August 25, 2003 - Monday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE PROBE

BEHIND THE JETTY
For the most part, the past two weeks weather was great, with a few days even
better than that.
Fishing of course, as always, was absolutely fantastic. Catching though was on
the slow side. With a couple of, really slow, catching sessions to keep us
humble. I ordered an Angus Burger at the Rock Harbor Lodge this past week, and
believe me. It was fantastic. Now,.... I haven't raised Angus beef for twenty
five years. Heck I haven't raised any kind of beef, ever. I have however, owned
a pair of Levi's, and, several pairs of cowboy boots. Come to think about it,
I've even ridden a horse or two. Not to mention a fair ability to "sling the
bull". I don't have a clue in the world, about how expensive it is to raise
Angus beef. I can tell you one thing for sure however. "If it's food, and, if
it comes from Arnesen's Rock Harbor Lodge kitchen, It's fabulous and that's
being extremely conservative. ==================================
profanity makes ignorance audible ==================================
My Nephew Casey Moe (A. K.'S youngest son) came to the lake this past weekend
with our oldest son Jeff. With Saturdays weather better suited for surf
boarding than fishing. We went for a short spin over the waves with the
Thompson and returned to shore for land based fun and frolic.
Sunday, with waves not quite as high and a little farther apart. We went
straight out in front of the lodge. Humility will keep me from saying within
two minutes of dropping our hooks in the water, who hauled in a Walleye. That
same humility will keep me from saying how big it was. Then, before the boys
had a chance to finish their first pop and candy bar. WHAM! Casey was telling
us, (and the whole world) he had a big fish on. I looked at his rod and sure
enough. It was bent darn near under the boat. Then, like a real true sportsman,
I said, "Casey, you've got a Rock Bass sure as heck". (yes, I did say heck)
Casey, without missing a lick responded, "Yah (that's Norwegian for, you dummy,
can't you tell the difference between a fish and a rock) if it is I'm bringing
it in the boat. Sure enough. With the finesse of Marlin Perkins, and the
patience of a specialist at Mayo Clinic, Casey pulled a Northern up along side
the boat that put an inch and a half of shade on both ends of a yard stick.
I'm not sure if it was the "slightly rough water", or, the excitement of
catching a lunker. One or the other seemed to make Casey want to "chum" over
the other side of the boat, if you catch my drift.
==================================
Speaking of the lake, rough water and ultimately rough rides. This past
Friday night, Curt and Deb Howe stopped by or motorhome on the way to their
"Rocky Point retreat". Curt is in charge of most of the park and recreation
stuff, in Thief River Falls.
Curt mentioned he had received a call from someone from my town
(Grafton) wondering about any problems one might expect from having a rodeo in
an ice arena. Evidently Thief River has already hosted a rodeo event in their
Huck Olson arena. Although Curt used a little more "colorful" language, and
expounded to greater length than room allows hear. He said, in a nutshell.
You'll be lucky if you ever get all the "cow dung" out of the rafters. Bugger,
heck, shucks, darn jeepers, gosh, Curt said, the only people that win at
rodeo's like that, are the folks that sell the hay for the horses.
--------------------------
Speaking of fishing. I learned this morning that my friend (at least he was
before I started writing about him) Greg Dusek took another trip north of the
border (Canada) to Haley's on the English River. He didn't get a chance to tell
us how fishing was, this morning. By the time he finish explaining how they
checked out everything they owned going across the border. (It sounds like they
even checked under the label in his shorts) And, by the time he explained how,
and what, the Early Canadians wanted to let them cross their reservation, 50
dollars Canadian, or 35 dollars American. (I guess they decided to go with the
35 dollars American.) And, by the time he explained the "fine" facilities the
Early Canadians had set up to extract Americans money, it was time to go. It
always amazes me, how fast a full bladder can end an interesting conversation.
------------------------
TIDE SOAP
Am I the only one that wonders why there are so many different color caps on
Tide Soap bottles? Am I the only one that doesn't understand soap prices?
Just this morning, I was told to stop and pick up a bottle laundry soap. "Just
get the regular", I was told.
With Gregs Early Canadian fishing story still banging around in my head. I
stopped at the store. I wondered as I walked in. What's regular? Is it the
bottle with the white cap, red cap, pink or blue, I wondered. What if I get the
wrong one and my clothes shrink even more than they already have this summer.
Buck up I thought, (that's a rodeo term) as I passed the grocery cart station.
I walked right to the laundry soap area without even looking at the Snicker
bars. (I could kill for a Snicker bar) Then, wouldn't you know it. A sale sign
right under the very soap I think I want. 100 ounces for 7.99 (I think it said)
regular 9.99 (I think it said) Then, as I looked over a ways, there was a large
empty space on the shelf with a sign that said 200 ounces 12.9 something (I
think it said). I can't be absolutely certain the caps would have been the same
color because there wasn't any there. I can only wonder if "maybe" It cost a
lot more money getting the stains out of my underwear with the 100 ounce,
regular. Then, much to my chagrin, as I set the (on sale for 7.99 I think) 100
ounce regular (blue cap) bottle down at the register. The nice lady scanned the
jug, smiled and said, "10.62 please". With the small amount of wind I had left
in me, I asked. Isn't this the regular 100 liquid tide the sign says is on
sale? Too which I received a giant smile and a suuurre response as I was handed
my 9.38 cents change from a twenty dollar bill.
I may never understand the soap business, how, or why, it is sold the way it
is. I will, however, try and minimize the need for as much of it in my "fruit
of the Looms" in the future. ==================================
To the city of Grafton, and any other city in North Dakota, AND, the State of
North Dakota. M.C.I Bus Company, has announced another major layoff.
As time slips away, and bladder contents run into the Red River of the North,
passed the M.C.I assembly plant in Pembina. So too will the good money we have
invested in M.C.I. turn foul. ==================================
ROAD RUNNER ERRAND SERVICE:
It's a NO CHARGE errand service.
I don't know anything about it other than it appears as though "Clients" or
former residents of Graftons State Developmental Center have gone into the
errand business.
It is free of cost, so we can be assured it must be State run. It's hours are
from 8:00am to 3:30pm Monday thru Friday, which is another indication it's
state run. Their "business card" also mentions the fact the they are NOT
AVAILABLE WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS. I'm not sure what, if any, mile limitations
have been imposed. If someone out there somewhere would like a errand run.
Contact Maplewood 2 at the Grafton State Developmental Center, 701-352-4476.
Maybe I should be having them pick up my laundry soap. And so it goes.
==================================
Does anyone out there know anything about a black four door (suicide rear
doors) 1940 Oldsmobile, with 62,600 actual miles? This thing has a set of horns
under the hood that makes a freight train sound like a putt putt car. Has
anyone out there ever owned one? ==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
================================== P.S.
Judging by our mail box the past two weeks. Everyone else must be on vacation
as well.
P.S.
Thanks for the note John. I am going to have to dig for the bullet hole
address. I will find it, somehow,......somewhere.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are, before
it's to late.

August 13, 2003 - Wednesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE PROBE

CURRENT WEATHER
It's 61 degrees under a partly cloudy sky. a breeze from the southeast at 6
MPH is just enough to keep the windmill pumping water for Hardies "pure" Angus
Beef.
Our Skeeter Meter registered 6 sorties early last evening.
==================================
profanity makes ignorance audible ==================================
WILDLIFE RESEARCH:
Has anyone else noticed how Skeeters have learned to attack us just outside
the "swat zone"? Just last night, while visiting Brad and Denise, I noticed the
little critters seemed to zero in on the area just below the knees.
I'm not sure, yet, if there are different varieties of Skeeters for different
variations of people. It is starting to appear that way. For instance, I think
the little bitty buggers. The ones that tend to land and refuel on bald heads,
are small so they don't get tangled up in the odd follicle that clutters their
landing strip. Then there are those that emit super sonic sound waves as they
buzz around the ears. I'm guessing that variety is nothing more than a
diversion so the really big ones can put their drill smack in the middle of our
posterior.
The ones that really "bug" me, however, are those that start drilling below
the "swat zone". They obviously know how far a chubby Norwegian can bend and
plan their attack just beyond that point. And so it goes.
==================================
Uncle Gerald and Aunt Lois Sevigny stopped by Monday afternoon. They have
been here for about a month and were planning on heading back to Washington
Tuesday. As usual Lois looked great, Gerald looked pretty good too, although
even the latest camouflage issued by the United States Army couldn't hide him
in a crowd. I got a chance to see the painting his nephew, my cousin, Lynus
Sevigny painted on the end-gate of their pickup. The painting was that of an
eagle in flight over the American flag. It is a fabulous painting. That, along
with the pin stripping and small American flag Lynus painted along the sides of
the pickup will make their truck a very, very special vehicle.
It also makes me very proud to say, I share the same gene pool with such an
artist. We have always dreamed of having an "original" painting on the back of
our motorhome. Time, circumstances, and finances, always seemed to get in the
way. On the other hand, those same reasons have allowed us to enjoy such things
of others, even more.
If you happen to see a really fancy paint job on a motorcycle, or any type of
vehicle. Look at it closely, you may just find a small "Lynus" signature in one
corner. If so, that would be my cousin, Lynus Sevigny, Woodrow and Adeline's
son. ==================================
HARVEST REPORT:
Grain harvest yield reports are anywhere from 45 bushels to 90 plus bushels.
As a general rule, the first guy up in the morning has the lowest yields, with
the last guy in the bar at night having the highest.
Rumor has it the grain buyers haven't decided yet whether they will discount
for protein, or, if there should be a premium for it. Obviously the criteria,
as always, will be determined by which way growers will get the least amount
for their crop. Rumor also has it, the generic combines are holding their own
with the long green line. For you sports car nuts.....Combines have climate
control, power steering and seats, remote control mirrors and surround sound.
Anyone looking for work? ==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH ==================================
P.S.
If anyone is looking for us, our phone number for the next several days will
be 218-555-fish. Stop by if you're in the area, give us a shout on channel 11
if your just fishing by, and, if your hungry and in the area, try a rack Rock
Harbor ribs. They are absolutely fantastic. And so it goes.
Gary, GGP


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are, before
it's to late.

August 11, 2003 - Monday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE PROBE

PRESENT WEATHER:
The present temperature outside is 57 degrees. The slight breeze out of the
Southeast brings with it clear air and the calming sounds of Morning Doves in
our neighbors evergreen trees.
Todays Skeeter Meter recorded two sorties. ==================================
profanity makes ignorance audible ==================================
Rocky Point Report:
Fishing, once again was absolutely FANTASTIC. Catching was a little slow.
Our last "stay" at Arnesen's Rocky Point was filled with wonderful people, both
family, and friends. The time was spent visiting, fishing, eating at the Rock
Harbor Lodge, fishing, going to town, acquiring a 24 foot Thompson boat,
fishing, visiting, touring Arnesen's resort on the golf carts, and fishing.
Harvey Dale and Marlene Aasand stopped by for a short visit. Gosh it was great
to see them again. I worked with Harvey Dale at the Drayton Sugar Factory for
several years. Marlene looked as young as ever. H. Dale on the other hand, was
starting to show signs of too many long campaigns. I was pleased to hear H.
Dale tell me I hadn't changed much over the years. (Actually, I think he said
"your fishing hat looks just like I remember it from years ago".)
My son-in-law David, arraigned for a day long launch trip. David, two of my
grandsons, Josh and Nick along with nephew Nick Conigliaro spent a day on a
Rocky Point launch. With Paul Arnesen at the helm, and, Nephew Nicks "secret
weapon" I would be hard pressed to remember a more enjoyable day. Yes, fishing
that day, was absolutely FANTASTIC and yes, catching that particular day was a
'teeny weeny' bit slow. Thank God for that. It was a perfect day for getting to
know each other better. A perfect time to watch some of those I care for very
much, inner act with each other, and I might add, with myself.
It was a day that allowed me to observe first hand, what I have been saying
for many years. Paul Arnesen, (our Captain) Jack and Mary Arnesen's oldest son,
truly is a professional individual. Paul has the intellectual, and physical,
ability to hold the interest of anyone. The respect and interest Paul displayed
toward our group was nothing sort of admirable.
In a day and age where slang, foul language, and general disrespect, for
fellow man runs rampant. Paul Arnesen, and I might add, Pauls younger brother
Mark, have not only mastered the "Kings English" but also the manners of the
"Queen". Thanks again David, for allowing me to participate in such a terrific
day on the lake. Thanks also to Grandsons Nick and Josh and nephew Nick, for
making a most memorable day.
See paul,..... I told you I wouldn't mention some of the topics discussed over
the coarse of the day. Thanks again Paul.
-------------------------
Nick and Dianna Conigliaro have been coming up to Rocky Point for several
years. Until then, Nick was a died in the wool Bass fisherman. (and continues
to be) As a matter of fact, he would even haul his bass boat up here from
Denver.
This past week, I think, will mark the beginning of a new era. Nick and Di are
in the process of purchasing a permanent residence at Rocky Point. It's a
beautiful "Park Model" with slides, a large addition and lawn storage shed.
If the truth be known, I think Nick and Di are only a little bit more excited
than Pat and I, about their purchase.
----------------------------
We also became the new owners of and old boat, during this past visit. We have
been looking for a "little fishing boat" that I could go out and "putt around"
the lake with. We also wanted it to be "grandchildren safe". That means, deep
enough, so little children can't fall overboard. I really wanted one that had
electric start, as I'm still having trouble with my shoulders. I also thought a
depth finder (fish finder) would be great and of course, in case I should
wander around the corner, a GPS would come in handy.
Wouldn't you know it, we looked around, and, dog gone if we didn't find
almost, just about, what we were looking for. It ended up a little longer than
the plan, 24 feet. However it did come with depth finder, GPS, 4 down riggers,
Stereo (for the Grandkids) spot light, Marine and Citizens band radio's, a
berth that sleeps two, complete with built in "potty".
The person we purchased it from assured us a 350 Chevrolet engine doesn't burn
gas in a boat like they do in trucks. He was absolutely right! It burns more,
in a boat! No-matter, we are very pleased with our little vessel.
==================================
I am very sorry to report, nothing new on a wedding date. The day before I
left, Uncle Norman (Russum) and Dad to-be (Lynn Ebert) were planning a trip.
This morning, I found out they are still planning the same trip. Hence, Dad to-
be (Lynn Ebert) hasn't spent a minute planning his up coming union.
It's beginning to look as though I may need help with the wedding plans. I'm
not sure, if there is any truth to the rumor, however this morning I was told
Lynn gave June a ring with a lump of coal on it. He then, according to the
rumor, told June he would be happy to get married when that piece of coal
turned into a diamond. Maybe someone out there can add some credibility to the
rumor. Anyway, I'm starting to think if Lynn keeps frittering away his money on
foolish trips and stuff. We just may end up having to have the wedding in the
park, for lack of funds.
And so it goes.
==================================
Did I mention our local UPS man Pat Svoboda also stopped by to see us this
week at Rocky Point. Pat, another UPS man for the Park River area, Pats future
Brother-in-law and another friend were going on the launch for the day with
Paul. Pat stopped by our place afterwards and commented on what a terrific
time they had that day. If anyone is wondering where their UPS stuff is this
week. Pat's on vacation. If your packages smell a little fishy next week.
You'll know why. ==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH ==================================
P.S.
Finally, after all these years I am starting to realize where home is.
"Home, is where the washer and drier is. Fun, good times, fellowship and
fishing is where you create the need for a washer and drier". Gary
Moe, GGP