On to the good stuff: my wife Jean, and I were blessed with our first great granddaughter, Avery Marie Herfindahl being welcomed into the world on August 4th. She was born to her proud parents, Taylor and Lynzee. This was followed by the wedding of our grandson, Dylan, to his long-time girlfriend, Kloe, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. They sure make a wonderful couple.
Some other noteworthy things that happened in the past year were the frequent visits to the cabin. I was able to get up there a few more times than the previous year, but not nearly as much as I would have liked.
My son Brad and his son, my grandson, Dylan, were able to get up there with me for a few days in August for some fishing and quality time. My son, Brian, and I were also able to spend a few days up there fishing together. Being able to spend time together with them meant the world to me. Getting a little sappy, but if you know me you know that I usually wear my feelings on my sleeve, whatever that means.
I did also get to spend a lot of time with my brother-in-law, Lynn Johnson, and his wife, Sister, this past year. I sure enjoy it now that they are spending more time in Minnesota. They split their time between Minnesota and Nome, Alaska.
My grandson, Trevor, took me fishing a few times this past summer. He also asked his grandma and me to go with him to Clear Lake, IA for some fabulous walleye fishing. Trevor never gets greedy, so we only kept enough fish for a couple of meals for his grandma and me. Fishing with him is like having your own personal guide service.
All of my grandsons have now graduated from college and are in the workforce. They all surely make grandpa proud. I can say that I have been truly blessed with family that is close and that I am able to spend time with.
Now to the bad stuff: In finishing off 2023, I have taken an unprecedented two rides in an ambulance and made three ER visits resulting in one stay in the hospital. This is nothing to brag about, but I’m glad to be able to say that, after all of that, at least I am still here to write about it.
Always know the ice conditions
“Many of us love to spend the New Year’s holiday with family and friends on the ice,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “But when it comes to ice conditions, the calendar doesn’t matter.”
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, whose jurisdiction includes the popular early ice fishing destination Upper Red Lake, knows that reality all too well.
“Most years, the ice would be thick enough by now for vehicles and wheelhouses, and we’d be seeing a steady procession of them heading north,” he said. “But this year isn’t ‘most years,’ and the ice is changing constantly. It’s absolutely vital that anyone who heads out checks the thickness frequently, pays close attention to the weather, and has a plan in case the worst happens and they wind up in the water.”
General ice safety guidelines
No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following these guidelines can help minimize the risk:
*Always wear a life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
*Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
*Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
*Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
*Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
*Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
*Parents and guardians should talk with their children about staying away from the ice unless there’s adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, retention ponds and anywhere ice forms.
Until next time: I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Joyous New Year!
Please show your support for the troops, many of whom are spending Christmas away from home and family. These servicemen and women are making that sacrifice, so that we may have the many freedoms that we enjoy today.