From The

.Retired !!! Collecting Social Security and Medicare

” Man From The North Pole ” view from upstairs perch ,

Minneapolis 55407

a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before and after 5 mile EVERYDAY walk.

Former 336 pints(42 gallon) blood donor. Diagnosed 7/7/2008 with Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia which was caught early, Whole blood from 5/1970-9/1997, then a double unit of platelets from 12/1997 every 2 weeks-delayed 7 times from eye surgeries. Give blood, save lives. Lost over 30 lbs by walking 5 vs. 3 miles EVERY DAY from 7/7/2010-now below 182.

There was plenty of elbow room as 5 million of us prepared to take off on the 1 st Minneapolis,Mn to Denali National Park, Alaska ” Great Snow Shoe Race” inside the 300,000 seat multi-purpose Minnesota Viking, Twins, Timberwolves. and Wild stadium with a retractable roof. Named the KOGKCGH after Why aren’t they in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva,Bud Grant( formerly on the 1950 Laker Championship team,footballs 1 st unofficial free agent as a a Phila. Eagle as he went to Winnipeg in the Canadian Football League as a player then coach for 4 Grey Cup titles . He ended with the Minnesota Vikings,) the late Hall of Famer in BELOVED Twins Harmon Killebrew,Twins/Angels, Hall of Famer Rod Carew and former NFL ref and Twins broadcaster Halsey Hall or simply the Initial Stadium or Big I. All 4 teams in the last 10 years since stadium was built won all their Pro Championships. The objective was to create a year round walking, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoe trail without bikes/motorized vehicles one block wide or smaller where users are banned from electronic devices and could only use 500′ off the trail. Intended as well to parallel scenic roadways, the making of NEW pathways or shared with difficult ones.The race was inspired a few years ago after the ” Great Stavanger, Norway to Zermatt, Switzerland Snow Shoe Race. ” There, 2 million, 1 st ran up and back in winter on SNOW SHOES Pulpit Rock ,the 4.5 through boulders like Doris and I did in 2002 to the postage stamp like heliport pad where one could hardly stand up from the high winds looking down 1500′. The last 300 yards were up along a cliff with only a 15 ‘ wide path. This included crossing over ice on the North Sea as well as racing through cities and scaling the 500 steeple steps in Cologne, 768 steps in Ulm and 320 in Frankfurt that my wife have climbed in the past. The race would finish by the making of a trail outside of Zermatt which would be next to the cog railroad that would lead to an overlook of another famous mountain .where we saw at the end of the line in 2003.

What would we encounter along the way ? What obstacles ? How many would finish the race ?

The gun was sounded as loud as former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura in one of his tirades against the media for meddling in his family private life as his son would hold parties at the Governor’s Mansion. Minneapolis was smart as they used the participants to knock down 4 miles of over developed condo buildings that were now completely vacant as a result of unexpected housing slump. Where was the 1 st stop some 50 miles away ? In the town of New Ulm, named after Ulm, Germany, home of the tallest steeple in Europe of 550 “. 768 steeple steps 30 ” wide as Doris and I climbed in December of 2004 and this past April as the town had built a replica. They raced like a slithering snake or sight of seeing over 300 freight cars being pulled by giant locomotives from a view point mesa in Western Montana. As we got to the 30 ‘ diameter top, we pulled out our parachutes and glided down with snow shoes like that of ski jumpers. The sky became SO DARK with the participants like that of thousands of starlings that attack my home made suet feeder when I put out tempting left over scraps mixed with bird seed.

We raced across Northern Nebraska to Carhenge modeled after Stonehenge in England but with old cars stood on end even holding vehicles vertical. But the stampede force of the 5 million snow shoers created a mile wide horseshoe some 7000′ deep as it stood out like Chimney Rock to the S., Devils Tower in E. Wyoming or the Eiffel Tower in Paris that we took the elevator to the top this past April. . It was then on to Colorado as we headed S to snow shoe over our recent new 39 th National Park of 58 like we did this past September at Great Sand Dunes where the sand felt like walking ON REAL SNOW . As a MUST the race had to go 10 miles past the visitor Ctr into Mesa Verde National Park and take in the overlook-stop-pause-as one of the most scenic vistas( was too cloudy to see on 1971 trek ) in all 50 state travels which we saw before Great Sand Dunes in September. .But this time it was clear and you ” could see forever ” !!! Then straight N to go over the Independence Pass of being our nation’s highest continuous roadway. On numerous occasions we have crossed in ice, snow, later avalanche after we had driven but clear like this past September on circle loop to Utah. The impact of the trail along side the road where the summit is less than 10 miles coming from the East side opened up numerous overlooks unlike that in Austria that are not seen from the road. Plus we managed to create a pedestrian friendly street right through the heavily car congested at 15 M.P.H. Aspen.

On West from Glenwood Springs where we made a 1 sr ever trail below the freeway that is doubled backed E and W on top of each other to preserve the once scenic Glenwood Canyon that we drove in 1977 with both daughter’s.. We did not stop again to re-visited 15 times Colorado National Monument outside of Grand Junction. As snow shoers dropped out of the race the snow shoes were formed like 30 ‘ stone markers as on the E side said Colorado, West side Utah off old U.S. Hwy # 6. We were going at a frantic pace as we headed S to Moab. Utah and Canyonlands and Arches National Parks that we have only hiked 9 times. This time we raced 40 miles to the S then 40 miles in to the Needles section of Canyonlands and made a better improved trail on snow shoes where Doris and I once became disorientated one summer at 110 * above zero as thousands of vultures flew over awaiting a tempting both part Scandinavian heritage meal as well as racing up adjacent Elephant Hill that takes one to the confluence of the Colorado and the Green . We have taken a jeep ride with former customer, later told that it was his 1 st as you rev. engine and last 400′ up sheer rock at 45 * angles, feeling like you are going to flip, now This past September it seemed impossible viewing on foot how ANYONE could navigate 4 ‘ ruts.

Then back up to I-70 and a bee line to Reno, Nevada over the ” lonliest highway in U.S. 50 that we have taken going W then E as we also pounded out a trail next to the Donner Pass. Here all were required to read how the Chinese built the ‘ toughest part of Transcontinental Railroad ” over the mountains yet were later denied U.S. citizenship in California The temperature was so COLD that instead of following California # 1 along coast, the Pacific Ocean was frozen solid along the edges like in years past Mississippi River between our Ford and Lake St. Bridges plus less dangerous as to not be hit by cars that could not maneuver the sharp curves. But plans are underway to build a parallel pedestrian walk way adjacent to the road. On to interior into Lassen Volcanic National Park where 100,000 told mates to take one step backwards since it has thermal hot spring pools like Yellowstone. No one was arrested since bodies could never be found as I constantly look over shoulder on hikes as adorable/angelic mate ” gets so tempted ” .to give a slight push.

Few had dropped out as we then headed to beginning of 1422 mile Alcan Hwy where most believe is unpaved, which is not true, as we drove 8811 miles in 20 days in 5/2004 .However we had to make a detour to head W to Skagway from Yellowknife, Yukon Territory to visit the site of Sgt. Preston of the Yukon museum and over another by our treks in trail to parallel old immigrant pass from Gold Rush days in 1800′s.. On radio in 1950′s program featuring him as well as dog King-motto-” always got his man ” like duBois who sold computer products over the phone from 1983-2009, ” duBois always got an answer as I tried to get it within 5 minutes.

We then headed from Delta Junction to Paxon across the unpaved Denali Hwy where 30 miles in we hit a wet spot and rolled over a 40 ‘ embankment 3 times. What a treat as I heard the sounds of angels, in a tunnel of light, and as I saw the white robed face of my maker with last words on 8/23/1995-” at least I got in my 50 th state.” .We paused to remember as we were upside down and squished like a pancake. Still have the cast from Doris broken wrist. Both of us have visited all 50 and 49 twice together while my mate has been in all 50 twice !!!

The race was on to the finish !! Who would win ? Did it really make any difference with the only prize being a 40′ snow shoe as required to put in yard as well as pride ? And then ALL of a SUDDEN !! We hit a whiteout like that in W. Ks in 1980′s but this one was 5 miles high by 5 miles wide by 5 miles deep like scenes of buffalo described in mid 1800′s . So severe in strength that it pushed over a million through the center of the earth to China, North and South Poles as well as to Bodo, Norway above the Arctic Circle. It was faster than us driving 132 M.P.H. on Autobahn this April , taking trains in Germany close to 200 M.P.H. or so fast like former Cleveland/White Sox “( 1908-1920) Shoeless Joe ” Jackson who had 158 stolen bases and 168 triples that he was so fast that he could run under Niagara Falls without getting wet. No one however died.. For fun, ask Scandinavians or those who have visited Norway to pronounce Bodo or roll lips Boo da-never have found correct pronunciation. We could finally see the mountain that we had taken a plane ride in 1999 by starting out on wheels and then landing with its skis on a glacier and then taking off on skis and landing on wheels.

Who were the winners as we entered the National Park ? The # 4,5 .and 6 were of course, Matt-Her and Horn so named for the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Is it obvious that the mountain in the park was not named after our 1/29/1843 born 25 President but instead the winners Mick. Ken and Lee.

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…

Best place to stay in ALL TRAVELS !!!

# 1-found by mistake-Hotel Hilleprandt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen( www.hotel-hilleprandt.de or info@hotel-hilleprandt.de # 2( www.hotel-linde- rothenburg.de ) or info@hotel-linde-rothenburg.de .

Visit www.twinrocks.com or www.twinrockscafe.com in Bluff, Utah-owned by in-law family of former customer in Blanding, Utah. Shall re-return to Moab via S Colorado but head on a loop S via Grand Canyon( ever camp 50 ‘ from the rim ? ) for 10 th visit in 2014.

*

On 12/30/1956

In Front Of 56,836 Fans On Yankee Stadium Frozen Field !!! 55 Years Later In 2011 !! Another Attempt At Making Something Rhyme-Can It Be Done ?

NFL Championship Game

December 30, 1956

Yankee Stadium , New York-56,836

Chicago Bears 0 7 0 0-7

New York 13 21 6 7-47

Also look at : 11/12/2010 S.F. Giants Winning 1 st World Series since 1954 and 10/5/2010 BELOVED Brooklyn Dodgers winning 1 st World Series 55 years later after 7 tries on 10/4/1955 at 3:43 P.M.

Visit: www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com

My beloved Brooklyn from 1890-1926 Superbas, 1927-31 Robins( not named for a bird but for president- manager Wilbert Robinson-manager 1930-31-ask fans if they know that for fun) and then Dodgers in 1932 won their 1 st World Series title after 7 tries as I idolized them 55 years later in 2010 on this same field in front of 62,465 on 10/4 as Dodger fans ROARED !!! What a delight as emotions soared !!! Especially as a Brooklyn born kid of 10 as we were no longer called the Bums but Champions of the World as I write with a grin with left arm and fore fingers under my chin from upstairs perch in easy chair with feet up on a stool looking back on those days of praise for my teams that are as glorious as the sun that comes into my loft as I am deep in thought !!!

But my Giants victory was special in their 1 st season at the House that Ruth built noted later as the Yanks were the Original A.L. Baltimore Orioles from 1901-1902( as guess who was a catcher in Wilbert Robertson ?) ,stayed as Highlanders till 1912 then the Yankees from then on and as I recalled hero’s of the past that will remain in my soul to behold and treasured like owning gold. The field was frozen and just like the 12/9/1934 Championship game against these same “ da” Bears, the Giants used sneakers instead of cleats-wasn’t that neat in front of 35,059 as they won at the Polo Grounds 30-13. Prior to the 56 game, coach 6’ 6 “ Lonoke,AR born 9/27/1914-1/4/1995 former NY Giant 1937-1942. How many know that he served as a marine company commander in the South Pacific then back to Giants 1946-1947 Jim Lee Howell sends two of his players out on the concrete like field to test the footing as the one who wears the football shoes falls as the basketball sneaker remains as the rest of history is told ?

It was NY’s 4 th title to “ da’ Bears who owned 7 as I was in heaven as a kid and now have replica reversible jackets with Dodgers 1955 and Football Giants 1956 on the backs with inside score and stadium facts as they are tattered and torn but still worn !!! Showing off my pride of my roots in mother’s Norwegian side that settled Brooklyn in 1890’s and dad’s French Protestant Huguenot family that settled Brooklyn too in mid 1650’s, isn’t it nifty ? Even wear winter jackets that are good for 40 below that retain moisture and snow of 1928, 33,40 and 90 Stanley Cup N.Y. Rangers as well as still leader at 17 N.B.A. tiles in Boston Celtics who won their 1 st of still highest in 17 on 4/13/1957 as I was once again in heaven as the ball rolled off the rim in 125-123 double overtime win !!!

At 2:40 of the 1 st quarter Mel Triplett drove 17 yards for the 1 st score as he was set up as Gene Filipski ran back the opening kick off 53 yards to the Chicago 38 and 4 plays later Mel went over for the score wearing # 33 which is a trivia question few seldom know as born 4/16/1947 in Lew Alcindor later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took to U.C.L.A. to play in 1965 as he honored his # of boyhood hero Mel, wasn’t that swell. But in reality could that # 33 have come from my 1/21/1912-8/7/2002 dad who was on his own at age 14 during depressing times yet found a way to survive with pride. While his parent’s were divorcing he stayed with a family friend and daughter as working during the day and went to school at night yet played on the team as Dutch duBois in a story never told in honor of a man “ with heart of gold “ As he was then found wandering the streets of Brooklyn by the Rev. George Aus of the Norwegian Bay Ridge located church, got into Scouting where he would later meet his Nordic mate in a marriage that would last 62 years-isn’t that great !!! And can still feel a glow as my dad re-connected at our wedding with his beloved Rev. friend, whom he had not seen since the late 40’s, what glory or perhaps like sport memories or stories that will never end ?

But with a half time score of 34-7 score convinced quite a few fans to leave the frigid stadium for the warmth of their homes as even 3 rd string Bobby Clatterbuck got in the last 8 minutes( 1954-1957 then 1960 L.A,. moved to San Diego in 1961) with a total of 15 games).as he got a chance to play. Did that make his day ?

Who were the players on that team,? How many do you know or say SO WHAT if it doesn’t affect or interest you , boo who !!! The NFL Record Manual for 1957 as a result of my question years ago that was printed in the Sporting News lists the following as offensive starters for the Giants : ends, Kyle Rote and Ken MacAfee,tackles, Roosevelt Brown and Dick Yelvingston,;guards Bill Austin and Jack Stroud; center Ray Wietecha;, quarterback, Don Heinrich,; halfbacks Frank Gifford and Alex Webster; fullback Mel Tripplett.

Unfortunately, the piece doesn’t list the actual positions played by the other men who saw action in the game which is a shame, but those listed as substitutes(which included defensive regulars ) were: defensive ends, Jim Katcavage, Andy Robustelli and Walt Yowarsky: defensive tackles, Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski: linebackers, Sam Huff, Cliff Livington, Harland Svare and Bill Svoboda; defensive backs , Emlen Tunnell, Ed Hughes, Dick Nolan, Jimmy Patton and Henry Moore; offensive end Bob Schnelker; offensive guards, Jerry Huth and Ray Beck; quarterback , Charles Conerly and Bobby Clatterbuck; halfback Gene Fillipski and kicker, Ben Agajanian and punter Bob Chandler. Yes, all of this does not rhyme and not a crime. Yet, should be defined as giving credit to those who played where SPORTS salaries had not yet reached the sky and players could relate to those workers in the 50’s where their ego’s did not explode as now FREE agents show no loyalty for less pay as some say go ahead and leave TODAY !! Look as well as to how many on that team coached, managed, served on college, pro teams or perhaps you might recognize others from the movies/T.V. , broadcasting booth of # 16 my idol then of boyhood dreams.

What were the stats of highlights gathered from 1997 Pro Football Encyclopedia and The Football Encyclopedia of 1994 that ended with records of 1993 that sit with baseball, football, basketball, hockey books within reach of an arm “ who has selected listening “ who can’t remember what my angelic/adorable mate of 42 years said an hour ago or reports of grandson’s every in daily contact activity but can recall where I was on a certain sports day. Selective men’s listening skills as my adorable/always angelic mate still says “ I am a pill “ where I once slipped on the ice on snow shoes a few years ago as X-Rays showed no breaks as I was then called a pain in the hip ? When you meet people ask if they remember a family event or date, anniversary of meeting significant other/married mate and then you might hear a pause but go back to a sporting event and one’s face will light up with a smile and a date ? On 12/14/2011 I wore my 1955 Brooklyn Dodger jacket-instead of 1956 Giants one to the Mall of America a 10 minute drive where the 1961 Minnesota Vikings and Twins used to play at the old Met outside in elements as frigid as the Giant game as they then moved inside in 1982 to the Metrodome on a fake hard like artificial field with fold up seats taking away the outside factors where I want to cry. What has this to do with the 1956 Giants as it merely tells of weather conditions and feeling winter that is here to stay ? Met a fellow with a NY Ranger cap. A Williamsburg , Brooklyn native as we had a chance to chat . What a delight. We talked sports. And for those that “ don’t unda standa “ as a oncea Ny’r always a Ny’r , Hillary Clinton is not a Ny’r ., whenever a native or or former Ny’r meets despite though never heard, it is like attending a family reunion as we “ still retain, “ speaka da same language “ that will never go away-something to treasure in so many ways. From Budapest, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munch. Paris, Prague, Amsterdam , Oslo, Salzburg, on all our travels NY’rs talk sports as we treat each others like brudders, memories to treasure and smother. From Key West to Anchorage, San Diego to Portland, Me. that accent can be hoid whether on a cog railroad going to the summit of the Matterhorn or walking a beach on the Island of Kauai, a NY’re can identify with his own kind that others do not understand .Isn’t that grand !!!

Take some time to look back upon the past and what might bring a smile like that of child open presents at Christmas time. Ask anyone whether young or old to see if they recall certain events even sports where they can connect to stop, pause and reflect ? Such as my dad taking me to 1 st pro game on 12/14/1958 as my Giants won on a 49 yard field goal by Pat Summerall in a blazing blizzard where I was so cold. We were behind home plate and could hardly see the field with exception of the ball crossing the uprights as shouts and cheers deadened our ears . Unofficial start of the modern era of pro football as some might say as it lead to T.V. coverage and great P.R. for the NFL, isn’t that swell !! . My gentle giant role model who was built like a stevedore helped me get autographs while waiting to leave in front of Giants locker room exit which was unexpected yet filled with glee. Mostly defensive players such as Clarksville,Mn born Swede Svare and adored Andy Robustelli but included N.Y.C. Mayor Wagner which was an extra treat thanks to my dad, as I was so glad.

Google NY Giants 12/30/1956 vs. Chicago Bears and you can GET all the stats from various resources which still amaze me as I look back on that day and say that my team won on a field that had so sun. Google and put in a persons name and see what will come up-as I am still in awe as the technology is available by the touching on computer keys as one can see something about a life that might have had an effect on history .Or at least in the Giants win something to share with grandson’s about this game where sneakers instead of cleats played a part in the outcome of the score . But forgotten in this mix perhaps was guess who were some assistant coaches in Brooklyn born Vince Lombaridi later of Packer fame and retired born 9/11/1924 who was in the military and left after playing with 1949 with NY A.A.F.C.teams and from 1950-55 with Giants Tom Landry of Dallas Cowboy for 29 years as he won 2 Super Bowls just like Vince were both responsible for aiding in this victory which still creates a lasting memory ? Or did their experience help both obtain greatness in later Super Bowl wins by being GIANTS as I smile from upstairs perch living memories of the past-what a BLAST !!!

When you Google a name be sure to see about one served in the military which is sometimes not mentioned in playing facts such as born in Clarksdale, Miss, Giant quarterback Charlie Conerly who served in the South Pacific as a Marine and was in the Battle of Guam. Look at data even of former 1938 Minneapolis Miller, Red Sox Ted Williams who was in WWII and Korea missing 5 years of playing time. Somehow if the writers of bio’s and those who print Sports playing time could add those lines, wouldn’t that be FINE ? could mention military service in honor of those who chose were drafted, to preserve our freedoms that we take for granted that you don’t see. Certainly a victory yet seldom recorded in sports of former times-isn’t that divine ?

I still carry that I laminated reduced to small print in wallet of the 1956 Giants win and players as well as Pat’s kick in a blinding snow storm rather than “ blazing blizzard “ as described that I used from selling computer products over the phone from 1983-2009 as a reminder of the 50’s/60’s past that is thought of every day, what more can I say ? What a time to grow up when sports were played without domes, artificial turf, on real grass and smoke filled arenas where one could purchase a ticket with a student I.D. to see the NY Rangers play at the old Madison Square Garden for 50 cents on a Sunday night. OH !! What a delight !!! Or watch T.V. without commercials demanding a time out break as games became longer for revenue stakes ? And now even a disgrace as players/managers are interviewed during the game, oh !! what a shame.

Take the time as well to share other memories with “ especially youngsters’ like my grandson’s as I attended my 1 st college football game in 1957 where Utah’s Lee Grosscup passed for what has “ always been perceived from memory as over 400 yards “ but in ACTUALITY 316 against Army at West Point in 33-39 loss. Or on 9/12/1964 as I took neighbor Lorraine Buehler to 1 st game at Shea where a once 45 minute drive took us to get in $ 5.00 seats some 10 rows from top of stadium on 50 yard line early into 2 nd quarter which was just fine as the “ unexpected 45,665 “ as we parked far away as others parked along side Cross Island Expressway and climbed the fence. Still excited as we saw the event as in saved ticket stub of Sec. 35, Row T, seat 17. To securing seats from the once sold N.Y. Mets for the 1987 World Series of Twins vs. Cards as I split up at work and went to game 2 with mate and oldest kid or though never have attended a regular Minnesota Viking game purchased 1992 Super Bowl tickets at the Metrodome from the N.F.L. at $ 150 each-good grief !!!

Hail hail my 1956 Giants on 12/30/1956 as a reminder of the time ago as 55 years goes so fast ! like driving a 132 M.P.H. on German Autobahn this April where gas was $ 10 U.S. a gallon but still a thrill ! Like that of can’t believing that we are not old enough to have a 40 year old daughter as it was YESTERDAY that I held our 1 st born on 10/29/1971 in my arms with glee, Oh !!! How it was a MOMENT TO BE !!

Look back on sports of yesterday now that the web can give you info at your finger tips and the screen will come to life-isn’t that nice ? Ask those around this Brooklyn born, raised in Glen Head, L.I. some 27 ½ miles from the Giant win like me was fortunate to live in the 50’s and 60’s-for tickets were tickets could be purchased at a reasonable price for those that were thrifty.. Where padded posts were placed right on the goal line, football fields configured in different ways to fit into baseball parks with sight lines obscured. Look back at the stadiums you have been like taking family once to Boston’s Fenway Park. A reminder of keeping the 1912 now modified somewhat unique structure still alive and the loudness of a vibrant crowd !!!

In conversation with folks ask them to recall some sports days of yores from their past such as a church member hooking up an antenna set between 2 trees to a car battery as he listened to the Packers on his home made radio in the 1930’s when they won Championships in 36 and 39 as the NFL went to a playoff in 1932 as “da Bears “ played for the title inside Chicago Stadium where dirt was placed as the field was 80 yards long since cold and snow forced it inside-my oh my !!! If you EVER speaka to a native Naw Yorker, though lived in Minnesota which I knew at age 5 , since 1968 from influence as a result of stories where church and family members who attended Norwegian schools or me during my 4 year college stint in Iowa would hitch-hike here on college breaks to visit with relatives and later best man , a year stop in Des Moines, who still has Brooklyn Dodgers around one car license plate, with a “ Dump the DH “ bumper sticker on one car that shows the 4/6/1973 scar of a batter subbing for a pitcher and only used in A.L. during the season and home parks in inter league play or World Series which is dreary . Plus other,” Pull out the rug-play ball on real turf”. Ask them about this game where my Giants played in sneakers as they adjusted to the field conditions 55 years ago as my mind still has a glow especially living in Minneapolis that still does not have snow !!!

Retired !!! Collecting Social Security and Medicare

“ Man From The North Pole “ view from upstairs perch ,

Minneapolis 55407

a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before and after 5 mile EVERYDAY walk.

Former 336 pints(42 gallon) blood donor. Ended 7/7/2008 Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia caught early. Whole blood from 5/1970-9/1997, then a double unit of platelets from 12/1997 every 2 weeks-delayed 7 times from eye surgeries. Lost over 25 lbs by walking 5 vs. 3 miles EVERY DAY from 7/7/2010-now below 185.

Driven in all 50 states/49 twice( WIFE HAS BEEN IN ALL 50 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…

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. …

Every year I try to figure out the meaning of Christmas. ” A monkey wrench was thrown in by” a response from Utah buddy on 11/22. Isn’t every day like Thanksgiving or should we make it that way ? It has been an exercise in futility as my mind has raced in tangents like that of the 12 streets including the Champs Elysees extending out in spoke like fashion that can be seen from top of the climbed Arch deTriumph in Paris this past April . Is this year different since I am retired, collecting Social Security and Medicare. Being VERY CAUTIOUS with spending with exception of OBSESSED WITH future trips ? ABSOLUTELY !!!

I think I have found the ” true meaning ” of Christmas ? Can one ATTEMPT to carry the message of gift giving, family-friends gatherings, birth of a 3 in one Jesus( father, son, Holy Ghost) who was born, died and was buried by dying on the cross to save us and the world from sin by faith through grace ? Can we share YEAR ROUND including those who’s holidays do not fall in December or of different beliefs ? In early November I finally responded with college recollections to the Editor of our Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa e-mail newsletter that is sent 4 times a year. Thanked her and staff for outstanding work. From that of a ” C” student who won the Senior Oratory Speech contest over a campus leader classmate who was also Editor of yearbook . How many can say that they were left off the program as a result of profs thinking that I might not graduate ? Yet led in class of over 700 with class President to both the baccalaureate and graduation . Then the light went on !! One of the joys of college was hitch-hiking up to St. Paul to spend some semester breaks and Thanksgivng with my mother’s cousin and family over the about the estimated 30,000 miles of trips. She was married to Luther Seminary prof, the Rev. Phd. Kent Knutson. He even assisted at our wedding on 4/26/1969 as Norma would later be oldest born 10/1971 God mother. After becoming President of Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Ia., he was elected President of the American Lutheran Church(A.L.C.). However, on an around the world trip he was believed to be the 1 st in U.S . to contact Mad Cow Disease in Borneo. As he passed on at age 49 in 3/1973 . The most beloved person EVER known since he would take time and BLOCK OUT all other activities to listen despite going 24/7. Also saw former church intern later best man at wedding and wife 70 miles to S.E. as well as having opportunity on occasion to see former minister who had a church on Capital Hill. What a thrill to be part of the Knutson family as they packed their 4 kids and me into station wagon as we drove into downtown Minneapolis on the Nicollet Mall to see the Christmas lights displayed.

And then GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS !!! Have times changed where there is less emphasis on OVER DOING gift giving vs. appreciation of health as we get older ? My wife and I are planning on attending my 50 th high school class reunion in 2013. Will see where I grew up. We have not been back to Glen Head prior to the early 1990′s when my parent’s moved south. Will also visit Copiague where my wife spent her 1 st. 4 years on the S. shore of L.I.

When is the last time you spoke about Thanksgiving and Christmas with someone ? Is it possible to find a quiet place and recall instances ? Or even cherish sitting down with feet up such as from upstairs perch. Perhaps, as we age do we want to recall the past more or engage with former high school or college classmates ? Many years ago, I left a strand of Christmas lights strung from the ceiling in both living and dining rooms. Plus put them on an artificial tree in 3 season porch. Since I get up around 5:30 A.M. the bulbs do not disturb still sleeping adorable/angelic mate. A reminder of taking the Christmas spirit with me in heart during the day ?

My dad built his home in Glen Head some 27 ½ miles from Manhattan from the foundation up in 1948. Made a huge fireplace out of the front end of a 37 Chevy truck as well designed Dutch doors in corner of home. In honor of his French Protestant Huguenot heritage that came from France via Amsterdam to Brooklyn in mid 1650′s or a memory of his grandmother that was born in Amsterdam. Was fortunate with wife on a layover trip to Norway in 2002 to see her home from the street. My dad once said that his grandmother became irate at his grandfather. Tossed an iron filled with hot coals sitting on the cast iron stove through the upper half. He ducked. It hit the cow .Then ran away never to be found The living room/dining room was some 26 ‘ long. Thanksgiving and Christmas was usually spent at our home since we had room for my mother’s brother and sister who had 3 kid’s, grandmother, aunt, reclusive cousin plus my sister. I can still feel the laughter of family in a Norwegian Christmas decorated home of mother’s heritage that settled Brooklyn in the 1890′s.

Our traditional Thanksgiving meal was lamb not turkey. My dad would pile the plate as high as the ceiling as it went down as he called it ” Murder’s Row ” in honor of the 1927 N.Y. Yankee W.S winning .team that had Ruth, Gehirg, Lazzeri and Meusel who had a total of team 133 H.R.’s( Yankee’s had 158-highest other team was 56) plus 544 R.BI.s between the 4. My sister, cousin, my self and a border who belonged to our church sat next to each other. My dad would then pile again as it went down this row only to be devoured again.. Now in contrast our family of single daughter, divorced daughter with both grandson’s. My in-law’s moved back to my mother-in-law’s home town of Park Rapids, Mn.in 1993 as my father-in-law would then pass in 2/2001 about 205 miles N.W. of Minneapolis after my father-in-law retired in the 1980′s in the Denver area Attempts were made depending on weather to make the trek either that Weds. night after work or on Thanksgiving Day-coming back on a Saturday On occasion we would have grandson’s come in another car with daughter and boyfriend. Ah !! The song, ” over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go ” !! We actually cross the Mississippi River twice. This time we will be without grandson’s as one is playing hockey as well as oldest daughter working but she will come up with boyfriend that Friday. But we will all be together for dinner at oldest house the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. So difficult to believe that we now have a 40 year old daughter and grandson’s 14 and 15. We are not old enough to have a 40 year old daughter ? It is still a treat to see my now 91 year old remarried to another widower the past 8 years. Both are still active in a house on an acre of land, community, have a huge garden and able to do chores.

Somehow Thanksgiving and Christmas becomes more on caring, sharing or recalling the past. This was before computers, caller I.D., call waiting, grandson’s constantly looking at cell phones on a walk where ONE HAS TO HAVE A CONVERSATION or without a disruption from an electronic device Our since 1957 North Shore High School of the consolidated towns of Glen Head, Sea Cliff and Glenwood Landing was composed of 20 % Russian Orthodox, 20 % Jewish and the remaining being those from the Sea Cliff Methodist, Glenwood Presbyterian ,Glen Head Lutheran and Glen Cove Catholic congregations. I was fortunate to go to the same school from grades 7-12 . Prior to the word ” politically correct or law suits from the A.C.L.U. ” our school was decorated with Christmas and Hanukkah displays. We also called our concert the Christmas Concert NOT THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. The thrill was to be part of the top non-select chorus in State of N.Y. directed by John Sterling, as well as being in the band as a baritone and later tuba player led by Ted Ryder. But most important being chosen to be in the men’s group called the Hoarse Norseman. How fitting with my Norwegian heritage as our school was called the North Shore Vikings. Yet a street in Sea Cliff was called DuBois Ave. as a result of someone of Dutch Reform influence ? On flower box in front of home have name DUBOIS as well as display a 12 ” X 18 ” Norwegian flag. Not for voice but had enthusiasm plus could read music . Half our songs were sung in Hebrew.The other Christmas carols. The finale was the Alleluia Chorus where all former choir members come down and stood with robbed students. EXCITING !!! One would see those in college as well as grads later with families. Treasured when I brought home married mate in 1971 as we left 3 week daughter with my parent’s. Once brought both daughter’s to the concert with wife. A connection to the past ?

Christmas has also brought along the ,memory of my 1/21/1912-8/7/2002 and 10/3/1915-10/25/2000 parents who were married almost 64 years( my wife’s parents; were married 59 years before her dad went on 2/1/2001. During Christmas season which once started the Day after Thanksgiving and not what appears in July They would have the record player( what’s that ?) with Christmas songs. My mother would answer the phone in ” this is Elva, Merry Christmas . Baking together after church was a treat. My dad wore his narrow Europeaned tied tie over his white shirt with a an attached apron while my mother was donned in her Sunday best as well. My dad baked his step-mother’s Hungarian stolen(a sweet, yeast-raised German bread containing fruit and nuts but added wheat germ). Just found a few months ago that she was Czech. Both would be covered with flour. My mother made all the Norwegian GOODIES. I can still smell the aromas some 1200 miles away every time I am around baked items year round or even on trips. Both giggled like two love birds but perhaps it might have been the Scotch. My mate refuses to make Christmas treats since I WOULD INHALE them. Yet gets for me the store bought Yule cake, pronounced Yu-la-kaga, from local grocery store sold only this time of year. Opps !! There goes the 30 lb. Weight loss over the last year !!!

Our family tradition was taking the L.I. Railroad into N.Y.C. to catch the movie at Rockefeller Center that also featured the Rockettes. We marveled at the tree, watched the skaters and window shopped but wore our Sunday clothes. Times have changed now as I am saddened to see the casual attire at concerts. Even stopped going to a performance of a local men’s group downtown at Orchestra Hall. Just didn’t feel like Christmas nor the lack of civility of being SILENT during a performance.

My mother was in charge of getting out the Christmas cards. She hand wrote the addresses in the living room and attempted to add a personal note to each. This is my delightful task as I even hand write addresses from time to time. We have always written a Christmas letter but not this year It appears that today, so many seem to OUTDO each other in bragging about accomplishments like I have done with trips. But I enjoy reading those who have creative styles, add pictures from computers and are masters with humor. JUST ONCE I would like to see one telling HOW BAD the year was such as divorce, losing their home or job ?

We opened our Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. My dad would drive into Brooklyn to get my grandmother, mother’s aunt and cousin. My job was to cut the wood for the fire place. Somehow my dad found a place to get oak logs. Even at a young age I could swing a MIGHTY 5 lb. axe as our 90 lb. lab watched as he put his paws over eyes in fear of having the pieces hit him. Perhaps the highlight of the opening of gifts was my mother’s sister saving all the good ribbons and wrapping paper as we could tell from year to year that it was recycled. We also tossed the unused wrap into the fireplace. Am still amazed at how much wrapping paper costs-when it could be invested into gifts ? For our family, I wrap them in funny papers or the ads. Can recall comedian Bill Cosby saying that he purchased expensive gifts for his kids yet his son one Christmas had more fun playing with the huge cardboard box and paper.

Before taking a job in Minneapolis in January of 1968, I went home to say goodbye to family. After college graduation had hitch-hiked out to Olympia, Washington where my sister lived, and secured employment. When the fog and rain came I needed to get back to the ” frozen tundra”. Knew at age 5 that I would always live in Minnesota as a result that so many family and church members attended Norwegian founded colleges in the upper Mid-West. The “clincher ” was seeing U of M football player Paul Giel on the cover of Sport Magazine in 1953. This is the state that I was going to live in PERIOD !!! Arrived in Minneapolis during the bus strike of 1967. Found a room in a beat up dive. Hitch-hiked to place of employment where I worked nights. Went looking for a job during the day. Sat/Sun weekends with Knutson family. Saved enough to go home, But I did spend a month at A & S department store selling wallets 60 hours a week. Merely enticed shoppers to counter by securing store shopping bags and using the line, ” if you can’t think of a Christmas gift, buy a wallet”. Sold tons. For many years I worked in retail and was saddened that so many purchased items knowing they would be returned. They didn’t care for the size or style-just so someone could have a gift.

Take some time to find a quiet place in your heart on recalling Thanksgiving/Christmas or other holiday celebrations . For many as a result of family break ups or remembering loss of loved one’s it can be very difficult and painful .For greater insight invest TIME reading the Comics and viewing relationships and stories about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most ” eye popping ” is Sally Forth and the ” chilling friction/feud with her mother and no longer speaking to sister. I am a MERRY CHRISTMAS saying person not HAPPY HOLIDAY in case I might offend someone. Be on the lookout or aware during the year for those in pain or anguish. If stumped on what to say listening to a tragic situation, just say that you will pray for them. It is the words of compassion that will flow from your lips. Keep ANYTHING symbolic of Christmas where can see everyday. Not religious ? Hanging in upstairs perch office of computer a little snowman like santa with some metal featuring 3 stockings with saying LOVE WINTER or similar Santa in living room. On 11/14 walk met a recently retired 62 year old Viet-Nam Vet where we have enjoyed plenty of conversations. Dr.’s discovered a bad value in his heart. Will be operated on 11/22. Though 98 % successful one could tell that he was thinking about the ” what if ” that he might die. I assured him that all will be well. The same day that I would get my EVERY 6 month cancer check evaluation.

When you venture out EVERY DAY allow extra time to be AWARE of neighbor. On 9/13/2001 trip to Vancouver, B.C. after flight was cancelled we got an oil change and decided to drive. Discovered what I called the ” 30 second Canadian Pause “. Were these people nice to us since we were the 1 st Americans allowed in from the U.S. after 911 as we said we were native New Yorkers. We hugged and cried. They merely took time to engage in a conversation. Friendliest of all travels until we met the Germans that year in December. When you interact in a communication ask, ” what’s the good word” ? Wait for a response. If it is , ” there isn’t any”, ask why ? But take the TIME TO CARE !!!

Can one go back in time ? Are you caught up in the FRENZY of the season ? Now one of the major retailers will be opening at mid-night on Thanksgiving evening rather than last year at 5:00 A.M. Several other chains have decided to follow as well. The Letter’s To Editor have called this corporate greed. Our Business Section comments that retailers can afford to do it as a result that if some do not want to work( might lose jobs ?) there are enough people out of work, especially seniors willing to take ANY HOURS. Could retailers still make money where it appears that the Christmas season is a profit or loss venture for them. Maybe Christmas prices during the year ? Might you be able to as in comments from a former toastmaster some 30 years ago. Be your own Santa Claus Purchase gifts on occasion for NO REASON ! ! Such as being a former whole blood donor from 1970 who ended at 336 pints/42 gallons on 6/6/2008. The last 10 years giving a double unit of platelets every 2 weeks having to remain motionless for 90 minutes. Giving blood is the gift of life , as my leukemia was caught early saving my own life.

Might we also use Thanksgiving and Christmas as a celebration of LIVING/GIFT GIVING year round ? All Saints Day which is celebrated in the Christian Church as those who have passed is on the 1 st . Sunday in November. This year attended while mate and daughter were gone, which began in the fall our 1941 church’s 1 st, 2 Saturday night services. Why can’t we embrace not only those that have passed but THOSE STILL ALIVE even though might not be remembered as saints ? Or have a living obituary ? Have life relished while still alive !!!

After my 11/15 walk had to get gas at a convenience store owned by 2 Palestinian born U.S. citizen brothers. 200′ feet away from Super America. Most employees are from Eastern Europe, Asia and Middle East. Despite most of them being Muslim they know that I attend my church less than a block from their store . I wish them a Happy Ramadan and adjacent holiday Eid ( have told them that it is a Norwegian family name plus have been in the town of Eide in Norway). A respect for cultural differences ? Found out that the one Muslim was searching for a Muslim girl friend. Had no luck but today I asked-he had found one. We shook hands as I congratulated him and extended with BEST WISHES. Said, ” praise the Lord.” !!! Upon coming home from my 20-30 minute hill climbing with ski poles after my daily 5 mile walk met mate who had treated herself to French toast and bacon after her aerobics class where the group normally has coffee afterwards. Can one give a gift to themselves ?

I awoke on 11/16 at 4:20 A.M. Put on the tea kettle to boil water for mate as well as coffee for me. Zapped my oat meal in micro wave. The paper had not yet arrived. My favorite WCCO 830 Radio station starts with the national and local news at 5:00 A.M. along with their banter and informative commentary. The serenity of the calm. Then looked back on past Christmas and wrote more thoughts..The upstairs heat does not work well in the winter hence wear a Munich or other knit caps and a sweat shirt. After all I am at the North Pole. At 4:43 I heard the paper come from the sound of the stopping of this what I call THANKLESS delivery job where so fortunate to receive paper at this hour as it hits the door with a thump.

Will living the Christmas spirit EVERY DAY ruin this ” mad rush of chaos ” to purchase gifts, mail out packages, attend gatherings/concerts, over eat, get stuck in traffic, wait in long lines anywhere at malls OR is that all part of the EXCITEMENT of Christmas ? I still savor our 2 out of 6 trips to Germany and 2 to Norway since 1999 in but in visiting the German outdoor markets where Christmas carols are sung in English and religious displays are allowed on public property with no law suits for those who do not believe. Has made Christmas more festive !!!

What would happen if you changed direction in thought or vary time in activities. I attempt ? to alter daily 5 mile walk as well as my hill climbing aerobic workout after trek. One sees from a different set of eyes such as various people, changes in weather or even thinking ? After J.F.K.’s murder on 11/22/1963, I attended a memorial service at the Swedish Lutheran church in Fairfield. The Rev. Hoyt Whitebread said in his message. ” Upset about the world and what might happen ? If so, take out a sheet of paper and write down all the things, worries that upset you. Can’t get along with family, worried about the future of our country, how will you do in college, where will my next dollar come from or concerns over health ? After you have written HALF A PAGE turn it over and write all the things you are thankful for. You will keep writing and writing and writing. My beloved step cousin passed in 2/2010 at age 64 from ovarian cancer. A Jewish Saint that I hold in my heart almost daily ? She and her husband would send out a Valentine’s Letter updating their activities over the year. Something to look forward to. He recently came to Minneapolis for 1 st time in 45 years. We took him on our 90 minute drive through Minneapolis/St. Paul and did not charge him the imaginary $ 5.00 fee. Whenever friend’s or former customer’s come, we take them on a visit to what we call an urban wilderness. We dined at home over good conversation and wine. Oldest daughter brought grandson’s and youngest daughter as we had desert later. An early Christmas present ?

Our South Dakota friend who used to live here with husband, sends her Christmas cards in January-why not ? They manage to trek up to area and stay with family as we have had same New Years gathering of ALL married friends and added others -now one widower where we have been since 1969. We all used to go out for dinner on New Years Eve. But as we had families, it is now held New Years Day in the afternoon. Much easier with less traffic and safer.

I turned off the radio just after 6:00 A.M. One particular charity is mentioned constantly. In our subscribed since 1/1970 at www.startribune.com , The headlines feature charity giving. In the Business Section Eric Wieffering describes how people enjoy shopping at Christmas with even those who shop on line. The sun rose just after 7:00 A.M. I could hear the city awakening like that of street cleaners upon arising in European hotels. I could see planes landing not far here at the International airport beyond the roof of neighbor’s roof. . The thoughts about Christmas were racing as fast as our April encounters of driving over 132 M.P.H. on the French, Luxembourg , German, Italian and Austrian Autobahns. Take time for time. For someone who has cancer, ” each moment is a blessing’ ESPECIALLY Of NOT ONLY remembering Thanksgiving and Christmas but attempting to share memories EVERY day ?

On 11/17, WCCO Radio featured a day of supporting the Union Gospel Mission as I question how much is actually given to the charity? Turned off radio at 6:10 A.M. after the news. Few out on walk around 9:00 A.M. at 16 above not below. Actually TOOK TIME-who me ? to take a few breathers climbing the hill and steps after 5 mile walk. Reminded of late dad who came down with polio in early 1940′s. Prior to health insurance for all or paid for assisted with employers helping out with payments, my mother would boil hot sheets and then put on my dad’s leg so he could go to work as a foreman at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Work or not get paid ? Dutch duBois was built like as stevedore with massive strength from a warm soul. His handshake almost crushed hands as it was made like a steal beam such as my legs are now from hill climbing He like me with leukemia was determined to exercise ATTITUDE with gratitude ? He then worked the dead muscle 50 years on leg that he limped on like mine from herniated disk where I stretch EVERY day . He actually felt the muscle. As a Christmas gift to one’s self is it possible to exercise your attitude in gratitude ? One of GREATEST gifts EVER was my mother-in-law at age 87, after having a heart attack wanted to donate blood in honor of me. She was turned down but it was the thought. Years ago, one could make a donation of blood like I did and a family would be covered FREE for life which I gave for in-laws.

I think of my home town Glen Head every day on my 5 mile walk. Ironic perhaps ? I grew up a mile from church , mile from private golf course club house where I caddied for 10 years and 2 miles from Hempstead Harbor on L.I.’s North Shore of L.I. Sound. My jaunt takes me a mile away from public golf course that I walk around and part of my 5 mile loop is Lake Hiawatha up against the golf course,. Lake Nokomis is more than a mile away as I walk it’s 3 mile loop.

My 11/19 walk was windy and FRIGID !!! Even with a winter N.Y. Ranger jacket with hood froze. Then met a woman that I spoken with several months ago who had to put her 65 year old husband into a nursing home as a result of further along Parkinson’s. Told her then that the family would be in prayers. Her husband is doing well. She was thankful that she had traveled while he was healthy and for her 2 kid’s. She even asked about my leukemia. Appreciated the update but still felt that there was a spirit greater than my self such as the Christ who put me into a position just to encourage that woman TODAY. Convinced that those who believe in different God’s or in interpretation feel the same way.

The following morning was STRANGE and DIFFERENT !! My wife had joined me for the Saturday 5:00 P.M service since she did not have to sing in the choir. When they don’t sing she comes to the 8:00 A.M. one with me but has a hard time getting up. We lucked out as a result of the 1 st snow with ice. The mile going and coming to church was like driving on glare ice. We were the only one’s there beside 2 others. A morning to get up and not think about going. Never would have made it as I took my 5 mile walk and the street was ALL ICE !!! But guess who I met ? The former minister from local church that we have had brief conversations with. He made comments on a Saturday service whether it was actually celebrating on the Sabbath. When my minister friend was at a church in Milwaukee he attended various ministerial conferences at Wartburg. He marveled at going into former prof/teacher at Luther Seminary Kent’s office where he was once picking out tiles for his office. Kent was ” indeed the good shepherd” who could relate to all In addition I found out the church he now attends is the same as then woman I spoke with yesterday. Then the fellow with the bad back as he has 2 more sessions and he is done with physical therapy. Plus another neighbor that doesn’t use the word SOMEDAY or MAYBE when it comes to travel. She would love to go back to Northern Italy as I mentioned last April’s trip and things that we had learned. One more reason to ” expect the unexpected ” ? Perhaps this is the greatest joy of the leukemia, chronic pain and blurred eye from 7 surgeries. EACH MOMENT is a blessing. Also an opportunity to have compassion for those in pain. Every morning I awake and can hardly move but motivated by the 5 mile walk.

But the most heartbreaking experience came before my wife and I were planning on a 130 mile round trip trek that included our now FAVORITE Wisc. # 65 drive with youngest daughter. Her former Tupperware associate needed some items. I asked her about her family-then tears rolled down her eyes. Unbeknownst to me or my mate had forgotten to tell, but her mother at age 68 died of C.O.P.D. in March in Oregon. Scary since she was same age as mate. Would be 1 st year without her. Family was then planning on taking her dad with them to Mexico in January. It was hard to hold back my tears. I said I would pray for you. Though she is probably near or close the same age as oldest daughter( actually 5-opps !! did a search-amazing what you can find about people’s personal lives-is nothing available on line ? ) , married after 22 years, she has been a GOOD FRIEND to my wife. Also thought of my Utah buddy that we met this past September who lost her dad this year. How important are developing relationships ? Followed up with a sympathy card plus an e-mail saying that my wife I mourn your loss and that you can contact us if you want to share grief the next day -why not ? Upon picking up daughter down town who attends a satellite church of a larger congregation, guess where a group of youth were from ? The same town of this former minister where he had a church for close to 20 years . It was also the same town that I came within 7 miles of when hitch-hiking up to St. Paul on my jaunts.

With Thanksgiving and the Christmas season approaching in but a few days, WHERE THE SALES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN earlier and earlier like in June ? Might you consider having fun thinking of those times or holidays that you celebrated ? One never knows when the opportunity will arise to share life with others and keep the spirit of Christmas alive YEAR ROUND !!! Or the free gift of caring, loving, compassion,forgiving like the special birth that happened over 2000 years ago. Will you try to figure out what your holiday means or its significance ? Maybe, just maybe it is not meant to be so. But it is still fun to try to investigate what happens inside your soul in order to be more caring about neighbor.

My 11/22 jaunt in the cloudy yet warm weather that was melting the snow was interesting ? Thought of J.F.K.’s death, my 62 year old friend who was having an operation and thoughts on me seeing cancer Dr. to get the result of 2 tests that I take every 6 months. A time to reflect as it was on same date a year ago that I ended my 6 physical therapy sessions for back that had gone out 9/1. Was in addtion to preparing for 3 rd detached retina in 2003. Had a Feb-then March one and then it flared up again for # 3 . One must keep head down for 10 days but this time was not allowed to take 3 mile walk for fear of sliupping.. Thought of late church organist Elizabeth Carlsen who had come down with breast cancer 8 years prior. Even when it was progressing, she would greet people with, ” be of good cheer, never give up hope ” !! That previous Easter she played a musical # on grand piano that featured running mice. At the end SILENCE !! I then actually felt the spirit of our 1941 stern faced German church founders who married vibrant Norwegian women come out of their graves and SHOUT Alleluia. She would dance into heaven at age 49 on angelic wings around that time. Seeing cancer Dr. is always frightening as he checks to see if white blood cell has increased as well as another. ALL O.K. as well as iron level went up. An early Christmas present ?

What an enjoyable dinner with family. Found out how our boys were doing at school. They are growing to become men. To sit and chat and observe how they talk and what are learning. Most interesting part after dinner was that our grandson’s have trouble writing in cursive or poor hand writing as a result of using computers or texting ? Look who should talk ?

THEN THE UNEXPECTED after coming home !! Wife’s step-father called at 8:32 P.M.” Didn’t you get our previous messages that we left ” ? Had not shown on caller I.D. nor had heard the phone ring during the day. Her mother was sick-unable to see us. Opps !!! A change in plans. Would she be better on Friday ? Who knows ? Would we be able to drive up and back in one day since weather was predicted to be mild on Fri/Sat/Sun ? But maybe that is what living in the Christmas spirit every day is ? Like the feed back from 3 customers and minister who were praying about about cancer test results. .Isn’t life about relationships or as Utah buddy mentioned, every day is like Thanksgiving. Who cares what day it is ?

My walk was delayed as my mind raced again like that of fuel pump failing as rental car going down a Utah mountain pass out of control on a dirt road as we eventually landed in a meadow. How many millions were traveling this weekend ? The radio described all the traffic jams as people were heading out of town. Recalled when working when we could leave despite not going anywhere. Or when I could shut the phones down and not take sales calls. By not traveling as anticipated by 1:00 P.M. on Thanksgiving Eve, my wife and I would alter plans. Might we see grandson’s who would be with their dad and other grandparent’s this weekend as well as youngest daughter ? Would I be able to get away from coming up to this upstairs perch and not check e-mails after walk and hill climbing workout ? But one thing will HAPPEN !!! Since we might not travel I can now go into the garage and bring up snow shoes and toboggan and put in the porch. My youngest daughter had given me instructions that I could not do this from 11/2-14 as she and wife took a tour to Israel. Even though she does not live at home, she did not want weather to be a factor in leaving or coming home. Attempt to try living in the Thanksgiving/Christmas spirit EVERY DAY by carrying it in your heart. It is indeed a heartwarming experience. Share your joys with others.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE MAN AT THE NORTH POLE IN MINNEAPOLIS

” Man From The North Pole ” view from upstairs perch , Minneapolis 55407 a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before and after 5 mile EVERYDAY walk, followed by an attempted strenuous Outdoor 30 plus minute workout 6 minute drive away which is not done on Sunday.

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…

Move over “ Hanoi “ Jane Fonda from someone who will compete with you on a WORKOUT video. But OUTSIDE ? Ah !! If money was NO OBJECT how could this be done ? Whew !! What a way to exercise ? Have I ever seen this hidden area before and steps despite living in the same home since May of 1976 ? Difficult as a result that walking path is some 50’/100’ from road and trees block the view. Discovered this winter as I began to snow shoe on hill on North end of Lake Nokomis then occasional treks on this side without fear of wrecking my “ heavy duty “ $ 149 L.L. Bean snow shoes and FANTASTIC $ 89 boots !!!

How many people live within a short distance of a hill by a park or wooded area ? Why would anyone ever consider doing this type of physical activity ? What are some of the features and benefits ? Biggest factor !! Because I am still able. In addition if one alters the work out it becomes less mundane. My legs are now like steel beams. As an aid in upper torso conditioning I take metal ski poles going up what appears to be a cliff as it helps with traction. This is different from seeing footage of skiers using poles on going downhill. Change direction such as going sideways, at various angles or taking different routes. On 10/21, 3 blocks to south, I started at other end. With the cleats as well as boots you dig heels in for better footing Plus go straight up and down. Will this help as in snow shoeing this past winter when I went through the woods down over 100’ hanging on to trees or climbing sledding surface across from our church a mile away ? Or on toboggan went down from the Hiawatha Golf Course Building some 3 blocks from church wearing boots but too difficult to pull toboggan up in deep snow. Then went down on knees wearing snow shoes and guided toboggan back up the slope.UGG!!!!

How do you prepare for a routine like this even when temps are in the 30’s/40’ ? Will it be more difficult in the teens and twenties ? As from best advice ever physical therapist last September. Listen to your body and know strengths and weaknesses. Wear appropriate clothing and BE AWARE of surroundings even in an urban area . Do you have a jacket to block out the wind ? Plus take work gloves as to avoid blisters on ski poles. In winter for snow shoeing wear lighter weight mittens with inexpensive work gloves inside. Include taking another pair of boots or cleats incase of stress on feet and leave in the car. But MOST of ALL, take time to enjoy the MAJESTIC VIEW or just appreciate being in the elements.

At around 7:30 A.M. on Saturday 10/22, I made another search for the ELUSIVE 54 year old baseball spikes, given to me at age 12 that I HAVE BEEN on a MISSION TO FIND THIS last week. The $ 5.00 closeout one’s purchased in 1993 were not broken in made of a synthetic and due to my slight curvature of the spine created havoc on side of R ankle. A special thanks to a former customer as it gave my wife and I an incentive to clean and look for items. Was stuck under some boxes in the basement by washing machine. I tried to find laces-wound up with old electrical cord that I had split. With my 30 lb weight loss they fit as my foot size since age 12 has only gone up 1 increment. Ah !!! memories when I first received from my dad. I ran the mile to grade school . Put on the spikes and raced all round the grounds like a hang glider searching for air currents. Even put them on and walked though the house to upstairs perch to e-mail former customer. Had once called my self the “ Flying Frenchman” when played softball with the Golden Valley Jaycees in early 1970’s !! Could they then be used to scale the Lake Nokomis Rockies as I turn my feet in all directions but with a shoe too small as the R ball of foot hurt. Would have to make more trials before scaling after 5 mile walk. A different feel than walking on carpet.

On jaunt met an 83 year old who does not take RX from Germany that I have met in past. Delightful conversations. She is aware that I awake in pain, have trouble breathing and sometimes can not move but motivated by the walk. Then told her about the adventure found this spring.. Can attitude and exercise play a role in “ over all good health “ ? Even hard to imagine all the traumatic severe eye pain that I had from 2003-2008 as a result of being hit from behind in 2/2002. Now an occasional few eye drops from time to time. Can one block out pain by concentrating on a strenuous activity ?

I was determined to use those spikes on the urban like alps but brought the rubber cleats just in case by leaving in the car. They fit like a ballet slipper and are of same mold that my beloved Brooklyn wore in the 40’s and 50’s. The right ball of foot that felt tight on the carpet was different on the hl. Instead of walking up and down the 2 sets of stairs went STRAIGHT up parallel to steps and down. Will use on occasion and stay with the rubber cleats knowing that when the ground gets harder the spikes will work plus feet will get used to them. Some irony perhaps ? Had dreams that when I put on the spikes that I would be playing for a professional baseball team or in a World Series as a youth. Or all the games attending Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds before my Brooklyn Dodgers and rival N.Y. Giants moved West in 1958. Not so. Was so concerned about footing going up and down the terrain as to not fall.

Can one even take a break from exercise ? That Friday after 5 miler and climbing on a RARE week day afternoon took adorable/angelic mate on NEVER tire of Lake Nokomis 3 mile jaunt. Then Sat after 5 miler, maneuvering up the bluff, took mate and oldest grandson around Lake Nokomis. Sunday October 23 was a DAY OF REST from the hill. Then after Sunday outing ,took youngest daughter with mate around lake Nokomis-AGAIN !!! . Advantage of the leukemia. EVERY MOMENT is a blessing. Especially when it is a day outdoors regardless of the weather.

What if one is unable to go outside or afraid of slipping ? I hear this constantly from the elderly. Solution is to take a hiking stick and walk slowly. There are grippers that you can put over footwear IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GO OUTSIDE !!! Can recall several years ago when I slipped on ice at the golf course in snow shoes. X rays showed no breaks in 2008. My mate then called me a pain in the hip. What about using yard or on stairs inside ? Find heavy duty elastic that was given to me to use after back went out on 9/27/2010. After 6 sessions 80 % better like that went back went out in 5/1979. Take a plastic bag ,tie in a knot and attach the band to door frame or higher to get arm strength. Design your own steps. Or use your stairs at home and railing BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO SLIP !!! A special thanks as a reminder to my mother’s Dr. cousin who lost her son on 100th floor of 1 st tower on 911 and Rev. medical Dr. who passed on at age 79. A divorced son was living at home years ago and fell down the stairs. Rather serious as he spent time at Holden Village in Washington with cousin and family recovering. BE AWARE even doing the exercises ANYWHERE. PROBABLY this incident has saved my life from injury. But then again, who listens to one’s own advice? After 5 mile walk on 10/25, prior to leaving for my obsessed mission of sweat equity , I needed to go out to the garage in back. Left my ski poles on the porch steps. Did not see them and tripped on to the cement sidewalk. A miracle as to only some deep cuts, no ripped pants and a bruised ego. Yet still managed to do the committed work out. WHEW !!!

Do you have time to get in EXERCISE ? Why is it seem that we spend what appears billions of hours on time management for working yet how many hours do we use looking at how we spend on our own recreational time ? Our local www.startriubune.com that I have been a subscriber since 1970 now features NUMEROUS stories on achieving good health . This not only includes exercise but diet and nutrition as well. Am sure one writer in 29 year vet of the paper ,Mike Kaszuba who is currently reporting on our Minnesota Viking stadium has yet to get a wink of sleep since 10/2. The State of Minnesota is being held hostage by the Minnesota Vikings and NFL into using sales tax dollars to fund a NEW stadium on vacant land but only on the site that the Vikings want that has no infrastructure. I hope he gets nominated for a Pulitzer as a result of his OBJECTIVE investigations and insights.

No matter where you live, find a place to keep moving muscles FOR FREE !! At age 65, if one has Medica Part B, you get FREE membership to the Y for you and spouse or for women CURVES. If not outside, do it at home. Why not ? As later in life, might the life you save, may be your own ? Perhaps a footnote. Had it not been as written thousands of times, for outdoor exercise my wife and I NEVER would have survived our 8/23/1995 Alaskan car crash. We hit a wet spot on the remote dirt Denali Hwy.-rolled down a 40’ embankment 3 times as trees came through windshield. Was in a tunnel surrounded by the sounds of angels. As I approached my white robed maker-my last words-at least got in my 50 th state visit. Both pinned upside down flatter than a pan cake. We survived with my wife later a broken wrist and me ripping out many ligaments and muscles. A few days later after we had found a ride to a clinic, me being flown 400 miles via medavac strapped to stretcher since X rays were inconclusive. My wife came back with car being towed. We managed to hike some 2 miles up a mountain trail to overlook 7 glaciers. We NEVER WOULD have survived if we had not been outdoor active or from experience of hiking in extremes from 30 below to 110 above all over the U.S. where in September we picked up our 39 th National Park of the 58.

Might exercise like this eventually save your life ? Might it help with stamina on trips like we take racing through airports like O.J. Simpson, devouring cities by walking 8-10 miles a day, enjoying the splendor of enduring achieved mountain vistas such Pulpit Rock outside of Stavanger, Norway , 4.2 miles up through rock and back , having energy to conquer steep steeple steps in Ulm, Frankfurt, Cologne or trails to overlooks such as Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Glacier in Montana or Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Not to mention Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Prague and Paris. Who knows ? But at least give it a try. Why not ? What do you have to lose besides weight ? What might you gain such as an euphoric experience ? Something to be driven to do EVERYDAY if possible?

Give blood-it’s the gift of life-the life you save may be your own ? Former whole blood donor 5/1970-9/1997, double unit of platelets every 2 weeks 12/1997-6/2008(42 gallons/336 pints)( delayed slightly from 7 eye surgeries 2/2003-3/2004 ), thanks to testing-found that I had chronic lymphocyte leukemia or CLL on 7/7/ 2008 condition caught early-no chemo needed yet-have all energy back.). From 7/7/2010 began walking 5 miles vs. 3 a day added 40 plus minutes to snow shoe trek-now climbing steep steps as well as 80 ‘ hill on E side of Lake Nokomis hill-dropped from 208 to 178 will it stay off ? ( in summer had be in touch with body and watch excessive heat, air quality and humidity alerts-missed only one day as a result of possible heat exhaustion from 2 days before in walking 8 miles in over 100 heat ). Prior to COMMITTED daily swim( brr !!! W-T-F then Sunday 10/9 which would be last of year) would do hill at least 5-10 times in bare feet).

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-now youngest and wife depart 11/2-11/14 to Israel and Petra in Jordan..During spring break wife will take oldest divorced daughter who turns 40 on 10/29( we are not oldest enough to have a 40 year old daughter) and 14 and 15 year old grandson’s to either California or Florida.

The 10/2 2011 www.startribune featured a front page article followed by on A 10 about Minnesota Viking owner Zygi Wilf. It’s obvious as both N.Y. Giant fans growing up that if and his family were(much better seats ?) : like my dad and I on 12/14/1958 behind home plate when Pat Summerall kicked a 49 yard field goal in a “ blazing blizzard” in what some historians call the beginning of the modern era of pro football. The only reference to a stadium financing solution was from comments from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman who has advocated a 2 cents-a drink state wide tax vs. the .05 cent tax increase from Ramsey County. Did it give the wrong IMPRESSION about his massive wealth ? In other words, how could someone with THAT MUCH money be able to bamboozle the public into spending tax $$$’s on a NEW stadium like dead billionaire Carl Pohlad, who in my opinion must be laughing in his grave over the non-public support of a 4-3 Hennepin County Board that financed the Twins Stadium with a .015 % tax. ? Because like other owner’s, he knows he can get it ? I awaited to view the Letters To The Editor during the week as well as in the 10/9 Trib. Just a few. On the 10/7 segment of Public T.V., Almanac there was a discussion on a NEW proposal to put the Stadium on ANOTHER Minneapolis site besides the Framers Market with combining several groups for support? The Trib then came out with another FRONT PAGE story on 10/10 which in my question raised more ambiguous questions but no concrete answers. The simplest SOLUTION is to have the Vikings build a NEW open air stadium in Minneapolis with PRIVATE money as well as keep the Metrodome for events. Wouldn’t it be TRAGIC if they tore it down ? If the Vikings want tax $$$’s why have they turned DOWN every possible site outside of their current quest in Arden Hills ?

The debate continued on 10/12 front page where citizens were shut out on a public vote yet a 200 page document on Arden Hills site identified $ 39 million in unfunded costs. WCCO-T.V.on 6 P.M. news also featured commentary. Bottom line-Vikings want a done deal by the end of December. They also INSIST that THIS IS THE ONLY SITE that they want. Most disturbing in sports section was in comparing Viking running back Adrian Peterson to the “ greatness” of Jimmy Brown( Garden City High School, Garden City,L.I. N.Y. less than 10 miles from where I grew up. Played college at Syracuse, 1957-1965 Cleveland Brown, Jimmy Brown who was on 27-0 win over Baltimore Colts on 12/27/1964 .with 114 rushing yards in 27 carries. He was the PROBABLY the greatest players of all time and to compare Adrian “ Mr. Fumble in critical situations” is a disgrace. Peterson is No Brown nor ever will be !!! Despite comments from one of the Viking coaches in former Brown from 1957-1967 Paul Wiggin that he is a great player.

Now 1-4, and the Minnesota Viking management want the tax payers to contribute to a NEW stadium ? Perhaps, until the public is informed about the soil testing of site that Zygi wants to build on from an Army ammunitions plant on 10/15 the citizens of Minnesota will not know additional possible clean up costs. A former customer in N.J. mentioned that Zigi or one of his firms owns property of a superfund site from an old creosote factory that operated before the War that is cleaned up now in his hometown in N.J. Then in `10/3/2011 Star a few Letters To Editor suggested solutions but ONLY to add a sales tax to rest of the state. On WCCO Radio it featurd R-Mn. House Rep John Kriesel who favors a sales tax as he looked for solutions. Is he aware of “ the “ Joe Averages “ who do not have a say ?

In 2011 my property taxes increased $ 426 while my home value decreased. Our new Twins stadium doesn’t even have footings that could possibly be used if a dome was necessary. FOR YEARS as a tax payer, I sent TOO many letters and e-mails requesting that we have a multi-purpose Twins/Viking retractable roof stadium on the current parking lot of the now Viking only re-named Mall of America Field . Feasible-probably not ? Yet, no response. Currently NOT ONE ELECTED Minnesota official has come out with a statement against additional taxes on the taxpayers ? Why not ? Afraid to lose position in either 2 year elected House or 4 year in Senate as being responsible if Vikings leave ?

Does “ Joe Average like me who has only been to ONE Timberwolve game when they started in 1989 and played at the Metrodome. Attended numerous Twins games at the Metrodome when upper level box seat tickets were $ 10.00 along the lines( purchased 1987 World Series tickets from customer N.Y. Mets at the face value of $ 30.00 each in sets of 3 in nose bleed section behind home plate and out in R field-associates purchased rest and paid for ours-took oldest daughter and wife to game 2). Have yet bought a new Twins ticket as a result of the tax but did go with friend’s in 2011. Attended for FREE the 1985 All Star Game practice and HR hitting contest as long as you showed a bus receipt with family. Never been or have a desire to attend a Viking regular season game yet secured 1992 Super Bowl tickets from customer NFL at $ 150 ea., 5 rows up on 25 yard line. Been a few times to the “ old North Stars 1967 arena-even housed defunct former ABA 1967-1968 Minnesota Muskies and Pipers 1968-69 “ that was state of the art even when torn down to make room for the Mall of America Parking lot. 1967 expansion Hockey Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993-won Stanley Cup in 1999. Not attended a since 2000 expansion Minnesota Wild game.

What then might be some SOLUTIONS ? Can recall in New Yorker Magazine in what the 50’s/60’s ? People rushing to the central city, “ Look the Republicans have found a solution ? “

1. If the Vikings are important to the State of Minnesota why hasn’t the business community come up with the funds that those who might profit from the project contribute to it’s building ? If former Minneapolis Laker GM, current Tribune sportswriter as well as on WCCO Radio , 91 year old Sid Hartman is convinced that Zigi will move the team to L.A. why doesn’t he pay for it along with “ his closest personal friends” ? Such as bars, hotels, reporters who write about the team, radio/T.V or EVEN added newspaper space for written coverage ? Didn’t a former Startribune writer in Jay Weiner once mention that if a team leaves, nothing happens to economy since people will spend the sports entertainment $$$’s elsewhere ?

2. Just where are the STATS of lost $$$ especially if millionaire athletes are taxed for income in Minnesota ? Several weeks ago my youngest grandson who plays on the freshman Minneapolis Washburn football team was given a slip saying that they were looking for funds of support ? The city of Minneapolis has had massive cutbacks to services plus an additional 1 % city tax yet pro athletes make or receive HUGE CONTRACTS ? In attending my grandson’s freshman teams game against my late father-in-law’s, wife’s and daughter’s alma matter at Roosevelt High School, a few lights were out on the score board. I overheard a comment to contribute to alumni fund-instead of “ Joe Average “ trying to make ends meet why not ask a current Minnesota Twin on the LAST PLACE 2011 Minnesota Twins who makes over 20 million a year who hit .287, 85 hits, 70 R.B.I.’s and 3 Hr’s( not BAD) to help out or NEW contracts to keep Adrian Peterson and Chad Greenway as Minnesota Vikings here to donate a few $$$’s ?

3. Since the 2011 Minnesota Twins finished in last place, the Minnesota Vikings who are now 1-4 and will be impossible to make playoffs and as written the Minnesota Timberwolves are worst team in my opinion to put on a uniform with name Minnesota. They, too want an additional 120 million to upgrade their arena. Suggested that they “ at least exchange with another “ such as Sacramento Kings who won an N.B.A. title with Syracuse in 1951. On 10/10 wrote a Letter to Editor that since 1997 Women’s WNBA Minnesota Lynx just won 1 st Title this past 10/8 that they should replace Timberwolves as in season that is in limbo. In other words, if former late Minnesota Twin owner who at one time had considered selling Twins back to the A.L. why can’t current owner Glen Taylor do the same with Timberwovles and replace with Lynx II ? It’s obvious after Championship that they can play better. Why can’t all these inept players give up 75 % of salaries along with team owners and help pay for a new Vikings stadium ?

4. A user/memrobelia tax on ANYTHING that says Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves or Wild. When I sold computer products from 1983-1999 we did not collect tax. How much business is done on the web that does not require one to pay state taxes ? I only have an old Twins M cap purchased in Birmingham, Alabama, Twins sweat shirts from 1987 and 1991 World Series, A 1987 World Series T-shirt but numerous Super Bowl items of key chains, pins and a T-shirt. Have yet to PURCHASE anything that says Vikings or Wild. Yet wear NY football Giant, Brooklyn Dodger, N.Y. Ranger and Boston Celtic clothing. At least they won CHAMPIONSHIPS !!!

5. If a “ special session “ for Minnesota Legislature SECURE the Viking legacy such as name when Cleveland Browns retained rights to team, colors, all memorabiilia and logo when it moved to Balitimore in 1996 . Became an expansion team in in 1999.

6. Infrastructure such as roads-who pays ? Zigi Wilf has “ grand ideas “ with hotels, housing and retail complex but without road improvement how much traffic would it tie up on game day OR EVEN during the week ? Since I am retired nor attend sporting events, how many have been stuck in traffic such as 1 st attended on 9/12/1964 1 st N.Y. Jet game. Normally a 25 minute drive-arrived in 2 nd half-people were parked along side Cross Island Expressway and jumped the fence.

7. Change name IMMEDIATELY of Vikings to: Chokers, Inepts, Pathetics, Zigi’s Follies.Have a contest-do not boycott games since SO many workers make a living such as oldest who works for a pub downtown. Even after 1 st win on 10/9 business was PATHETIC. Lack of confidence in team or 83 ABOVE when so many were OUTSIDE ? Guess who even took a swim in Lake Nokomis ? Also have in the paper, solutions and ideas as well as a possible name change if we get an existing team who would like to move to the old named Metrodome now “ Mall of America Field” . Minnesota Moose, Elk, Muskies, Lumberjacks, Freeze, Ice ?

8. Since bars will be losing money as the team heads for another “lack luster season” , why can’t they be “ creative “ and name drinks after players such as: Peterson Banana Peel( yes-give the ball to Adrian but in CRITICAL situations he fumbles ), McNabb drab. Or even for a Twin such as a Sour Mauer ? A Kahn Con ? ( Named after inept current Minnesota Timberwolve GM who has had a reputation of making disasterous decisions.

9. An additional rental car tax. In Germany they even added road tax in 2011. Next time if you travel, look at all the fees-why not here? Or some other creative ways to add revenue SUCH as a user tax by higher priced seats ?

10. There MUST BE A WAY to rescind the what I perceive is an :” illegal “ Hennepin County .015 % tax on the Twins Stadium ?

11. The new Viking stadium would also have to be “ open air “ as to not compete with the Metrodome for special events such as tractor pulls and Final Fours

12. Ask the Startribune to devote many pages of ideas from the “ fans “ WITHOUT EDITING. Just where are the VOICES-why can’t we be heard ?

In all our driven in 50 states, 49 twice since 1969, 2 trips via Norway/6 Germany from 1999 my wife and I have worn Minnesota named clothing such as Mall of America, Lake Nokomis, U of M or from State Parks but NEVER Vikings in Europe. Have donned sweat shirt like U of M jackets with a hood on those jaunts. It is difficult to support a team that will once again not make the playoffs Bottom line !! If the Vikings are SO IMPORTANT TO THE STATE show the tax payer the benefits ? It’s obvious that I have seen NONE !! Let the Vikings move to L.A. since I am convinced that we can secure another existing franchise to move here and either play in the Metrodome, now Mall of America Field or a new owner who has $$’s to build a new stadium.

Objective: Take as many NON Interstate and back roads as POSSIBLE !! Make a circle loop without experiencing HEAVY rain, sleet, snow, hail over Independence, Pass( the highest continuous pass in U.S.in Colorado) as well as no snow over Wolfe Creek Pass as in 5/1971 going E to W prior to oldest being born in 10/1971. Pick up an “out the way” # 39 th National Park. See Carhenge in W Neb. Visit former customer’s in Utah. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!

9/14-Up at 4:50 A.M. Have we “ ever traveled before “ ? Kept taking things to the car, going up and down stairs where thank goodness car is located some 20’ from front porch. Around 340 miles in 7 ½ hours via Sioux City Iowa to Norfolk, Neb. 70 miles to W. We just talked. One must have a GREAT COMPANION to do what we do-both had 2 note books to record observations. Usually like to start to look for places to stay around 4:00 P.M. “ Just in case a town might have a festival ” !! AGAIN-outstanding SERVICE at Super 8 !! Woman who was on maternity leave said town was full-called back to work-General Mgr had quit on Tuesday-woman at front desk in morning said that this lady had her 9 th child-all living in motel room from age infant to 20-she had 3 kids=then a 4 th a age 40( didn’t ask if they were married ? Found a cooked chicken at $ 3.99 at local food chain for dinner.

9/15-left around 7:45 A.M., 508 miles to Ft. Morgan, Colorado. Took advantage of minus an hour of time change-missed a detour-only 20 miles out of way-Neb # 91 to # 2-like in 2008 noticed a continuous line of trains carrying coal. Wondered where coming from ? Several times-trains were not moving. Later found from person traveling at Super 8 that coal had come from Gillette, Wyo. Ah!! Something remembered from college. Once a boom town. So crowded that people were sleeping in old cars.Then it died. Been through on travels in the past. A good test on car electronics. Car range indicated 8 miles left-took 11.17 gal.

9/16. Was supposed to be a “ slow day “ to relax Opps !!!? Left after 8:00 A.M. but very foggy. Could hardly see the road 80 miles E of Denver. Sun came out at 9:35 A.M. as we got on # 285.Visitor Ctr hard to find-worst marked in all travels. Independence Pass at Visitor Ctr said open as well as signs on hwy !!! Had picnic overlooking a lake then up the pass. Not more than a few miles. Clear at top yet with some mist. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ? Then snow, rain, hail going down hair pin curves to Aspen. Felt like from Aspen( horrendous traffic) to Glenwood Springs-bumper to bumper traffic-stop lights every few miles. AS in observations BELOW got last of 3 rooms in Grand Junction.

9/17-With reservation in Green River, Utah , thanks to a cancelation where hotel was supposed to be full that day as in calling 9/16, drove through Colorado National Monument for only 15 time. Another “ wild goose chase “ on wrong info from lady at Colorado Vist. Ctr-old Hwy U.S. # 6 was supposed to be clear for 12 miles-then back on to I-70-baracade-did not want to take detour on dirt road around creek-at motel had a whirl pool and hot tub-then took over a 100 mile circle loop E . But prior went to a museum in Green River. Woman gave enough info on what to see that would take several months Did not recall # 128 as being this narrow. Or SO CROWDED with campers and bikers-all camp grounds full. Then discovered City Market in Moab. Met several Germans who love this area-we like theirs.

9/18-had reservations in Moab for $63.90 vs. the same rate of $ 199 that it received and GOT on 9/17-drove 40 miles to Canyonlands. Took 1 ½ miles of a strenuous hike without good shoes-got room-took La Sal Loop Road as we have done in past-wrong turn of 8 miles on top of mesa like road. Knew something was off-dirt road-found a biker-watch for hand written sign-hair pin curves-same views West- did not go 8 miles up on dirt road to Geyser Pass as in 1980’s, VASTNESS-so hard to describe.

9/19-ran out of time at Arches-did hike to Landscape Arch since we were to meet former customer’s 76 miles away. Decided to spend an extra day but rate had gone to $ 89-front desk then honored the $ 79 we secured on toll free #-rates subject to change. Did not remember last trip into this section. No visitor Ctr. was here at that time when we took a trail on a mesa-got disorientated. Saw vultures looking for a meal. Did get out. Bawled out by Ranger for not having water. Took 3 mile dirt road that Ranger said was car safe to drive on. Parking lot to Elephant Hill was FULL !! Mostly for hikers on other trails. Wanted to recall going up this in a 4 wheel jeep with customer’s boyfriend. Thought we were going to flip as he gunned the last 200’ up slick rock as we went to confluence of Colorado and the Green. GOOGLE-Elephant Hill, Canyonlands-see videos. Only went a few 100 ‘-thought-IMPOSSIBLE even with a jeep. Oh !! The conversations and recollections of friendship !! Thanks to former Toastmaster Tom Bernier when I first started selling in 8/1983-treat all customers as though a guest in one’s home. Though short-left at 8:10 P.M. Told to watch out for deer and put on bright lights then of course to dim when seeing on coming cars. Scanned both sides of hwy. for 22 miles as suggested speed of 50 M.P.H. which appeared to not bother other drivers going 65 plus M.P.H. Made it SAFELY back at 9:45 P.M.

9/20. Day to relax ? You’ve got to be kidding. Wanted to hike to Delicate Arch. In readings most pictured as well as on Utah license plate. Have done trail several times. Estimated 3 mile round trip-3 hours but took wrong turn while talking with another couple. For a moment !! Where are we ? Could at least see parking lot in distance. One must scale a 45 * sheer rock trail over several hundred feet, then turn L vs. R. Took picture from a top. Decision. Go back and find trail or as in planned since this was an extra day to re-visit Canyonlands, go back. UNEXPECTED stop by Ranger with flashing lights !! For all of driving years from age 18, when going down and up mountain roads have gone over the double white line to reduce chance of flipping over. That morning as reported by Ranger, I passed 2 employee’s who called in license plate #-took my license-as frightening as crossing into Poland from Czech in 2006 where we were stopped for 15 minutes. Said, he would only give us a warning. WHEW !!! Shared a picnic table in shade with another couple. Then back to Canyonlands to re-see Green River Junction. Had enjoyment of meeting a few. Always guess accent. BINGO !! N.J. that turned out to be a single fellow traveling alone. Repeated himself some 3 times about travels. Surprised that I could pick up accent.

9/21. Met woman and husband from Racine, Wisc. Who were gone 2 1/2 weeks-heading home. Missed # 128-did not appear interested in taking extra time. Even for an hour out of way ? Person at Super 8 said that no longer printing DIRECTORY that we have one from 2009. Appears that they expect to ASSUME people unlike us to book ON LINE ? Debated to stay and take chances of lodging in Cortez of non Super 8 or put a courtisy hold in Durango. WOW !! Discovered Hovenweep National Monument. Unlike Utah customer who said road was not paved. Excellent road of 25 miles. Took 1 ½ mile trail. Thanks to meeting a hiker who said ski poles used as walking sticks would help last ¼ mile. Down and up a STEEP canyon. Then confirmed reservation in Durango but called to compare rate by calling motel direct vs. toll free. $ 120 for smoking vs. our $ 88 which we though was too high. . Needed time to explore Mesa Verde, 25 miles in plus 2, 6 mile loops plus over looks. Did not have a NEW visitor Ctr when we were there in 1971. Also had taken a tour of a ruin on a ranger walk. Met more Germans plus a family from Switzerland. Shared stories about travels to their areas. Best paved roads in all travels. Then drove up to Park Point about 10 miles from Visitor Ctr. Most SECENIC view in ALL TRAVELS as well. Latest dinner at 8:30 P.M. Another City Market-had same ice cream in previous nights-this Super 8 had glass glasses-clicked when our usual toast of wine.

9/22. Made reservations in Alamosa. See below-to allow extra time. Unable to stop to take pictures on Wolfe Creek Pass. Checked into motel and then left in 10 minutes to drive the 35 miles to see Sand Dunes National Park as in objective. Like in ALL travels since 1969, we like to seek out a place to see the day before. Visitor Ctr closed as well as admission to get maps. Available outside visitor ctr. Took a 10 minute walk in the sand. Would return on way out. Enjoyed dining on large $ 6.99 pre-made sandwich.

9/23. Made reservations in Dodge City, Ks. Interesting perhaps on way out of Sand Dunes, met a couple who were relying on a GPS-thought road through Park would go to another highway-said nothing. Did they own a map or have an atlas ? Unexpected detour on planned Colorado # 10 from Walsenburg-no signs. Merely stopped a car-asked for help-drove 37 miles on I-25 and picked up U.S. # 350. 76 miles of NOTHING !!! West and East of Garden City, a strange highway-4 lanes for about 4 miles in each direction-70 M.P.H. ( in middle of no where ?) Visited an historic site of where wagon wheel tracks along Sante Fe Trail. Are we the only one’s who use maps ? Only place to get food vs, Wal-Mart that we refuse to BUY from. Dillons. Had same lay out as City Market-same Deluxe brand ice cream as well-used card-had a Chinese dinner for 2 plus of course the ice cream. Call 800-632-6900 or www.kroger.com. 16 oz or 1 pint for $ 1.49 or 10/$ 10.00 . Google, Deluxe Brand ice cream ? Playing with flipping channels. Stumbled upon movie Thelma and Louise. Scenery and filmed around Moab. Language –pathetic !! Also, T.V. showed that here was an unexpected major snow storm in Salzburg, Austria. Shut down roads and rail.

9/24 “ Played by ear” making reservations . Had called former customer some 200 miles away the night before. Both he and wife e-mailed wanting us to visit if possible. Would call an hour out. Started to have SEVERE CHEST PAINS which as in experience is from heart burn. Still rather scary. Pulled off road in Kinsley, Ks. On Hwy # 56 , around 42 miles from Dodge City just to stretch. “ Low and behold “, a sign 1561 NYC/1561 S.F.. AAA book mentioned ½ way between both cities or a mid-way point. Called customer 50 miles away. A conflict with his wife working. Located on map, Minneapolis, Ks. And in AAA book-Rock City. Then made reservations NE of K.C. to allow extra time. 25 mile round trip. Pay station and little home/gift shop closed but had a pay box for $ 3.00 donation each. Book said 200 rounded rocks-we only saw a few that were 3 ‘ high and looked like cow pies. Just drove through and did not stop. Upon coming home Googled Rock City, Minneapolis, Ks. Larger rounded stones taller than people. Next time. I-70 a SPEED WAY Speed limit 70 but most doing well over.( see observations). Another story of relationship sadness. We hear them all. Motel worker leaving as she is moving back to Colorado to fight getting custody of grandchild. What a mess. Said we would pray for her. Cheapest Super 8 but it had a nice pool and whirl pool. Took advantage at 6:00 P.M. Only one’s in. Then went back after our dinner. Man and 10 year old son in pool. Son could not swim. Merely encouraged him since if a 2 nd life want to come back as an otter. Could live in water ! In this town-Wal-Mart vs. another chain. Took the chain but MOST IEPT service. New person in deli did not know how to ring up correct price and customer relations a grouch in getting the card BUT WE SAVED $ 2.46. All adds up.

9/25 Could finally tune to our Minnesota stations. Caught the Minnesota Viking game in afternoon. Another disaster as they choked for 3 rd loss. See why we don’t like to have news on during a trip especially with this NIGHTMARE of a team as well as last place Minnesota Twins and most pathetic team to embrace a Minnesota pro sport uniform in Minnesota Timberwolves !!

9/26-27 Takes about a week to recover. Inner self said “ be in touch with body “ and do not overdo on 5 mile Monday walk. Did not drive the 6 minutes after walk to scale the hill and steps. Only did steps up and down to test the stamina. Then on Tuesday, added a mile by walking more along golf course fence and included more climbs to the hill and up and down stairs in DAMP HUMIDITY. No shortness of breath. .

OBSERVATIONS and SCENIC VISTAS/ROADS !!

* In conversation while driving 9/14 we recalled the past when I 1 st started selling in 8/1983. Noticed today how terrible the media portrays WHERE everything is BAD. THEN !!! Remember when Brown Shoe Co. in Central , NY came up a “ slogan’ BUSINESS IS GOOD !!! in mid 1980’s. Made numerous attempts to locate on a search of location of the shoe store as well as when slogan was reported in U.S.A. Today ? IF EVERYONE SPENT AN EXTRA $ 1.00 or $ 2.00, how much business would it generate ? Instead of saying that there is 9 % unemployment, why not 91 % EMPLOYED ? Throughout the trip we noticed store parking lots FULL especially our favorite TARGET !!! Still have the button BUSINESS IS GOOD that the store designed. Firm that I worked for then copied and put on toll free #.

* 1 st trip EVER where we did not EXPERIENCE any REALLY POOR weather with exception of going up and down Independence Pass with some fog, light rain and mild hail. Some mist at the top.

* Still AMAZED as though who write info have never taken the place of being a tourist and following own directions. Such as no signage prior to coming to MAIN ENTRANCE SIGN to Hovenweep National Monument nor signs E of Alliance for Carhenge.

*Carhenge( 3 ½ miles N of Alliance, Neb) old cars stacked on end like Stonehenge where wife and daughter visited in England. Youngest saw on T.V.!!!

*Rock hit windshield 3 rd day out making a 6 “, S on driver’s side-used duct tape to put over glare spots-then expanded 8 “ across-more duct tape-Utah customer said ” no sweat “ that if expanded more that it would not crack-took advise as to keeping windows rolled down slightly-did not expand further on trip !!!

* U.S. # 285 off belt way in SW Denver from to Buena Vista-whew !!! 55/65 M.P.H. which seemed to be on a 100 mile down hill-felt like a race car driver. Utah # 128 off I-70 outside of Cisco inside line some 43 miles ? to Moab.

* U.S. # 550 from Durango N 75 miles to Ouray( did a round trip) Wow !! TRETCHEROUS, HARD DRIVING, EXCITING ADVENTURE. Have done several times in the past but do not recall. Old age ?

*There is something mystical, mysterious or hard to explain the love of the WEST ? Even after our 9 th visit to Canyonlands and Arches will go back for our 10 th visit in 2014.

*1 st EVER trip in not having a time table to come home NOR to contact ANYONE !!! Strangest feeling in the world . I AM RETIRED !!! During my 27 years in telemarketing, took over a week to follow up on sales that associates had taken.

*Brought own beer and EXPENSIVE $4.00 wine-had meals from local grocery stores. FEASTED like Kings and Queens. Lunches were left over chicken along with cheese that we had bought, cuts from $ 6.99 sandwich and fruit obtained from breakfast at motel.

* All parking areas in both Canyonlands and Arches FULL as well as hiking trails jammed. Did everyone else have same idea to travel when kids in school ? TOO MANY SENIORS or those taking advantage of off season ? HOWEVER noticed that SO MANY were OBESE in getting out of parking areas, overlooks and in grocery stores. One person at motel on 9/25 must have weighed over 500 lbs. with his wife who was at least 350. Maybe they could have helped our hapless Minnesota Vikings?

* Most expensive prices paid on motels EVER !! Is this supposed to be OFF season ? Hit with “ sticker shock “ !!!

*Purchase chain store cards such as www.citymarket .com ( part of Kroeger ) Can be used at numerous affiliates-had same brand of 1 pint of ice cream for a $ 1.00 that we split for 6 nights-stores in Moab, Durango and Dodge, City ,Ks. Store layouts the same-OUTSTANDING customer service !!!

*Have never seen THIS MANY PEOPLE !! Roads jammed-1 st ever Sept trip-Super 8 wanted $ 199 for a room in Moab last Sat-thank goodness there was a cancelation in Green River, Utah as we called from Grand Junction on Sat. before leaving thanks to talking with guest the night before.Got one of last 3 rooms in Grand Junction that Friday night at 4:45 P.M. as a result of numerous festivals.

* Many UNAWARE that you can obtain a Senior Pass, now a name change at age 62 for $ 10.00 one time fee-allows you to get into ANY National Park or areas for FREE-in our OPINION-best Govt. Program EVER !! Especially for those who like to travel !!

* Most non-Germans EVER. Met numerous from France, Switzerland and Holland including a couple from Belgium. To find out where people are from, merely ask, “ where are you from, or put hand to ear, and say “ is that German” ? They will respond by a yes or no answer. Then you ask WHERE ? Instant communication. Of course if German( friendliest of all travels after 6 visits since 2001-have you climbed all 768 steeple steps in Ulm 30 “ wide, 500 steps in Cologne or 320 in Frankfurt or been up the 54 floor building in Frankfurt ? Did not meet any Norwegians so we could tell about our 1999 and 2002 visits.

* SURPRISED that most that we spoke with did not visit BOTH parks such as in 10 trips to Glacier National Park. Most would drive over the Going To Sun Highway and then on to Banff/Lake Louise in Canada without going opposite way.

* Collected enough EXTRA soap and shampoo at motels to last a year

* Drove trough K.C.,Ks and Mo. Around 4:00 P.M.. Most complicated and confusing in ALL trips. Thick as in NYC. We held speed limit at 65/70 M.PH. Were passed as though we were snails.

* Only took a cell phone to call for reservations. Made ONE phone call home to oldest daughter on 9/21. Did not take any other electronics , use computer at motel to e-mail , read paper or COMMUNICATE WITH anyone. Saw blips of news as a result of coming back after 6:00 P.M. Did not look at a newspaper. Since we do not have cable at home, merely flipped channels. TOO much GARBAGE especially with “ political commentary and talk shows “ that incite viewer reaction.

* Had fun with similar named places in other areas such as how many have ever visited Minneapolis, St. Paul( over 150 miles a part from Central to SE ?, Rock City and Parsons, Ks as well as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mn, Rock City, a top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga(here on 4/1969 honeymoon saw MASSIVE bill boards from Illinois down. SEE ROCK CITY and view 7 states. Included a lovers leap. Actually visualized that there would be white lines showing the 7 states in distance. I graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa but my adored God-mother always send letters to Parsons, Ks.( Post Office forwarded). Minneapolis, Ks is 620 miles from Minneapolis, MN.

* No effects from either of us with sight as a result of being hit from behind in 2/2002 which would lead to 7 eye surgeries each on opposite eyes. Even with dryness did not have to put in or use RX for pain or regular drops. Mine is blurred/wife’s out of sync with brain NOR ANY BACK problems. Exercise attitude with gratitude ? BE THANKFUL FOR HEALTH EVERYDAY !!!

* We over packed as always such as bring lawn chairs, tools, wire, shovel, 40 lb. railroad bar, bungee cords and DUCT TAPE !!! Could the world survive without duct tape ?

* FINALLY came home to see that oldest daughter had put all mail and papers inside-electricity still on. Once came back and she had forgotten to check power in rear room which had gone out. Only lost food in freezer. Air quality PATHETIC !!! Had plenty of stamina , no shortness of breath nor eye problems on trip with DRY AIR and little humidity. Lowest rain fall in September in years.

Best place to stay in ALL TRAVELS !!!

# 1-found by mistake-Hotel Hilleprandt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen( info # 2( info .

Visit www.twinrocks.com or www.twinrockscafe.com in Bluff, Utah-owned by in-law family of former customer in Blanding, Utah. Shall re-return to Moab via S Colorado but head on a loop S via Grand Canyon( ever camp 50 ‘ from the rim ? ) for 10 th visit in 2014.

Best part of travel. The anticipation and excitement of the adventure( attempting to put all the pieces together which so many times do not fit), looking at fares, taking notes, checking and re-checking if we have missed anything, networking, packing and having family watch our home. For fun ask ANYONE-“ if $$$’s were no object where would you go, live or work ? Most information gotten from other’s personal experiences as well as delight in meeting people from all over the world. Are cherishing relationships even from daily lives as well as on trips IMPORTANT ? Reveled in seeing 2 former customer’s and family on 2011 trip 76 miles away from Moab-cookout at 6:30 P.M.-Dutch oven on a fire with chicken and potatoes-met some of family for 1 st time-been in contact with since 1984. “ as we arrived at 6:09 P.M. Would have made it sooner but NO SIGN to say coming to the park. .Perfect timing “ by staying in contact by cell phone. Drove into Needles Section of Canyonlands National Park about 49 miles-planned on 3 hours. Visited previously. 1 st calls upon coming home after re-packing car after 4:30 P.M. on 9/25 was not to family but to former customer in Pa.via voice mail and to cell phone of Utah buddy.

www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com

Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s are in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 39 (picked up a New one-Great Sand Dunes on 9/2011 trip plus back through Colorado National Monument for only 15 th time outside of Grand Junction, Colorado ) of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times. Wife and youngest daughter off to Israel 11/2-16-looking at wife taking oldest daughter on a Sound of Music tour to Salzburg, Austria in April. Driving trip planned for Nova Scotia in 8/2012 that will include visiting grade school friend that I re-connected with and stayed in touch with since the late 1970’s, Visited with his family when he was in N.Y. metro, when he lived in N.J. and then with wife in Vt. Still recall lunch with him and mother on a business trip to NYC in mid 1980’s to see customer’s. Would like to see his world famous artist 91 year old mother who lives near him in Vt. who has sent us a “ hand written “ anniversary card for years despite the fact that she has never met my adorable/angelic mate of 42 years. Another MARATHON to Alaska in 2013 with MORE TIME unlike in 2004 ? Will work around 50 th class re-union that year as well.

911 is approaching. My subscribed since 1/1970 www.startribune on 8/7/2011 stated in two articles: Be ready for the 10 th anniversary coverage on T.V. as well as in print media. Another article referred to the town of Marshall,MN some 150 miles SW of Minneapolis that secured a piece of steel from one of the towers-turned into a memorial park in center of the city. How many have been affected or have had a connection such as knowing those who died from D.C. Pentagon, Shanksville, Pa crash or in N.Y.C. ? Did you know of anyone who experienced loss ? Where were you on that day such as those who might have recalled Brooklyn winning 1 st World Series on 10/4/1955 at 3:43 P.M., Kennedy’s death/assassination on 11/22/1963 or Pearl Harbor on 12/7/1941 ? What emotions were you feeling ? Did it change how you viewed the world ? Did you stop traveling as a result of the fear of another attack on U.S. soil ? If you have journeyed since then what has been your experiences with security ? Did it trigger or make you recall other events, good/bad, or traumas in your life ? Have you observed how other cultures interact ? Do we still have FREE SPEECH ? Did 911, unless you had a personal connection, make any difference to you on how you view the world today ? Too many ?????’s unanswered ?

What would happen if you began to write down your thoughts or on occasion on what happened? Since computer is upstairs, save scrap paper near table downstairs that leads into kitchen-then if an idea hits me after walk or while reading paper-jot it down to review at another time. I still have a spiral notebook where I record names/notes that I learned from a supplier when I 1st .started selling in 1983. What was going through your mind ? Objective !! Record for yourself, associates or family such as my mourning of J.F.K. after 11/22/1963 that I still have from a typewriter( what is that) the night of his death. My late beloved Aunt Lillian who passed on 3 years ago( sister in-law of late 11/3/1915-10/25/2000 mother) who was married to my mother’s brother on his 88 th birthday, once told me to just use pen and paper( opps –what’s that )compose your thoughts down-who cares of the correct grammar, pronunciation or MY CASE 10 thoughts scrambled ALL at one time. Possible to set aside some QUIET time in thought ? Even if someone would not understand ?

I was on the phone with Greg Morgan of the N.R.A.O ( National Radio Observatory in Green Bank, W,V ) which was one of my 1 st customer’s in 8/1983-visited site in 1986-we even got up in telescope and then customer took a picture of a star)-somewhere saved-on a data sheet-he mentioned that the 1 st plane had hit the Towers-then rushed downstairs to see 2 nd plane hit. 1st THOUGHTS-where are family member’s ??? Oldest daughter/youngest daughter/grandson’s-ALL RIGHT !! IMMEDIATELY I began to call customer’s in the area. 2 in particular ( one my biggest who I still am in touch with in Phila was in car-not a train where he worked in NYC/ the other who’s wife was in Manhattan). Watched T.V. and guided Phia customer around NYC as well as informed NY customer as to what routes his wife were to take. At noon-I shut down-wife and I then got 4 and 5 year old grandson’s-took them along Minnehaha Creek as we parked in church lot-WHAT DID THEY LEARN OR WERE TAUGHT from pre-school or kindergarten ? Collected some 9 ‘ plus daisy like wild flowers. Attended a memorial service at 4:00 P.M. at a local Lutheran Church but Bronx, NY native minister spoke about racism-I wept and left service with sadness-needed a place to mourn not be preached guilt.

No planes were flying like the 1998 Northwest Airline pilot strike. We had reservations to fly to Vancouver, B.C. on 9/14( canceled IMMEDIATELY as well as a credit on VISA). Then called hotel-glad to accommodate -needed eventually found rooms for people stuck on tour ships. That next morning-got an oil change in Tupperware car-tossed everything in-left that night( at that time like since marriage of 1969-most trips would drive through the night). Drove to Columbia Falls, Montana. Then 1 st. Americans allowed into Canada on 9/14-told all that we were native New Yorker’s-we hugged and cried-drove across S Canada-made it to Victoria Island-even sprinted from hotel through streets of Vancouver like in a road race and made the ferry. We came back through NW Montana to hike our favorite of eventually 38 out of 58 National Parks-10 th visit. In Glacier National Park.

Upon arriving home found that my mother’s, cousin’s son had died on 100 th floor of 1 st tower-36 from Township of Middletown, NJ that I had sold pershished. It was a time of RECOVERY !!! Reading the saved papers however we noticed next to the Editorial Section comments about 911 from the Rev.’s Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell-each blamed those who were Pro-Choice and the gay lifestyle-this was later recanted by the Rev. Falwell. How interesting perhaps ? is that in reading all the LETTERS TO EDITOR not one comment from Reader’s.

Have the terrorists already won with what I see in 2011 ? A situation greater than our Civil War or Viet Nam of rich against poor/have’s against have not’s where there is no COMPROMISE on not taxing the wealthy into paying their fair share or having firm’s headquarters off shore while majority of workers live in U.S. ? Have we already seen the division of mainstream denominations( my opinion in defining mainstream as being-common ground that Jesus died on the cross and took away all sin and pain by those who believe in the Trinity-Father, Son, Holy Ghost and who are saved by grace through faith ) who now have or trying to accept gays or women into their ministry). Is there turmoil in other faiths with other issues ?

EVERYDAY ON MY daily 5 mile walk FOR OVER A MONTH , I have struggled and wrestled as the anniversary nears and will probably afterwards. An OPPORTUNITY for growth for it also made me look at other effects of trauma as well. I only read the paper, listen to news till around 7:30 A.M. on radio, watch local news on one channel at 5:00 P.M.-NBC at 5:30-then another local news on an other network. In 2/2002 after we were hit from behind that would eventually give us 7 eye surgeries on opposite eyes( mine blurred-wife’s out of sync with brain) .Doris would then be in hospital a week later for 3 days-slipped and fell at oldest-broken shoulder-metal plate that does not go off through security.Minister’s brother-in-law preached-instead of giving up something for Lent-take on something NEW-began a reading program of biographies that are opposite of what I believed. Reading the Letters To Editor also enhances one’s horizons. Might one learn about relationships and family values from the Comics-give it a try ?

What would happen, perhaps ? ( Borrowed that phrase from sermon of former 36 year minister-life is a mystery perhaps) Make the 2 nd weekend of September an “ unofficial “ weekend of REFLECTION ? All to stop, pause, reflect ? Call it ( SPROUT)-S(stop)P(pause)R(reflect)O(observe)U(understand)T(tolerate)-that we might be able to sprout a greater understanding of others as well as look inside ourselves ? With me a conundrum since church will celebrate 70 th anniversary of building in 1941. Founded in 1940 that met in a local grade school that late father-in-law wife, daughter’s attended by stern faced Germans who married vibrant Norwegian women. We will have a pot luck dinner, games afterwards for children in same area where we collected flowers after 911 –a complex puzzle-how does one celebrate an event yet remembers a situation that happened in the past ? After J.F.K.’s death all National Football games were held 2 days after “ for the good of the nation” ? My adorable/angelic mate as well as new 6/5 minister know my concerns about 911 but share my feelings that I MUST not voice grief and ruin church celebration. Perhaps, like in a death, we celebrate life ?

Are there solutions from 911? If: week before Thanksgiving that we DECLARE a National Cultural Awareness Week. Have EVERY religion, those who do not celebrate or recognize Christmas to put displays on public property and allowed to share beliefs in public schools. Then on the day after Thanksgiving those who embrace Christmas be allowed to have manger scenes and Christmas trees on public property WITHOUT possible law suits of separation of church and state ? Several years ago ONE person was offended by having Christmas trees at the Denver airport-taken down-then put back up. During my 7-12 jr./sr. North Shore High School from 1957-1963 of 30 % Russian orthodox ( mostly in Sea Cliff-even has a DuBois Street-from 1650’s heritage) 30 % Jew and combination of those from Catholic Glen Cove, Glenwood Landing Presbyterian, Sea Cliff Methodist and Glen Head Lutheran churches we had manger and Menorah displays through the school. As the top non-select chorus in the State of NY where I was a member EVERY CHRISTMAS we sang ½ songs in Hebrew/ ½ Christmas-at the finale-all former chorus members came down and joined in singing the Alleluia Chorus. Good memories-before “ where dressing up WAS important “ grads would come while in college or after, bring significant others, or even children-WHEW !! Recall when I brought my married mate-left oldest daughter with parent’s. Was honored to be a part of the men’s chorus not because of my voice but that of enthusiasm in addition to being able to read music-ironic. Hence, despite my strained voice, would sing 2 nd tenor plus was off beat. When have I ever been normal ? Our school was the North Shore Vikings and our group called the Hoarse Norseman-guess who has a 1’ X 1’ Norwegian flag outside home in honor of my mother’s heritage ? .Would celebrating Christian/ Jewish traditions in December be allowed to happen as my grandson’s have been discouraged from wearing red and saying “ Merry Christmas “ in the public school system. I once wrote a band ½ time program and it ended with forming a cross on public property as we sang God Bless America-not now ? .

I was a member of an organization from 5/1976-3/2008. We used to have the Pledge to flag, followed by a prayer. A member who was an ordained minister but occupation was a businessman-married on 11/22/1969-no kid’s objected to the pledge since U.S. did not have EQUAL RIGHTS for all plus the prayer was offensive( did others believe in prayer ?). We had a debate in 1987 that still has “emotional scars”. Explained that French Protestant Huguenot family settled Brooklyn in mid 1650’s, Norwegian family in 1890’s-all served in military( I could not-eyesight), great Uncle, Amsterdam born, was chief engineer that brought Statute of Liberty over in 1800’s. That the U.S. flag was a real person-like taking communion wine as being the ACTUAL blood of Jesus who died on the cross. We kept the pledge but changed the prayer to a prayer, inspiration or a saying. He then would walk out the door on the pledge, and would not bow head on prayer. Perhaps the final blow came when the Christmas Party was changed to the Holiday Party. I had a motion to change the Holiday Party to Christmas/Holiday Party since Holiday Party was offensive to those who celebrated Christmas( in other words-if one does not approve of Christmas, do not send Christmas cards, take Christmas bonus’ or eat my Christmas cookies. It passed but then over turned by Board.

I left with sadness as a result of where is civility and respect for different views ? A few years ago, a teacher commented on a student who refused to pledge the flag. The student was praised yet the teacher criticized for commenting about the pupil’s beliefs. If only my associate had remained silent and stood at attention during the pledge or had civility to respect others who started meeting by choice with a prayer? Perhaps, I was the one who did not have civility to accept his feelings ? The only exception I believe are the Jehovah’s Witnesses who do not believe in the pledge. I can recall when we used to have the school prayer where it would later be unconstitutional.. However, no classmates left the room if did not believe or parents who made it a CRISIS in expressing one’s belief.. How many can recall when the word “ atheist “ spelled fear during the school prayer debate in the early 1960’s ?

Is there a possibility that SOME on the L and R might come to common ground ? In 2012 Minnesota will have on the ballot as a Constitutional Amendment in Defining Marriage as between a man and a women as to avoid later law suit suits- projected $ 15 million in commercials and lobbying efforts. It is slated to get NASTY and the angry words are already beginning to appear in the paper. .

As 911 approaches might we BE AWARE of what has happened ,? Can we consider looking at how we communicate with each other? What does this have top do with 911 ? Just from observations have noticed a lack of dialogue in how we interact ? As one who spent 27 years selling computer products over the phone, I observed that EVEN though one can ACCESS info 24/7 it appears that these devices mar one on one communication. How often have you been engaged in a conversation when someone’s cell phone goes off ? Are they polite, say excuse me, see what is about and then get back to that person after your conversation ? How many when on a phone conversation does the other person put you on hold while taking another call ? How important are you ? About 10 years ago my wife and I walked the mile to favorite grocery store that has been in community since 1954. Met a then former Toastmaster. During our brief conversation his cell phone went off. We waited as he talked with the caller. After a minute, we merely walked away.

A possibility ? Have we lost the ability to be polite ? Could ETHICS/CIVILITY be taught by volunteers in ALL grades from 1 st through Sr. year in college ? How many now take a hat off when they enter a building, men stand up when a women enters a room, pull out a chair before sitting a woman at a table ? Take hand and put over heart as a flag goes by in a parade, REMAIN at attention when National Anthem is played at an event, say excuse me to gather someone’s attention or merely learning how to shake another’s hand ? After my oldest grandson came off the bus from his 1 st day at kindergarten, the bus asked, “what is wrong with your kid “ ? Diane, asked, “ why” ? “ No “ was the reply. “ I have never experienced this before . Your son came on the bus this morning, put out has hand and shook mine, saying that I am Aaron, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you “. Diane asked Aaron, “ where did you learn that” ? “ Grandpa said that when you meet someone for the 1 st time you shake hands and look that person straight in the eye “ !! Am I the intolerant one who still recalls when Roseanne Barr butchered and disgraced when she sang National Anthem while holding her crotch on 7/25/1990 at All Star Game in San Diego. I still have tears in my eyes from disgust-even suggested at a Toastmaster group that they should put her on a barge-pour gasoline-light a match-send her out to sea.

Even teach being responsible ? As in a COMMITMENT being a man if you produce a child whether married or not ? I CRINGE on ANY news story dealing with child neglect-“ where are the dads’ as we see only mothers. Someone once wrote who won a Pulitzer ? That the family is an economic unit where grandparents, non-family member’s raise the kids.

On Monday September 8/29 I slept in till 5:45 A,M,-horrors !! Sent out an e-mail to former customer’s, associates, family, friends that might have been affected by Irene. Prior to walk STARTED to shake-possible heart attack, stroke or worst case of heartburn ? Should we call 911 ? Then “ still in love at 1 st sight on 4/6/1968( married 4/26/1969)-met roller skating with 1200 church group-came with me a few days later on 1 st date to a Memorial Service for late Dr. King-said I was going to marry her-NY’rs move FAST“) mate and I talked-guess who decided to go have his once 4 cups of coffee as I added 5 scoops vs. 4 –addicted to caffeine ? In reality-really need a slight jolt such as 1 scoop per 2 cups. We sat and determined the cause. An “ inner voice “ on walk said, “ BE CAREFUL !! RELAX “ !!! S-L-O-W down !!! You do not have to be in a HURRY-you are retired-no rush to get home!! Re-connected again with a fellow walker. Within a few seconds can ask ???’s-find out about lives-a gift-despite my lowly B.A. compared to his M.S. in Theology( grad of Luther Seminary in St.Paul-had churches in Texas-then for some reason that I WILL learn-left ministry-received a Phd. How can one compare this to 911 ? TIME STOOD STILL !! Upon completion of walk then drove the 6 minutes to the NE corner of Lake Nokomis-who should I meet ? Another walker that I have built a relationship from last September on occasion-native of Thailand ( what a treat as in 1 st conversation he told me of his aging ? dad a few years older than me who has been affected by pollution-feared that he would die soon)

Might we also look at another 911 ? An attack internally on our soul that might cause physical problems including the EPIDEMIC of obesity where diabetes has terrorized and created massive health costs. Far reaching ? One of the greatest advantages of my 5 mile walk along with blessing of a blurred eye, chronic pain and leukemia is that EVERY moment is a blessing. I get to expect the unexpected.

“ Without question “ looking at 911 has been soul searching as well as a treat as I walk on the soles under my feet . Can you SPROUT( stop, pause, reflect, observe, understand, tolerate) and care more about cultures/lifestyles that are different from your own ? Can you FORGIVE others ? Can recall when we took daughter’s to home church in NY in 1979-former minister had become a playboy on Thurs/Fri night-asked to leave-new minister on 1 st sermon on Christmas Eve” the person who forgives 1 st wins “ !! Applies to the NOW ? Since 12/1997 I Have battled squirrels and English sparrows that have tormented my bird feeder and homemade suet holder. Will now use remainder of seed as well as experimenting with dried fruit rinds . Purchased a seed designed to rid sparrows( bird columnist in paper said that the sparrows will hit feeder searching for the seed/squirrels have a FANTASTIC taste for it-SHE WAS RIGHT). How interesting perhaps, guess what the 9/4 sermon was about a week before 911-forgiveness !!

My 8/30 jaunt was a blessing-once again-regardless of what you believe-is their a purpose in life ? Met a woman that I have spoken with. Belongs to a rare Catholic churche that does service in Latin. Now husband of 45 years has high blood pressure at age 64-numerous drugs-he is always tired-refuses to walk or exercise-have gone to 2 Dr.’s-stumped. Plus their 43 year old son had come down with mouth cancer some 7 years ago-removed some of it-told that it would come back-now has-he still drinks, smokes-starting to spread thoughout body. I said that I would pray for family- a simple saying.

Might we use 911 for personal growth ? Upon waking or planning your day DO YOU ALLOW EXTRA time for time ? Before ANY activity I am focused on taking THAT 5 mile jaunt. Must even do my stretching exercises giving by physical therapist after back went out 9/1/2010-6 physical therapy sessions from 9/27-11/22 ( thank you Medicare at $ 10.00 each session-after seeing back Dr. on 9/27-able to then get an appointment at a Sister Kenny ctr-at that time took 2 ½ hours to limp in PAIN on walk-told physical therapist that with the Abbott/Northwestern philosophy of “ bedside manner” and holistic approach to healing like when back went out in 5/1979 that I would get better-80 % improved-wife had worked there as a physical therapist from 1964 and even part-time till mid 80’s-youngest daughter and oldest grandson born there)

On 8/31 jaunt was reminded of what I call the –“30 second Canadian pause “ learned and appreciated from being 1 st Americans into Canada after 911-then friendliest of all travels UNTIL we discovered the Germans in 12/2001-praised a park worker-seasonal-within seconds found about cancer/ailments, then retired at 62-this year-a found out he was in Viet Nam-mentioned golf balls, Minnehaha creek-2 kids from local high school died-deep water off drop off-were drinking couldn’t swim( tried a Google search-no luck), turned on 43 rd-biker down-told an insulin attack-2 cops cars but spoke with a walker hadn’t seen in a year-asked about his grieving of dog that died-last year-gave a word of encouragement-then before swim as a result of better air quality-went up hill and down steps 9 times/up steps and then down thru grass on angle-no one in water-by chance-spoke to walker-made a comment about Brooklyn-don’t know why-he was a native-lived here since 1985-former Air Force-invited to church-he was born on 9/11/1950( how many have birthdays/anniversaries on that day? Joy yet a moment of reflection ? ) siad he did not look a day over 40-showed him back of car with Brooklyn Dodgers around license plates.

How many stories can come from walks especially now as we come closer to 911 ? On 9/1 jaunt-911 has taught me to be more AWARE of surroundings whether on a walk or doing anything-cautious ? Especially in Minneapolis where the real fear is getting run over by a biker/runner/jogger who does not pay attention since linked to electronics. Has 911 also made us appreciate how fragile life can be-we will be bombarded with last phone calls to loved ones. Did 911 also show the “ humanity and soul of NYC and surrounding area “ ? NY’rs might seem gruff and strongly opinionated but did we see their caring and compassion ?

Can 911 make us appreciate life more ? After 5 mile walk, climbing hill and steps before swim-came home and the after getting a flu shot that cancer Dr. insist I get 3 years ago-thwarts infection-haven’t had a sniffle in 3 years took 1 st jaunt into creek and out on to peninsula of the lake in 2 years as a result of flooding-instead of heading home-decided to take another swim-upon entering water-what should I hear a NJ accent-asked-no-Pa-go the other way-opps I failed-certaintainly did not sound Brooklynese-but it was-irony perhaps ? We spoke about 911. All from NYC must have a story-some not ? Knew of a friend on 35 th floor of 2 nd Tower-told no problem in evacuating-he had instincts-ran out before plane hit-at same time later 1 st grand child born. We will hear more and more stories of those who were either sick that day and would have worked at the Towers or might have some circumstance to have missed being in the Towers at the time of the crashes.

Can we go forward from 911 like our 70 th church celebration ? Are you MORE AWARE of diversity ? On 9/2( very unusual since NO AIRPLANE NOISE like that of pilot strike of 1998 or 911-even the quiet of being in the eye of a hurricane-a lull before wind would start to churn up again) jaunt had the pleasure again of meeting a fellow walker-unaware that his family were not natives of Bangkok-most assumed because of his last name that he was Muslim yet his family came from another part of Asia as he was raised in Catholic schools. Do we make quick judgments about a person’s last name without asking such as mine-once DuBois which is French Protestant Huguenot that settled Brooklyn in mid 1650’s but raised in Norwegian churches( during a divorce, my dad was found wandering Brooklyn by a Norwegian minister-got into scouting-met my mother). Mother wanted to be more gauche( changed name to duBois-more French ? Tell people I am as French as Bill Clinton is for family values. In other words, take time to ask about family. Explained as well that I prefer to purchase gas at local store run by 2 Palestinian immigrant brother’s who employ natives of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia-like a U.N.

Are you more aware of other 911 terrorist attacks such as on body from “ over eating “ causing an obesity epidemic or increase in diabetes ? How many are also affected by RX side effects ? Possible to evaluate like TARGET does at age 66-through Medica Part B-one gets a FREE consultation for an hour. Fellow that I meet running up and down steps-has lost 40 lbs in last 2 years-had a heart attack several years ago-heart disease must be hereditary-both brother’s died in mid 30’sd-dad in 40’s-lost significant other in her 40’s who gave him 2 kid’s-as I climb side of hill in bare feet-then down steps-he races up and down steps-he has civility-also a Vet-takes ear phones out of ear-brief chats-compare health tips.

Will 911 make you appreciate or have you cherish relationships ? 12/7/1941 is on the horizon might we, like our church going forward from 1941 TAKE TIME to ask those who have lived through WW II-share memories. Though not a mile stone anniversary will we take time to recall when J.F.K. was shot on 11/22/1963 ?

After our car accident in 2/2002 as well as wife’s shoulder surgery, there was an ad in paper from a local liquor store 3 miles away promoting wine for $ 2.99-value $ 4.99. Decided then as a result of trauma-would have my surgeries a year later-to have a candle light dinner with the wine over an EXPENSIVE as well less than $ 3.00 steak. Price was raised to $ 3.99 for another brand-now found again from a supplier at $ 3.29 Objective-just sit and talk-only take phone calls from daughter’s or family. When warmer, moved to 3 season porch. What have we talked about ? Mostly thankful for family, health and planning trips. Might 911 be a sign to REST without being in a hurry ?

On 9/4 the air was still with no planes. My last of Sunday 5 mile , 6:30 A.M walks before we go to 8:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M services on 911 was a delight !! Few people out ? Minneapolis a ghost town as a result of too many at Minnesota State Fair or going to lake cabins ? I paused to watch the seagulls catch the air as well as observe a red hawk enjoy the dawn sky at Lake Hiawatha. After service since too frigid to swim, put on rubber baseball cleats and went up the 80 ‘ hill and down steps 9 times. Having a few moments before driving to pick up youngest ,made a search of cousin who had died on www.birthdatabase.com as well as his late dad. Guess what date he was born 12/7/1951-how many who died on the 10 th anniversary of 911, had lived would be 60 on the 70 th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor ? Then got youngest who does not drive downtown- after lunch with mate took a 4 mile jaunt along both sides of Mississippi River. My wife and I also shared a memory of Lars. After our oldest who will turn 40 in late October( we are not old enough to have a daughter 40 ) we took her to visit Lars at St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minnesota in the spring of 1972 !! Diane reached for Lars mustache-he growled-Diane screamed-Lars then gave her a big hug and wiped away the tears, Where is that picture ? Then had the pleasure of oldest divorced daughter who was without grandson’s for dinner and conversation .Still hard to believe that we will have a daughter who will turn 40. Might 911 inspire us to appreciate family MORE ?

Can we go forward from 911 ? Do you take time for time ? Can you avoid electronics ? It is RARE from my upstairs perch when there is little airplane noise such as Labor Day morning before the sun comes up. When they were building or extending the runway at airport to accommodate more international flights as well as larger aircraft our home was right under their paths. They flew so low that our house would shake. Almost felt as though we could look inside windows and see what passengers were reading. Can the memories of 911 become a healer rather than divider for our country or even the world ?

Few were out on my 5 mile Labor Day trek . NO HURRY to get home. Then had the opportunity of having a picnic prepared by oldest with wife and youngest daughter along a Mississippi River park less than a mile N of Minneapolis that Diane had discovered. Grandson’s were with other grand parent’s and daughter’s X husband. A rare occasion to just be the 4 of us. A cherished MOMENT ?

911 will have many , many different meanings. Will there be answers ? Maybe, maybe not ? But then again ? Are we better off not knowing which adds to the mystery of life ? My heart goes out with daily thoughts, prayers, concerns for those affected. Aren’t we are all connected by a thread of human kindness that crosses ALL beliefs in thinking about caring for neighbors in need. Take time to stop, pause and reflect on the days leading up and following the anniversary of 911. Be aware of those who might have a connection. Take TIME to listen to the hurts or those who survived. The Labor Day rest of few airplanes is over as the noise comes into my upstairs perch. Can you sit and enjoy a QUIET moment such as putting feet up on a stool with window open-let your mind wander as well as wonder about affects of 911 ? Let it take off in millions of directions. What might be the most IMPORTANT factor in your thought’s ? The commitment and appreciation of family and relationships ? Why not !!!

· Footnote I hope to record my observations from walk and daily activities. Might you consider this exercise as well ? What will it accomplish ? Insight of your soul ? Interesting perhaps, is that we are planning a circle loop trip back to 9 th visit to SE corner in favorite state of Utah on 9/14-the same date that we crossed border into Canada 10 years ago. After EVERY trip since I started selling computer products over the phone in 8/1983 I have written an overview to share with customer’s.

Give blood-it’s the gift of life-the life you save may be your own-my CLL( chronic leukemia caught early on 7/7/2008 ) ?Have all energy back-lost over 30 lbs since 7/7/2010 when 3 mile walk extended to 5-now at 178-nothing to do with being OUTDOOR active ?( do 6-8 miles on a Sat/Sun) Former whole blood donor 5/1970-9/1997, double unit of platelets every 2 weeks 12/1997-6/2008(42 gallons/336 pints)

Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s will be in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 38 of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times. Back to Canyonlands/Arches in S.E. Utah for only 9 th visit in mid September.

Upon completion of climbing up over 125 steep steps ( they are on both sides-2 rest areas with cement benches) after a 2 mile round trip jaunt with youngest daughter and wife on Sunday August 14, from our famed 53 ‘ Minnehaha Falls to trail leading to Mississippi River, it hit me. Like being struck in back of skull while sitting on top of Christmas tree pile under Hwy # 100 on Golden Valley Road while picking up Christmas trees with the Jaycees in January of 1975 ( required 8 stitches-on disability insurance for 2 months-could not drive more than 5 minutes without a back spasm-obviously it did not knock any sense into me-after youngest born 3/13-drove to Chicago with family-then back to annual and semi- annual 10 day/3500 mile jaunts which culminated with a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks that July. ). I said, “ WOW !! Don’t we live in a glorious area “ ? Was 1 st time in over a year since Minneapolis Park Board has been reconstructing, repairing stairways, laying in a wading area of creek with stone seats and adjusting paths in this walled canyon to prevent erosion. Almost completed. However, the flowers where we parked in the garden lot over the Light Rail adjacent to road below were in LUSCIOUS BLOOM as a result of all our rain !! The once muddy path on S side of Minnehaha Creek which once made footing difficult , had been re-inforced with new heavy duty plastic like adjustable walkways as well as what seemed 700 lb flat boulders for better traction. One still had to maneuver up and down some hills grabbing on to trees and roots. But a huge improvement from the past. Billions and billions of people were out-as festive as attending the outdoor Christmas markets in Germany !!!

How many have ever taken advantage of the walking trails where they live ? How far are you willing to drive or HAVE MADE THE TIME ? Come along with me on my daily walk as I vary going clockwise and counter clockwise as well as the morning time in order to get a different perspective as what to see. Weather might be different as well as scenery and meeting of other people who go at the same time. What is the BIGGEST FACTOR-area is spotless of trash on Park Property as well as huge difference on people who litter less on the streets. ADD the cherishing of some seldom “ what seems constant landing and taking off of planes “ quiet and one is enhanced by the area.

Brooklyn born and growing up some 27 ½ miles from Manhattan, I knew by the age of 5 that I would ALWAYS live in Minnesota !! My French Protestant Huguenot heritage dad who’s family settled Brooklyn in the mid 1650’s, during his parent’s divorce was found wandering the streets by the Rev.Dr. George Aus( what a treat to see this 5’ man re-connect with my dad at 4/26/1969 wedding)-got my dad into Scouting and the Norwegian church where he met my mother. Was influenced by all family/church associates that attended Norwegian colleges in Upper Mid-West such as Augustana, Augsburg, Luther, Concordia, St. Olaf and Luther Seminary. Knew as well that I would marry a Northern European heritage mate who would eventually prefer winter like me. Solidified, perhaps was when I saw U of M , Paul Giel on the cover of Sport Magazine in what 1953 ?

From the same home that we have lived in since May of 1976, I leave on my DAILY walk between 8:30 A.M.-10:00 A.M. From 12/1997, since I was still working from home till 9/2009 walked only 3-then 5 miles from 7/7/2010, M-F-usually Sat around 8:30 A.M.-then take youngest who does not drive around another 3 mile lake. Sunday in summer is a treat since I take 5 miler around 6:30 A.M. since church begins at 9:30 A.M. Varied times mean like the leukemia-EVERY MOMENT IS A BLESSING !!

I get chills every time I cross a block and a half away 42 nd and Longfellow. Like from experience( up until 2007 we always drove through the dark some 900-1200 miles as well as coming back to save on time plus less traffic) in once driving straight through to N.Y.C., we stopped to explore Indiana National Dunes National Lakeshore just outside of Chicago inside the Indiana line on Lake Michigan at around 5:30 A.M. about exit 2 1. How many have ever experienced driving in a small town EARLY in the morning ? Like seeing Mt. Rushmore at dawn after 10 hours on the road, awaking from a tent some 50’ away from S rim of Grand Canyon or arising and walking out of a cabin in Norway to the sight of a pristine lake.

At 43 rd street, I ALWAYS turn L to go I block-then either continue on 43 rd to go E or S along Hiawatha Golf Course. A reminder that I had caddied for 10 years walking a mile from home though the woods , across the course to the club house at what seems EVERY Sat/Sun since turning 12 in May of 1957. Despite my sight with glasses from age 10, I had an eagle like eye and strong back to carry 2 bags. At age 16, considered since I was bullied and frail in high school, moving to Florida to become a professional caddy-kept in school by high school choral and band teachers-eventually led to a partial band scholarship in college. Band director Ted Ryder switched me from playing the baritone horn to tuba as a result of braces-then he assigned me to play in the Nassau/Suffolk All State Band. Had to learn a new cleft plus fingerings which I memorized -still don’t know how to read the bass part. A touch with the past ?

Somehow, when I hit Lake Hiawatha at mile # 1, I must STOP-PAUSE-REFLECT !! Even with the airplanes, it is a glorious sight. A chance to watch flocks of birds, observe the lake, take in the noises of the play ground. With our massive rains this year will be interesting to see how the shore restoration project completed 5 years ago will hold up. Water has covered both the pedestrian and bike paths after several heavy rains plus leaving 15 ‘ wooden non-used life guard stand as well as picnic table in the water. Lake has been shut down for swimming most of the season as a result of ecoli, dog, geese waste plus chemicals from lawns that flow down Minnehaha Creek. Hence I call this a sewer as the high brush hide all the trash, drift wood as well as dead carp. Will be interesting in the fall to see if lake recedes. As described countless times in the past the SW corner of Lake Hiawatha where Minnehaha Creek flows into the lake is the most beautiful urban wildlife setting in all our travels. With the water level SO high it is impossible to walk in this left hand mitten shaped like dense, wooded peninsula. The cat tails are well over 10 ‘ high, prairie grasses at least 6’. As fall approaches, the brush will turn and wilt. I have suggested to local authorities to turn Lake Hiawatha into either a State Park or wildlife refuge that would include a floating dock walkway on the N side of the lake below the golf course along with rock fill as well as a bridge over the creek. One person said that if a complete path, the residents would then own the lake but am sure the golfers would fear the pedestrians from getting hit with shots nor approve of some kind of eco friendly fencing. In summer, usually after 5 miler, drive the 6 minutes to take swim but prior will walk several hundred yards and scale the 80 ‘ hill , then down the steps some 5 times. A few times a week prior to swim will don old boots, jeans over bathing suit and head to SW corner to hunt for golf balls with golf ball retriever-still water some 3 ‘ deep-highest it has ever been since 1998- could actually go into creek and out on sand bar-not in 2010/2011. In winter if no snow, on walk will trek the golf course shore where “ at least 30 truck loads of trash “ could be picked up-people use the golf course as an unofficial dog run WITHOUT enforcement and the stench in spring is like that of smelling the once Hiram Walker plant in Peoria, Illinois some 150 miles to the West.

In winter when snow on the ground as I always alter snow shoe jaunts, will park at Nokomis rec. ctr-then snow shoe in this corner-knock down cat tails, scale the 7-8 ‘ snow drifts along creek and lake shore or challenge the steep hill through the brush. Since my mate is involved in so many activities she will attempt ? to join me on a 45 minute snow shoe walk here on a Sat or Sun.. One Sunday many years ago after the 8:00 A.M. service I took my snow shoe trek vs. the 3 mile walk-took an hour for laces on boots to thaw upon coming home-after lunch we attempted jaunt-my mate lasted 60 seconds-“ take me home “ !!! After 38 years of marriage I no longer have to impress you” !! Brought her home and then went out again. What a sight or experience snow shoeing through these woods. EUPHORIC !! Residents have spotted wild turkey’s and foxes, Deer have come up from Mississippi River. There are also flocks of year round robins inside the golf course not to mention crows !!! At the top of the hill however sits the Minneapolis skyline some 4 miles away-feels like one can touch it-same view in SW corner of Lake Nokomis or can be seen driving up 35 W, 10 plus miles as “ we know we are close to home”.

Crossing Minnehaha Parkway, I usually take the pathway over looking Lake Nokomis. Probably more majestic on Sunday walk that starts near 6:30 A.M. or when going opposite direction which is normally 1:45 but leave some time to chat with those who I might meet. A grove of stately pine, spruce trees secure the North edge of the slope along with majestic white oaks. In summer the wild flowers are in bloom that have been planted on the hill. Years ago, this used to be a hangout for youth-not anymore. The silence of the wind. Most spectacular is that I discovered this area to snow shoe this past 2010/2011. One could sit under the branches and be a few feet away from the chattering chickadees. Plus discovered on East side to scale on snow shoes as 2 sets of stairs a block away were closed.

Wild flowers have now been planted adjacent to SE corner swimming beach as well as several stone paths amongst the blooms-wow !! In SW corner of Lake Nokomis one can take a choice of crossing over the Cedar Ave. Bridge or taking a semi-circle trail around a bay. Again- holding ponds for run off. For those fascinated by bridges like me, what a sight to take mate on snow shoes across lake and view the bridge underneath IN THE WINTER !!

Approaching the West side of Lake Nokomis is the “ main beach” as well as picnic area. Prior to 5 miler in the past would walk with wife or youngest daughter on a Sat/Sun or with grandson’s after my 3 mile walk. At least 5 different cultures of Hispanic, Hmong, N. African, Chinese and African American all cooking and playing in same area where hardly any English was spoken. Ah !! the smells of something that I don’t eat. Around January 20-21-22 the U.S. Pond Hockey sets up some 25 rinks that it has done last 5 years at Lake Nokomis. 1 st year at Lake Calhoun but ice was not stable.Visit:www.usponddhockey.com An amazing site to tromp on snow shoes as I park at Hiawatha Golf Course lot-snow shoe and walk along Minnehaha Creek under Minnehaha Parkway as well as bridge under Nokomis Parkway-for several years my wife and I would put grandson’s on toboggan and pull while on snow shoes from N edge of Lake Nokomis. On most Sunday’s after 1 st service ( where church is located 1 block W of Cedar Ave along Minnehaha Pkwy) would even head to Minnehaha Creek and head West and climb the sledding hill just across from church. Prior to working from home and when significant snow began to fall or weather more SEVERE would rush home from work some 12 miles away-change clothes-both sets of snow shoes by the door-my mate would then join me as we dashed to car “ faster than a Jackie Robinson steal of home in 1 st game of 1955 World Series”, drive and park at church lot-cross Minnehaha Parkway on snow shoes-head to the snow covered creek and dance “ to the light of the silvery moon” as landing planes guided our way. In winter of 2010/2011 even went further and scaled wooded cliffs holding on to trees while using ski poles. During the Minnesota Viking/Atlanta Falcons playoff game in 1998, my wife and I pulled grandson’s on a toboggan as their $ 7.00 plastic sleds with back supports were attached with bungee cords and snow shoed along creek-only 3 other people out-all watching the game ? We will celebrate the 70 th Anniversary of building on 9/11/2011. Founded by stern faced German members who married vibrant Norwegian women-my wife has been a member since 1946-me 1968. On 911, I guided several customer’s who were using cell phones as I watched news of open roads. Then at noon, my wife and I got grandson’s-wanted to know what school had taught them-walked along the creek-picked tall 10’ wild flowers. Then dried them. Since our 9/14 flight to Vancouver, B.C. was canceled-got an oil change the next day and drove. Coming home found that I had lost a cousin on 100 th floor as well as Township of Middletown in N.J. lost 36. That inspired putting in a Memorial Bench in front of church on sidewalk for walkers to sit and rest pause and reflect. Remember those who might be buried elsewhere such as amy parent’s or wife’s dad .Now those wild flowers from seeds occupy 40’ boulevard as well as corner by extended front porch as well as on side of the house.

A block East of Cedar I then head the mile N to home on Longfellow Ave. When working could time my snow shoe jaunts to 50 minutes at golf course entrance 2 blocks away on 46 th-NEVER WANTED TO MISS A SALE !! All customer’s knew that I had to take my 3 mile walk from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Even in retirement do we change habits ?

Winter will soon come-I have felt the breezes on my swim. Will soon move snow shoes to porch. Then in fall will scan horizon like homes in N.E. that have “what are called widow walks’ or towers above homes with a 4’ fence where women would scan the Atlantic awaiting their mate’s to come back from sea.

After some 1-2 “ of rain that had fallen, took my 5 miler on 8/17 around 9:15 A.M. Took extra time to appreciate Lake Hiawatha-even sat down on a bench-HORRORS !! and shook hands with the downtown skyline. Marveled at the always majestic oaks a few feet away from the pine and spruce trees on N hill of Lake Nokomis as well as the glorious wild flowers. Did not walk over Cedar Ave . Bridge but around the Western bay to marvel at the storm holding ponds that filter chemical run off. The Minneapolis Park Board has also put in stone benches for places to sit. Even met SOMEONE who has actually climbed all 768 steeple steps 30 “ wide in Ulm, Germany ( amazed-on walk-ask if have traveled-pause-or grew up in neighborhood ? ). She had been on a tour as a student with Luther College in Iowa in the 1960’s-every time I hear that someone has been to Germany ask that question-even the natives. On walk, met fellow that I have spoken with before as he wants to live 5 months in Hawaii during our winter but his wife is only capable of walking on flat surfaces and beaches( at least she can walk) For fun, Google Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway to get a picture of some of my jaunts. In addition, hard to believe that our Lake Harriett , Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and Calhoun are within 3 miles of church. We live if look on a map, along a corridor of what 9 miles of hiking trails, non-paths by the Mississippi River that we have explored with miles of WALLED CLIFFS on both sides. For many years the Mississippi would freeze where one could walk out on to some 30 ‘ of ice on both sides-NOT ANY MORE !! Don’t forget to park for FREE a top of Ft. Snellling St. Park-head down the steep hill-walk the some 3 miles around Pike Island to the confluence where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet. Up until last month the Park was closed as a result of flooding. Even a few blocks away from Mall of America lies a Federal wildlife refuge and protected area long the Minnesota River.

After walk, drove the 6 minutes to park-since summer is so SHORT ? then took 8 up the 80’ hill and down the 52 steps a few hundred yards away from beach. Wow !!

On Thursday morning went counterclockwise. Another thing to consider is to tell your mate or someone which direction you ore going. Do not own a cell phone. Perhaps as well, do not venture and make sure someone is home as I head into swamp area to look for golf balls or Minnehaha Creek. Stopped to embrace again the Minneapolis skyline. Then a memory of taking the 3 mile walk on Christmas Day before the 10:00 A.M. service-just about the 1.5 mile mark or where bench is my legs FROZE up. Advantage-could flag cars down along Minnehaha Pkwy but that “ would be giving up”. Hobbled home-no walkers/runners out-not a good sign. ? Upon coming into the house found that the temps were only 24 below. Also took time to appreciate the memories of walking trail along Minnehaha Pkwy. Being on snow shoes, sledding, taking grandson’s on toboggan, holding on to trees up against the canyon walls-WHEW !!!To the East to Minnehaha Falls pulling grandson’s on snow shoes along creek or sledding on numerous hills.

What will the next moment or tomorrow bring ? The thoughts on walk of taking other trails with wife and family ? Future hiking adventures on trips ? Explore what your area has to offer-you might be surprised !!!

Give blood-it’s the gift of life-the life you save may be your own ? Former whole blood donor 5/1970-9/1997, double unit of platelets every 2 weeks 12/1997-6/2008(42 gallons/336 pints)( delayed slightly from 7 eye surgeries 2/2003-3/2004 ), thanks to testing-found that I had chronic lymphocyte leukemia or CLL on 7/7/ 2008 condition caught early-no kemo needed yet-have all energy back.). From 7/7/2010 began walking 5 miles vs. 3 a day added 40 plus minutes to snow shoe trek-now climbing steep steps as well as 80 ‘ hill on E side of Lake Nokomis hill-dropped from 208 to 185-will it stay off ? ( must be in touch with body and watch excessive heat and humidity alerts)

Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s will be in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 38 of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times, back to Canyonlands/Arches Nat. Park in a circle loop for only 9 th visit in September.

Just prior to 5 mile walk on Friday, July 22, I had completed my objective. Sent e-mails to entire data base. Expected the WORST. Knew from experience that MOST of them would be blocked by SPAM filters, NUMEROUS would no longer exist and in several cases past business relationships such as suppliers would be severed ( a reality). Received the day before a long e-mail from one of biggest customer’s ( Township of Middletown ,NJ lost 36 from 911) as well as another from the largest that was located in NJ that can see NYC skyline. Excited !!!

On the walk decided to take time for time. Had I missed ALL the flowers suddenly coming to bloom, especially native plants in N and E sides of Lake Nokomis ? Might Minneapolis be called the day lily city as almost EVERY home like mine has them ? A former co-worker gave us bulbs in 1983-they multiply-last 2 years hardly came up but NOW !!! WOW !! Our pristine like park areas on 5 mile trek do not SHOW a piece of paper from the “ dedicated love of land “ workers or responsible citizens. Almost EVERY HOME on walk has flowers or shrubs. Amazing !!! What lessons were learned from this week ?

1. Never stop believing in miracles or giving up hope

In the spring of 2004, my late mother’s, late cousin’s daughter who lost her dad ( also 1 st cousin who was on 100 th floor of 1 st Tower) , Rev. Dr. Kent Knutson( most revered, adored person ever met- when talking with him for an hour, he would BLOCK out all distractions-no phone calls, grading papers or thinking of conferences-made you feel like the most important person in the world). I used to hitch-hike up to twin Cities from SE Iowa during semester/holiday breaks-even assisted at our wedding in 1969-mother’s cousin would later be oldest daughter’s god mother. Kent would be 1 st case of diagnosed in U.S. who would die of Mad Cow disease at age 49 in 1973 after taking a round the world trip as the new President of American Lutheran Church) had lunch along the Mississippi River. Her husband, Don was one of 1 st responders as a chaplain in St. Paul-on a plane right after 2 nd tower went down had come contacted bladder cancer-3 months later-examined-cancer free !! On Tuesday 7/26/2011 met a neighbor a few blocks away who has MS-she has ups and downs-can now only walk down to the end of block and back if that , with her dog very slowly-a congrats that at least she was outside-tried to give comfort and support TO NEVER GIVE UP for once you do-a death sentence. See 7/27/2011 www.startribune.com article on front page of Section B-leukemia can’t hold back !!! INSPIRATIONAL-much worse than mine especially for a 21 year old.

2. Be in touch with your body-know strengths. A special thanks to physical therapist Cindy in Richfield, MN some 6 miles away-part of Allina Hosp-back went out 9/1/2010 like in 4/1989 (went to pain clinic at Abbott/Northwestern- part of Sister Kenny ) on Chicago Ave. Wife had worked there as physical therapist. Youngest daughter and oldest grandson were born there as well. Bedside manner/holistic healing. Beat with attitude and exercise-won 1 st ever sporting event as 74 year old back playing partner and I captured the church golf tourney-just taken up golf after a 20 year absence. Saw Dr. on 9/27-pain so SEVERE that it took me 2 ½ hours to hobble on 5 mile walk-then rushed for evaluation-said that I would beat it-5 more sessions. Thanks Medicare-$ 10 each session-80 % fixed but MUST do stretching exercises as well as wife works on legs EVERY day.

3. Do you know who you are?

Have a mission statement about yourself ? I am: the proud son of duBois(changed from DuBois in 1930’s.) French Protestant Huguenot’s( Dutch born great –grandmother-even saw where she lived in Amsterdam in 2002 /Scottish born grandmother) settled Brooklyn in mid 1650’s and Norwegian born grandfather and grandmother came in 1890’s. Brooklyn born parent’s were married 64 years before mother passed on a few days prior to 85 th birthday in 2000/dad lived 7 months passed 90 in 2002-they taught me, commitment to a faithful marriage such as now of 42 years with angelic/adorable mate, devotion to family, honesty, integrity, values, caring for church, community and others. Will always be a New Yorker “ at heart “ as well as STILL believing that my beloved Dodgers never left Brooklyn to play in L.A. in 1958 !!

4. Allow extra time-plan your day.

In May of 1998, we allowed extra time to drive from Williamsburg, Va. to attend a former customer’s wedding in Philadelphia. Years ago, we did the same in driving from Orlando to Ocala to attend my Aunt and Uncle’s church made it IN TIME to both-within 10 minutes of Aunt and Uncle as we had to drive through town, So true with your daily activities. Take the time to visit with walker’s or observe scenery and wildlife.

5. Expect the unexpected-why not ? Be prepared for the unusual such as:

On 5 mile walk of 7/27-just prior went down to garage-discovered 2 tomato plants growing in alley alongside the wall. On walk, noticed a pumpkin plant spreading in front yard. Since humidity and air so thick, had to take easy steps-managed to find an almost record 11 golf balls. What NEW experiences will you find, discover and cherish ?

6. Pay someone a compliment or a thank you especially those such as Park /construction workers who maintain land like our pristine groomed Minneapolis Park System.

7. Do occasional house cleaning of files as well as past such as experiences and feelings. THEN !! Look to see if such “ issues are getting upset about “ !!!

8. Change routine and times of activity ? Meet different people-even do same route 2 days in row.

A fellow walker noticed-a nice change of pace plus on 7/26 did extra steps and climbed hill since it was at 2 miles on end of walk. Took a later swim than usual 12:45 P.M. yet forgot ski pole-still managed to go up the 80 ‘ hill without support. Even deleted e-mails at a different time. Made a change in my chair and lowered on 7/28-adjusted feet not to be up and discovered that I did not need glasses to read computer screen. Alter the way you do yard work.

9. Avoid taking electronics ONLY WHEN NECESSARY IF JOB OR CAREER DEPENDS ON IT.

Am AMAZED that people will walk with a cell phone especially pushing strollers with children. !!! So many as well are plugged into a communications device. My walk is intended to appreciate this glorious “urban wilderness”. Still recall a woman wading in the water talking on cell phone while she watched her child swim. Do you think that kids or pets notice the lack of attention ? However on 8/1 walk, church member’s husband who has now joined me for 6 th time this summer, took out his AMAZING piece of technology as he had received a video of his only grandson who now lives in England. His communication and daily in touch with family vs. our’s whose youngest daughter is 3 miles and oldest daughter with both grandson’s 2 miles. Just prior to coming at 8:00 A.M., he called and revealed that the WEATHER CHANNEL had predicted rain at 8:45 AM. via its radar site. NOTHING WAS GOING TO MAR THIS walk like another former distributor who has joined me in the past-several weeks ago-he was concerned about rain-never happened. He brought along an umbrella as well as me as I wore my winter like sneaker boots in case of rain. Opps !! Didn’t even get a drop.

10. Take out a sheet of paper-write all the things that you are unhappy about-then turn it over and write all the things that you are thankful for-you will keep writing and writing and writing.

“ Thanks to the Rev. Hoyt Whitebread of the Swedish tradition Fairfield, Iowa Lutheran Church in a sermon after JFK was killed on 11/22/1963 “

11. Read or subscribe like me since 1970 the daily paper in print-different to read than on line ?

You actually get to hold-stop-pause-can even SAVE-sometimes our paper has such moving articles about human relations that one can shed a tear. Or From our 7/23 issue-view an article about Lake Nokomis that I trek every day or be inspired by a jr. in high school who voiced a concern on Editorial page about caffeine consumption-imagine at $ 4.00 every day if that applies to you-$ 1400 a year. PROVED INVALUABLE on 7/28 trek-previous day needed a caffeine fix-made 4 cups of coffee with 6 tea spoons of coffee-had hard time breathing in close to 90 * heat-felt better in late afternoon as prior to swim did MORE steps as well as hill. No shortness of breath since I had only 2 cups* 8 oz.that is not much plus only one scoop of coffee-did 4 up and down steps and hill then at 12:30 P.M. prior to swim did another 8 up and down Read the comics !! Want to find out about family values ? It’s ALL there !!!

12. Take a sabbatical away from activities WHICH EVEN MIGHT INCLUDE divorcing one self from “ hectic life “ regardless of TIME whether it be an hour or several days . After wife’s shoulder operation we were hit from behind resulting in 7 operations each on opposite eyes-mine blurred-her’s out of sync with brain-since 2/2002 we have had a Sat. night candlelight dinner either in house or 3 seasoned porch with a then promoted $ 2.99 bottle of wine from a local liquor store-can still be found in area for that price. We just sit and chat-only answer phone if from daughter’s.

13. Look inside your medicine cabinet , view RX, supplements-aware of eating too much ?

Target Corp. through the Medica supplement will have you sit down FREE after age 66 with a pharmacist for an hour and go over all your RX and be a connection with Dr.-saves on Dr. visits , costs of unnecessary RX as well as review of all medications. Preventative health care !!! Plus review all side effects. Meet a fellow occasionally before swim running up and down stairs-at age 54 had a heart attack 2 years ago-stints put in-refused to take RX-he took time to share on 8/4-lost the mother of his 18 and 21 year old 10 years ago-doesn’t need-the exercising OUTSIDE a way to reduce RX ? Shared his loss.

14. Vacation=anytime away from daily activity or CHANGE OF PACE -even if retired.

Might it include a day drive such as to see family 210 miles N-then back in same day, a night stay near at a hotel where family can swim, or EVEN TIME OFF using a personal day to get disconnected from work . Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-told by a Norwegian on an Oslo train platform in 1999. duBois constant theme-TRAVEL NOW !!! BEFORE something happens to your health !!!

15. Take on something new !!

In 2/2002 while mate was in hospital for 3 days for a broken shoulder after slipping at oldest home( metal plate inserted, doesn’t go of through security, but she is still electrifying) our minister’s brother-in-law subbed as a preacher. “ Instead of giving something up for Lent , take on something new “ !! Then started a reading program of books that were opposite of political philosophy as well as what I believed in. Broadened horizons. Am a biography reader mostly-can recall in reading while Gov. Connelly of Texas was in same operating room as JFK that he heard another bullet drop into the pan or Walt Disney always thought that he was an illegitimate child as in movies such as Bambi-always looking for lost parent.

On Sunday 7/24, this always a jacket and tie guy even at 90 plus , wore for only 3 rd time jeans to attend an outdoor service at local lake. Every Sunday a different church has a program. My youngest daughter attends this church’s regular Sunday service in an old theatre downtown. It was casual with donuts and coffee served before the service. They also had a band with music that was so loud that it shattered my ear drums. Traditional hymns were done in different tunes. A picnic was celebrated afterwards on top of the hill where my wife and I met my daughter’s associates. Glad we attended.

16. Beware of surroundings !!

Even on walks as I carry a hiking stick joggers/runners/bikers know that I need space. Look back to allow them to pass as you move over to the side-CIVILITY ? on Sat /23 walk-sky threatened at 2.5 mile mark-high winds, dark clouds of severe storms, light hail as I kept going but was aware of what would happen if trees fell. Like driving over 130 M.P.H. on Autobahn-one must look out mirror for those in L lane going 160, in front for those who want to pass others at 110 plus as well as viewing 5 miles ahead.

17. Honor the caretaker-give relief !!

Met fellow on walk who drives the 12 hours plus once a month to check on his losing memory, still physically able mother who is also looked at daily from sister who lives in area. A labor of unconditional love Known many in church who have elderly parent’s live with them-has anyone ever given the caretaker TIME OFF ? How many caretakers die before those that they are looking after as a result of stress ? Might we have a National Holiday or some type of recognition to praise these people ?

18. EVERY MOMENT IS A BLESSING !!!

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the leukemia, chronic pain leg, back, shoulder pain is in being able to relate to other’s hurts. Makes one appreciate life ? Why do we travel so much ? Have seen family, friend’s, associates post pone trips-then something happens to their health and they can’t.

19. Keep a journal or look back upon past !!!

Since 7/14/2011 I have recorded from a sports book as well as on 2 calendars what happened on this day. A great reminder of the past, especially the 50’s and 60’s.

20. Buy things in pairs.

As someone who is active, I tend to wreck clothing, shoes and boots. Have ruined 2 nice Norway hats-finally found a similar replica at a Swedish gift shop in Norway, Michigan. Now even purchase another set of glasses-fortunate to recover thrown glasses from 8/23/1995 Alaskan car crash. When I worked for F.W. Woolworth’s in 1968-1970 we had to wear suits-suggested we find one with 2 slax.

Stop, pause, take time for time. Expect the unexpected. On Sat 8:30 A.M. jaunt met a runner who I met briefly last year. He was the one, not me who commented on the T-shirt that I was wearing of Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa . A RUNNER WHO SLOWS DOWN ???? plus he had knowledge of the school. His family is 5 th generation settled in St. Paul. Will we meet again ? Why not ?

My Sunday 7/31, 6:30 A.M. walk was a struggle with high heat, humidity and rests( ME SIT-very rare). Upon arriving home prior to 8:30 even considered not going to church-who me ? NO WAY !! After 20 minutes laying down-decided to go. Church was without power !! Started with candles being lit-organist switched to grand piano. MAJESTIC/DARK !! Our new minister since 6/5 energized the church-then power came on prior to sermon-what did he talk about ? Never stop believing in miracles( added about personal life since this former owned business in building trades made a career change to enter ministry in his early 50’’s had trouble with making ends meet .With loss of ½ income-several organizations adopted him and family which even helped out with a $ 1000 for child’s braces. For those familiar with certain denominations-the sermon is SUPPOSED to be based upon New/Old Testament lesson that has a 3 year cycle for every Sunday . What did he talk about ? Miracles from Jesus from feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

After Monday walk with friend decided to wait out storms-prior to anticipated swim went up and down hill 11 times without a ski pole but with Alaskan given willow hiking stick after car accident -nice workout-thunder in distance-passed on the swim-then came back to e-mail from former customer who’s significant’s other mother has cancer-chemo to follow. Another one to think and pray about. Then followed by e-mail from best man. He was our church intern in NY-built a friendship-this Wisc. native thought his Green Bay Packer’s were the FINEST TEAM that EVER PLAYED !!! We then made a BIG BET of a $ 1.00 when Green Bay played the Philadelphia Eagles on 12/26/1960 in front of 67,325 fans. Loser had to put in collection plate-Eagle’s won 17-13-then winning QB Norm Van Brocklin at age 34 would become expansion 1 st coach of Minnesota Vikings(also won a title with L.A. Rams in 1951). After seminary he decided not to become ordained but received an M.A. that would lead him to eventually do EXTREMELY well as a C.E.O. in non-profits. Then while in another major city thought his team would beat my beloved NY Giants-let’s place a bet !! Loser pays $ 15.00 to favorite social service !!! Took him 6 months to pay.

Upon retirement he built a “ dream home “ in central Oregon over looking the mountains adjacent to golf course. He was a workaholic-never traveled-always wanted to play golf. Putting in key to his million $ home-he slipped-ripped out entire L side-took 1 st trip to Norway in a wheel chair-unable to play golf or drink wine from climate controlled wine rack as a result of pain medication. We had visited a few times on trips. During my college semester breaks would visit when he lived near Minneapolis-then on a weekend I hitch-hiked to where he was getting Master’s some 250 miles away. His e-mail was ENCOURAGING !! Just returned from 3 week trip to Europe that included staying near Eiffel Tower which we did not-he is playing golf despite the extreme pain as well as “ living with the pain “ and taking medications. I followed up with e-mail-send ALL THAT PAIN MY WAY-will filter out the bad eye. How many get to stay in touch that long-he celebrates # 50 wedding anniversary the end of the year. Oldest daughter and family live near by with grandchildren. Still special to be in touch.

My 8/2 walk was the most difficult ever !!! Had what appeared to be an irregular heart beat, the humidity HORRID !! Give up the trek-NO WAY !! Took easy steps-waited till 9:30 A.M. for possible storms to clear-of course had to take extra time along golf course fence to hunt for golf balls. Few walkers out in cloudy weather. Unusual that there was no airplane noise. By looking at what happened on this day in sports-mentioned that college All Stars had beaten Green Bay 20-17 in 1963 behind Green Bay born, Wisc, QB Ron Vander Kelen ( career only lasted 5 years with the Minnesota Vikings ). In addition paper said that it was 10 th anniversary on 8/1 that Minnesota Viking Korey Stringer died of heat exhaustion at age 27 on 8/1. Very careful “ to listen to body “ since mate, oldest daughter and oldest grandson were visiting my wife’s 91 year old mother some 210 miles away. Took a risk after walk-prior to swim-went up and down 80’ hill and steps 8 times-sky was beginning to clear. Was only one at the beach-then used COMMON SENSE-swam out around a buoy and back THE SILENCE like the 1998 airplane strike-eerry-here in an” urban Minneapolis wilderness “ ?

On your daily doings, ALLOW EXTRA time to appreciate what is around you ? Will you encounter something new, change a habit, be happier, or inspired to sit down and “ write that Great American novel “that you have thought about doing all your life ? Will your relationships improve with family ? Will you become more relaxed ? On my 8/3 walk encountered previous mentioned Luther Seminary , St, Paul grad who served churches in Texas-then received a Phd. from Wisc-no longer uses Rev. after name)( if still involved in church do, especially if retired ). He happened to remember best man as a fellow student. For those unfamiliar with the growth of the Norwegian Church in America it appears that SOMEONE has a tie to Trinity in Brooklyn that began in 1890 . If not, take TIME to ask people about growing up, where they went to school or college-why did they leave area ? My walk ended with a brief conversation with MS neighbor who struggles to walk down in bare feet with dog to the end of the block block. Commented on AGING-“ at least it only happens once” !!!

Walking out the door with my Brooklyn Dodger shirt the next day, was reminded of the 7’ plus daisy like flowers that we saved the seeds from picking on 911. They now flourish as a ¼ have bloomed along our 40 ‘ boulevard that have the day lilies, S side of house as well as in front and extended 3 season porch. With the 10 th anniversary of 911 approaching have you begun to put your thoughts down in print or even shared with others ? Have you grown as a person ? Unless you had some connection to family or friends did it really bother you-what has changed especially in security at airports-even now in 4/2011, we had to go through security to take an elevator to top of a 54 story building in Frankfurt. ? What have you learned ? On the phone with a customer at the NRAO Observatory, in Green Bank, W.V., he told me to watch T.V.-dashed downstairs to see 2 nd plane hit-that morning I was on phone with several customers guiding them from seeing on T.V. on how to drive around N.Y.C. area or racing to train stations as they used cell phones. At noon, my wife and I picked up then 4 and 5 year old grandson’s. Where was their mind set ? Took them along Minnehaha Creek from our church on Minnehaha Pkwy. where we picked and saved the flowers. With a canceled flight to Vancouver, B.C. on 9/14, we merely got an oil change the next day, tossed bags into car and left that night. 1 St Americans to cross into Canada on 9/14. Took 5 years to get a memorial bench in front of church-a place to rest on a walk, be reminded like both my wife and I that parent’s family buried elsewhere ( at least can be remembered) as well as a reminder of 911.

Everyday is a blessing, perhaps ? Enjoy the NOW !!! Cherish relationships !!! Give blood-the life you save might be your own !!!

This was sent below to my entire data base from Monday July 18-Friday July 22

,

A “ special note “ of many, many thanks in staying in touch from: ( 8/1976 moving into home in Minneapolis-previously lived in Hopkins, Mn( 8 miles to W) and Des Moines, Ia )( 5/1976-3/2008 Toastmasters),( 8/1983-9/2009 telemarketing computer products nationwide),( 8/2009 blog/writings), ( 12/1997 from home office I have met on daily walks with a special thank you to person who encouraged me to write 1 st of unconventional, non-orthodox, economical travel tips when posted 6/2/2011) Includes all e-mail contacts in data base from communications with high school/college associates, family, friends to those who have responded back and some who haven’t.

..Prior to selling, a former Toastmaster suggested that I treat every customer as though a guest in one’s home-might this be with everyone that we meet as well ? I am OFFICIALLY RETIRED as 3/7/ 2011 when I stopped filing for unemployment and looking for work.. Secret to life-relationships, caring for others, commitment to family, church, and community. So excited to have met you on journeys ALL OVER THE COUNTRY as well as in Europe !! More importantly has been in networking, receiving advice, health/wellness feedback and computer help For this a HATS OFF TO YOU toast or a favorite expression taught from adored Toastmaster sister-MAZELTOV !!!

Ideal ? Stay here in home M-F upstairs perch usually before 6:00 A.M. turn on clear channel WCCO 830 (till 7”30 A.M.) which can be heard from San Diego to Portland, Maine, Key West to Seattle to read paper, look at e-mails and play with future articles. Have even written poetic pieces for special occasions where the lines sometimes do not always rhyme-at Toastmaster Christmas party I gave an annual poem of several lines using each person’s name and made sure I put in “groaners” where the words were way off and out of sync. Most enjoyable has been in creating verse to family especially 2 daughter’s, 2 grandson’s and married mate.

See in posts: 7/7/2011 poetic prose, in 5 mile early mornings walks in Minneapolis, 10/5/2010 in sagas as Dodgers won 1 st World Series Championship on 10/4/1955-55 years to the date, 11/12/2010 in Giants winning 1 st World Series since 1954( both teams left NYC in 1958), love of baseball comments 10/11/2010 and “ attempted “ to put in verse 4/7/2010 tragic W.V. Mine accident( began selling into the state in 8/1983. Coming this fall will tell the epic tale of NY Football Giants winning 4 th title in 1956 against Chicago Bears on a frozen Yankee Stadium field 47-7.

Am in what I call “ retirement transition “. Will look into volunteering with any organization that deals with chronic eye, muscle, back/leg pain, trauma or cancer since I HAVE WALKED IN THOSE SHOES.. Perhaps positions where I might be able to use communication, writing and compassion skills ? I still do not know what I want to do when I grow up yet will continue to promote travel, outdoor exercise, memories/passion of baseball from 1950’s/1960’s and donating blood. If $$$’s were no object I would like to find a source SOMEWHERE to have published a daily, weekly column titled, “ Outdoor Walking Observations From A Different Set Of Eyes At The North Pole In Minneapolis “.EVERY DAY there is ANOTHER STORY or person to share and care about. Would even tie in what happened in sports on that day as a connection to past.

What a pleasure indeed. With warmest regards of joy, good health, happiness, peace and grace If you “ ever venture to the frigid North Pole “ Call or look us up as the crow flies some 5 miles from Mall of America, less than 15 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport or 3 miles S of downtown Minneapolis. A treat of conversation by front stoop OUTSIDE if mosquitoes are not thick, on porch or in home over a glass of wine, cold beer, cup of hot tea or lemonade !!!

I would like to stay in contact. Feel free to notify me or my always adorable/angelic mate if you plan to travel and NEED FREE tips !!! . Would consider driving even a few hundred miles to see you if near Minneapolis-why not ? Keep me posted about health and family ( the concerns never stops as one feels connected by a thread of human kindness).

Since 7/7/2010 I have dropped over 24 lbs from 209 to 185 as a result of walking 5 miles, vs. 3 miles EVERY day plus in winter added 40/50 minutes on snow shoes( will it stay off ?). Have all energy back from being diagnosed with chronic leukemia (CLL)on 7/7/2008 which ended my 42 gallons( 336 pints) of blood giving which included the last 10 years of giving a double unit of platelets EVERY 2 weeks( delayed 7 times for eye surgeries). Began doing this on a continuous basis in Minneapolis from 5/1970. ( gave 1 st pint for Viet Nam troops at Parsons College, in Fairfield, Iowa in 1965 blood drive)

Will we meet you on our future jaunts of driving in all 50 states( 49 twice, Alaska 3-drove in 2004- since 1969) or more trips to Europe that might include or add to 13 plus visited( 6 into Germany, 2 Norway from 1999).Why not ? Race you through airports like O.J. Simpson, met you while scaling all 768 steeple steps 30 “ wide in Ulm, Germany or wave to you on Autobahn at 132 M.P.H. like this past April ? With warmest regards. Spoil and cherish family.

Respectfully,

Roger duBois

4025 Longfellow Ave. S

Minneapolis, MN 55407

manfromthenorthpole

www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com

Best place to stay in ALL TRAVELS !!!

# 1-found by mistake-Hotel Hilleprandt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen( info # 2( info

Best part of travel. The anticipation and excitement of the adventure( attempting to put all the pieces together which so many times do not fit), looking at fares, taking notes, checking and re-checking if we have missed anything, networking, packing and having family watch our home. For fun ask ANYONE-“ if $$$’s were no object where would you go, live or work ? Most information gotten from other’s personal experiences as well as delight in meeting people from all over the world. Are cherishing relationships even from daily lives as well as on trips IMPORTANT ?

www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com