Sunday, June 30, 2013

You're Not Leaving Without Me AGAIN, Are You!?

There is no way to miss the accusatory looks! She gives me them whenever the suit cases come out and the packing frenzy begins.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Again With The Birds?

My Uncle Dick tells the story of seeing a bird (a dove?) that followed his tractor as he was plowing the fields the day after my mom's funeral. The bird simple followed along as he drove the fields in the tractor. He had been thinking of my mother, and there it was. After following his progress, staying more-or-less even with him. It was a bit of a gloomy day, and when the clouds started breaking, the bird finally flew off. He described it as a very peaceful feeling.
Happy birthday to my sister Mary
Happy birthday to my friend Mamie

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Denny Bergquist 1934 - 2013

Denis was born on May 26, 1934 in Little Falls, Minnesota. He grew-up on a farm northeast of Parkers Prairie, attended Parkers Prairie High School and studied engineering at the University of Minnesota, and worked on road construction projects as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

"...If You Think You Love Him Now..."

Yesterday I had the honor of escorting my stepmother, Flo, as she ran some errands that needed to be done in prep for the funeral. I am surprised that I had never heard this story before, but knowing the person involved, I can believe this entirely!

Toast To Excess: It's National Splurge Day

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day

I was driving through western Douglas County, Minnesota this afternoon when it suddenly struck me. As I passed the turn-off to The Kensington Runestone Park, it occurred to me that the last time I had been in that particular spot, headed that particular direction was just ten days ago.

Dad was alive, we had gone to his church so he could give confession, and go to mass. Then he wanted to stop in the park. We drove up to the top of the hill where we saw this scarlet tanager. We didn't stay long, because Dad tired so quickly in those final days. But he was in complete bliss as he stared out over the park he had helped to preserve and expand. I wonder, now, if he didn't know that this would be the last time he would see it. I am happy that his last drive was with me. I am glad to have had the time so share with my father.

Wherever you are today, I hope that you have not let any opportunities you have to spend time with your father pass you by!

Don Bergquist - June 16, 2013 - Kensington, Minnesota, USA

Best Laid Plans...

On of the lessons that my dad taught me was that not every thing you plan comes to pass. And just because you don't get what you plan for, it doesn't mean you don't get what you need.
Father's Day

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Driving East

By the time this posts today, I will be driving east, about four hours of road behind me, another ten-or so to go. Just me, my music, my podcasts, and my thoughts for the better part of a day-and-a-half to think about all the wonderful memories I had of my Dad.

Happy birthday to my friend Karl

Friday, June 14, 2013

In Memoriam

My sister called me from my parents' home in Minnesota this morning. Dad passed away as he slept this morning. At the end, he was where he wanted to be, at his home in Kensington, Minnesota.  I am informed that he was not in pain.
Flag Day

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

what really I R (k) S me...

Good morning, readers! Please pardon my relative silence over the past few weeks. I have been far too busy to really irked by anything. Even the things that should have sent me into fits of righteous indignation have gone uncommented. But this IRS “Scandal” has me so baffled that I have to ask you, my readers, to explain something to me.