A Moon Cathedral
by Valerie Bollinger
Looking out over the expansive dark lake, at night
Gazing at the full moon rising
Reflecting a sparkling path on the water
Streaming it’s light directly towards shore
Guiding my eyes upward
Resembling a cathedral between the trees.
Behold, A moon cathedral,
God-made, inviting praise for His beautiful creation.
An additional story from the Tribute to the Eagles concert…
I happened to know one of the ushers working at the Tribute to the Eagles concert. During intermission I talked with her for a few minutes. She’s a friend that I have bought fresh eggs from in the past. During our short converesation she said, “I have an unusual question for you”…and proceeded to ask me if I needed any eggs. She had brought two dozen eggs to the concert for someone else to pick up but they didn’t show up. She thought I might be interested….and I was.
I paid her, she kept the eggs in the back room during the concert, and we picked them up when it was over and walked out of the theater with fresh eggs.
Fun music and fresh eggs!
I laugh thinking this could only happen in a small town.
We were blessed to have an opportunity to travel to the north shore a second time this fall, within two weeks of our first trip up to Lake Superior.
The first week up on the north shore we had a great time with family and saw abundant fall colors. Our second trip to the north shore we enjoyed showing off one of our favorite places to our visiting friends from New Hampshire.
The forecast was dismal…rain was predicted for every day we were to be up north. And, on our first day – the drive up – it was misty rain all day.
But, even so, we stopped at the New Scenic Café for a delicious lunch, and then toured the impressive, historic, and iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, which opened in 1910 and was deactivated in 1969.
Looking out over the railing we could not see the big lake. It was fogged in and clouded over, but inside we climbed up the spiral staircase to the top to see the special lens. Click here to read more on this fascinating lens.
We also toured one of the lightkeeper houses. An antique oven was lit while bread dough was rising so it was very cozy in the house as we warmed up in the kitchen on a cold blistery day.
Even in the rain we stopped a few more places along the way to Tofte, where our friends had rented a condo.
Much to our surprise we saw the sun rise over Lake Superior the next two mornings. What a treat – what a delight! We were grateful!
For two days it did not rain, and was partly sunny…to mostly sunny.
We took a another look on Oberg Mountain by hiking the trail for a second time in two weeks. The colors were fuller and even more vibrant than on our first hike two weeks prior.
We meandered a long time at the top of Oberg, to enjoy God’s spectacular creation and amazing colors.
We showed our friends a taste of the wonderful north shore: Temperance River, Grand Marais, Naniboujou Lodge, and we spent time on the rocks, had a bonfire, and drove one of the fall color tours on the back roads.
It brought us much joy to show off the beauty of Lake Superior. Time went by too quickly.
Early in the morning, on the last day, our friends headed north – they were driving back home through Canada. We headed south – back to Northfield, once again basking in the glory of the north shore and grateful for a second look at it this year
Through the years, at various outdoor locations, we’ve noticed signs that recognize the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) for their valuable work in natural history preservation. In the visitor center at Gooseberry Falls State Park we browsed their exhibit about the CCC, and noticed a statue dedicated to the men who served in the CCC on our walk to see the falls.
The CCC was a program President Franklin D. Roosevelt put in place in 1933 and it continued until 1942. It was a very innovative program and it was successful.
The CCC was a voluntary public work relief program that put young men to work during the depression. Men between ages 18-25, who were single and unemployed, could work for the CCC. It was unskilled manual labor and they had to leave home to find work.
The men worked for the conservation and development of natural resources in lands owned by the federal, state, and local government. The program employed three million young men over the years it was in operation. I learned they were paid a wage of $30 a month, but $25 had to be sent home to their families. The men were provided with shelter, clothing and food.
This manual labor helped both the young men and their families. Apparently the young men developed an improved morale, learned skills to make them employable in the future, and improved their physical conditions.1 The money sent home helped their families.
And…it helped all of us seventy years later. Gary and I often comment on how grateful we are for the people who went before us who had the insight and fortitude to protect the natural lands that we so enjoy today. The CCC was a part of this.
It seemed to be a win-win situation during a very depressed time in our nation’s history. I wish some kind of program like it could be put in place these days to help those who are unemployed.
The small, but permanent, exhibit about the CCC at Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center tells of an interesting piece of our history.
On our way to the north shore we always take the scenic drive instead of the expressway from Duluth to Two Harbors. It may be a slower route, but it is, as the name describes, a scenic route along Lake Superior. About half way between the two towns is a non-descript building that looks more like a house than a store. It was called Practicals, Collectibles & Antiques.
We’ve been stopping at this unique store for years. We enjoyed browsing around and visiting with the owner who was always there. He was friendly and welcoming and recognized us. We knew he was a retired military guy who wintered in Texas but would spend his summers in his shop right across the road from beautiful Lake Superior.
The interior of the store was lined from floor to ceiling with thousands of used books and old vinyl record albums. Shelves outlined the perimeter of the store, which displayed antique dishes, collectibles and “practicals”. We always looked forward to stopping at this quaint shop. We would usually buy a couple of books at about $1-2 a piece.
One year we apologized for only spending $2 but he graciously said…the north shore gets a million visitors a year…if each one spends a $1 that works for me…however, I run this store because it’s fun…not for the money.
This year at the turnoff we noticed the large hand-written “For Sale” sign in the yard. The building was locked and empty, and we were a bit sad. I guess we knew it was coming sooner or later but it was too soon for us.
While at the cabin we searched for additional information about the store. We found a local TV news program had interviewed the owner in Spring 2018. We learned the owner’s name is Ed Johnson and that he was loved by many (we were not surprised). We learned he ran this store for 26 years and at the time of the interview he was 76 years old.
One other fond memory I have of “Mr. Ed” is from years ago, before we got to know him a bit. My mom and I would occasionally take weekend trips together and I remember bringing her to his shop once. She was using a walker at that time and she required some extra care. He always welcomed people into his store. This time, when my mom and I left the store, he came to the door to say good- bye, and then he said to me, “thanks for taking such good care of your mom.” I don’t think any other person in the world ever told me that and it really meant a lot to me and brings tears to my eyes this day. A simple act of kindness.
“Cheers to Ed!” We trust he and his wife are enjoying their retirement.
As we prepare for our annual trek to the north shore I usually reread the psalm I wrote years ago. I’ve posted it before but am posting it again. It continues to capture my feelings about wonderful Lake Superior and the north shore.
Lake Superior Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall thank him.
He allows me to come to Lake Superior
And hear the calming waves.
He restores my soul.
He guides me on the trails of the Superior Forest
And leads me along the rocky shores.
Even when the waves are rough – even when the lake is calm,
I look forward to coming,
And He is with me.
His creation and His majesty, they comfort me.
He anoints me with many blessings
My cup overflows and I am grateful.
Surely I will praise him and follow him
All the days of my life,
I‘m grateful to dwell in His presence
On the shores of Lake Superior.
Valerie
09/08
The Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield brings a lot of folks to town. The event begins Thursday night, affectionately called “townie night”, when Northfielders go downtown to get their fill of “fair-style” food. Then out-of-towners come in Friday through Sunday.
Every year my husband rides in the organized bike tour. He did the 60 mile ride on Saturday. And me….with my new electric bike…rode zero miles! HA
Instead I went downtown with the crowds and watched the reenactment – it’s been a few years since I’ve seen it. My friend and I arrived downtown early to get front row seats in the bleachers. We sat and visited (and ate mini donuts) while we waited for the show to begin. The weather was pleasant…cloudy skies, no wind and a great temperature.
The reenactment includes gunfire and horses and lots of action, and it happens quickly, but it is an interesting story and portrayed accurately. The DJJD is a celebration for the defeat of the Jesse James gang, so as to not glorify bad guys. The gang’s demise started here in Northfield…actually two were killed during the bank raid.
After the reenactment we walked down the closed-off main street of Northfield, and came back along the river walk and looked at the fine arts displayed along the way.
This led us back to the food stations where lots of people were buying their favorite foods. We decided to continue to the craft fair in Central Park and looked at all the wares offered for sale, then went to buy our lunch at the food stands.
We went into the Antique’s of Northfield store downtown, which was full of people browsing and buying antiques. Antiques of Northfield is also considered a TV Lamp museum. It has the largest collections of 1950’s of TV lamps on public display.
By mid-afternoon we were ready to leave the crowds behind and headed for the quietness of home.
For my writing group we were assigned to write about a childhood memory and here is one of mine.
When I was in 5th grade I went to my girlfriend’s birthday party. I would have been about 11 years old. My friend’s mother took us to a popular, children’s, live television show in Minneapolis. I don’t remember the name of the TV show…could it have been Clancy the Cop, Axel and the Tree House, or maybe Casey Jones, or Captain Kangaroo or Howdy Doody?
Cheryl was the birthday girl’s name, but I do not remember any of the other girls at the party.
I remember sitting on a bench as part of the live audience in the television studio. It was exciting. I’m sure it was unexpected, but on this particular show the main character asked for volunteers to participate in a hula-hoop contest. I could hula-hoop so I volunteered. I liked to hula-hoop and I must have done it often since I thought I’d have a chance to win if I entered the contest.
We started with one hula-hoop, next we whirled two hula-hoops and eventually it involved three hula-hoops. I managed to keep those three hula-hoops going around and around the longest time and won the contest.
My prize was a Betsy McCall doll. I kept that doll for a very long time and I don’t remember when or how I departed with it. Today there are several smaller Betsy McCall dolls for sale, online, but mine ws a large doll. There are a few 29”, so I believe that was the size of the doll I won. I left the party a very excited and happy little girl.
Several years ago, after I told Gary this story, he went out and bought me a hula-hoop. We still have it. I couldn’t quite make it work for him back then (to prove myself) and I still can’t make it work today. HA
The hula-hoop was invented in 1958 and this party was in the early 60’s.
I did a little research and found out Casey Jones aired for only one season in 1958. Howdy Doody aired 1947-1960. Captain Kangaroo was on for 26 seasons: 1955-1984. Axel and the Treehouse aired 1954-1966. Clancy the Cop: 1963-1977. There were no video clips of any hula-hoop contests!
However, when I told my friend, who is a Twin Cities native, this story, she told me it was likely the show Dave Lee & Pete. It aired live, in the afternoons, and the local program was always bringing kids on stage for different reasons. I do think we went in the afternoon so it makes sense to me, but I have no recollection whatsoever of Dave Lee & Pete (the Penguin).
Whenever I see red in the sky I am reminded of this quote:
“Red at night, sailor’s delight. Red in the morning, sailors take warning.”
And this one: “The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1
Southeastern Minnesota is a beautiful part of our state. Recently we drove through green forested, rolling hills, along winding roads, dotted with small farms and small towns, to a cute, little camping cabin in a state park for a camping weekend.
One of the small towns we passed through was Houston, population 979. It is the trailhead for the Root River State Trail. The recreational trail (bicycles, walkers, runners) begins in Houston and has 42 miles of paved trail that leads through Lanesboro and on in to Fountain, MN. It connects with the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, which adds an additional 18 miles of paved trails, and makes for a great trail system.
One day we drove to Houston to begin a biking adventure, and during our brief time in Houston we discovered a few interesting things.
First, outside the trail center was a wooden bench carved in the shape of a mother owl spreading her wings over her owlets. It is a beautiful piece of art…and functional art for all to enjoy.
Then, right in the back yard of the center as we started down the trail we passed two sandhill cranes in the park. On our way back the cranes were in the same area so we stopped to take photos. Sandhill cranes are big, beautiful, sleek birds and are always a delight to see.
While looking at the cranes we noticed something else in the grass…a sundial of some sort. We quickly found the sign that explained it: an Analemmatic Sundial. We had never seen a “clock” quite like this…
On the ground is a cement square plaque with roman numerals indicating different hours. There is a rectangle plaque within the square with the twelve months etched in certain places. You step on the month and notice where your shadow falls and it indicates the hour of the day….and it was accurate! How does that work?
I had never heard of this word analemmatic. I looked it up and it means: a plot or graph of the position of the sun in the sky at a certain time of day at one locale measured throughout the year.
We enjoyed seeing these different sightings in Houston and we had a great bike ride on this end of the Root River trail.