A certain Ellendale VIP named Dale got a May basket from his CEO name Barb.

A certain Star Eagle columnist got a May basket from his CEO named Genie.

Genie and I like to watch the TV show “Wheel of Fortune.” Thursday evening, April 30, we tuned in, and lo an behold there was John and Mary Kittleson from Blooming Prairie. They did quite well – to the tune of $13,000 plus in cash and prizes.

If you happened to hear a young lady sing the National Anthem at the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea on Saturday, May 2, you heard my kind of singing. You could understand the words! Maggie Eggum, you aced it.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? If yes, how about a first grader? As a volunteer retired registered nurse, Genie helps give tours to area school students at the Albert Lea Medical Center. While giving a tour to first graders, she asked if anyone knew how many bones were in a human body. Much to her surprise, a first-grade boy gave the right answer of 206.

Genie and I were enjoying a senior coffee at McDonald’s in Albert Lea. This easygoing feller from Ellendale stops and says “I’ll talk to you if you promise not to put my name in your column.”

I agreed, so we yakked. Not putting his name in this column, I can tell you he usually drives a red pickup truck with lettering on the door. His initials are the same as Genie’s (G.H.). Enough said.

The Orioles, Hummers, Wrens and Indigo Buntings arrived Sunday May 3 (in time for church!!).

A combined choir from East Freeborn Lutheran Church, Central Freeborn Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church of Glenville under the direction of Janae Clausen sang “Come to Jesus” at the funeral service of Reverend David Hernes, on Monday, May 4, 2015, held at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Genie and I were in the combined choir. Soloist Ryan Rasmussen sang the ending. (Many a choir member had tears as Ryan sang – myself included.)

Hugh Hall: Thanks for the memories. Genie and I attended his memorial service on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Salem Lutheran Church. His easygoing music on KATE Radio Sunday evenings under his radio name of “The Alley Cat” had a large following. Genie and I especially enjoyed his music while sitting on our deck at Beaver Lake. Hugh and Pauline also had a cabin at Beaver Lake. When the entire Hall clan would be there for about a week in the summer, I referred to it as a “Tent City.” Hugh had a slow, perfectly enunciated voice that was a pleasure to listen to.

Genie and I attended the Lutheran Convention in Rochester on May 8 and 9.

Normally I can hold my own, but when the president of Lutheran Men in Mission (Russ Tesch of Waseca) and one sharp Lutheran pastor from New Richland (Rev. Paul Andree) joined forces, I got blown away.

Thanks to Karen Surprenant (the convention photographer) I was paid what I was worth for modeling at the convention (one dollar).

While at the convention, I observed two ladies (last names of Kemp and Johnson) from rural Waseca County keep their Lutheran pastor under control.

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.