"SWELL" CONNECTION!

Yesterday I made a stop at one of my favorite stores--Trader Joe's.  I hadn't been there for a while, but love talking to the friendly check-out people.  They could offer a class to other businesses about how to treat their customers with care and respect, not to mention FUN.  I was asked the usual "How's your day going?"  And then when I returned the favor, the very friendly clerk responded, SWELL.  Now that brought up years of memories of what a common, but important word he had used.  He was much younger than his customer, so I was surprised by his comment.  I asked him about it.  He said that to him it expressed a lot more than just "fine" or "well."  He was surprised that I had even noticed, and when I went on to ask why, he said, "Because most people are too busy talking on their phones to even care or notice."  He added that he's decided lately to simplify his life and make important changes, like reverting to a simple "flip phone" and using it infrequently.  I could definitely relate to that since the only phone I use is a "flip phone" and it's very inexpensive.  I thought it was interesting that a much younger person would make the same decision, but based as much on his realization that he was allowing his much fancier phone to become a major part of his life, and he no longer liked that idea.  I told him that it was like one of my favorite authors of the 19th century, Henry David Thoreau, reminding us to "Simplify, simplify."  I have so often thought of that, but not always followed the idea. Years ago my youngest brother used to have a large poster in my bedroom at our family cabin, displaying one of Thoreau's quotes--"March to the beat of a different drummer."  When I start to think that I might be a little too quirky for some people, I remind myself of that quote.  The cashier's final comment to me was the quote about "the road less traveled."  

That short interaction may not seem all that significant, but it stuck with me all day.  We might not have spoken at all, or only minimally, but instead we found a connection, talking about the importance of not letting technology take over our lives.  I'm still mulling that over.  So thank you "swell" fellow who made my day, in a very simple way, a whole lot more enjoyable.  And Henry David Thoreau, you are still not forgotten! 

WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE!

Ellen Burstyn, an American actress, once said, "What a lovely surprise to discover how un-lonely being alone can be."  Having been homebound for four days recently due to illness, was NOT a lovely surprise--the "being alone" part or being confined indoors, but oh, what a feeling it was to discover the wonderful world of the outdoors once again.  Especially after a simple, but lovely snowfall! With camera in hand, off I went to discover the nearby charm of lakes and woods. One day in the coming months I will leave this area where I've lived for 45 years to explore a new place with new people and adventures awaiting.  Perhaps that's why I'm savoring these last months and moments.  For many years I took children of all ages with me, but now those times have more or less passed, and I'm soaking up my time alone.  As May Sarton, the famous writer said many years ago, "One thing is certain, and I have always known it--the joys of my life have nothing to do with age." I totally agree!

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS THE LURE???

For decades I've seen people drawn to ice fishing, but I've never truly understood it.  It might be the coldest day on record in Minnesota, but the loyalists will still show up to their fishing spot enthusiastically.  Whether they're just carrying a cozy stool to be sitting on a frozen lake while hoping for THE BIG CATCH, or holing up in some permanent shelter which offers satellite television, a stove, bathroom, and large bed, they're often "hooked."  Probably long ago they discovered that there's a real art to winning the winter battle with the fish, but the idea is to have some fun along the way, and share some connections with others equally hooked.  I admire them for their love and devotion to the sport, but it still baffles me how and why they do it. 

Here are a few photos I took of ice houses on Medicine

 

Lake, Minnesota.  The contests are not just about the size of fish caught, but the artistic creations known as ice houses.  Perhaps one day I'll be more than just curious, and spend a day with someone who can explain the lure of it, and why it's so intriguing.  For now, I'll enjoy my time by the fireplace on a cold winter's day, curled up with a good book, and someone special nearby.

THERE'S ONLY ONE LAMBEAU!

Thanks to an incredibly special place called Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers professional

football team in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I have had thrill after thrill watching a small town team proudly represent my home state of Wisconsin throughout  the years. Yesterday was another example of a fabulously played game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay came out on top against Dallas, 26-21, and the hometown fans went crazy. I wish I could have been there!

I'm guessing that there are millions of people who don't have a clue as to how Lambeau Field got its name.  Unlike most of the professional stadiums today, it's not named after some giant corporation.  It was Curly Lambeau, a player and coach of Green Bay for 31 years who was the inspiration for the stadium name.  He was also the co-founder of the team in 1919, and at several

points throughout the years, he no doubt worried about the financial survival of the team. At different times the city had to struggle to keep the team afloat.  A number of other small town teams had already folded. Green Bay was different, and today its fans proudly talk of its 13 championships.  Curly Lambeau was part of six of those events. He and Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach who turned Green Bay into Title Town, will always be revered, and together, they stand outside the stadium in statue form.

One of my favorite NFL championships in Green Bay was in 1961, when the Packers, the definite underdog,

defeated the New York Giants at Lambeau Field, 37-0.  Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, there was nothing my mother and I loved more than seeing our beloved small town team trounce the big city foe.  The Frozen Tundra became the field of legend.

Today I revel in watching the Lambeau Leap, after the Packers score a touchdown.  The Packer player who scores often jumps in the end zone stands to share that glorious moment with fans.  It was Leroy Butler, a former Packer great who instituted that classic play, which has become a fan favorite over the years.  And opposing players who have occasionally tried to duplicate it after scoring a touchdown, have been soundly rejected by fans, reminding them that Lambeau is Packers territory--sacred ground!

Today Lambeau Field is the third largest National

Football League stadium.  It seats over 80,000 screaming fans, and often has the feel of a college game.  Its atmosphere is unmatched in professional football!  If you're an American football fan of any kind, put it on your "bucket list" to visit Lambeau Field and the Packers Hall of Fame in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The facilities are first rate, and the people of Green Bay, like Wisconsin in general, have that magical quality called "Wisconsinality."  Of course I might be a bit biased!  Thanks to mom, I've never forgotten my roots, or team!


P.S. Happy birthday, mom!  I know you'll be watching the Packers-Seahawks game from "somewhere out there" this weekend.  Can't wait!!

DO YA WANT TO DANCE?

I've never professed to be a great dancer; in fact, as a teenager I often felt uncomfortable going to dance halls to meet potential dance partners.  It just wasn't my thing, for various reasons.  But at age 66, my four-year old grandson and little buddy Ben has me re-thinking issues of self-consciousness that have hung around me for years.  He has dance moves like I never imagined, and no hesitation in showing them. I took notice, and something got into me this morning as I drove him to preschool. I started movin' and a shakin' in the car and singing silly little songs to match.  He started laughing like crazy and even noticed my ease in "letting go."  I think I surprised him a bit, and it was darned good fun! It even made the two of us forget about the bitterly cold weather for a few minutes.

It's funny how as adults we often think that we have to look good or "be cool" in a certain way, often being worried about how we look to others.  It's hard to let go of that, but Ben is my inspiration because he just laughs and enjoys the moment.  I need to practice that a whole lot more!