Surprisingly Good Book!

     When MJV sent me this book she seemed to suggest not to expect too much. On the contrary I found it often profound. The author, among other things is a 'foodie' which is far from my reality. Many persons interested in the culinary arts will find much of that ilk in it.

    It could be categorized as either an autobiography or memoir. The author, approaching middle age and a very successful journalist, enrolls in Princeton Seminary much to his surprise. Princeton has a small farm that's incorporated into its curriculum which accounts for the book's title. GOOD SOIL: THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMHAND, by Jeff Chu, also leans much on his Chinese background. He was raised in China and California, and cooking is huge part of his family's life. 

   Little is revealed of the content of his seminary classes. It's the lessons from farming/gardening that fill the book with wisdom and reflections. Perhaps it's fair to say he's highly neurotic but it's out of those neuroses that he articulates deep insights about life and relationships. For example, as he grieves the death of a friend he writes; "To grieve is to feel the fullness of our humanity--the depth of our love, the reality of our fragility, the precarity of our existence." P. 274 The book is full of gems like this.

   Thanks, MJV, I'm glad I read it.

Takk for alt,

Al

A Rare Day!

        Today, Sella, my granddaughter, was confirmed at Grace University Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. It being Reformation Sunday, there likely were many confirmation services today, following a long tradition. It was a sweet blessing to be present.

Takk for alt,

Al

 Sella's baptism.

Costco!

       Costco, where every employee earns a living wage... Some years ago, visiting friends in Iowa they introduced us to Costco. It's been a 'go to' place ever since.  Gas there today was $4.04. Membership has been a gift. A footlong hotdog and soda is still $1.50. 

    Needing new tires last summer, I bought them at Costco. They were a good price and came with free rotations. Today it was time for a rotation. Yesterday, online I made a reservation for today. While I shopped, they rotated.  When the rotation was complete, they sent a text and I was on my way. 

  It's a warehouse store so everything comes in quantity. The joke is members need a Costco storeroom to hold the purchases. Prices are about the best and include everything from cars to nuts.

   What passes for excitement for an inmate of the OFH.

Takk for alt,

Al

When inmates of the OFH die their picture is placed on a credenza along with their obituary. With some friends we decided to be prepared so this is my 'credenza picture'.

Second Try!

    A couple of years ago I tripped and fell on knee on frozen ground. The first symptom was loss of range of motion. I began stretching to attempt to regain flexibility with modest success. Gradually there was pain in that knee. Last fall it was x-rayed which indicated arthritis. Physical therapy was recommended and tried. It provided relief but gradually the pain returned.

   Yesterday an orthopedic surgeon took more x-rays. They reveal that there is arthritis on the inner part of the knee. It has worn a little on the Cartlidge that cushions between the bones, yet far from needing surgery. He recommended a cortisone shot, which he administered.  If that is not helpful a knee brace would tilt the knee away from the arthritic side and solve the problem. I'm grateful for good medical care and insurance.

   With a glorious afternoon, 71 degrees, sun and no wind I decided to vacate the OFH and eat outdoors at a restaurant with outside seating. Texting two friends and invite and one chose to accompany me. Such opportunities are limited as winter approaches.

Takk for alt,

Al

The view from my apartment. Looking carefully, you can see some trees are near and others are far. Between them lies the Mississippi River.

Today.........

   Having written a longer blog post than usual tonight I hit the wrong button and erased it all. It was only my usual drivel and I'm not in the mood to re-type it. So, this is sent so you both see I'm okay. Sorry!

Takk for alt,

Al

Outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia is huge garbage pile. These students are children of parents who make their living picking garbage. An NGO (Non-governmental agency) runs the school. The picture was taken in 2009.

This was a joke between Joanne and I!

 

Where are we?

    Of course, the answer to the title of this blog is "We're here."   We're home, we left home to drive home😀 Leaving The Little House this afternoon we drove to the OFH where we'll stay until we drive back to The Little House.

   What did I see on the drive to St/ Paul? Most of the beans are harvested. Maybe half of the corn is combined. Quite a bit of fall tillage is done. There are a few fields planted to cover crops to protect the soil this winter. Most of the beets have been lifted. Will the huge beet piles spoil in this hot weather while they await freezing temperatures or processing?

   Odie came out of the field this morning a ball of mud. He stood patiently in the shower while the mud was washed away.

Takk for alt,

Al