National Eagle Center, Wabasha, Minnesota

Lovely carved duck

Joanie

Bruce and Harriet

Photo with Angel

Majestic Angel

Yesterday my friend, Dr. Joanie, and I took a drive down the beautiful Highway 61 from Red Wing to Wabasha, then crossed the Mississippi River to Nelson, Wisconsin, and drove north on the Wisconsin side of the river and crossed back over to Minnesota at Red Wing. It wasn't a nice day, weather wise, but it was the only time that Joanie was available. She had never been to that part of Minnesota and was very impressed with the topography.

We stopped for dinner at a nice restaurant on the shores of Lake Pepin in Lake City. Our table was next to the windows. Out on the dock sat about 100 sea gulls. In the distance was a paddle boat, giving a tour of the lake. It is a lovely setting.

In Wabasha we stopped at the new National Eagle Center. What a beautiful building! Initially we were only going to browse through the gift area, but when I noticed the live eagles across the room, Joanie said, let's pay the admission and tour the building. I was so glad we did. They have 3 rescued adult eagles there, named Harriet, Angel, and Columbia. A lecture had just begun that we were able to join. The gentleman giving the lecture is a Viet Nam vet named Bruce. He had a vast knowledge of the habits of eagles and the laws surrounding their protection.

Bruce told us Harriet posed for the photo used on the new Minnesota veterans' license plate. He said she has traveled with him to many places in the United States, including the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis, where he encourages many of the veterans there who are in a bad way.

During the lecture, Bruce left the room to get Harriet and brought her back, explaining many more things about her. He gave her a dish of food, and the first item she chose was a dead white rat! We watched her eat about half of it and then I said to Joanie it was too much for me. So we excused ourselves.

Out in the great room another volunteer had Angel on his arm, so I had my picture taken with her. I found the displays informative and very well done. The gift shop had some beautiful works of art, including carved birds. Maybe someday I'll splurge for one.

Over in Nelson, Wisconsin, I bought a small pumpkin and acorn squash from a little stand in a yard. We went to a local restaurant for a little dessert before heading north on the scenic route 35. Some of the color there was nice. We didn't stop to see Laura Ingall's birthplace at Pepin, but saved it for another time.

Ding-a-ling, Ding-a-ling . . . Hello . . .

This morning my cell phone began ringing. I know that's not so unusual. Before answering, I checked the display to see the call was coming from my daughter-in-law Rachel's phone. I had just had a conversation with her last night, but thought she had something else to tell me. "Hello. Hello. Hello." No response. "Hello." Then I heard a little voice but couldn't distinguish it from Josiah or Annika's voice. "Hello. Is this Josiah? - - - Hi Honey, this is Grandma." No response.

In the background I could hear Rachel and Hans. I kept saying, "Hello. Hello. Is this Annika?" Soon I realized it was she. She chattered and chattered. I kept trying to get her to say "hello" or "grandma." This went on for a few minutes. She sounded so happy. Finally I hung up and phoned Hans. When he answered I told him Annika had just phoned me. He told me they were in the car and he had seen Annika have Rachel's phone up to her ear but assumed she was just pretending to be on a call. When the phone was taken away from her, she began to cry. I felt so bad - like I had tattled on her or some such thing. I'm sorry, Annika. It was fun getting a call from you!

Hans told me they were on their way to an Irish steak house. I asked him if they were celebrating something, and he said, "No. That's McDonald's." Hans, I think McDonald's has a Scottish background. I recall the first one I visited (in the past century). We walked up to the outside window to place our order. Inside seating was not an option. The burgers were $.15 and fries were $.12. The wrapping on the burger was a red, Scottish plaid waxed paper. I always thought this theme was from the belief that the Scottish were "tight with their money."

Breakfast Concert

Each morning for the past week or so, I have been treated to a beautiful concert performed by Peppi. He was obviously trained by a great canary at the home of his breeder. He has a very mellow, alto range, and at one point this morning, he sang for well over 3 minutes without stopping.

I know it's not fair to compare, but for those of you who remember my dearly departed Tweety, you may recall his voice was very high and sometimes he had an irritating shrill note he would hold for a little bit. While I found it cheerful, from time to time it made it hard to converse with my guests. Peppi, on the other hand, has a softer volume and doesn't sing over other voices.

Another tidbit I want to share is Peppi's fondness of fresh broccoli. I'm so thrilled he has come to live with me.

Introducing Rosy

Last night was the second night of the program "One - by - One," the tutoring program I am engaged in this year. Once again, I was so impressed with Rosy, the sweet little girl whom I will be working with for the school year.

Before she arrived, I rearranged our table in order for me to sit across from her. I found this placement much better for me to hear her soft voice, and it was kinder to my neck. She learned her memory verse, Hebrews 12:1, having the most trouble with the word "endurance." Then we did a reading assessment test and she tested out at an easy third grade level. Remember, she is only 6 years old and in first grade. I was very impressed! Somewhere along the way, she has learned to sound out words. When we switched to alphabet recognition, she was stumped when we got to the capital "W" and again at the lower case "w." So she asked me if she could sing the Alphabet song. I told her yes and we sang it together. [Josiah, it made me think of you and the fun we have singing together.] When she got to the "W," her eyes lit up and she finished the little work sheet.

We moved onto her home work and she was a whiz at that also, covering handwriting and math.

We spent a few minutes taking photos. She thought it was really fun taking pictures of me. [Don't you love digital cameras?!]

After that she asked if she could read her library book to me. Yes, please do. She began a little story (I didn't get the name of the book), and when we were half way through it, the bell rang for us to go to Bible Club. I asked her if she could bring it next week so I can see how it ends. It's a very good book!

I'm Coming Down with a Cold . . .

I haven't had a cold in quite awhile, so when I woke with a little sore throat this morning, I didn't think anything of it. This afternoon my nose started running and I got a headache. Then it dawned on me - - I'm coming down with a cold. I really hope it won't blossom into anything big as I don't want to miss out on tutoring Rosy tomorrow night -- and I certainly don't want to share it with her or any other people. I think I'll go to bed. Good night.

Surprise Birthday Party

Laurey, Brodie

Nora, Bonnie, Nancy

Last night I hosted a surprise birthday party for my friend, Nancy. Her birthday was actually a few weeks ago, but since she was away then, it went by unnoticed. My friend, Laurey, said she would be happy to help me, so we planned a nice dinner party for six.

Not every surprise party turns out as planned, but this one did. Nancy had no idea this dinner was for her. She was the last one to arrive as she had been at her lake home in northern Minnesota and had gotten back to the twin cities only a half hour before our dinner. We sat around with appetizers for a little while, and then moved to the dining room for dinner. At dessert time, I pulled out the decorated birthday cake - with Nancy's name on it - and put it on the center of the table and started the rendition of Happy Birthday. She was so taken aback. But she became speechless when we put gifts at her place setting. She's a very polished, organized, talented, generous woman who appreciated the "fuss" we made over her. I say, it was no fuss - just lots of fun. Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Aurelia's First Visit to My House

Friday night Sarah and Aurelia came to see me. I finally got to hold her while rocking in my Amish rocking chair. It was so nice. She slept for quite awhile, yawning every now and then. After she had a good sleep, she woke and I was rewarded with a sweet smile from her. What a little angel.

I sang to her a little bit and told her how we will play with dolls and make cookies when she gets a little older. (Annika, we'll play with dolls next time you come to my house. Josiah, we'll bake cookies and frost them, if you like.)

It was so much fun having them stop by - this is a first for me. With Hans & Rachel having lived in San Diego, Japan, Rhode Island and now moving to Germany and Heidi & Chad living in Seattle, I don't see them as often as I'd like. This was a real treat!

My New Canary, Peppi, Is Singing!

Yesterday at lunch time, while running water at the kitchen sink, I heard Peppi singing. I turned the water off so I could hear him better and he quit. So I turned on the faucet again, and he began singing. I was so happy.


This morning while washing a few dishes, I heard him singing again. When I turned the water off, he continued to sing. His voice sounds a little like an alto - very mellow and sweet. Now I'm really encouraged. I hope he feels more secure every day in his new living arrangement. :-)


If you have never heard a canary sing, click here.

New Commitment

On my previous post of September 16, I mentioned the memorial celebration of a dear friend's father-in-law and the question he was famous for: What did you do today to make the world a better place to live? As stated then, this question has been on my mind and helped me make the decision to volunteer to be a tutor in the "One-by-One" program at the Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington for this school year. The program began 7 years ago with the support of the church. Invitations were sent out to all of the neighboring apartment houses, and that first year there were 7 students enrolled. The children who attended were Hispanic, though the program is not limited to Hispanics. It is an outreach ministry of the church for East Bloomington and Richfield elementary and middle school children. Each adult tutor spends an hour with the child assigned to them working on reading and math skills and assisting with homework. Following the hour of instruction, the group gathers for a half-hour Bible Club. The program really took off and this year there are 80 children registered!

After wrestling with this question, I decided I could make the world a better place by volunteering to be a tutor, so I signed up. The program began last night, and lasts this school year, meeting every Monday night. The little girl assigned to me is Rosy. She is 6 years old and in the first grade. She is so sweet, and already a good reader, knowing how to sound out words. The only problem I had last night was being able to hear her. We are situated at tables for two in a room with 36 other tutors and their assigned child. Even though most are speaking softly, I still had to strain to hear her little voice. I will post a photo of her in a few weeks, but want her to feel comfortable with me before I do. This will be a growing year for me, but hopefully I will be able to make a difference in her life and her family's life.

New Canary

I got a new canary today. It may seem too soon, but I really don't like living alone. Even though I have been busy this week and haven't been home that much, I dislike coming into an empty house. The one I found is a frosted yellow ~ light yellow feathers with white tips and a white tail. He is very beautiful. Now, what to name him? I'm tossing around these: Caruso, Giovanni, Pavarotti, Fidelio, Peppi, and Sweetie. What do you think?

Monday Update: I haven't heard him sing yet, so will be checking with the pet store to see what they think as far as letting him settle into his new abode. I definitely want a singer. Also, Peppi is the name I have given him.

It's Been a Very Busy Month

Sometimes we get over-booked. That seems to be my pattern for the month of September. I don't recall a month where I've had so many activities. Actually, now that I think about it, things were busy in August too. [deep sigh.] I'm not complaining, just hoping to have more free time in October.

Today was very special. It started with a run through of our Christmas music for our choir Christmas concert at Wooddale - December 7, 8, 9. My favorite music is Christmas music -- I start listening to my personal favorite Cd's on Thanksgiving Day and continue playing them until the first or second week of January. Tickets for the concert go on sale in two weeks, so if you think you want to attend and want me to order your tickets, please let me know so I can get good seats for you. You won't be disappointed. This is going to be the best ever!

After rehearsal, I got to have lunch with Aurelia, Sarah and Peder. Aurelia slept most of the time, but that didn't stop me from holding her. She is so sweet - sometimes yawning, sometimes smiling, or wrinkling her face. She is very expressive. Sarah had her dressed so cute, including the new leggings she made her. Peder and Sarah are doing fine. Parenthood fits them very well.

Fun Day at Work ~ Photo Shoot

Prior to yesterday, I had been invited to accompany one of my company's book cover designers, Jenny, to a photo shoot at a photography studio near downtown Minneapolis. Jenny's assignment was to contract a model, photographer, and a make-up/hair stylist, plus rent costumes from the Guthrie Theater, and then direct the pre-mentioned people in arriving at the best possible poses for 5 upcoming fiction book covers. Jenny is a gifted designer, with a very sweet personality to boot. I was so honored to be asked to go along with her to help out where necessary.

We got there around 9:30 and immediately Jenny and I went into action. I began pressing costumes. She directed the make-up/hair stylist with the ideas she wanted used for each of the covers and in turn, that lady, Tessie, began her magic on the actress, Amber. Now Amber was excellent to work with, as she is a professional actress and singer in the Twin Cities. She just finished being the understudy for the actress for Jane Eyre at the Guthrie , but has starred in many plays and performances. She is just beautiful - 5' 8", with lovely chestnut brown eyes and hair. The stylist had to make her appear 13 years old for the first book cover; 19 for the second; 24 years old for the third; and finally 28 for the fourth. When fully made up and costumed, she stepped into the photography space and began her slow movements, using her eyes, chin, lips, etc. to show many, many moods and looks. The photographer just clicked and clicked away, taking direction from Jenny. By end of day, he had taken more than 500 shots of the different costumed actress/model. I don't envy Jennifer's job of choosing just the right photo for each of the 5 covers. But she is very good and I know they will be beautiful.

I'm including a few photos I took to remember the day. Rachel, this whole experience made me wonder if the process was similar to the ones you had when Josiah and Annika were models.

Bocelli

It is with sadness that I report Bocelli died yesterday, 6 months to the date since he came to live with me. He had been feeling poorly for some time, so perhaps he had some sort of bird disease that I was not aware of him having. He hadn't sung or chirped since about May. I'm taking it as a blessing, as I never wanted him to be suffering.

Paramount Theater Restored

The Paramount Theatre - completely restored.

One of the balconies.

Sample of gorgeous stenciling on ceiling.

Zumbro Valley Sweet Adelines; Janet to left of conductor.

Lobby

Donna, self, Geri

When I was a little girl, my home town of Austin, Minnesota, had two movie theaters: the Paramount Theatre and the State Theater. They were across the street from one another. While I cannot recall what the State Theater looked like on the inside, I have vivid memories of the Paramount Theater, as it was a very special, unusual structure -- both inside and outside. You see, it was an "atmospheric" theater, designed to resemble the courtyard of a Spanish castle. On the inside walls of the theater were little balconies and windows; the ceiling done to resemble the midnight sky, complete with little lights implanted appearing like stars and planets. It had a balcony with two circular staircases. It was a grand building.

The lobby had a candy counter. The restrooms were in the lower level. The painted trim along the ceiling beams and around the doors were a work of art. It was just beautiful.

My earliest memory is when I was about 4 years old and my mother made my sister take me to the showing of Jack and the Beanstalk. I remember some of the film where Jack was at a beautiful castle high in the clouds which he discovered by climbing the huge beanstalk grown from his magic beans. I remember the scene where he was sitting a large banquet table, overflowing with vessels of food. Next I remember him running to get away from the giant who had discovered him at the table. He ran and ran, the giant getting closer and closer to him. Jack reached the beanstalk and began scurrying down. I was so scared and concerned for Jack, that my sister said I started screaming and took off my shoes and threw them over the balcony, trying to hit the giant. She was so embarrassed and mad at me that when we got home, she announced to my mother she was never going to take me to the movies again!

When I was old enough to go to movies unaccompanied by an older person, I remember going to movies with friends. But sometime in the mid 70's, the theatre closed with the coming of a new theatre in the local mall. Soon the building was bought and turned into a supper club, the new owners leveling out the sloping floor and painting the walls and ceiling black, red and yellow. That lasted about 10 years, and then the building was once again put up for sale.

In 1985, the Paramount was placed on the national register of historic places. In 1987, Austin Area Commission for the Arts was formed to restore it to its 1929 glory. A lot of work went into restoring this theatre. Through the help of the Minnesota Historical Society and generous donors, many volunteer hours went into fixing plaster, brickwork, replacing seats and repainting the inside.

The ceilings were painted black, red and yellow during the bar era. John Durfey, local artist recovered the original stencil patterns and colors, and had to go layer by layer with special solvents and at times using q-tips to find them. You’ll find figures of dogs, winged creatures along with different Spanish designs. It took him close to three years to unearth the original designs and to repaint them.

Last night was the first opportunity I have had to attend a performance at the restored theatre. My sister's Sweet Adeline's chorus performed as guests of a male barbershop chorus. Several members of my family and a couple of my friends, sat in the 5th row enjoying the concert. Oh, the memories that came back to me. After the concert, I walked to the lower level to have one more look. There on the wall was a framed photo that I knew I had seen before. It was a picture of about 100 young boys who were paper boys for the local news paper, standing and sitting on the curb in front of the Paramount Theatre. The caption read something like this "Local paper boys are treated to a free movie." Sitting in the front row, almost in the center, was my brother.

~~ Aurelia ~~

A beautifully done video of my new granddaughter, Aurelia can be seen here. This happens to be Sarah's father's blog. Sarah has so many talents ~ among them is her artistic filming. I know I'm prejudiced, but isn't this video adorable!

Beverly Lewis Pays a Visit to the Midwest

Bethany House Publishers top author, Beverly Lewis, is currently touring the Midwest with the release of her latest book, The Parting. Beverly writes of the Amish, having grown up in Lancaster County and having a grandmother who left the Old Order Amish and faced being shunned from her family. I became friends with Beverly this past year and a half or so, and was happy to know she was going to include Minnesota on her tour. Yesterday she got to meet my sister and sister-in-law in Rochester at a book signing. Today I got to have lunch with her and her husband, and later helped her a little bit at a book signing in Maple Grove. It's an honor to have this very sweet, lovely lady for a friend.

Another Delightful Visit with Aurelia

It's so nice having Aurelia live near enough that I can go to see and hold her when I have some time and it's okay with Peder and Sarah. On Saturday Peder was home alone with her as Sarah had a wedding to video. When I got there, she was sound asleep on Peder's chest, so he handed her off to me and I held her for an hour or more. She is so cuddly, stretching and squeaking now an then. She is adorable! After an hour and a half or so, she opened her very blue eyes and studied my face. She is so sweet. Her skin is soft and creamy. Her hair is light brown. She let me hold her little fingers. What a treat it is holding her. I'm so thankful she and Sarah are doing so well ~ Peder is too!

Earlier in the afternoon I attended the memorial celebration service for my dear friend Jolene's father-in-law. I had met him a year ago when Jolene invited me to join her and her family on my birthday. I found her in laws fascinating. They were both educators with years of experience both in the US and in Spain and Japan. At the memorial service, 3 of the 4 kids in the family shared some of their dear memories of their father. Everyone, without knowing what the other was going to say, said they remembered what their father asked them everyday of their lives when they came home, "How was your day today? What did you do today to make the world a better place to live?" I can't stop thinking about that question. I don't remember ever asking that question to my kids, but even so, I believe they are helping the world be a better place anyway. I know I'm going to start asking myself that question and making myself accountable. Thanks, Vern. I wish I would have gotten to know you more. Rest in peace.

My Favorite Rendition of Our National Anthem

9/11 Remembered

Today we are recalling the horrible events of 9/11. I'm sure everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing that day. For me, I walked to work that morning and talked to Aunt Ginny on my cell phone most of the walk. Arriving in my office at 7:55, Paul, one of my bosses, called me into his office to say a small plane had just hit one of the tall buildings in New York City. It was just coming over the radio, and of course, there were no clear details.

Immediately I turned on my computer and went to CNN.com where a report was just being put together. It was sketchy, but confirmed a large airliner had hit one of the two towers. There was no clear reason at this time.

I phoned Hans, who had his TV on and we stayed on the phone in disbelief - he was relating what he was seeing. I remembered we talked until a new bulletin reported the Pentagon had just been hit. His words were, "Oh my God, they've just hit the Pentagon! I've got to get to work!"

At that time in his career, Hans was a Navy recruiter, stationed in the twin cities. He hung up and then I called Heidi, who at that time was an air traffic controller in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I got her voicemail, so I hung up and dialed again, this time leaving this message, "Heidi, get up and turn on your TV. Turn on your TV!" In a few minutes I phoned her again and she told me she had gotten up and was watching the news. She was scheduled to work that day, so went to the tower. I'll let her comment on how that day played out for her and her co-workers.

Someone in our office located a small TV that many of us gathered around. We were simply glued to it. I walked home for lunch that day noticing there were absolutely no planes in the sky - atypical for where I live. I turned on my TV and had a hard time going back to the office. Like many, my eyes were seeing the footage, but my heart couldn't embrace it.

It is with much sadness that these events are recalled.

Aurelia, Sarah and Peder Visit My Office

Today was a day I have been looking forward to for some time. Peder, Sarah and Aurelia came to visit my office. It was so much fun showing them around and introducing them to my friends. Aurelia was just wonderful! I got to hold her again. She is so sweet.

I talk about my kids a lot, and have photos of them hanging in my office, but it was the first time for Peder and Sarah to visit, and my friends were so anxious to meet them. After they left, a few people told me I have such beautiful grandchildren. I already knew that! :-)

Thanks for taking time to come to my office today, Peder and Sarah. And for sharing my darling granddaughter!

P.S. Happy birthday, Hans!

The Hormel Whistle

There's a scene in the film, My Cousin Vinny, where the main characters are startled during the early morning hours by the town whistle. It always cracks me up. It's just like it was where I grew up in Austin, Minnesota, home of Hormel Foods Corporation. Growing up, I realized a whistle blew at various times during the day, warning employees it was time to wake up, get to work, go to lunch, return to work, and "call it a day." Once I heard a jewelry store on Main Street moved it's outside clock ahead or back to coincide with the Hormel whistle. When the whistle blower heard about this, he chuckled, "I set my watch by the clock on the jewelry store each morning when I drive to work."

The times for the whistle to blow are about to change.
________________________________________
An excerpt from The Austin Daily Herald. . .

Residents near the Hormel Foods Corporation's flagship plant in northeast Austin may soon notice a change, especially if they've grown accustomed to its 6 a.m. whistle toot.

Starting in the summer of 1937, the Geo. A. Hormel Company started to blow a whistle every day at 6:55 a.m., 7 a.m., 11:55 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Sometime between 1937 and recently, whistle times of 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. were added.

The whistle will now blow four times a day, according to Julie Craven, vice president of corporate communications for Hormel Foods: 7 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“The 70-year tradition of the whistle remains,” Craven said. “The decision to change the times the whistle blew was a business decision to coincide with the office hours of the Austin plant and corporate office.”

On a happier note, I got to see and hold Aurelia today. She's 10 days old now, and already she is holding her head up! She and Sarah are doing just great (so is Peder!).

Her hair -- and she has a lot on the lower back -- is a nice, chestnut brown. Her eyes are still blue. And her complexion is beautiful. She smiled at me a few times, and also squeaked. She is eating good. So, all is well.

I loved holding her and talking to her when she was awake. She slept quite a bit of the time I was there. Pat and Aunt Liz, they said to tell you the rocking cradle has been a tremendous help. They keep it right next to the computer desk.

Photos of the 35W Bridge Collapse

The bridge collapsed a month ago today. As of yesterday, the neighboring 10th Avenue bridge was opened for pedestrians and one lane of traffic each direction, so I decided to drive there today to see the remaining pieces. It is all so sad.