times that I would like to head north to the cabin for a few days of hard water fishing on a couple of the lakes that I usually fish in the summer. It would be fun just to see how different the fishing might be on those same lakes in the winter. It seems as if the DNR is forever changing or posting new regulations on many of our state’s lakes and now they have released new changes for the upcoming season. The following is a part of the new or changed regulations and you can find more information on this by visiting the Fish Minnesota web page.

DNR announces new special angling regulations

Angling regulations will change on nearly three dozen waters this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Among the changes: Anglers will see more restrictive walleye regulations in and around Saganaga Lake in Cook County. Lake Winnibigoshish will have a relaxed, or narrower, protected slot limit for walleye. And northern pike special regulations will be removed on Big Birch Lake in Todd County.

Changed and new special and experimental regulations will be posted at public accesses on affected lakes and become effective March 1, except for those involving Sand Lake in Itasca County and connected waters, which will be effective in 2016.

New regulations

Saganaga, Sea Gull, and Gull lakes (Cook County) and connected waters – Walleye will have a 17-inch minimum length restriction and a bag limit of three established to protect small walleye to make the most of limited production of those fish from natural reproduction or stocking. Fish managers have been concerned for several years about low numbers of young walleye seen in these lakes, and the possibility that without some protection, those low numbers would result in even lower numbers of adult fish, with further reductions in spawning success. Effects of this regulation will be studied for the next 10 years, and will be reviewed with the public in 2024.

Sauk River chain of lakes (Stearns County) – Anglers will have an expanded opportunity to harvest channel catfish, which became established in the late 1970s and since have become very abundant. A bag limit of 10, but with only one of the 10 longer than 24 inches, is to provide the opportunity for more harvest yet still provide a healthy population of catfish.

Lake George (Hubbard County) – Bass will have a protected slot limit of 14-to 20-inches, with one longer than 20 inches allowed in a possession limit of six. The lake has a healthy population of bass shorter than 15 inches but fewer larger bass compared to other nearby lakes and the regulation is designed to boost numbers of larger bass.

Sand Lake (Itasca County) and connected waters (Birdseye, Portage and Little Sand lakes) –Starting in May of 2016, walleye will have a 17- to 26-inch protected slot limit with one fish longer than 26 inches allowed in a possession limit of six. This experimental regulation is intended to increase abundance of spawning-age walleye, stabilize reproduction, and end boom-and-bust cycles of fishing success for walleye. The regulation will be monitored for 10 years and its effect on walleye and fishing will be reviewed with the public in 2025.

Modified regulations

Lake Winnibigoshish – Walleye will have an 18- to 23-inch protected slot, with only one longer than 23 inches, relaxed from the previous 17- to 26-inch protected slot. This is to allow for more harvest opportunities while still maintaining protection to spawning-age fish. In recent years the slot limit on Winnibigoshish has consistently met objectives established for the regulation.

Clitherall and Sewell lakes (Otter Tail County) – On Clitherall Lake, smallmouth bass will have 14- to 20-inch protected slot limit with one longer than 20 inches allowed in a possession of six. This regulation replaces the catch and release regulation that has been in place for the last 10 years. The regulation for largemouth and smallmouth bass on Sewell Lake has also been changed to a 14- to 20-inch protected slot limit.  This replaces the 12- to 20-inch protected slot limit. Both lakes have quality populations of bass but managers believe these lakes can sustain quality fish while allowing additional harvest for bass shorter than 14 inches.

Big Mantrap (Hubbard County) – Black crappie will no longer have a 10-inch minimum length restriction but will continue to have a restricted bag limit of five. The minimum length limit was determined to be ineffective at increasing the size of crappie in Big Mantrap Lake.

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Until next time, stay warm and enjoy the beauty of winter and always respect the environment.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers because they are the reason that we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

Having first watched a group of overweight athletes on "The Biggest Loser" program on television recently and noting the difference in candidates of 300 or 400 pounds and again after their weight loss, it was truly amazing. Seeing those results would have a tendency to make you think twice. Very often overeating or thoughts of eating can be such a threat to one’s health.

Many of the contestants had a feeling of inadequacy, loss, which started young by parents who served many of the wrong foods or too much food.

When one thinks of getting healthy and eating foods that are good for you, it is important to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats in our diets. We should try to aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables in our diet every day. The more colorful the fruits and vegetables are, the more nutritious they are. One of the best nutritional vegetables you can eat are sweet potatoes. Those sweet potatoes are full of careotenoids, which are a good source of potassium and fiber. Other great sources are spinach, kale, carrots, peppers and oranges. Eating butternut squash is an easy way to get lots of vitamin A and C, as well as the fiber that we need. Leafy greens like kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens and Swiss chard are powerhouses for vitamin A, C and K, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein, and fiber.

Broccoli is another great vegetable as it has lots of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K and folic acid. And we can't forget the beans. They are rich in protein, fiber, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Garbanzo beans stand out as they are very versatile, It is important to look for no-salt-added varieties in BPA-free cans.  You can add them to your favorite tossed salad, or stir them into your vegetable stews, curries or soups.

Mangos and watermelon are also great items to enjoy in our daily diet. The mangos help provide our daily needs of vitamin C and vitamin A, potassium and fiber. It is interesting to note that mangos are one of the fruits least likely to have pesticide residue. And watermelon is also a heavyweight in the nutrient department. A standard serving, which is about 2 cups, has one-third of our daily vitamin A & C needs. It also provides a healthy dose of lycopene and a nice shot of potassium.

We also need to start choosing lean meats, such as turkey or chicken, as well as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. We should aim to include two servings of salmon or tuna a week in our diets, which helps provide us with a healthy heart. It is also important to start using olive or canola oil instead of butter and lard when we cook.

It is also interesting to note that Greek yogurt has twice the protein of ordinary yogurt. And the omega3 fats we find in fatty fish like salmon helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Wild caught salmon are more sustainable for us than farmed salmon.

It is also important to include whole grain pasta, bread and rice in our diets too, which provides us the fiber we need. Whole-grain rye crackers, like RyKrisp, Kavli, Wasa, Finn Crisp and Ryvita are some of the best. Try them topped with tuna, chicken, or shrimp salad, hummus, or tomato with chopped basil.

It is also a good idea to start taking a multivitamin, which is close to 100% in daily value. It will help make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients that we need.

Magazines draw your attention with "diet" or "lose a lot" interest items on their front covers. But surprise — right next to that article inside the magazine you may find the most glorious sugar or calorie loaded recipes that will make the salvia in your mouth fairly drip with anticipation.

It was interesting to note that many bad eating habits start in our brains instead of the stomach. People often eat when they are lonely, bored, "hurt", are sad or put down by others. Finding a hobby, sport or activity helps, especially those that keep your hands busy so they can't hold a fork or a glass or can of liquor or soda. Habits often start by seeing. If it isn't out in plain sight or plastered in advertising, one is more apt to find something more healthful. Buy a good scale, a beautiful mirror and dig out a picture of yourself when you were young and youthful.  It may help your will power.

When my mother’s first great grandchild was born, she made a vow that she would never buy them candy or soda pop. That is a hard promise to keep and you would be surprised how it changes the way you shop and spend money for one thing. Keeping children from a sugar addiction is another. My mother can't say her great grandchildren don't get any candy or soda pop — but not from her. 

Would you give your children alcohol or drugs? No, of course not. It has been said that if sugar were first marketed today, it would be considered a drug. Allowing one a little freedom allows a small indulgence. It is really important to remember to read those labels. Sugars are sneaked into ever so many processed foods. 

While my mother worked for Head Start, they were never supposed to call "sweets" treats and dessert was a forgotten word. All food was put on the table to eat as desired — that is, "dessert" could be eaten first. But dessert was something wholesome, not a sweet. Rewards should not be food. A fat child or person should not be ridiculed.

Do we teach our children and grandchildren to overeat? Consider the size of a child's stomach.  Children should decide when they are full. If they later say that they are hungry, offer them apples, oranges, grapes — not a sweet “treat.” Small amounts of food on a plate is easier to consume. Food not eaten is not wasted as grandpas used to say. It is alright to eat less. Just a taste is permitted.

Food should not be a "treat" or a game. Consider the calories kids pick up from the street at a parade. Holiday candy is a habit. Halloween treats are always candy, but they can be something else. Pencils, crayons, small toys, small coins, also make good treats.

A diagram of how much sugar is in a can of pop, a piece of candy, or decadent brownie or bar can also carry a message. Think. I would have to walk X amount of miles, work out or run or play, for hours to be able work off all those calories. Putting it in perspective does get to the brain.

It is also very important to look at alcohol consumption. The recommendation of alcohol consumption for men is two drinks a day, while the recommendation for women is one. One drink is equal to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor. It has become a social thing, but people need to remember that wine does contain alcohol

People are able to reduce their risk of heart disease and gain a better quality of life, and more energy if they quit smoking. If you have tried to quit before, try again. Maybe seek out the help of a health care provider who may offer you different options.

We also need to start exercising. Aim for 20 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, 3-5 days a week. It helps promote a healthy weight, builds muscle and bones, lowers the risk of disease, as well as improves balance, posture and mood.

It is also important to give your brain a workout too. Start working on crossword or Sudoku puzzles. Join community or church groups to socialize. It is also a good idea to talk with a health care provider if you have been experiencing sadness, worry or find that you would rather be alone than with other people. Many times people suffer from anxiety or depression.

And last but not least it is also important to remember to try and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, which also helps our body functions. Avoid taking naps during the day which will help provide you with a better night sleep.

Changing our habits gives us the opportunity to continue to live here. Neglecting to take care of our health isn't just important to you. It is important to your family. Less is more — more fun, more compliments, more energy, more activities and more years on the end of your life.

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Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock

• Friday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson

• Saturday, February 7th: Cheryl Cornelius, Ted Pelzl, Kelly Simon, Emma Lorraine Klemmensen, Karissa Dolan, Dorothy Katz, Joel Radjenovich, Steve & Holly Glynn

• Sunday, February 8th: Lainee Ann Krohn, Erin Thompson, Terry Wacek

• Monday, February 9th: Emily Eder, John Warnke, Donnavon Eaker, Laura (Edwards) Baudoin, Brad Lerum, Howard Goette, Kelly Lageson, Heidi Nelson, Karen Knudson, Tami Sorenson Hansen, Jay Wangsness

• Tuesday, February 10th: Brooklyn Jo Baudoin, Brett Mitchell Kubiatowicz, Greg Hagen, Abbey Jensen, Tom Wayne, Dean Reiter, Michael Glienke, Wayne Osmundson, Rachel Strand, Judy Thostenson, Peggy Talamantes, Greg Nelson, Madison Johnson, Dick & Mary Ann Ewing

• Wednesday, February 11th: Megan Pence, Jet Wayne, Neil Douglas Schmidt, Donna Wilker, David Dunn, Julie Christensen, Rhonda Thompson Christensen, Steve Gallentine, Earl Cleven, Teresa Knudson Pratt, Nadine Berg

May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!

Dale C. Ewest, age 77 of Waseca, died on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at his home in Wilton Township, Waseca County, Minnesota.

Born on October 28, 1937 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of Clarence and Elsie (Cook) Ewest. He attended school in rural Wilton Township. Dale farmed in Wilton Township for many years where he raised pigs and sheep. He also worked at the Dahle Sod Farm for several years.  Dale enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church – Wilton.

He is survived by neighbors, Brad and Lisa Mens and their children, Mitch, Ted, Joe, Anna, Grace, Daniel and Thomas of Waseca.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church-Wilton with Rev. Larry Sipe officiating. Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, one hour before services at the church. Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services of Waseca is handling arrangements.

dennisfuneralhomes.com

A memorial service for Lois Clausen will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, rural New Richland. The Reverend Brian Gegel will officiate.  Visitation will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church, and continue until the start of the service. Interment will take place at the LeSueur River Cemetery following the service.

Lois died on January 27, 2015 in Winter Haven, FL. She was 75 years old.

Lois was born on April 21, 1939 to Raymond and Agnes (Olson) Brandvold in Waseca, MN. She was a lifetime member of LeSueur River Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She attended country school around New Richland, and later graduated from New Richland High School where she met her best friend and now sister in-law, Barb Loken Clausen. After school, she received her degree from Secretarial School in Mankato. Lois married the love of her life, Ronald Clausen, on July 9, 1960 at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church. The couple moved to California, where Ronald was stationed in the military. A year later, the couple moved back to New Richland, the place they will always call home. Lois worked as an Executive Secretary for E.F. Johnson in Waseca for over 35 years.

James Raymond Miller, age 77 of Waseca, died on Friday, January 30, 2015 as a respite patient at Rivers Edge Hospital in St. Peter.

Born on February 27, 1937 in Wilton Township, Waseca County, Minnesota, he was the son of Raymond A. and Esther (Kaiser) Miller. He attended rural Waseca County School District #22 before graduating from New Richland High School. He later received his Associate’s Degree from the U of MN-Waseca. After high school, Jim served in the US Navy in the Pacific. He had been stationed on the USS Brinkley Bass DD887. Jim married Juanita Steege on June 20, 1959 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pine Island. Jim worked at Midland Elevator in Waseca from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. He later worked as a boiler engineer at Mankato State University for 33 years before retiring in 2001. Jim also farmed the family farm for 41 years.

Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District (Waseca SWCD) will again have a conservation tree program for spring planting needs. Order forms, details of the program, and general tree information can be found on www.wasecaswcd.org or at our office at 105 22nd Ave NE, Waseca, MN 56093.

Don’t delay. Deadline for ordering is February 20.

By TROY THOMPSON

Sportswriter

The Panther boys’ basketball team continued their hot hand last week, winning all three contests en route to pushing their winning streak to nine games. NRHEG won a pair of tight non-conference matchups before closing out the week with a 68-36 win over Gopher Conference foe Faribault Bethlehem Academy.

The Panthers now sit at 15-2 on the season, 7-1 in the Gopher Conference.

NRHEG 65, Blue Earth Area 46

It took awhile for the Panthers to find their shooting stroke Tuesday, Jan. 20, against the Bucs on the road. NRHEG led by just six, 33-27 at the half.

“We settled for quick shots in the first half,” said Panther coach Pat Churchill. “I thought we did a decent job defensively, but we just couldn't get it going offensively.”

By TROY THOMPSON

Sportswriter

After a recent stretch of trophy success in dual meets, the NRHEG wrestlers had to settle for a sixth-place finish in Forest Lake against some tough competition on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The Panthers defeated Stillwater 37-18 during the meet, but suffered two hard-fought defeats, getting bested 32-25 by Elk River and 35-28 against Plainview-Elgin-Millville.

Even though the Panthers took sixth, NRHEG coach Shawn Larson still deemed the outing a success.

“This tournament is exactly what our wrestlers needed,” said Larson. “Of course we would like to have a better finish on the day, though it was a great experience to compete with teams of this caliber. We wrestled well three times even though we lost two of those three. When facing the teams like these, it is easier for the guys to think they are beaten and give up, and we did just the opposite. Our guys gave the best effort we could give and are proud of our results even if it was sixth place.”