Wabasha, Minnesota

Many scenes in the 1993 Hollywood movie Grumpy Old Men were filmed in the small river town of Wabasha, Minnesota. It put Wabasha “on the map” and was their claim to fame for a long time. However, there is another cultural highlight in Wabasha…it is home to the National Eagle Center. The organization began in 1989 and built a beautiful building along the scenic Mississippi River in 2006.

Our book club took a field trip to the center one day in July, and it was very interesting. 

The bridge in Wabasha, between Minnesota and Wisconsin, over the Mississippi River.

After taking a coffee break at the Chickadee Cottage in Lake City, we happened to arrive at the Eagle Center right before an eleven o’clock presentation. The presenter was very interesting and informative, an educator, and part entertainer! She kept us engaged for an hour and we didn’t want the session to end. She said she could have continued speaking because there is so much to teach about the eagles.

Was’aka, one of the eagle ambassadors. (Our presenter is not in the photo.)

When we spoke to her after the program she told us she became interested in eagles (and sharks!) at a young age so when she retired (from being a lawyer) she felt it was a good time to step in and volunteer at the eagle center. We were fortunate to be a part of her class session.

A few tidbits…eagles weigh only 6-8 pounds, keep their nests very clean by “shooting their poop” out of the nest about eight feet! They get their white feathers about the age of 5, and they do a beautiful cartwheel dance as part of their mating ritual. But there is much more.

My photo of a photograph of two eagles doing a cartwheel dance.

The eagles at the center are there because they no longer can survive on their own in the wild. They get quality care at the center while the researchers study them. The center has a viewing platform and is a great place to spot eagles along the river, especially in the winter because there is open water at this site, and that’s where eagles gather.

Three eagles in the viewing area.

During the program an eagle, Was’aka, was brought into the room to show off to the audience.

The beautiful Was’aka.
There are plaques describing each bird on display.

Was’aka is blind in one eye, therefore he cannot hunt for himself. He is beautiful! There were additional eagles available for viewing also, including a golden eagle.

A sign at Slippery’s Bar and Grill.

We did succumb to a Grumpy Old Men’s icon and ate lunch at Slippery’s Bar and Grill, apparently made famous by the movie. However, we chose it simply because it was the only place we could eat outside, along the mighty Mississippi. The food was good.

A bench in town depicting the two grumpy old men from the movie: Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

Wabasha is little over an hour’s drive from Northfield so it’s an easy day trip and well worth it.

Home Again

What a wonderful week we’ve had weather-wise…sunny, seventy’s and low humidity. Perfect for being anywhere, especially up in northern Minnesota. I was on the Whitefish chain of lakes with a friend, staying on her porch, with a cabin attached. Our days were relaxing, and among other things we did some boating and a lot of reading. 

Looking out in front of the cabin.

We went out on her pontoon which was a highlight for me. We left the jet skis docked this year, and my cell phone in the cabin. In previous years we’ve taken out the jet skis and had some…let’s say…complications. Then there was the year my iPad fell off the dock into the drink during early morning quiet time. So I tried to avoid any type of fiascos this year. Success! 

Getting ready for a pontoon excursion.

The evenings were still and cool so we slept on the large porch listening to the loons calling as we fell asleep. 

A lot of loon activity on the lakes.

Before I left home for the cabin I had fifty pages left to read in my latest political thriller. So when we arrived at the cabin Sunday afternoon, after unpacking the car, we immediately got out some lawn chairs, set them up near the lake and started to read. I quickly finished the book. I brought along three non-fiction books so I had plenty additional reading material.

One morning’s sun reflecting on the lake that looks like clear glass. Beautiful.

When it was time to leave the cabin four days later, I had fifty pages left in one of the other books I had started reading up there. However, when I arrived back to our house in Northfield things changed… I no longer felt I could just sit down and finish the book right away….there was unpacking to do, laundry to throw into the washing machine, email and catch-up conversations, plus weeding flowers and so forth. So instead of sitting down to finish my book I did chores instead. I felt I needed to get something accomplished before enjoying more reading time. 

Daggett Lake, a lake on the Whitefish chain of lakes.

I guess that’s why it’s always good to get away. At home we see all there is to be done (although my friend saw things that needed to be done at her cabin while we were there),  but we had a delightful time on our annual trip to Daggett Lake.

I came home to my Star Gazer lilies in bloom.

Fly Me to the Moon

50 years ago today, July 20, 1969, the famous Apollo 11 mission allowed the first man to step on the moon. We all know he was Neil Armstrong who died in 2012 and is not here to help commemorate the anniversary of this historic event. Buzz Aldrin was the 2nd man to step on the moon, while Michael Collins remained in the command module. There are lots of celebrations being planned for the 50th anniversary, and many remembrances retold and some revelations of seldom told stories. 

One story being that Buzz Aldrin carried communion elements along with him to the moon and asked for a private moment to take communion and read a verse from the gospel of John after they landed on the moon. 

From Fact Check – Snoops -This is Buzz’s own account of what happened:

“In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the Scripture, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.’”

I like that story.

And another very little known story from that era… when I was a teenager I sent a letter to Pan Am Airlines asking to be put on their waitlist to go to the moon. And, believe it or not, they wrote back and told me the wait list was full! HA! 

I guess I’ve always been adventurous. I wonder if any airline is taking reservations to the moon at this time???

Political Thrillers

I’ve been side tracked this summer since my husband recommended a book for me to read…The Kremlin Conspiracy, a political thriller.

I would say I never thought I’d be a fan of political thrillers, in fact this was the first one I’ve read, but it was very engaging. I read the first book in about three days…then I wanted to begin the sequel, The Persian Gamble, right away. It had just been published (2019) so I wondered about its availability however, I was able to get a copy from the library quickly and finished that book in a couple more days.

I’m so thankful I’ve not had any urgent business to attend to…and am able to enjoy the luxury of reading. These books are page-turners and hard to put down.

Among the author’s many books, there was a trilogy recommended to me, and I started the first book thinking I would only read one…

I finished the first book in a couple days and ordered the next book from the library, and then the next. After I’m done with this series of three I will not pick up another book by this author for a while because they are addictive and I need to resume other fun summer activities!

Click here to link to the author’s website: Joel Rosenberg.

He’s a Jewish Christian and is very knowledgeable about the goings on in the Middle East. His writing is easy to read and clean, but there are graphic war scenarios. Most of his books are fictional stories, with great characters involved in some sort of scary, realistic, modern day plots. 

Garden Tour

There were six gardens to visit on Northfield’s garden tour so I donned a flower dress and took off to enjoy the beauty.

Two gardens were in public places but it was fun to get into the yards of four residents in Northfield. There were artists stationed at each place, which adds to the fun.

The garden is a simple rain water garden. Some of the artist’s works were displayed as he was painting another picture, and visiting with the guests.

The theme this year was water so there were a few water gardens. I learned you can apply for a grant from the city of Northfield to cover up to $250 if you plant a water garden in your yard.

Lillies.

I so enjoy flowers and am amazed at the beauty and uniqueness of each one. I like learning of new plants too.

It was hard to capture the enormity of this flower pot. When I asked for the name the gardener said the official name at the store was, “Big Pink Begonia”. I guess sometimes you just call it what it is! This size begonia was new to me.

Someone asked me if I got inspired while looking at the gardens and I said yes… but then I know it’s too hot this time of year to change my garden so I don’t do anything now.

Another new to me flower: a hanging begonia. The white blooming flowers draped over the pot.

But, I do tuck away ideas for next year…

The blue glass tulip shades from an old lamp was used as garden art mixed in with white hydrangea.

It was fun to see the sculptures people use as gardens art, as well as the visiting artist’s creative works.

White hydrangea with garden art.

The last home I visited on the tour was at the top of a high hill.

It’s hard to see the swing hanging from the tree near the gardens in this yard, but it’s easy to see the expansive view.

A watercolor artist was stationed in the screen porch of the house at this garden, so we could peak into the house to see a bit of it’s loveliness. I noticed dinner plates and crystal goblets on the dining table, gathered for what looked like an upcoming party.

I thought this was clever…two arborvitae woven together at the top to form an arch.

While meandering in the gardens the owner said they were having a garden party that evening since they already had spent a lot of time grooming and weeding and getting their gardens ready for the tour.

Beautiful gardens at this beautiful house on the hill where they were planning a lovely garden party.

They had lights wired in the garden and on the lovely patio with a water fountain. I’m sure it would look awesome at night. I wanted to stick around for the party! 

Look, the winter is past,
    and the rains are over and gone.
12 The flowers are springing up,
    the season of singing birds has come,
    and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Song of Songs 2:11-12

Earthquakes and Fireworks

Bearutiful Santa Barbara: Ocean on one side, mountains on the other.

We were in southern California last week, with our son and his beautiful family, when a 6.4 and 7.1 earthquake hit, on two separate mornings. The significantly high-magnitude earthquakes happened over 100 miles from where we were staying. We didn’t feel any tremors from either one, but a lot of folks in our area did. It was interesting to find out about the earthquakes simply by hearing others talking about their experiences. I’m grateful there were no injuries, and we were safe.

A view of the rooftop pool area.

Another event of significance on our visit to southern California was the Independence Day fireworks.

We were able to witness some outstanding fireworks set off over the ocean beach, and we were able to watch them from the rooftop pool area of our hotel, one block away from the water. The rooftop area has incredible 360* views and it was a special place to ouuu and ahhh over the stunning display.

Lemon trees growing in pots…their fragrance is delightful.

Various flowers growing all over the waterfront area added additional color to our 4th of July trip to Santa Barbara. Here are a few photographs.

Villa Louis

We toured an old historic mansion in southwestern Wisconsin called the Villa Louis. I always enjoy looking at houses…old and new.

The front of the Villa Louis. This is a photo of a sketch off the brochure.

A bit of history: The Villa Louis sits on 25 acres along the Mississippi. An original brick house was built in 1843 by Hercules Dousman. He earned his fortune in fur trade, lumber trade and being a “frontier entrepreneur”. Hercules Dousman died in 1868 and his wife (Jane) and their son, Louis, inherited the house.

The side of Villa Louis that faces the Mississippi River.

Louis had it torn down and rebuilt in 1871. Louis died at the young age of 37 and the house was left to his widow and five children who lived in the house until 1913. The estate stayed in the family until the Wisconsin Historical Society acquired it in 1952.

The dining room set up for a 10 year old’s birthday party. Note the photo in the foreground…photos were used to help restore the room to it’s original look.

In the mid-1990’s  the Historical Society began a major project restoring the house back to how it looked in the years between 1893 to 1898. 

The elegant guest bedroom.

The restoration of this particular home is unique because there is a large collection of historic photographs showing different areas of the house, from the late 1800’s, and they were used to re-create the rooms.

I liked this wallpaper on the main level. It was reprinted for the restoration project.

In addition to the photographs, the historical society acquired 90% of the original furniture. When the family was notified of the restoration project by the historical society, three of the four siblings (the fifth child had died) gave back their possessions, which they inherited when they sold the house. The brochure states the restoration project was “unusually well documented.”

The cook stove.

The day we visited was hot and humid so it was great to walk into the air-conditioned mansion…air-conditioned to preserve the antiques. Our young tour guide was knowledgeable and delightful.  The photographs and original furniture makes the house feel authentic as you step inside, and step back in time. It was charming and lovely.

A different view of the beautiful dining room.

There are several events that happen at the Villa Louis. One is the annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic, a carriage parade and driving competition, with folks dressed in period costume. That sounds like a fun event.

The Laundromat

Our washing machine died. After 25 years – a good life – it stopped working. The dryer was still working even though it is the same age as the washing machine, but we decided if we’re replacing one we might as well replace the other.

The old washer and dryer ready to be hauled away.

So off we went to the local appliance dealer to buy a new washer and dryer. We knew a sale was coming at the end of the month so we decided which set we wanted, then asked if the store would hold them until we could get the sale price, about three weeks away. They agreed. 

The laundromat close to our house.

In the meantime, we would go to the laundromat to wash our clothes. On the way home from the appliance store I told my husband it’s not a bad thing that we have to go to a laundromat to wash our clothes for the next few weeks…it is good to be reminded how fortunate we are to have the luxury of a washer and dryer in our own home.

Inside the laundromat where we went to do our laundry.

Forty-one years ago I still remember moving into our first house and thinking one of the best parts about living in a house was having a washer and dryer and being able to wash clothes at home, whenever I wanted. 

The laundromat we used is about two miles from our house. It is clean, quiet and adequate. The only surprise was the cost increase. It now costs $2.75 to wash a regular size load. 

Our shiny new washer and dryer.

Our new washer and dryer have been installed and we’re back to doing laundry at home, but this experience was an opportunity to remember to be grateful. And we are.

Biking and Wading

A fun poster in the cabin: Paul Bunyan and the tail of Babe the Blue Ox, on bikes.

Up, down and around bends describes the loop section we rode on the Paul Bunyan and Heartland bike trails one morning, in northern Minnesota. The trail is scenic, hilly, and paved.

The beautiful, winding bike trail.

There were many wild flowers along the way through the forest, and along Leech Lake at times. I enjoyed riding my new e-bike. After completing the loop we collected a reward ribbon from the Chamber of Commerce, which is close to the trailhead. They give ribbons to anyone who completed the 23 mile loop. We are fortunate to have these trails here in Minnesota.  

A commemorative plaque.

On another day we took a break from biking and went to Itasca State Park. When we learned we were so close to this well-known Minnesota state park we had to go. Of course we walked across the mighty Mississippi.

Crossing the Mississippi River on the rocks separating Lake Itasca from the beginnings of the Mississippi River. I’m in the yellow jacket.
I made it across the slippery rocks.

I walked over the slippery rocks to the other side but the headwaters are shallow, about 18″ deep so you can roll up your pant legs and wade through the waters too. I did both. 

Walking across the Mississippi River.

The rock dam indicates the end of Lake Itasca and the beginning of the mighty river. It is about 2 feet across. They say the river’s channel appears much as it did when Henry Rowe Schoolcraft discovered the source in 1832. 

They were selling “award” ribbons for walking across the Mississippi River at the gift shop in the park, but we opted not to buy one. This was not my first time walking across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi, but it’s always fun.