SURPRISE #3 SO WORTH THE WAIT...

Due to work schedules it's not often our immediate family convenes in one place ever but last Tuesday was the closest we were going to get.  Our kids from Atlanta, San Francisco Bay Area  Indianapolis and Westby were under the same roof for dinner.

Our family had so many simchas (blessings) to celebrate so a Simchas Galore gathering was planned at a local recently reopened new Sylvan Glen Supper Club.  We wanted to patronize and promote this local business since the new owners actually also run a truck and excavating business which was instrumental in making sure our mile long drive was rebuilt after the 500 yr flood, subsequent 100 yr flood and most recently hard rains which had us close to losing 2 sections of road. Sylvan Glen is normally closed on Tuesdays but rented our their restaurant and bar with a 94 person seating capacity in the main room and we filled it. 

Cousins Nancy and Phyllis, not pictured Mary

Invitations first went out to relatives who live close by and 3 cousins did come from the Twin Cities by RV and then there were friends from different parts of our life who we have also celebrated their life events and passions.


As far as Natureman knew we would be celebrating simchas including welcoming daughter Lori's husband, Evan, and granddaughter Hannah's first Coulee visit, an engagement and move for son Simon and Leah and special decade birthday for another future family member, Steven's fiancée Karen. At the time we didn't know Steven would be proposing the previous day! Surprise #1. (Rats: Too late to be added to the cake.)

Surprise # 3 was on Natureman as he will be celebrating his 70th this summer and said he said he didn't want a party. Well, this was too opportune to not celebrate his new decade early. There were slips along the way but Natureman had no clue even after numerous people wished him Happy Birthday and even handed him cards that evening. He really was taken aback when he was told his simcha was also being celebrated.

The evening's intentions of Meeting, Greeting and Eating were all fulfilled with an open bar, dinner buffet with yummy broasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, locally grown green salad, rolls and of course a dessert table with the swirled b&w cake,  brownies with raspberries, chocolate cake, strudel and rugelach. 

We also had special stations to wish the celebrants well, a Best Wishes board for newly engaged couple Simon and Leah, 














a book of 'unsolicited' advice for the 30's for Karen,

a red nose photo station to let our first time Coulee visitors know we are friendly Midwesterners...  We have great pics of our red nosed guests!


(Red Noses most importantly help Walgreen's program fighting child poverty) 

and for the birthday boy, Natureman, 

a dictionary station to pick out a word to describe him with an explanation. 






It was a wonderful evening filled with family and friends from what I call the second part of my life...  I think we are all surprised out.  Yet one never knows what tomorrow shall bring, do we?

HUMAN INTEREST STORY TBT: A DAY EARLY

Every Memorial Day Natureman and I make sure to be in attendance at the special memorial service at noon taking place at La Crosse's Jewish Cemetery.  This year we learned that in the Hebrew language there was no word for 'soldier' so one had to be created.

Also unbeknownst to us area firefighters had been on the very same ground hours minutes before our arrival doing a very important 'mitzvah ' (good deed).  

The very flag photo I posted on Memorial Day from a past ceremony was the very subject of this mitzvah.

My friend Sue, captured the story to share with local news sources but alas they were all busy doing other Memorial Day activities. Read on to learn the entire story.

Something Important Happened During Memorial Day Musing
by Susan T. Hessel

I know enough to not say Happy Memorial Day to others. It’s a holiday not just for sales, barbecues and time off from work. Tracing its origins back to just after the Civil War when it was called Decorations Day is meant to remember those people who died supporting our American values like freedom, respect, equality and much more..

That’s why what happened Memorial Day in the Jewish Cemetery was so important. Two weeks before the holiday, the rope used to raise the 35-foot flagpole at the cemetery was so frayed it had to be replaced.

To have a Memorial Day at the Jewish Cemetery in La Crosse without an American flag was simply unthinkable to Rabbi Saul Prombaum of Congregation Sons of Abraham. But it looked like that would occur within 90 minutes of the annual observance that includes prayers for the dead and prayers for our government.

Instead of maybe holding small flags, Prombaum said a “chain of dedication against the backdrop of the importance of Memorial Day” made it possible for that flag to fly.

The challenge began two weeks ago when the cemetery’s caretaker, Leigh Running, discovered deteriorated rope lying in a heap at the base of the flagpole. This was odd for a rope replaced just the year before. He searched for and found a local company willing to replace the rope.

Instead of telling Running that company would not do the job, after all, it simply bailed from the project. Running, a dedicated caretaker for years at the cemetery was upset. He knew the flag’s importance.

When no other solution could be found, the rabbi reached out to Lieutenant Colonel Arieyeh Austin, a member of Congregation Sons of Abraham for the two years he was commander of the 1st Battalion, 310th Infantry at Fort McCoy. A few weeks before, his daughters had a shared Bat Mitzvah at the synagogue, which is a calling of age ceremony for girls comparable to Bar Mitzvahs for boys.

Austin, whose next assignment is at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, was actually at that fort for Memorial Day. But he made phone calls, seeking help to get that rope changed. He asked an engineering company in the area for help, but it was not able to respond quickly. Who next to call? He tried the La Crosse Fire Department, which was there within minutes from its station on Losey Boulevard.

They came in minutes via a fire truck and were led by Lt. Bee Xiong, acting La Crosse Fire Department chief on Memorial Day. The first thing they did was to raise the ladder parallel to the pole to where it eventually was higher than the 35 feet.

The firefighters knew it was not as simple as balancing that ladder against the pole as they had no idea whether the pole itself was stable. Also, the soil in which the pole is implanted has many holes and tunnels made by moles, which might affect its stability. Would it bend against the weight of the firefighter at the top of the pole? Also, how hot would that pole be on a 95 to 100-degree heat index day?

“This had to be done without endangering the life of the firefighters or anyone else on the cemetery grounds,” Prombaum said. Firefighters instead made the decision to hold a ladder up parallel to the pole without touching it.” 
That required firefighters to first keep raising the ladder to see if it could get high enough to do the work. Firefighting ladders go up in sections. In this case the ladder was raised more than 35 feet.

“It took them about 35 minutes. They were good at what they did. It was like a bunch of guys had trained together for an event just like this,” Prombaum said. “Once the firefighter got up there, it didn’t take long.”

There was a snag – literally – coming down, however. Two tethers were caught on the flag pole. The firefighter who replaced the rope, together with the four firefighters manning the lines, had to raise the ladder to a height which cleared the top of the pole and gently coax the ladder away from the flagpole. The dedicated firefighters looked a little like that iconic photo of the soldiers raising the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II.

The Jewish Cemetery actually includes a section called Ansche Chesed, which German immigrant Jews founded as the first Jewish cemetery. Ansche Chesed means people of kindness in English. The larger burial ground adjacent to it is for Congregation Sons of Abraham, which is now responsible for both sections. About a dozen of the 150 or so graves there are of veterans.

All of those who worked on the flag pole could be considered people of kindness, according to Prombaum. “They were a serious bunch. It feels good to see good people doing a good thing.”

Prombaum said he is grateful to Running, the cemetery caretaker for many years, because he felt personally responsible for getting that flag up the pole; and also for Lt. Col. Austin. Both men are problem solvers who “didn’t let it go.”

Also impressive was those coming for the ceremony had no idea about what happened moments ago. The firetruck was gone as were the fighters. It looked like it did on any other Memorial Day. The 14 members of a local Civil War reenactors came as usual, performing a 21-gun salute and playing Taps.

A cemetery is a place of contemplation on Memorial Day, the rabbi added. “A cemetery is holy ground that becomes even more holy on Memorial Day. The flag had to be up on the pole as a symbol of why these people served.”


How many firefighters does it take to change the rope? Seven, each dedicated, determined and deliberate in respecting those who came before them.

 The following photos show the ladder parallel to the flag pole with the firefighters  holding up the ladder to see if it would work

followed by the people holding tether lines and the brave firefighter who climbed that ladder held by the firefighters and Leigh Running, the cemetery caretaker. 

The final photos show the preparation for putting the flag on the new rope and the flag flying at half mast -- for Memorial Day. Later, it was raised to full staff.

Kudos to all those who made this happen. A huge thank you from our community.

SURPRISE #2

I don't know about you but I find keeping a surprise really taxing. Besides the element of time of how long the secret has to be kept there's also the factor of how many others know the secret and can keep it. Well, the addition of another family member, Irv's youngest son, Simon, was also to be part of our family reunion and celebration surprise. 

Simon has been living in Indianapolis and recently became engaged (yea) in addition to accepting a tenured track position closer to home at my old alma mater U of Iowa.  Due to decision making of when his move would happen and other commitments, a long road trip seemed to be an impossibility.  Well, thank goodness for a reasonable early flight Simon could be part of our gathering unbeknownst to his Dad. (Unfortunately, his intended couldn't take off from work.)

Anyhow, Tuesday a.m. I used errands as a true reason of my daughter and I needing both cars. This way I could meet not only meet Simon at the airport but also leave him with a car to be able to get some work done during the day and surprise his Dad that evening at our Simchas Galore gathering.

Well, Natureman didn't even notice the absence of the second car. He had gone with the rest of the household to go on an Amish country tour and when he returned the garage door was closed. So far so good.

He was indeed overjoyed and surprised to see Simon that evening...

I can't tell you how wonderful it was having another member of the flock home. Not only did Simon surprise his Dad but got to see old family friends in addition to family members and meet his newest niece. 

Not only was the house full but so was my heart...  Surprise #2 fait accompli. 

NEW FACES in the END OF THE RAINBOW VALLEY

Please accept my absence this past week and I promise you'll hear about all that happened with our full house of family members. It's rare to have our kids all home at the same time.

Being in the middle of nowhere has its drawbacks as to the inconvenience of no direct flights... BUT the kids used that antiquated method of a car trip from Georgia with the baby.  Another couple combined a meeting trip to Chicago visiting us afterwards. 

It was super special to welcome 3 new faces to the End of the Rainbow Valley.  Georgians, son-in-law Evan and 9 month old Hannah made their first trip to the Coulee. 

Some of our well intentioned plans came to fruition but  weather definitely deterred a Monday picnic, bike ride on the converted rail beds, fishing and canoeing on other days. Being flexible with a baby's schedule was really not the issue but rain and heat were. 

Spring Green's House on the Rock was first on the agenda and where we met up and the beginning of the week's many surprises.

Unfortunately our intended picnic got rained out but we had fun none the less seeing the unusual architecture. Evan and Hannah weren't the only ones to be first time visitors as Natureman had never been here either. 

Touted as the largest  carousel boasting some 20.000 lights.

Due to a later starting arrival we could only partake in 2 of the three attraction areas. It was pretty much how I remembered it from some 20 years ago with a young daughter and son and the costly entrance fee even back then. It's a bit worn in some exhibits besides needing some housekeeping with some exhibit cases filled with those dang Asian Lady Beetles and spider webs obviously plaguing this home too. 

This is where the proposal took place...

But the priceless event was our first real big surprise in the House's Infinity Room which suspends over the forest below. Honoring my son's wishes for no pics publicly posted, he proposed to a very unsuspecting, now fiancee. It was extra special to be able to be with them at this moment. My daughter broke out the bubbly and plastic champagne glasses out of the baby's diaper bag to celebrate a toast to this momentous occasion. 

Memorable indeed.

The third new face in the End of the Rainbow Valley came in on 4 feet. It appeared on our hillside upon our return. Look to the left of her momma and you'll spot her. 

The new fawn came to meet Baby Hannah. How sweet! Stay tuned for a week of joy and surprises.

MAY DAYS MUSIC

Another sign of spring is the calendar filling with school concerts. It's also a joy to see the students's growth after the academic year. The grandchildren's small town's referendum to build a Performing Arts Center now has come to fruition with a beautiful theater with room for seating 250 patrons.

This very same addition has caused a bit of dilemma since the end of the year concerts can only offer families 4 tickets/ family that are now requested on line due to the limited seating.  There has to be 2 different times to accommodate the attendees, one during the school day and the second an evening performance for the unassigned seats. 

So since we have both first and second grader grandchildren we had to go to 2 different performances on different evenings.  The evening concerts went in shifts so the audience present had to empty the auditorium and reenter if they had a child in the next timing.  There was a lot of grumbling.

The High School choir concert tickets were assigned seats with a different ticket request time on line. So coordination between families as to ordering seating together is a bit more challenging.

With the new PAC building there were be bugs to work out. Meanwhile we will still enjoy sitting on comfortable seats vs gym bleachers/ metal folding chairs. 

Our grand-children,
of course, sounded magnificent and we feel fortunate their school district and community support their music program.

Kudos to our high schoolers whose choral groups went to State and did well!

Good job Westby, pop 2200!

FOTO FRIDAY: THE UNEXPECTED

FOTO FRIDAY was not a total surprise as a friend at Jazzercise shared a story about a couple who has a fishing cabin with a very large turkey outside the small town west of Romance on Highway 59 en route to Viroqua.

I really didn't know what to expect but sure enough you can't miss the largest brightest turkey I have ever seen. This turkey stands about 20 ft. tall.

WOW now that's a sculptural conversation piece! Upcycled crushed cans no less.

I'll have to ask whether the couple emptied all those cans themselves while fishing. Wink, wink.

TBT: TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

TBT: To everything there is a season... a time to plant, a time to sow. When modern equipment can't get in the saturated fields for planting, the Amish have been busy for a while now.

The ridge roads can be curvy and hilly and sometimes one finds themselves at field time stuck behind farm equipment. Yet it may have been a while since most of you were stuck behind a horse drawn cart. I actually enjoyed this slowdown on a busy day.

ROCK ON...

Back to the End of the Rainbow Valley where in comparison we have our own little devastation. Who knew surviving winter would only lead into unusual spring rains where we would wake up daily and just hope the next rainfall would be a normal light rain?

Thunderstorm after thunderstorm pummeled the Coulee area with numerous downpours flooding the creek and  doing a number on our mile gravel driveway. Ruts and potholes galore.

Natureman's tractor regrading alleviated some bad washes but we started losing our road. What I mean by losing our road means its sides were sliding into the ditch in a couple areas. It was time to call in the experts. 

There was a chance they could come before the weekend but another job demanded their attention. So the road crew finally arrived last Tuesday.
In came 4 truckloads full of large rock to reinforce the banks followed by a back hoe and front loader. 

My neighbor had alerted me of their arrival by text as I was in town. Not knowing if the road was passable nor wanting to interrupt progress I opted to stay in town doing errands until I heard otherwise as 7 large truckloads (translates as14 normal trucks worth) of gravel would also need to be unloaded. I did not want to take the chance of meeting a truck head on either.

Tired and needing to change before my class, I finally reached Natureman mid afternoon who told me to come on home as the trucks were away reloading rock.  I took advantage of that window of opportunity to make it in and out before their return.  

Now I can sleep a little easier knowing the next rainfall won't cut us off from civilization. But then again, maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea, now would it?

WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM...

As if we all don't have enough on our plates, the world gets crazier and as much as I have been trying to avoid political commentary, I just have to interrupt this program we call our daily life as chaos ensues in the Middle  East no thanks to U.S. intervention once again.

Let me assure you that the entire Jewish population was not in favor of the most recent action with the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. It came as no surprise that there would be backlash from this diplomatic move. It was like throwing a rag doused in kerosene into a smoldering fire. 

photos courtesy of internet

Should we be shocked at innocent lives being lost?  We of all countries should know about unacceptable crowd control tactics yet why hasn't any of the numerous bright citizens in either country figured out a better way to handle uncontrollable protesting mobs? 

internet photo

We should all be outraged when any life is lost.  

Then add to this mess which 2 pastors our country's President, Vice President and Ambassador invited to give prayer at the opening of this controversial embassy?

Pastor Hagee who believes Hitler was God's instrument to return Jews to Israel and Pastor Jeffress who stated Jews are going to Hell.
And which 3 Jews said nothing in protest?  Israel's Prime minister Netanyahu ( whose country now follows Fox News as their main news source) and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner representing the U.S.  I don't know know about you but I don't want those last 2 representing my country. 

What do they know about history/diplomacy?

Why are unqualified individuals representing our country?

Need we wonder why our world is so crazy...

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD COOKS

One blessing we have is to be surrounded by many good cooks  and my waistline is definitely reflecting this fact. 

We were treated to a magnificent Mother's Day buffet. My eyes became full just trying to capture the entire buffet line. The cook insisted she didn't want anybody to bring any additions and when you see her menu you'll understand why.

One could have made a meal out of the appetizers which included deviled eggs, cheese dip with olives, cheese platter, homemade pita bread and hummus.

Here's my memory with the help of a couple of photos because every time I looked there was another dish coming out of the oven...

On a banquet table there were crockpots filled with bacon, ham, sausages, spaghetti marinara with chicken, and cheesy potatoes.  Followed by the oven island with an egg bake, 3 cheese green beans, salmon, gluten free potatoes, flank steak, blintz casserole with apples, tzimmes (sweet potatoes and prunes), French toast bake, spinach quiche, brussel sprouts, Scotch eggs, Israeli salad, fruit salad, fluff salad and a pickle and olive plate, granola and yogurt. I'm sure I forgot some things...

Scotch Eggs- egg wrapped in sausage
breaded & fried

I was so satiated by dessert time my eyes almost couldn't take them all in but I remember cinnamon rolls, apricot coffee cake, a yellow coffee cake, a cake and a magnificent 3 ice cream Yodel Bombe.

pièce de résistance: Yodel Bombe

Preceding this exquisite buffet line this week my neighbor after being without an oven for 4 weeks had to work out her baking frustrations once the new oven arrived. We were treated to a breakfast her grandmother used to make called Pannu Kakku  accompanied by Valya ( a fruit compote) which was super yummy.

It disappeared before I could even take a pic. 

I've included these 2 recipe links as you should indulge too/ at least share these with friends who enjoy trying new things.

Finnish Oven Pancake

Berry Sauce

Since there were extra blueberries left over we also received a Blueberry Cake the next day.

Here's my suggestion whether or not you like to be in the kitchen,  just make sure you have at least one buddy who loves to cook!

FOTO FRIDAY: DEDICATED TO NEW MOMS

With Mother's Day being this Sunday this FOTO FRIDAY  is dedicated to all the new Moms out there. My own first born, Lori, became one this year.

One might say Lori has been in training for becoming a Mom for most of her life. She began practicing her mothering over 30 years ago when her baby brother Steven returned from the hospital. I even had to give her my old baby doll to give Steven a break from 2 mothers. When Lori was old enough she started babysitting for others's children and even became a nanny one summer in her 20's. Lori also changed professions into teaching where once again she was nurturing children from kindergarten to high school ages. It should come as no surprise to me that she would be a terrific mother.

My heart is full seeing her with her daughter. The love between these two grows every day.

Happy Mother's Day honey and to all you new Moms! 

TBT: GOT JEWEL'S BACK

TBT:After almost ten tubes of E6000 glue and a lot of hours Jewel is ready to be wired to become a floor lamp. Perhaps you remember my first posting of Jewel's new paint job and the beginning of the bejeweling of Jewel D. Le Mississippi.

Since it's Throw 'Back' Thursday you should get a sneak peak of her finished back.

Well, ta dah here's Jewel's back now.  

Jewelry's ready to be lit up.

Quite a transformation, right?

Thanks to some three dozen folks who donated their unused jewelry to help bedeck her. 

In mid October she will join her old friends from the former Macy's department all decorated in  different mediums in an auction called Light Up a Life to help with the work for Down Syndrome. 

So I need your opinion, what do you think the beginning bid price should be?

Stay tuned : Her shade will be a hat bedazzled with earrings.

take a look at Jewel's first post:Manny Kin becomes Jewel D. Le Mississippi