What is there do in Minnesota in the summer time? The answer is not that simple as there are many choices available.
There is fishing and camping of course – neither of which I like well enough to plan for. I usually like to be spontaneous – but with a little planning you can find a fair or festival to attend every weekend. But, this week you should start with Derby Days in Shakopee. In addition to the parade, there are free concerts, a car show, sidewalk sales and other activities. Derby Days is Shakopee’s own fair - so get out and enjoy it.
Last weekend it was the Scott County Fair. My kids are past the 4-H years but I still go to the fair once or twice a season. This year was no different. I looked at the tractors even though they wouldn’t let me sit on them and play farmer. I also had fun walking through the travel trailers and motor homes. Here I was allowed to sit and play camper, but they wouldn’t let me use the bathrooms. I had to find one of those lovely portable models for that task. There are so many rules to follow.
Of course most county fairs have a midway. Here colors and lights come together to form a family-friendly fantasy land. All traveling fun-shows offer the same opportunities. You can spin your self sick on rides that are torn-down and put-together every five days or so as they rotate from town to town. But if making your self nauseous doesn’t appeal to you, there are games where you are promised to win a fabulous prize every time you play.
I cruised through the Commercial, 4-H, and the Creative Arts buildings. My wife Rhonda likes to look at ALL the stuff in these buildings. But if I spend too much time there, things start to happen to me: I begin to vegetate viewing the carrots and cabbages; get quite sleepy concentrating on the quilts; and get bored with the wood projects. It’s just me, but I need to keep moving so I don’t get stuck in front of the preserves.
But it is the barns that make the fair (I’ll get to the food in a minute). In my opinion the animal barns define the fair. It is because of these structures and their contents that fairs even came to exist. Here you can get close enough to touch and smell the animals
When I stopped in at the swine barn they had one particular plump pig in his pen. You could guess his weight and win a prize. I don’t do well at those contests as I don’t want to risk insulting the poor pig. I usually guess in the low hundreds – you know to encourage the pig into shedding some of those extra pounds. They don’t need all that sloppy fat.
From there I walked to the pork producer’s stand and grabbed a pork burger. Yeah, I know – it’s a strange turn of events. I had also heard from a very reliable source that the pork chop on a stick was worth the money. It was perhaps the finest pork chop I had ever tasted. Granted $5.00 is more than enough for such a treat – but if we don’t do our part the terrorists win.
The irony of it all hits me. You can walk from barn to booth and eat what you just saw - with a few exceptions. I’m hoping that the horse barn is one of those exceptions. It’s best not to ask too many questions though.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Christmas all year long
The holiday shopping season is here. I read that Sears, K-mart and Toys “R” Us are having Christmas sales this month. It used to be that retailers would wait until after Thanksgiving to start the madness. Not long ago the season hopped to Halloween, leaped over Labor Day and jumped into July.
Now that the Christmas season is upon us (with only 160 shopping days left) I need to check my local listings to see when “It’s A Wonderful Life” will be on. I consider it to be one of the great Christmas movies, right up there with “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” If you have wisely spent a couple hours of your life watching the 1946 movie starring Jimmy Stewart, read on. But if you haven’t seen it, then put it on the list and read this column later as it may ruin any surprises the movie may hold.
Because the story revolves around one pivotal Christmas Eve, the movie is considered seasonal, which is why it is suitable for viewing during the newly expanded Christmas shopping season. Although 63 years old, the movie has a message that still applies today.
The hero of the movie is George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart. Due to events beyond his control, George shelves his dream of going to college to become an architect. Sacrificing his own goals, he stays home to run the family business - the Bailey Building and Loan Association. Later on in the movie it becomes clear that George saves the town and its people from financial ruin. George expects no hand-outs, requests no government aid, and accepts no bail-outs.
We could use more of that kind of thinking now. Our government is turning us into a nation of takers. Most of us would agree that we should not expect something for nothing. The more “benefits” that are given to the many, the more taxes will be taken from the few. It is simple mathematics. Real freedom is economic freedom: the freedom to save and spend your own money as you see fit.
George’s adversary is Old Man Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore. Potter is mean, ruthless and friendless, and in the words of George Bailey “a warped, frustrated old man.” Potter has his own agenda: Control of the finances and lives of the town’s residents. In his quest for power Potter takes advantage of every crisis.
During a visit to Potter’s office, George’s Uncle Billy mislays $8,000 from the building and loan association. Unable to find the money, and unwilling to face the shame, George decides to take his own life. Although no amount of money is justification for suicide, $8,000 is a lot of money, even today.
Our elected officials in Washington do not understand the value of a dollar. They have failed in their fiduciary responsibility to spend our money wisely. Whether it is regarding another stimulus package, government controlled health care or the federal budget, the amount of $1 trillion is mentioned too casually and too frequently.
Allow me to illustrate the shamefully obscene amount of money they are talking about. You would have to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” 125 million times to see Uncle Billy misplace the equivalent of $1 trillion dollars in $8,000 increments. That’s a lot of popcorn and bathroom breaks.
For life to remain wonderful, our government needs to stop spending like it’s Christmas time. For someday we may hear this public service announcement: “Attention shoppers: Uncle Sam’s store is now closed. We have run out of your money.”
Now that the Christmas season is upon us (with only 160 shopping days left) I need to check my local listings to see when “It’s A Wonderful Life” will be on. I consider it to be one of the great Christmas movies, right up there with “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” If you have wisely spent a couple hours of your life watching the 1946 movie starring Jimmy Stewart, read on. But if you haven’t seen it, then put it on the list and read this column later as it may ruin any surprises the movie may hold.
Because the story revolves around one pivotal Christmas Eve, the movie is considered seasonal, which is why it is suitable for viewing during the newly expanded Christmas shopping season. Although 63 years old, the movie has a message that still applies today.
The hero of the movie is George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart. Due to events beyond his control, George shelves his dream of going to college to become an architect. Sacrificing his own goals, he stays home to run the family business - the Bailey Building and Loan Association. Later on in the movie it becomes clear that George saves the town and its people from financial ruin. George expects no hand-outs, requests no government aid, and accepts no bail-outs.
We could use more of that kind of thinking now. Our government is turning us into a nation of takers. Most of us would agree that we should not expect something for nothing. The more “benefits” that are given to the many, the more taxes will be taken from the few. It is simple mathematics. Real freedom is economic freedom: the freedom to save and spend your own money as you see fit.
George’s adversary is Old Man Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore. Potter is mean, ruthless and friendless, and in the words of George Bailey “a warped, frustrated old man.” Potter has his own agenda: Control of the finances and lives of the town’s residents. In his quest for power Potter takes advantage of every crisis.
During a visit to Potter’s office, George’s Uncle Billy mislays $8,000 from the building and loan association. Unable to find the money, and unwilling to face the shame, George decides to take his own life. Although no amount of money is justification for suicide, $8,000 is a lot of money, even today.
Our elected officials in Washington do not understand the value of a dollar. They have failed in their fiduciary responsibility to spend our money wisely. Whether it is regarding another stimulus package, government controlled health care or the federal budget, the amount of $1 trillion is mentioned too casually and too frequently.
Allow me to illustrate the shamefully obscene amount of money they are talking about. You would have to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” 125 million times to see Uncle Billy misplace the equivalent of $1 trillion dollars in $8,000 increments. That’s a lot of popcorn and bathroom breaks.
For life to remain wonderful, our government needs to stop spending like it’s Christmas time. For someday we may hear this public service announcement: “Attention shoppers: Uncle Sam’s store is now closed. We have run out of your money.”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Fifty Years
I am now middle-aged and plan to live “happily ever after.” By the time you read this I will have celebrated my 50th birthday. In the last couple months it has become clear to me that I should have bought stock in Hallmark and American Greetings. During that time my two sisters have rubbed this half century milestone in my face by sending me birthday cards (the mean kind) almost every day. One of them even signed me up for AARP.
I have learned a thing or two over the last five decades. So, in this week’s column I will do something rather presumptuous – I will share some of my observations.
No matter what anyone tells you, pasta should not be baked on a cookie sheet. It works for cookies however. But before you bake the cookies in the oven, have a generous helping of cookie dough; because raw cookie dough often tastes better than the finished product (I ignore the salmonella risk). My personal favorite is chocolate-chip oatmeal.
Dessert should be eaten first. Don’t listen to any of that “you’ll ruin your appetite,” business. You are more likely to have enough “room” at the beginning of the meal (unless you filled up on cookie dough) so take advantage of it. As age becomes more of an issue it’s wise not to put off the best part of the meal until later – because you just never know.
I like traveling light, but the amount of clothing needed for a long trip can make that difficult - so I have developed a system. It takes a little planning but the result can be rather liberating.
The next time you find a hole in your socks or underwear – don’t discard them: Put them in your suitcase, or if soiled throw them in the laundry to be cleaned for your next trip. If given enough time you can stockpile a nice supply of vacation clothing.
Now comes the fun part. At the end of each travel day you simply throw the condemned article in the garbage (be sure to remove any name tags to guard against identity theft of an embarrassing nature). By the end of your trip you will have plenty of room for souvenirs, or your traveling companion’s clothes. They may have ridiculed you previously, but they will be seeking your favor by the end of the trip.
Go to your class reunions; this may be the last chance you have to talk with people who shared your childhood. Stay in touch with family and friends - someday you won’t be able to.
Church is the best place to be on Sunday mornings. The second best place to be is the buffet line at a restaurant serving brunch.
Tip generously. A little extra will not be missed by you, but it will mean a lot to your server. When possible, spend money to save time, rather than the other way around. Money can be made again, but time can never be replaced. Children spell love T-I-M-E.
Read to children and spend time with the elderly. Pay close attention to what your mother and father say, for someday you will repeat the same words to your children. Hear your children out, even when you disagree with them. It will give you an opportunity to understand them.
If you have a rock in your shoe, get rid of it. Why go through life annoyed and irritated? The world has enough cranky people walking around.
“Once upon a time,” can start today. Live your life in a way that will count for something meaningful.
I have learned a thing or two over the last five decades. So, in this week’s column I will do something rather presumptuous – I will share some of my observations.
No matter what anyone tells you, pasta should not be baked on a cookie sheet. It works for cookies however. But before you bake the cookies in the oven, have a generous helping of cookie dough; because raw cookie dough often tastes better than the finished product (I ignore the salmonella risk). My personal favorite is chocolate-chip oatmeal.
Dessert should be eaten first. Don’t listen to any of that “you’ll ruin your appetite,” business. You are more likely to have enough “room” at the beginning of the meal (unless you filled up on cookie dough) so take advantage of it. As age becomes more of an issue it’s wise not to put off the best part of the meal until later – because you just never know.
I like traveling light, but the amount of clothing needed for a long trip can make that difficult - so I have developed a system. It takes a little planning but the result can be rather liberating.
The next time you find a hole in your socks or underwear – don’t discard them: Put them in your suitcase, or if soiled throw them in the laundry to be cleaned for your next trip. If given enough time you can stockpile a nice supply of vacation clothing.
Now comes the fun part. At the end of each travel day you simply throw the condemned article in the garbage (be sure to remove any name tags to guard against identity theft of an embarrassing nature). By the end of your trip you will have plenty of room for souvenirs, or your traveling companion’s clothes. They may have ridiculed you previously, but they will be seeking your favor by the end of the trip.
Go to your class reunions; this may be the last chance you have to talk with people who shared your childhood. Stay in touch with family and friends - someday you won’t be able to.
Church is the best place to be on Sunday mornings. The second best place to be is the buffet line at a restaurant serving brunch.
Tip generously. A little extra will not be missed by you, but it will mean a lot to your server. When possible, spend money to save time, rather than the other way around. Money can be made again, but time can never be replaced. Children spell love T-I-M-E.
Read to children and spend time with the elderly. Pay close attention to what your mother and father say, for someday you will repeat the same words to your children. Hear your children out, even when you disagree with them. It will give you an opportunity to understand them.
If you have a rock in your shoe, get rid of it. Why go through life annoyed and irritated? The world has enough cranky people walking around.
“Once upon a time,” can start today. Live your life in a way that will count for something meaningful.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Fourth of July
There is an old riddle that asks – “Do they have a 4th of July in England?” Well of course the answer is yes – they just don’t celebrate it like we do. The 4th of July in America is the big day – the day we celebrate our independence. For without our liberty every other day would be very different.
I am not going to speculate about the ways this country would be different without individual freedom and liberty – I don’t have to. It’s happening before our eyes. But for now, let’s pretend everything is O.K. and let me regale you with a list of the Presidents who were born and died on July 4th. What they had to say concerning how government works and its relation to the people it serves is fit for application today.
John Adams, the 2nd President of The United States died on July 4th, 1826. His last words were “Thomas Jefferson still surv (ives).” But what he didn’t know was that Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of our country, would also die the very same day. Jefferson’s last words: “This is the fourth?” Adams had wrote previously that “The happiness of society is the end of government,” meaning the goal of government is the happiness of society.
Perhaps this is what Thomas Jefferson was alluding to when he wrote in The Declaration of Independence: “We hold these to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
In 1809 Thomas Jefferson wrote to a group of citizen’s in Maryland that “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” Is it these words that President Obama is using to fuel his fervor for national health insurance, or do these same words give us pause when we debate the subject of how we care for the unborn?
President Jefferson was a prolific letter writer. In a letter to James Madison he said “…a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political worlds as storms in the physical.”
James Madison, the 4th President, broke tradition when he died just 6 days shy of July 4th on June 28th, 1836. In a speech given in 1788 he said that “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” President Madison forgot to tell us about the encroachments that are neither violent, nor gradual, and where the usurpations are both sudden and seen.
James Monroe, our 5th President, perhaps trying to reestablish a tradition, also died on the 4th of July (1831). In his inaugural address of 1817 he said “National honor is national property of the highest value.” Recently we have lost much of our national honor which has given our enemies the impression that we are weak and vulnerable.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, is the only President who was born on the 4th of July (1872). In a speech given to a group of newspaper editors in 1925 he declared “The chief business of America is business.” With government taking over banks, insurance companies, and auto maufacturers it should be restated as “The chief business of the government is taking over American business.”
Do we have the 4th of July in The United States of America? Of course, but are we losing our freedom and liberty?
I am not going to speculate about the ways this country would be different without individual freedom and liberty – I don’t have to. It’s happening before our eyes. But for now, let’s pretend everything is O.K. and let me regale you with a list of the Presidents who were born and died on July 4th. What they had to say concerning how government works and its relation to the people it serves is fit for application today.
John Adams, the 2nd President of The United States died on July 4th, 1826. His last words were “Thomas Jefferson still surv (ives).” But what he didn’t know was that Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of our country, would also die the very same day. Jefferson’s last words: “This is the fourth?” Adams had wrote previously that “The happiness of society is the end of government,” meaning the goal of government is the happiness of society.
Perhaps this is what Thomas Jefferson was alluding to when he wrote in The Declaration of Independence: “We hold these to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
In 1809 Thomas Jefferson wrote to a group of citizen’s in Maryland that “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” Is it these words that President Obama is using to fuel his fervor for national health insurance, or do these same words give us pause when we debate the subject of how we care for the unborn?
President Jefferson was a prolific letter writer. In a letter to James Madison he said “…a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political worlds as storms in the physical.”
James Madison, the 4th President, broke tradition when he died just 6 days shy of July 4th on June 28th, 1836. In a speech given in 1788 he said that “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” President Madison forgot to tell us about the encroachments that are neither violent, nor gradual, and where the usurpations are both sudden and seen.
James Monroe, our 5th President, perhaps trying to reestablish a tradition, also died on the 4th of July (1831). In his inaugural address of 1817 he said “National honor is national property of the highest value.” Recently we have lost much of our national honor which has given our enemies the impression that we are weak and vulnerable.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, is the only President who was born on the 4th of July (1872). In a speech given to a group of newspaper editors in 1925 he declared “The chief business of America is business.” With government taking over banks, insurance companies, and auto maufacturers it should be restated as “The chief business of the government is taking over American business.”
Do we have the 4th of July in The United States of America? Of course, but are we losing our freedom and liberty?
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