Alaska Adventure; Day Ten

15 June 2013; Juneau AK --

We flew from Anchorage to Juneau via the "everywhere" airline of Alaska, arriving early-enough in the day to do permit considerable investigation of this Capital City of Alaska. Our ferry would take us North to Skagway tomorrow, and the subsequent ferry "cruise" from Skagway to Bellingham WA would not stop in Juneau long enough for deboarding for such purposes.

A museum visit showed a wide variety of kayak paddles used by various different tribes throughout Alaska and the Northern provinces of what is now Canada. Grumpy took this photo, primarily because he suspected that BeBop would be interested. Grumpy also noted the variety of kayak configurations, but could npt get a photo to do justice in showing their features; anyone interested will have to visit Grumpy's home -- or better yet, invite him over for dinner sometime!

A little levity also found its way into the hearts of one or two of the Adventuring Elderly. Here is Grumpy, showing his fiercest face with a poor imitation of the awesome claws of the grizzly bear. Sister also deigned to pose in the faux-grizzly mask. The Brother's wife chose this potentially compromising pose, cuddling up to a seated bear.

At an ever-present-in-every-city "fun house" Sister and Grumpy found a simulated balloon ride which "they" [Grumpy] could not resist. With his Sister aboard, and Grumpy pulling the "Flame Thrower" that heats the air inside the baloon, they took off for a scary flight over glacier and tundra, at last (crash) landing near where they had taken off. No damage, no injuries -- that is the definition of a successful landing!

Finally, after an assault on bone-and-muscle inn a 300-foot series of stairs [at least they weren't built with the monstrous riser and miniscule tread of the Inca!], we arrived at the historic site of this Russian Orthodox church.

Retreating to our motel for the night before the short ferry ride up to Skagway tomorrow, we greeted our comfortable beds with enthusiasm.

Tomorrow, the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) will take us to Skagway, the 1898-9 stop on the trail to the "promised land" of gold in the Klondike valley of the Yukon territory. [Riches!!]

Alaska Adventure; Part Nine

14 June 2013; Out to See the Sea --

View out our Bus Window; Pass Lake

By bus to Seward for another "boat tour". Although the Kenai Fjiords boat tour out of Seward also includes a viewing of a Tidewater Glacier (Harding Glacier, named after the only President who has visited Alaska), the sea life that one may expect to see is more numerous and decidedly different that what one might see out of Whittier. This day would prove my point.

One of the Not-Sickly Seven; Seward in the background

The boat trip out from Seward to Kenai Fjiords National Park took an hour or more. During this time we enjoyed views of each other as well as views of the mountain scenery. Certain people to pre-emptive Dramamine to prevent any possibility of sea-sickness. They were totally successful in their actions, although how anyone could get mal a mer on such calm waters was incomprehensible to an old swabbie like Grumpy [he got a mild case!].

Later, further out on the water, a Mountain View somewhat similar to the one from the bus window demanded to be remembered with a photograph. There were many more similar views as we passed along this inlet out of Seward. All of these inlets (some are called "fjiords") are evidence of great glaciers flowing out of the mountains that surround them.



The sighting of a Mountain Goat ewe (mother/Nannie) and her  Kid (baby/goatling?) dictated a stop for a few moments so all could crowd to the Starboard side of the boat (a Catamaran hull) to take a hundred photos. Grumpy caught this and three others with the telephoto capability of his little Panasonic video/still camera.

Later, someone spotted this pair of Bald Eagles sitting in a Spruce tree. Their nest is about three "eagle body lengths" below the left-most Eagle. The Bald Eagle is the National Bird of the United States (Benjamin Franklin thought it ought to be the wild turkey). There are actually more Bald Eagles in Canada than in the U.S. Their primary food in this part of North America is fish -- salmon in the late Summer and ealry Fall when the salmon are migrating upstream to spawn (lay and fertilize eggs for the next generation of salmon).

Still later some seals were noticed sunbathing on some rocks. Each sighting of an animal resulted in the boat Captain (a Lady named Laura) to reward her passengers with generous opportunities to photograph the subject.

And so it was that when some Humpback whales were seen breaching [full body leap out of the water and slamming broadside back down to the surface!] a prolonged stop was made. Unfortunately none of the Octogenarian Seven were quick enough with their cameras to capture this two or three times repeated antic.

At last we reached the ultimate destination: the Harding Glacier, so-named because Warren Harding was the first (and so far, the only) President to visit Alaska. The Ice Field which occupies most of the Kenai Peninsula from just North of Seward, all the way to the South-most tip, is also named for President Harding. Many glaciers flow out of the Harding Ice Field; most are Tidewater glaciers, but some, such as Exit Glacier (just North of Seward), are very easily accessible by foot. A road leads to the foot of Exit Glacier [Grumpy was able to walk up and touch the "toe" of Exit when he visited Alaska in 1990 and 1995].

The tour boat remained close to the Harding Glacier for about 15 or 20 minutes. It was hoped that a significant "calving" would take place; Grumpy had his video going, "just in case". He took some "stills" of the face to compare with photos he had taken 18 years ago, to see how much the glacier had receded since then. Grumpy noted that, on his previous visits, the rock outcroppings that can be seen in this later photo, were completely covered by the glacier then.

 The Harding Glacier refused to "cooperate" with a big calving -- or even a decent little one while we watched.

Alaska Adventure; Part Four

10 June 2013; On the Railroad Again --

Today, we continued our way down to Anchorage by boarding the Alaska Railroad Classic at about noon. So this morning, Grumpy has determined to see if he can find his old friend, Bill Bailey, who was the bus driver Grumpy enjoyed so much the first two times he drove up to Alaska. Yesterday our bus driver revealed that he had been working in the Park, and that he knew that Bill was now a Park Ranger. So, Grumpy decided to walk to the Park Visitor Center to inquire where Bill might be today.

Walking through the woods, on the way to the Visitor Center, Grumpy spied movement in the small spruce and willow forest off to his left. Yes!! There it was; a nice young Moose nibbling on the willow buds that were making their appearance this early in the season [See his ears?]. I also took a short video of this guy, as the still photo may not be as convincing as something that shows motion. [No more white dots that Grumpy calls "Mountain Goats"!]

Finally, at Headquarters, Grumpy learned that today is Bill Bailey's day off. So I gave the nice young lady a short note to Bill, with my telephone number and e-mail address on it. I sure do hope he decides to give me a call or e-mail to an renew old friendship.

[During my shuttle bus ride up to the Headquarters, we came to a cow Moose that had just given birth to a baby, who is supposedly laying right beside (or under?) her.]

Then, before we boarded the train that took us on down to Anchorage, we went up to the dog training area and looked at the working dogs used by the Park staff in the Winter.  I got this photo of my sister "schmoozing" with Gaiter, one of the retired sled dogs.

Tomorrow, we will have a whole day in Anchorage. What can be shown that will be interesting -- some animals in the Zoo, perhaps?

We shall see!

Alaska Adventure; Part Two

8 June 2013; Up the Nenana River by Alaska Rail --

This morning we arose early [no such thing as "before sunrise" up here near the Arctic Circle in June!], had the typical motel "complementary" breakfast, and headed to the train station in Fairbanks. Sore leg muscles and stiff joints from yesterday were all but forgotten, dulled by a good night's sleep.

The Nenana River spills out from the Northeast end of the Alaska Range [of which Denali is the cornerstone], flowing to the north, eventually dumping into the Yukon River northwest of Fairbanks. It is a fairly placid river further North near Fairbanks, but pictured here close to Denali National Park, it is a muddy, roily, fast-moving mass of glacial water and till. We saw one rafting group, but generally speaking, the water this time of year is not "fit for man nor beast", if anyone fell overboard.

The seven of us were still on speaking terms -- this was only the second full day on which we were embarking! Old friendships should be able to endure for at least a week --- shouldn't they!?

The Alaska Railroad is fairly new -- at least as far as carrying passengers are concerned. The rail bed is exceptionally well maintained. At least by comparison to the AMTRAK route from Seattle eastward! The passenger cars have huge picture windows through which the passing scenery could be viewed panoramically. My "kid sister' and Grumpy gazed out these windows for almost the full 120 miles between Fairbanks and Denali Park station; we were watching for any kind of wild life: Moose, Grizzly bear, Black bear, Tundra swans, --- heck, just about anything alive would have done just fine! Even a caribou!!

After several hours, some of us gave up and resorted to social conversations. However, the Junior Sister persisted and finally caught sight of a large bull moose about 200 yards away, out across a boggy patch of ground. This was the prize -- the rare sight that Grumpy dared not hope for this group to be able to see! And no one had their camera at the ready; we all just jerked our heads around, open mouthed, and in the end, there were only two of us who could confirm the fact that it was a moose and not a rock -- or a Grizzly bear.

Finally we arrived at the Alaska Railroad Denali Station and were transferred to a shuttle bus that took us up to our motel: the Grande Denali Bluffs. On the left is the view out Grumpy's window; this is looking South-Southwest roughly toward Denali Peak -- if it could be seen from here over the tops of the 8-10,000 foot foothills that can be seen. Out this window it is about three stories above ground that slopes further downward steeply toward the near bank of the Nenana River, which can be seen at the lower right part of this picture.

Tomorrow morning we will go over to the main lodge for breakfast at 0500 and board our tour bus at about 0600 for a twelve-hour ride into the interior of this National Park and back. With the cooperation of unusually-good weather -- clear skies and no wind -- we will glimpse Denali, "The Great One", in Native language. Grumpy is hoping for the sake of this band of friends, brothers and sisters, that such will be the day.

Wonder Where Ward is Wandering this Week?

27 June - 7 July 2012; My Annual Midwest Auto Tour, First Half --
Wednesday, Day Zero; Seattle to Deerlodge MT: As usual, I got up early and started out. I took a picture of the Eastern sky -- Venus was visible, but I apparently shook the camera too hard [Actually, that is about how my bleary eyes saw things, too!], so it will not be included.

I crested Snoqualmie Pass at about 0500 and was in Montana by noon. I arrived in Deerlodge with the gas-trip Odometer reading 566 miles (yes, as this photo of the "A" odometer -- the one I reset when I get fuel -- taken a ways out of Missoula shows, setting the cruise control at 65 really pays off in high mileage per tankful!)  TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 565.1

Thursday, Day One; Deerlodge to Wyoming: I found my Uncle Leonard Zierlein and his ex-wife, my Aunt Carol, in north-central WY. They live across the County Road (lane 39) from each other and seem to get along pretty well. We went to lunch in Greybull WY, where I had to buy a new tire; also reserved a room for the night.

 Their oldest, son Louis, was at Uncle Leonard's and I was happy to get to see him and Leonard's oldest daughter, Glenda again. [I first met him when he drove his Dad and two sisters to IA for Grandma Nettie's memorial.]

I also got to meet, for the first time, their youngest son August ("Augie" -- named after our Great Grandfather Zierlein). TOTAL MILES FOR DAY: 506.2

FRIDAY, Day Two; Greybull to Big Horn Range in WY: I had wanted to go over Powder River Pass (on the South end of the Big Horns), but I didn't remember its proper name, and wound up going US 14 over Granite Pass (into Sheridan WY) instead. As it turns out, there is a lot of spectacular scenery over this more-Northern pass. One of the most interesting was this, the Shell Creek Falls.

After going over Granite Pass down into Sheridan, I continued on South to Buffalo and then re-ascended the Big Horns toward Powder River Pass. I wanted to get Sunset and Sunrise photos from this area, because I had remembered that it looked easterly with the Black Hills on the horizon in the distance. To get the Sunrise view, I had to sleep up there -- in the cold (45 degr F!) -- and I thought I was going to freeze to death!  TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 188.3

SATURDAY, Day Three; 8500-foot level of Big Horns to Spearfish Creek Cabins: Arising at about 0300 -- mainly because I was cold, but also so I could capture the first glimpse of the Sun as it arose -- I realized that I had not the slightest idea where the Sun would make its appearance! I made an educated guess and turned out to have it in the lower right corner of my view; rather artistic if I do say so myself.

After getting my Sunrise shot, I dropped down out of the altitude, basking in the warmth from the car heater, and drove the short distance into Spearfish for an early breakfast at the Cedar House restaurant. Then I checked into my motel (Spearfish Creek Cabins) where I would headquarter for the next three days.  TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 102.1

SUNDAY, Day Four; In and Around Spearfish: After a "visiting" breakfast with Cousin Joan (Bitsy), I joined her at her church service. Then I dropped in to see Cousin Jimmy Eddy and his wife, Shirley, who still live on the old dairy farm where Uncle John and Aunt Laura brought up about six of the eight Eddy kids. TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 5.9

MONDAY, Day Five; A Pilgrimage back to our Roots:  With Bitsy driving and two more girl cousins (Kay and Lorraine) joining us, we first went down South of Dupree, to the site of my birth where a covey of grouse spooked from the remains of the cellar that was under the frame part of the house. A few pieces of rotted logs from the log cabin part was also in evidence to the East of where the house used to sit.

Then we drove the 2 or 3 miles over to where the Eddy girls grew up. The present owner is the son of the first guy I beat up (a third grader) when I started 2nd grade at Sunnybrook, the little country school.

Next we meandered cross-country up to where our Zimmerman Grandparents lived; also where their graves are. Lorraine (and my sister Donagene) were born in my Grandparents' house, in a room upstairs where that little window is, above Lorraine's head.

After a long day, we returned to Spearfish. TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: None for me!

TUESDAY, Day Six; Visiting Cousins and Old Friends:  My first stop in Rapid City was to have coffee with my Cousin Ann and her husband Jack. I presented him with the usual "Care Package" brought from Seattle; but also, I had found a delicacy along the road called "Moose Drool", which I gingerly passed over to him, telling him that my curiosity had led me to want to share a taste of it with him. We split a bottle, both declaring it "not bad" for something put together in Missoula, Montana originally as a joke! [Kind of reminded me of a certain "Zeta Brew" cooked up by none other than two of my Grandsons.]

I met Cousin Ethel for lunch, as Mother and I had done the year before. However, this time Ethel insisted that she buy me lunch and to enjoy it with her son and his wife who would be there visiting soon. [And, of course, I can't remember the son's name!! Or his lovely wife's either!]

On the way back for the night in Spearfish, I met my old school classmate, Roy, in Sturgis. He and I had played basketball in Dupree as teammates, then when I was a Senior at Philip, we were adversaries in a non-league game played in Dupree. Roy took me to a "biker's bar and grill" where we both ordered the "Kiddie's Sirloin Bits", a filling meal for each of us! TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 117.5

WEDNESDAY, Day Seven; Fourth of July Backyard Barbecue and Water Fight:  Last year, when Mother and I attended this event-to-end-all-events, a young Great Nephew named Brandon "somehow" got me wet during the afternoon's "wet"-stive goings-on. As I left that day, I committed to Brandon that "next year" I would bring a "machine water gun".

But when I arrived this year and Brandon asked to see my "machine water gun", I explained that "as long as (he) didn't cause any trouble, I would not bring it out." Well, he found where I had stashed it and later challenged me to a water gun duel. Of course I had to accept [didn't I??!], so at twenty paces, we turned and "watered" our weapons. Since mine was capable of short, repeated blasts of water and his emitted a single, long [and with great volume!], my water gun outlasted his and he began to run. These kinds of things are half the fun of going to this event each year.

Gary and Cindy put this on mostly by themselves, but other relatives and friends pitch in with some of the goodies. Larry was ill this day and did not make it this year; Kay and Bob stayed in Colorado in case their home was endangered by the forest fires. Aunt Frances was the Belle of the Ball as usual; she will be 92 this December [if I am not mistaken]. TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 68.4

THURSDAY, Day Eight; Travel to Aunt Hazel's:  Arising from my bed before dark, and after an earlier than usual complimentary breakfast with my complimentary Day's Inn room, I ventured forth toward Iowa; the Sunrise occurred as I was speeding [at 65 miles per hour, thank you!] over the flat country of Eastern South Dakota.

In the "Olden Days", this would have been a push-over for me. But this day I wisely took a couple of respites along the way, spending half hour or so each, at the Chamberlain rest-stop, and at the Sgt Floyd Memorial rest-stop in Iowa. Even then, I was exhausted by the time I got to my reserved motel in Indianola. TOTAL MILES FOR THE DAY: 649.5

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, Days Nine & Ten; Visiting Aunt Hazel:  Hazel and I had spent a few days together in late March, witnessing the spectacle of the Sandhill Cranes in their annual migration to the Platte River valley in Central NE. We had previously confirmed that we are still of opposite politics and religious beliefs, so we were able to get serious about visiting -- and picking peaches.

Ex-brother-in-law, Tom, has a peach tree that tempted even this Old Man to stand on the top of the six-foot step ladder to try to reach the most luscious looking peaches that had benefited the most and longest in the Iowa sunshine. TOTAL MILES FOR THESE TWO DAYS: 21.9
TOTAL MILES FOR THIS HALF OF THE TRIP: 2,222.3

Stay tuned, after I pick up Cousin Bill, for the last half of this Auto Tour; the return trip West.

Our 2010 Auto Trip; Part IV, Visit with Hazel, Day 8

Central Iowa; Wednesday, 30 June 2010 --

Our full day of visit with Sister Hazel started with breakfast at her 20-acre farm. Then chores, including feeding several horses, some of which belong to Hazel. Her prize pony (class: Pony of America -- POA) is Minnie.

She is a beautiful,  little horse weighing about 600-700 pounds; like many POA ponies, she is spotted -- NOT pinto --, which is the result of the Appaloosa gene pool from which the POA class was partially derived. My horse, Queen, would have fit in this class as far as her size was concerned, but she was broader in her body and her weight of 800 pounds exceeded that permitted under the POA classification, and her ancestry did not include the Apaloosa.

Later in the day, we drove over to Tom's house where he showed us his flowers, vegetable garden and fruit trees.

Tom's vegetable garden was not large, consisting of a few prolific tomatoes and a couple rows of root vegetables, including onions. He was especially proud of the three or four varieties of blueberry bushes that he had.

This one, pictured, was particularly impressive with its bunches of ripening berries. Of course we all picked one or two from each bush to sample their different taste.

In his backyard, but not nearly as photogenic, Tom had two or three varieties of pears, a peach tree (but no fruit this year) and a crabapple tree. Most of the apples he had encased in a Nylon "bootie" or special biodegradable protector made in Japan; this is how the Fuji apples were originally (and still are!) grown in Japan, to prevent the invasion of pests such as the Coddling Moth (or Apple Maggot). Grumpy was particularly interested in this aspect, since his apples have been the target of the pesky worm each year.

Here pictured (right to left) are Paul, Mother, Hazel & Grumpy, after our farewell meal together at the Apple Inn restaurant next door to our motel. We each had a choice steak, cooked medium rare, with fresh steamed vegetables; Paul had a hamburger and a piece of apple pie; Hazel and Grumpy shared a decadent chocolate "mud pie" with vanilla ice cream; Mother was frugal with a single dip of ice cream.

We would leave early the next morning, hoping to change our next night's stay from Mitchell, where we had reservations, to Chamberlain SD.

Our 2010 Auto Trip; Part II, Days 4, 5, & 6

Corn Capital of the World; 28 June 2010 --

General Introduction: First, Grumpy wants to assure all readers that the Grand Mother and he have not been on any wild binge, or wrecked in some nondescript ditch along the way! No, instead we experienced our first violent Midwest electrical storm late Saturday afternoon after we arrived here in this beautifully-green part of Minnesota. Immediately after arriving, we spent several hours visiting Margaret at her apartment. When it came time for the evening meal, the Grand Mother and Grumpy left for our motel at (where else?) the Sheep Shedde! Upon getting to our room and turning on the laptop to begin the reporting of our trip thus far, Grumpy discovered that the INTERNET was unavailable! The electrical storm had knocked out this vital link in communicating our adventures. Since the next day was Sunday, the INTERNET remained unavailable at Margaret's apartment as well as at the Sheep Shedde until sometime late Monday afternoon (Day 6).

Day 4: Today, Saturday, was a short travel day, involving about 200 miles from Moorhead MN down to Olivia. We arrived at Margaret's at about 1100, in time to have lunch with her. We were happy to note that she was able to walk (with the steadying support of a wheeled walker) from her room to the dining area. Naturally, a few sisterly hugs were in order when the two "girls" saw each other after a separation of about two years.

Day 5: After an early breakfast at our motel, the Grand Mother and Grumpy attended a church service at Emden Christian Reformed Church, where we met three families with the common ancestral name of Groen (Roger, Harold and ??). The service included congregational singing of long familiar tunes, such as Shine Jeus Shine. Although the liturgy was not formal, like the Anglican or Lutheran services with which we were both familiar, but the Biblical foundation was there in both the readings and the sermon. And the services were held in English, although it was apparent that most of the members were of Swedish descent.

 

After church services, we went back to Margaret's apartment and spent the rest of the day visiting and taking more photographs, as well as showing off photos of our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Day 6: Today being Monday, Grumpy was looking forward to finally being able to access the INTERNET so he could post to his BLOG! Alas, several tries at Margaret's apartment revealed that it was still not available.

But the sisterly visiting was not hindered in the least! Meanwhile, Grumpy persevered with occasional cat naps and exploring the facility where Margaret lived -- he "discovered" all of the men's restrooms!!

For lunch, the Grand Mother and Grumpy drove back to Olivia to eat at the Chatterbox Cafe -- Garrison Keillor fans will recollect the stories about the Chatterbox, with the Norwegian bachelor farmers sitting around drinking coffee and chewing "snoose" -- Grumpy is here to let you all know that nothing has changed!

After many tearful and lingering "goodbyes", we returned to the Sheep Shedde for a good night's sleep before venturing forth early the next morning for Day 7 of our 2010 travels.

Watch this space for the next chapter in the travels and travails of the Grand Mother and her post-juvenile delinquent escort, Grumpy.

Sandhill Crane Viewing; A Surprise Meeting

Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon NE --

After an early supper in nearby Kearney, we arrived at the Sanctuary headquarters in time for walking out to our blind at about 6:30 pm. As I had inquired about the possibility of purchasing something, such as a lifetime viewing membership or an individual gift viewing permit, I was introduced to the new director of the Sanctuary, Bill Taddicken. I briefed him of my interest in providing an opportunity for people, such as my late sister Donagene Bell, to witness the sights and sounds of the Sandhill Cranes.

Although he had not been at the Sanctuary at the time three years ago, when Donagene had made her visit to see the Cranes before she died a few days later, Bill was familiar with the story of the terminally-ill lady who had wanted to "see" the Cranes one last time. He mentioned that another volunteer and/or staff member had written an article describing his encounter with Donagene, helping her out to the blind, using a golf cart and wheel chair, and ensuring that she had a comfortable place to sit at a viewing window while she listened to the Cranes and heard her sister's description of what was to be seen. Bill promised that he would try to find a copy of the article that had been written, for us to take with us when we came the following morning.

When we returned from the blind the following morning, we were met by Director Taddicken who surprised us by introducing us to the author of the article, Alan Bartels. Mr. Bartels is a Contributing Writer/Photographer for Nebraska Life magazine. True to his promise, Bill Taddicken had found copies of the article (one for Hazel and one for me). I shall strive to provide access, by some link on this BLOG, for those interested in reading this touching story.

Meeting the author of the story and hearing his personal feelings (some of which he also handwrote at the end of the copies, thinking he wouldn't get to see us in person), were experiences that made this visit to the Rowe Sanctuary extra special for me -- a memory to my dear older sister Donagene who loved the Sandhill Cranes so much that she endured with virtually her dying strength to make a last visit to see and hear them. Hazel said that Donagene uttered these words, "I won't be here to see them next year, but they will be here for as long as there is a River!" To insure that Donagene's vision will endure, Hazel and I have each made memorial contributions in her name to the Rowe Sanctuary. I will pursue additional ways, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, to afford the opportunity for others not as fortunate as I, to view the Sandhill Cranes at this unique site.

Summer 2008: Day 8, Sister Hazel and Nephew Paul

Arising early Saturday morning (but not early enough to catch sister Hazel in bed!) we "invited ourselves" out for breakfast. Hazel obliged with home-raised (organic) eggs, including this huge, double-yolk one which Grumpy had the privilege of eating. Also on the menu for breakfast was an unusual and tasty grain cereal, Anoa (from India? Grumpy forgot its origin), as well as homemade whole-wheat bread with Raspberry jam.

Hazel had chores to do, since Paul had gone to the Iowa state convention, so Grumpy went along and took a few photos of the process. Three horses were also fed with the milked goats trying to "horn" in on a few bites of the horses' oats. This resulted in the goats getting the best of Hazel -- so unexpected that Grumpy failed to get a candid shot of the upended and disgusted kid sister that he loves to tease! Maybe next time!!

Hazel has 8 laying hens and two roosters. Billy Graham is the handsome fellow shown here as he announced that morning was here! The reason that the other rooster is not also photographed is that Albemarl, although quite old, is not of the opinion that he is no longer sufficiently virile to "take care" of all 8 hens. Thus, if the two roosters are allowed to be free at the same time, they would fight to the death of one of them. Hazel explained that the schedule is that Albemarl gets the hens during the night and early morning hours while Billy has charge during the day to early evening hours. Everything seems to work out fine, as Hazel reports that she gets at least seven beautiful brown eggs each day.
Grumpy took several photographs of his favorite little sister, but chose this one as his favorite for the BLOG.

And this post could not be complete without this group photograph of Elynor, Hazel and Paul (holding Tootsie). Paul arrived back from the convention in time to join us for lunch and a short visit before we had to again retire to our motel (the Best Western near the Des Moines airport). We were treated rudely by the personnel at the front desk when we arrived at this motel and vow not to patronize it next time we come this way.

Summer 2008: Day 6, More Visiting Aunt Margaret

The second day of visiting started out as vigorous as the first, with each sister talking as fast as they could -- and at times, both talking at the same time! Grumpy could hardly keep up, so any misquotes in this BLOG about their conversation is entirely unintentional or accidental.

Grumpy watched as the conversation peaked and waned. He waited to get his words in edgewise, but the sisters never seemed to hear him -- they just kept with on their delightful conversation; glimpses and images of girl-hood memories that made Grumpy's heart fill with admiration and even some envy.

As the day wore on, however, the principals inevitably grew tired and soon one of them was nodding off asleep. There was considerable sympathy with this one falling asleep: after all she had celebrated her 92nd birthday the month before. And besides, the physical therapist had taken her for a "session" where no quarter was asked and no pity given.

Then before Grumpy could hardly move the camera fast enough to focus on the other sister, she too fell asleep! Grumpy was elated that he had this rare opportunity! Why, he took several photos, just in case some of them didn't turn out in sufficient resolution to be able to determine the identity of each individual. These two photos should impress the reader that Grumpy did an admirable job.
With both of them fast asleep, Grumpy could not bear to lose this historical picture opportunity! [I'm sure that the astute authors and photographers who read this will understand his dilemma. Grumpy may not live to a ripe old age if either of them finds out their pictures were taken while they slept. But he will pass on, knowing that he saw his chance -- and he took it! Not to worry, though Grumpy will not say whether he heard either of them snoring! As far as he was concerned it was just some more of their conversation -- with his bad ear, he couldn't tell the difference.]

Why, even the best friend, Jan was soon found to be fast asleep! Grumpy would not have forgiven himself had he missed this unique photogenic opportunity! Three talkative ladies -- all fast asleep at the same time!! It may be historic!!! The Guinness Book of Records must be contacted!

Further observation found even the faithful dog, Gracie, dozed off, even while attending to her self-appointed duty of barking at all door-knocks and approaching "prowlers" which she may have seen or imagined outside the patio sliding doors.

Later in the day, everyone was alert and eager to drive to the nearby town of Granite Falls for an afternoon snack at the local Dairy Queen. Afterwards we were driven by the local Mallard ducks with their half-grown ducklings, and finally an afternoon photo of the Minnesota River valley with the younger sister, Grumpy's First Wife, posing beautifully in her gorgeous pink-flowered dress from Hawaii. [Grumpy tried without success to convince her to pose with one leg up as is customary in the Zimmerman Clan. But her innate Norwegian heritage prevented her from doing so on this occasion -- Grumpy will try again another day.]