And another column starting with a running of the words.
A. The Blue Green Algae can be toxic in any lake for pets and humans.
B. I saw a lone pelican on Fountain Lake with a bad wing, so I’m assuming it was the same that stayed in the channel this past winter.
C. The field of sunflowers by Manchester will be open later in September.
D. The Fall Equinox (equal day and night) is September 23rd this year.
E. Can you remember why you are going to Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, Rural Albert Lea Monday, September 18th?
F. Each American generates an average of 4.48 pounds of trash every day. That equals 1,642 ½ per American per year. (I wonder how much of that could by recycled. (Source: the American Legion Magazine, August 2023.)
G. We are currently losing 3 minutes of daylight per day.
H. Pastor Matt Griggs, Spouse Emily and Children Eliza, Caleb, Cheyenne, Gillian and Levi of East Freeborn and Central Freeborn Lutheran Church have a pipeline to Heaven as his Mom, and their Grandmother Lila moved to a place promised for her by her Savior.
I. Was it cold in southern Minnesota on Monday, August 21 or Tuesday August 22, 2023? The answer, “Did you ever see a rabbit catch a hunter?”
For some reason there are a lot of cormorants in the channel between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake this year. I saw one catch about a 12 inch walleye, flip it up in the air and swallow it headfirst. They are roosting in a tree by the channel next to China Restaurant and doing (as speaker of the U.S. Nancy called) Poo – Poo in the tree, killing the branches, and then the whole tree dies.
It could be that Albert Lea is a safe haven to the cormorants as the same thing is happening at Big Island State Park next to the trees to the trees. The eagles have had a nest raising their young for years.
Why do I think the reason is “Safe Haven??” Because the cormorants are being reduced in numbers – shooting, breaking their eggs, disrupting their nesting, etc., to get them to stay away from certain locations in Minnesota. Leech Lake is a good example.
Grandparent, if the following applies to you, please feel free to use it:
“Words of Wisdom”
To My Grandchild:
I’ve traveled paths
you’ve yet to walk,
learned
lessons old and new.
And now this wisdom of my life,
I’m blessed to share with you.
Learn to trust your feelings,
Your beliefs you should uphold.
Don’t walk away from what is right,
Be courageous and be bold.
Keep Faith besides always,
It will guide you every day.
Know that strength comes from above,
And you will find your way.
Let your self be humble,
And remember to be kind.
When you have respect for others,
True friendship you will find.
Have dignity and honor,
and be proud of all you do.
Confidence will take you toward a future that waits for you.
The world is filled with choices,
There are challenges to face.
But you can make a difference
As you find your rightful place.
And so, I cannot wait to see
the wonders you will do,
Because you are my grandchild, and I am so proud of you!!
Author Unknown
P.S.: Genie found the above in one of her Lutheran magazines honoring Grandparents Day, September 10, 2023.
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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 New York. 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.