This is another running-of-the-words columns, fact or fiction, you decide.
Every year in June, Genie and I submit our previous year’s volunteer activities of June through May to the University of Tennessee. I am hoping to get my Masters Degree and Genie is hoping to get her Doctors Degree. It seems that every year is tougher than the previous year to earn credits. Why do we submit our volunteer activities to the University of Tennessee? Because they are the Volunteer State and rank the highest in a Volunteer Degree. It makes no difference in wages, but it is a status symbol of the best.
We have seen a pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds a few times since the middle of May in our bushes next to our house where we put out Hummer Juice for them. We were hoping they built a nest in the bushes. Our hopes came true as we learned after a high wind went through. Their small compact nest lay on the lawn, no eggs and no babies. A quarter just barely fit in the bottom! We’re hoping the pair will re-build, but no sign of them the last two weeks.
My old buddy decided enough was enough. On Sunday evening his hands decided to slow down and both hands did. I was very concerned as he went with me everywhere I went, followed my instructions, took messages, told me the day, date and time, was my favorite helper. I felt like a tightrope walker with no net, so I used Genie’s cell phone to place a 911 call for help. A message read, “Closed on Sunday, call after 6 a.m. Central Standard Time.” I called just after 6 a.m. on Monday and apparently my old buddy realized his life was on the line as he started and has worked properly since. In case you’re wondering, my buddy is a member of the jitterbug family.
I attended the great celebration of life service for fellow New Richland graduate Dale Newgard Tuesday, June 2 at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The following is what many of you don’t know:
Dale, a graduate of New Richland High School, married Arlyne Langlie, a graduate of Ellendale High School, on Sept. 3, 1960 in Ellendale. Dale was of the Newgard clan of the New Richland-Hartland area and Arlyne was of the Langlie clan of the Ellendale-Geneva area. Both clans were well known, with lots of pull. The two clans decided if Dale and Arlyne could merge into one, then most certainly the two schools could merge into one. It took a few years, but they were successful as NRHEG became the one school.
Later, with pressure from the two clans, the Ellendale Eagle and New Richland Star became one newspaper, the Star Eagle.
And now, as Paul Harvey used to say, you know the rest of the story.
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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.