Dick Nachbar  

Nearly North of Two

Majestic Pines, comprehensive senior living facility at dandy Mississippi’s once-grand rapids, includes a rather impressive library. Hard cover and paperback book donations are supplemented with numerous magazines. Recently discovered magazine, “Wonderful West Virginia”, stirred fond memories of early family, career and outdoor experiences in new Appalachian Mountains.

Calendars are now rattling around mid-April, normally about time for Northland Winter to show major signs of letting go. Recent signs of “Spring’s Things” confirm calendar’s rattling call.

Blame procrastination; unwelcome job has now come due. Changing one’s mailing address is now a confusing, tedious and frustrating chore—more than former mere “Address Adjustment.”

Thoughtful gift recently arrived for this wheelchair captive, ex-adventurer from old friend and co-employee at former Boise Cascade Corporation. Mary sent 1996 Steven Ambrose book, “Undaunted Courage,” reporting “Awesome Adventures” experienced by Captain Meriwether Lewis during his outdoor and political career with whiffs of danger.

Calendars have rolled past mid-March, reminding us of so many memorable events, hopes and values that surface this month. Most of these events include strong messages of hope—hopes for advancement, success, victory, continuity and more. Following hopes, there’s often strong measures of appreciation tied to values associated with those “March Memorials”.

Windows and balcony here at Majestic Pines apartment #247 face North with dandy river Mississippi and US Hwy #2 close beyond. Because “…it’s in Minnesota’s nature” at once-grand rapids, wildlife sightings through these windows are not uncommon. Recent live Bald Eagle courtship flights brought respectful memories of our recently proclaimed, official national bird.

Current wheelchair constraint produces significantly increased TV channel surfing. Fortunately, it’s now annual Public TV (PBS) fund-raising solicitation month and Minnesota’s six PBS broadcast stations are delivering special program documentaries. Surfer’s early good fortune found folk music history, taking this listener back nearly 70 years.