FROSH AGAIN

Do you remember when your parent(s) dropped you off at college/ if that's pushing it, you dropped your own child off at the dorms?  Well, even though I had thought I had dropped off my last child some 15 years ago, Tuesday I was part of my niece Becky's first day on campus at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.  

Actually, I had part in her recruitment event when I was down South this past year. The school's size, academic reputation, tennis program and *Odyssey Project actually sounded like a good fit. In fact, I kidded that even if she didn't apply, I was sending in my application. Being her roommate became a joke so perhaps it was destiny to be with her on moving day. 

In my day, the days of horse drawn wagons, we were on our own unloading our stuff. But even in my kids's day this moving day had changed with student helpers awaiting the newcomers. Tuesday we had barely opened our car doors and blaring music from across the courtyard with peppy student greeter cheers and a different crew grabbed all this freshmen's possessions. SWEET indeed.

Freshman Becky trying out the rocker desk chair

Becky was fortunate enough to land the spacier old TV room to share with 3 other roommates. The beds would be lofted to allow space for their desks. Becky chose one of the window corner spaces and cooling/ heating unit. The room had even become spacier as roommate # 4 found another roomie before orientation. That fourth corner space was now going to be designated the kitchen area. Coffee maker, food supplies etc... 

The 3 gals had texted re: who would bring what and when we arrived a brand new carpet piece being unrolled with a gazillion bodies already occupying the space. All of Becky's haul was lined up in the hallway outside the room until this carpet feat was accomplished. Eventually the unpacking began as Becky left to register for whatever. It was tough to not hang the posters but Becky has to make the space her own. (BTW pic desired as those great posters need a home!)

Freshman Dad and Becky

Excitement was in the air as the Class of 2020 chowed down on their first of many college meals.We had lunch courtesy of the college in their cafeteria. One thing hasn't changed, desserts are still the best. 

Becky's Mom arrived in time for convocation and I took off leaving the parents to savor their daughter's momentous day. Bittersweet saying goodbye as umbilical cords are cut. College days were the best, weren't they? Independence and all that came with it. Life lessons including learning to share space, life long friends to be made, a real education. It's more than just the books.

Leah and her now emptynester Mom

Some parents like my brother and sister in law and Leah's, one of Becky's roommates are becoming empty nesters, a new life cycle for them too. The house will definitely be really quiet.

The beauty of me unpacking guarantees some communication as there will be a text whenever an item can't be found. In fact, the first text has arrived inquiring as to the whereabouts of the laundry bag. It's good to know those dirty clothes aren't going into a pile on the floor. Hey, now that freshman has roommates... All the best to all college freshmen out there. Have a wonderful 4 years!

* If you missed the entry on the recruitment event here's the link:HENDRIX IN THE RUNNING with AUNTIE

SOFTY SPIRIT

TBT this week is Throw Back Tuesday because I can't wait until Thursday since I found this pic in the Temple bicentennial issue while perusing this lovely historical gift to its congregants. I don't even remember this group photo being taken during my high school Youth group days. 

           SOFTY=Southern Organization of Temple Youth.

Flashback:I loved going to youth group conclaves ( mini conventions) in other cities where no one knew you and you could create an entire new persona, a precursor of going off to college. 
Flash forward:Tomorrow, I will help my niece Becky move into her college dorm.  

May all those starting college enjoy creating the person you want to be. Yep, I've still got that SOFTY spirit.

NEVER TOO OLD FOR GIFTS...

Gifts come in all sizes. When you have lived a long life as my Dad has it becomes difficult to find something he hasn't received but we can continue to be up for the challenge. 

Grandson Noah cheers on his Birthday Pappa

Brother Marc came up with Dad's favorite, a chocolate cake. Opting not to set off the fire alarm, there weren't 92 candles(including the extra one for good luck but Dad had energy to blow out the candles and had left room for dessert after a family dinner at one of his favorites, The Istanbul.  

And, of course, after cake comes more sweets, gifts. Photos of the family from the past year of fishing trips, graduations and even a wedding.

A sweet haul from the Texas branch of the family

Brother Keith and family truly added sweet love with all of Dad's favorite snack things in a huge gift bag including oreos, pudding, Pepperidge fish crackers, Pringles, etc. 

A Wisconsin chocolatier answered my wish by composing a fisherman's tackle box with all the tools necessary to satisfy someone's sweet tooth too. Refrigeration helped protect it from the Southern heat.

Chocolate bobber, Swiss knife, lure,  reel and pliers...

Granddaughter Becky remembered her Pappa's love of wood and brought back an Italian artist's wooden rendition scene from her recent Italian senior trip.

Funny cards, phone calls and many good wishes added to the birthday of one very special guy in our lives. To be sure nothing beats the gift of being able to celebrate any life event together.  

Bis ein und zwanzig Dad!

FOTO FRIDAY: FOLKS DO THE WEIRDEST THINGS

FOTO FRIDAY 's inspiration came from the Minnesota Institute of Art where in their courtyard this fellow was holding this position in the middle of their green space. All I can say is folks do the weirdest things.

Have any pics of someone doing something unusual in a public space? Do share.

Last week's FOTO FRIDAY: HOLD ON TOTO

HAPPY BOOKERS BIRCHBARK'ING IT & MORE

You might be able to identify this skyline as it is Minneapolis where the Happy Bookers ventured for their summer adventure. 

Missing 2 of our group, Susie and Sally

We met up at Birchbark Bookstore since we had read the owner Louise Erdrich's 15th novel, La Rose. The bookstore has been in this residential area for over 20 years. It is packed to the gills with not only Erdich's works and top sellers but more importantly Native American writers and native crafts. Shelf markers with  employee picks and reasons definitely helped our choices. BTW classroom teachers/parents here's the place to find wonderful curriculum materials to teach about our country's first residents. 

After perusing the store and making our purchases, we took the walking path along the Lake of the Isles before heading back for lunch at Kenwood. As you may recall, we not only read good books but we also eat well when we are together.  

    Take a look at these presentations.

                                   
Swiss chard frittata (L)  
smoked trout with  hollandaise sauce and hash browns(R)
              

                       pork belly hash ( No, I didn't try that one)

In addition to the trout entree, I also enjoyed Kenwood's corn chowder with chanterelle mushrooms. Delish! (It was a bit too noisy at lunchtime to discuss the book so we decided to wait until later.)

After lunch we dropped off our stuff at our St. Louis Park lodging  and toured the premises, then off we went in one car to head for the Minnesota Art Institute. 

Can you guess who the lady who is bigger than life in the photo?

The photograph exhibit was Who's Who Seeing Back to Front. The idea was how we recognize celebrities. The exhibit perspectives included views from either the front/ back. Half of the exhibit was trying to identify those photographed from behind.

Who do you think these are from behind? The left one is to warm you up. The one on the right is a bit more difficult but a hint is they are sisters in Kansas City heading off to a white school.

Here are some of my other favorite museum pieces in other Mia sections:

Tatra

Clifford in reverse?

Made entirely out of dog tags

Garden sculpture, furniture, glass, mobile, fabric and  print 

Iowans do you recognize this midwestern intaglio work below? It's of  Leonardo Lasansky, one of Mauricio's sons (Mauricio created this type of printmaking.)

After this culture fix we headed back home to catch our breath and head out for dinner.  Four of us walked and the others met us at Crave where I tried the traditional Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna. It hit the spot and crave it I will for a return visit!

We beat the thunderstorm back home by about 5 minutes and had our book discussion of Erdrich's La Rose, an Ojibwe story of atonement. The weather gods of thunder, lightning and rain added to the eye opener novel's discussion as so little of this Minnesotan tribe/ any other was spoken about/ taught during our school days.  Native Americans have faced way too many injustices. 

After the book review we had a rambunctious game of Catch Phrase of the '70's to end our wonderful day. Laughter is never in short supply and clues such as this is a really good book by a really good author didn't help us narrow down a phrase too fast as we certainly have read many but I'd be remiss to not add La Rose was not the only thing to get a thumbs up. 
Happy Bookers are the best...

(BTW I'll make this public now, I'm putting in my vote early for Oregon next summer to visit Violetta, one of our group who moved!)

HAPPY CAMPERS

Today I got to see some parents reuniting with their children in addition to tons of campers and counselors hugging each other goodbye as they boarded busses to go home after finishing the last session of camp. You see I accompanied my friend Jennifer to the Northwoods to pick up her daughter, El, by 8:30 in the morning. We had spent the previous evening in Siren, Wisconsin.

The camp scene brought back many memories of not only my own children's camp days but also the myriad of summers when I was both a camper and a counselor many, many moons ago. For those who experienced sleep away camp know those summer experiences of independence were monumental. New friendships, sharing chores, trading clothes, camp food, learning teamwork, trying new activities,

 and of course, first crushes. A lot of both physical and mental growth occurred during those camp days changing us forever.

Many camp activities have been added but the camp camaraderie has always been something very special.  A very  tired, yet excited young lady shared 6 hours of stories with her Mom as we made our way back home.  I consider myself fortunate and thankful to have been able to witness their bonding after their weeks apart.

Yep, it also made me want to thank my Mom and Dad for sending me to camp.  There was definitely more than one happy camper on that car ride...

I AINT GOT TIME..

Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the summer to do everything. But we had a musical weekend and it was extra special as one of those musicians just happens to be from the End of the Rainbow Valley altho' I read one of his press releases (the Isthmus) stating he was from Viroqua. I guess that's more of a music mecca to claim than where he really grew up...

It was a challenge getting to both musical venues with all this 5th season 'road construction.' If you have to take a detour it's great when it's a beautiful scenic valley drive. We discovered Leo and Leona's in Newburg Corners will be bypassed with the completion of the new highway.  Tight turns and slower speed limits will be a thing of the past but fortunately these folk musicians will know the old way and will be returning to the old dance hall as will the 200 some odd fans who braved the detour/gravel.

Simon Balto

It has been quite a year since Simon started his University teaching position in Indiana, the same month a year ago when he began recording  Murmurations in an Eau Claire studio accompanied by members from a couple different bands. One of his hometown buds produced his video for the CD's promotion and also created the album cover. We were privy to this release. Kudos. 

Touring is seasoning Simon with the challenges of performing on the road. Yet its value is resulting in a more polished musician returning this year to the Coulee and his fans were appreciative of the past year's efforts. 

Dead Horses

Simon also was responsible for bringing the group Dead Horses who are anything but dead. They now call Milwaukee their home base altho' have recently been spending more time in the Driftless. Their Barefooted lead vocalist, Sarah Vos, voiced appreciation of  Leo and Leona's, its wooden acoustics, its accommodations and being bathed in colored lighting. 

Her crystal clear notes reminded me of a young Janis Joplin in the same powerful yet way less raspy.  She enounciates her lyrics, moderating her delivery and her stories are woven into the musicality. Her fellow band members obviously love performing with her. They are all excellent musicians and put on quite a show.  Bluegrass is really their deal altho' you wouldn't have known by their first set. Let me tell you I'm a new fan and it was definitely worth staying up past our bedtime.

BTW both Simon and Dead Horses will be playing Larryfest next weekend and Dead Horses will also be playing at the Great River Folk Festival at the end of the month in La Crosse. If you are in the area, go treat yourself to their music.

Sunday, the weather cooperated with a lovely summer evening and we enjoyed two bands, first the Coulee Region All Stars High School Jazz Band down at Riverside Park's bandshell.   

Their guest vocalist Lexi's sweet voice helped them out with 2 Michael Buble tunes.
A very generous couple in the community made sure not just 3, but all seniors (8?) received scholarships this year. Best wishes in pursuing your love of music.

The All Stars were followed by the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra. And as I remarked now this is what happens with many years of practice... We are privileged to have so many talented area musicians.

Janet Planet

For this performance Dylan tunes had new jazz arrangements by their guest vocalist Janet Planet's husband, Tom Wushetka.  She really let loose and showed us what her pipes could do on the last number... 

So I  had my music fix this weekend altho sometimes I agree with Dead Horses song title it seems like "I ain't got Time" / at least enough of it to go listen to as much live music as I'd like.

A couple of links:
Simon Balto's Come on Up to The House
Dead Horse's Ain't Got Time
Janet Planet DYLAN with a Makeover