Machine Talk
I replied courteously and, realizing what I had done, looked around quickly to see if anyone was listening. There was. How embarrassing! But wait. People within hearing distance were not staring, pointing or anything like that, just chatting. Much to my relief, nothing out of the ordinary was directed toward me. However, some of those […]
What a Snarled Mess
It didn’t seem so bad with the door closed but, good grief, what a mess. A real, big time, embarrassing mess.What kind of person could create such an embarrassment? Ah…me. Now, dear reader, I respectfully ask that you do not rush to judgement as to my general habits in creating such a mess. Rather, I […]
Cold Adjustment
Weird how 0-10 degrees feels pretty good after a spell of below zero temperatures and “dangerous” wind chills. I call it a North Dakota heat wave. A bit much perhaps, but after a cold snap of several days like what was experienced throughout the state recently, a dose of warmer weather sure seems agreeable. Crazy […]
An Examination of Normal
Well, that’s different. So different that it is normal. Huh? When purchasing a cup of coffee a few days ago at a local convenience store, choosing what brew I would try, I found myself staring at normal as a selection. I was expecting to see Caribbean sunrise, morning breakfast blend, or maybe extra-dark French roast. […]
Latest Freeze for Sakakawea
When the big water freezes is something that has captured my attention as long as I can remember. By big water, I’m talking about Lake Sakakawea, which is actually a reservoir. Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea, call it what you want. By any name it is North Dakota’s largest body of water and a major attraction […]
Reflections
When one year comes to an end and the other begins, it is a natural time to reflect on the year past and to hopes for what the new year may bring.Of course, resolutions abound – lose weight, quit smoking, finally take that trip you’ve been promising yourself. There’s an infinite number of possibilities. I’ve […]
Bird Chatter
Every December dedicated bird watchers conduct Christmas Bird Counts throughout the United States. Several of the counts are conducted annually in the Minot Area. The counts are part of a national effort led by the Audubon Society.Though I have never considered myself a serious birder, I’ve been present at numerous bird counts over the years […]
The Muffin Caper
Recently, dear reader, I was the mastermind, the architect, of a clever plot very carefully planned so that I could gain the upper hand. However, like the flinging of a boomerang, all is wonderful until it hits you in the back of the head.Of course, as is my very nature, I meticulously weighed the possible […]
Pleasant Pleasures
Politics. Scandals. Wars. Protests.Sometimes it is hard to slow down and appreciate life, to enjoy the real pleasures of life rather than get caught up in clashes of every sort. Do this. Do that. Beware. Believe this. Believe that. Fact check. It makes it hard to clear the senses and get away from it all, […]
Much More than a Game
The scoreboard above the end of the rink reads 2-0 in the first period. A young player is called for cross-checking, a two-minute penalty, and shows his disgust by pounding on the plexiglass before stepping into the penalty box and slamming the door. The angry display doesn’t go unnoticed by the referee who responds by […]
