Imagine yourself in a large shopping mall, in Tesco the Thai version of Target, shopping with seven Thai when you feel the all too familiar, initial symptoms of food poisoning. "How did this happen? you may ask. Well...
Gai picked me up via tuk tuk to take me to an internet cafe. After I completed my internet time we all, Max my host lady, too, had lunch and then went to Gai's house to inspect the aftermath of the flood. Gai's house is in a relatively new development that might make us think of town houses. Unlike the traditional Thai houses which are either built on stilts or are two story these are all one story. Gai said she didn't think much of it when the water reached her door...that's happened before...but it kept coming until it was several feet deep in the house. With no second floor in which to take refuge or store their belongings they had to flee with the clothes on their backs. The evacuated to a shelter with 1000s of others but that, too, flooded. They ended up with relatives in Bangkok. Thus the email they sent to in December, "house flooded, no money no food." They also had to abandon their tuk tuk to the flood...I'll say more about this another time.
Max and family spent three months trapped upstairs yet, to Gai, they were the lucky ones because they didn't have to flee and were able to carry their belongings upstairs. It's all relative.
My first night on the floor was a bit difficult, so, because Gai's house is near Tesco, and we had a tuk tuk I decided to go buy a sleeping mat. Three things I didn't take into consideration when I made this decision. First, that I had seven Thai in tow; second, that it was Saturday of New Years Weekend and the entire population of Ayutthaya would be at Tesco; and third, I'd be symptomatic of food poisoning I quickly found the mat I wanted and then we did some clothes shopping for the children while my stomach began to send distress signals. We could not find anything that 14 year old Mai wanted as I felt increasingly sick. It's my new definition of forlorn...stuck in a Thai shopping mall looking for clothes when my stomach is threatening explosion.
We did make it back to the comforts of a bathroom in my house...and suddenly I was doubly grateful for a western style toilet. When I'm sick I'm like a dog that just wants to be left alone...not an option with two Thai women feeling personally responsible for my well being! But I survived both the food poisoning and the attention that it brought. It turned out be a relatively mild bout, I am an expert after all, and I feel fine today.
Because it was New Year's Eve there was huge neighborhood celebration on the street by the house. I even managed to sleep through the music and fireworks; cherry bombs. I'd have joined them if I felt better. Maybe next year :).
A little PS: There so many Christmas Trees in Bangkok it feels like a northern MN forest!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ayuttthaya Now (
The trip from Bkk to Ayutthaya gave me a cardiac moment. I've got this large suitcase filled with books for school, plus my suitcase and carry on bag...100lbs total. With all this I elected to a take a taxi from the guesthouse to the minibus so I wouldn't have schlep it all on the Skytrain. The taxi drive was clueless so eventually I got out in the middle of the street, in a big traffic jam somewhat in the vicinity of the minibus. After successfully negotiating the street crossing to a minibus I was pointed up the steps and thataway.
Hoisting 100lbs of bags I climbed the three flight of stairs and viola...I knew where I was and where I needed to go. Around the Democracy Monument on the skywalk, down three flights of stairs, through the outdoor shops and to the correct minibus.
My host family is (was?) building a new house when the flood hit. Construction stopped then so I'm living in a construction zone. Sleeping on the floor doesn't get any easier. The water line in the downstairs where I stay is about at the 8ft level or about 12ft above the street. How they maintained electricity as they were trapped upstairs for three months is a mystery, their electric meter on the pole in front of their house is below the high water line. Fortunately they have an upstairs bathroom and had enough food stockpiled to wait out the flood.
Communication is a bit difficult because, Poo, daughter, is gone for a few days...temple something? Mai (Mr) is still working and Max (Mrs) is too but doesn't have many costumers. The good news is that Poo will have a job beginning Jan. 2. The company she was working for in IT folded during the flood.
I connected with Gai this morning. She's the one who managed the volunteer teachers the first year I was here. She speaks English so fast, broken and accented that I seldom am sure what's she's said. One thing is very clear...she's deeply grateful for some money I wired to her family before I came. I think she said that their tuk tuk, the family's source of income, is being repaired and will soon be ready.
Hoisting 100lbs of bags I climbed the three flight of stairs and viola...I knew where I was and where I needed to go. Around the Democracy Monument on the skywalk, down three flights of stairs, through the outdoor shops and to the correct minibus.
My host family is (was?) building a new house when the flood hit. Construction stopped then so I'm living in a construction zone. Sleeping on the floor doesn't get any easier. The water line in the downstairs where I stay is about at the 8ft level or about 12ft above the street. How they maintained electricity as they were trapped upstairs for three months is a mystery, their electric meter on the pole in front of their house is below the high water line. Fortunately they have an upstairs bathroom and had enough food stockpiled to wait out the flood.
Communication is a bit difficult because, Poo, daughter, is gone for a few days...temple something? Mai (Mr) is still working and Max (Mrs) is too but doesn't have many costumers. The good news is that Poo will have a job beginning Jan. 2. The company she was working for in IT folded during the flood.
I connected with Gai this morning. She's the one who managed the volunteer teachers the first year I was here. She speaks English so fast, broken and accented that I seldom am sure what's she's said. One thing is very clear...she's deeply grateful for some money I wired to her family before I came. I think she said that their tuk tuk, the family's source of income, is being repaired and will soon be ready.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Riding the River
A ride on the Chao Phraya river via river taxi, while always entertaining, didn't reveal much obvious flood damage. It was apparent the river had been over it's banks and still is higher than I've ever seen it. The fancy hotels at river's edge have their swimming pools open.
An article in the Bangkok Post this week told of Honda Motor Co., crushing 1200 new cars that were caught in the flood. Ayutthaya is at the heart of Thailand's industrial area. The flooding swamped it all. A shortage of micro chips is expected because much of the world's supply comes from this area.
At noon today (Friday) I'll leave BKK for Ayutthaya. It's been unseasonal cool here with temps. in the 60s at night. Perhaps it will warm up for me in Ayutthaya where I sleep on the floor and do not have a/c.
An article in the Bangkok Post this week told of Honda Motor Co., crushing 1200 new cars that were caught in the flood. Ayutthaya is at the heart of Thailand's industrial area. The flooding swamped it all. A shortage of micro chips is expected because much of the world's supply comes from this area.
At noon today (Friday) I'll leave BKK for Ayutthaya. It's been unseasonal cool here with temps. in the 60s at night. Perhaps it will warm up for me in Ayutthaya where I sleep on the floor and do not have a/c.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Shopping BKK Style
Yesterday morning I took the elevated train (Skytrain) to the Siam Center on my quest for a cell phone. The Siam Center is BKK's version of the Mall of America...perhaps as many stores but not all under one roof. My family suggested, OK, insisted that I have a phone this time. The first price suggested by the clerk was 900B ($30) and when the bargaining ended I payed 650B. However, I could have made money on the deal. I payed with a 1000B note and received 1350B in change. Of course I returned the 1000B. My first incoming call? From Steve S. inviting me to the wedding.
In the phone instructions there is a section on "Fake Calls". It instructs on how to make your phone ring if you're in a boring meeting or conversation. Perhaps I'll study up on that!
To get the full BKK experience I went shopping at the Pratnumun in the afternoon. It's blocks of stalls selling clothing and whatever all under one roof. I bought an outfit for Mai-Evy. I sure hope its fits because returns will be a problem.
In the phone instructions there is a section on "Fake Calls". It instructs on how to make your phone ring if you're in a boring meeting or conversation. Perhaps I'll study up on that!
To get the full BKK experience I went shopping at the Pratnumun in the afternoon. It's blocks of stalls selling clothing and whatever all under one roof. I bought an outfit for Mai-Evy. I sure hope its fits because returns will be a problem.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sleepless in Bangkok
Someplace past midnight I awakened as my body told me it was noonish and my stomach said it had missed lunch. Parker Palmer, in one one of his books, said if you find yourself in something of which you can't get out get into it, i.e., "if you can't get out of it get into it". I've found that a very helpful philosophy in many situations and it's saved me a lot of useless angst. So, with that in mind, rather than tossing and turning I got up and watched a bit of Asia News and CNN on TV. Then finished the 'who dunnit' I began on the plane.
After that I was able to sleep until 8am. Daylight this close to the equator is 6am until 6pm year around. Therefore, anytime I see daylight I know that breakfast, included with the room, will be ready...it's served from 6-10am. Today's menu; fried eggs, bread for toasting with peanut butter and jam, two tasteless dried cereals w/soy milk, yogurt, noodles, bananas, guava, a couple of stir fries, mango juice and coffee. Something for every one's taste.
Dairy's not big in Asia nor is bread. My host family last year told me Americans would not be so fat if they ate less bread and more rice. The dairy and bread sections in a grocery store are one small shelf while rice takes a whole aisle. Eggs are sold in plastic bags. Oveltine is so popular that McDonald's sells it as they do pork sandwiches.
After that I was able to sleep until 8am. Daylight this close to the equator is 6am until 6pm year around. Therefore, anytime I see daylight I know that breakfast, included with the room, will be ready...it's served from 6-10am. Today's menu; fried eggs, bread for toasting with peanut butter and jam, two tasteless dried cereals w/soy milk, yogurt, noodles, bananas, guava, a couple of stir fries, mango juice and coffee. Something for every one's taste.
Dairy's not big in Asia nor is bread. My host family last year told me Americans would not be so fat if they ate less bread and more rice. The dairy and bread sections in a grocery store are one small shelf while rice takes a whole aisle. Eggs are sold in plastic bags. Oveltine is so popular that McDonald's sells it as they do pork sandwiches.
Bangkok Chilling
Imagine my surprise, after arising at 3am for a 6am flight to Chicago, as I sit and wait for my flight to Inchon, Korea, up walks my cousin, Steve S. Turns out he's on my flight on his way to a friend's wedding in Bangkok. Not only that, he'll also be on my return flight. We also were able to share a taxi from the airport becasue we're staying in the same area of this huge city. After the wedding Steve is going to Singapore and Viet Nam.
The 13.5 hour flight to Korea made the 5.5 hour from there to Bangkok seem like a touch and go! Headwinds to Korea put us in late and our connecting flight was held for us. It's my first time on Asiana Airlines and I'm a convert. Wonderful service and they gave me an exit row for the long flight to Korea for no extra charge. Didn't realize how bad Delta is until I had this comparison. Plus, the Asiana flight cost me 100,000 frequent flier miles and Delta wanted 150,000.
So I'm chilling the Bangkok Christian Guesthouse again. No flood in this central area of BKK. However, every time the flood comes up in conversation people talk about how bad it was in Ayutthaya.
Surprisingly cool here...perhaps the 60s this a.m. and the Guesthouse has just kept the doors open without turning on the a/c. From the plane window I could see ice and snow in Inchon, Korea. Interesting conversation with my Korean seat mates re: the leadership change in N. Korea. One just graduated from IA State with a degree in engineering and is going to work in Brazil. He said that the Korean students were told to gather in Chicago if war broke out and the government would send a plane to pick them up.
I can't start teaching until next week so I'll hang here in BKK a few days. My big suitcase of teaching materials made it here with the rest of my luggage.
The 13.5 hour flight to Korea made the 5.5 hour from there to Bangkok seem like a touch and go! Headwinds to Korea put us in late and our connecting flight was held for us. It's my first time on Asiana Airlines and I'm a convert. Wonderful service and they gave me an exit row for the long flight to Korea for no extra charge. Didn't realize how bad Delta is until I had this comparison. Plus, the Asiana flight cost me 100,000 frequent flier miles and Delta wanted 150,000.
So I'm chilling the Bangkok Christian Guesthouse again. No flood in this central area of BKK. However, every time the flood comes up in conversation people talk about how bad it was in Ayutthaya.
Surprisingly cool here...perhaps the 60s this a.m. and the Guesthouse has just kept the doors open without turning on the a/c. From the plane window I could see ice and snow in Inchon, Korea. Interesting conversation with my Korean seat mates re: the leadership change in N. Korea. One just graduated from IA State with a degree in engineering and is going to work in Brazil. He said that the Korean students were told to gather in Chicago if war broke out and the government would send a plane to pick them up.
I can't start teaching until next week so I'll hang here in BKK a few days. My big suitcase of teaching materials made it here with the rest of my luggage.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Packing bags.........
The large gun metal grey Samsonite suitcase I bought at a 2nd hand store for $5.00 is packed full of books and school supplies. Also included are almost 50 letters from Noble Academy 50th graders. I'll leave the suitcase and supplies there.
Those letters and the replies will be the focus of much of English Teaching. I'll invite the Thai students to include their mailing addresses on the letters I carry back. Perhaps it will initiate a pen pal relationship. Kathy W. also gave me cassette tape recorder that I can use as a tool to help the students as they learn to speak English. Trial and error with some good coaching from people like Kathy are helping me to gradually figure out how to help the students with their English.
A brief email from the English teacher at 'my' school said that they're all fine. I do wonder if some students will have left during the flood, or.....?
Those letters and the replies will be the focus of much of English Teaching. I'll invite the Thai students to include their mailing addresses on the letters I carry back. Perhaps it will initiate a pen pal relationship. Kathy W. also gave me cassette tape recorder that I can use as a tool to help the students as they learn to speak English. Trial and error with some good coaching from people like Kathy are helping me to gradually figure out how to help the students with their English.
A brief email from the English teacher at 'my' school said that they're all fine. I do wonder if some students will have left during the flood, or.....?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Letters to Thailand.
The fifth grade students at Noble School, with whom I volunteer, are busy writing letters to my students in Thailand. I'll bring the letters with me. They letters are a good educational tool. The Noble teachers used them as a learning exercise in letter writing. They will also be a good learning tool in Thailand giving the Thai students practice in reading English. I will also have them write back to the students at Noble. The letters from Noble are quite long...they'll be challenge for the Thai students. If it wasn't for the 12 hour time difference we could Skype between schools, but.....
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thailand trip plans.
Perhaps I was asleep at the switch, but, whatever, I was late making my frequent flier reservations for my trip to Thailand. Coming back was not problem but to find a free flight out I have to leave on Christmas Day...very early! Flight time is 6:00am via United to Chicago to catch an Aisiana Airlines plane to Bangkok via Seoul Korea. This will be the first time that I'm not flying either Northwest or Delta through Tokyo. I think of it as another adventure.
This flight schedule will get me to Thailand several days before I can begin teaching on January 3. What to do? Unless another more creative thought strikes me I'll probably hang out at Christian Guesthouse in Bangkok. The wonderful tropical heat and humidity will allow my shoulders to un-cramp after hunching against the December cold in Minnesota.
The big question, 'what will I find after the flood?' will not really get answered until I get to Ayutthaya on January 1. Central Bangkok, in which the Christian Guesthouse is located, was not flooded. While in Thailand I'll update this blog regularly.
This flight schedule will get me to Thailand several days before I can begin teaching on January 3. What to do? Unless another more creative thought strikes me I'll probably hang out at Christian Guesthouse in Bangkok. The wonderful tropical heat and humidity will allow my shoulders to un-cramp after hunching against the December cold in Minnesota.
The big question, 'what will I find after the flood?' will not really get answered until I get to Ayutthaya on January 1. Central Bangkok, in which the Christian Guesthouse is located, was not flooded. While in Thailand I'll update this blog regularly.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thank you received from Thailand.
This is the family described below.
This is their house.This is the verbatim thank you email I received for the money I sent via Western Union.
"Our families. Thank you so much that you have a good spirit so send money to us is 7400 Baht ($250.) if you want to help us help you. If you come to Ayutthaya to tell us. We will await you. Or send a message to us. They are not computer at home."
I'm pleased that I was able to get the money to them before I arrived. I will make clear to the families that I help that the money is not all from me. I'll tell them that churches and friends in America provided much of it.
"Our families. Thank you so much that you have a good spirit so send money to us is 7400 Baht ($250.) if you want to help us help you. If you come to Ayutthaya to tell us. We will await you. Or send a message to us. They are not computer at home."
I'm pleased that I was able to get the money to them before I arrived. I will make clear to the families that I help that the money is not all from me. I'll tell them that churches and friends in America provided much of it.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Relief For Flooded Thailand
Three years ago when I was teaching in Ayutthaya, Thailand, I lived in a house with other volunteer teachers. A Thai woman, Gai, was hired to provide us with food and language instruction. Gai and her husband, Mai, have three children at home. The children became special to the volunteer teachers. I have stayed in contact with the family via email and visiting them when I've been in Ayutthaya.
During the recent flood I received an email from Gai which said in effect; 'house flooded, no money no food.' Their income source is a Tuk-Tuk, a small three wheeled taxi they use to transport tourists. Obviously not usable during a severe flood.
Now they are home but do not have enough money to replace the school clothes their children need or to fix damage to their house. However, today I was able to wire them some money via Western Union so they do not need to wait for my arrival in two weeks to get some help.
During the recent flood I received an email from Gai which said in effect; 'house flooded, no money no food.' Their income source is a Tuk-Tuk, a small three wheeled taxi they use to transport tourists. Obviously not usable during a severe flood.
Now they are home but do not have enough money to replace the school clothes their children need or to fix damage to their house. However, today I was able to wire them some money via Western Union so they do not need to wait for my arrival in two weeks to get some help.
Auction
In 1885 my grandfather, Lars Negstad, bought the rights to a homestead in SDak. and three years later completed the requirements to receive the 160 acres from the U.S.government. Since that time the land has been farmed by Negstads. After Lars came my father, Albert. Albert was followed by his son and my brother, David. After David came his son, Wayne who has farmed until now.
This summer Wayne decided to quit farming and concentrate his efforts on his tax and accounting business. He is in the process of buying the H & R Block business in Brookings, where he has worked winters for a number of years. He will continue to live on the farm.
Yesterday he auctioned his farm machinery and he has rented his land for next year. The auction was cold but sunny, the high temperature reached 12 degrees. Grandpa Lars planted trees around the farmstead and those trees have been maintained by his successors. They provided welcome protection from the wind for the auction. It appeared to this bystander that the auction was a success.
The oldest item sold was an antique road grader that belonged to my uncle, Henry. In the early part of the 20th century he had a road building business building some of the first roads in Brookings County. He pulled the grader with his huge 40-80 Avery tractor.
Wayne's brother, Neil, is interested in history so his plan was to buy the grader and give it to the Brookings Co. museum, located in Volga. (Parenthetically, the museum was begun by Neil's great uncle on his grandmother's side, John Bergh.) We all thought that the grader would sell for $50 or $100. Give Neil credit, he stuck with the bidding until he prevailed...at $950. So the museum will get the grader.
This summer Wayne decided to quit farming and concentrate his efforts on his tax and accounting business. He is in the process of buying the H & R Block business in Brookings, where he has worked winters for a number of years. He will continue to live on the farm.
Yesterday he auctioned his farm machinery and he has rented his land for next year. The auction was cold but sunny, the high temperature reached 12 degrees. Grandpa Lars planted trees around the farmstead and those trees have been maintained by his successors. They provided welcome protection from the wind for the auction. It appeared to this bystander that the auction was a success.
The oldest item sold was an antique road grader that belonged to my uncle, Henry. In the early part of the 20th century he had a road building business building some of the first roads in Brookings County. He pulled the grader with his huge 40-80 Avery tractor.
Wayne's brother, Neil, is interested in history so his plan was to buy the grader and give it to the Brookings Co. museum, located in Volga. (Parenthetically, the museum was begun by Neil's great uncle on his grandmother's side, John Bergh.) We all thought that the grader would sell for $50 or $100. Give Neil credit, he stuck with the bidding until he prevailed...at $950. So the museum will get the grader.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Word from Thailand.
Recently I've had fairly regular but brief emails from my host family in Thailand. Today the message was that Max (wife/mother) is going back to work tomorrow. Poo, daughter, is out of a job because her company disbanded. She's a University graduate and was working in I.T. No word about Mai (husband/father). The emails are very brief and cryptic.
I also heard from Gai, the woman who fed the volunteer teachers three years ago. She said they were working on their house and she said "please help my family." I assume that help would be money. I've emailed her back to ask for clarification. Their livelihood was a tuk-tuk, the three wheeled taxis that are ubiquitous in Thailand. I asked in my email if the tuk-tuk is safe. If it is they have some hope of recovery once tourists return.
I'll bring as much money as I can to help these families get back on their feet. Should you be interested in more information on the recent flooding Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has very good information about it www.wikipedia.com
I also heard from Gai, the woman who fed the volunteer teachers three years ago. She said they were working on their house and she said "please help my family." I assume that help would be money. I've emailed her back to ask for clarification. Their livelihood was a tuk-tuk, the three wheeled taxis that are ubiquitous in Thailand. I asked in my email if the tuk-tuk is safe. If it is they have some hope of recovery once tourists return.
I'll bring as much money as I can to help these families get back on their feet. Should you be interested in more information on the recent flooding Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has very good information about it www.wikipedia.com
Friday, November 25, 2011
Better News
Today I had a brief email from Poo, the daughter in my Thai host family, who says their house is now dry. Her emails are always brief and a bit cryptic but I assume that they're not back to work yet. I wonder how they survived this long and especially weeks marooned in the second story of their house?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
News from Thailand
I'm now in email contact with the family with whom I stayed last year. Since I was there they have moved into the house they were building. The house is flooded but they are holed up on the second floor unable to go out. They do have food and they spend their days reading and watching TV. (I'm curious how they have electricity when the downstairs if flooded?) It seems that they have been isolated like this for at least three months. This means that none of them are working. They think the water will recede by Dec. 1.
They have invited me to stay with them again and I plan to do that. I'll leave here on Dec. 25, and spend January teaching in the same school...I hope. The school is currently flooded, it's on the banks of a canal, but I'm hoping it will be operational by the first week of January.
The United States pledged a paltry 10 million in aid. Grace University Lutheran, where I am a member is gathering funds to send with me. I'll distribute it to some families I know there. Another family sent me a brief email a few weeks ago that said "House flooded, no money, no food."
They have invited me to stay with them again and I plan to do that. I'll leave here on Dec. 25, and spend January teaching in the same school...I hope. The school is currently flooded, it's on the banks of a canal, but I'm hoping it will be operational by the first week of January.
The United States pledged a paltry 10 million in aid. Grace University Lutheran, where I am a member is gathering funds to send with me. I'll distribute it to some families I know there. Another family sent me a brief email a few weeks ago that said "House flooded, no money, no food."
Friday, November 18, 2011
News from Thailand
The house in which I stayed two years ago, now flooded.
I've received some occasional emails from the family with whom I stayed last year including an invitation to stay with them again when I go back. While I was there they were in the process of building a house which they've since occupied. Fortunately is two story. They've been living in the upper story, and best as I can tell, unable to go out. Apparently they have electricity because they did send an email. A couple of weeks ago they said that they had not worked in three months. They also said they expect the water to subside by Dec. 1. The rains began in July but now have ended. The school where I teach is flooded and that was no surprise to me.
The U.S. announced 10 million in aid which I think is an appallingly stingy response! Losses in Thailand will many billion dollars. I'll bring what money I can for some direct aid. I'm really wondering what I'll find when I get there.
The U.S. announced 10 million in aid which I think is an appallingly stingy response! Losses in Thailand will many billion dollars. I'll bring what money I can for some direct aid. I'm really wondering what I'll find when I get there.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Pictures from the Domican Republic
Art for sale on the street.
Flowers in the market.
Vegetable market.
Our hotel showing our 2nd story balcony.
Conde street the pedestrian street that ran past our hotel.Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Adios Santo Domingo
One meal to go and we will have succeeded in our goal of eating every meal outdoors while in the Dominican Republic. Last night was special under clear tropical skies we are one edge of a large plaza. The table was illuminated by soft candle light and we were serenaded by strolling guitarists. Families gathered on the plaza with children running to and fro.
Santo Domingo sleeps later than Bangkok which is a more frentic place.
The curmudgeonette´s natural friendliness gets her in trouble in the tourist shops. They take that friendliness as interest in their wares. This was particularly true when we visited the large market specializing in things for tourists. The walk around the market was most interesting because that is where the locals trade; fruits, vegtable, grains, flours, flowers, meat...the dressed chicken in the full noonday sun with caged chickens awaiting their turn.
Dominican cuisine is nothing special. It is basically meat and starch with little spice. The lack of spice shoots a hole in my theory that countries in hot climates use a lot of pepper, e.g., Thailand, India, Mexico, etc.
Now...home again.
Santo Domingo sleeps later than Bangkok which is a more frentic place.
The curmudgeonette´s natural friendliness gets her in trouble in the tourist shops. They take that friendliness as interest in their wares. This was particularly true when we visited the large market specializing in things for tourists. The walk around the market was most interesting because that is where the locals trade; fruits, vegtable, grains, flours, flowers, meat...the dressed chicken in the full noonday sun with caged chickens awaiting their turn.
Dominican cuisine is nothing special. It is basically meat and starch with little spice. The lack of spice shoots a hole in my theory that countries in hot climates use a lot of pepper, e.g., Thailand, India, Mexico, etc.
Now...home again.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday in Santo Domingo
The curmudgeonette took us to mass at the Cathedral this morning. The 12:00 mass started at 12:15. I departed 30 minutes into the homily and decided to worship at my blog. She stayed on.
Tourist prices prevail in this colonial section of the city. Meal costs are similar to downtown Minneapolis.
Good or bad I can´t help comparing Santo Domingo with Bangkok. On a twenty block walk yesterday I passed 6 places to eat. In Bangkok that walk would have brought me by at least 200. Here there are virtually no street vendors. There are a few small motorcycles compared to 1000s in BKK. The weather is similar; pleasantly tropical with an occasional afternoon shower.
Tourist prices prevail in this colonial section of the city. Meal costs are similar to downtown Minneapolis.
Good or bad I can´t help comparing Santo Domingo with Bangkok. On a twenty block walk yesterday I passed 6 places to eat. In Bangkok that walk would have brought me by at least 200. Here there are virtually no street vendors. There are a few small motorcycles compared to 1000s in BKK. The weather is similar; pleasantly tropical with an occasional afternoon shower.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
In the Dominican Republic
Christopher Columbus is big here in Santo Domingo. In fact his brother is credited as the city founder. There´s a huge staute of CC in the plaza next to our hotel which is in the colonial zone of the city. The 500 year old cathederal in on the other side of the plaza. Perhaps CC is big because none of the peaceful aboriginals lived to tell. They couldn´t stand up to European enslavement and disease.
The weather is pleasantly tropical and in the mutual comfort zone of the curmudgeon and curmudgeonette. That zone reaches from 75-85F. Below 75 the curmudgeon is cold and above 85 the curmudgeonette is hot. When we planned the trip we thought that there´d be 2 feet of snow in MN to escape. Too much global warming!
I wish I knew as much Spainish as I know Thai, which isn´t very much. There is enough tourist traffic so some know English but a little more Spanish would be helpful to me.
More another day.
The weather is pleasantly tropical and in the mutual comfort zone of the curmudgeon and curmudgeonette. That zone reaches from 75-85F. Below 75 the curmudgeon is cold and above 85 the curmudgeonette is hot. When we planned the trip we thought that there´d be 2 feet of snow in MN to escape. Too much global warming!
I wish I knew as much Spainish as I know Thai, which isn´t very much. There is enough tourist traffic so some know English but a little more Spanish would be helpful to me.
More another day.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Traveling!
The curmudgeonette and I are going to take a five trip, leaving Friday, to the Dominican Republic. Are we going to the beach? No. We tried that once south of Cancun, Mexico, and got so bored that we hopped a bus and went to Belize for a day.
We have reserved a hotel in the heart of the Colonial District of Santo Domingo, the city founded by Christopher Columbus' brother. We'll explore the city and skip the beach unless we make a day visit to one.
When we made our plans we thought we'd be escaping the cold and snow. As it turns out we have no snow and it's not very cold.
I'll try to blog from S.D....and Yes, I do plan to spend January in Thailand. I do wonder what I'll find after the floods. I did get word from the family with whom I stayed that the water is almost out of their house now. One friend is sending some $$ with me to give to someone who lost much in the flood.
We have reserved a hotel in the heart of the Colonial District of Santo Domingo, the city founded by Christopher Columbus' brother. We'll explore the city and skip the beach unless we make a day visit to one.
When we made our plans we thought we'd be escaping the cold and snow. As it turns out we have no snow and it's not very cold.
I'll try to blog from S.D....and Yes, I do plan to spend January in Thailand. I do wonder what I'll find after the floods. I did get word from the family with whom I stayed that the water is almost out of their house now. One friend is sending some $$ with me to give to someone who lost much in the flood.
What's in a name?
The diversity of first names of the 5th graders at Noble Academy fascinates me. Here is a large sample of names. Weewan, William, Michelle, Madelyn, Chimeng, Toubee, Aric, Victoria, Blia, Malaki, Cassidy, Usa, Joey, Jantheny, Newlife, Kenny, Mercedes, Linda, Klimisha, Romeo, Blessing, April, Kong, Yasminna, Ladani, Isha, Isabella... I wish I knew the stories behind the names.
Volunteering at the school is so much fun I should perhaps be paying for the opportunity!
PS Spellcheck didn't recognise 14 names.
Volunteering at the school is so much fun I should perhaps be paying for the opportunity!
PS Spellcheck didn't recognise 14 names.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The dream.
A large pumpkin sits on the receptionist's desk at Noble School. It is decorated with traditional Hmong art. The ink inscription on the pumpkin reads "It was my grandparent's dream to go to school. I am living that dream."
It was sweet to have two fifth grade classes sing happy birthday to me yesterday.
It was sweet to have two fifth grade classes sing happy birthday to me yesterday.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Good question!
While I was working with a group of 3, 5th graders today one student asked me "Who invented the # sign for numbers?" "I don't know," I said. "Good question" she said...and it was.
Accompanying one 5th grade class to their session on "Musical Math" satisfied my curiosity. I'd been wondering about Musical Math for which the students leave their home room. What is it? It explores the connections between math and music. Today's lesson was about whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and the fractions implied.
Accompanying one 5th grade class to their session on "Musical Math" satisfied my curiosity. I'd been wondering about Musical Math for which the students leave their home room. What is it? It explores the connections between math and music. Today's lesson was about whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and the fractions implied.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Best Weekend Story
Lars, Charlie (Lars' father-in-law) and I had a weekend hunting trip to SD. Lars' story won top honors with the group. It goes like this.
Lars, needing a haircut, called the phone number listed on the door of Sinai's new hair salon for an appointment. Visiting with the barber as she cut his hair she said she lived on a acreage about half way between Sinai and Nunda. She went on to say "The coyotes were making such a racket again last night that I couldn't sleep. I wasn't about to lose another night of sleep so I got up, took my pistol went out and fired a couple of shots in the air. That's the last I heard of the coyotes and I slept like a baby."
Lars, needing a haircut, called the phone number listed on the door of Sinai's new hair salon for an appointment. Visiting with the barber as she cut his hair she said she lived on a acreage about half way between Sinai and Nunda. She went on to say "The coyotes were making such a racket again last night that I couldn't sleep. I wasn't about to lose another night of sleep so I got up, took my pistol went out and fired a couple of shots in the air. That's the last I heard of the coyotes and I slept like a baby."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Field Trip
Target Field (baseball) was the destination of a 4th and 5th grade field trip for Noble Academy today. We got a thorough tour of the facility; dugout, dressing room, boxes, bull pen et. al. There were math and science lessons for the students which related to baseball. It was apparent that our students aren't much into baseball but they really enjoyed the day.
Our one room country school didn't have field trips though I remember the day an airplane landed in the field next school. The teacher let us go across the road and into the field to investigate. A local contractor flew his Piper Cub to look at some drainage work he was to do. When he took off he had us hold the airplane while he revved the engine. At his signal we all let go and he was airborne in a few feet. I also remember tearing out the seat of my pants crossing the fence to return to school.
The memory of that takeoff came back to me when I was on aircraft carrier while in the Marines. The USS Princeton had been retrofitted to carry Marine helicopters. The Marines also use Pier Cubs for reconnaissance and there were some of those aboard ship, too.
The carrier would cruise at about 30 knots, approx. 45 miles per hour, and always headed into the wind when airplanes were landing or taking off. The Piper Cubs would be airborne at about that speed. To land on the deck the pilot would come in low, slowing to about the speed of the ship. He'd suddenly cut all the power off and sailors who were standing by would quickly grab the plane and keep it from flipping over backward.
To take off the sailors would hold the plane while the pilot revved the engine. He'd give it full power, the sailors would release their hold and the plane would be instantly airborne.
Our one room country school didn't have field trips though I remember the day an airplane landed in the field next school. The teacher let us go across the road and into the field to investigate. A local contractor flew his Piper Cub to look at some drainage work he was to do. When he took off he had us hold the airplane while he revved the engine. At his signal we all let go and he was airborne in a few feet. I also remember tearing out the seat of my pants crossing the fence to return to school.
The memory of that takeoff came back to me when I was on aircraft carrier while in the Marines. The USS Princeton had been retrofitted to carry Marine helicopters. The Marines also use Pier Cubs for reconnaissance and there were some of those aboard ship, too.
The carrier would cruise at about 30 knots, approx. 45 miles per hour, and always headed into the wind when airplanes were landing or taking off. The Piper Cubs would be airborne at about that speed. To land on the deck the pilot would come in low, slowing to about the speed of the ship. He'd suddenly cut all the power off and sailors who were standing by would quickly grab the plane and keep it from flipping over backward.
To take off the sailors would hold the plane while the pilot revved the engine. He'd give it full power, the sailors would release their hold and the plane would be instantly airborne.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Fire Drill!
Noble Academy conducted a fire drill while I was volunteering. The 5th graders quickly lined up and trooped responsibly out to the parking lot until the "all clear" signal. Everything I've witnessed at Noble thus far has been well done.
We didn't have fire drills at Brookings Country rural school #21 in the eight years I attended. It wouldn't have taken a teacher and twelve students long to exit that small room. The furnace (stove) was in the front of the room and the exit in the rear so the likely hood of being trapped was small. What good the quart size, glass fire extinguishers near the ceiling would have done is debatable.
While I was in grades 1-4, heat was from a coal burner in the front left corner. The school was uninsulated so when the coal burned out in the evening the inside of the room quickly became as cold as the outside temperature. It was the teacher's job to arrive early and light the fire so that there was some heat in the room when students arrived.
When the coal burner was replaced with an oil burner we thought that we'd really arrived! The burner would be turned down after school but there would be some heat in the room in the morning. There was no coal fire to light nor coal to schlep into the school from the coal shed.
One thing remained the same. Students sent to stand in the corner for misbehavior stood in the corner behind the stove; coal or oil.
We didn't have fire drills at Brookings Country rural school #21 in the eight years I attended. It wouldn't have taken a teacher and twelve students long to exit that small room. The furnace (stove) was in the front of the room and the exit in the rear so the likely hood of being trapped was small. What good the quart size, glass fire extinguishers near the ceiling would have done is debatable.
While I was in grades 1-4, heat was from a coal burner in the front left corner. The school was uninsulated so when the coal burned out in the evening the inside of the room quickly became as cold as the outside temperature. It was the teacher's job to arrive early and light the fire so that there was some heat in the room when students arrived.
When the coal burner was replaced with an oil burner we thought that we'd really arrived! The burner would be turned down after school but there would be some heat in the room in the morning. There was no coal fire to light nor coal to schlep into the school from the coal shed.
One thing remained the same. Students sent to stand in the corner for misbehavior stood in the corner behind the stove; coal or oil.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Silence at Noon.
It was a picture perfect day for the pheasant season opener in SDak. The temperature was about 60 degrees, there were a few fleecy clouds and perhaps a 6 mph. wind from the north west. Quite a contrast to the 30mph wind with gusts to 40 the day before.
One of my fields is adjacent to a large, perhaps 320 acre, state owned wildlife area. When I arrived at my field I noted a hunting party of 6 persons waiting for the opening on the public area. Pheasant hunting opens at noon on the third Saturday of October in SDak.
Both the date and the time are rooted in history. When the pheasant population grew enough so that there would be a hunting season noon was set as the opening hour. Noon was not chosen for any conservation reasons. Noon was an economic decision. SDak was a popular destination for out of state duck hunters and duck hunting is best done at dawn. Therefore, noon was chosen as the opening of pheasant hunting each day so that duck hunters would not miss out. The money spent by the duck hunters was important to the state so the pheasant season's daily opening time was set to accommodate them.
The tradition still lingers so the during the first two weeks of the season shooting begins at noon. For the remainder of the season hunting begins each day at 10:00am. Hunting ends each day at sundown.
I'd been hunting for about a half hour on Sunday when I realized what was missing. Like Sherlock Holmes' "dog that didn't bark" there was silence. Usually a few minutes after 12:00 the sound of gun fire sounds like a small war. A couple of times a I heard a few shots from the hunters in the next field and that was all. Predictions were that the bird numbers are down 40% from last year. A combination of a harsh winter and wet spring had taken its toll. The silence suggests the predictions are true.
You ask "And what about you?" Yes, what about me? My plan was to walk the fence line that divides my land from the states and post "No Hunting" signs so that hunters will know where the public land ends. Trygve had flushed a brood of young birds that hadn't even developed adult coloring, obviously a very late hatch. I had posted a couple of signs and was about to post a third sign on the fence next to standing corn planted as a winter food plot on the state land. I laid my gun carefully in the grass, turned around, took my sign and stapler from my hunting vest and two roosters flushed about 15 yards in front of me.
I once read an outdoor writer who said "Birds you miss fly forever." He's correct. Those birds remain in my minds eye flying into the distance. Did I mind? Not much...it's the proximity that counts.
One of my fields is adjacent to a large, perhaps 320 acre, state owned wildlife area. When I arrived at my field I noted a hunting party of 6 persons waiting for the opening on the public area. Pheasant hunting opens at noon on the third Saturday of October in SDak.
Both the date and the time are rooted in history. When the pheasant population grew enough so that there would be a hunting season noon was set as the opening hour. Noon was not chosen for any conservation reasons. Noon was an economic decision. SDak was a popular destination for out of state duck hunters and duck hunting is best done at dawn. Therefore, noon was chosen as the opening of pheasant hunting each day so that duck hunters would not miss out. The money spent by the duck hunters was important to the state so the pheasant season's daily opening time was set to accommodate them.
The tradition still lingers so the during the first two weeks of the season shooting begins at noon. For the remainder of the season hunting begins each day at 10:00am. Hunting ends each day at sundown.
I'd been hunting for about a half hour on Sunday when I realized what was missing. Like Sherlock Holmes' "dog that didn't bark" there was silence. Usually a few minutes after 12:00 the sound of gun fire sounds like a small war. A couple of times a I heard a few shots from the hunters in the next field and that was all. Predictions were that the bird numbers are down 40% from last year. A combination of a harsh winter and wet spring had taken its toll. The silence suggests the predictions are true.
You ask "And what about you?" Yes, what about me? My plan was to walk the fence line that divides my land from the states and post "No Hunting" signs so that hunters will know where the public land ends. Trygve had flushed a brood of young birds that hadn't even developed adult coloring, obviously a very late hatch. I had posted a couple of signs and was about to post a third sign on the fence next to standing corn planted as a winter food plot on the state land. I laid my gun carefully in the grass, turned around, took my sign and stapler from my hunting vest and two roosters flushed about 15 yards in front of me.
I once read an outdoor writer who said "Birds you miss fly forever." He's correct. Those birds remain in my minds eye flying into the distance. Did I mind? Not much...it's the proximity that counts.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Lynx
In June I began attending the Lynx, MN WNBA basketball team. It's a seven block stroll over to target center where they play. It turns out I was a bit ahead of the popularity curve as the Lynx had the best season in the WNBA and then swept through all of the playoffs and to the championship with only one loss.
There was a parade in their honor today down Nicollet Mall with a pep rally following at Target Center. It was a fun celebration. Naturally they thanked many people. Among those they thanked was their publicist whom they called to the stage. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that their publicist is Aaron S., whom I confirmed at St. James.
I'll attach a couple of picture from the parade. The top picture shows Taj McWilliams/Franklin,the LYNX starting center who started every game though she's turning 41 in a couple of days. The other picture shows Seimone Augustus and Lyndsey Whalen who is from Hutchinson, MN.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Skunk vacation...
Ruth Quail, age 88, of Sinai, SD died October 3. 2011. She grew up on a neighboring farm and was my teacher for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, grades in Rural District School #21, Brookings Co. SD. Seeing her obituary reminded me of a 1st grade experience.
Our little school house sat on a stone foundation with no basement. One fall day we noticed that an animal had tunneled under the foundation. Marvin Jepsen, who was in 8th grade set a trap in the tunnel. When we returned to school the next day there was a skunk caught in the trap.
Marvin ran home, about a quarter of mile across a field, and got his .22 caliber rifle. After he shot the skunk Miss Quail decided to recess school for a few days to allow the odor to subside. It was my one and only skunk vacation.
Our little school house sat on a stone foundation with no basement. One fall day we noticed that an animal had tunneled under the foundation. Marvin Jepsen, who was in 8th grade set a trap in the tunnel. When we returned to school the next day there was a skunk caught in the trap.
Marvin ran home, about a quarter of mile across a field, and got his .22 caliber rifle. After he shot the skunk Miss Quail decided to recess school for a few days to allow the odor to subside. It was my one and only skunk vacation.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
So that's the problem!
In the 5th grade classroom I was given the task of introducing similes and metaphors to three students. After giving myself a quick mental review of these figures of speech I went to work. One student caught on quite quickly. Another student was having a particularly hard time. Being a part time volunteer it's relatively easy to be patient, but, I did think to myself, "Wow, he's really obtuse."
After class the teacher checked in with me. When I reported the student's struggle she said "Oh, yes, he's new and is just learning English." Well then............
After class the teacher checked in with me. When I reported the student's struggle she said "Oh, yes, he's new and is just learning English." Well then............
School lockdown.
Midway through my volunteer stint with a 5th grade class at Noble School on Monday there was a lock down drill. An announcement over the PA system said that a stranger had breached security in the building and the school was on lock down. All outside doors to the school are kept locked and admittance is by a buzzer attendant system. The 5th grade teacher quickly closed and locked the classroom door which has no window. She had the class sit on the floor in a corner away from the door and the windows and explained what was happening. The students sat quietly and waited for the all clear.
The chasm between my experience of the first eight grades in a one room country school and that of students in 2011 is as great as the Grand Canyon. This lock down was just one more such example. It did, however, bring back a memory.
There was a system in place for the supervision of country school teachers through a County Superintendent. In Brookings Country, SD, while I was an elementary student, that person was Miss. Van Maanen She had an interesting style.
Our school building was very small with three windows on the sides and none front or back. There was a small entry room which was the only access to the classroom. We left our coats, boots and lunches in the unheated entry. In the coldest part of winter lunches would be frozen by noon.
Miss. Van Maanen drove a twenties model car...bigger than a Ford or Chevy. She'd come to the school from the east which gave a slightly downhill approach. Turning off the engine and depressing the clutch she'd coast into the school yard. Exiting the car noiselessly she'd go into the entry quietly. There she would listen for awhile to gather information about the teacher's classroom management. Eventually she'd enter the classroom but that would be the first anyone would know of her presence. I don't know that the teachers thought be the students were all afraid of her.
The chasm between my experience of the first eight grades in a one room country school and that of students in 2011 is as great as the Grand Canyon. This lock down was just one more such example. It did, however, bring back a memory.
There was a system in place for the supervision of country school teachers through a County Superintendent. In Brookings Country, SD, while I was an elementary student, that person was Miss. Van Maanen She had an interesting style.
Our school building was very small with three windows on the sides and none front or back. There was a small entry room which was the only access to the classroom. We left our coats, boots and lunches in the unheated entry. In the coldest part of winter lunches would be frozen by noon.
Miss. Van Maanen drove a twenties model car...bigger than a Ford or Chevy. She'd come to the school from the east which gave a slightly downhill approach. Turning off the engine and depressing the clutch she'd coast into the school yard. Exiting the car noiselessly she'd go into the entry quietly. There she would listen for awhile to gather information about the teacher's classroom management. Eventually she'd enter the classroom but that would be the first anyone would know of her presence. I don't know that the teachers thought be the students were all afraid of her.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Not a hero!
Last night while I was standing in the foyer of Target Center before the Lynx game a woman whom I didn't know approached me shook my hand, said "Thank you" and handed me a pre-printed card. On the front of the card was printed "Thank you for your service and dedication to Our Country." On the reverse it said "Dear American Hero, I am not certain as to how to express my gratitude for all you have done to secure my freedom. Please accept this simple card as a small token of my appreciation. A grateful American citizen."
It took me a little while to figure out that I was likely selected because I was wearing my 'Marines' cap a friend gave me this summer. It left me with decidedly mixed feelings.
At the very least I know that I am not a hero. When I enlisted in 1959 all healthy American males were expected to serve at least two years. After two years of directionless college I needed to regroup. A three year enlistment in the Marines gave me time to grow up, fulfill my military obligation and have some travel and adventure. Patriotism? not so much and no heroism.
The infantry company to which I was assigned had a First Sergeant who had 30+ years of service. I remember him waxing eloquent about the lack of patriotism among the Marines in the company. Some of the Marines had enlisted as an alternative to going to jail.
The well meaning woman who gave me the card is probably the embodiment of reaction to the disgraceful treatment of American Servicemen returning from Vietnam. Everyone seems ready to bend over backward to honor military personnel. It is true that many make great sacrifices in military service.
The all volunteer services of today are a subject for another blog in which I'll argue that the draft should be reinstated,
It took me a little while to figure out that I was likely selected because I was wearing my 'Marines' cap a friend gave me this summer. It left me with decidedly mixed feelings.
At the very least I know that I am not a hero. When I enlisted in 1959 all healthy American males were expected to serve at least two years. After two years of directionless college I needed to regroup. A three year enlistment in the Marines gave me time to grow up, fulfill my military obligation and have some travel and adventure. Patriotism? not so much and no heroism.
The infantry company to which I was assigned had a First Sergeant who had 30+ years of service. I remember him waxing eloquent about the lack of patriotism among the Marines in the company. Some of the Marines had enlisted as an alternative to going to jail.
The well meaning woman who gave me the card is probably the embodiment of reaction to the disgraceful treatment of American Servicemen returning from Vietnam. Everyone seems ready to bend over backward to honor military personnel. It is true that many make great sacrifices in military service.
The all volunteer services of today are a subject for another blog in which I'll argue that the draft should be reinstated,
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Expensive Lynx
All season I've been attending the WNBA Lynx games. Going alone, I'd buy a $10.00 ticket, which was the least expensive, and then sit in better vacant seat. Well...no more. Now, in the second round of play offs, the cheap tickets are $15.00 but the crowds are so big that there are no better vacant seats.
Tonight is the first game of the second round and I paid $42.00 for a seat like I was previously sitting in for $10.00. The ticket price was $35.00 and then Ticketmaster charged me $7.00 for the privilege of doing business with them.
They beat San Antonio 2 of 3 in the first round and now they start a best of 3 with Phoenix.
Tonight is the first game of the second round and I paid $42.00 for a seat like I was previously sitting in for $10.00. The ticket price was $35.00 and then Ticketmaster charged me $7.00 for the privilege of doing business with them.
They beat San Antonio 2 of 3 in the first round and now they start a best of 3 with Phoenix.
Ingenous splint
The topic of the "reading for comprehension" lesson I was working on with three fifth graders was "Our Marvelous Body." I asked the three students with whom I was working if they had ever had a broken bone? C. said "Yes, I broke my wrist." Then I asked if she'd had a cast on her arm. She said "No, we laid chopsticks on my arm and wrapped it with cloth to keep it from moving." It must have worked because her arm is fine now. Perhaps that's what you do when you don't have medical insurance.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
So slow smart....
M. & S.A. were in town for a quick visit to see us and our condo. So M.A. and I wandered over to the Mill City Museum and were greatly impressed. The best feature is an elevator display using a freight elevator as theater seats as the elevator stops at 8 floors telling the story of the flour mill. The stops were superbly and creatively done...I'd say an outstanding presentation. The 19 minute movie history of Mpls. done by Kevin Kling was also first rate. The unanswered question; Why has it taken me so long to discover this?
M.A. saw his first Peddle Pub, too. That's the wagon? carrying up to 15 passengers and peddled by 12 of them that plies downtown Mpls. It's a mobile pub. There are 8 of them here.
M.A. saw his first Peddle Pub, too. That's the wagon? carrying up to 15 passengers and peddled by 12 of them that plies downtown Mpls. It's a mobile pub. There are 8 of them here.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Book Report
Our (old) neighborhood book club read Faith Sullivan's The Cape Ann and had a lively discussion of the book. The book is a good read but the most delightful part was that Faith Sullivan was present. She's a lively, vivacious and very interesting person. She lives in Mn and buy groceries at Byerly's where PN works so PN invited her to attend our book club.
Faith said that she once lived in a railroad depot as do the main characters in The Cape Ann. That reminded me of the time that the grain elevator manager and his family lived the elevator in my home town in SD.
Faith has written a sequel to The Cape Ann which is entitled Gardenias.
Faith said that she once lived in a railroad depot as do the main characters in The Cape Ann. That reminded me of the time that the grain elevator manager and his family lived the elevator in my home town in SD.
Faith has written a sequel to The Cape Ann which is entitled Gardenias.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Noble Academy
When I walked into the 5th grade classroom to volunteer today the teacher was ecstatic. She said "It's the first time in years I've had a volunteer." Now that's a fun reception! I think I've found my niche.
While I was helping Malachi with his reading I did some of the getting acquainted stuff. "Do you like to ride your bike?" " No." " Do you like to go fishing." "No." "Do you like to play basketball?" "No." "What do you like to do?" "My homework."
While I was helping some students the teacher had a math session with other students. A math problem was projected on a white board. As the students worked the problem, simple Algebra actually, the teacher's writing on the board interfaced with the computer program. When I was a student in that one room country school in SDak. we didn't have that.
While I was helping Malachi with his reading I did some of the getting acquainted stuff. "Do you like to ride your bike?" " No." " Do you like to go fishing." "No." "Do you like to play basketball?" "No." "What do you like to do?" "My homework."
While I was helping some students the teacher had a math session with other students. A math problem was projected on a white board. As the students worked the problem, simple Algebra actually, the teacher's writing on the board interfaced with the computer program. When I was a student in that one room country school in SDak. we didn't have that.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Nice Ride Bikes
Scattered about downtown Mpls. are Nice Ride Bikes which are available for rent. Pop in your credit card and pop a bike out of the docking station. Or, people like me, have an annual subscription with our own electronic key that lets us take a bike free for thirty minutes, after which, there is a small fee.
Suffering from a sore heel this summer and with a very energetic young Springer I've taken to biking more and walking less. Trygve loves running alongside the bike. Being the Norwegian that I am, I've learned where to change bikes so I can ride longer than thirty minutes without an additional charge.
What I didn't know is that there is an internal odometer in these bikes that records mileage as they are ridden. So, it was a pleasant surprise when I went online to look at my account and discover that I've peddled over 400 miles this summer. Trygve has run most of those miles as well.
Suffering from a sore heel this summer and with a very energetic young Springer I've taken to biking more and walking less. Trygve loves running alongside the bike. Being the Norwegian that I am, I've learned where to change bikes so I can ride longer than thirty minutes without an additional charge.
What I didn't know is that there is an internal odometer in these bikes that records mileage as they are ridden. So, it was a pleasant surprise when I went online to look at my account and discover that I've peddled over 400 miles this summer. Trygve has run most of those miles as well.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
More about Noble Academy
Teachers at Noble are hired on an 'at will' basis. All students have an improvement plan. Every six weeks they are measured against that plan. If a majority of a class is improving the teacher is assumed to be competent. If progress of a class is inadequate the teacher is counseled. If subsequent measurements show inadequate improvement the teacher may be dismissed with 30 days notice. Teachers can also resign after giving 30 days notice.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Noble Academy
Today I began volunteering at Noble Academy which is a charter school in N. Mpls. (50th & Thomas Ave N) The school has an enrollment of 500 students in Kindergarten through 8th grades. Five years old the academy is housed in a building recently vacated by Maranatha Academy. Obviously it was built as a school but I don't know when or by whom. It is a wonderful facility.
Classes are limited to 25 students, 95% of whom are Asian, primarily Hmong. The other 5% of the students are African American. There are two Caucasian students, one of whom, is from Sweden. Her parents chose the school because she is an English language learner and her parents like the emphasis on learning English.
Students are bused from Mpls. and surrounding suburbs and both breakfast and lunch are provided. The school day is an hour longer than public schools. Saturday classes are offered, too, and a majority of the students attend. Noble teachers are invited to teach on Saturdays for extra pay and some do. Teachers, even principals, from other schools also teach.
Every student learns the Hmong language. There is one teacher, a St. Olaf graduate, who specializes in teaching Hmong. Today I sat in on 2nd grade Hmong lesson and got an idea I'll use when I teach in Thailand.
I'll work individually or in small groups helping with reading and conversation. The schedule is flexible...I'll just notify the school a day in advance of my schedule.
Classes are limited to 25 students, 95% of whom are Asian, primarily Hmong. The other 5% of the students are African American. There are two Caucasian students, one of whom, is from Sweden. Her parents chose the school because she is an English language learner and her parents like the emphasis on learning English.
Students are bused from Mpls. and surrounding suburbs and both breakfast and lunch are provided. The school day is an hour longer than public schools. Saturday classes are offered, too, and a majority of the students attend. Noble teachers are invited to teach on Saturdays for extra pay and some do. Teachers, even principals, from other schools also teach.
Every student learns the Hmong language. There is one teacher, a St. Olaf graduate, who specializes in teaching Hmong. Today I sat in on 2nd grade Hmong lesson and got an idea I'll use when I teach in Thailand.
I'll work individually or in small groups helping with reading and conversation. The schedule is flexible...I'll just notify the school a day in advance of my schedule.
Corn Report
While in SD over Labor Day weekend I checked the status of my corn. I'm happy to report that it is tall and weedy. The silk has dried which means that pollination is complete. The kernels have not begun to dent yet so it is a good thing that I don't plan to harvest it. It will still be very wet by the time it freezes and would take much drying for storage. But, it is mature enough to provide good winter wildlife food. July's very hot weather advanced it's maturity. August was dry but there was enough moisture earlier to carry it until a nice rain the first week of September.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Lake and river as metaphor.
Yesterday the curmudgeonette and I returned from a quick trip to Mohall, ND. We lived there from July '68 until Nov. '75. While we were living there, Lars, our son was born.
It was my first call and I left a big piece of my heart when I left. Living there those early years of our marriage I thought of Mohall much as one imagines a lake. Water levels may rise and fall a bit and there are certain events that make splashes. But I imagined the basic structure was permanent and was not subject to change.
I was wrong. It would have been more accurately descriptive to think of Mohall (by which I mean the entire area) like a river. Someone has said that you can't step in the same river twice...it changes so fast.
Visiting is a melancholy experience for me. Many (most?)of the people have scattered. In the 35 years since we left many have died. The vibrant business district is almost totally gone. The hospital has closed and the doctors are gone.
In my heart I want it to be as I left it, which, of course, is a totally unrealistic expectation. Still, I can't help but feel a sense of melancholy when I'm there. However, seeing a few people who remember our time together was really sweet.
It was my first call and I left a big piece of my heart when I left. Living there those early years of our marriage I thought of Mohall much as one imagines a lake. Water levels may rise and fall a bit and there are certain events that make splashes. But I imagined the basic structure was permanent and was not subject to change.
I was wrong. It would have been more accurately descriptive to think of Mohall (by which I mean the entire area) like a river. Someone has said that you can't step in the same river twice...it changes so fast.
Visiting is a melancholy experience for me. Many (most?)of the people have scattered. In the 35 years since we left many have died. The vibrant business district is almost totally gone. The hospital has closed and the doctors are gone.
In my heart I want it to be as I left it, which, of course, is a totally unrealistic expectation. Still, I can't help but feel a sense of melancholy when I'm there. However, seeing a few people who remember our time together was really sweet.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A farmer went out to cultivate his corn...
Well it's done, sort of, all except what I did after the rain the first time. The old JD-B that MH resurrected still has some bugs. The first cultivation it was electrical problems. On the second time it was problems with the gas.
Apparently the ethanol loosened rust is the tank, the tractor had stood unused for years, and the rust blocked the fuel filter. Yes, yes I know, 1950 JD B's don't typically have fuel filters. But it's a good thing that MH added one or the carburetor would have been in trouble. So, every few rounds I had to take the filter off and blow it out always in the hope that this time would be the last.
Finally I finished most of the field. After I got back to the garage I discovered the filter was again almost blocked. MH gave me a larger filter which is now installed awaiting the next cultivation attempt. Living in hope........
Apparently the ethanol loosened rust is the tank, the tractor had stood unused for years, and the rust blocked the fuel filter. Yes, yes I know, 1950 JD B's don't typically have fuel filters. But it's a good thing that MH added one or the carburetor would have been in trouble. So, every few rounds I had to take the filter off and blow it out always in the hope that this time would be the last.
Finally I finished most of the field. After I got back to the garage I discovered the filter was again almost blocked. MH gave me a larger filter which is now installed awaiting the next cultivation attempt. Living in hope........
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Basketball
Last night I went to see the Lynx, Minnesota's women's professional team play. Lindsay Whalen, who played at the U. of MN., is one of the stars. I saw her play many times when she was in college. Playing for the Lynx opponents, the Atlanta Dream, is Coco Miller, who I saw play in the State High School tournaments many years ago. She and her twin sister were stars for a team from Rochester.
Maya Moore, who played for UConn, was the number one draft pick in the nation, and drafted by the Lynx. She showed some of her skill last night and the Lynx are poised to be contenders this year.
The Lynx play at Target Center which is a third of a mile from our condo. I take a Nice Ride Bike to Target and back.
Maya Moore, who played for UConn, was the number one draft pick in the nation, and drafted by the Lynx. She showed some of her skill last night and the Lynx are poised to be contenders this year.
The Lynx play at Target Center which is a third of a mile from our condo. I take a Nice Ride Bike to Target and back.
Metaphor of faith
A few years ago A.H. gave me a "hand-me-down" four row, John Deere, corn planter. It's a very basic unit with hydraulic lift that uses power from the wheels to operate the planting mechanism when the planter is lowered. There are no gauges to tell the operator if corn is successfully planted in each row. The operator can stop and dig out the rows behind the planter to see if there are corn kernels.
When I'm using a tillage machine or a mower I can look back and see if things are working. But, with planting it's more a matter of faith, that unseen the kernels are left underground. Eventually the flags that stand on the unplanted corn in the planter move lower indicating that the corn is indeed leaving the boxes.
A few days later the emerging rows give proof of how well the planter worked and how straight the operator drove.
When I'm using a tillage machine or a mower I can look back and see if things are working. But, with planting it's more a matter of faith, that unseen the kernels are left underground. Eventually the flags that stand on the unplanted corn in the planter move lower indicating that the corn is indeed leaving the boxes.
A few days later the emerging rows give proof of how well the planter worked and how straight the operator drove.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Corn planting
On June 7, after helping to unload the moving truck I drove to SDak. 103 degrees in Mpls. that day and two mornings later I awakened to 48 degrees. Personally I prefer 103!
On the 8th I got my cornfield plowed and disked. The next day I went to plant corn and the planter immediately broke down. One of wheel hubs wore out.
I knew my friend, FA, had an old planter he used for parts. He said have at it and luckily I found the hub I needed. Then I stopped in at my favorite mechanic's, MH, looking for help. He was about to leave to celebrate his 54th wedding anniversary....by this time it was late in the day. So we decided we'd work on it the next morning.
When the wheel was disassembled it was clear that the bearings were worn out. MH disappeared into his shop and reappeared with needed bearings. Within an hour we had made the repairs and I was back in the field. The rain began an hour after I finished planting!
Last year I planted corn in April and this year it was June 10. Because the corn is left standing for wildlife it doesn't have to dry as it would if it were harvested and stored. All that is needed is that it has time to develop kernels. Even with a late planting there should be time for that.
While I was planting a rooster pheasant was running ahead of me. Perhaps he was supervising his winter food planting.
On the 8th I got my cornfield plowed and disked. The next day I went to plant corn and the planter immediately broke down. One of wheel hubs wore out.
I knew my friend, FA, had an old planter he used for parts. He said have at it and luckily I found the hub I needed. Then I stopped in at my favorite mechanic's, MH, looking for help. He was about to leave to celebrate his 54th wedding anniversary....by this time it was late in the day. So we decided we'd work on it the next morning.
When the wheel was disassembled it was clear that the bearings were worn out. MH disappeared into his shop and reappeared with needed bearings. Within an hour we had made the repairs and I was back in the field. The rain began an hour after I finished planting!
Last year I planted corn in April and this year it was June 10. Because the corn is left standing for wildlife it doesn't have to dry as it would if it were harvested and stored. All that is needed is that it has time to develop kernels. Even with a late planting there should be time for that.
While I was planting a rooster pheasant was running ahead of me. Perhaps he was supervising his winter food planting.
Chicago no more!
On June 5, I took the train to Chicago, (it left on time because it now starts in St. Paul because Minot is flooded and we got in 30 min. early!) to assist Mai-Evy's family with moving. On the 6th, (47th wedding anniversary for curmudgeon and curmudgeonette) we loaded the truck and caravaned to Mpls. So.....YES! they are here...Yippee.
They are renting a house near Lake Nokomis in S. Mpls. They plan to be there until their condo in Chicago sells.
They are renting a house near Lake Nokomis in S. Mpls. They plan to be there until their condo in Chicago sells.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I like living downtown...
We've been living downtown since October. I like living downtown because:...we drive less...we walk to many things...the Skyway runs through our building...of the diversity of people...of access to the Mississippi River...there are interesting places to walk Trygve...it's central to the metro area. I can hardly think of any reasons I don't like it.
I like living in a 15th floor condo because of the view, there are no steps, and I have no outside chores, i.e., shoveling, mowing, yard work, etc.
I like living in a 15th floor condo because of the view, there are no steps, and I have no outside chores, i.e., shoveling, mowing, yard work, etc.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Good news!
The curmudgeonette saw her surgeon this morning and all the news is good! She's walking taller/straighter, the ex rays look great and she can begin weaning off her back brace. Over the next 2 to 4 weeks she can stop using it. He doesn't need to see her again. The best news of all is that she has zero pain! Her energy is coming back and she's doing things, e.g., cooking, that she has done for months.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Books and thoughts
I've been able to read some very interesting books lately. They include Nomad by Ayaan Hirsi Ali; The Half Brother by Lars Saabye Christensen; Desert Queen by Janet Wallach; Freedom by Jonathon Franzen; Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay; While I Was Gone by Sue Miller and I re-read Giants in The Earth by Ole Rolvaag. All of them are very good! I'm now reading Catch-22 by Joseph Heller again, for book club, and I'll soon read Cutting For Stone, by Abraham Verghese also for book club.
I recently heard Bill Moyers interviewed on MPR. He said since the 80's when both political parties, Democrats and Republicans, began accepting cash from the same donors, the distinction between parties has been blurred. He said the real issue today is the influence of the oligarchy; wealthy individuals and corporations. A book that I've been urging on everyone, (with limited success) is Griftopia by Matt Taibbi who is a reporter for Rolling Stone. Griftopia really lays out the influence of the oligarchy and the effect on housing, banking, commodities, and the economic situation in America. If anyone reading this blog has read or reads it I'd like to hear about it and I do hope more people will read it!
I recently heard Bill Moyers interviewed on MPR. He said since the 80's when both political parties, Democrats and Republicans, began accepting cash from the same donors, the distinction between parties has been blurred. He said the real issue today is the influence of the oligarchy; wealthy individuals and corporations. A book that I've been urging on everyone, (with limited success) is Griftopia by Matt Taibbi who is a reporter for Rolling Stone. Griftopia really lays out the influence of the oligarchy and the effect on housing, banking, commodities, and the economic situation in America. If anyone reading this blog has read or reads it I'd like to hear about it and I do hope more people will read it!
Mai-Evy's moving to the Cities!
Of course we're tickled that Mai-Evy is moving to Minnesota and we are so glad that she is bringing her parents with her! And...it's happening soon! I'll take the train to Chicago on June 5, and drive here with them the next day...which happens to be the Curmudgeonette's 47th wedding anniversary...well. the Curmudgeon's, too.
Lars will work for ISAIAH, the church based community organization. His title will be Director of Strategic Alliances. He will seek to connect ISAIAH with other organizations such as unions to work for effective social change.
Lars will work for ISAIAH, the church based community organization. His title will be Director of Strategic Alliances. He will seek to connect ISAIAH with other organizations such as unions to work for effective social change.
Organ recital
On March 9, the Curmudgeonette had her 5th back surgery and 3rd fusion. The screws in her lower back inserted in her second fusion came loose. This surgery has been very successful and for the first time in years she is totally pain free. She'd been logging 8s, 9s, and 10s on a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the worst. She expects to be free from her back brace, at least part of the time, next week. Her recovery is hugely encouraging and she's doing things now, and enjoying them, that she has done for years. We're all tickled to have her back!
Back again.
I've been away from my blog for awhile and so I think it's time to pick it up again. From the beginning of blogging I decided only to blog when the spirit moves me figuring that forcing it is likely to be lame. Of course it may be lame even when it's not forced. :)
No, my corn is not planted. A few weeks ago I was able to chop the stalks with my handi dandi stalk chopper. But that's all I've been able to do. When I can be in SDak it's too wet and when it's dry enough I'm not there. Last year I was done planting in April but this year is very wet. US Highway #81, that stretches from Winnipeg to San Antonio, runs past the Negstad homestead. The highway was raised 4 feet in the late '80s and six feet more in the '90s. Now water is over the road again. However, it is now so high that it is running out...east into Lake Sinai. In the 126 years Negstads have lived on the homestead the water has not been this high.
But, back to my corn...late planting is not so serious for me. Because I leave it standing for wildlife it doesn't matter if it is dry this fall. I do hope to get planted soon.
No, my corn is not planted. A few weeks ago I was able to chop the stalks with my handi dandi stalk chopper. But that's all I've been able to do. When I can be in SDak it's too wet and when it's dry enough I'm not there. Last year I was done planting in April but this year is very wet. US Highway #81, that stretches from Winnipeg to San Antonio, runs past the Negstad homestead. The highway was raised 4 feet in the late '80s and six feet more in the '90s. Now water is over the road again. However, it is now so high that it is running out...east into Lake Sinai. In the 126 years Negstads have lived on the homestead the water has not been this high.
But, back to my corn...late planting is not so serious for me. Because I leave it standing for wildlife it doesn't matter if it is dry this fall. I do hope to get planted soon.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Mai-Evy's second birthday.
Lars, Melissa and Mai-Evy were her over Easter and Mai-Evy's second birthday was on Easter Sunday. So I'll post some pics from their time here. They are moving to the Twin Cities in June and are looking for a place to either house sit or rent. Anyone know of anything?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The revenge of the lamp post!
Having a young energetic dog goes a long way towards keeping me from being a slug. My late evening walks with Trygve usually take me through the streets of downtown Mpls. We were walking down 8th street the other night when Trygve sidled up to a lamp post. Then he yelped and leaped back with a very surprised look on his face. Apparently he'd received an electric shock from the lamp post. Fortunately it didn't cause any neurosis.
Recent Books.
Sarah's Key by Tatania de Rosnay was our last book club selection. Her writing was exceptional and the device in the early part of having chapters in alternating voices helped to ameliorate the difficulty of reading the description of the Holocaust. I'd put this near the top of the books I've read. My Norwegian friend, Berger, gave me The Half Brother by Lars Saabye Christensen when he was here last fall. 764 pages long it is aptly described by a blurb on the cover by the INDEPENDENT, "Bruising and brilliant...This is a great river of a book...Magnificent...Unique." In the book the protagonist's grandmother worked at the telephone exchange and then says this about cell phones, "And later the Exchange itself was shut down as there was one great explosion of verbal diarrhoea n the 1990s; the whole industry was privatized and thrown to the four winds. It was impossible to get away from cordless conversation-the most intimate of things were shouted out as restaurant tables, secrets were spilled in supermarket queues and at bus stops. You were forced to listen to other people's arguments, threats and billing and cooing-in short society became one big bedroom where everyone talked to everyone else but mostly to themselves, and no one had anything to say." p. 593 My sentiments exactly!
Friday, March 18, 2011
The compassion of stangers.
Today I went to get a haircut from my barber, Maria, who owns her own business. She immigrated from Mexico some years ago and many of her customers are Latino. Her shop is typically open Monday through Saturday.
For two Sundays, March 27 and April 3, she will be open for business. Haircuts will be $10.00 and the whole $10.00 will be donated to Red Cross for Japan relief. The fliers announcing this plan are printed in Spanish which makes me think that she's really targeting the Latino community with this effort.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Energizing!
I just met with my friend, KW, a retired ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, to brainstorm teaching ideas for my teaching in Thailand. The first year I taught in Thailand I shared a house with several other volunteers some of whom were teachers. They were a great resource for me. Additionally there was a huge stash of educational material in "our" house. When I went back last year I shared a different house with one volunteer who had no teaching experience. Not only that, all the educational materials were gone. This year I stayed as the only volunteer with a Thai family.
One effect of these changes was that my teaching repertoire was wearing rather thin. KW bubbles with ideas and resources for teaching, though she tells me that I'm teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language). Whichever I'm doing, she has so many creative ideas that I'm energized and I think my teaching will be more engaging, effective and fun.
Bringing a second suitcase is one idea that emerged. Typically I bring one small suitcase and small carry on. However, on international flights two checked bags are permitted per passenger. One could be filled with educational materials and I could store it at the school for my use when I return.
She also directed me to some helpful web sites. Previously when I clicked on 'ESL' I got about 100,000 hits. Attempting to wade through them for something helpful was more than I could manage. Finding the right website will be a boon.
Can't wait to try out some of these ideas!
One effect of these changes was that my teaching repertoire was wearing rather thin. KW bubbles with ideas and resources for teaching, though she tells me that I'm teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language). Whichever I'm doing, she has so many creative ideas that I'm energized and I think my teaching will be more engaging, effective and fun.
Bringing a second suitcase is one idea that emerged. Typically I bring one small suitcase and small carry on. However, on international flights two checked bags are permitted per passenger. One could be filled with educational materials and I could store it at the school for my use when I return.
She also directed me to some helpful web sites. Previously when I clicked on 'ESL' I got about 100,000 hits. Attempting to wade through them for something helpful was more than I could manage. Finding the right website will be a boon.
Can't wait to try out some of these ideas!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Curmudgeonette Report
Joanne's back fusion operation of November 9, 2009 was only partially successful. The upper part of the fusion is solid. Unfortunately the lower part, in the sacroiliac, the screws did not hold. The effect of this has been constant, severe and increasing pain.
After several consultations and much thought and prayer Joanne has opted for restorative surgery to re-anchor the screws. The surgery is scheduled for March 7, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital...same surgeon, same hospital.
To keep family and friends posted on her progress she has reactivated her Caringbridge page which gives more information. I will keep it up to date during and after surgery until such time as she is ready to self report. To access her page go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/jnegstad
After several consultations and much thought and prayer Joanne has opted for restorative surgery to re-anchor the screws. The surgery is scheduled for March 7, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital...same surgeon, same hospital.
To keep family and friends posted on her progress she has reactivated her Caringbridge page which gives more information. I will keep it up to date during and after surgery until such time as she is ready to self report. To access her page go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/jnegstad
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Why I like SDak!
Edith's pond, across the street from the Sinai house.
The Sinai house at -20 degrees.When the curmudgeonette and I bought a house in Sinai, SD the local postmistress said that made us eligible for a post office box. So we now proudly claim Box 34, Sinai, S.D., 57106 as our SDak address.
Today I made a quick stop in Sinai on a business matter. It was my first time there since my last pheasant hunting trip ended December 15. I went to the post office to check my mail box and found it full of advertisers (The Yellow Paper). In conversation with the postmistress I said that perhaps I should fill out a '"Temporarily Away" form because I didn't expect to be in town again until April. She said "Don't bother. You don't get very much mail but if something comes for you I'll tell your brother." Minneapolis has much going for it but not that kind of service.
The only place to buy gas in Sinai is at the grain elevator. The pump is across the street from the elevator office. When I buy gas, I pump my gas and then walk across the street to report how much gas I got and pay for it. Again, that is not the procedure in Minneapolis.
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