Exercise your attitude with gratitude. Does any form of mental, visual or physical activity enhance your life ESPECIALLY after or before being OUTSIDE ? Good for your soul as well as soles on your feet ? Or your sight as you look at sites ?
One of the ADVANTAGES of my diagnosed 7/7/2008 ( CLL-chronic lymphocyte leukemia ) is that EVERY MOMENT is a blessing. These thoughts are carried upon leaving house from my 12/1997 once home upstairs office now perch where computer is located on a 5 mile EVERY DAY walk which was 3 and now from 7/7/2010. I think DAILY of my late 1/21/1912 -8/7/2002 dad, aunt, step cousin, church organist and another member plus still living late mother’s , late cousin’s son-in-law as well as former customer in Pa . My concerns and prayers are always with people that I know who are experiencing some type of difficulty such as former client’s, girlfriend’s mother who is going through chemo or Utah buddy who lost her dad last year and an aunt a few weeks ago. Have now added a born again Christian that have met on my walks. What did they ALL HAVE IN COMMON ? Despite health issues of self, family, they had a positive attitude and out look on life. How many do you know who complain about physical or mental heath ? Are they like me during the 7 eye surgeries from 2/2003-4/2004. I even left my Toastmaster group that I belonged to from 5/1975-to 3/2008 where I was in so much pain in eyes that I was felt like shunned from ALL. When back went out in 1989 the pain was so severe that I carried that anger to co-workers WITHOUT being thankful for what I had rather than ” just a bad back” Who wanted to listen to a whiner ? Had cataract surgery on good eye on 12/10/2008.
My dad came down with polio in the early 1940′s. Prior to employee paid health insurance or other benefits, if one does not work one does not get paid. My mother would boil hot sheets and wrap on my dad’s leg. He would then go to work as a dock supervisor at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Somehow this treatment worked or stopped the polio from getting worse. His leg would be slightly shorter than the other as well as his foot being 1 ½ sizes too small. When buying footwear he had to get 2 sizes or adapt to a matched set. This PROUD with Dutch like features from his French Protestant Huguenot heritage that settled Brooklyn in the 1650′s was built like a stevedore. People would cringe when he shook their hands with a powerful vise like grip like that of my steel like leg muscles from walking and hill climbing. EVERY DAY !!! He would exercise and stretch the muscle like I do from 9/27/2010 herniated disk. After 50 years he actually felt the muscle. Even with a limp he was a natural athlete. After I had purchased my 1 st set of starter golf clubs for $ 50 from Davigga’s Sporting goods store with caddy money in 1957, he came with me to the driving range. He had an awkward swing. ” Dad, you will never be able to hit a ball like that ” ? Then WHAM !!! He drove that little white sphere over what appeared to be 300 yards out of the driving range. Like that of our late beloved Minnesota Twin Harmon Killebrew. When ” the Killer” came to the plate air traffic controllers had to divert planes since airport was almost adjacent to field for fear of his MASSIVE HR’s causing damage When we would go bowling with the Scouts just prior to my dad stepping up to toss ball down the alley ALL BOWLERS STOPPED !! With a ” mighty Paul Bunyan like swing of the arm” he obliverated the pins as some would land 5 lanes over in different directions. My dad NEVER COMPLAINED !!!
My cherished Aunt Lillian passed on my uncle’s 88 th birthday in 2008. Was led to believe that she lived with chronic pain from early adulthood. What a LADY !!! Her compassion AND soothing voice was like that of having hot packs on my back pain. Can recall years ago when we drove with wife and both daughter’s from Orlando to Ocala to spend the day with them. Would we make it to the church on time ? As we entered the church JUST 10 minutes prior to the service we were greeted with her and my uncle’s smiles. And then to hear her melodic/angelic singing voice. At 7: 12 A.M. on 12/2 when writing about her, I was overcome with tears. Stopped, paused, listened to the silence as sun was coming up with view from upstairs loft. How many have had the opportunity to have MEMORIES like this ? My aunt also encouraged me to write FOR FUN since I am ” long winded and have 10 thoughts going off in different directions “.
My step cousin Eve came down with ovarian cancer in May of 2007 ? Although not on her e-mail list of associates on what she went through, we would get snippets of her FIGHT !!! At age 64 she would pass on 2/25/2010. Can recall my snow shoe getting stuck in a 7′ high snow drift a few years ago along Minnehaha Creek. Do I take it off or manage to free it ? Foolish thoughts ? Thought of Eve or what I would call Jewish saint. On her passing her husband who visited us after seeing some of his college friend’s in Minneapolis this August that he has not seen in 45 years mentioned in obit What Would Eve Do. In other words, like the Christian’s have before one does something or is confronted by a relationship issue you would STOP-What would Jesus Do ? They even sold rubber band bracelets with WWJD on them. She was an AMAZING woman !!! Active in church, community theater, family going 24/7. So many memories growing up !!! When my mate and I married on 4/26/1969, her parent’s JUST HAPPENED to be in Minneapolis for a Teachers Convention. My dad said that her father was one of the few who understood born in Ulm, Germany( yes-broken record-have climbed all 768 steeple steps 30 ” wide in 12/2004 and 4/2011 ) Einstein’s theory of relativity. With little of my family here, it was a delight for them to sit with my parent’s. Eve’s dad looked just like Einstein with his white mustache and full head of white hair to compliment his radiant wide grin. One of pictures that we had blown up 8 X 10 is of her parent’s is in our wedding album..
Our church organist Elizabeth came down with breast cancer in at age 43 in 1997. Instead of dying of cancer she lived with it. On EVERY GREETING she would say, ” be of good cheer, never give up hope”. Even in her later stages she tried a wheat like diet like former co worker used in 1985. MORAL Of story-a fight to the FINISH !!! 6 months prior to dancing into heaven on angelic wings, Elizabeth played a musical number on grand piano of chasing mice at our Easter service. I actually felt the spirit of our 1941 stern faced German founders who married vibrant Norwegian women come out of the grave and shout Alleluia or better yet mazeltov (Hebrew for
congratulations) !!! ” At our 30 anniversary of minister where organist Elizabeth was TOO sick to attend in 11/2003, Roger’s farm neighbor growing up who would become President of Concordia College, now University WHICH INCIDENTALLY won it’s 5 consecutive women’s volley ball championship in Division II that NO OTHER team has won more than 2 since women’s volleyball began in 1981 ( wife has taken numerous tours, youngest daughter an alum) preached. We are made to be born, live and then die. Still surprised at his composure since his parent’s had just died a few weeks earlier as they were killed in tragic car accident.
We befriended church member Marge in the late 70′s. She used to come with us on some walks with family. She also came down with cancer and went at age 49. Several weeks before she left this earth, her face was all puffed up from phenobarbital. She then said, ” you really do not know what life is all about until you know that you are going to die. “
Just prior to driving to Alaska in 5/2004 I called my 3 rd cousin( daughter of late Rev. Phd Kent Knutson who has been most admired ever met and my mother’s cousin ). After the 2 nd plane hit the tower on 911 her Rev. chaplain husband was one of 1 st responders sent to NYC-unbeknownst to him his wife’s cousin had been murdered on 100 th floor of 1 st tower. Don had come down with bladder cancer some months earlier. When they went into to check it in April. It was GONE !!! Then the phrase that cousin used” Never stop believing in miracles or giving up hope ” !!!
After my leukemia was discovered a customer in Western Pa shared with me stories about her dad and mother in-law. At age 70 her dad was discovered to have CLL but it was TOO LATE. By that time the symptoms of weight loss and fatigue had set in. Chemo did not work plus her dad GAVE up. Unlike her mother-in-law who came down with breast cancer at age 63 but FOUGHT IT !! Lived another 2 years. I was hesitant at 1 st to share with others about the CLL and even missed a church service. Once you tell someone about an ailment or disease it seems on every conversation that that topic is discussed. On my afternoon walk that day met a church couple that I told about condition. Then Marilyn said, ” that when she turned 65, she just stopped worrying about her health and IT GOT BETTER. Every time I see her I thank her for advice and understanding compassion. On my following Sunday return several listened to me as we posted it in the bulletin. One a current blood donor and other who’s husband had Acute leukemia( that is the 6 month get life in order killer). He took EVERY possible painful treatment. ” Why I asked ” ? He had to make amends to family !!!
On 5 mile 12/1 walk met a fellow walking a small dog. He was cordial enough to engage in a conversation. Always ask are you a native-pause or you sound like you are from Germany or N.Y.-just something to talk about. Was a native of Buffalo, N.Y. Always ask if they like living here or for how long? Told me that he had diabetes a few years ago like his numerous family members as his mother died at age 53. But he is no longer taking medication as a result of 30 lb. weight loss bringing him under 180. Plus walking his daughter’s dog is an incentive to be outside. Complimented me after I always tell ALL about 42 gallon/336 pint blood giving) that he at 50 would look as good as me when he turns 66. I in turn commented that he did not look 50. Met again shortly after a DAILY walking fellow who had mentioned he had been married 36 years. Thought to be in early 60′s but age 78. 2 adopted kids. Secret to his youth-yoga and meditation !! We always seem to go the opposite direction when we pass on our walks.
At mile 4 coming back from walk on 12/2, I struck gold AGAIN !! I met someone with an accent-German or Norwegian-Germany although she still had it after living here for 50 years. She has been the 1 st one since our 6 trips to Germany, 2 to Norway from 1999 that has climbed all 500 steeple steps in Cologne, 768 steps in Ulm or 320 in Frankfurt. Wow !!! But then ” proof that attitude and gratitude can help in healing !!! Met a fellow walker that is a born again Christian. We have had some interesting conversations since this is a part of who is . On November 2, I was in a hurry to get home so I could drive my wife and daughter to the airport. I met him as he was coming out of local grocery store. He had tears in his eyes. I did not want to get into another discussion. Coming home I felt AWFUL !! Mentioned that I felt terrible in not taking time to listen or observing hurts. He then forgave me as he had just lost a friend whom he had received a phone call EVERY day for the past 20 years. Was also questioning his faith since this was the 3rd loss of someone who had not been healed from his prayer network. His eyes started to tear up as he still thinks the phone will ring from his friend. For me it was PAYBACK time if that is the correct word. I told this Korean War Vet that I would pray for him and his grief. That he had permission to weep ANYTIME or share a memory if we see each other on walks.
On Friday jaunt at 14 ABOVE ZERO few were out !!! It is on these walks where I engage in self talk. Speak to one’s conscience ? My youngest daughter before going to bed has talks with God. Throughout the year I also exercise the blurred eye by looking for golf balls around the course or searching for birds. Despite a cataract operation that was supposed to bring sight to 20/20 it is off slightly. Constantly taking glasses on and off but my blurred sight has improved about 1 % all because of the SEARCHING ? That being: I was a Toastmaster from 5/1976-3/2008. I would always prepare or visualize what I would do each week with or without assignments such as speaking, evaluating, grammarian, timer, court jester or Toastmaster. Always volunteered to be substitute, impromptu speaker or fill in for a missing person who did not show up. In 1994 I won the local club, area and division Humorous Speech contests. But was note dependent. Try reading a rap on the topic ” Low Fat Blues” rather then doing it without holding a written speech in one’s hand ? It was then that I memorized all future speeches. One takes words out of mouth-tosses out on to a computer screen and reads back. A SPECIAL THANKS TO TOASTMASTERS in developing INVALUABLE ” life lasting communication skills”. So it is done on walks. Included this day that it was 1 st time since working that I did not have to be concerned about LOOKING OR THINKING OF WORK !! I AM RETIRED !!! How many men have you known that have soon died upon retirement or from depression? Inability to form relationships where they only found at work ? This year will also be another 1 st where instead of sending a MASS E-Mail to all former customer’s will only send to less than 20 or possibly around Valentine’s Day. Call it RETIREMENT APPRECIATION-thanks for past business ? Taking the thoughts of retired minister, instead of me going after a new adventure will wait for an adventure to find me ? Or perhaps, be in retirement transition with future goals of doing volunteer work with those in pain, cancer patients or anyone dealing with health traumas.
Our Saturday night candle light dinner which we have had since after being hit from behind in 2/2002 causing the eye surgeries with EXPENSIVE under $ 4.00 bottle of wine was marred by INTENSIVE HEARTBURN. I even passed on traditional desert of $ 1.00 size Brandy poured over strawberries and ice cream Wife offered to take me to emergency room as I also had trouble breathing. But said, ” NO WAY ‘ !!! Was not going to miss the 8:00 A.M. service in the morning. After an almost 2 year search we found someone to replace our retired 36 year minister. Our interim with his former military then ministry back round had chased a 1/3 of congregation away. This one who was a former home builder/business owner who has been in ministry 7 years at age 57 will not only recover the 1/3 lost but have our diverse open minded, non-judgmental , tolerant, like attending a family reunion grow by a 1/3 as a result of ENTHUSIASM. What was his sermon ? Advent-Jesus is coming-when things seem hopeless-voice of God-be still as it took out fear for a short time about heart burn.
Under no condition was I going to let heartburn ruin that 5 mile walk especially after the 1 st snow fall of the season with 3 “, Not enough to snow shoe nor too wet to toboggan, Like 2010/2011 of 86 ” vs. usual 49 ” it appeared that snow fell on a weekend. The air is silent !! One can only hear the clattering of people shoveling walks or observing especially on this jaunt parent’s out with kids under 2. After lunch took mate out for 40 minutes, No heart burn.
On Monday walk took a longer hiking stick that we purchased in Alaska . Then for 1 st of season went along edge of Lake Hiawatha inside golf course. Will now bring golf ball retriever and extra time to walk by going around some ponds. When we get more snow will go on snow shoes after walk. This time thought of late 4 ‘ 11 ” grandmother who would walk many blocks to aid those in Norwegian hospital in Brooklyn. Her favorite prayer from Psalm 51″ verses 10-12, ” create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me ” .She was more fragile and sick then those that she served. But guess who close to 25 lbs after 2 years broke both of her ribs while giving her a hug ? Even thought of the late matriarch of the Norwegian church in Dagny Schiotz. Before her husband Fred Schiotz who was a member of Trinity in Brooklyn like my parent’s became President of the A.L.C. they lived in Glen Head. At her funeral at aged 102 it was said her favorite expression was God is great, God is good, Alleluia. Recall over 10 years ago when my wife and I went to a hymn sing at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. She lived in nursing home next door. Was in a wheel chair pushed by her son with head down. I then said, ” Dagny, it is Roger” !! She lifted up her head with a broad grin and held my hand. ” Oh !! Roger so good to see you. Give my best regards to your mother “. The last time I had seen her was in the mid 50′s. I even received my 1 st bike from her son Paul.
Enjoy and treasure the NOW regardless of your health. Take a walk without electronics. Warm up your soul on your soles by taking a positive, easier said than done, outlook on life. Where can one walk out one’s front door and trek in an urban wilderness at 15 above zero such as on 12/6 with a knit cover over golf ball retriever top and PVC tube on the bottom ? Glorious radiating sun as it made the snow look like sparking diamonds. Less than 5 people were seen with exception of cross country skiers at the golf course. Even found 2 golf balls in the lake and one under foot. Within a few days the sun will melt brush around the ponds and on N hill. Not enough snow to snow shoe YET !!! . A great test for the eyes and exercise in 4 ” of snow.
Expect the unexpected, life is a mystery perhaps, enjoy the NOW or is life ABSURD !!! ? After lunch my mate and I went to a senior health fair within 6 blocks at a local senior housing facility. We are not old enough to be seniors. Collected valuable info plus spent a few moments with dear church member’s by chance had moved there recently.
Upon waking at around 5:18 A.M. on 12/7 was greeted to e-mail from a local reporter who lives on a street that I walk EVERY day. Was informed by photographer that took my picture in 2/2010 that I stay in touch with ? ( He lost his 8 year old daughter while my wife and I were gone to Utah ). It is also the 60 th anniversary of Pearl Harbor but on walk will also think of relative that was murdered on 100 th floor of 1 st Tower who was born on 12/7/1951. In early 1972 my wife and I took oldest 10/29/1971 daughter to visit Lars at St. Olaf College. Diane touched his mustache and Lars growled !!! Diane SCREAMED as tears flowed down her cheeks !! Then gave him a big hug. Must find that picture. Will also think of Lars’, Stavanger, Norway born grandfather or my mother’s uncle as my wife and I climbed up the 4.2 mile through rock and brush to Pulpit Rock several miles away. Was right after 2/2002 being hit from behind which created the eye surgeries. A few weeks later my wife slipped at oldest daughter’s home. In hospital for 3 days with a metal plate in shoulder WHICH DOES NOT GO OFF IN AIRPORT SECURITY or at entrance to visit 54 story building in Frankfurt. No wonder my mate is electrifying ? Doris climbed the trail with one arm and one eye. Last 300 yards are up against a cliff with a 15 ‘ path with 500 drop ‘ offs that take you to a heliport like postage stamp area where wind is so strong that it appears you can not stand up. She didn’t even slip. Not bad !!!
But perhaps the greatest joy of exercise your attitude with gratitude is in forming relationships. Am still in touch with several customers as well as family EVERY DAY !! Plus the Sunday meeting of ” like attending a family reunion ” people a mile from the house. What will the day bring ? What new experiences will you receive or view ? Can one live with chronic pain yet still enjoy life ? Can one become emotional about thinking of those whom have had an impact on your life ? Can one allow EXTRA TIME to listen to those who hurt OR taking a FEW MOMENTS to stop, pause and reflect on the conditions around you ? Can this also be DONE by being OUTDOORS regardless of the weather ? Why not ?
Look below in what I have thought in the past. Went through and kept what I might have wanted to add to this. Are we allowed to change mind and go in different directions each day like politicians do ?
Exercise Your Attitude With Gratitude( Stop-Pause-Look-Listen-Reflect)
Regardless Of Time -Possible ? Even Without An Electronic Devise ?
Revised From 11/2/2009/9/27/2010 with many modifications-OBJECTIVE !!! Become more aware on how to improve mental and physical health-just slow down-take extra time-observe and feel world around you-IMPOSSIBLE ? This is more like a saga/epic- booklet-so many stories about relationships and health.
Visit: www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com
I am absolutely convinced, without question that if it had not been for being outdoor active my wife and I never would have survived or me: overcoming a head injury while picking Christmas trees with Golden Valley Jaycees in 1975, I hit the back of my head ( damaged mind ? done LONG AGO ) under the Hwy # 100 underpass-disabled 3 months-back spasms every 10 minutes yet resumed driving on a test run to Chicago 3 weeks after 2 nd daughter born(4/75) then Yellowstone Nat. Park that summer; being disorientated on a mesa at over 100 * at Canyonlands National Park in Utah(8/86); surviving a near death experience in Alaska after car rolled down a 40 ‘ embankment 3 times-landed on roof-squashed like a pancake-in a tunnel -heard sounds of angels-heading towards the light of my white robed maker-last words-got in my 50 th state( 8/95); beating a herniated disk with exercise, attitude and gratitude( after exit interview at pain/back clinic advised not to play golf, drive long distances-had just taken up golf after a 25 year absence-said I would die on a back swing-won first ever golf sporting event with 74 year old co-back pain church member, drove to Idaho, resumed climbing steep mountain trails at Glacier National Park)(7/89); getting turned around cross country skiing along Minnesota’s North Shore at 25 below finally finding a road at 4:00 P.M. by the sounds of cars (1/87); racing through airports/train stations like O.J. Simpson to catch transportation or climbing 500/768 steeple steps 30 ” wide in Germany(12/04); having CLL( high white blood cell count caught by blood bank 6/8/08) leukemia picked on wrong person 7/7/08 after my giving of 11 years-double units of platelets-had given whole blood from 1970-336 pints or 42 gallons-thanks to blood bank-caught early-no medications needed; frolicking in frigid Lake Superior in Michigan’s U.P.(08/09) or a Norwegian fjord(10/99); after wife had shoulder surgery, 1 st of her eye surgeries-mine would begin a year later-climbed up 4.2 miles through rock-last 300 yards up against a mountain-path 15 ‘ wide-drop offs 500′-then down to Pulpit Rock outside of Stavanger, Norway( 5/02). Even after my bride and I were hit from behind in 2/02 and later 7 surgeries each on opposite eyes( mine blurred/wife’s out of sync with brain) we still climbed rock cliffs or drove on the German, Swiss, Austrian Autobahns as I would look out L side/wife the R. …..
For fun, take out a sheet of paper and list how much exercise you do during the week in 24 hour periods. Could you squeeze in 10 minutes ? Do you need incentives ? Could you give up a ½ hour of sleep and then take a walk around the block early in the morning where you live ? In Minneapolis, 4 long blocks is about a ½ mile or 10 minutes. When you go shopping instead of finding and wasting gas to find closest parking spot-take one as far away from where are going ? In a hurry ? Even when I had to keep my head down for 10 days on 2 out of 3 detached retinas I still managed to walk my 3 miles EVERY day but at 5:30 A.M. Rather interesting since every other home has a dog-was like listening to sets of fire crackers going off with their barking. On my walks which were 2 ½ miles of my 3 miles around a local golf course, I searched for golf balls with the blurred eye-even managed to pick up 1 % more vision. On 10/22/09 eye Dr. said that my 12/10/08 cataract eye had gained strength-needed a reduction in power in glasses that I use or don’t have to use for driving.
One of the greatest joys of living has been in the relationships of meeting people .When greeting someone new, merely, say, ” Am sure you grew up in the area and went to the public schools” ? OR put your hands to your ear-is that a German or Norwegian accent ? They will say-yes/no-then you say where ? From the person we met after 2 miles as we headed inland 2 miles to view a 300′ waterfall on a marked only by white ribbons dangerous trail on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai in 3/95 where this 33 year old, carpenter who lived with his mother-we asked if he was alone-no walking with best friend Jesus. He stayed with us on as we shared our lunch with him-he left but contacted with us late in afternoon at hotel to make sure we were safe; to the obviously dressed Somali woman that I said, ” it’s apparent by your body language and dress code that you are a native of Ireland ” ? Instant laughter and within seconds found all about the conflict, disease, loss of life in her terrorized homeland. We last met over a year ago as I listened on my walking stick-asked if a Christian could pray for joy for a Muslim woman. Or when you meet people who have traveled-ask if they have visited Bodo, Norway, Ulm, Germany or Chur, Switzerland ? Ask how to pronoun the cites ? Booo-du, ULLLL-em or pronounced hoare !!!
Going down stairs I was also reminded of my mother’s cousin who lost her 49 year old son from 911 who was murdered on the 100 th floor of the 1 st Tower. Despite what family member’s say, her 79 year old Rev., Medical Dr. husband died of a broken heart in 2004. Am also careful with steps as to not slip, while holding on to the railing. Her divorced son, while living in her home fell down her stairs, creating brain trauma-believe he has recovered.
Take a few minutes OR MORE to exercise EVERY DAY. Stretch the muscles in your mind like that of attempting to force the disks back into your spine or to tighten ligaments. Make adjustments such as now switching to a closet pole like Alaskan Bear Stick with a piece of plastic pipe where I can stabilize my self next to dirt. . Thank goodness for a former physical mate who can work on both legs. Exercise your attitude with gratitude. Consider each moment a blessing. Might all of this have and impact and even eventually save your life or at least make it more interesting ?
Labor Day 2010 5 mile walk of close to 3 hours disturbing was a fellow whom I have met on my walks-always see him taking an iron and practicing hitting golf balls. Have noticed him on golf course as well. He looked 80 but I finally guessed his age at 71. He said that he was losing his memory plus his eye sight. Could not see the golf ball where he had hit it more than 100′. Did not remember how many years he had been married but close to 50-he thought ? Still lived with his wife who now complains about his health. I said that I would pray for him as I walked away in sadness. By noon it started to get cloudy. Storm clouds on the horizon. Should I or should I take a swim before my angelic mate gets home ? Could she really help anyway ? I needed that reassurance that someone was there. She is not a swimmer who grew up but a few blocks away from the lake. Yet here is someone who probably was an otter in another life who has fallen asleep ¼ mile on the Gulf of Mexico-swam back, sweep down a mile while frolicking in surf on Island of Kauai in Hawaii or impressed a Norwegian cousin by joining him by swimming in frigid fjord on an October 1999 visit. I worked in the yard-awaited her return-then she sat with umbrella handy as I took a LONG swim in the lake while the skies cleared briefly.
Day after Labor Day 2010 , guess what happened on my walk ? Met a fellow. Put my hand to ear. German or Norwegian ? Bulgarian !!! Within seconds he was telling me about the economy, shrinking $$$$. What an education. For a few minutes, then he had to turn around. Since I asked if he appreciated the Germans such as us being friendliest of all travels ? But guess who I should meet on the other side of the lake ? This path was new to him-asked about how many miles. Some how we talked about health especially walking . He was a 61 year old, 15 year U.S. citizen laid off stone cutter without health insurance which he and his wife could not afford. A result of illegal immigration ? He was also concerned since he could not afford to see a Dr. about getting an RX for high blood pressure. Pointing to my Brooklyn Dodger hat and Norwegian flag. I said,” you contact your Minnesota State Representative and Senator explaining your situation. Then contact your Dr. and see about working out a plan to pay X number of $$$$’s a month.
Another JACK POT of meeting different people. Finally asked a woman that I have meet previously-sounds like you are from NY ? Was from Freehold, Noi Joyze-said that someone 2 blocks down is from there as well as former customer from Township of Middletown that lost 37 from 911. Then someone that I have also spoken with. Her husband has high blood pressure-refuses to exercise-he also doesn’t want to change eating habits-she had him on a diet 20 years ago-was fine-now worried about health. She too like me starts out with pain in back but gets better after a mile. Believes as well that ATTITUDE has so much to do with staying in good health. . Then met a Viet-Nam Vet that I have had previous conversations with over past 13 years. Good union man. Used to walk with his now 13 year old, built like a 90 lb hunk of steel dog Heidi. She was so strong that she would find 10′ pieces of drift wood and carry with her teeth wagging her tail. Though failing in health he takes a shorter walk with her-feels like she has a soul unlike humans. Then found out about his high IQ brother who has relationship issues. I mentioned-how does one view success ? Look-you are a Vet-married over 45 years-have common sense-big heart-care about your neighbor. Just because I have a college degree, does it make me any smarter than anyone else ?
” Man From The North Pole ” view from upstairs perch , Minneapolis 55407 a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before or after 5 mile daily walk.
Driven in all 50 states/49 twice since marriage of angelic/adorable mate on 4/26/ 1969 ( 3 Alaska 1995/1999-drove 8811 miles in 20 days in May of 2004) (2 via Norway)(6 via Germany since 1999-total of 13 countries). 4/4-4/19/2011 ,flew into Paris for 3 nights then out of Frankfurt. Finally got a rental that could go 132 M.P.H. as well as re-climbing as in 12/2004, 530′ tallest steeple in Europe of 768 steeps 30 ‘ wide plus 9/14-9/25, 4044 mile trek back to only 9 th visit to S.E. Utah and adding # 39 of hiked in 58 of National Parks in S.E. Colorado. Wife has taken 8 tours since 1999-Israel/Egypt/Greece/Italy/Croatia, Danube River. Even both daughter’s to Italy-youngest on 2 others. Youngest and wife have had a FANTASTIC 11/2-11/14 to Israel and Petra, Jordan. Climbed all 800 steps to monastery. …
