Book Report

      

   Thanks to Peter and Sandy giving it to me, I read a book I would never have found. It was delightful, thanks! NORDIC TALES; FOLKTALES FROM, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark, illustrated by Ulla Thynell is organized by Chronical Books. Interestingly no editor is credited.

   None of the tales were familiar to me. They are delightful reading and have similarities from country to country. Magic is common to them all. Trolls appear but are not as ubiquitous as I expected. Likely some of these stories were known to my grandparents, all of whom grew up in Norway. 

Takk for alt,

Al

Tree Picture!

       The tree picture below was taken at the very southern tip of South America. It was on Terri del Fuego, Argentina. L had been in the northernmost city of the world, Hammerfest, Norway, so in Argentina he wanted to visit the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. From there we travelled south to the southern tip where the tree picture was taken. Obviously, there was prevailing wind to shape the tree, and it was blowing while we were there.

   We began our trip in Buenos Airies. From there we bused through Patagonia to El Calafate. After hiking a bit in the Andes, we continued by bus through Patagonia to Ushuaia. Only once on the trip, when I aksed the same question once too often did L say, "Welcome to elder hostel."

Takk for alt,

Al

We also visited a penguin colony is southern Argentia.

The Gift Of Rain!

      After breakfast. as I was reading the paper online, it darkened outside.  A rain shower moved in and blessed us with the gift of rain. We've had a couple of light showers, .2" or so. This was a bit more serious than that. My gauge, and the one downtown, both showed .7". That's not enough but certainly enough to do some good. It was gentle and very welcome.

   Perhaps it's time to do a reveal. No, baby is due, but a reveal of the picture below. MKV took it in, of all places, Iceland. When I saw it, I thought it so untypical of Iceland that no one would guess it, and no one did. Though I've not been to Iceland it certainly doesn't fit my image.   

    Now, does anyone want to guess where that windblown tree pictured a few days ago was taken?  No, not in South Dakota.

Takk for alt,

Al 

Perhaps If there had been sheep in the picture it would of been a helpful clue. MKV said she took the picture out her hotel window in,,,,,,,,,,,,,ICELAND!  😀

Neighbor to Neighbor

       Driving down a neighbor's field road to access my pasture to search for pocket gophers, I drove by his pasture. When his cattle saw me, they quickly moved to their empty water tank. When I returned, they were still there. There was large container of water on a trailer by the empty tank. Thinking to save the farmer the three-mile trip from his home, and relieve the thirsty cattle, I filled their tank from the container on the trailer.

   A couple of years ago the cattle in that pasture drank from a large slough. When that dried up the farmer dug a deep dugout to provide drinking water. Now that dugout is dry, so he needs to haul water to them.

   When the cattle had drunk and the tank was filled again, I texted the farmer to explain what I'd done, to save him a needless trip. His cattle were in my pasture until early July. The two pastures are only a couple of hundred yards apart. There's sufficient water in my pasture because there's large dam across a waterway.  To save him the necessity of hauling water I suggested he move the cattle back to my land. He's thinking about the offer.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS Also on my mind as I saw the cattle's thirst was the experience of another neighbor, whose pasture is separated by a fence from my land. He, too, hauls water to his cattle. Neglecting to keep them supplied, the cattle broke out of the fence unto my land looking for water. They did not cause as much of a problem as did his hired men driving trucks and four-wheelers through my grass to round up the cattle.

This is similar to the tank from which the cattle drank.

My Bad!

       The other reader pointed out that I didn't blog last night.  Sorry! I'm OK.

Takk for alt,

al

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.