July 4th,2025
It is a very warm 4th of July.
Decades ago, we would be hosting a huge family gathering on the west lawn, under shade trees at our Boon Lake farm.
Orlin’s family with his mother, Ester, enjoying every moment of it. My family, both the Riebe family and the Wendlandt family. The invites were given and those that could make it rounded out a rather huge group. On one 4th, Kevin had just gotten over the chicken pox, thus no long contagious. Orlin’s nephew Frank, aka: Butch, gave the little ones rides around the circle drive with our lawnmower and trailer. Lots of food. No one went hungry. Orlin’s mother always had her harmonica with her. My uncle, Norman Riebe, had brought along one of his concertinas. Both played by ear. The tunes that those two entertained us with were amazing. Even the hammock between two Oak trees gave great fun as the kids would take turns being pushed forth and back.
If I remember correctly, 1974, was the last time we had a July 4th celebration. At that time we lived at rural Buffalo Lake. The two story brick school house was soon to be our home. We resided in a 14′ x 80′ mobile home during the interim. That 4th of July gathering included the same families as other years, plus we had neighbors that joined in. Across the road Bill and Ester Mueller walked over. With no family of their own, they truly enjoyed the hub-bub.
For me, these events were as if yesterday. I have a tendency to harbor memories. Sweet. Not to worry, I absolutely live in the present.
Yesterday we took a road trip. I could not believe how good the crops looked. There were many working in the heat as the road-side hay was either being cut, side-raked or baled. There were round bales, huge rectangle bales. Both must be extremely heavy. One farm was still baling the size of bales that I remember hefting, mostly between 80 and 100 lbs. The arthritis can attest to that.
Speaking of arthritis: I got a follow-up call from my primary on this Wednesday. I was concerned if one of the implant screws that I have in both feet, had shifted causing some discomfort, the redness and swelling of my toes on my right foot. Nope. It’s just the all invading arthritis. It was relief.
This evening we are having sauteed peeled and deveined shrimp and steamed veggies. It doesn’t take long to toss the defrosted shrimp after totally drying them in paper towels with butter in an open skillet. When they turn from a hue of gray to pink, in short order, they are done.
BY THE WAY: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON, KEVIN!
With that I will take my leave. ♥