Dick Nachbar  

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

Recent mail brought expiration notice for “Handloader” magazine subscription, prompting reflection of other age-related expirations. Magazine subscription was not renewed, following some 35 years of reloading shotgun, rifle and handgun ammunition for outdoor adventures.

Christmas greeting letters have been steadily arriving with news, updates and connecting emotions. It’s senior “Seasonal Sentiments” time, with maybe some replays and adjustments due… Login to continue reading Login…

Recent public TV program check discovered Pioneer PBS channel documentary, “The Northern Forest (1910’s – Early 21st Century)”, produced in 2006. Local Blandin Foundation was… Login to continue reading Login…