Time for another “Running Of The Words” column from this long-winded Norwegian octogenarian (some fact, some fiction).

Many employers allow employees to take a personal day off with pay. The Monday after the Super Bowl is the day chosen by more employees than any other day.

In the sports world, the Super Bowl was referred to as “a Yogi ballgame.” (As Yogi was frequently quoted, “It’s not over till it’s over.”)

On Monday, Feb. 13, I saw and heard a lone Canadian honker flying over our house. It took me a while to figure out what was going on, and then Genie mentioned Valentine’s Day. “The honker was looking for a mate to share Valentine’s Day.”

Genie and I enjoyed Valentine’s Day at the Old Mill in Austin.

How about this for thinking outside the box? A resort owner on Mille Lacs Lake, as you checked out of his resort this winter, gave you one walleye to go if you didn’t have one.

Just when you think you know all the uses for a drone, a new usage blows you away. An ice fishing professional has attached a small underwater camera to a small drone that is waterproof. He puts it down the ice hole in his fish house and sends it out looking for fish. When he sees a fish he is interested in catching, he calls the drone back to him. After attaching what he thinks is the right lure, it goes back down the hole after the fish he is interested in. It is a very successful operation with only one problem. Huge musky fish have a tendency to attack, making it a costly fishing trip.

Genie and I attended a special event hosted by First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea in the Fellowship Hall. The event was to help support our across-the-street neighbor Tim O’Shields’ seminary journey.

The food was good, the live entertainment, bake sale, silent and live auctions were great. Tim was even required to sing for his meal.

Thanks to Jennie and all the organizers. The attendees got to find out the avocation of the three Lutheran pastors at First Lutheran. The retired pastor showed his skill with the Hula-Hoop from his younger days. The newest pastor showed his skills from previous auctioneering events as he did the live auction. The older, active pastor proved why he won Twist contests back in Iowa, as his six-foot-six body twisted away to Chubby Checker.

In summary, the event was most certainly an example of “It takes a village.” I think I can speak for all: “Tim O’Shields, your seminary journey will most certainly be a success.”

P.S.: Tim, your Halloween displays are haunting memories!

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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.