Friday, December 17, 2004

December 17, 2004 - Friday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/17/04 FRIDAY grp. 3
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The current temperature under a cloudy sky is 18 degrees with a south
wind blowing 19 MPH.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 25/12
Last years H/L temperature was 17/0
Normal H/L temp for this date is 20/2
Every now and then, weather folks tell us we should prepare for
"another blast" of Canadian air. Does anyone know where, in the air,
they find the Canadian air label?
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
-------------------------------------
I've been told, when I mentioned the House fire this week, in the
former Joe Bernard residence that it spawned a memory or two.
Joe, as I understand it was a fairly accomplished painter. (the
building kind of painter) I understand he's left his mark on more than
one church in the area. Another individual mentioned how pretty Joe's
wife was, and, that she was more than a bit concerned about the fact
that Joe, "may" have caressed the open end of a bottle of "spirits" more
than she could tolerate.
I Was also told that the Bernards had a daughter named Geraldine.
According to that rumor, that's where Billy DeSautel learned to pursue
the fairer sex. That story continues, that "Nip" Lykken might even be
able to add substance to it.
Those that can remember when the Bernards lived in that house, might
also remember another painter, Fred Aas, that lived just north of the
Bernards. Then of course, the Robert (Bob) Barr house and some might
remember the last house on the north end of the side of the street. The
Berg residence. Aren't memories great?
==
Children may tear up a house, but they seldom break up a home. (Thanks
Dane)
==
The new West Side Liquor Livery is open. You'll find it just behind
the KUM & GO sign. I guess the gas is still Cenex, (Farmers Union) for
you older folks.
It looks to me like the place to go if you want to get gassed up, and,
liquored up for the holidays. I guess we should thank the Farmers Union
for joining forces with Cenex and Cenex for bringing in the KUM & GO,
who, in turn opened up another off sale libation facility to our area.
==================================
The World Junior Hockey Tournament is just around the corner. "We"
Grafton has been allow the honor, (and it is truly an honor) of hosting
one of the WJHT exhibition games, prior to the actual tournaments being
held in the two Engelstad arenas at Grand Forks and Thief River Falls.
The boys playing in the WJHT games are NOT professional "wanna-be's".
The are actual professional hockey player "gonna-be's".
I received the following note regarding Graftons participation in the
areas once in a lifetime WJHT opportunity.
Gary:
Just checking in to see if you could help the Grafton Park District
"spread the word" about purchasing tickets (in advance) for the upcoming
WJHT Exhibition Game featuring Belarus & Slovakia. Our guests will be
here next Wed. the 22nd, at approximately 4:00pm. The Centennial Center
doors will open at 6:00pm with the game starting at 7:00pm. People who
have already purchased tickets will be allowed to pass through in a
separate line (express) while those who buy tickets at the door risk
waiting in a line & not getting to the seat they want.
To host this event is a privilege as well as an awesome opportunity to
witness world level hockey action - a "MUST SEE" event for a reasonable
price....only $10/ticket and in the comfort of a hometown rink with
ample parking as well as excellent concessions & service. The excitement
is building.....
Thanks much for your help in circulating these thoughts, Gary - we
appreciate it!
Ann Poeschel West
Grafton Parks & Recreation

-Thanks a million Ann. I would expect every
"hockey person" in the area to purchase tickets for this event.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Two wonderful people will be celebrating 33 years (thirty three) years
of marriage tomorrow, Saturday December 18th.
I have been assured the person most involved will understand, and have
been asked to simply relay the following;
** I am so lucky to share my life with such a wonderful
man! With all my being, I Love You!!! Happy Anniversary**
--
The passing of Don Elznic brought the following message from Ralph
Kingsbury. Gary, I have something for you to ponder while in your
library. How come it is only the good ones who die early? First, Mr
Bradshaw, and now Don Elznic. Like you, I don't suppose I knew him well
enough to call him a friend, but he certainly was one of the nicest
acquaintance I had. You would go in the post office and it was always a
cheerful greeting, the same thing if you met him on the street, or at a
ball game. His kids and wife are just as wonderful. The daughter is
quiet and pretty, like her mother, and Adam is just a Don, Jr., and one
of the best actor's GHS has ever had.
I am not saying that everyone who lives to be older is not nice, but it
seems to me there are just too many like these two taken from us before
we are ready to let them go. Ralph Kingsbury<<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Ralph. If someone would have told me,
when I was young, how much time I would be spending in he library. I
would hae told them, they were full,...of it.
==================================
Betty Lou (Brekke) Davis sent the following note regarding Don,
Hi Gary and Patty YES I did get your
newsletter THANKS.....I was saddened to hear about Don Elznic, he was
my mom's neighbor on the farm and he and his wife were so good to my
mom. It is so sad to loose someone, and, especially during the
holidays.
I used to visit and kid around with him when I would go to the post
office in Grafton,
BettyLou<<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Betty Lou.
==================================
THAT'S ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!
Dog gone, bugger, heck, shucks, gee wilikers, son-of-a-dirty-word.
Rats,...the Leistikow park was hit again last night. This time, a group
of "individuals" pushed the bull in Wally DeSautels Walt Disney
wonderland display down the dike. WHY? Why would anyone do such a
dastardly dead. Why would a group of "mothers children" want to destroy
such a terrific project. WHO, who, could possibly be so insecure. I have
every confidence in the world that someone, of responsibility, knows the
perpetrators of this event.
"Our" community must find ways to stave off such acts if "we" are to
continue to enjoy "our" Beautiful Leistikow Park.
I am in hopes that all of "our" areas news media will pickup on the
story, so that the vandals know they will be aprehended.
Wally has assured me he hasn't given up. That he will repair the damage
and will continue his plans for an even better display next year. Thank
you very much Wally. A lessor man would most certainly have thrown in
the towel.
Or, so it seems to me.
==================================
SADLY, I report the passing of Donald (Don) Brown, age 87. Don spent
his life farming and trucking in the Drayton area. Over the years I
worked on several projects with Don. I always found Don easy to work
with, almost to a fault. Both Don, and his son Keith, were istraental in
the dike building project around the Drayton factory in 1997.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me,
I will, however, always appreciate it."
GLM


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

Sunday, December 12, 2004

December 12, 2004 - Thursday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/02/04 THURSDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is nothing, nothing above and nothing below.
Zero for the folks into numbers.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 18/11
Last years H/L temperature was 27/7
Normal H/L temp for this date is 25/9
The one to two inches of snow we received last night grew to four
inches this morning.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
There's something to be said about a bobcat cleaning the snow off
driveways at 4:00 am in the morning. There is definitely something to be
said. Unfortunately I can't print it in the Gazette.
==================================
They did it, it's a done deal, (almost).
The Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Chambers of Commerce will combine
into an organization 1,000 members strong. It appears as though some
were concerned that the larger Grand Forks contingent, would consume the
much smaller East Grand Forks contribution to the merge.
Fortunately, after hearing that the new offices will be located in East
Grand Forks, everyone was willing to forget about the clout the big
side, with it's University might have.
Personally, I think it's a super idea. I have no doubt, Mayor Brown has
already told the folks from East Grand Forks how fortunate they are to
have Grand Forks right across the river. He (Mayor Brown) drove forty
miles north to share that same story with us. I wouldn't place any
wagers, however, I'm gonna guess he hasn't been back since, to stay, or
spend any of his money here.
Of course I think the merge is a good idea. Consolidating services,
minimizing duplications, one entity speaking for both is the wave of the
future.
I can see it all now. A hunter from Ohio, calls the Grand Cities
Chamber office (located somewhere close to the bridge between the two
cities) and says. I will be coming through your "two cities" next week
and will be looking for a new gun. Where, in your opinion, would be a
good place for me to start looking?
With the total honesty and sincerity of a politician in a new election.
The Chamber representative might say something akin to. "Well sir, if
your coming in from the East, you might want to stop in at Cabella's and
check out their firearm inventory. On the other hand, if you are coming
in from the West, just stay on highway two til you cross the bridge,
hang a right and follow the signs to Cabella's. Of course the folks from
the north should turn left on 2 and conversely those from the south
should head for the bridge east of the interstate on highway 2.
Nope, I don't see a problem there at all. If I were to see any problem
with the merger what-so-ever, and I don't. The suggestion made by Jim
Dalglish that member dues "must drop" and that the building of a new
Chamber office shouldn't get in the way of that, could put a wrinkle in
someone's fruit-of-the-looms.
Then too, one should keep in mind Joanne Otto's revelation that,
outreach is important because, "you always find that it's the smaller
guys that are intimidated."
Boy,.. girl you can sure say that again.
==================================
It's called bite and release. I've been practicing it for several
years now. It eliminates the need for scales and rulers. It allows even
the most novice fisherperson the opportunity to "bring home" a
whopper,...in his imagination.
Now, however, according to an article in todays Grand Forks Herald
(page 5 B). The walleyes I have been "practicing" catching, might not be
walleye's at all. They could be zanders, yup, (that's Norwegian for it
ain't lutefisk either) it seems some unscrupulous kitchens are
practicing "bait and switch". Their menu says fresh walleye, but the DNA
test says it's zander.
Until I read the article I could have said, "I not only haven't eaten
zander, I've never even heard of it before. One thing I can say for
certain, if your looking for fantastic Lake of the Woods walleye, and
you practice bite and release as I do. Stop in at Arnesen's Rocky Point
Resort Lodge. Their walleye is out of this world, and, their all
caught,.. right in the lip.
==================================
ANOTHER STUDY:
LOW - FAT BEATS LOW - CARB
I sure like that idea.
==================================
If you haven't had the opportunity to go through Leistikow Park, in the
dark, It is worth the trip. Yesterday, someone put up a super giant
horse and wagon display. Four large horses pulling a wagon loaded with a
Christmas tree and a driver. It definitely required a lot of labor to
build and is a fantastic addition to the already wonderful displays in
the park.
==================================
NOW THEN:
Yesterday, Wednesday December, 1st was the anniversary of the birth of
Mike Stauss. I'm pretty sure the doctor that delivered Mike slapped his
butt at birth. If he didn't, he should have. As soon as Mike blows out
the candles from this years cake, he will qualify for the next edition
of the AARP magazine. It isn't that Mike is to old to keep working. The
question is, is he to old to start.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike while I was at the East Grand
Forks Factory. Mike was, and still is, the expert in charge of the EGF
sugarbeet Deep Freeze project. Deep Freeze folks are special people,
Lavern Hoeper can attest to that. Their temperamental, Katie can attest
to that. They can be a real pain in the ----budget, Dan Gowan can attest
to that.
Mike, and we can all attest to this, is a super Deep freeze man and
terrific individual, my friend,...and he was, one year older yesterday.
Gosh I'm sorry this is late Mike. My excuse is, I spent all day
yesterday trying to think of something nice to say about you. So here it
is.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE STAUSS,
I miss working with you, and, I wish I was there. Gary - GGP
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================


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

December 12, 2004 - Sunday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/12/04 SUNDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees under a cloudy sky with wind
speeds exceeding county road speed limits, gusting to interstate levels
a times.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 38/20
Last years H/L temperature was 0/-17
Normal H/L temp for this date is 22/4
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
Yesterday our community bid farewell to Robert (Bob) Bradshaw. The
services were held in the Grafton High School Auditorium. Bob leaves a
void in the lives of many. The following note from our daughter Wendy
gives some insight to losses felt by many. Wendy wrote;
As I sit here and wait for the clock to tick by, I look for support
of my parents. I am getting ready to leave our home to go with my four
daughters and a niece to help them say good bye to a true friend.
Mr. Bradshaw may have been their superior, but to them he was a friend.
He was there to support them through all that high school had to offer.
Nicole is taking it REALLY hard she adored him. He was first to say good
job and always there to tell her what a doll she is. She will not do
well today and in turn that will be hard for me as her mother, not to be
able to take away her pain. Jennifer is singing in the choir today and
she is packing a lot of kleenex. We have a home hockey game tonight,
and, an away basketball game in Langdon. I pray for all our children.
Dr. Stremick has REALLY picked up the slack for our Nicole and has made
special efforts to go out of his way to ask her how she is doing, and to
let her know he is there for her. I THANK GOD for our school system,
and, the people they employ. Anyway, I will sign off now, as the girls
are telling me its time to go. I wouldn't wish this day on anyone. This
is when I find being a parent very hard. Love, Wendy<<< Thank you very
much Wendy, for caring and sharing. The loss of a friend or loved one is
always very difficult. It is the reason I end every Gazette with; Write
if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late. (I love you very much)
==================================
Beverly Demers sent the following note that sums up Bobs funeral
service.
Hi Gary,
As I'm sure you've already heard from many of your subscribers, the
funeral service for Bob Bradshaw yesterday afternoon was very nice. From
where I was sitting, it appeared that the high school gym was full. It
was a tribute to a wonderful man and the legacy he left behind. Bob
obviously touch many lives.
Thanks Beverly for caring and sharing. Your observations are absolutely
correct.
==================================
I found the following message in yesterdays mail from Janet Burns. She
wrote; Hi Gary:
Thanks again for the time and effort you put into each writing to us,
it is always wonderful to think of the past and a much simpler life. The
holidays don't seem to have the luster and excitement that they used to
- except for a few moments when I drive through "our" park and see all
of the wonderful displays. It seems both time and life have a way of
changing that in us.
I always enjoy the remarks that you receive from Dane and then share
with us. I am wondering if this is Dane Molde and if so, where is he now
and what is he doing. I remember Dane from the years I worked at the
high school, what a great guy he was.
Jan Burns<<<
Thanks a million Janet for caring and sharing. I must admit, I too have
noticed "we tend to put more effort into "selling ideas for Christmas",
than we do "selling the idea of Christmas."
I also find it a bit confusing that "we" must go to war, to "kill and
be killed" because, the folks we are going to war for,.... did the same
thing.
As far as Dane is concerned. If the Dane you remember from school was
head and shoulders above the rest. If he was the one wearing tennis
shoes, the size of snow shoes, he could well be the boy you remember. I
must confess that I too, have wondered, what Dane Molde is currently
doing. So, to that end, I'm going to expect that Dane send us a note, a
short "resume" so to speak, of what he's done since high school. There's
no hurry Dane, try have it back for Mondays Gazette....Okay?
P.S.
Yes,.. we certainly do have a wonderful park,.. don't we
==================================
The human brain is like a freightcar, guaranteed to have a certain
capacity, but sometimes running empty. (Thanks Dane)
==================================
We would like to welcome two new members to the Gazette family. Ronda
Anderson and Michele Martin will be subjected to the lunacy of the
Gazette. I can't promise you more than you pay for. However, I can
promise, what you see is what you get. In return, all I ask is once in
awhile, please send me a note so that I know your address is still
active, and, if you can, let "us" know a little bit about your world as
well.
If you want to send me a note and prefer I not "send it out to the
group" simply say "just between us" or, "please don't share", or, If
it's really a hot topic and you want it to stay a secret, you might ask
that I "burn it upon receipt". Anyway, I am pleased to add both Ronda
and Michele to "our" address book. Gary - GGP
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me.
I will, however, always appreciate it."
GLM


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

Friday, December 10, 2004

December 10, 2004 - Friday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/10/04 FRIDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 18 degrees (above) under a cloudy sky. A
north breeze at 14 MPH puts the wind chill number at 6 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 29/26
Last years H/L temperature was 12/-4
Normal H/L temp for this date is 22/5
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
I received the following message from our daughter-in-law Denise
regarding the recent Vessel of Praise Concerts, held in Grafton and Park
River in the past few days.
Gary,
Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Vessel of
Praise Concert at the Lutheran Church in Park River. It is a Christian
Choir consisting of local people. It was absolutely amazing! The
singing, the music, the environment, and most of all - the message, was
truly fantastic! If you ever get a chance to see them, by all means
do!!! They are fantastic! It is so refreshing to see area residents
proclaiming the message of God and the Bible in such a beautiful way!
They didn't charge anything, but there was a free will offering for the
church and the choir to continue their work. Well worth the donation!
Hats off to the entire group! Denise -----<<<< Thanks a million Denise,
for caring and sharing. Denise is the "D" in B & D Flooring and Carpet
Cleaning.
I've heard many positive comments about this group. Once again, it's
proof positive that you don't have to travel great distances to see
great entertainment.
==================================
Heaven, is a much better place today. With deepest sorrow, I must
report the passing of Robert (Bob) Bradshaw.
Bob was more than a loving husband and father. He was, much, more than
"our" high school Principal. Bob Bradshaw was a man with principles.
Shortly after Bob started his career in Grafton, I started hearing
about a man, "all the kids in school just love." I could tell Bob was a
"cut above the rest" simply by the way my grandchildren referred to him,
almost on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, for me, I didn't have the opportunity to know Bob very
well personally. As I did with Miss. Nordbo, Miss Torkelson, Miss
Carlson and Mrs Qualley, to mention a few.
I can say, however, from the comments I've heard from students and
residents alike. Robert (Bob) Bradshaw, was right up there among the
"best". I have often heard it said that you can always replace a man,
and, that is certainly true. However, you can never replace "The Man",
and that's why Heaven has become a better place,... because now "The
Man" Bob Bradshaw has entered it's gates.
We would like to extend or most, heartfelt, and sincere sympathies to
the Robert (Bob) Bradshaw family. He has left a mark that will never
fade from the halls of "our" school system, and the streets of "our"
wonderful community.
Thank you Bob for all you have left for us, and, God speed. From the
entire Gary Moe gene pool.
"It'll take a whole pen full of ink to draw the dash of Bob's life."
GLM
==================================
"To know what is right, and then not do
it, is the worst form of cowardice."
==================================
I notice some HOTMAIL.COM addresses are having a bit of a problem
again. Yesterdays Gazette was returned "unopened" from four folks with
hotmail.com addresses.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I received a note from Norman (Nip) Lykken yesterday. I'm not sure if
Nip intended to share his new acquisition with us on the same day the
news about the problems laptops create for a mans gene pool generation
equipment, or not.
Anyway, I received the following note from Nip; >>>hello to all our
contacts. I'm sending this from our new laptop we got ourselves for
xmas, so feel free to send us e-mail and keep us informed of all the
news. We love this place we are at.
We also have a new phone no here on top of our cell phones.
The sun is shining today... It has been cold and windy.
We just got back from the hospital where Kathy had some tests done.
Everything looks great. Good news to enjoy the Holidays with.
Norm and Kathy<<< That is wonderful news. Thanks for caring and sharing
Nip. It hasn't exactly been a heat wave here either. Although every
morning we still get a chance to hear Billy beller, "turn the heat down"
at Granny's.
==================================
God will either lighten our load or strengthen our backs. (Thanks
Dane)
==================================
I was pleased to see Hagens Construction put up a nice display in
Leistikow Park. The one from Hardee's seems to grow more every day, and,
the beautiful horse and wagon display now has a "Budweiser" sign in
front of it.
==================================
Have you noticed? It's the little things in life that make it worth
living.===
For instance, just the other day, while visiting the "Gazette Library".
I got to wondering, old age does require it, you know. Who, I wondered,
uses the "library" more? Then I realized, The age old question of, who
should put the lid up when their done, would in fact, answer my
question.
Yup, (that's Norwegian for Holy Smokers) I figured that, if, when I
enter the "facility" the lid was still up, I was probably using it more
often than someone else. On the other hand, if, the lid (on the water
closet) was down. That would mean someone had been there since me. Now
then, isn't that just the kind of thing one needs to know, before the
holidays?
Then again, still visiting the library, I got to wondering. Why I
wonder about things like that anyway?
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me,
I will, however, always appreciate it." GLM


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

Thursday, December 09, 2004

December 9, 2004 - Thursday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/09/04 THURSDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees with a light mist coming from a
cloudy sky.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 28/22
Last years H/L temperature was 31/5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 23/6
Take a drive south, down Griggs Avenue, from highway 17. It's worth the
trip.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
Holiday shoppers were out in full force today. On three separate
occasions yesterday, I noticed every available main street parking spot
was being used. That is, every spot that the sidewalks were shovelled. I
found it interesting that every parking spot, during the same time
frame, that hadn't been shovelled, was empty.
Yup, there's no question about it, folks just don't seem to want to
crawl over snowbanks, or trudge over slippery, uneven cobblestone to
spend their hard earned money. Or so it seems to me.
==================================
"We" received a couple notes yesterday with a mention of Chase School
and the Chase Building. Loren Lunberg sent the following (after a tiny
bit of editing).
Chase School.....Hulda Carlson.......and Ernest Bayze (sp?), who
seemed about 12 feet tall when he joined us in the 4th grade......As I
recall, halfway through the school year Ernest left, and, once again
Hulda was the largest person in the room...... LL<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Loren. I too remember Hulda as the most
dominant and predominant person in Forth grade. During that "era" I also
remember Miss Torkelson as the tallest, prettiest teacher I ever met,
although Miss Nordbo, without question, was not only very pleasing to
the eyes, she displayed a understanding for some of my foolishness most
other instructors found difficult to understand. Then, there was Mrs
Qualley, my 5th grade teacher. If I could have had a third grandmother,
it would have been Mrs Qualley,... without question.
I have, over the years, learned to appreciate the extreme importance
many, if not most, of the teachers in my life have played in my life. I
have, on occasion been able to tell some of them personally. I have
also, on occasion, been able to share my appreciation of some with their
children. I certainly encourage everyone to do the same.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If your looking for jewelry, stop in at Golden Harvest Jewelry.
Graftons finest jewelry store. If you want to see the largest Diamond in
town. Take a drive through Leistikow Park and see the Golden Harvest
Jewelry diamond display.
"It is worth the trip."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"We" received the following note from a current resident of the Chase
Building. Loretta wrote; >>>> Morning Gary: In reading some of the
memories from folks that went to Chase School - I just happened to think
that if/when any of them are back home here in Grafton - they are more
then welcome to come by "the old Chase bldg" - & one of us (with Social
Services - whose home this is now) - will be happy to show them around &
they can see how nice an office building -their ole school - turned out
to be! We love it here! Loretta................Merry Christmas to
you and Patty - as well...<<<
Thanks a million for the invitation Loretta, I can believe several
folks would welcome to opportunity to "revisit" the home of their
formative years.
==================================
If it's hardware your looking for, and, the Grafton Hardware store
(formerly Daves Hardware) doesn't have it. He can get it,....quick. On
Graftons main street.
==================================
Then "we" received the following note from Dane Molde. I admit I'm not
totally sport literate, so I'm not sure if the Sprewell Dane speaks of
is in golf or tennis. However, I have all the confidence in the world,
that some of you out there do. Dane wrote;
Good Day,
After hearing that some character named Sprewell couldn't
afford to feed his family on the $27 million he was offered. I can only
say that I think it is time that the fans go on a lockout, or strike, to
let professional athletes know we are tired of overpriced seats, and
everything else related to sports costing an arm and a leg. I guess at
those kind of wages, Mr. Sprewell probably couldn't afford to take his
family to see the team who offered him that minimum wage to play a game.
It is time that they remember why they play the game.

P.S. Feel free to share this with all of your readers, maybe some of
them will share their thoughts.<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Dane.
Some would respond simply by saying, "it's the American way." It might
be interesting to hear what "others" will say. If,...they say anything
at all.
==================================
For some reason, I've been thinking, today is the day, I have
something special to do. For some reason I can't remember what it is. I
guess maybe it's not til next week, and, I just might remember it by
then.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me.
I will, however, always appreciate it" GLM


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

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

December 7, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/07/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 23 degrees with a light north breeze under a
partly cloudy sky.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 32/22
Last years H/L temperature was 28/16
Normal H/L temp for this date is 23/7
It's the seventh of December and weather forecasters are telling us we
can expect winter weather "like" conditions for the next seven days.
Would all those surprised with that forecast,...please stand up.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
Local residence spent most of the day yesterday praticing their winter
time drivng skills. I narrowly escaped a dog gone, bugger heck, shucks
accident yesterday as I was driving down the "school road". It seems one
of the "schools" employees was in a extra big hurry to get off the
grounds and dad gum near smacked me right in the left door.
Fortunatly for me,..and him too I expect, I was able to drive halfway
down the ditch to miss him. Thank God,..and four wheel drive, for that
near miss.
==================================
Late yesterday afternoon I dumped $1.90 worth of gas in the snowblower
and headed out to blow the snowcat dust off the driveway and side walks.
I figure there was about 4 inches there when I started. I won't win a
prize for the best ballerina at the ball, and i's easier to follow the
blower in low than high now, but I didn't run out of gas before I
finished and that's,.. a good thing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The following note from aunt Tootsy shares an opinion that seems to be
a growing one across the country. She wrote; >>> Hi Gary, I would like
to add my two cents about Wal-Mart a chain of stores that get 90 percent
of there products from China. I watched Front-line on P. B. S. two weeks
ago. One previous manager spoke about the way they will cut prices and
how they drove Rubbermaid out of business by imports and they are
working on Toys-R-Us. I understand some of the toy manufactures in the
USA are selling to Toys-R-Us much cheaper this Christmas, 35 different
toys to fight Wal-Mart. Hope It works. Another vote down with Wal-Mart.
Tootsy<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Tootsy.
-------------------------
The following note lends a differant prospective to "Sams" legacy. The
note; >>>>Gary, the Wal-Mart article was very interesting. I am sitting
on top the fence on this one. Why, because my better half works there,
and has for a number of years. She thinks Wal-Mart is a couple of steps
up on sliced bread. Why, after working a 6-7hr shift she thinks nothing
of coming home and loading the daughter and younger son up in the van an
heading right back to Wal-Mart to do some shopping, she could have done
while there previously. This happens quite often I might add. I don't
get upset any more because it doesn't do any good, and, I LOVE HER and
the kids to much to stay mad anyway. She, Kate, loves the place and all
it stands for. She's proud to work there, she enjoys her time there
visiting with all her or Wal-Mart customers, many who come back through
her line time and again looking for her. She has been nominated and
achieved awards for her service to Wal-Mart and if she needs time off
for her medical condition, or anything else, they go out of the way to
accomodate her. She can come back when feeling better and is welcomed
back by all. She also owns stock in Wal-Mart and is proud of that too.
She also gets a month off from Wal-Mart during HARVEST so her and the
children are together while I'm in my busiest time of the season. Well,
like I heard on Paul Harvey one time, I think it would be nice to be
buried under the concrete in front of Wal-Marts doors, that way I would
be visited at least a couple of times a day by members of my family each
and every day!! Cool huh?
I only go there to visit Kate and I can count on one hand how many
purchases I personally make there each year. I don't know if thats fair
or not but I don't see me changing anything to do with Wal-Mart in my
family in the near future! Hope this note finds you feeling well my
Friend, and have a nice LORDS day. Your friend, Mike S.<<< Thank you
very much Mike for caring and sharing. I wouldn't be a bit surprised,
that when the roll is called up yonder, there will be thousands of notes
just like yours there.
==================================
Too many people spend half their time wishing for things they could
have if they didn't spend half their time wishing.
==================================
Several days ago, maybe more, I wrote a bit about the Mrs. T. A.
Gagnon's cook book I received from Wally DeSautel. I have, and, will
again include "bits" from that book in the future.
Then, just the other day I mentioned the "Lunde" house taking it's well
deserved spot in "residence remembered".
I find it interesting to "revisit" thoughts of "our" communities early
homes, and, those that have been a part of our past. To that end I
found the following note, most interesting, and, again I must remind
"our" Gazette family, that notes, and the exchange of "opinions" is the
primary function of the Gazette.
I should congratulate Agnes for capturing two thoughts in the same
note. She wrote;
>>>>You are doing great with the memories of Grafton, and, the
surrouding area. Suzie told me of the Lunde house going down. At one
time, my folks owned it and sold it to Lunde's. I was wondering if
anyone would know where the T. A. Gagnon's lived in Grafton. The house
has been moved, but it was on main street. At one time was told that it
had been moved to the east side of town. The great grandson has been
trying to find it but hasn't as yet. Maybe your readers would know. Mrs.
Gagnon was the lady that wrote the cookbook that was reprinted for the
Grafton centennial, and she was, my mothers sister. Don't worry about me
not getting your gazette as Suzie sends it to me. I keep moving around
anyway, but I keep getting it thru her. You're getting snow right now,
and we're getting rain. It's cool and dreary right now, but at least we
don't have snow here in Mesa. You may put part of this letter in your
gazette if you wish. Have a good holiday. Agnes Bolek
Thanks a million Agnes. I am very pleased to share your thoughts with
"us". Perhaps a subscriber can even solve the Gagnon house question.
Arn't memories wonderful?
==================================
I understand there is a booming "new" business in Oregon. I don't know
much about it yet although I believe it goes by the name of Ray &
Charlie's Midnight Holly Supply. I'm not sure if it's a legal
corporation, or, a "limited" partnership.
==================================
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Diana Conigliaro.
Today is the day to celebrate the anniversary of your birth. Of course
I won't mention the number of candles melting on your cake. Only that
the number reminds me of the year Chevrolet started putting oil pumps in
their motors.
We hope you have a wonderful birthday Diana, and we love you very much.
U&A Patti and Gary.
==================================
It was 45 years ago today that Brian Lunski received his "first"
spanking. Happy Birthday Brian. I really tried to come up with something
relative to 45, and the only thing I could think of is,...it's only half
way to ninety. Happy Birthday Brian, from the staff at the Gazette.
==================================
CAMPBELLS FRESH === is open, in Grand Forks. Roger Moe stopped in
there yesterday and reports the Burgers and the service,... is
fantastic.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
P.S.
"I may not always like what you tell me, I will, however, always
appreciate it." Gary


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

Monday, December 06, 2004

December 6, 2004 - Monday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/06/04 MONDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees with calm winds and light snow.
The present forecast says, we should expect to blow about 1 inch of
snowcat dust off the driveway.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 17/9
Last years H/L temperature was 24/13
Normal H/L temp for this date is 24/7
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L new & stuff
Only 19 shopping days til Christmas. That's an interesting statement,
to say the least. It certainly sounds commercial to me. Certainly NOT
the reason for the season.
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON:
It is a "catchy phrase". One I have used myself on occasion. Under
normal circumstances, when I hear the phrase, I smile, nod, and
reminisce of days, and seasons past.
In most cases I hear, or read, the term from regular folks on the
street. Or, in articles relating to the time of year between
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every once in a while though, I have heard
or read the phrase by people that I personally regard as 'a little
closer to heaven' than I.
Hence, my reason for this note on, "the reason for the season."
One time a long time ago. In the middle of a heated discussion, that
took place at Grafton Floral, between Father Garland and Wilfred
Collect. I remember Wilfred telling Father Garland, "You know Father,
that's easy for you to say, you have a 2,000 year old book to run your
business by." To which Father Garland replied, "you know Wilfred, that
same book applies to you Politicians as well as Priests." After
the discussion was over and the flower shop was quite. Dad looked at me
and with a funny sort of smile said, "son, there's two things in this
world you never want to argue about. One of them is Religion,...the
other is Politics."
This article is living proof I haven't "always" listen to dad.
ANYWAY. The reason for the season, (season being described as any of the
four
major 'seasons' of the year.) certainly means different things to
different people.
Some would like to relate Christmas, as a season. For instance,
today is Julie Watkins birthday. Hence, this could well be described as
"Julie Watkins" season. As far as Merchandisers are concerned, the
earlier they promote Julie's actual celebrated birth date, the greater
the opportunity to capitalize on "her" day. Hence, the reason for the
Julie Watkins season, is to make more money. Christians, celebrate
the birth of Christ on December 25th. That is in fact "The day".
Merchants have, over the years, commercialized the thought of
Christmas, (and,.. the thought of Christmas is a good thing) to begin
the day after Thanksgiving.
The Christmas season is one of the few, if not the only, season
every religious, and non religious, denomination participates in for
financial gain. Aided to a large extent by the Christian community
itself.
The Christian community itself, is one of several dozen, or even,
several hundred religious and non religious groups in the world. The
reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth, and coming, of MY
PERSONAL SAVIOR.
The reason for the season, has been commandeered by the merchants
of the world for financial gain. Not the least of which have been
florists and greeting card companies.
ON THE OTHER HAND:
Think what the world would be like, if everyone, would buy a
present for everyone they know, every time someone they know has a
birthday. If that would happen. How long would "their" season be?
By way of recapitulation;
I think it is fair to say, every Merchant, Jew or Gentile, Sand
Rancher and Fan Dancer alike, rely to a significant degree on the days
before Christs Birth, regardless of the number, that has come to be
known as "The Holiday Season".
For me, all the reasons, or seasons, I can see, can't take away,
what Christ has given me.
He's brought me friends and family,
without them, what would I really be?
He's held my hand when I've felt sad,
and helped fix things that once seemed bad. He's been there when
I've felt lost,
and lit the way, and, shared the cost. I've learned a lot this
past few years, some I've learned, while shedding tears. The fact
remains, until it ends,
I'm thankful for Jesus Christ, my Family, and,... my
Friends.
P.S. Happy birthday Julie (Demester) Watkins. We love you very much.
A&U Patti and Gary
==================================
Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is faced. (Thanks Dane)
==================================
I have received a few "comments" about the article I sent out
regarding China's largest USA wholesale partner. I have written back and
asked some if I might share them and so far haven't gotten a response.
The following note from Tom Hart does in fact cover many of the comments
I've received so far. Although I must admit, I've had a couple requests
for the piece Marty Riske sent so I might hear from those folks later.
Tom wrote;
Gary:
Need to pay my dues.
There was a small shopping center 2 blocks away from my home. In the
shopping center was a hardware store where I could get items I needed to
maintain my home. Wal-Mart came in and replaced the shopping center.
Wal-Mart (Chinese Dime Store) is good stores to shop at, but if you need
something you will only find it 15% of the time.
Maybe if I shopped more at the hardware store it would still be
there.
Maybe the people in Grafton could take notes. They may go to the
store for an item to maintain there home and find the store gone.
I enjoy the Gazette, keep up the good work.
Tom Hart<<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Tom. I wonder what would
happen, if everyone that has gone on strike for higher wages, more time
off, more and better benefits, practised "their" ideals when they go out
to spend "their" money?
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
I may not always like what you tell me. I will, however, always
appreciate it. Gary


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