Fall Is Hear. . . Paul Revere too!

Tis October 2106 and only  days until I will vote.  I am not on the fence but I will confess I did vote Democratic last National Presidential election.  I am voting for Donald J Trump on November 8th because I do think he will outshine HRC.

Here is why. . .Lou Dobbs has identified voter fraud quoting John Podesta (DNC) after James O'Keefe (ProjectVeritas.com) exposed corruption of both voter fraud and "Brown Shirting" of Trump rallies using payed homeless veterans and the mentally ill to "incite chaos. " Dobbs says Bob Creamer briefed HRC on the plans.  O'Keefe said, "By the White House Visitors Rolls Bob Creamer has visited the White House hundreds of times and the oval office at least 35+ times."   Both Creamer and Scott Vogel have been "fired" from the DNC.  (I believe they got severance packages.  This my speculation and is not fact.)

Aaron Mentor (AKA: Aaron Black) of Democracy Partners wants video of women being attacked at Republic rallies.  Further he calls this "Bird dogging" and states, "Hillary was aware of it" as he briefed HRC

President B Obama appears to have earlier knowledge of HRC "private server" and did not first hear of this when the (American) press did as he was interviewed.

Lou Dobbs says in "Tranch 14 release of Wikileaks" HRC in 2012 arranged a $12 million donation from the king of Morocco to the Clinton Foundation. . .In the same email Huma Abedin confirms this.  HRC was Secretary of State from 2009-2013 under B Obama. . .This isn't in conflict?  In a WikiLeaks email dated Tuesday April 21 2015 11:24 a.m. Huma writes about HRC to peers, "She's going to stick to her notes a little closer this a.m., still not perfect in her head."

HRC lashed out about free/fair election while inciting violence at Republic rallies Including Scott Vogel or was it Bob Creamer) admitting personal credit on sending Donald Duck to both Pence ("Iowa State Fair") and Trump rallies hoping to get "Punched"  This is a violation of the law.

2012 while Secretary of State in the Benghazi massacre HRC lost the lives of Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith under her watch.

The National Enquirer blasted both HRC and Bill just yesterday.  It is despicable reporting and a sickening read.

James B. Comey, Director of the FBI; cited her "carelessness" and refused to indict setting off the 100 investigating agents to write a blistering letter and leak their indictment findings to the conservative media.

The DNC admits to being responsible for riots in Chicago at Trump events which resulted in people getting hurt & canceling the rally. They are bragging they are the DNC which pays Democracy Partners who then pays these protesters through the AUFC  (Americans United For Change).

I believe James O'Keefe's Project Veritas.com are not edited nor are they doctored.  I also do not believe Jullian Assange of WikiLeaks is working for the Russians.  Instead I believe these emails are the result of the internet and it's "The Cloud" Possibilities and/or probabilities.  I believe HRC bleached her emails but failed to realize she was still out there in the emails of her DNC members.                                                               BIG OOPS!

James O'Keefe has said ."Social Media is more powerful than main street media (MSM).  O'Keefe has eluded  the MSM is afraid of retaliation from The DNC election to the White House.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is in the tank.  Hillary wants to enhance it.  HRC wants a "Signal Payer System" . . . I don't want the government in my healthcare.  I do not think I would have a defibrillator if my cardiac care were left to the government.  I feel the workings of hospitals, Emergency Departments (ED), The Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) are above the expertise of government.

The DNC has this week sent Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus to college dorms to get out the "millennium vote." and apparently these two together are too dumb to know if these people are not registered then they will have to obtain an illegal ballot of a dead person in order to vote.  The DNC admits they have them.  James O'Keefe: ProjectVeritas.com has footage of getting ballots for voting clerks without lying.

Don't get me started in Donna Brazile (interim chairman of the DNC 2016) feeding Q &A's HRC's way, or full term partial birth abortions or toddlers shooting toddlers.  I abhor Madonna preforming M Lewinsky's if you vote for HRC. . .

So I am voting

A Worth The While Journey

It is a four plus hour trip to head to Island Lake with little more than a weekend to spend but R is able to drive great distances if Tom Petty is dialed in.  Who knew?

Brings up a great point: Where did the last 40 plus years go?  We met in the fall of 1971 and soon R would be between girlfriends (He got the Dear John) and had no desire to "Run into her in Rapids before she'd get married on his birthday!!!" So he asked if he could come to Duluth during his academy breaks.  I was now a student at UMD and soon accepted as a transfer student at Scholastica with only two ambitions.  The first to become a two year graduate (St Luke's like mom) and second to earn enough money to buy books and have something left.  Dad said he would pay tuition if I earned book money. I moved home, as dad was transferred to the Duluth Ore Docks; with the DM&IRR. (I recall a semester at CSS was $675.00.) Nursing books averaged a hundred dollars new.  My books were "USED" and I also recall two nursing instructors told me I had earned A's but since I worked I was only getting B's. "They saved the A's for nonworking students."  Nun's were always a bit twisted.
In 1995, I was working on call nights at Benet Hall (CSS's Nun Home) until R left St Mary's for St. Luke's and I got the call saying I was done, "And we hope your husband is happy at St. Luke's.
No hard feelings here. . .Saves me thousands in contributions. No longer do they call for alumni fundraising. I have paid my dues.
I spent the last two years at CSS begging mom and dad to let me quit and apply to St. Luke's.  My mother argued, "You have two years either way and four is better than two: Stay Put!" Dad said, You will be the first college graduate. " He had also had a conversation with an old boyfriend's father which didn't favor a great outcome for "Yours Truly." Dad had a few aspirations too!

R and I were friends long before lovers. Not best friends, but friends.  He doesn't know when I get a traffic ticket, impulse buy, and/or watch "Days of Our Lives." Now I have told him there were more than one occasion where I got him to the airport and/or bus stop with little time to make the movie. The "Lover Thing" would not have happened were it no for my mother. It was mother Mary who encouraged the makeup upon awaiting his arrival.  "Get upstairs and get some makeup on he is not coming to watch you peel potatoes."  I burst into tears. . . I realized I was conflicted. . . Romance with R had not been a consideration.  Big George was R's best friend.  Who wants to marry their dad's friend?

Growing up R didn't have a "Hands On Dad." R never had anyone ask him, "What do you want to do when you grow-up?" Big George and Ron could and did talk for hours. (Big George took a dad's interest in R. )  My dad could talk civil war history, naval history, geography and loved reading. When the weather forced  Air Force Academy's varsity debate team's plane to land in Duluth in the spring of 1975 they stayed with Mary and George. (Dad would walk me down the aisle June 1975 and die September 3rd of the same year. Cancer.)I had finished a semester early and was already living in Colorado Springs working as a Medical Transcriptionist and crashing the scene with R's VW Bus.

In those days CO didn't allow graduate nurses to work as RN's until license was in hand. And I don't think that was the time Jose Castro slept hugging the pedestal of the baby grand piano.  Oh, the stories!  Dad took R and friends to the Saratoga. Yes, he even brought the girls!  I think he said, "May as well see what it is all about."

Air Force Academy cadets could not marry until after graduation.  It would be several years before R would stop reminding me I was broke and penniless. The first year of Medical School R didn't get his stipend and I was the major wage earner.  When the error was found imagine our surprise at seeing the first paycheck with back pay!  We mortgaged a 21K condo and moved.

The friendship did blossom and I would introduce him to Ruben's at The Pickwick and parking on Park Point.  I boast we fell in love over Ruben's and Tom and Jerry's if the season was right. I would soon realize his humor was toned and his knowledge was honed.  He once told Keesler's graduating class of residents,  "Never take anyone's hope. . .You do not know everything,  Never stop learning, read and remember to laugh."  On a bad day, I have called R and asked him to make me laugh.

This little journey down memory lane includes four offspring, three of their spouses, four grandchildren and a menagerie of goldfish, hamsters, five dogs and one cat which would almost kill Meg who turns out is severely allergic to felines.  And friends to share it all with.

This journey has included several homes and a gnawing feeling you pay people to buy your home. Until Duluth we always did, "Buy High and Sell Low."  The only reason we still have Bear Island is because the perspective buyers tried a renegotiation in the eleventh hour and R said, "We don't have to sell it Barb!"

Challenged Electronically Challenge

Bought Ron a clip-on FITBIT and he prompty lost it so I went out and replaced it with a wrist "Flex" and I added one for me to the credit card.  Mine got five days of LESS THAN aerobitic heart pumping activity and then I conveniently, and probably with malice; left the charger in Duluth, I am awaiting the UPS truck.  UPS just "Dropped " it at the door.

I would rather insert bamboo shoots under my fingernails than exercise.  It cost me $55.00 to ship it back so I am quite literally invested in this piece of technology which actually told me I wasn't sleeping in the first five days. After printing a 27 page "User's Manual" I discovered when you go to bed you have "talk to the FITBIT telling it "I am going to sleep!"

Fall 2015: LIFE! It Has Been Quite a Ride: BETTER THAN A BESTIE

Fall's nip is in the air.  The Wisconsin roadside is harvesting cranberries for as far as the horizon and the loaded logging trucks are between the green bean and corn transports.  The pumpkins are roadside too with hand painted signs to leave $2.00-$3.00 "Big vs Small"  There is even fresh cranberries on covered tables with a honor system cash box not bolted down.  The Halloween decorations are raising from the grave and the trees add more color.  I 'm for colorful trees and little spooky decor.

 The Kirschling kiddos are all grown up and all four as different as the seasons.   Just about the time I am relaxing I get a call which starts with "Mom?"   Ron is never called unless it is "Dad.!" It works  and fortunately the concerns are solved by yours truly.  Nothing has changed.

The family has lived in five states in the last 40 plus years. Wisconsin, and Minnesota has been three different addresses,Two in Texas and three in Biloxi.  For those who have never lived in Mississippi it is a an education. 
The first meeting for Ron and me was in 1971 and the romance started in 1973.  I have realized it has worked because one of us has always managed to take turns balancing the other.   Yes, it has been a "Tag Team" approach.  There have been ten different addresses marking "Home Sweet Home."  Most homes have been "money pits". . .Rule and not the exception was attending a closing with a check for the buyers and A Thank You gift.

There are "My -Guidelines to Marriage" which most simply are 1) Never take yourself too seriously.  2)  Don't turn on the tears. . . Ron cannot handle them:  "Save em. You may need them someday,"  my dad used to say.  3)  Mom would harp, "Barb get off his back!' Finally (Ten-Four.)  Make 'im Laugh…Make 'im Laugh…Make 'im Laugh.

As far as friendships go I cannot swear nor attest that any have worked out except for those who are linked to x23andMe. It is not to say I am anti-social.  I just confide in relatives.  It has been a tough learned lesson.

I have my secrets from Ron which is nothing in violation of the 10 Commandments.  Sometimes I think a best friend would correct what was just heard. I am guilty of keeping my mouth shut. This to say to Ron is not my best friend. I haven't shared everything. I haven't been able to tell him when I got a speeding ticket in 1994 in Superior, Wisconsin.  I haven't told him when I "impulse bought the capise shell lights in the 70's" . . He has asked,  "Where YOU going to tell me.  Nope wasn't one of my stellar moments, Mr. Eagle Scout."  Your standards are Superman"s. . . I doubt Superman had a best friend Mister!  Okay, superman had Lois Lane but it was platonic.  Guess that puts Ron better than a bestie?

Actually Forgot My Sign In!

How or where did Summer 2015 go?
      I had the boats pulled yesterday because as a "seasonal lake fronter" I could not keep up with the rising water levels and a floating dock which wasn't supposed to be floating.  (Found dock segments as far away as three doors down and around the corner.  The boats by some stroke of luck survived.  In this day of technology, I am not sure why a phone call can not "mass stream" an Phone Alert.  I agree "water levels" are not in the same 'boat' with "Amber Alerts."  Guess I am going to have to make a few phone calls and become more responsible.  I will worry about this tomorrow.
                                          Conclusion: For this year the boats are on land. . .
                                Hopefully high enough to survive the fall, winter and spring.

Spent the weekend in Eagan visiting Jackie, Connor, Meg, Gretchen and most of the Ruds.  It was a birthday party for Wyatt.  As he was only "One" I bought Rylie a Music box which was just captivating for the entire weekend.  She got "poked in her eye by her little brother" and it took her quite by surprise.  He of course didn't try to do this.  ("It was "an accident,"" Dad said.)

There has been a crispness to the air these evenings and coming home yesterday we saw a herd of deer just at twilight which we wouldn't have seen had there not been three albino deer with them.  I had never seen such a sight!

February 2015 with A Blast from Parents' Past.

There are probably more than six weeks of winter but there are no complaints from this writer as we have only gotten a light white covering which has not "snow bound" us as has snow on the east coast and rain which has ripped and gripped the west.  I remain a lover of four seasons and having lived both in Mississippi and Texas, I often commented the southern states only have two seasons. ("Brown" and "Green" are not seasons.)

My mom's parent where snow birds.  These pictures where dated February 1965.  In fact so was my dad's dad. I believe the difference then to now. . . it was a driving destination.  Miami, Venice and Tucson are cities which I can pull out of this cobwebbed brain. Mom loved the Fountain Bleu. she couldn't walk the beach then as she stated the hotels put out "breakwaters."

Michael's Ideas Have Lead to My "Ah Hah"

Hello everyone. I am reading a great book right now. I have included some of the material below about ideas for keeping a personal journal. Thought I would share. Not saying we all have to start writing journals. Simple thought it was powerful, and thought I would share. 

1. If you are not sure why you still do some things that you know are harmful or self-defeating, analyze it, process it, write it down. 

2. If your parents did something that drove you nuts, and you said yourself, "when I am a parent, I'm not going to do that." - and then find yourself doing it, write it down. 

3. If you gain an insight or learn a principle or observe a situation where a principle produced certain results, write about it. 

4. If you make a commitment to yourself or to someone else, write about the way you use your independent will to carry it out. If you commit to exercise four times a week, evaluate the factors that empowered you to do it-or explore the reasons why you didn't. Was your commitment half hearted, hasty, or unrealistic? Was there mind over mattress? 

5. Envision possibilities and write them down. 

6. Stand apart from your dreams. Look at them. Write about them. Wrestle with them until you're convinced they're based on principles that will bring results. 

Keep a journal empowers you to see and improve. 

This way you're developing and using your endowments. 

Writing truly imprints yours brain. 

It helps you remember and apply the things you're trying to do. 

It gives you a powerful contextual tool .

As you take occasion - perhaps on a mission statement renewal retreat - to read over your experiences of past weeks, months, years, you gain invaluable insight into repeating patterns and themes in your life.   Love, Michael

This came from our youngest son just this week and I was ever so surprised to read it.  Surprised because he has grown into such a nice (Birthday this week makes him 29 years old) man, son, friend, husband and father.  He has made me commit to writing this "Blog" a bit more often.

I was watching the "Golden Globes" this week and realized I cannot claim R as my "Best Friend."  nor would I want to.  I and R are opposites.  He is very regimented,  much more disciplined, much more knowledgeable and basically unable to multitask. He operates in the 110% mode.  I am none of these to the same degree.  I can laugh at myself, where I realize he cannot as easily. He needs someone to watch his back.

I read on Facebook, "I am married to my best friend." I am not being critical of those writers as it is their opinion of what is their relationships. This just wouldn't work for me.  I am married to my polar opposite.  The two are not the same.

Looking back on Michael's suggestions of the earlier part of this post, R and I have spent every night for a couple of weeks now turning off the TV and adding the radio and just talking to each other.  It has been very different.  I have come away realizing the change is that we aren't listening to each other we are seeing each other!

Moon Shadows

Last night was one of those moonscape nights which defied sleeping. It was so bright the shadows of the trees on the snow were eerie yet not hypnotic enough to get me back to sleep.  I awoke around 3:45 a.m. and I have been up ever since.  Of course I did go to sleep before 8 p.m.  (I am not sleep deprived by any definition.)

And cold:  It is so cold the deck creeked and cracked.  The trees didn't move.  We are not near any airports; yet I could hear airliners overhead, and I could not see them although the stars were as bright as diamonds. Didn't spend any time looking either.  It is just too cold to risk going outside when your body guard is a sound sleeper and doesn't realize his 'cherished' (?) wife is a  moonbeam aficionado. Avoid local headline news, "Wife Found Frozen". (Realize the local Wisconsin Rapids Trib will turn yet another un news worthy article into a publicity stunt and NOTE TO SELF: Deny them any opportunity.)

But the weekend was a life changer.  R and I drove to Rochester, MN to visit an old friend from Duluth who shared adventures of the 148th Air National Guard with him during our life in Duluth.  Terry had an annual "Thanksgiving Turkey Run" along Seven Bridges Road. He and a small band of Guard brothers and (sisters) had adventures to Germany, Guam and places around the world. (Clarity Note: "old friend" refers to friendship: we are the old coots.)

Well, Terry is now an outpatient in residence near Mayo; and it was good to see he and his family again.  The Grand Kahler Hotel is anything 'butt' grand.  Michael's Restaurant closed this last year and the town we left 30 years ago is new and improved.  We set out to find our old house and I can report R was hopeless, helpless and clueless.  I was teetering on, "Let me drive." which wasn't an option due to 1) male ego and 2) macho-ism! (And 3) Of course, I installed his new car with a driver's ejection seat should a female sit behind the wheel and "buckle -up.") Long story made into an epistle.  I found Elton Hills Grade School and made him follow "imaginary 1st Grader Greg walking home." BRILLIANT Babs!)

Stuart Scott, sports announcer, dad, husband, lover, friend of many, celebrity; passed this weekend and what he said about living made us discuss our own mortality riding home.  Of course, the reason we traveled to Rochester in the first place; was intertwined with this too.

It is the New Year and again R has a list of resolutions and I have none.  His are exercise, meditate, read everyday for this and that amount of time. (Ad nauseum he and Greg have complied another Top Ten Books from the New York Times 100 Best Books of the Year 2014 list; they will each read this year.)

My realization is to count the little things more frequently and more often.  Feed the dogs as well as frozen birds and squirrels, make someone LOL, (including you). and make R happy.  He will be just tickled pink to hear I ordered him Ralph Lauren Classic "Preppy" Pants just this morning. Four neutral colors which he will mismatch for others' viewing enjoyment. ( He is still a Garanimal-Tag needed clothes-ter)  I have taken out lamb chops for supper, with Crosse&Blackwell's Mint Vinegar Sauce, pack him a lunch (for you, Gretchen) and managed to feed him a hot three star BFST . My resolution is to acknowledge the little things and do so often.  I think I need to make chicken soup to watch the Moon Shadows by tonoc.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer". . ."You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner you live."  

Stuart Scott 1965-2015 

"Don't Give up. . .Don't ever give up."

It is January 2014

I have celebrated myself into my 61st year!  Of course, I cannot take all the credit as those surrounding me are directly responsible and equally cherished.  The Main Man celebrated his big 6-0 this past December.  In the coming year we have committed to laughing at each other, the adult children, celebrate their coming events and welcome their furry friends.  I have also been instructed by one friend,  (CC); to not post pictures of her on the internet.  The rest of you have stated no similar requests. . . so here goes:

Traveling always has been an exciting part of the  R & B plan. Whether it is into town for a dinner at "C & K's Cheers," A visit with the girls; east to MSP to Michael and Jackie, north to Bear Island, to rekindle old colleages and friends; or west to Madison, Milwaukee, or Green Bay, (across the state). . . then there is south to Chicago for board reviews, ASCO or Greg and Annelise.   There is even hints of "Viking"-it. . Praying the good Lord holds our health "in the palm of his hand."

Otherwise, I have not made a list of New Years' Resolutions . . . Keep the movies current "on the BIG screen," I will "Test Kitchen" a few new concoctions, which also gets Ron fed tonight and hopefully, I won't kill him.  He or I will keep the feeders full, be kind and take calcium as recommended by the CDC.  (Or is it the Mayo Clinic Health Letter?)

Not enough can be said for friends.  Not able to put a value on friendship.  Thanks and praise to all of you who have made me feel happiness and ease!

 Truly a picture is worth a thousand words.

(Two Pictures. . .2000 words)

                                                                (3000)

PRICELESS

I am not looking for my Bowling Ball!

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead

Few things in life are predictable.  Maybe daytime, nighttime and taxes.  I am seldom on time for anything.  That 's predictable .

Recently we went to O'Hare to pick up Meaghan's canines arriving from Germany in advance of her (40 day away) relocation and spent what was an Easter weekend with Greg and Annelise.  We skipped the Easter parts of the weekend as the unplanned mingled with planned.  The interesting part is we all came away and/or stayed in Chicago with a new objective.

Greg is an interesting character and had been for three years now (yes, years) trying to get us to watch a movie by Joe Cross (Australian) called FatSickAndNearlyDead.  So, as unplanned as it was;  we skipped church and embark on this journey to 'Juicy Town' where Joe traveled across the United States explaining micro and macro nutrients and his only "grip" was his Breville juicer.  Yes,  The clothes on his back, his rental car; with AC adapter, and his friend, "Joe Jr. Juicier."

The documentary was cheesy and corny cartoons with dynamic weight loss as Joe only drinks 80/20% RAW fruits and vegetable juices for what turns out to be 60 days.  He encounters "Joe Average, American skeptic" in every town and truck-stop along the way (and converts one wholeheartedly and convinces others which are not film-followed as closely.)  I sat in Greg's living room and turned from a "Doubting Thomas"  to then  "Paul from Saul."  (Okay, I wasn't that religious but this was Easter Sunday and I did need to get a little religion to ease my guilty pleasures  as I had ignored my Christian Easter Sunday duty conscious.")

Well, cut to the chase:  This is day three ("and I only committed to try 7 and maybe goal out at ten days. . .  that would be ideal") of juicing everything from apples, cucumbers, to fennel, add root beet, take out venous red scary root beet, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, squash and zucchinis. My only steaks for the next meal will be the beefsteaks (in my) tomatoes!  Clean the pulp, skip freezing it or composing it. . . Compost. I think I just came up with a great idea!   And all this while I am the new adopted canine mother to two more barking, biting, squirrel chasing four-legged critters who are driving me to really want that forbidden alcoholic laced drink.

Need a cocktail?  I thinking, it might take several days;  but I can ferment cabbage naturally.  What does it take to harden apples to cider?

Greg recommended I diet-proof the house. I cannot do that.  There is just too much in condiments, frozen animal products,  Rudolph cheeses, oils, butters, process foods to ever be able to replace the comfort food which are my spoils of life which make my house feel like a warm fuzzy blanket surrounding my overweight bones on a still frozen April.  Never figured I would feel solace looking at a tall jar of seasoned infused extra virgin olive oil even if all the crusty bread had become squirrel food. Besides I am sure Ron is still drinking his liquid flax seed oil.

Go ahead and drink the flax seed oil, darling.  I have a need for Ron to sabotage himself in any way he can as dieting with a man is disheartening in and of itself.  In the past, I have had to get a three day start to even let him into my past diet plans.  A long time ago he was absolutely forbidden to ever diet when I was pregnant.  It is because men can lose weight thinking about the ball game reruns in their two-track otherwise "thinking about sex" minds.  The metabolism of the male testosterone driven sex purrs at a constant 180 mph.  Mine cruises at a hybrid 40 mpg.  Definition of weight lose for women is minimal calculated caloric intake multiplied (X) by fluid intake equals (=)"Try this again tomorrow,  sister."

But I am DOWN EIGHT POUNDS in two days and Ron is down four!

So bright and early this a.m., I did the only thing I could do.  As Greg, who is the best versed in this whole process and my volunteer to be a "Phone-Son-supporter; I called the "all American build-me-up-son" to get my fix of encouragement and support.  Without much adieu, he told me I would rebound soon and get a headache today.  ( I can't make stuff up this funny!)

So I am off to find the secret to cleaning the kitchen, while avoiding the cheese dip and locate the Tylenol bottle.  I can deal with one more day even if it doesn't mean another four pounds.  I can claim one "bowling ball" victory even if it is a Jr. League Bowling Ball!

As a follow up, today; was the plateau Greg had predicted but I am giving it another day.  I did eat two pickles which weren't juiced.  First sodium in a week.  Oops.

 Melvin Daniel Kirschling 1918-2013

We moved from Duluth seven years ago returning to Wisconsin Rapids because Ron's dad Melvin lived here in his original home, flanked by his original memories and too because Ron was offered a position to start a practice at Riverview Hospital in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin his Alma mater.

This month after a long and not improving stroke his dad passed.  He is in a better place.  I just wish he didn't need to endure the last three months.  Here is a man who just wanted to die immediately, and peacefully, on his porch after a brisk morning spent chopping wood.

This didn't happen.

He was a very private man who lead a very solitude life for the entire time of his existence.  He wasn't gregarious, nor generous but he was articulate, kind, thoughtful, friendly, and happy.  When Mel got something in his mind he held on tight. It can be said he had a stubborn German streak. He negotiate several electrical union contracts with the mill and avoided ever striking.  He didn't often change his opinions but he always did consider and valued others' positions.  As in voting; pretty much he voted democratic, with a few exceptions. . .including this last presidential election. He was always up-to-date on current events although he wasn't much of a reader except for the local paper. (I say so, with bias; as Ron is a veracious reader.  (No one reads more than Ron except for Greg.))  He sourced the radio and later the television news and enjoyed O'Reilly. Picking him up on the way to meet Ron I would ask if he had heard the latest happenings.  He would volunteer current events from Afghanistan to Washington adding weather disasters.

Melvin said to me on several occasions over the last several years, "I never thought one of my children would ever move back here."  For Thursday nights Ron would say, "Dad you want to get a 'bite to eat?' ' and he would pick him up or I would if Ron was in clinic "lock down." and we would go to Baker's Street Cafe, The Mead, The Sky Club, @1800, Pizza Hut, Portessi's or Lake Aire.  Melvin would not go to Apple-bee's in Rapids because the "one in Point was better." He loved sitting at the bar in Lake Aire because "the Old Bartenders were fascinating " (Melvin was 20-30 years older so calling them old was fair)  He seldom had more than a glass of Zinfandel or one beer. I only got him one time to join us and friends here on our porch.

We quit taking him to El  Mezcals because he would only eat the chips and "one beef taco."  He had an eating dedication in that he was a very small eater.  Unless it was salmon or pizza.  He seldom took home left overs as he said he had a lot of food in the fridge.  More often than not Ron finished his entree as he frowned on wastefulness  He was a "Depression Era tipper" so Ron took over the checks. Melvin only forgot once in seven years to be ready at 6:00 p.m. Everything he did with us was written down on his calender to avoid the risk of forgetting.  (Ron is picking me up tonight and the next few Thursdays in memory of his dad.  It is the only way to get Ron out of the office before 7 p.m.)

There were times where he came here for supper. Ron would drive him both ways.  Mel still drove but preferred not to at night.   In earlier years he came for the World Series and  when the Packers were playing.  On Easter I made lamb shanks and he questioned what he was eating.  He had never had lamb.  He would not eat rutabaggies, cucumbers or brussel sprouts.  He always said I was a tremendous cook which wasn't necessarily true and then would add. . ."Your mother was a pretty good cook too."

He was the dessert man.  Pecan pie was his proclaimed favorite, chocolate anything, fried ice cream, coconut cream pie, cranberry cake which he hadn't seen in years, and Andes mints. (Well, chocolate in any form, with tea because the British taught him to drink tea in Africa during WWII.) We took him to a couple movies cuz all Kirschling men need cinema buttered popcorn.  He never feel asleep.

He always rode "shotgun."  I broke hard and  missed a deer driving out of La Crosse.  He was grateful not to have to walk home that night.

He talked of all the times he drove home from "dance jobs" down this county road or that.  He told of the time he sat on the hood of the car with his feet on the bumper, to direct the driver in the fog. He told of flailing  his arms like an air traffic control officer to keep the car between the white lines.  "If I made twenty dollars I would keep ten and give Marie ten." that was the deal he'd say.  When she died in 1997 he told me he "found phone books full of 100 dollar bills. . nothing smaller."

Four and five years ago we had Brewers' Season tickets.  If we left early on the three hour ride to Milwaukee, Ron would say to me, "We will stop for lunch, Barb."  We never did. At the Milwaukee city limits the truck went to auto pilot. Batting practice took precedence.  I'd buy a Brewer Tater! Ron saw to it dad got to a Packer's Game and a Badger Football game.  He was a good sport sitting through a few humid  La Crosse Michael swim meets too! Lincoln High School and Assumption Football were Ron's excuse to pick up dad on a cold fall Friday night. Ron played football in high school but his dad never saw him play. (Melvin played in a dance band almost every Friday and Saturday night for years.  Melvin enforced Ron's short buzzed hair until Ron left for the academy and then Melvin let his hair grow too.)

For the last  three years we have had Rafter season ticket along the first base side per Mel's request. I think the Rafter's should paint his name on his transplanted Brewer Stadium seat   Mel was always ready in his full sleeved wool shirt even if it was still 100 degrees after seven! I often drove myself because he and Ron were not leaving early. Extra innings were brutal. . .rain delays were my men's excuse to sit patiently. Rafter ball games for Melvin were one hot dog, popcorn and a diet mountain dew.  Although the beer was free he seldom partook.  I could always get him to share a frozen snicker bar. Upon leaving the game Melvin would always proclaim, "No need to drive to Milwaukee. . .This is fine baseball."

Mel looked forward to and was always grateful for the presence of his family in Rapids.  Wayne and Jane came often and Mel would always tell us of their pending arrivals.   When Ron asked him to join us for dinner, a game or a show he would say, "I'm not doing anything else but sitting on the porch and I can always do that."  If we stay out later Mel would say, "Fine with me, I can sit at home anytime."  He went once to Nelson's Resort with Mike and Ron to fish on Crane Lake with a guide who took great care of him yet  "That was nothing I need to do again."  He felt the same about a tandem ski doo ride in the Rockies with Wayne. . .a frigid golf cart ride in Kentucky.  He refused to get on the back of Ron's three wheeled motorcycle.  But he enjoyed the Duluth pontoon boat and told us he often went with Marie and friends on the river "above Biron."   He was a man who enjoyed people and knew his limits.

He also enjoyed Big Band Music. And he knew his fellow musicians. (It is rumored Buddy Rich let him sit behind his drums.)  He listened to miles and miles of recorded tapes.  Had an extensive library of LP's.  In later years he enjoyed satellite radio on car trips.  I would ask him to "Name that Tune" to pass the miles. . .he did. (I'd check his accuracy by hitting the "Text" button.)

Finally we watched the swan on the Wisconsin River.  The single swan and Mel would tell me swan stories.  I didn't see the swan from October to February this year but I saw him yesterday.  I will think fondly of Melvin every time I see this or any lone swan!

Nostalgia

I have been bitten by the nostalgic bug or at least the little trip down Memory Lane.  I was spending far too much time looking thru old pictures from Grandfather's attic and trying to make story boards for him and I just took a break to look at my childhood scrapbook.  
It comes complete with a lot of notes, letters and pictures which are of no use to anyone but me. So I decided to post a picture from 1958.  The Dainty Miss recitals of Virginia Minnesota were dance lessons free to the masses and although I participated for six years I have no dance talent whatsoever.  

Well, I can sew.  That is pretty good from a girl who was thrown into the parochial Marquette School in the fourth grade because she was 

"Boy Crazy" and Mary and George were pretty sure I was headed for "The Bethel Home for wayward girls in Duluth".  Hence I had to clean up my pension for "boy crushes." 
(For which I can still name all seven of them!)  Deny the existence of "BOYS" and remain at Marquette complete with Sister Andreine,  (Mrs. Sabbath) Sister Eucharia, Sister Helen and Sister Madaonna until the ripe ole year of 1967 when Virginia Roosevelt accepted the virgins of the 8th grade to enter the ninth.  

And talk about traumatic.  I was not only supposed to ignore boys but remember a locker location, its combination and class times for six classes including cafeteria rules and deal with swim classes, complete with Mrs. Anne Wallace who could scare the period out of any girl. The only quality I had in my repertoire was I knew how to swim as the King girls spent every summer at Round Lake in the company of their grandparents who had them in the water every day and in bed every night. (at 7:00!) 

Worst of all I had missed 7th and 8th grade Home EC, Cooking and Sewing!  Talk about being traumatized.  All this came with my front upper silver tooth shining a beam down the halls of VHS. (My future was tentative at best and I was screwed.)

I didn't speak much to anyone except Mary Ellen, Kathy and my parents for the next four years.  (One of these was my Irish twin (51 weeks older,) older sister and tagging along with her to Ms. David Thomas Cadet Girl Scouts made her really froth!  Ignore that. . . I would follow her to UMD! There Mary Ann Lambert would teach me how to cornflake and short sheet her bed!)

I would have been a different person had I learned to sew a pillow and bake cinnamon pull-a-parts!  Instead it was off to more nuns, CSS and the origin, action, and insertion of 535 muscles of a butchered mink. 1500++ facts which never presented themselves in life ever again.  

But I can laugh at it all NOW.  YUP!

59 Years in 10 minutes

What I did On My "Summer (of My Life)" Vacation     

CLICK ABOVE!

Post Birthday THE BIG 6 0

Recent events of this weekend put us at the Marquette in Minneapolis celebrating a milestone birthday. . .Yes, my 60th with a few friends and family (25) and a lot of "painting the town red".  We ate too much and drank too much as we moved from room to room and dining venue to dining venue.  Everyone came and the jokes and the music and the pictures and the video were contributed by very talented techno-logical off- spring who 'done themselves proud."  Well, me too.  I laughed and I cried and then I laughed so hard I cried.  I was the most surprised and someone else was the Host with the Most. Guess you cannot take the officer out of the gentleman!

It worked out well without saying too much to make those who didn't make the event jealous and sadly remorseful.

I believe it was Gretchen who stepped up to making the arrangements (Full Basil's Menu verses abbreviated!!!)  and getting ( To my Surprise!) over four hundred photos to Meaghan (by scanning) to Germany who then Meg  "Photo Shopped and 'Chopped' " added my "Crazy Patsy music."  They included everyone and I finally realized my "cloned Kirschling children" did not look exactly alike.  ("That's Michael. . .That's Greg. . .Grandpa Larry. . .Aunt Marie. . .Grandma Marie. . .Meg. . .no Gretchen... the girls even got in the fiances')  I have to "post" this.  I am hopeful it can be forthcoming.  (Stay Tuned. .  .Nano computer challenged that I am!)

I wanted to head north this weekend but Ron wants to start his pilot's training so I guess I am either going to have to brave the travel alone with the canines or just postpone the event until the weather warms. It would be nice if Ron got to do something for himself one of these days. (I hear the new roof has been installed and it is not like I can see it from the ground anyway.  I'll be home in stead.  Ron is much more important to me than traveling 265 miles alone to see a snow covered metal roof! Who would do that?)

Rylie has gone Home

Yesterday we drove Gretchen and Rylie home to Minneapolis as dad (Josh ) is arriving today from Atlanta after being out in the swamps of the southern US since October diving into training for the Army.  I am told he lost a lot of weight and yet passed the course.  I hate having to share Rylie but I will not complain too much if it is to reunite her with daddy.

We drove home last night in pea soup fog for the last half.  Ron asked me to magnify the navigation screen so he could tell where the curves were.  For us "old foggies" it was like playing a video game with our car as the icon on the radio screen venturing down HWY 73.  Ron grew up on these back roads from Neilsville to Rapids and he would say things like, "Well it is a straight shot now," and the navigation would blare a right angle approaching before we could see the road sign.  Of course if there were any deer we would not have seen them either.  Someone needs to invent navigation which shows wildlife! (I laugh at the thought of employing DNR to APP  Bambi with "Find a Friend iPhones.)

Last night we came home to "Who needs a drink?',  and "Sons of Anarchy" Tivo'd, and frankly fell fast asleep after the popcorn.  The road trip was nerve wracking. . . as though "Sons of Anarchy" isn't!  We have to still finish the season. . .and see the "Survivor" finale. . . as Gretchen wants us to tape something about the Bachelorette.

The Ruds plan to return here by mid week.  I'd be ready if they come today.

So today we sit here with the New York Times (which I haven't opened), have already done my ninth day of consecutive "rowing" and I made egg salad sandwiches for brunch.  It is so quiet the only noise is the hum of the ionizer.  The snow is all gone thanks to yesterdays rain and fog and the flying squirrels were even un-hibernated last night as many peanuts were a float in in the feeders.  Today the gray squirrels, who don't hibernate;  are having a squirrel trapeze act as I type.  Did I mention the Packer kick off is just minutes away.  They hopefully will trounce on the Bears and my day will be happy cheesehead realized.  If the Bears win Ron will mope.  Ron is talking about Bloody Mary's with a win!

"Are you ready for Christmas Barb?"  I have figured everyone out but Ron.  He and Gretchen are working on an "Ideas from Colleen's Store."  which I was actually sent to with Grrrr (and Rylie) to "window shoppe." last week.  Then there are plans for a Birthday party with all in MSP and yesterday he took a look at accommodations in Maui for February.  I have only gotten him two sweaters!  I have only gotten him some cologne. . .but he has gone at this Christmas , birthday, and  vacation thing like "gangbusters."  Of course I am going "Be Surprised."  I need to think of something amazing for Ron.  Need to buy more Orville Redenbacher!

I am managing to get myself into trouble on Facebook speaking out about the senselessness of giving guns to psychotic or at least anti-social deviates.  I just do not think the United States is dealing with preventing further annihilation of innocent children and teachers by saying we will always have these social deviants among us.  I have always had guns in the home where I was raised and now too, but I could not kill even 20 squirrels in 20 minutes and I do not see why we promote violence in video games and let our children shoot to kill the video screen prn.  I do not think the government needs to get more involved with the right to bear arms but I do think parents have to become proactive.  We are not dealing with the problems when the people say,  "Guns don't shoot people. . .people shoot guns," and then continue with life as usual.

Why are we allowing ,"Training Day" to become the "copy cat" acting-out variation of real life.

Merry Wisconsin Christmas and a Happy Minnesota New Year!

Plans for the holidays are not coming together for the family just as happens every year.  I have Gretchen and Rylie to share the days.  We have snow to add to the ambience.  I have done some "gifting" . . . I just am not full of ideas.  And frankly my  holiday decorations are dishes, tablecloths, towels and snow globes.   Cards are all posted from the home of Rudolph the red nose reindeer. Guess  I am on track.  Hurray!

New Tricks Old Post

Recent events of a couple four star generals, married madams, mingling mistresses, & The FBI and my rambling mind all came together last noc. ( I don't have a lot of time on my hands these days...so call this pretty straightforward and simple!)

 

I was wondering how did the " middle aged delinquents" pull this off over the internet (?) and then I read in the Daily Wisconsin Rapids Tribune (AP, because without this the paper is still worthless), . . . "any computer savvy teenage knows if you set up a second gmail, yahoo, &/or  a AOL email account all you have to do is just read drafts in your shared email account which you both (all) have "the login" too!

 

Well, I was never a JD so the thought of setting up a second email staggers my imagination and exceeds my ability. . .

It took me a few months to figure bkk121@gmail.com and make RJK121@ the same.com was do able.  I still think I am brilliant as the 1-2-1 is a variation of both birthdays.  

 

But to set up a second e-mail tickles my "giggle" button and not my "illicit affair desire" button.  And telling Ron we could privately communicated by building a new email account (perhaps calling it OldBabesWho@yahoo.com) sounds like an alert to the FBI or at least a division of the pornograhy department.  (I won't be getting a second email any time soon.)

 

But wait a minute and stop this bus(!!!) then it came to me that a lot of my "couple" friends do have just one email  (mary.george@hotmail.com).

So now I am thinking I am really behind the trend and envy you all for all the fun you must be having reading hot & steamy drafts. Guess I was less congratulatory then, than now as I say, "Great Job. . .Keep it up!" as I remain young enuf to learn a new trick and boring enuf to not put it to practice.

 

P.S.  I won't be checking any drafts any time soon @ RJK121!

 

 

Truly,

 

Barbara

ArGo and Airstreams

Argo By Ben Affleck, The Trailer

Flashback to San Antonio, November 27th 1979 and we are the proud parents of brand new Meaghan Marie and the hospital where she was born is under siege as the world knows the exiled Shah of Iran has been given asylum within its walls.

At the time it only meant inconvenience as I had to return for several days to follow up with some new born lab testing.  Grandma Mary and Greg came along.  Sitting in the waiting room I attempted to show off Greg's superior 21 month old brilliance and said, "Gregory what does the clock say?"
He loudly squwaked, "GOBBLE, GOBBLE."

This weekend when I soloed to "ArGo" I now realize I was the stupid one in the waiting room on that long, long ago and far, far away November day.  "Argo" was without a doubt the most riveting movie I have seen and although it may be because I remember where I was when Kennedy was shot and where I was when the Gulf War was launched. Until Saturday October 20th 2012, I also didn't know what was happening when I was attempting to balance two children, my mother and the 1979 Wilford Hall hospital security.
(I do remember when the Iranian delegation found out they were being housed in the hospital locked-down psychiatric unit they immediately requested to be moved.  Their next location would be nearer the Lackland  AFB commissary.) 

This past weekend when Ron ventured to northern Wisconsin with his posse " to be a "Boy Scout" of his usual "Eagle Scout" caliber and "tote that barge (dock) and lift that bail (posts)," I, the solo movie-goer which I will do on occasion; went to see what I had never really thought about again and learn what I never knew before.

RJ left with my blessing (and a fine body) and bottle of fine spirits and my strict instructions to not come home injured or in firmed.  He fulfilled my request and I had a lovely invite to dine  e'spanol . . .complete with Margaritas and fireside chattering.

RJ, made my day when he arrived back in time to see the Packers win which made his day!. It turned out we both had had adventures.  Ron saw an old dilapidated Airstream this side of Wausau which he was ashamed & embarrassed for. . I saw one in "ArGo" which housed John Goodman which I wasn't.)

What a fine Sunday it turned out to be. I had made comfort food served for Ron with lots of ketchup. Ron briefly found the leaf blower, the hot tub is still hot and then a ride along country roads with the iPod blaring Dylan and the hand warmers on high. Scared up a ruffled grouse.

Bab's Pastie Pie (#1 Rule:   Raid your freezer)

1.  Brown one finely chopped onion, olive oil, tender cubed steak and your favorite sausage.  I used Italian cuz  I wasn't spoiling this Sunday with a 10 mile trek to the store...both ways uphill!)
Lots of garlic. . sliced or crushed. (I am not much of a jarred garlic user.)
2. Chop carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, rutabaggie ( Iron Range thing, of course) add to the pot with tomato paste to your liking. Seasoning with pepper, cumin, nutmeg, thyme. . .I am avoiding Na Cl these days. (Sausage sneaks it in!) Dust with flour.
3.  Add frozen vegetables from the frosted-over side of your freezer like, peas, pearl onions, etc.  I couldn't find mushrooms or corn. If I had found them I would not have been able to cover with the top crust.  This got really domed! Looked a bit like the movie "Encounters."
Smear unwhipped whipping cream over the top
4.   Place it on a baking sheet cuz "mess potential is huge."  Yes, it is a good idea to pierce the top crust!
Bake in store boughten refrigerated pie crust for an hour @ 375.
 I hit the convection button cuz occasionally I want to impress myself and appear to look to my imaginary audience like I know what I am doing.  (I DON"T)

Yep, It was a Pastie Pie Vision!

September 15th 2012

Birthday for Mel & Also my 100th Blog

Yesterday we took Melvin to dinner and celebrated his NINETY FOURTH birthday.  He commented, "I am really old," as he blew the candle out on his favorite; pecan pie al a mode.

Mel has a lot of favorites when it comes to desserts.  He took the double death chocolate cake home.

Ron invited Mel to the Packer's Game here Sunday. Ron and Mel have seen another season of Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Baseball and it just seems natural to now enjoy football.  Television has been a big part of Mel's life this year too.  Melvin got a new TV to replace the console model of the seventies.  Actually, he now has a screen which you can see...besides all this news, he is predicting a Romney win.

Melvin broadly smiled and said, "It will be interesting."

Football Sunday here this weekend!  I enjoy making a Sunday chicken cuz "my" men so enjoy eating. There is no pressure as my guests are easily pleased. I will add my grandfather's wild rice dressing, my friend Jean's cranberry sauce and Colleen's cranberry relish (if I remember to call them) as we live in cranberry country, sweet potatoes and possibly a rutabaggie. . . I made two Triple Layer Pumpkin Pies last weekend for the Duluthians so I will have to pull out my Julia Child...or buy chocolate.  I love having a back-up plan! I anticipate a trip to Rudolph and the Wisconsin State Cheese Store is do able.

Barring any commentary on politics I did enjoy the Republican Convention over what I have seen of the Democrats.  But keep in mind there was football on the screen last night so the coverage at 4457 isn't equal . . . The jury is still out on our "vote" verdict.  Presently, however; I would guess I am sleeping with a republican. (Maybe.)

What has been the biggest change for us this year is what Ron did to the places we own in Duluth.
! !!!He sold one (actually gladly gave it away) and he is letting yours truly remodel the other! !!!  The dust is still settling on the 'Sale of the Century in Congdon Park.'  It ended a lot of chapters for us in The Kirschling Book of Lifelong Misadventures  Does however end with  "And they all lived happily ever after."
(Hope the IRS agrees!)

With no lack of style and a lot of humorous antidotes the place which remains, I have 'carte blanche' to  remodel and will included a new non leaking toilet, soon to be metal roof, all new composite decks, docks, a "crossover" boat which will not be delivered until spring and (saving the best for last) Dish Network arrived this summer!

I gave RJ permission to "Dish," and Ron is in "plasma heaven!" Ron installed thousands of channels in Duluth.  He can now watch and record to his heart's desire. He can "drink scotch whiskey all night long". . . watch the sunrise over the Island Lake Bridge and he can do this in surroundings which include no labor for him. I am required to remodeling with licensed contractors so he gets to relax."  It is a great deal for all.  He has never taken any pride in accomplishments gained with "man tools." Divorce was almost the result of tearing the indoor-outdoor carpet out of the sauna this August.".  In his defense he needed a shovel as the carpet was so rotten.  I got stung by a yellow jacket retrieving the equipment.  Taking one for the team saved the marriage.

Ron was disappointed not to go to the driving range yesterday but plans are to make a five o'clock ish tee time today. Golf clubs are his only acceptable "man tools"!

He and Greg are reading through their "Top Ten Book Selections" for their second year now. Greg is hoping dad adds Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn (Greg had worked with Gillian at EW and speaks very fondly of her.) next year because Greg has already read this and Greg would have a head-start(I sent my copy of Gone Girl to "another" Gone Girl so next year we will again support author Gillian Flynn!)

Between episodes at the cabin of "Lizzard Lick"  Greg has put me on an assortment of books by Ruth Reichl which means I can now read Gourmet Magazine with new enthusiasm and almost  say "sommelier" if we ever return to Napa.

It was a fast, furious and ferociousness Summer of 2012. Lots more news to follow but for now I have to get permission from the off spring to brag them up and/or tell their news.  I will go through all the proper channels. . . Keep in touch.