DakotaMainStreet homepage | Links to Dakota Territory | What's For Sale | What's New |
I add to this when I can, or when I feel
inclined. It's mostly copies of emails to my brother and sister, but I try to be interesting to everyone who reads. Rick's Blog
05.04.08 Wooden Nickel played last night at Thirsty's. It was
fun, and I got home about an hour later than I expected because the
crowd kept throwing money at us for ""One More Song!!""
Today, I'm shot.
I'm getting too old for this.
With Clay and me both working at the hospital on semi-alternating
weekends, we have a hard time booking the whole band. We can play
again on the 16th at the Moose for a Birthday Party because I was
able to swap shifts with someone else at work.
That gig is only from 7 PM - 11 PM. I wish all dances were. I'm
getting too old for this.
Last time we played was a month ago for the State Special
Olympics. That one was only from 7 PM - 9 PM.
I wish all dances were.
I'm getting too old for this.
We have a new drummer - and some new equipment. The new drummer
is kind of an interesting guy. He sculpts skull models and such for
Cabela's taxidermy mounts. He, and the new equipment are working out
just fine.
I'm replacing a pump this year before I can open the pool.
Another $400. It's always something.
The new next-door neighbors *might have an ugly bulldog, which
*might be the reason my stoopid cat refuses to go out sometimes
after sniffing the air. So, now, he throws up indoors, and, I hafta
clean his litter box.
I'm getting too old for this.
04.08.08 - Sent some dickeys off today to be in a movie. The movie is as-yet un-named and she (Sharon?) wouldn't tell me the name of the actor who's wearing them, but the Director is Sam Mendez who directed American Beauty w/ Kevin Spacey. 04.08.08 --
Bought a copy of Corn For The Palace on
the Internet. The folks used to have a copy, but Mom doesn't know
where it went. The story revolves around an Indian Boy who meets
Oscar Howe, and receives some seed to grow colored corn. Back on the
rez' he battles drought, torrential rain and marauding crows, but
finally manages to grow four perfect ears of blood-red corn. Then,
of course, no one in the family has a car with enough good tires to
get back here. In the end, he finally makes it to Mitchell to find
that the decorations are nearly complete, except for a place on
Crazy Horse' war bonnet where there is just enough room for four
blood-red ears of corn. Ta Da!!
Most people around here have never heard of the book, and I
initially bought it to put a bigger price on - and sell at the
Antique shop.
Then,
today's paper had a study saying that Mitchell should
promote more Indian-type attractions for tourists. Bill itself
as the "GateWay to the West". Tourism business has fallen off
recently, and the Doll Museum has closed. (And, The Holiday Inn
has become a Ramada.)
I remember when I was on the CP Committee, tourists would say...
"Cool! Trace Adkins was here in September. What's on tonight?" I
always thought Corn For The Palace would
make a good nitely play, with maybe even some Fed Grant money
available to employ an Indian family (actors) for the summer. I even
wrote the book's author and got her permission to adapt a play. So,
Mom and I may work on that.
08.14.07 --
I'm sad.
My BabyGirl came home from Sturgis about midnite Saturday, just
as I was getting off work, and drove away Sunday noon to
Minneapolis for school.
I told her not to drive on any bridges.
Now, both my children live too far away to bring their laundry
home. I dunno whether to celebrate or throw up.
Hospital Work is... hectic.
This must be like an airport ticketing job, where the phones
are constantly ringing, and (mostly) unhappy people are waiting
at the counter.
Except, our customers could die, if we're not quick.
I'm not sure a normal person could do it.
I seem to have jinxed the place. Three of the last six nites
I've worked, we've had "Trauma Codes". Trauma Code means the
Emergency Room is so over-whelmed that we call in extra soldiers.
Trauma Codes usually happen about once every three months.
Yesterday, I interviewed an ER PT over the "language line" -- a
two-handset gizmo that's rigged thru translators. None of the
others have ever done that.
The PT was Hispanic and has no SS # or permanent address (works
at a creamery in a little town west of here)... and the car
accident was his fault.
Bad Luck, Amigo.
08.01.07 -- Alexz and her Mom left for the Sturgis Rally this
morning. Be gone for 13 days. They have two booths out there.
Then, Alexz will move to Minneapolis. For me, that's a lot
farther away than Sioux Falls. I'm gonna be lonesome.
Yup, it's dry here. Word is... that down near Yankton
the crops look pretty good, but need rain now, and up by Huron,
the corn is already crisped like shredded-wheat. Mitchell is
right in the middle. We're supposed to have a 60% chance of rain
tonight up until 10PM... and a 40% chance after that.
Do your rain-dance for us both.
07.21.07
Consider it your Birthday and Christmas present and you
can have the guitar. It's a pretty piece.
Remember where your musical talent came from. Your Mom
couldn't sing a note.
Are you playing cover songs or your own?
Did the tape peel off the case? Glad the fret buzz was a
simple fix. I don't even know what a truss rod is. My
Gibson is maintenance-free. I haven't changed the strings
for years. They're finally starting to sound the way I want.
Our band is paralyzed, because Clay (see below) and I
never have the same weekend off.
So... I'm just finishing my sixth week at the hospital...
two weeks working days, (five people)
two weeks - 4PM till midnight. (two people)
and
two weeks - midnight till 8 (after training, you work
alone)
Strangely, I found this last 4PM - midnight shift the
hardest because I can't sleep when I get home. I lie
awake until about 5AM watching the clock... until finally --
I sleep fitfully until about noon. I've tried - the last
two nites - walking around the college (a mile) when I get
home. That helps work the kinks out.
Also, strangely, I liked the day shifts best (even tho
they start at 7:30) because I am a notoriously late sleeper.
At the hospital, I am the guy who wants to copy
your insurance card and makes you answer the same questions
you answered six months ago when you were in.
But, there are reasons.
We also generate a *lot* of paper... probably between
three and four reams each day. It will be interesting when
the hospital begins its *paperless initiative* in
mid-August. I don't think they've yet decided whether the
nurses will have computers in each patient room, or PDA-like
devices. At the Mayo, I remember computers in each room.
There's a lot to learn, because each department wants
things done *their* way. Copies for the Business Office have
be stapled *this* way, and Medical Records wants theirs
stapled *that* way. This gets filed here... unless this
happens... or sometimes...
Again, there are reasons.
The woman who started training two weeks before me is
struggling and doesn't think she can handle it. Our band's
guitar player, Clay, has been here about five months and
seems to have settled in comfortably.
I like the job and the people. I get frustrated because
there are a million things to know, and I feel like I've
only mastered a dozen of them.
I get to see a lot of people I recognize.
But, I can't tell you about any of them.
Privacy Rules!
Mom volunteers there, and I work there... we can't gossip
about anybody.
Other things...
Mitchell is dry, but we had earlier periods of
pretty-good rains. Sioux Falls is going for some kind of
*consecutive days without rain* record. So, moisture has
been spotty.
Alexz is getting ready to help her Mom in Sturgis and
then head off to Minneapolis for school.
I've accepted an offer on my house, but they have to sell
their house first.
Moving is like having kids. You're never ready.
My one tomato plant had flowers, but is now barren of all
but greenery. Not a stub of a fruit. I'm gonna pull the
sucker out by its roots.
My chives flourish.
Hugs to all,
Dad
02.11.07 Howdy,
I had my passport photo taken this week. Walgreen's - $7.99.
My old one expired in 2005, and I'll need one, sooner or later.
I go to the Post Office every day, and I stood all Christmas Season
behind people waiting to have their passports sent in for renewal. If
you've never had one before, it takes a long time, and the PO
relegates this task to the counter people - while the line of the
package-laden grows and grows. Thankfully, my passport was issued less
than 15 years ago, which allowed me to use the "short form".
So, I picked a "good hair" day and trotted into Walgreen's. She
took two photos, put the chip in the scanner and told me to pick the
best one. I looked like a convict. Worse than a Nick Nolte police
booking photo. But, probably just like I look after a long day in an
airport.
What Else?
The band played last night at Thirsty's Bar in the old ShopKo
Shopping Mall on North Main. The acoustics were great, the band
sounded good, and it's been at least a month since we played last. I
had a good time.
There were always at least a couple people dancing, and one girl
made a pretty good partner out of the support pillar in the middle of
the dance floor. Lotta people just sat there and clapped. It always
surprises me when they do that.
The Stoopid Cat is OK, if overdue for his annual feline-velociraptor
shots. He should have had them about the time I took him in for his
swollen belly in October, and the Vet said, "No sense giving him the
shots, if he's going to die anyway."
10/07/06 - A Big Day in Mitchell. Bill Clinton was in town for the dedication of the new George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Public Service. You may remember that McGovern was the unsuccessful Democratic Presidential Nominee running against Nixon in 1972. Nixon won, of course, but Watergate followed and Nixon resigned in disgrace. We should'a elected McGovern. Clinton helped run McGovern's campaign in Texas. George lives right across the street from the facility, and just four blocks from me. He is, no doubt, Mitchell's most famous son. Actor Mike Farrell (Mash) was here, as was Al Neuharth (Publisher USA Today). Long-time newsman, Sander Vanocur was the MC.
07.01.06 Yuck... I never realized so many of you people had toenail fungus! Remind me not to sleep with you, or share shoes. I might even cross to the other side of the street if I see you coming. (Like when I see someone I graduated with.) I have a diseased eMail list.
The upside, I suppose, is that most of you can still SEE your toes.
I've received several home remedies - ranging from using Walgreen's
watery athlete's foot stuff (along with sand-papering my toenail down to
the point where it starts to split - and then gluing it back together
with Super-Glue) to soaking it in warm tea of Pau
d’orco. (Now, where am I going to find fresh whale shit in this part of
the country?)
I thank you all for your advice, but I'm going to ignore all of it.
I think the eye-doctor was spot on. Digger seems to be going away. It
must'a been a stubbed toe. I just don't remember it (the stub)
happening.
Damned glad I wasn't driving the Yukon that night.
I have also followed his advice about soaking my tennies in vinegar -
which is a lot cheaper than Foot Powder - and I don't "poof" when I walk
anymore like Charlie Brown's buddy, PigPen.
Except, wherever I go, people say "Odd, do you smell pickles?"
My next problem is that I haven't been able to get my pool clear. (I
know. Prolly not a lot of sympathy here.)
Last year I started early and had a great pool summer. This year, I
wuz in Arizona when it started to get really warm, so my pool was
greener than my lawn by the time I got home. I added my chemicals and
started the filters - and then had to shut it all off so I could go to
Rochester with Mom and Dad. I've been battling it ever since. There's
plenty of chlorine so I know there's nothing growing, but it's milky
white, and I can't seem to make any headway. Last week, I caught my
neighbor sneaking over with a package of Oreos.
I liked it better last year when he sneaked over and peed in my rain
gauge. We need the rain.
Have you been following the filming of Sean Penn's (as director)
movie "Into
The Wild" in Carthage, SD? The connection is that the wanderer,
Chris McCandless, bonded with an employer in Carthage who remained his
postal mail connection until they found him (McCandless) dead in a
remote trailer in Alaska. I almost went up for the casting call last
week, but was a'fear'd (that's Cowboy talk) that they'd be filming
while our band was playing in the Hills for the Bike Rally (cheap
excuse). They had plenty of people without me. Filming started today,
for a week or so, and then in Winner for a couple days. The bulk of it
will be filmed in AK, I'd imagine. The story is by Jon Krakauer who won
critical acclaim for his book "Into
Thin Air" about the disastrous 1996 Mt. Everest Climb that killed
seven people.
Mitchell celebrates (or not) its 125th birthday this year. The new
Mayor sez the last Mayor should have scheduled a celebration or
something. The last Mayor sez... "Uhhh?"
When I get that old, I hope they ferget my birthday, too.
06.23.06 Howdy.
I made an appointment for the eye-doctor to look at my foot today. My
toenail was turning yellow, and I feared I'd become an apartment for
Digger the D... (You've seen the commercials). And, left untreated, it
didn't look good (check the Internet).
I dunno how this guy stays in business. 'Splains to me how bacteria
cover our insides and outsides, and this is a natural deal beyond any
physical or medical control. He sez "who knows what causes it, and nothing
will cure it. Some Doctors will prescribe Lamisil (You've seen the
Commercials) but it's *tough on your liver and as soon as you quit taking
it, the condition returns. All it does is line someone's pocket."
I'm getting by cheap, and believing every word he sez.
He's already spent a half hour telling me about his divorce and his
oldest kid who wants to be a writer (because he asked me what I did and I
had to tell him).
He looks at my hammer-toe which I've lived with for 10 years and sez he
doesn't believe in cosmetic surgery for feet, and if I can walk (it ain't
broke) don't fix it. That's OK, the only time it bothers me is when I go
SCUBA and it rubs on my flippers, so I wear a sock on that foot.
I'm getting by cheap, and believing every word he sez.
Then he sez he thinks I stubbed my toe and that's why it's yellow. I
sez I think I would'a remembered a stub like that, and he sez "well,
usually, people don't."
OK, so I'll I look like a raptor when I wear flip-flops. (I'm getting
by cheap, and believing every word he sez.)
Then he sez I might want to avoid slip-on penny-loafer type shooze
because they are the cause of most foot problems, and I have to admit that
when I am not wearing slip-on tennis shoes with no sox, I am wearing
slip-on tassel-loafers (I know, I know... Alexz has already told me how
dorky those are.) with no sox
For the Tennies, he said to pour a little vinegar in one and slosh it
around and into the other one and let 'em dry overnight. For the
tassel-loafers, he sez throw 'em away and get tie-ons.
I'm getting by cheap, and I'm believing every word he sez.
I'm telling you this for your own getting older.
Then, he takes me into the parking lot and shows me his real love, the
Diesel pickup he has personally converted to run on French-fry oil.
Smells good.
As for Fritz, he had a tough day today and didn't do much but sleep and
moan the whole time I was there. I wish I knew what we could do to help
him, but short of sneaking in Morphine, he's getting great care.
Hitchcock Park will be busy this weekend. It's Arts In The Park, and a
Tennis Tournament with 205 entries, and the (controversial) new $4 million
Swimming Pool has been drawing over 1000 kids each day, compared to the
108 daily average last year. As luck would have it, there's a 50% chance
of (much-needed) rain.
Alexz is going to drive a convertible in the Plankinton Parade tomorrow
for Mike Vehle (our regional legislator). I offered to do it, but Mike
likes to walk the parade and pass out mints with his campaign logo, and
sez that if a guy drives, people aren't sure who the candidate is. So, he
likes to have a sharp young lady at the wheel. (Not too stoopid, if you
know what I mean.)
Alexz is excited because she knows a lot of kids from Plank.
Maybe, I'll run her against him in the next election.
06.02.06 Dear Sister,
I missed Mom's call today. Musta been outside dancing in the yard.
She left a message saying that nothing unusual happened since her last
call. Randy phoned about 2 PM to ask how to get the hotel's wi-fi working. I
wasn't much help. He didn't mention anything either, except that the Fiksdal
has had someone working on its air-conditioning. Finally.
(John, I haven't heard from you in a spell. Drop me a note so I know that I have your new email address.) Wooden Nickel played last night in Tripp for our guitar player's parent's 50th Anniversary. Most folks were of that age and left around 10 PM, so we only played until 11. I was home a little after Midnight. Not many dancers, but they paid attention and clapped. We sounded good. We have two street dances in July, and then all week in the Black Hills over Sturgis Bike Week in early August. I'm getting too old for this. I wish all our dances were over by 11 PM.
My pool is still a little chilly which is OK, because the water
is still a little cloudy. I don't like to get in until I can see if
there are any dead things on the bottom. I had a good start cleaning the
pool but when Dad went to the Mayo last week I lost what ground I'd gained. After
his operation I'll be up there at least another week, so I'll probably
have to start clearing the pool all over again. Again.
No matter. Whatever it takes.
Unless... I can make it blue and explain to one of Alexz'
hormone-soaked boyfriends how to keep it that way. She can talk them
into mowing my lawn, but not for free. I dunno if one-of-'em can focus
on a 15-minute task twice a week. Alexz can't.
We have a state-wide primary vote on Tuesday. I'm guessing
that our infamous Abortion-Ban Bill might be undone. And, I have to decide
who to support for Governor. There might be a gay-partners marriage
question, too. We have an extraordinary number of issues to check-mark
this year. Gays? Immigrants? Drugs? I'm ready to vote. I missed the
Mayor's election in March because I was at your house & forgot all about
it.
How did your metro-transit vote go? Will I ride Tucson's new
mono-rail on my next trip?
Yer damned cat hissed and took a swipe at me, too, when I tried to
pet her. She didn't mind prancing into the room and crowing "I love you"
when she wanted to get out, but was really pissy when I tried to give her
a back scratch. Beast!
Stopped at a friend's rummage sale today. (There were 69 rummage
sales in today's paper. I stop at the ones I happen to drive past, and I
try to take various routes home. I've decided that, if (God) wants me to
have something, he'll lead me to it. Anyway... my friend has a new little
pond / waterfall (a trifle smaller than yours) in the back yard . He'd
built a water-wheel at the high point and ran his hose over that (which
made a nice water sound). He keeps it pretty well chlorinated or else it
turns green but, he has no fish. It gets full sun. He's just added his
first water plant. Said they'd earlier gathered some James River snails to
control the algae, but they either didn't live or didn't work.
How-cum you missed the Water Gardener's meeting last week? You
were ready to walk out the door when I hung up.
My lawn looks about like yours. Dry. I've decided to bite the
water bill and water it every other day, at least until I get the first
bill that takes my breath away. I've already put down fertilizer and a bag
of grass seed.
Grilled some chicken tonight and threw on some pineapple circles
(one plain, one sprinkled with cinnamon (best of the three), and one with
cayenne pepper) and a can of artichoke hearts I found in the discount cart
at the grocery. I wish I could find those big bins of "Spring Mix" like
you have in Tucson. Up here, a pound of wilted leaves in a poly bag costs
$3.99. (But our cottage cheese is cheaper, and my chives are growing like
crazy.) My grocery has *fresh* sweet-corn, but I grilled it for nearly two
hours and it was still starchy. I think 'nuking' still works the best for
corn. I'm waiting for our own local corn and tomatoes.
I might go to the
Rib-Fest in Sioux Falls tomorrow. Depends on
how hot it is. Last year I saw 'Little Texas" on the final day. This
year, they have the Discovery Mime Theatre. I think I've seen them. Oh,
well...
If I'd gone Thursday I could have seen Joan Jett and the
BlackHearts, but I knew we played Friday, and I only like to do one *big
thing* each week.
It costs $4 to get in and $5 for a "three bone" sample plate from
one of the six or seven vendors. Coleslaw, beans, corn, etc. are optional
and extra. I usually sample three of the vendors, and I skip Famous Dave's
because they have a place in Sioux Falls and I've been there.
Most BBQ festivals cook for the judges, and unless you're a member
of a *cooking crew*, you don't get to taste the good stuff. (Cabela's had
one of these last year and - with no promotion because it was only open
to judges - was poorly attended. I happened to drive by on my way to Wal*Mart.
The cookers' were disappointed in the lousy turn-out. On their website,
Cabela's called it the ""SD State BBQ Championship"".) The only award in
Sioux Falls is "the People's Choice Award" and ribs are cooked all day for
sale. Everyone gets a ticket to vote when they walk in.
What a novel (makes sense) idea.
Last year, the
Desperados took my vote and the Award and
I'll eat their ribs again. I'm just trying to decide if it's worth the
gas money to drive over.
I'll keep you posted.
Hugs to all,
Rick
06.02.06 Hi Smileycat. Good to hear from you again.
The quest for a Corn Palace Museum has taken a giant step forward. The
City sold the old Carnegie Library Building to the Historical Society for
$1. It's built of heavy Sioux Quartzite blocks. During the WPA days
Oscar Howe, the noted Lakota artist, painted a circular mural in the
dome of the building. After the library moved to a new building, it became
the home of the Oscar Howe Art Center. The Art Center joined with the
Friends of the Middle
Border Museum in their new building on the college campus, and the YWCA
lived in the old library for a couple years, until they figgered out how
much it was costing them to heat the place. It's been empty for a year.
It will be a big challenge for the Historical Society, but the Genealogy
Club has become involved and also a group of locals were were fearful that
the building might have been demolished. They are presently researching
grant monies and talking to folks with an interest (and deep pockets).
Here's a link to the text version of a news story one of the Sioux Falls
TV stations did on the recent transfer.
http://www.keloland.com/News/EyeonKELOLAND/NewsDetail4790.cfm?Id=0,47400
SD gets in the news for all the wrong reasons. Usually, because we pay
our teachers the poorest in the nation. Or, because the Indians have camped
on some plot of Public Forest Service Land. Or, because the
big concrete
tower we try to blow up doesn't topple. Lately, because they think that
religious child-molester guy on the Top-10-wanted list might be holed up in
his hide-out near Pringle in the Black Hills.
The Abortion Ban Bill will be on the primary election ballot next
Tuesday. There's a great chance that it will be undone.
My pool is still a little chilly which is OK, because it's still a little
cloudy. I had a good
start on cleaning the pool, but had to take my dad to the Mayo Clinic in
Rochester for heart surgery. We were there for a week including the Memorial
Day weekend, and I lost what ground I'd gained. Now, his operation is
scheduled for the 12th of June, and I'll be up there at least another week.
So, I'll probably have to start clearing the pool all over again. Again.
No matter. Whatever it takes.
I spent 5 weeks in Tucson babysitting my sister's house (and dog and cat
and fish and plants) while they were in India. Thankfully, it wasn't too hot
while I wuz there. He's from New Dehli and he has Parkinson's so this might
very well be his last trip home.
My band played last night for a 50th Anniversary. We have a couple street
dances in July, and then all week in the Black Hills over Sturgis Bike Week.
My wonderful, but ditzy daughter graduated from High School two weeks
ago. Her plan is to attend tech-school an hour away in Sioux Falls for their
UltraSound Program. I'm OK with that. Sounds like a good entry point into
the health-care business without getting your hands bloody. My house will be
much *neater* once she's gone. I can't believe the mess she's able to
create in the short times she's home.
Hey Sis, (and John and Randy)
Mom was telling me about a kid's cookbook you have with a velvet cake
recipe, made with Bisquik? She has the recipe, but what's the cookbook?
I'd look on eBay for her. She mentioned she'd like a copy.
Our T-Day was pleasant and uneventful. Alexz and I went to Gramma's
house (I'd invited them here, but their dietary needs don't mesh, and they
declined). I was going to borrow Wes Pierson's deep-fat turkey fryer... I
had bird fixed that way once, and it's very, very tasty, and not dry.
Besides... Dad expects dressing. I offered Coleslaw.
Alexz ate a pittance (she works out three days a week), and I was
fairly controlled. (It's hard to be *controlled* when Mom cooks.)
I've lost touch with Victor Lynne. My earlier emails bounced back
"mailbox full" and now they come back "user unknown". He said they were
moving into town and Moo was going to open a Thai Restaurant, which has
always been her dream. I need to get back in touch, because I want
to drive up there in the next spring or two. Trans-Canadian Highway and
all...
I don't suppose you've heard from him?
Thanks for the books! I love to read at night before bed.
I'm sending you Jim McLaird's book on Calamity Jane. It's *not a
*Christmas present but an attempt to help and encourage a Mitchell author.
(Note to John: Happy Birthday!)
I copied "Old Blevens" and "Cheap Illegal Whores on Drugs" (or
whatever) and will send them to Wes and Clay and John. We NEVER practice
new songs, unless it's the premier song for a wedding dance. Otherwise,
people request songs, and Clay tells us what key they're in, and we play
them. He knows EVERYTHING recorded in the last 100 years (music director
for the radio station). And, we've all played long enough so that we just
"know" where the song is going.
We prefer (specialize in) songs requested on bar napkins with money
attached.
Cheesy, but it works, as long as one of us knows the words. (Later in
the night, we depend on the *audience to know the words.)
I'm OK with no Christmas cards. Besides, what are you going to tell me
in a card that I don't already know. Hell, I don't send cards or even
put up a tree, but I will throw some multi-coloreds on the bushes in front
of my house, 'cause I like the way they look under the snow.
Like little Alien landing-craft.
Alexz got up at 5:30 this morning (Friday-after-Thanksgiving) to be at
Menard's for a clothes hamper that looks like a duck.
For $6...
She said there were only a few left. You'd have thought it was an
XBox 360
I've taught my stupid cat how to say Me(OUT), when he wants to go out.
Now, if I could only teach him to say "food" and "water".
Howdy, 07/18/05 Mike Randall and I arrived at
the Jameson Unit (Maximum Security Division) After we exchanged our driver's licenses for clip-on visitor's tags, Surprisingly, the entire building is tobacco free. (Even though you may
be on death-row, they're not going There are about 500 inmates in the Jameson Unit. 7% of SD is Indian, Inmates wear brown short-sleeve v-neck shirts, and pants with INMATE
stenciled on both legs. For the pipe ceremony, we all sat cross-legged in a circle on blankets
too thin to keep my ankles Each pipe carrier filled his pipestone bowl with a mixture of red willow
bark and kinnikinik, Mike goes over every week as a member of the M2 program (kinda like the
Big Brother Program) After the ceremony, they brought in sack lunches of bologna sandwiches,
an apple, chips, milk There is a single bathroom for the public, but the inmates use an open
bathroom at one end of the gym. I The pow-wow started at one. Only four of the inmates have managed to put
together dance regalia. Strangely, if immediate family members are on an inmate's "permanent
visitor list", they are not allowed During Pow wow, visitors are escorted in or out at 12:30, 4 PM, or 8 PM
only (prison rules). The next pow wow is in October, and I told Mike I'd like to go back. Sunday, I drove to Flandreau's Pow wow, hoping to learn more about the
four-day AIM Sun Dance Instead of an Indian taco (ingredients piled on fry bread)
which requires a place to sit with your plate, I decided Wrong! A walking taco is a personal-sized cellophane bag of nachos
with the top torn open And, again, only Pepsi. Indians must prefer the sweetness of Pepsi. There wasn't a Coke for sale at any of the dozen food booths. Today, I did receive an answer to my eMail from the Chief Ranger at the
Pipestone Monument Thursday, we flew a balloon over the Rodeo grounds for the Rodeo
committee who wanted pictures Our wedding dance in Yankton went REALLY WELL, and we play next at the Mitchell Am Legion on the 29th. Julie is taking Alexz to visit a couple college campuses tomorrow and
Wednesday. Mowed my lawn tonight, because the neighbors were starting to give me dirty looks. Hugs to all, Howdy, 07/08/05 I spent July 4th weekend exploring the three Indian Reservations in the northern part of South Dakota. I never made these trips when I wuz married because Julie wasn't
interested at all in this kind of stuff. Actually, I prefer traveling alone. I meet more interesting folks. I hardly ever listen to SD Public Radio during the week, because they
buy cheap programming... Da Da Dum, Da Da Dum, Da Da Dum Dum Dum! I thought it was an appropriate send-off. The Sisseton-Wahpeton
Pow-wow is the longest continually running event in South Dakota (138
years), I saw some Indians with cameras and figured it was OK to take
pictures, so I snapped five rolls. Surrounding the tent were a dozen food booths selling Indian Tacos (my
supper), fry-bread, When the Dancers broke for dinner, I hiked up the
Nicollet
Tower (see three states!), The directional signs leave a lot to be desired, and I drove right
past the turn-off four times. and drove on to
Fort Sisseton, one of the few territorial forts still featuring its
original buildings. Saturday, I went back to the Nicollet Center and spent a couple hours
(and $80 on books) Then, I drove to Britton - 20 miles - to see the
Prayer Rock,
with Indian hieroglyphics, Then, back to the Pow-wow to watch the finals of the dance
competitions, Sunday, I drove to Mobridge. I took my time and listened to tapes. It's flat in that part of the state. FLAT! After I settled into a motel, I went to the Sacagawea Learning Center,
which is listed in the tour book, Sitting
Bull’s grave is on a river bluff near Mobridge. The town stole his bones
back from If you're ever in Mobridge, the Klein Museum is worth the $3
admission. Mobridge had an annual three-day RODEO CELEBRATION which I skipped,
Monday, the 4th, I followed Lewis & Clark’s Trail downriver via Hiway
1804, and home. And, wouldn’t you know it... as I pulled into my driveway, three of my
neighbors Hugs to all,
Howdy... 06.12.05
After my last 'Howdy' about spending the weekend on the Pine Ridge
Reservation,
I was invited by one of my *readers* to join him on July 16th in the Maximum Security Division of the SD State Pen for an Indian Pipe Ceremony and Pow-Wow. He goes every week as part of his church's ministerial association.
Of course, I'm going.
I'll keep you posted.
Send snorkels... I've registered over 10" in my rain gauge
since last Saturday. Either that, or my neighbor has been peeing in my rain gauge again. I love rainy days, and hope we're not using our July and August allotment. We're supposed to get 21" annually.
My lawn is lush. I've had to pump my pool down twice.
All my neighbors have riding mowers, and it seems they mow every other
god-damned day...
Christ! Get a life! Read a book! Sleep late! Watch some friggin TV!
I've never lived in a neighborhood where the
most important thing
in your life is your grass.
I'll re-phrase that.... your *lawn*.
I mow when I expect that the city will ticket me for "harboring a public
nuisance"
or the neighbors might start a petition.
Last year, I received a notice because my gas meter was overgrown by
Spirea.
Oh well...
Alexz is home from NY... had a great time.
Her fave was the Renaissance
Theater Dinner, and the Coney Island Freak Show (go figger!).
Hugs to all,
Howdy... 05.29.05 It was an interesting Memorial Day weekend. I told you I'd been invited
to Selo Black Crow's
After the Sundance two years ago, the only times I'd seen Selo were
either at the Hospital here, or at Jolene's (his white hunka-daughter).
I'd go visit nearly every day, and listen to his stories. At the
hospital, he'd want me to get him into his wheelchair and roll him outside
so he could smoke. At Jolene's, he'd want me to take him for a ride around
the lake or somewhere (so he could smoke). Evidently, it was because of
this, that I was invited to attend, and receive a gift.
I asked Alexz (but she had to work) and Lori Holmberg, the Director of the
Friends of the Middle Border Museum - Oscar Howe Center to go along (she'd met
Selo and Jolene, but she had to work, too).
Anyway, I woke up in the middle of Friday night and realized that as long
as I was going that far, and didn't have to be back for anything, I could
spend a couple days looking around the reservation. I've always wanted to see
Wounded Knee and
Pine Ridge, but we were always in a hurry to either *get* to
the Black Hills, or get *back* from the Hills. I threw a change of clothes in
a bag and took off about 8:30.
Jolene told Wes that I should be there about noon.
Even the Indians joke about Indian time. I could have slept another couple
hours.
A dozen of us went out to Selo's gravesite (maybe ten miles away) to the
top of the hill overlooking Selo's Sundance grounds. The
Sicangu Warriors
performed a color-guard military ceremony. I wish I could have taken pictures
but cameras are not allowed.
Back at Crazy Horse School, about 200 people had gathered... maybe a couple
dozen of us white. They'd fixed a nice lunch of buffalo, potatoes, corn,
and three desserts. And frybread, lots of frybread. I saw people coming back
to the tables with bowls of tripe (buffalo intestines), and the woman across
from me said it was considered good Indian medicine, but I never saw anyone
eat any, and I think most of it was left on the tables.
After lunch, Jolene, Sylvester (Selo's cousin), Sara Standing Bear
(Sylvester's sister) and Willard (Selo's son) went to the front and began the
give-away. I suppose maybe 30 people were called individually to come forward,
one at a time... just four of us white. I received a patchwork quilt that
Sara Standing Bear said she'd made, and I accepted a printed Indian blanket
for Wes. Then, they gave away tubs of plastic toys and Tupperware to the kids
and others who hadn't been called up individually.
It was over about 5 PM, so I hopped in the car and drove slowly to Interior
on the edge of the Badlands. There's one motel, one bar and a cafe. I figured
there'd be no wireless Internet in the room when I saw there wasn't even a TV.
Glad I'd thought to throw in a good book. Before bed, I drove to a secluded
spot, listened to the meadowlarks and watched the sun go down over the
Badlands.
Spectacular, and peaceful.
Next day, I drove the southern route to Scenic (it isn't) then down through
Porcupine. I had a good audio book from the library, took my time, and stopped
several times to take pictures that will probably never interest anyone but
me. Most reservation places are pretty bleak, but I suppose anyone who looks
for old derelict cars to renovate would consider it a goldmine. I stopped at
the Wounded Knee Memorial, which is still a present-day working cemetery.
Lotta plastic flowers, teddy bears and the occasional beer bottle left
in Memorial Day salute.
Then, on to Pine Ridge, which is a pretty good-sized town. I drove the two
miles to White Clay, Nebraska, where the Indians get their liquor because
there is none on the Rez. It's supposed to be one of the most lethal two-mile
stretches in the US, because of the drunk Indians walking (and falling asleep
in the roadway) and the drunk Indians driving. The border isn't even marked
with a state-line sign... just one telling you that you're leaving a 'brand
inspection area'.
Pine Ridge does have a really nice 24-7 Shell gasoline station (Big Bat's)
with a food court that would put some malls to shame. I ordered BBQ'd
spare-ribs, (they also have pulled pork, and smoked brisket) but they're only
available on weekdays, and it was Sunday.
Settled for a mushroom-Swiss burger and fries. Food-wise, it was not a
healthy weekend.
Love and Hugs to all,
Rick
01.04.2005
Howdy, Y'all...
We had a great time on the Waco trip.
Sunday - Left about 9:30 AM... stayed overnight in McPherson, KS... Had
free cable internet in the room...
There's not much else to do in McPherson.
Day 2 - arrived Waco about 4 PM...
Alexz is a good driver... OK for her, she slept while I wuz driving. When
*she was driving, *I was wide-awake... Are we still on the right road?... Are
you awake?.... It's a Dad thing.
Although I was thinking about some face-to-face time in the car (Read: Are
you sleeping with your boyfriend??) we had a nice, chatty, non-stressful trip.
(Read: learned nothing.)
John picked us up for dinner. Windee's Lexus has 3 rows of seats, so we
were all able to ride together the rest of the trip, which made everything a
lot easier.
Day 3 - Alexz and I walked the Baylor Campus (right X the street) while we
waited for them to pick us up. Though the buildings were all locked for the
holidays, you can see it's a beautifully maintained campus with a lot of
money. Went for good ol' Texas BBQ (brunch), and later, downtown across
the suspension bridge to a Mexican place in the renovated warehouse district
for dinner.
John's kids are soooo well behaved. Syd is eight and Paige is four. They
never get loud, and are a delight to be around. They latched onto Alexz right
away, and she was great with them. They live in a twin-home (with no
neighbor) in a subdivision of Hewitt so new that it's not even listed on
MapQuest yet... cows in their backyard.
Days muddled...
Prolly, the most interesting thing we did was visit the Branch Davidian
compound. Not many go there (we were the only car) (even though, when you say
you're going to Waco, that's the first thing people mention). Got rough
directions, and then asked some guy working on his truck in the general
vicinity for details.
About a dozen people still live there, and they have reconstructed the
church on the original site. There's a tiny museum with burnt dolls and bikes
and such, and you can walk the entire complex. Marble markers and trees
commemorate the 183 - 7th Day Adventists who died. There are no directional
signs (according to the guy in the museum) because the Government and the
College kids keep stealing them.
Bought a book and video.
Sydnee didn't sleep well that night... worried about the people in the
*fire*. But, Alexz got interested in the book.
Dr. Pepper Museum wuz OK, but we were hoping to see a working
plant...instead, lotta old bottles and ancient capping machines. Not even free
pop at the end.
Drove to Crawford (twenty miles?) to see how close we could get to the
Ranch when Bush was in town... not very... maybe a mile and a half, but an
interesting Texas country drive.
H-E-B Grocery (John will manage their new Burleson, TX store when
completed) is the kind of business you'd run if you were making enough money
to afford it. Each store has three or four kiosks (each with 24-hour full-time
chef). (John's Deli-chef cooked breakfast for Pres. Bush the day before.)
One day, went to Austin, where HEB has a Central Market (12-store
sub-division). No Wheaties or Tide... but 15 different kinds of fresh
mushrooms, twenty trays of different fresh olives, and more kinds
of fresh-to-grind coffee than my food store has wine. Everything fresh and
Organic. Like a Mexican Market. Remarkable.
Coming home... (Friday noon) - Alexz suggested we drive straight through,
and save the $50 motel (I'll drive, Dad.... I'll drive...). So we did.
Arrived 3:30 AM ... Good thing. Next day's roads were slick with ice.
Listening to John's new CD at midnight, New Years.
How much better can it get??
Love, and Hugs to All,
Rick Geyerman
Howdy. Our cat is back.
I suppose you didn't know he was gone, but he
disappeared a month ago. We drove the neighborhood looking for familiar
hair-of-roadkill but didn't even see a dead squirrel. We thought maybe Animal
Control picked him up. He wasn't a very friendly animal. If you held him, he'd
piss and moan and struggle until you let him go. On his annual trip to the vet
he'd turn into a snarling devil of teeth and hind-claws. *Sometimes* he'd come
and rub against your leg if his food dish was empty. Julie was pissed at him
because he'd wake her half a dozen times each night at the bedroom door to the
deck. Let me in. Let me out. Let me in. Let me out. If we closed the bedroom
door, he'd *pound* on it until we let him in. There wasn't a room we could put
him in that we couldn't hear him yeowling all night.
I mentioned to Alexz that I hadn't seen *her*
cat (like she *ever* fed or cleaned up after him) for a couple days and she
said, "Can we get a puppy?"
At any rate, we decided *not* to go to Animal
Control to look. I think they put them to sleep if unsuccessful at adopting
them out. The girls didn't seem to care, so I figured I'd save the $100 bail
money. I started telling people we'd *murdered* our cat by not rescuing him
from the city pound.
I know this sounds awful to you people who
adore your cats. I will mail him to the first person who calls me bad names.
Things settled back to normal for about three
weeks. Then, we discovered a kitten hanging around. Little scrawny grey kitty
with evil yellow eyes. Julie fed him and he ate like he hadn't for weeks, but
we decided he wasn't ever coming in. No shots. No neutering. No de-clawing
bills. We did leave the garage cracked open a bit and Julie threw some old
towels out in the corner. For three days, the food disappeared but we didn't
see much of the kitten. Then, the food stopped disappearing. Good, I hope the
kitten found his way home.
Yesterday, the food was gone again. Julie went
to the garage to see if the kitten was back, and there was Hippy.
Dunno where he's been for a month. He's thin,
but not straggly, and seems to be genuinely glad to be home... i.e. will rub
against your leg even if his food bowl is not empty.
Three nights now, so far, so good. But, I have
a feeling that if he starts waking Julie, he'll be going back to Animal
Control. (Are you listening, cat?)
Either way, Alexz is not getting a dog.
In other news...
An 89 year old Minnesota deer hunter mistook a
girl on her pony for a deer and shot the pony. I later read
that the state suspended his license for a
year.
Great. In two years - WHEN HE'S 91 - they're
gonna give him his gun back. (Waddaya mean SUV? I could'a swore that roof rack
was antlers!)
Life is so strange.
Happy Holidays to you all.
Rick
We're still here and doing fine. (Those of you who have suggested Saw
Palmetto should know that it only works if you still *have* a prostate to
shrink.)
I went to Wal*Mart last night and bought an electric blanket for my bed out in the screen porch. I've been sleeping out there since April 15th, but now the temps have started to drop into the 40's. This will make it a little easier to crawl in at night. I wonder how long into the winter I'll be able? Julie and I both sleep better this way. I like the chill air, and she prefers *toasty*. Besides, she snores. Piper Jaffrey sponsored hors d'ouevres and entertainment last week for all their investors who've lost a third of their portfolio in the tumbling markets. I only have a pittance with them, but that's been reduced to a smidgen. The food was OK, and the entertainment was terrific. Pat Donahue was the national 1983 finger-picking champion and is a regular on Prairie Home Companion. There are two songs on his website. I can't seem to hear them, but if you can, you'll enjoy them - especially the one about Kirby Puckett - *Touch 'em All*. (How hard can it be to rhyme with Puckett?) Then Monday, Mike Vehle called and said he had two bank tickets to the Concert Series, so we saw the Barbary Coast DixieLand Band - also regulars on Prairie Home Companion. Saturday, Wooden Nickel played at Mooner's Bar, and a number of our *regular group* came to hear us for the first time. Thankfully, we sounded pretty good, and they left before things got out of control. That's one of those places where (after too many drinks) some in the band begin to equate *loud* with *sounding good*. Sunday, I went to the Tribal Arts Show in Sioux Falls. Those Indians have learned well from the white man, and value their beadwork pretty highly. But, it gives me a comparison for shopping on eBay. Alexz is typically 14, pushing the envelope every chance she gets. She bought a set of drums on eBay and will start Saturday lessons as soon as Tennis and marching band (flute) quit tying up her weekends. Found a Dooney & Bourke purse at a rummage sale a couple weeks ago for $3, and then a week later spotted another at a different place. What are the odds? I grabbed it to check the interior, and it contained a billfold, sunglasses and the usual wad of gum wrappers and dirty kleenex. I got a nasty look from its owner at the other end of the table. A wonderful, chilly, rainy night. I'm gonna go turn on my new blankie now. Hoping you all are well,
Howdy,
I am beginning to have issues with some of
Alexz' teachers.
Her Science teacher told her that when they
first started making Total breakfast cereal, there was trouble with the
machinery, and loose metal filings got into the boxes. Rather than fix the
machines, they just added the words "NOW WITH ADDED IRON" to the packaging. He
said if you took a magnet and swirled it in a box of Total, you'd get metal
filings.
I have a magnet and I bought a box of Total at
the grocery tonight. If I don't find metal filings, I'm going to have his
head.
Her Consumer Business teacher has been
teaching the class that there is never a reason to pay for name brands and
that buying generic is always the best option. Today, she had them watch a
movie on Wal*Mart and the whole class had to write an essay tonight on the
history and goodness of Sam Walton and his company. With her mother's urging,
Alexz found a "Wal*Mart sucks" website and liberally sprinkled her essay with
tibits of how Wal*Mart has destroyed America's small towns, put companies out
of business, been fined for selling below cost to drive out competition, and
has contributed to the decline of uniqueness in the country.
This is not sour grapes. Our business has been
UP 7% since Wal*Mart came to town. Sadly, though, a lot of businesses can't
say the same. Alexz will probably fail the essay, but her mom says she doesn't
care. In fact, there is an FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) breakfast
in the morning to which we have been invited. This teacher is the FBLA leader.
Julie is going to the breakfast with her guns loaded. I'm going to sleep in.
Teacher will have her hands full with Julie.
Otherwise... we have snow - only a little and
it's melted from the pavement already, but it will raise hell with the farmers
trying to get the rest of their crops in, and the roofers who are still trying
to get the hail damaged roofs repaired. Lotta yards will have stacks of new
shingles on their front lawns all winter.
I'm still camping on the screen porch. I turn
my electric blankie on high and snuggle in and watch my breath until I fall
asleep. The only bad part is, it's too cold to read.
Alexz spends every spare minute with David,
who is only an 8th grader and three feet tall. I dunno what she sees in him.
Maybe it's for the best. A *college* boy came over and helped her install the
stereo speakers in her trunk. Ak! She'll be 15 in two weeks.
We drove to the Casino in Flandreau last
Saturday to watch the regional competitions of the Colgate Country Music
Showdown. I was a judge at the state contest and I wanted to cheer on our
entry. Julie would'a spent the 3 quarters she found in her pocket but we
honestly couldn't find an open slot machine. The money that flows into those
places! Make me an Indian and declare my yard a reservation.
Rick
Howdy,
We've been busy getting Julie ready for the Sturgis Bike Rally. She left
this morning with a truckload of jewelry and a folding table tied to the top
of the Yukon like a surfboard. She'll be there two weekends and the week
between, in the vendor's tent in the parking lot of the Rushmore (Rapid
City) Mall. She recruited Danielle (niece) from Connecticut for the week,
and friend Dana and her daughter are going to help set up. Alexz has
band every night next week, so we'll drive out Thursday night after band.
Then, she and I will come back home Saturday. Wooden Nickel plays Saturday
night and Alexz goes to band camp in Iowa at noon on Sunday.
The doctor removed the catheter Thursday. God, I'm glad to have that
octopus off my leg. I have graduated to dribble pads for a week or so. The
tube they stick up your dick is as big as a pencil, so I suppose it takes a
while for that to shrink up again. Apologies to the squeamish.
Alexz bought a set of drums on eBay. She was frustrated at the set we
borrowed because it was missing a tom-tom and the crash cymbal had been
split, welded, and split again. She has great rhythm, and could be a killer
drummer. If she has as much fun with that set of drums as I've had with my
bass guitar over the years...
108 one day last week, and humid. I don't remember rain, and they tell
me the fields in the country are awash with grasshoppers. Then it hailed. We
suffered damage to our cars as did most of the town. Suddenly, every vacant
lot and car dealer has sprouted a striped tent and banners offering paintless-dent-repair. There
must be a hundred different companies.
Mitchell *looks* festive, anyway. Like a misplaced Arts-In-The-Park.
Then, last night it got down to 55. Downright chilly out in the porch.
Hope you all are well.
late Saturday, June 22, 2002
Alexz is driving. Only until 8 o'clock, but the principle is the same.
(Those of you who remember her toddling will be feeling old now.)
We bought her a '99 Ford Escort with a lot of highway miles but
immaculately cared for. Dual air-bags... Red... Cheap. I guess our
rationale was that we'd rather have her driving, than riding helplessly in
the backseats of her idiot friends. Amazingly, her insurance is only $20
month. I was expecting worse.
She's a cautious driver, and normally has an impatient convoy trailing
and trying to pass, as she scrupulously drives exactly the speed limit.
We borrowed a pittance - mostly because I wanted Alexz to get the
feeling for making *payments* and feeling *ownership* and so that she can
start building credit history. I called 4 banks to get the lowest rate -
6.49% with direct withdrawal from an existing account - but when we went
to do the deal, it cost over 15% - counting the "loan origination fee"
($75) and "minimum interest" charges ($60). Shysters.
The weatherman tells me we are dry. About the only time I get to visit
with the neighbor kid is when we're both out in the front yard admiring
the wind and lightning of an approaching storm. I haven't seen him hardly
at all this whole spring.
Tomorrow, the days turn shorter. Why wasn't today the hottest day of
the summer? Why are the hottest days in July and August?
Julie will rent booth space under the big tent in the Rapid City Mall's
parking lot during the Sturgis Bike Rally. I think it's an excuse to show
off her thin black Harley halter, but she's convinced that she can sell
some stuff, and is making a special trip to New York for goods. She's
recruited Alexz and a niece, and about 60 friends to help her.
I rummaged today. Surprisingly, I manage to find things even after the
dust of the first herd has settled. I've run with that early crowd, and I
bruise too easily. I figure if God wants me to find it, it will still be
there at noon when I am. God has let me find some fairly interesting
things.
I sell them on eBay.
We have our own religious scandal right here at First Lutheran. The
very popular Junior Pastor was abruptly terminated by the dour Senior
Pastor, and the Bishop, because Junior Pastor (recently divorced) may have
had consensual sexual contact (but not intercourse) with a single woman
(not a member of the church) he was dating. The congregation does not take
this nearly as seriously as the Bishop, and voted 3 to 1 not to
accept Junior Pastor's *resignation letter*. There'll be a showdown.
Julie thinks we ought to rename the Middle School (how inspiring) to
the McGovern Middle School. We passed the opt-out so they probably have
money for the new letters. I think it's a great idea. George lives right
across campus from us, but I never see any activity around the place.
I moved a bed onto the screen porch a month ago, and sleep out there
every night. I read as late as I want and thrash about as much as I need.
I nod off to the wind in the trees, and the soothing hiss of the tires on
the Interstate. In the morning, I wake to rooster crow and donkey bray
from the last farm left between here and Cabella's. Julie insists I
snore, and now that she's getting a good night's rest, her mood has
improved.
A week ago, we had a ring of bird shit all the way around the pool and
I was in the market for a BB gun. I supposed birds came to drink, and in
the process, made room for a little at the other end. Then, I
discovered that the blackbirds were actually bringing this litter by
beak (surely, removing baby poop from the nest) and dropping it before
they drank. Now that the nests are empty, my elimination problem has been
eliminated. Thus endeth our Natural History lesson for tonight.
Alexz is home. I can go to bed.
04.23.02
Howdy
I went to Wayne Menning's funeral on Saturday. Some of you may
remember him. He did a stint at KWYR, and was for many years (until November
when he was diagnosed with esophagus cancer) news-director at KMIT / KOOL98.
The sermon was so weird... about how we are "all invited to *God's Feast*
when we die", and "it shall be the happiest banquet of which we've ever
partaken". And it was all the more poignant, because for weeks at the end,
Wayne hadn't been able to eat (except by tube) yet he watched mostly cooking
shows on television. When asked why he tortured himself with what he
couldn't have, Wayne always answered "Because I know I am going to *feast
with God*."
So... getting towards the end of the service...
Minister: "And, now Wayne Menning has gone to sit at God's table and
partake in the lord's glorious abundance.
But, Is he feasting with God? No!!! He's waiting patiently at the foot of the mountain, with all of those that died before him and with all those who will come after. Because Only God... can schedule God's banquet."
Maybe I missed something.
Why couldn't they just say... Damn Right! He's got a chicken leg in one
hand and barbequed ribs in the other and a big smile on his face.
Heaven is forever waiting for dinner? Bet they don't get many suicide
bombers from the ranks of the First Reformed.
Anyway... We got 3" of snow Saturday.
Julie left for Mpls. market Sunday morning in a late season blizzard.
Alexz is a French Plantation daughter in community theatre *South Pacific*.
She's onstage about 10 minutes. A chorus of girls dances, sings, and *signs*
Bali Hi... Monday night she becomes a member of the Honor Society.
11.25.01
Howdy,
Stardate Friday. (late Sunday edition)
Cold and windy. Drizzly, with snow on the way. That's why I was
surprised to go back to the store after lunch (Friday) and find all the
doors propped wide open. The girls were *warm*.
Simultaneous hot flashes.
Alexz is the proud possessor of a new South Dakota Learner's Driving
Permit. I've been letting her drive for a couple months now, and she's
cautious. Good. The "whoever is driving controls the radio" rule has been
suspended.
She has also developed a keen fascination with Football. She's in now
watching the Vikes and the Bears (Sunday). Don't ask where that comes
from. I thought perhaps there was a gorilla-browed quarterback in the
wings, but she says no, and her interest seems deeper than impressing mere
boys.
Big News is that the viaduct (railroad overpass) is finally again
open. Looks like it was built by cold-war communists. Concrete and
chain-link. Barney's Market is gone.
Shane Osborn, the pilot who landed his crippled plane on a Chinese
Island and led his crew home heroes... his dad is Doug Osborn, Mitchell
Kernel Quarterback and homecoming King MHS 1966. In the news again 'cause
he just wrote a book.
Julie and I went to Minneapolis last weekend to see Mike Miller (a
Mitchell boy) and the
Orlando Magic play the Timberwolves. We sat really high up - second row
from the top looking straight down. The players all have good haircuts.
Any moron can
write Haiku. Just stop at the
seventeenth syllab
08.24.01
Howdy,
School started last Monday. In a last ditch effort to prolong summer,
Alexz had a dozen kids over to swim. They are now all in the basement
eating pizza and watching a video. One is Alexz' boyfriend (I have it on
good authority) - Jeffrey Dice, son of Greg and Gayle. It's easier to hate
a kid when you don't know his parents.
Thus it begins...
I turned 53 last week. I got 3 CD's, two books, a shirt, and a phone
call from my grand-daughter.
Perfect.
Bought a mattress last week, too. Cost as much as a small car. If I
remember right, the old mattress was a present from my folks around the
time I was married. The first time.
When they delivered the new mattress, we told 'em to take the old one.
Which meant I had to clean out under the bed. Untie all my bondage
equipment... I thought my old Fender Jazz bass was hidden under there.
John, do you have that?
Mattresses are taller now. Is there a reason? Or was my old mattress
just *squished*? I still wake up as often, but I figger I'm sleeping
better *in-between*.
Wooden Nickel plays at Mooner's tomorrow night, and Julie heads off for
Vegas market (Doesn't that girl ever stay home?) Her kiosk in the Empire
Mall in Sioux Falls has done well enough so that she has extended her run
thru Christmas.
Corn Palace Week starts Wednesday... Billy Gilman, Jessica Andrews,
Engerlbert Humperdinck, Tommy Roe, and Carrot Top. I'll tell em y'all said
"Hey!"
Two enlightened mystics sat arguing at the top of a Himalayan mountain.
"Do." sayeth the first mystic.
"Be." countered the second.
"Do." insisted the first.
"Be." argued the second.
Do Be Do Be Do.
07.10.01
Howdy,
The neighbor hasn't been over to pee in my rain gauge since before the
4th of July. Wish he'd come back. We miss him and need the moisture.
*La Bamba* has never been one of my favorite songs. Never-the-less, we
will attend the JazzFest in Sioux Falls this weekend to hear Los Lobos.
What the hell, it's FREE. Of course, our whole "next weekend, we meet at
*your* house" group will be there and we will all have adjoining motel
rooms. How special. When I go on vacation, I don't want to run into the
neighbors. I wanna see *indigenous* people. Neville Brothers playing too,
on Saturday. (You know, Aaron Neville, the guy with the big face wart that
sung once with Linda Ronstadt?) (Indigenous Cajun)
Then on Sunday, home to re-pack and leave Monday for Chicago market.
We'll take Alexz, but Thank God, the rest of our crowd will have to figure
out how to get along without us for 7 days, because they're not coming
along. We will travel by way of Galena, IL and stay a day or two with
Tommy Horman who has an accessory store there. He's been bugging us to put
a store in Galena, and if we like it, maybe we'll stay. Then, on to
Chicago where Julie will have a couple days at market and perhaps we'll
have a chance to visit with her dad who lives just into Michigan.
If you are a burglar, ignore the part about us being gone.
I usually search eBay for keywords "Mitchell" "Dakota" and last week I
found a postcard of Julie playing Faye Ray in the arms of that giant
cement gorilla that used to stand in front of Herter's. She remembers having
her photos taken for their catalogue, but had forgotten dating King Kong.
Cost me $15 but I was tired of 'em splashing her picture around the 'net.
Never know who lurks here.
The lease on my Tahoe is up next month. We offered to buy, and even
though the SUV market is softer than 3 week old bananas, the dealer acts
like this was Elvis' personal coach. Looks like I'll be cleaning out the
glovebox.
Alexz has decided that she wants to play drums. I think this is great
because although she has no sense of tune, she has great rhythm. And I
always wanted to play the drums. One of the guys in the band has an old
kit he'd like to get out of his garage, so we'll set up a "music room" in
the basement. Another benefit is that we'll no longer have that *extra
bedroom* for Julie's relatives.
The Government has spent $400 million to advise me that I will be
receiving a $600 tax refund. If you are younger than me, ignore the fact
that this is coming from your social security fund. If you are related to
me, forget it... The money's spent.
I am trying to remember what was so awful about last winter that made
us wish for this weather. 105 heat index yesterday and today. I'm gonna go
pee in my neighbor's rain gauge.
04.30.00
Friday night, a week ago,
we landed late in Miami, picked up our rental car and went to bed. While
we slept, the Feds snatched Elian.
Saturday morning, fearing riots (and keeping to plan) we skedaddled
for Key West. Every time we resumed speed limit, we'd encounter another
toll-booth. They nickel-and-dimed us about half the way. "Speed limit"
remains an undefined term. If you are going the "speed limit" other
drivers will curse and give you the finger as they speed past.
Snorkeling in Key West
stinks, no matter what the brochures say. The reef is mostly dead at that
depth, but we did see a turtle, a small shark, several barracuda, and
tarpon big enough to eat Alex for lunch. (Since we forgot to tell the
school we were going, Alex now has 4 ABSENT days on her record.)
Purely by chance (FATE?!)
we were wandering Duval street just as they were laying track for the
annual Key West Drag (Queen) Races.
I'll be honest... Alex and
I gawked.
I bought a disposable
camera.
Some minced down the
asphalt. Some took off their shoes and flat-assed ran. I dunno what the
prize was, but I gathered that being fast was of secondary importance.
I wish I could have got a
poster.
Tuesday we attacked Orlando, and moved in with Julie's brother. Hans is
trying to grow his wall-paper and interior decorating service, and managed
to stay fairly on task, even with all the disruption. We deposed the kid
from his bedroom, and took over most of the den, as well. Spent a day at
Universal Studios, and a day at Universal Studio's Islands of Fun. Waiting
to hear any moment that Han's new baby has arrived. We have some
suggestions for names... (private joke)
Friday, back to Miami. The
Police Chief has resigned. Will mobs reign?
Obviously, we are home safely. Our airline tickets were credit-card
bonus coupons, and Hans saved us a bankroll in Orlando. My kinda vacation.
Fun and cheap.
Later
02.14.00
Dammit, I think we
survived! Now, with any luck, we'll recover.
I seem to have avoided
the bott fly larvae in favor of a screaming inner-ear infection. And,
for some reason, I cannot lift my left arm above the shoulder. (Livin'
la Vida Loca!!)
We stayed in 10
different hotels (and 1 tent) during 15 nights. We dove the
world's 2nd largest barrier reef off Belize. We rode 10 hours of local
bus and crossed the border into Guatemala in the back of an expat's
pick-up truck. We climbed the tallest Mayan temple at sunrise. We
paddled a hidden river-cave with ceiling so low we were on our backs in
the bottom of the boat. We bought fresh ginger cookies from an Amish
farm wife and her 7 children.
We ate rice and beans and armadillo.
We drank beer on a topless beach.
We felt we'd earned the
little extra swagger in our step when we gathered at the airport for
final departure. Those other passengers had only been a week... just
long enough to look sunburned and embarrassed. Cozumel. Pssshhh! We'd
actually been into the JUNGLE!
We had scabs on our knees and stamps in our passports.
My head is still trying
to sort out the images...
The Internet is
everywhere! Everywhere. There is no jerkwater outback from which you
cannot send an email (even if you can't use your charge-card). Finally,
a reason for putting up all those phone lines.
Next time, I'll leave
half of my clothes, but take my pillow.
From Mexico south, you're not to flush your toilet paper down the
toilet, but must muck it into the filthy container beside. We forget how
lucky we are.
As vagabonds, we four
seem to have gotten along greatly. We accepted the others' quirks, and
each had his moment to be both hero and fool.
I am always greatly
humbled, by what I learn when I travel.
02.13.00
Dammit Boys, I think we
survived! With any luck, we'll recover.
I seem to have avoided the
bott fly in favor of a screaming inner-ear infection. And, I cannot lift
my left arm above the shoulder. (Livin' la Vida Loca!!)
Was genuinely glad to see Julie, and still have full allotment of
Viagra.
Here is the web page for
the actor we met at Macal River Camp.
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Smith,+Brooke#guest
I'm gonna rent "Silence of
the Lambs" again. I think she was naked.
My head is still trying to
comprehend and sort out the images...
Most profound thought (the
"DUH" factor) The Internet is everywhere! Finally, a reason for putting up
all those phone lines.
the "new world order... " Eva's Restaurant in San Ignacio.
Most unsettling moment...
when the howler monkeys and the ghosts of Tikal conspire in that
half-waking / half-sleeping twilight to create the nightmare from hell.
the collective groan... Clarissa Falls. Oh, well. Sioux Falls has to be
bigger than *something*.
I again nominate Lee
Anderson for having the best idea of the year (And, for being determined
not to let us sleep through it). I would never have planned a trip like
this for my family, and so, would otherwise never have taken it. You
helped to put back some of the adventure into my life. Which is probably
how long it will take me to pay for this trip.
Mikee... I'm glad we are able to tolerate each other as roommate,
because no one could probably stand us alone. I don't climb into the sack
with just anyone, you see. Thanks for tossing my name in the ring when the
tickets for this trip were being issued. No, I am not getting all mushy.
You still owe me money. I hope I didn't do anything embarrassing in my
sleep. You didn't.
Gopal, Gopal, Gopal, YOU ARE THE MAN!! I will inform Susan that she
should dispose of your boxer shorts and replace them with a wheel-barrow.
We are all now bonded together for life.
Fukuus Ustedes!
|
|
|
|
|||
DakotaMainStreet |
||||
online home of Geyerman's Mercantile Company |
Phone 605.996.7478 |
|||
Shopkeeper to the Heartland since 1852 |
Fax: 605.996.7478 |
Copyright 2002 www.DakotaMainStreet.com
