Alone again!

        Well not really because wonder dog, Odie, is here. Unusual as it is for me to have company I just hosted for a week. We laughed a lot, ate well (out), she tolerated my critique of her driving and generally enjoyed ourselves. Two creaky old folks who grew up together and still like each other in our dotage

    It's times like these that Odie's company keeps me from being lonely. Comfortable being alone Odie is a great companion. He proves himself anew every day.

Takk for alt,

Al

Still no winner on the photo contest.

Random photo of Santorini below, which I like.

 

Facebook Follies!

      For many days, weeks? I was locked out of Facebook.  It caused me to think "perhaps I should just live without it." The downside of that it is my connection to friends far and wide. It's my only connection to the teachers in the Thai school where I taught for many years. It's also the conduit to friends in Norway and other countries. Not to mention friends in America.

  Finally, I decided to open another Facebook account to try to maintain that connection. So, what happened? Suddenly I had access to my original account. It's good to have the connection restored.

Takk for alt,

Al

No one has yet guessed the location of the photo poster earlier, so give it a try.

A tree shaped by South Dakota wind.😁

Brief

      

As guests at a lovely dinner, it's now late so this is a brief post to let you know that I am well. More later.

Takk for alt,

Al

Still no winners on the photo contest.

Seaborn Memories!

      A friend, in conversation today, recounted the odd sensation of land after being on a cruise ship. Land seems to rock for a while.  How well I remember that sensation. While in the Marines I spent months aboard ship. The first exposure was the 28 days it took us to go from San Diego to Okinawa on a liberty ship. The trip from Okinawa to Japan didn't take very long but the sea was rough, but calm on the return trip. 

     Our battalion spent weeks aboard ship as the "Ready Battalion" in the Western Pacific. Were any military emergency to happen we could quickly deploy. We mostly floated around the South China Sea. There was a stop in Hong Kong for a few days. In the Philippines there was time ashore for jungle training. Our station was at Subic Bay. 

   The USS Princton LPH 5, (LPH=Landing Pad Helicopter) was the ship (pictured below). It was a WW II, aircraft carrier, the first Princeton was sunk in the war, converted to carry helicopters. Because of its size its ride was relatively smooth, although the South Pacific was usually calm. It was the ship that took us home from Okinawa to Long Beach, in two weeks...much faster than the liberty ship going over.  the USS Pickaway which transported us to Okinawa travelled at 13 knots, imagine 13 knots for 8000 miles.

   Every time we disembarked the ground rocked under our feet.

Takk for alt,

Al

3 guesses so far, 2 ND, 1 NB, none correct.

 This is a picture of the Princeton which I took from a helicopter. It's in the Philippine Sea. 

Book Report

         This novel is different from any other that I've read. What makes it different is that it's about a dog, told by that dog. ETNA, Paul Yoon, is the name of the dog and the book. He's taken from an animal sanctuary while young to be trained to aid soldiers in combat. Because of his abilities he's attached to a sapper unit for combat in an un-named war in an un-identified country. Surviving, as the war ends, he runs away to search for the home where he was born.

     The essence of the book is his journey looking for his birthplace and all the adventures which ensue. It's all told in his voice and there are persons in his life who understand and can converse with him. He also converses with other dogs and animals.

    If the reader accepts the premise that he can converse the book is fascinating. Published this year, it's only 195 pages long, and reads quickly because there is much white space on the pages. M. lent it to me and I'm glad to have read it.  Thanks M.!

Takk for alt,

Al

No guesses yet on yesterday's picture so I'm not telling.

Photo Quiz...

      This day, lacking an original thought, I'll post a little photo quiz for entertainment.  Any person surmising the correct answer, and communicating it to me, excepting the photographer, will be entitled to an exotic coffee of their choice. Simply tell where the photo was taken to be eligible for the prize.

Where do think this photo was taken? Submit your answer.

Next Step!

      Terry, Odie's previous owner, advised that I keep Odie leashed for three weeks. Purchased dogs think they've been kidnapped and let loose too early they may head for their previous home. All indications are that Odie and I are bonded. Today was the day to test that assumption.

    In the field that's been recently hayed, I turned Odie lose as I cut cedars. Sniffing up a storm he had a delightful time while he stayed in my proximity. Previous dogs have ranged at a distance. Kaia would run actively a distance away but, almost always, keeping me in sight. As long as I walked, she ran, when I stopped, she'd come to me.  Odie just actively explored nearby. His previous home must be a distant memory to him.

  "Things happen," redux...the windshield was replaced today. I'd forgotten what it's like to have a perfectly clean one, which lasted about three miles.

Takk for alt,

Al

Where am I?

        The easiest answer to that question is, "I'm here."  Where's here?  The Little House on the Prairie."  Odie and I motored out this afternoon. In a crate in the back with his favorite blanket and his new favorite toy, he's totally silent. Now he's exploring the guest room which is new space for him, The very dog friendly guest will be here soon, Odie's in for a treat.

Takk for alt,

Al

Odie on his favorite blanket holding his favorite toy.

"My" basketball team!

     I've been following the Lynx of the WNBA for many years. A few days ago, in a lackluster performance, the Lynx the #1, team lost to the L.A. Sparks, #9. The coach, a member of the Hall of Fame, wasn't happy. Apparently, the team took their chastisement to heart. Today they played the #3 team, the Las Vegas Aces. The outcome? Lynx won 98-87, in a nationally televised game. A busy social schedule prevented me from watching so, in my leisure, I'll watch the replay. The Lynx record is 26-7, and they've now clinched a spot in the playoffs. The next best team, Golden State is 22-9.

    Odie has a new fan club in the OFH. As an expression of their esteem, they presented him with a toy squirrel, which quickly became his favorite. Just now he figured out it's a squirrel and is nose to nose challenging the squirrel to move.

Takk for alt,

Al

 

Odie and his squirrel.

Benefits!

     Every week the free, ag focused, Farm Forum, known as "The Green Sheet," because the front page is green, is delivered to the OFH. Returning to the OFH the number of accumulated Green Sheets tells me how many weeks I've been absent. There were four waiting for me this time.

  In addition to the large advertising section there's also a news and information section in the Forum. Looking at the July 10, issue I discovered this article: The 'pet effect' and how animal may boost your heath. There were two headlines introducing columns: Improved Physical Health, and Improved Mental Health. Often, in reference to Kaia, and now Odie, Id' remark, "She/he keeps me from being a slug." This is true because of their need for exercise, and in the OFH, going outside to go potty, thus improved physical health.

   How does a pet improve mental health?  A pet is always present no matter what kind of day one has had. They also cause the owner to live in the present moment. They reduce loneliness. After Kaia died, I was lonely in The Little House for the first time. Pets can improve one's mood, Kaia and Odie certainly have for me. Caring for a pet creates healthy routines. Arising at 6:00 every morning, as I have for over 50 years, has been reinforced by the need of the current dog to get outside after a night indoors. For forty+ years I ran with the dog, or dogs, after the 6am arising. Now it's the time for a walk. Neurological studies have found that walking has significant health benefits.

   "A 2022 study published on the NLM found having a pet is associated with better cognitive and brain health in adults, especially dog owners. Some of these benefits include:

    >Better story memory

   >Better processing speed

   >Younger 'brain age'

....Pets teach us many valuable lessons--to love unconditionally, live in the now, and find joy in the little things."

   It's nice to have the benefits enumerated. The one's I was acutely aware of were the loneliness, and the stimulus for physical activity.

Takk for alt,

Al

With thanks to Thor, Bjorn, Kai, Gunnar, Kjell, Trygve, Kaia and Odie, 1976-2026.

Guess where we are?

       Yes, you guessed correctly...we're here! 😀 Where's here you ask? Why, it's the OFH.  Odie's being introduced to the OFH. There's a huge difference between how he entered The Little House and how he entered this apartment. Now, an hour after we entered, he's happily playing with his toy. At the House he was very timidly exploring. Why the difference?  My guess is that he now trusts me; we've bonded. 

      He was reluctant to enter the elevator. Not surprising because it was his first ride. Comfort will come with experience. Because he's reluctant to approach other persons that will make him a good OFH dog. When we return to the prairie, I will gradually let him off leash in controlled situations.

    Let the good times roll!

Takk for alt,

Al

Overheard!

       It was a very small waiting area. There were four chairs, two on each side with just room for a person to walk between. There were three of us. The other two were an elderly mother for whom her daughter was filling out a lengthy form. The daughter's tee shirt proclaimed, GRACELAND MEMPHIS TENNESSE.

    Up wheels an electric wheelchair carrying a woman, perhaps seventy. Addressing the women in the Graceland tee shirt she speaks, "I loved Elvis, I really love Elvis, I so loved Elvis, but you know he isn't dead. The deep state wants you to think so. It wasn't John Kennedy who was shot in Dallas, it was a mannequin. Michael Jackson isn't dead either. I learn a lot from listening to Robert Kennedy, Jr. I learned this from TV. Now write this down, write this down where you can learn all this." The women feints writing it down. With a few more bizarre assertions wheelchair woman finally departs after about ten minutes of monologue. 'Graceland' wrote nothing done and laughs when I say, "Maybe you should be careful where you wear that shirt."

    Wheelchair woman totally ignored me. If she would have addressed me, I was prepared to quote Abraham Lincoln, "Don't believe everything you see on TV." 

Takk for alt,

Al

Some of the grass has been hayed so now I can return to my favorite hobbies, picking rocks and cutting ceders. Odie will have space to run.

A tale (tail?) of two dogs!

     Kaia loved the truck. Open the door and she's bound from the ground to the seat. While the truck rolled, she wriggled and moved with excitement splashing everything with dog slobber. A hand placed on her would calm her a little.

   Then there's Odie. Prior to his coming to me all of his rides had been in a crate in the back of a truck. During his first ride on a truck seat, he was obviously mystified. Mostly he lay anxiously with an occasional peek out the window. Entering required my help. With his front paws on the door sill, I'd boost him up to the seat. After a few rides he evidenced his comfort on the ride settling down to lie contentedly. Today, after completing our daily walk, when I opened the door of the truck he jumped to the floor and up unto the seat.  His face said, "I can do this". From that perch he looked proudly at me as I entered.

Takk for alt,

Al

Rest in peace, good and faithful dog, Kaia.

Things Happen, department.

        A few weeks ago, driving US 14, from the OFH to The Little House, a rock from a gravel truck struck my windshield. It caused a little chip in the lower lefthand corner. That morphed into a crack which eventually became a foot long. Collecting on insurance took some twists and turns, "take four pictures..." the difficulty of which was a weak cell phone connection. Finally, I was directed to the auto body shop of my choice in Brookings. Then a wait ensued while the proper windshield was delivered. Today was to be installation day, 'was' is the operative word here.

     Delivering the car at the appointed 8:00 am hour, I was given keys to a loaner car. Heading for Chicago in the rental car...or Sinai which ever was closer, I settled in to wait for an "all done" call, predicted for mid-afternoon. Windshield replacements now have to be 'calibrated.'  At noon the body shop called to report that the replacement window was defective, thus couldn't be used. Returning from Chicago, or Sinai, a new appointment was scheduled for next Monday...8:00 am of course. This then falls into the category of, THINGS HAPPEN!

   So why suggest heading for Chicago?  While living in Golden Valley, MN., I habited a small, locally owned car repair shop near my work. They had one older car they used as a loaner. Once a customer was given the keys to this loaner. When they called him to report that his car was ready for pick up he replied, "It will take me a little while to get there because I'm in Chicago." This is true and Chicago was 500+ miles away. 

Takk for alt,

Al

Today's random picture is of Joanne with her late sister, Mary, and brother, Mark, at the time of our 50th wedding anniversary.

 

Life In Sinai!

         Odie and I were headed for some exercise. Upon opening the door of the truck, I saw something on the seat. It was a loaf of zucchini bread, fresh from the oven, and a jar of peach/rhubarb jam. Knowing the likely suspect, the rhubarb came from the large rhubarb patch in the backyard of The Little House. She's been given unlimited access to it. She's also the town's quintessential good neighbor. Many other town occupants are frequent recipients of her largess. It adds sweetness to residing here.

    Joanne frequently distributed from her baking to neighbors in each place we lived. New residents in her proximity were treated to a care package from her containing something she'd baked. She certainly lived generously.

Takk for alt,

Al

 

Sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Now what?

         Recent posts have been all about Odie.  Yes, I'm besotted.  Now what? More about Odie, or move on to a new topic? Well...let's stay with Odie. He was sort of leash trained when he came to me. Previous owner, Terry, warned me not to let him off leash too early. He said that Odie might think he'd been kidnapped and head for his old home. That means that our daily walks have been on a short leash.

     Because he wasn't well leashed trained, our walks have been leash training. He's responding so well that when I walked to the truck with him on a retractable leash he stayed right by my side. It won't be long until he can run freely in the field.

   One of these days I'll think of a new topic.

Takk for alt,

Al

In repose near a toy.

Flying Colors!

        Today was the day for Odin, aka Odie, to meet a new vet. He's a very solid 36lbs. The vet poked, prodded, manipulated, looked and injected. Odie disliked the nose vaccine the most. He didn't even flinch for the injections. The vet reports no arthritis, heart and lungs sound good, good teeth with one chip, and perfect ears. Ears are amazing because Spaniels are prone to ear problems. Their floppy ears trap moisture which can lead to problems.  The vet's summary: "He's obviously been well cared for and he's an excellent dog."  Think I'll keep him. Proud papa.

Takk for alt,

Al

Today's quote: “Monsters exist, but they are too few in numbers to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are [those] ready to believe and act without asking questions.” Primo Levi, Holocaust Survivor 

Odie at rest after what, seems to me, endless games of fetch.

The Other Reader Asked!

       The other reader asked a very good question. The question was about Odie. "Why was an 8-year-old dog for sale?"  There was so much dog conversation at the kennel that I'm not absolutely sure what I'm about write is correct, but I think it is.

     Odie was sold to a person who had a medical crisis and couldn't care for him. It's the custom of reputable kennels to re-claim the dog in such circumstances, so back he went. Terry, the owner of the kennel provided guide service for pheasant hunters and Odie accompanied the hunts. Now Terry no longer offers guide service, so Odie had no role to play. Consequently, I was the lucky buyer.

    Odie is my eighth Spring Spaniel.  They arrived a variety of ages from puppy to Odie at eight. He's the only one whose been very playful at older middle age. Almost every waking moment he's carrying something hoping to play. Usually, he carries a chew toy, but if he's ignored, he'll take a slipper, book, etc. until he gets attention.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS Whooo hooo it's raining!

Odie chew toy in mouth, "let's play"!

"A man and his dog...."

    "Read A Man and His Dog by Katherine Mansfield. Full text of this classic short story, free to read online at American Literature."  Have either of you read this story?  I haven't but I'm living it. Odie and I do some circumambulating the cemetery every morning. This, largely black, dog gets hot very quickly, so we don't stay too long. Frequent bouts of fetch in the air-conditioned house supplement his daily exercise regime. 

    It's a steep learning curve for an older dog. Out of a kennel into a strange home, a new owner, and today he had his first ride on the seat of a truck. His response seemed, "this is different, but I could get used to it." Possible anthropomorphizing here. Chickens across the street tempting him. Lots of new experiences but he's a happy boy.

   This hot weather keeps us inside more. But he's not ready to be off leash in the field yet. He may think he's been kidnapped and head for his former home. The time will come that he can run freely while I attend to duties in the field.

Takk for alt,

Al

After playing fetch.

• 
  

First full day...

       Last night Odie slept contently, with his blanket of course, in a kennel in my bedroom. Upon arising I opened the kennel door and he sped out ready to play. He'll play endlessly. When play time is over he'll rotate four times, lie down and fall asleep. He certainly loves attention which will help with any necessary training.  Odie is a very happy boy. The bathroom still spooks him a little but he owns the rest of the house, small as it is.  He's fascinated by the chickens across the street, the rooster of which reminds me of  Thailand when he crows. Not having a clock in my bedroom the roosters and the Muslim call to prayer at 6:00 am, were my signals to get up in Ayutthaya.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS I solved the blog site problem by switching browsers.

When I'd go to my recliner Kaia would want to play fetch once, Odie 30 times.

My site has gone wacky and until I can solve iit I will be unable to blog.

Coincidence!

       Because it was less than 100 degrees today I decided to take a drive to Lake Andes, South Dakota, 170 miles away by the Missouri River. 

     This sweet little dog followed me home.  Can I keep him? He's an eight year old French, Springer Spaniel, who was looking for a new home.  He's quite small, I'd guess about 30-35 lbs. At the vet he'll be weighed. Now here's the sign that I should keep him. 

     When L and I discussed possible names for a potential new dog we decided on "Odin." It also occurred that very likely Odin would be nicknamed "Odie". The name of this dog who followed me home is "Odie." Wouldn't you consider that a sign?

   He's very attached to his blanket which came with him. He's fond of carrying it around. It will accompany him in his crate at bedtime.

Takk for alt,

Al

Family Time!

       L always like so see the extended family when she's here. So we gathered, at the place of my choosing because it's relatively quiet, last night. With the temperature in the 90s no one elected eat outside on the nice patio. Because three were missing, two in the Cities with their children, and the youngest one at work, we were eight diners. There were six r.s.v.ps when making the reservation so I requested a round table. But they seated all eight of us at a round table. Typically they don't do that thinking it's too small for eight.

    The table accommodated us fine. It was a gift because it facilitated conversation. With the proximity it offered each person could converse with any other person. When there was group conversation all could be involved.  Consequently, a very lively and helpful conversation ensued. A good time was had by all and that includes Al,

Takk for alt,

Al

Our venue last night.

Cool Cribbage!

       The joys of A/C.  A survey of the big bluestem was conducted from the cab of the air conditioned truck. It is beautiful and helps one to imagine when the entire country hereabouts was covered with this marvelous grass.

      Then there was the sight of four acres of Bee Balm, aka. Wild Bergamot. There are number of other flowers interspersed, such as Black-eyed Susan. It's a pretty thing to behold, again from the cab of an air conditioned truck. There should be many, many happy insects. As a perennial with a rhizome root structure subsequent years should be even better.

    With the temperature at 98 and the dew point 79, it feels just like Thailand, but a long walk was forgone. 

Takk for alt,

Al

  This is the stand of bluestem that grew after the field was burned in May.

Brief..

      Yesterday in preparation for company I cleaned in the truck, notice "in". The truck may not be clean but it's cleaner. Now it's time to clean "in" The Little House for company.  Consequently this will be a brief post. I'm still upright, which is a good thing.

Takk for alt,

Al

The Little House with Kaia.

Cleaning Memory!

         In my boyhood Uncle Henry and Aunt Inga lived across the road. Inga was a fastidious housekeeper. Apparently that was not her self image. Frequently she'd remark that she cleaned house "and I had to scoop out the dirt." None of us could imagine any dirt in her house.

       This came to mind when I scooped out the dirt from the truck. With distaff company coming it was time to do some cleaning. Kaia always rode in the passenger seat. You can imagine what she left on seat, dash and windows. Perhaps I should have left a corner so there would be a 'before and after'. It can't be said that it really sparkles but by contrast....

     Once I did some dusting but it all came back, so, no more of that.

Takk for alt,

Al

The late Kaia, wonder dog!

Basketball

      The Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, my team, are leading the league at 22-6. Until today there were without their superstar. Napheesa Collier, had surgery on both ankles in the offseason. The team has thrived because of a rookie point guard, Oliva Miles and the play of two veterans, Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride.

    Today Phee (Collier) returned to play for the first time. She had 24 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes of play. The Lynx beat Los Angeles Sparks by 10 points.

   It's now mid-point of the season. The All Star game is in Chicago on July 25. The Lynx have two starters, Olivia Miles and Natisha Howard and, Courtney Young is also participating. Last year Phee was the most valuable player of the event.

Takk for alt,

Al

 

Napheesa Collier

Eerie!

            Living alone now has created an experience best described as 'eerie'. When completing a task what comes next feels strange,  like, "now, what do I do?"  It's hard to explain. The best I can make of it is, with Kaia present I often went from doing a thing alone to doing something with her. It's an empty house with just one old guy rattling around in it.

         In the field this morning I saw several monarchs. There were many milkweeds in the area. During WW II, our entire country school, about twelve students, were excused to pick milkweed pods. We were taken to the teacher's farm a couple of miles away. There was some low ground of several acres that was solid milkweed. The teacher's father had a team of horses hooked to an empty wagon. It didn't take long to fill the wagon with pods. They were used to fill flotation devices on ships. How they got from the farm to the packing areas I never thought about. Likely they were shipped by train. "Better than school" was my main  impression.

Takk for alt,

Al

Milkweed pickers at a later date.

Day 3!

       Days after major events often get counted. So, in that spirit...this is the third day since Kaia died. The grief is, both for what I miss in her absence, and for the ordinary joys she's missed these three days. As always with grief there are 'triggers' that brings it all back again. Of course I know the intensity will fade with time. Joanne often said "Grief touches grief."  It's so true that new griefs tie in to old grief from the past. One does not live as long as I have without having experienced significant grief. Though none compares with the grief of Joanne's death 8+ years ago.

   As was true when she died, the community of family and friends is once again comforting me. After her death I often wrote that it is relationships that sustain. Again, in this current sadness, that so many care so deeply, is a source of hope.  Thank you! I am very grateful.

Takk for alt,

Al

Kaia spent hours looking out the sliding glass doors in the OFH.

Dimensions of grief!

         It almost seems as if the house is hollow as I rattle around alone since Kaia died. There's the immediacy of the powerful presence of absence. She's not in the usual places doing the usual things. At every turn their is an emptiness. Our little routines are no more.

       A second aspect of the grief is the uncertainty of what it means for my future.  I can't imagine hunting without a dog. So, is it time to quit hunting? If so, should I stay in The Little House this fall, or return earlier to the OFH?  Often I said "She keeps me from being a slug."  Will I find the motivation to stay regularly active without needing to meet her needs?

     Then, too, there is the sadness for Kaia herself. It was reasonable to expect she'd have another three happy years. She was a happy dog living a very good life. I grieve that her life was cut short before she could have more good times. She will miss out on a lot.

   Takk for alt,

    Al

In addition to being very good dog, Kaia was smart and good looking.

Kaia's Demise!

       Eight plus years ago when I was blogging about my grief  at Joanne's death, I other referenced the pain of "the presence of absence. Kaia's death has plunged me back into that experience. Upon my awakening Kaia would place her chin on the bed for a chin scratch. As soon as I arose I'd let her out into the front yard so she could relieve herself. After our breakfasts I'd settle into the recliner to read the morning paper online and check emails, while she slept nearby. Once she decided it was time for us to move she'd sit and look at me. Whereever I was in the house she'd be near. So, the house is full of the presence of absence.

     There's another aspect of grief in her death other than the immediate absence. She was significant in the future I planned. Hunting season opens in October. Hunting with her, was the most important part of hunting. Hunting alone has no appeal, so, I do I quite hunting? If so, why stay in The Little House during the fall? The OFH is perfectly comfortable, perhaps I should return earlier than the typical Thanksgiving time?

   Grief; obviously I've been here before, she's the 7th of my dogs to die. Then, too, this grief is in no way comparable to the grief of Joanne's death. Grief has the same features but clearly not the depth as loss of a spouse. I'm very grateful to have had the joy of Kaia's companionship for five and  a half years, which explains the depth of the grief at her death.

Takk for alt,

Al

Kaia in front of the sliding glass doors in the OFH.

DEVASTATED!

      Kaia died this morning on the way to the vet. We'd gone to the field to cut cedars about 9:00, to beat the heat. Kaia quickly flushed a brood of half-grown pheasants. After about an hour of work we went back to the truck and headed to town. Uncharacteristically Kaia lay on the floorboards rather than her customary place on the seat. A few minutes later, in town, I realized she wasn't doing well. Immediately heading for the veterinarian in Brookings we'd gone only a few miles when she died. The vets' guess is it was heat related.

    Springer Spaniel, Kaia, born 2/25/2016, Pine Shadows Kennels, Brainerd, MN, died July 17, 2026, Brookings County, SD. Pine Shadows in a nationally recognized kennel and breeder. Kaia had great bloodlines and was to be a brood dog at the kennel.  Her estrus cycles were too irregular so they had her spayed and sold her to me in February, 2021.

    She was exceptionally well trained. When I released her in the park near the OFH she'd run while I walked. If I stopped she'd come to me. She avoided other people and other dogs. When I started toward the park entrance she'd run to the gate and sit, waiting for me to leash her. In the OFH she only went to people at their invitation, avoided other dogs, and didn't bark.   

    Kaia was my 7th Springer, going back to Christmas, 1976, when Frank gave me Thor. Our lives were totally intertwined. Scratching her chin before going to bed, when I awakened she'd put her chin on the bed. She kept me moving as I'd walk as she ran. Kaia loved the trees around the cemetery as I walked the perimeter road.

   Yes, I'm devastated!

Takk for alt,

Al

Kaia's characteristic pose asking "now what?"

Kaia qualifies!

 

A farmer went out to sow...mow...

         Well that was funny! Checking on my corn on Monday I saw the four acre pollinator plot next to the corn had canada thistles blooming. Today was the day to mow those thistles, so I lubed the mower and set forth. Imagine my surprise arriving at the field and discovering the purple flowers I saw were not thistles but Wild Bergamot. (See the picture below, which doesn't capture the full effect.)

     It's been about ten years since that pollinator plot was planted. The first year thistles abounded and were mowed, no spraying allowed because it would kill the forbs like Bergamot. Thistles returned the second year and were mowed. Fewer thistle returned the third year and again were mowed. Lo and behold, the fourth year; no thistles.

    Each year there have been some Bergamot appearing until this year's profusion. Why so many this year is a happy mystery. There are quite a few Black Eyed Susan and a smattering of other flowers too. Even dandelions qualify as pollinators

Takk for alt, 

al

This is just one cross section of the field.

Attracting Pollinators: The plant’s nectar-rich, tubular lavender flowers are a magnet for native long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds.

The funnies again...

 

Annoying Thistles!

      That title, Annoying Thistles, is intended as double entendre. Thistles proliferating where they are not wanted is annoying. There are places in that field of grass pictured yesterday where there are bunches of annoying thistles. The fire burned untold numbers of thistle seeds above ground. But these perennial thistles already rooted survived the fire and burst forth. Very annoying!

    Today's task was mowing those thistles to keep them from going to seed. Thistle seed, like that of dandelions, is attached to fuzz that blows in the wind, spreading near and far. Such mowing doesn't typically kill the the thistle, though in some cases it does. Because the thistle plant usually survives the mowing, it seems what the mowing does is annoy them.  At least they will not produce seed this year. Now thistles are ubiquitous.

   When I was a boy thistles were just becoming established. Few enough so we'd stop the tractor, take a plier, they have spiny stems, and pull them. Now I know that, this too, was just annoying them, because they quickly regrow from roots left in the ground.

Takk for alt,

Al

Canada Thistles have at least one redeeming  feature, pollinators like them.

Field Reports!

       There's a tale of two fields. Field number 1, didn't need fertilizing. It's fully tasseled and the corn looks healthy. Some late water hemp weeds are growing in it but there's nothing to be done about that now. The geese did not graze on it this year.

    Field number 2, badly needed fertilizing. The corn is growing but far from tasseling. Inexplicably it's almost weed free. It has much volunteer corn growing in it from last years crop. The section nearest the trees is sparse from pheasant predation. When corn germinates, and the shoot breaks the surface, pheasants pull up the plant to eat the seed from which it sprouted. So far there's no success at teaching wildlife the concept of 'delayed gratification.'

    Big bluestem grass has responded as hoped for in the field that was burned below. Waves of the grass are over six feet tall. (See pictures below.) There are some thistle patches in the grass, so mowing them is tomorrows task.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS Wildlife seen today: half grown coyote and three broods of pheasants, also had a brown thrasher scolding me for being too close to her nest.

The first plant to emerge after fire is milkweed, see toward the bottom of the picture. Imagine the sea of grass experienced by the Native Americans.

The truck's roof is over six feet high, thus illustrating the grass's height. 

The Little House!

       It was a total of 800 miles of driving to Aurora and back for the funeral. We slept in Dekalb Friday night, due to  a bed shortage in Aurora. Dekalb is just a half hour away. After the service we returned home. 

    The funeral was well done. It was clear that Alvin (Al) was held in very high regard. It's uncommon that a funeral for a 93 year old person draws such a large crowd. He was a retired pastor who used his wisdom and energy to be a positive presence in the congregation.

     The schedule was: Visitation was from 9:00-11:00, funeral at 11:00 followed by a full meal. At the meal there were many testimonies from family and friends to the significance of Alvin in their lives. I'm very grateful I could attend. Alvin was a boyhood hero to me and that hero status never wavered even into his nineties.  

    Being absent from Sinai for two and half weeks in mid-summer is unusual. Tomorrow I'll head to the fields to see what's transpired since I left.

Takk for alt,

Al 

Hiatus!

      We're leaving this afternoon for Alvin's funeral in Aurora, Illinois. Because I'm leaving my computer behind the timing of the next blog post is iffy. Plans are to return to the OFH tomorrow after the funeral but that's a six hour drive. So, wait for it!😀

   In the meantime stay healthy and upright!

Takk for alt,

Al

Life in the funnies (comics)!

    Perhaps my life is comic becasue so often my life is reflected in them Take Hagar for example. One Sunday in Mohall, shortly before the service began it was discovered that there was no wine for communion. The usual fare was Mogen David, which is unfit for anything else. The only wine at the parsonage was Chianti, a far cry from Mogen David, but it was pressed into service. There were puzzled looks from the communicants and much smacking of lips. Were that to occur today I'd be wise enough to give the congregation a heads up. (See Hagar below.)

         Then there's Bernice the introvert posting her quite life in response to extroverts posting all their activities. I'm with Bernice

Takk for alt,

al

Open Skies!

    For most of June rainfalls in Sinai came in small showers, .3", .2" .5" etc. It was enough to sustain crops, especially because the weather wasn't very hot. Perhaps it wasn't adequate for pastures and alfalfa hay. A pasture I rent to a farmer is divided into two parts, maybe the 100 acres is divided 65 by 35 acres. This allows for rotational grazing. The renter started the cattle in the small section this spring. When I left for Iowa June 23, the grass in that section was grazed down and he was about to move them to the large pasture. This allows the grazed section to recover, think how your lawn responds after mowing.

   In the last couple of weeks Sinai has received about 5" of rain...happy pasture. The first significant rain, 2.75"  came just before this hot spell, that's critical timing. The neighbor to The Little House empties and reports on the rain gauge behind the house. On the other hand, the gauge at the pasture is not monitored in my absence. I'm keen to see what it registers next week when I return. Typical rainfall pattern is for less rain after June. Crops must be thriving.

Takk for alt,

Al

This is another (see yesterday's blog) of mangroves taken in Cambodia in 2020.

Still Upright!

      In the OFH a popular farewell when leaving another person or group is, "Stay upright!" Today I visited my civilian, as opposed to the one at the VA, primary care physician. She thinks I have a good prospect for staying upright, if I don't trip over Kaia, etc. It's been six and a half years since I was last sick, bronchitis in Asia 2020, so I hope to continue that streak. Consequently, I got a COVID booster hoping to remain among those who've never had it. This record of health fills me with gratitude.

   This medical appointment is one reason I've remained at the OFH this week. Last week's presence here was to keep Kaia from 4th of July fireworks in Sinai. They don't scare her but she gets agitated thinking that firecrackers are the sounds of shooting and she wants to be out hunting. The fireworks perpetrators have no sense of bedtime, lighting fireworks far into the night. 

Takk for alt,

Al

There is so much I don't know. Hearing about mangroves on ocean shorelines I always imaged huge trees, like a big cottonwood...not so!. These are mangroves on the coast of Cambodia. A recent news article reported an uptick in the world's mangroves, good conservation news. These trees are a part of a deliberate reforestation project we visited in 2020, while I had bronchitis, my last illness.  

Apologies to both my readers!

    The computer education classes at both Brooking county Rural District 21, and Sinai High School were lacking. Consequently my technical skills are rudimentary. Tangled up with an internet issue time escaped me and know I'm too tired for a longer post.

   There was a particular high point today when an author friend presented me with his first gift copy of his newly published book of haiku poetry. This will prompt much reflection...thanks PMFJ!  😀

  More another day!

Takk for alt,

Al

Greetings to you both!

    Guess what, I watched a basketball game today!  It wasn't "my" team. However, almost always I favor one team over another, pure prejudice. The preferred team won today, but these games evoke little anxiety. Watching as much as I do I can identify most WNBA players by sight. There, too, there are favorites and others for which I have less affection. Case in point; one of the excellent players in the league I've not liked. Learning about her has revealed a very fine person. So, why my dislike. Eventually I puzzled it out, it's because on the floor she never smiles, always playing looking dour. There, now, you see how arbitrary and subjective I am.

   The day ended with a delightful meal on a patio with, what for me is perfect weather; clear skies and 83 degrees. 

Takk for alt,

Al

Now there are five.

      My oldest aunt lived at Baalaton, MN. She'd accompanied her father, my grandfather, there to teach Vacation Bible School. She met and married a local farmer. Some where around 1910 she died of uremic poisoning after childbirth, her son and my first born cousin, Clifford, drown in a water tank when he was 3. His father died in the flu epidemic. Thus ended that family.

    This is story of my surviving cousins who made it to adulthood, grandchildren of my grandparents. Last week there six surviving cousins. Yesterday my oldest one, surviving at age 93, died from injuries suffered in a car accident. Alvin, five years older than I, was always my hero. Living twelve miles apart we had regular contact growing up. Saturday, I will attend his funeral in Aurora, IL.

   Grandpa and Grandma had nineteen grandchildren after the late Clifford. The gender breakdown is interesting. There were five boys, which included my two brothers and I, thus only two male cousins. There were 14 female cousins. Of all these grandchildren. I was second to the youngest and the youngest died several years ago. Giving some balance to this equation was my oldest cousin, Cecilia, who had four sons, one a year older than I, one my age and two younger.

  Now, surviving in age sequence: one is 92, another 91, the third 89, then 88, and 87. None have had birthdays this year. Interesting demographics.  Add those ages up and what do you get? I'm not allowed to do the math. 😀 

Takk for alt,

Al

Uffda...

     One of the challenges of retirement life is tracking the days of the week. When I was first retired I volunteered regularly at Hmong Academy for ten plus years. It was very enjoyable, satisfying with a side bonus. It kept me oriented to the day of the week.

   That volunteering gig ended with COVID. Now it would be challenging with my hearing problems but probably could be done with the aid of my hearing aid's remote mic. However, I now reside in St. Paul and the Academy is in the NW suburb  of Brooklyn Park. That's way to far to drive across Minneapolis.

  This subject comes up because tonight I spaced an event I intended to attend. In fact I even have a ticket for it. This leaves me feeling disappointed. My memory is a point of pride with me, with the exception of names which I usually remember...at 2:00 am.😉 

Takk for alt,

Al

I'm pictured with students from Noble Academy.

Shades of Thailand!

     Sitting outside at a local restaurant a bit ago, temperature 85, dew point 72, brought back my time in Thailand. Though I went in winter the weather there was very similar to what we're experiencing. Temperatures would run in the upper 80s to lower 90s daytime. At night 80 was typical. Dew points often in the 70s. This was without a/c, though I did have a fan at night. (Now it's 6:30 am in Ayutthaya and the temperature is 77 and the dew point 76.) Knowing that Minnesota temperatures were in the single digits to minus improved my attitude about the heat and humidity.  At school the students would play soccer and do other vigorous activities, e.g., jump rope, impervious to the heat. Of course this was their cool season.

   Were it not for the accident of birth I should live in a warmer climate. One positive, there are no scorpions here. At Camp Pendleton when we were in the field we'd shake our boots in the morning to be certain a scorpion hadn't moved in.

Takk for alt,

Al

Thai fourth graders, the girl in the middle is twin of the one on her right.

Power Shopping!

     In the market for a new blazer the plan was to go to a fancy men's store. The reason for that choice was there'd be measurements for a good fit. A store was identified in a suburb across town. Arriving revealed that the store was gone and it was being retrofitted for a fast food enterprise. So much for that plan.

   Checking my trusty smart phone I located a J C Penney store nearby. So I drove to it guided by GPS. Walking to the back corner of the store where men's wear is kept, no employee was in sight. Realizing that it was going to be totally self serve, I spotted a rack of blazers. After putting one on I walked to the checkout by the front door, paid for the blazer and my time in the store was no more than fifteen minutes. That was within my patience quotient. Who needs a fancy men's store? That's what passes for excitement  in my life.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS Neighbor to The Little House reports 1" in my rain gauge! 

PPS The blazer fits well.

OFH has a 4:30 dinner seating, giggle...

 

"Things happen!"

      In certain situations I've found having a mantra is helpful. Living with a Thai family for 10? years there was a mantra I often employed. Papa spoke no English, Mama had a smattering and daughter was quite conversant. Frequently outings for the whole family, plus I, were planned. Seldom did I have a clue to the nature of an outing until he was fait a comply. Before, during, until the plan became clear, my mantra was "All will be revealed." It was sweet to have interesting experiences for which I had no responsibility. Usually a Buddhist temple would be part of the plan. No two temples are alike which added interest. At one a monk engaged me in discussion of American politics. (Parenthetically, anyplace in Thailand if a local is asked to escort one to a place of interest that local will conduct the inquirer to the temple.) 

    Visiting E & MJ, in Iowa, they employ the same mysterious approach, even though we're all conversant in English. It gives opportunity to once again use the mantra "All will be revealed."  Which leads to another mantra which I used today.

   Yesterday I purchased tires at Costco. The salesman said they could be installed at 1:45 today, even writing the hour on the sales agreement. When I presented myself today at 1:45, a different salesmen said "I see where your tires were purchased but there's no record of an appointment and we're booked up until 4:00." Where upon I threw a major tantrum...not. He was very apologetic. I said "Not your fault." Then I used a mantra that I find very helpful in moments like this. I said, "Things happen!" and, said further, "I'll return at 4:00."

   Then I did what any self respecting octogenarian would do, I went home and had a nap. As of this writing there are 4 new tires on my car. 

Takk for alt,

Al

A friend shared this...

 In Ireland, around 1880, the harvest wasn’t doing so well. 

To appease his tenant farmers, Lord Erne offered a 10% rent reduction. They countered with a request for 25%. He rejected their proposal and told his land agent, Captain Charles Boycott, to start evicting them.

That should have ended the story. Instead, it started one.

Irish nationalist Charles Stewart Parnell, a local leader at the time, made a simple proposal to the farmers: don’t attack Boycott. Don’t threaten him. Simply pretend he doesn’t exist.

Don’t work for him.
Don’t sell to him.
Don’t buy from him.
Don’t even acknowledge him.

The village happily obliged.

His laborers quit.
His servants disappeared.
Shopkeepers turned him away.
Even the postman refused to deliver his mail.

Within weeks, one man became socially radioactive.

The story spread around the world. The Irish Land Reform movement found new momentum. And Captain Charles Boycott achieved something few people ever do: his name became a verb.

OFH

       "Where are you?" "Here!"  After being wined and dined in Eastern Iowa, today it was back to St. Paul. Passing by Costco in Eagan I stopped and ordered tires, they've sure gotten expensive, for installation tomorrow. They should last longer than the 20,000 of the original tires. Honda makes money but selling new cars with cheap tires. 

   After the Costco stop it was time to rescue Kaia from doggy camp. She seems to be healed from the UTI encountered in camp. Her camp counselor took her to a vet for treatment. It just was lousy timing because thee are UTI meds in my apartment.

   It was a good trip to see good friends who dote on me. Neighbor to The Little House reports that there was 1.75" rain in my gauge the other night. It was much needed and much appreciated and particularly helpful before this hot weather.

Takk for alt,

Al 

My Experience!

 

That's all for today, folks!

Takk for alt,

Al

Lap Of Luxury!

      Today I made the move to Iowa City, IA. Ensconced in the guest room of an OFH, rather the guest suite, meals included, with good friends on the floor above, life is sweet. There was a funny incident. The friends offered to let me use their internet account. This precipitated a scramble to find the appropriate password. The problem was solved when a button was pressed on the router.

   Repairing to my guest apartment, upon entering a different room there was a note with the guest apartment internet log-in and password! 😀   

  So's where's Al?  I'm here!

Takk for alt,

Al

Dubuque Iowa!

     The day included several venues in Dubuque. It began with the fascinating aquarium and attached museum. On the way to ride the funicular, which we did, a memory was tantalizing me "Where else have I ridden a funicular...was it Bergan, Norway?" probably. But then it  came to me "Kunming, China." We went to Mississippi Lock 10, and watched a huge barge and tow go through the locks. Then it was north of Dubuque up the high bluffs for dinner in Balltown.

    Yup, it was a full wonderful day! Thanks, Ed and MaryJane.

Takk for alt,

Al

Balltown sits high on a ridge with this view, the Mississippi River is visible in the distance.