Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Hark! Back! Issue #11

 March 25, 2008

"Charlie"

Revenge is sweet but embarrassing for teenage girls.

In retaliation for the huge rejection by "Pearl" the cockatiel I purchased "Charlie" a male parakeet.

Charlie loved me, he was my rock and roll bird. He loved the oldies and would bee bop in time with the music and sing his heart out.  "Please Mister Postman" was his very favorite song, he liked the version by The Shirelles the best, although versions by The Carpenters, The Beatles or The Marvelettes were acceptable. 

Charlie had one small problem, he would spread his wings, rub himself on his perch or on the bell of his mirror...making the most delightful sounds and he would sing on and on...

The girls were teenagers and they found my wonderful Charlie an embarrassment.  They would announce their displeasure. "M O T H E R your bird is doing it again."  "Mother, I would appreciate it if you could control your bird."  "Do you know how embarrassing he is?"  "I am having friends over and he is SO disgusting."  "Is that all he ever does?" 

They would announce their displeasure with us quite loudly and quite often giving Charlie the female attention he so desired....which in turn would excite him even more. So I usually had to apologize to their friends and explain that I was the owner of an oversexed avian and it was all my fault.  

Playing "Please Mister Postman" would jerk him back to reality and he would become  a rock and roll star once more, it seemed that bee bopping to the music stopped all avian sexual activity:)

***********

Charlie was a hoot...I adored that little bird.   He lived a good long time with us and then was rehomed with a Vet Tech gal when Far Guy retired from the Military and we moved all our belongings into storage and bought a camper.

The teenagers a long time ago.

Far Side

Monday, June 29, 2026

A little pink

 The Showy Lady's Slippers are in full bloom.


They can be found in the roadside ditches for another week or so then they will be gone for another year. 

Such a perfect flower.   It is Minnesota's State Flower.

Far Guy has a cold.  He thought it started as allergies late Thursday..but it is a full blown "man cold"  I am keeping two eyes on him.   He has begun the medication prescribed by his Pulmonologist.  

Minnesota Weather:  It rained.  High 73F or 23C  Low was 67F or 19C.  We are supposed to warm up into the 80's F this week.  I like the 70's F  the best. 

What's Cooking Lately:  Spaghetti, Pizza, Eggs...nothing very exciting.

Far Side


Sunday, June 28, 2026

FLY IN

 My sister, Julie hosted a Fly In at her airport.  It was scheduled by her husband well before he died.  My sister did not feel right about cancelling it. The FLY IN must go on!

It was a beautiful day for flying. 

About thirty planes landed to enjoy a picnic of burgers, brats, beans, coleslaw, chips and desserts


Planes landed and took off all evening.
You may notice a horse..Julie has a horse and he is not bothered by planes landing and taking off.  

Here he is waiting to cross the runway to get to some good grazing.  I wonder what he is saying...hurry up most likely. 

Little kids were playing games.


and smiling
We could have taken this one home with us...she is so darn cute...but alas her Mom our niece Rachael loves her very much. 

Far Side


Saturday, June 27, 2026

Planes Overhead

 Our brother in law, Dean who died suddenly and unexpectedly last February was laid to rest this past week. 


High on the hill his final resting place is next to my parents. 

Dean was a pilot with many friends.  A number of planes did numerous fly overs singly and then during the committal service three planes flew overhead in the missing man formation.  As the graveside service continued they flew in circles just far away to be heard and then they were gone as the service ended. 

Little kids and big kids need to eat...Saki made sushi and other goodies.  Saki, Tyler and Henry did not make the trip from Japan last Winter for the funeral. 

It was hard for my sister to wait until all the family could be present....but it helps to give closure to other family members. 






Far Side

Friday, June 26, 2026

Health Happenings

 Our appointments UP North happened last week.  

Far Guy had a Pet Scan and blood work.   His Oncology Doctor said "My beautiful friend your breast cancer is cured!"   The thyroid nodule that is benign they are watching and it has not grown in size since the last Pet Scan.  Far Guy is to follow up with his Endocrinologist  in October.  So that was all great news!  We were truly blessed with an excellent Cancer Doctor and good treatment to have the breast cancer cured within a year!!

Meanwhile...I had a procedure with the Gastroenterologist.  Waiting on the results. 


Far Side