It is our last trip of the winter to Lac des Mille Lac, and Mr. Magoo, the pug, is happy. Rather, he would be happy if he knew. In fact, he’d be ecstatic. He is not a dog of the northern winter. The copious amounts of pristine white snow that have fallen since we last visited the cabin do not... READ MORE >
He was sitting alone, a young man in his twenties, quietly singing to himself in a high sweet tenor. His white cane, tucked at his feet, was easily within his grasp. He didn’t seem to need help. Still, I wondered. Should I talk to him? Let him know someone was nearby, just in case? I must be honest. I didn’t... READ MORE >
Recently, I spent my first winter weekend at our cabin on Lac des Mille Lac, and like any adventure, it was filled with pluses and minuses. The thermometer registered 14 below zero as we headed north from Grand Marais into Canada, but that didn’t worry me. I had packed enough warm clothes to circle the Arctic. The final 20 miles... READ MORE >
There’s nothing like an epoch birthday—the kind that starts a new decade—to start a person thinking. And I’m thinking I’m lucky to be healthy, happy and not ready to give up my youthful habits. Age gracefully? Yes, I plan to. When I’m old. Take the matter of gray hair. With rare exception, we will all turn gray, and I plan... READ MORE >
A snow shower passes over Devil Track Lake, forming snow snakes that swirl over the ice, and I hope that, finally, the gray winter skies will open and unload a hefty helping of snow. I’m tired of this year’s brownish gray landscape. I want to see it transformed into a glistening white wonderland, but I’m not very optimistic. This winter’s... READ MORE >
Let’s face it. I was not looking forward to it. “There it is!” I pointed. “The Sleep Inn.” Our truck turned off the four lane highway and into Charles City, Iowa, ending our day of travel. Mr. Magoo was going to spend his first night in a hotel. I repeat. I was not looking forward to it. The hotel was... READ MORE >
For a long time, I quit making New Year’s resolutions. You might say I became a cynic. “A fresh start” always sounded wonderful at the end of an old year when I was filled up to my ears with calorie laden, overdone celebrations. I’d find myself yearning for a “fresh new beginning” and would enthusiastically write a list of new... READ MORE >
I look at the photo and the years drop away. Two small children stand by the Christmas tree they have just finished decorating. The little girl’s eyes shine above the ruffled collar of her yellow nightgown. The little boy’s wide grin stretches from head to pajama-covered toe. They are proud. The green pine branches sag downward to the floor, loaded... READ MORE >
The bird is as gray as its surroundings, with feathers that mirror the dove and pearl grays of the sky. The bird fits perfectly into November’s low-key, peaceful setting. From its perch, it gives a low whistle and a matching bird joins it. The two sit high atop a cedar tree branch and regard me with bright beady black eyes,... READ MORE >
According to the experts, pugs don’t make good watch dogs, but Mr. Magoo considers himself a serious guard dog. Here he is, at two in the morning, waking me with soft woofing noises. This is his technique for letting me know that possible danger lurks nearby; low-key, quiet barks that will not draw too much attention to him. Shushing him... READ MORE >
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