Dick Nachbar  

March Memorials

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”.

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Eagle Eyes

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.

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Folk-factor Music

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.

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Medical Adventure

Old adventurer-journalist here has previously reported on some life-style changes following 2013 idiopathic neuropathy diagnosis. New “Medical Adventure” with this affliction is reported herein.

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Browning’s Beauties

Local northland coffee club attendees usually include mostly-retired businessmen and professionals who often share long-term outdoor interests. Recent gathering included historical firearms discussion. When judged appropriate, this old outdoor adventurer reported that he had “shot out” a 12-gauge Belgium Browning A-5 shotgun after some 40 years of heavy-duty service and then had to find a replacement. Ruined A-5 report drew attention, raised eyebrows and elicited further discussion and memories.

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Mushroom Memories

Lady of this camp recently uncovered buried souvenir from earlier hunter/gatherer days--sealed half-pint jar dated year 2000 containing dehydrated morel mushroom halves! Prominently displayed, it now repeatedly reminds us of warm “Mushroom Memories.”

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Dylan Days

Recent public TV program, “American Masters” from nearby Hibbing-Duluth, delivered 2-day documentary focused on Bob Dylan and his times ranging from Duluth birth, to Hibbing upbringing, followed by his place in the wide world—appropriate hometown subject for local PBS North station. Channel surfer missed first 10 minutes of both segments; thus, credits, titles and dates were missed, but Google search uncovered “No Direction Home” directed by Martin Scorsese in 2005. Local KAXE Northern Community Radio then aired more Dylan. Long-term Dylan fan here is challenged to share “Dylan Days” thoughts regarding this influential, enigmatic musical artist, northland native, self-professed “poet,” “song and dance man.”

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Science Suspension

Our new year brings new leadership with new thoughts and ideas to our country, along with worldwide implications. This old timer, educated as an engineer with career based upon scientific principles and witness to lifetime scientific progress, feels bit of alarm at signals suggesting new leadership has aimed at “Science Suspension.” Some signals are noted here.

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Haircut History

Now, during 81st ride on spaceship Planet Earth around Boss Star, haircut reminders occur when long hair tickles neck/ears and eyebrows interfere with eyes. With February approaching, new year’s first haircut was scheduled following last fall’s old growth. Old age haircuts generate some lifetime memories—“Haircut History.”

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Simple Surgery

This year’s round of annual routine medical checks led to a new procedure involving “Simple Surgery.” Sibling brother long-ago commented regarding his own surgical procedure: “minor surgery is what someone else has.”

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