August 16

I married a woman who loves to camp, and I am what you would call indoorsy… My wife always brings up, Camping’s a tradition in my family. Hey, it was a tradition in everyone’s family ’til we came up with the house. ~ Jim Gaffigan

When I’m deciding to read a book, I never open to the first chapter, because that’s been revised and worked over 88 times. I’ll just turn to the middle of the book, to the middle of a chapter, and just read a random page and I’ll know right away whether this is the real deal or not. ~ Carl Hiaasen

[The morning “steam” over Elkhart Lake on August 5 . . . ]

August 3

Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories. ~ Steven Wright

[A picture is worth a thousand words. However, the swimming area actually stretches to our direct view from Rappaport . . . ]

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary. ~ H. L. Mencken

[A generic schedule for we older folks . . . ]

Humans are like bunnies. Some can be incredibly sweet, and some can be little demons. Either way they are dumb. ~ Alice Jansing

[These guys/gals must live under the evergreen in our front yard. So accustomed to campers, they are hardly distracted when we walk by . . . ]

If it weren’t for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn’t get any exercise at all. ~ Joey Adams

[During the two year shut down, the steps from the office (Efroymson Hall) to lake level, which previously were the equivalent of rappelling, were replaced. While it made ascent and descent much easier and safer, I still preferred the golf cart . . . ]

I have never taken any exercise, except sleeping and resting, and I never intend to take any. ~ Mark Twain

Once we hit forty, women only have about four taste buds left: one for vodka, one for wine, one for cheese, and one for chocolate. ~ Gina Barreca

[Into every life, a little rain must fall . . . ]

I’ll tell you what I love doing more than anything: trying to pack myself in a small suitcase. I can hardly contain myself. ~ Tim Vine

[And this is our room, with window fan air conditioning . . . ]

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle. ~ Bob Hope

[We had our names on the door so we could find our way home . . . ]

If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner. ~ Tallulah Bankhead

[The lake view from our screen porch . . . ]

My sister Rita Simon & me beating former IU basketball star John Laskowski & his partner in the Camp Brosius Euchre tournament. John owns the Bloomington Culver‘s. ~ Ruthie

If you’re not in New York, you’re camping out. ~ Thomas Dewey

[Let the games begin! Here the cornhole tournament with the aforementioned Fort Waynians Scott (throwing) & Vicki teaming up . . . ]

A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money. ~ W. C. Fields

[Scotty and Vick (throwing) giving it the good ole college try . . . ]

I hate camping, but I love summer camp. ~ Zooey Deschanel

[Jenny (throwing) and Kent (blue shirt), daughter-in-law and son of Vicki and Scott, defending their cornhole championship once again. They are a mini-dynasty . . . ]

The ultimate camping trip was the Lewis and Clark expedition. ~ Dave Barry

[Ed showing the form that led him to a high finish in horseshoes in a previous camp . . . ]

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. ~ Mark Twain

As frightening as this may sound, what you see in the books is the way I see the world. And so far I haven’t seen anything, either in Florida or elsewhere, to dissuade me from it. ~ Carl Hiaasen

[My teammate, Rosalba, in warmups . . . ]

The first time I see a jogger smiling, I’ll consider it. ~ Joan Rivers

[Through sheer grit and determination, Rosalba and I made our way to the semifinals – we drew a 1st round bye, then won by forfeit . . . ]

I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives. ~ Billy Connolly

[Wait till next year!!]

Incredibly, almost every hotel I ever played in Vegas was blown up shortly afterward: The Dunes, The Sands, The Landmark, The Aladdin, The Frontier, The Hacienda, The Stardust – all were imploded. ~ Elayne Boosler

[Although I don’t see us unseating Jenny and Kent, who are to cornhole what the dreaded Callecod sisters are to euchre . . . ]

Somebody told me it was frightening how much topsoil we are losing every year, but I told that story around the campfire and nobody got scared. ~ Jack Handey

[The threes time a day chow line . . . ]

August 4

Of course, not everybody likes camping trips. I do not myself enjoy them much, because I’m not outdoorsy, or at any rate, I’m not outdoorsy overnight-without-a-matress-wise. There’s a limit to the outdoorsiness to which some academics can be expected to submit. ~ G.A. Cohen

[Theatre L’Homme Dieu and Farewell Argentina saved each other coming out of COVID . . . ]

Now that we finally got the men out of the way, we can have some fun . . .

[It’s nice here in the shade – we can just sit and visit, read a book, cool our heels . . . ]

Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business. ~ Dave Barry

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. ~ Christopher Columbus

[The camp’s Smoker Craft pontoon – Rita’s best friend and a longtime Brosius camper, Cindy, was in the Smoker lineage . . . ]

He was happily married – but his wife wasn’t. ~ Victor Borge

If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable. ~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn’t worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality. And to me, sailing the open ocean is a real challenge, because it’s life or death. ~ Morgan Freeman

A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking. ~ Jerry Seinfeld

[Our porch was always a center of activities, and inactivities . . . ]

[Rosalba, my partner in the cornhole tournament. Rosalba lives in Winston Salem, NC, where she is good friends with a former colleague (of a much higher level) of mine from the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. With the aforementioned Dan Spiro, giving camp a trifecta of Kevin Bacon-ness connections . . . ]

It’s regatta time!

I never think of the future – it comes soon enough. ~ Albert Einstein

[Spectators line the dock for the first heat. There were 6 contestants and 4 Sunfish – so it was decided to do two heats of three with heat winners facing off . . . ]

There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. ~ Kenneth Grahame

[The first heat board their boats . . . ]

Big boats get the glory, but the dingy makes the sailor. ~ From the movie “Wind”

[Phyllis . . . ]

It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage. ~ George William Curtis

[Chris . . . ]

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. ~ Jacques Yves Cousteau

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott

[It’s neck and neck going up wind to the first buoy . . . ]

I keep sailing on in this middle passage. I am sailing into the wind and the dark. But I am doing my best to keep my boat steady and my sails full. ~ Arthur Ashe

[Heading for the finish with the wind at their backs . . . ]

Until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore, you will not know the terror of being forever lost at sea. ~ Charles Cook

[Chris made a final dash to pull it out at the end . . . ]

Sailing round the world in a dirty gondola oh, to be back in the land of Coca-Cola! ~ Bob Dylan

[The excitement builds as the racers take off into the wind again . . . ]

Mackerel skies and mares tails, soon will be time to shorten sails. ~ Sailors proverb

[Sailing past the Brosius Bay swimming area . . . ]

Instead of sailing off into the sunset, he hopes to sail into the next century. ~ Dave Anderson

[Jack pulled away in the finals . . . ]

Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Give him a fishing lesson and he’ll sit in a boat drinking beer every weekend. ~ Alex Blackwell

[And across the finish line . . . ]

Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port and the other was an atrocious liar. ~ Don Bamford

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore. ~ Vincent Van Gogh

[I believe that was Phyllis with the red and white sail . . . ]

The first rule of hurricane coverage is that every broadcast must begin with palm trees bending in the wind. ~ Carl Hiaasen

[The Super and Ed enjoying a weekly highlight – a pontoon ride around the lake after dinner. We got the early shift this year meaning we couldn’t come home with the sunset . . . ]

[With the staff driver, Chris, Elke, Beth, Jack, and Phyllis. Jack and Phyllis, both geology professors at Austin Peay University, had no previous connection to Indiana University until about 12 years ago (I think they said at introductions) when they saw an ad for Camp Brosius. They thought it looked like a nice place for a week’s summer vacation and have been coming every year since. We watched their daughter grow up in camp and now she’s in college, doing a summer work program and living in Arlington, Virginia, less than a mile from where Ruthie and I lived . . . ]

I like coffee because it gives me the illusion that I might be awake. ~ Lewis Black

[Pulling away with the Sputh Roundhouse in the background . . . ]

It’s easy to get distracted by the vaudevillian aspects of the healthcare debate. ~ Carl Hiaasen

[And the Roundhouse from the other side . . . ]

The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it. ~ P. J. O’Rourke

Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. ~ Jim Carrey

Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes? ~ George Gobel

[The trees along the shoreline are “trimmed” to the level the deer can reach while standing on the ice in winter . . . ]

A camera didn’t make a great picture anymore than a typewriter wrote a great novel. ~ Peter Adams

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don’t have film. ~ Stephen Wright

[The Osthoff Resort on the far side of the lake from camp . . . ]

My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them. ~ Mitch Hedberg

Minolta makes the best bodies, Nikon makes the best lenses, Canon makes the best compromise. ~ Unknown

[The Tiki Bar (with the colorful umbrellas) where we stopped on day one . . . ]

Photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure. ~ Tony Benn

[A new house on the lake that was estimated to have cost several shekels . . . ]

First Person: “Is that camera fully automatic?” Second Person: “No. You have to take the film to the chemist!” ~ Unknown

[The Super’s favorite boat house . . . ]

[The Johnsonville Brat house, also estimated to have cost a few shekels . . . ]

My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport. ~ Steve McCurry

[Back to home sweet home . . . ]

A good photograph is knowing where to stand. ~ Ansel Admas

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop. ~ Ansel Adams

August 5

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. ~ Albert Einstein

[I always look forward to the mornings with a “marine layer” before the sunrise. It finally happened on the last day of camp making for great photo ops . . . ]

There are no bad photographs. That’s just how your face looks sometimes. ~ Abraham Lincoln

What’s the difference between a large pepperoni pizza and a photographer? A large pepperoni pizza can feed a family of four. ~ Anonymous

The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera. ~ Anonymous

[A/k/a, Ye Olde Swimming Hole . . . ]

The rarest thing in the world is a woman who is pleased with a photograph of herself. ~ Elizabeth Metcalf

If you saw a man drowning 20 feet away and you could either save him or photograph him…what lens would you use? ~ Anonymous

[The Sputh Roundhouse, where all daily activities begin for the early risers . . . ]

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. ~ Plato

On being asked what he would save first if his house were on fire, his wife or his negatives, Ansel Adams responded: “My wife, of course. Then I’d have her get the negs out!”

People say photographs don’t lie, mine do. ~ David Lachapelle.

Photography is pretty simple stuff. You just react to what you see, and take many, many pictures. ~ Elliott Erwitt.

Photographers: the only people who don’t get arrested for flashing and exposing in public. ~ Unknown

Consulting the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk? ~ Edward Weston

Taking a picture is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies. ~ Diane Arbus

My Mom said she learned how to swim when someone took her out in the lake and threw her off the boat. I said, ‘Mom, they weren’t trying to teach you how to swim. ~ Paula Poundstone

[The activities for the last full day of camp begin with the lake swim. The pontoon takes all the competitors across the lake for the one-mile swim back to camp – it was a shorter 2/3 of a mile this year . . . ]

Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked. ~ Warren Buffett

[There were only 7 participants but to my knowledge they all made it. The first three completed the swim in a little over 23 minutes. Being of sound mind but lesser body I have never attempted this endeavor . . . ]

Swimming is a confusing sport, because sometimes you do it for fun, and other times you do it to not die. And when I’m swimming, sometimes I’m not sure which one it is. ~ Demetri Martin

[Phyllis and Jack finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively . . . ]

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~ Edith Wharton

[We lost a good friend and camper a couple years ago. We were delighted that Rosalba came back to camp this year . . . ]

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. ~ Warren Buffett

[The patio – not unlike sitting on a bench in Central Park . . . ]

Do not worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older it will avoid you. ~ Joey Adams

It is a scientific fact that your body will not absorb cholesterol if you take it from another person’s plate. ~ Dave Barry

[The Biddies enjoying an ice cream cone in Gessert’s Ice Cream & Confectionery in downtown Elkhart Lake, celebrating 100 years in business . . . ]

I always feel like I’m warring with my womanhood and wanting the world to be better, and with my blackness – which is the opposite of whiteness. ~ Jessica Williams

[Sheboygan Broughton Marsh Park & Tower – I climbed it once several years ago. Once is enough . . . ]

The four building blocks of the universe are fire, water, gravel and vinyl. ~ Dave Barry

Golf is more fun than walking naked in a strange place, but not much. ~ Buddy Hackett

[The last night of camp – party time . . . ]

I don’t accept the status quo. I do accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. ~ Stephen Colbert

[The staff will soon be on their ways back to college . . . ]

A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down. ~ Robert Benchley

[Larry, the previous longtime chef at camp and since retired, dropped by to say “hi” to his favorite customers . . . ]

We do not remember days, we remember moments. ~ Cesare Pavese

[A campertime line was posted on patio . . . ]

[I think the first visit by the Super and me was in 1993 . . . ]

[We’ve have been many times since, the exact number of times would require too much research . . . ]

[Nephew Chris signs the board with his mom and Ruthie checking his spelling. I somehow had never noticed that he’s left-handed?]

[We left for home the next morning . . . ]

August 6

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn’t work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me. ~ Emo Philips

[Crazy Dave’s town was re-opened on our drive back home . . . ]

JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM! We arrived home from Camp Brosius in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in just a tidge over 7 hours with one stop for gas and a state mandated stop at the DQ in Albany, MN. The one-way distance was 452 miles. Our total mileage for the one week stay was 1014 miles. DYK that gas in eastern Wisconsin was a mere $3.39 per gallon? ~ Me

[Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United FC, a Major League Soccer team in North America, as we rolled through St. Paul on I-94 on the drive home . . . ]

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. ~ Winston Churchill

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. ~ Jules Renard

Up Next: Music stuff and the beginning of the high school entertainment year . . .

August 16

Golf is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well. ~ P.G. Wodehouse.

This morning after the Fat Boys sauntered for an hour, Tom Mulder suggested we go over to the Alexandria Golf Club (AGC) to see the lay out of the proposed 9-hole par 3 course on the farm land to the south of the AGC. I had heard about the proposal but had no idea a rough cut of this new course, The Little Darling”, already existed. Chauffeur Tom drove me around, I loved it, and shot the following photos. When I got home, the AGC Newsletter arrived and I share that with you:

Dear AGC Members, On July 30th, we introduced the idea of building a Par 3 Course at AGC with my communication titled “AGC – A Vision for our Future.” Since that time, we have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback and the project has generated a level of excitement at Alexandria Golf Club that I have not seen before. The successful completion of this project will create generational benefits like nothing we have ever done at AGC and my energy and passion for the project is extremely high and continues to grow! One only needs to take a quick tour of what we are planning to call “The Little Darling” par 3 course and you will be as excited as I am. We have done a lot of work in preparation for kicking off our fundraising efforts for the project. In this communication, I won’t share all the details of the work that has been completed on the project thus far, but I do want to highlight a few things that might be of interest to you: 1.    The location of our proposed Par 3 Course is on a piece of property AGC has owned since 1971. The piece of land is an amazing natural location for the project and will allow us to create one of the most spectacular par 3 courses in the country. We were fortunate to have Mike Flannagan join us on Thursday of last week to help us validate our cost estimates, share best practices, and discuss ways we can minimize our construction costs for the project. Mike has 40 years of experience in the golf industry as a greens superintendent, a golf course construction company owner, a golf course construction consultant, and current project manager for the Cragun’s course renovation in Brainerd.  The meeting was very informative and helpful although there is something Mike said that confirms the potential of this project.  After touring the proposed layout of The Little Darling Par 3 Course, Mike said the following: “This is the most magnificent piece of property to build a par 3 course on that I have seen in my entire career. It is amazing!” Mike’s comments are just another confirmation of the potential this project has for us. If you have not had the opportunity to tour the proposed course layout, I encourage you to do so and I’m pretty sure you will feel the same way we all feel about the project. 2.    Our proposed name for the spectacular par 3 course is “The Little Darling.” I want to credit Bruce Leland for the idea. It is a very appropriate name and one that has much meaning for what we are creating at AGC with this effort. “The Little Darling” name connects the par 3 course to one of our lakes in Alexandria that borders our main golf course while adding a special local touch to the project that will drive a strong community connection. In addition, “The Little Darling” name is a perfect reference to our youth who will be key beneficiaries of this project for generations to come. “The Little Darling” Par 3 Course will play a significant role in assisting our “Little Darling” youth develop skills and important traits that will help them become the leaders of tomorrow.  We have been working on a “Little Darling” logo intended to capture the spirit and objective of the project. I have included a draft of that logo below. We want the logo to encompass the main objectives of the project – youth, family, and fun! I hope you like it and I hope it conveys a little of what is great about golf and AGC – a focus on our kids and the strength of the family!

3.    I have also attached a link to a document (“The Little Darling” Tour Guide) we created for our members and guests touring the proposed layout of “The Little Darling” Par 3 Course. The document gives a high-level summary of “The Little Darling” concept and a description of each hole on “The Little Darling” course. If you are unable to tour the proposed course, it will give you a feel for what we are doing and if you plan to tour the proposed course, it will be a helpful guide as you move around the property.   CLICK HERE TO VIEW“THE LITTLE DARLING” TOUR GUIDE I am more excited about this project than anything we have ever done at AGC. I hope you share in that excitement, and I hope you will generously support what we are trying to accomplish. Personally, I have given numerous tours of the course to members and guests alike and I would be happy to show it to each of you. After touring “The Little Darling” during the Resorters, two individuals who are not even AGC members, committed to significant donations to help us complete the project. I believe it is only the beginning of our successful fundraising efforts as this project will provide immeasurable benefits to our kids and our community while leaving a legacy that will be incredible!  Thanks for all your support. It’s a remarkable time to be a member at Alexandria Golf Club! All the best, Jerry RoseAGC President

Although golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it’s open to anybody who owns hideous clothing. ~ Dave Berry

[I will begin with the upgrades to the practice range that I shot on July 29 . . . ]

A great deal of unnecessarily bad golf is played in this world. ~ Harry Vardon

[And now for the tour of The Little Darling. I think it’s going to be great. Click for the “tour guide” of each hole in the newsletter . . . ]

[My chauffeur in the foreground; Voyager Elementary School in the backgound . . . ]

If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they’d starve to death. ~ Sam Snead

Up Next: Back to the regular stuff . . .

August 15

Camping: the art of getting closer to nature while getting farther away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower, and flush toilet. ~ Unknown [Editor’s Note: Actually, in Rappaport, we had cold beverages, hot showers, and a flush toilet . . . ]

[This Edward Hopper’s 1940 “Office at Night”. This has nothing to do with camp – I was just looking for a grabber for the FB posting. Within 10 years of finishing what is now one of his most recognizable and provocative paintings, Edward Hopper sold “Office at Night” (1940) to the Walker Art Center (walkerart.org) . . . ]

If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree. ~ Michael Crichton

July 31

Give me a museum and I’ll fill it. ~ Pablo Picasso

[Still in the Kohler Art Museum, the “hands” have it . . . ]

[Creator of the “hands” . . . ]

Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal. ~ T. S. Eliot

Which painting in the National Gallery would I save if there was a fire? The one nearest the door of course. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Art is limitation. The essence of every picture is the frame. ~ G. K. Chesterton

I want to make of Impressionism an art as solid as that of the museums. ~ Paul Cézanne

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. ~ Michelangelo

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you we grow up. ~ Pablo Picasso

The best introduction to art is to stroll through a museum. The more art you see, the more you’ll learn to define your own taste. ~ Jeanne Frank

Painter, you are not a speaker! Paint so and be silent! ~ Salvador Dali

[Rita leads me through the “hands” exhibit . . . ]

[Well, I tried . . . ]

A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can. ~ Maira Kalman

[The Super proves you can indeed play peekaboo with art . . . ]

I paint flowers so they will not die. ~ Frida Kahlo

Whatever else art is good for, its chief effectiveness lies in propagating more art. ~ Leo Steinberg

[Parting the museum until next time . . . ]

Midwest kids got to summer camp. There is something very special about being away from your parents for the first time, sleeping under the stars, hiking and canoeing. ~ Jami Gertz

[We left the museum in Sheboygan for our next stop at the Tiki Bar in Elkhart Lake. The Super is purchasing adult beverages for our group. This is always our last stop before checking into camp at 1:00 on Sunday . . . ]

[The view of Elkhart Lake from the Tiki Bar. Camp Brosius is at the exact opposite side of the lake from here . . . ]

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake. ~ Wallace Stevens

[Sunfish races . . . ]

I’m an old-fashioned guy… I want to be an old man with a beer belly sitting on a porch, looking at a lake or something. ~ Johnny Depp

Lake Wobegon, the little town that time forgot and the decades cannot improve. ~ Garrison Keillor

[COVID cancelled camp the previous two years. That yielded a turnover of the management and staff in charge of camp operations. This year instead of the usual 30-ish number of camp counselors (college students), there were only 11. Nevertheless, those who were available gave the arriving campers the usual greeting . . . ]

In a well-ordered universe… camping would take place indoors. ~ Morgan Matson

[Our view of our front yard from Rappaport cottage . . . ]

[The two-year absence of campers allowed for some serious makeovers – like the patio which was suffering the death pangs of crumbling flagstones. The building is the mess hall where we received three meals a day, almost all eaten outside in the beautiful weather . . . ]

[The boat dock and roundhouse, where coffee was available everyday at 7:00 am . . . ]

[A new house was built across the lake in the two years we were gone . . . ]

[Looking back from the dock at the patio which was set up for new camper introductions . . . ]

You don’t have to say everything to be a light. Sometimes a fire built on a hill will bring interested people to your campfire. ~ Shannon L. Alder

[And as will be discussed further as we roll along, the is a one degree of separation for three people at camp. Crossing in the foreground is Dan Spiro, whose dad worked in the same agency as me at the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. . . . ]

August 1

[Down for 8:00 breakfast the following morning . . . ]

[The inn, across the patio from the mess hall, with a game room, showers, and rooms for campers on the 2nd and 3rd floors . . . ]

[The waterfront with four Hobie Cats . . . ]

[After breakfast discussions with old friends we may not have seen for three years. Here are Scott and Vicki from Ft. Wayne (campers for over 40 years) with Rita (camper for almost 40 years) in the middle . . . ]

[And other long timers . . . ]

[Back up top, starting the day with the “birdie” song for all the kids at flag raising . . . ]

If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home. ~ Yvonne Prinz

[Our porch – hang out for card playing, reading, imbibing, napping, and BSing . . . ]

The fire is the main comfort of the camp, whether in summer or winter. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Those are the “cabins on the hill” in the background . . . ]

All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

[The following photo indicated how far we were from the water tower for this shot . . . ]

[Can you still see the water tower?]

[Another beautiful evening suitable for a picnic . . . ]

[As older people, we rent a golf cart for the week so don’t have to deal with the stairways to heaven before and after the three meals a day and any other time you want to visit the lake front and can survive the driving habits of the Super . . . ]

You always are changed when you come back from summer camp. ~ Emma Stone

[The playground view from our front yard . . . ]

[The photos are of Ruthie with her new close personal friend, John Laskowski – the first taken at camp in 2000, the latter last week. John played for the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 1975 as the team’s 6th man – he was known as the Super Sub who averaged 11 points a game in his IU career. In his career the Hoosiers never lost a home game. Similarly, in Ruthie’s IU career from 1963 to 1967 she never missed a home game!]

If you’re not in New York, you’re camping out. ~ Thomas E. Dewey

August 2

Summer camp: the second worst camp for Jews. ~ Sarah Silverman

[And this is why we prefer to take the golf cart . . . ]

[And this is why we prefer to take the golf cart, part 2 . . . ]

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. ~ John Muir

[All the little chidrun are going for a pontoon ride – or why camp works of adults . . . ]

And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling. ~ Shanti

[And here they are . . . ]

Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about. ~ John Mayer

If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn’t worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality. And to me, sailing the open ocean is a real challenge, because it’s life or death. ~ Morgan Freeman

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott

[The Biddies are out on the bounding main . . . ]

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm. ~ Willa Cather

There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. ~ Kenneth Grahame

There is a rule in sailing where the more maneuverable ship should give way to the less maneuverable craft. I think this is sometimes a good rule to follow in human relationships as well. ~ Joyce Brothers

Are we having fun, or what? ~ The Biddies

Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit. ~ Brooks Atkinson

[A beautiful day (well, mostly the whole week), everything was just ducky . . . ]

My idea of heaven used to be relaxing at home with a cheese plate and champagne. ~ Lea Michele

[This was a road trip to Henning’s Cheese in Kiel, Wisconsin. Ed and Elke display the proper headgear for the occasion . . . ]

How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese? ~ Charles de Gaulle

[Years ago Henning’s offered full tours of the factory, but no longer. Here through the class are many large cheese presses all in a row . . . ]

Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese. ~ Billie Burke

Cheese is milk’s leap toward immortality. ~ Clifton Fadiman

The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese. ~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

Nothing says holidays, like a cheese log. ~ Ellen DeGeneres

[OK, I zeroed in on this because our family group included Elke, Ed, and Chris Hatch . . . ]

People should always have a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil, a packet of pasta, tinned tomatoes and a good cheese somewhere in their fridge. ~ Gino D’Acampo

[The farm across the road from the cheese factory . . . ]

My old modus operandi was, if you’re going to have a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich, don’t have one, have two. If you’re going to have vanilla wafers, you have the whole box. ~ Al Roker

[It has an All-American farm look – Elke thought a photo thereof would make a fine computer background . . . ]

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the ultimate comfort meal. ~ Ina Garten

Mooooo!!

[Back to camp for adult dinner night . . . ]

[Ruthie with Beth, people are asked to wear their finest clothes out of their backpacks . . . ]

L.A. is great, but it’s a completely different beast. I go back to Minnesota, and I borrow a bike from my neighbor and go around Lake Harriet saying ‘Hi’ to people. Some of that is missing in L.A. ~ Yara Shahidi

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do all the rest have to drown too? ~ Steven Wright.

Up Next: Part 3 . . .

August 15

We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. ~ Henry David Thoreau

June bugs in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Under the June bug code of ethics, what happens in Sheboygan stays in Sheboygan . . .

This was our annual trip to Camp Brosius, the Indiana University camp in (and on) Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. We always go the first week in August (the 8th and last week of camp which turns over 100 campers a week), unfortunately competing with the Resorters Golf Tournament at the same time in Alexandria. ~ Me

It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent. ~ Dave Barry

July 30

Camp is a solvent of morality. It neutralizes moral indignation, sponsors playfulness. ~ Susan Sontag

[This may seem to be a rather ordinary picture. But I thrive on the ordinary. Every year on the way to camp we pass Owen, Wisconsin. We have to take this photo because . . . see the following photo . . . ]

[Because this is Crazy Dave Owen, famed in song and story. We were sorry to see his town was “closed” on this day . . . ]

[Driving by the mountains of Wausau, Wisconsin . . . ]

[On close inspection, one can see the downhill ski trails . . . ]

[Our first stop, at the Culver’s in “War-sore” . . . ]

SHEBOYGAN, WE ARE HERE! 473 miles, 7 hours and 45 minutes with lunch and gas stops. Tomorrow we go to Camp Brosius, 20 miles from here, needing proof of 4 vaccinations, a negative COVID test, and fumigation for bugs, ticks, ear wax, and boll weevils. The annual opening event is optional coed skinnydipping, which through the years has drawn no participants but many campers become camera ready . . .

[Our royal suite at the Fountain Park Motel in Sheboygan . . . ]

[It was connected to a huge restaurant that is allegedly the favorite breakfast place for Sheboyganites . . . ]

[Thousands of miles from an ocean, yet we could view humpback whales from our motel windown . . . ]

[The Sheboygan River, hard by Lake Michigan . . . ]

[Fine dining at Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza on the Sheboygan waterfront. Since one needs a scorecard to know the players, across from Ruthie is Ed Hatch, father of Chris, who is married to Ruthie’s sister Rita’s daughter Beth. You’ll be quizzed on this later in the semester . . . ]

[Beth, incidentally, ordered a rather tasty dish of frickles . . . ]

[It was on this very same waterway on August 8, 2008, we saw and photographed Ivana Trump’s yacht. And as you’ll recall from your readings, August 8 is also the date Nixon resigned and the day the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago, a date that will live in infamy . . . ]

[We did not see Ivana, but it was our understanding that she cruised the Great Lakes in summers to support things environmental . . . ]

July 31

Murals in restaurants are on a par with the food in museums. ~ Peter De Vries

[The following morning our humpbacks were still there . . . ]

[As a condition for campdom, we had to show proof of four vaccines and a negative COVID test, which the Super and I passed that morning in the motel . . . ]

[The Fountain Park Hotel was appropriately enough right across the street from Fountain Park . . . ]

[We spend Saturday nights in Sheboygan every year because it is a 7 1/2 hour drive from Alexandria, and we cannot check into Camp Brosius until 1:00 on Sunday. So now as a matter of custom we visit the Sheboygan lake front on Sunday mornings . . . ]

[This is Sheboygan Peace Park, and peace is generally considered to be a good thing . . . ]

[Just some McMansions scattered along the waterfront . . . ]

Don’t go to a museum with a destination. Museums are wormholes to other worlds. They are ecstasy machines. Follow your eyes to wherever they lead you…and the world should begin to change for you. ~ Jerry Saltz

[And every year before heading off to Elkhart Lake we visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center for an hour or two . . . ]

A country that has few museums is both materially poor and spiritually poor … museums, like theatres and libraries, are a means to freedom. ~ Wendy Beckett

It’s not a museum. It’s not a place of artifacts; it’s a place of ideas. ~ Jeanie Kahnke

[Through the arch and across the street is the outdoor music park . . . ]

A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like a tree without roots. ~ Marcus Garvey

The only way to understand painting is to go and look at it. And if out of a million visitors, there is even one to whom art means something, that is enough to justify museums. ~ Pierre-Auguste Renoir

[Looking back at the Arts Center through the arch, i.e., making my own art (?) . . . ]

A museum has to renew its collection to be alive, but that does not mean we give on important old works. ~ David Rockefeller

[See the photo at the top of this page . . . ]

[Ruthie & I arrived first and here comes the rest of the group . . . ]

The best introduction to art is to stroll through a museum. The more art you see, the more you’ll learn to define your own taste. ~ Jeanne Frank

[Beth, Elke (Ed’s wife), and Rita, like all the ladies every year, enjoy a trip to the men’s room. When you first come in the Arts Center you must first visit the two restrooms, which are signature works of art in among themselves . . . ]

If Picasso drips, I drip. ~ Arshile Gorky

You can’t do a painting without a drip. ~ Andy Warhol

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. ~ Heraclitus

[And without further adieu, the ladies’ room . . . ]

For every joy, there is a price to be paid. ~ Ancient Egyptian Proverb

If you really want to seriously think about life, and therefore take painting very seriously… and take seriously the joys that it can bring to one, then you want to go to museums. You want to study the greats of the past. ~ Nelson Shanks

Art has always had as its test in the long term the ability to speak to our innermost selves. People have experiences in art museums today that they used to have in the church. ~ Bill Viola

When in a museum, walk slowly but keep walking. ~ Gertrude Stein

The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second, and throughout nature, this primary figure is repeated without end. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. ~ Socrates

[And now into the art display areas . . . ]

[A selfie in an acolyte mirror – I have no idea if I win a prize for that or not . . . ]

[And now the left turn . . . ]

That’s why we have the Museum, Matty, to remind us of how we came, and why: to start fresh, and begin a new place from what we had learned and carried from the old. ~ Lois Lowry

[From inside the gallery, through the arch, to the outdoor music park . . . ]

I love doing normal things … I also love to go to art and history museums. ~ Christina Aguilera

A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can. ~ Maira Kalman

[Our guide, when one was necessary, which was often . . . ]

The only way to understand painting is to go and look at it. And if out of a million visitors there is even one to whom art means something, that is enough to justify museums. ~ Pierre-Auguste Renoir

[The Biddies were amazed at the fabric construction . . . ]

[Ed enjoying the comforts of what I dubbed the “man cave” . . . ]

[So then I took a crack at it . . . ]

A painting in a museum probably hears more foolish remarks than anything else in the world. ~ Edmond De Goncourt

[Beth and the Super invade “our” man cave . . . ]

A museum is a place where one should lose one’s head. ~ Renzo Piano

Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures. ~ Cesar Chavez

The greatest wealth is to live content with little. ~ Plato

Up Next: Part 2 . . .

August 9

We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology. ~ Carl Sagan

He was observed wandering the premises. It was not clear as to whether there was any point to this. He is generally considered to be rather harmless. He has never been reported as being dangerous unless you consider a PBS tote bag full of milkweek pods to have weapon potential. He ultimately slunk away under the cover of darkness . . .

You’re only as good as your last haircut. ~ Fran Lebowitz

We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. ~ Japanese Proverb

[We then turned that portion of the evening for pledges and auction items. Rush Benson, whose wife Renee Guittar (red dress) led off the dance sequences in Part 1, played a similar role at last year’s soiree . . . ]

In ceremonies of the horsemen, even the pawn must hold a grudge. ~ Bob Dylan

The way to become rich is to put all your eggs in one basket and then watch that basket. ~ Andrew Carnegie

[Glen Fladeboe of Fladeboe Companies was once again the auctioneer host . . . ]

Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference. ~ Kathy Calvin

The most effective way to do it, is to do it. ~ Amelia Earhart

You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it. ~ Robin Williams

Do a loony goony dance cross the kitchen floor, put something silly in the world that ain’t been there before. ~ Shel Silverstein

[Puck . . . ]

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. ~ Plato

You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. ~ Wayne Gretzky

[A long time friend of TLHD expressed her appreciation for the theatre . . . ]

If all the economists were laid end to end, they’d never reach a conclusion. ~ George Bernard Shaw

If you call yourself Save the Whales, every once in a while you have to save a whale. ~ Tom Ahern

If music be the food of love, play on. ~ William Shakespeare

If you can dream it, you can do it. ~ Walt Disney

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see. ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ~ Aldous Huxley

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. ~ Kurt Vonnegut

When I dance, people think I’m looking for my keys. ~ Ray Romano

No one dances sober, unless he is insane. ~ Cicero

[Ruthie finally chased down Rush . . . ]

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t. ~ Bill Nye

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. ~ Bob Marley

[If we were Table No. 2, this must have been Table No. 1?]

Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody. ~ J.D. Salinger

Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go. ~ Oscar Wilde

We’ll meet again, Don’t know where, don’t know when, But I know we’ll meet again, Some sunny day. ~ Vera Lynn

[Thor presided over the stage . . . ]

I’ll see you in another life. When we are both cats. ~ Tom Cruise

[Ceremonies completed, it’s time for the parting glass . . . ]

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. ~ Margaret Mead

[New board member Brian Nelson discusses things theatrical with the aforementioned Mr. Berg . . . ]

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. ~ Elizabeth Andrew

[See the photo at the bottom . . . ]

Volunteers will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no volunteers. ~ Ken Wyman

So long, and thanks for all the fish! ~ Douglas Adams

[The parting shot . . . ]

I look up so much to those movies, ‘Airplane!’ and ‘Naked Gun.’ I think that stuff is so funny. I grew up just loving all that stuff and sort of idolizing Leslie Nielsen. ~ Ron Huebel

Say good night, Ruthie (a Leslie Nielsen fan)! [Photo credit for this and the one at the beginning to Janet Baker, the ultimate volunteer.]

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~ Dr. Seuss

Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it’s just the opposite. ~ John Kenneth Galbraith

It is so hard to leave until you leave and then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world. ~ John Green

Up Next: Camp . . .

August 11

This is the belated report of Theatre L’Homme Dieu’s annual fundraiser, par-tay, and general celebration of barn quilts and ring baloney. The Super and I had to leave for summer camp that very weekend, which delayed reporting at the time and will delay the reporting on said camp. In keeping with the traditions of Alexandria summers, we had wonderful weather for the evening and a good time was had by all . . .

“Theatre L’Homme Dieu (TLHD) has a rich history of presenting theatre to the Alexandria Lakes Area. Founded in 1961, TLHD is the oldest operating summer stock theatre in MN. Formerly partnered with SCSU, we have been operating independently as a presenting theatre since 2009. That means that we don’t produce community shows, rather we present professional theatre on our stage. 

TLHD audiences are comprised of permanent residents, seasonal residents, tourists, and guests of the Alexandria area. TLHD’s campus is a former resort that was converted into a theatre campus with housing for 38, a lodge with an industrial kitchen, and a 272-seat proscenium theatre. The campus sits on 22 acres of wooded land, with access to Lake L’Homme Dieu.” [thld.org/what-we-do]

July 27

The old with the old, the young with the young, the hostess by the tea table, on which there were exactly the same cakes in a silver basket as the Panins had at their soiree – everything was exactly the same as with everyone else. ~ Leo Tolstoy

I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well. ~ Robert Benchley

[Early arrivers checked in at the patio, a hint of excitement was in the air . . . ]

How devastated I am to say that I will not be present at your petite soiree on June 10th. Unfortunately, the exceptionally weak drinks you ordinarily serve at these occasions are not sufficient to dull my senses to your boyfriend’s futile efforts to grope me in the hallway. ~ A.C. Kemp

I never said most of the things I said. ~ Yogi Berra

[The Supervisor checks in while I pretend to be cub reporting . . . ]

[As I recall the dress code for the event was “resort elegant,” here elegantly displayed by Dave, the theatre’s CFO, and Karin Berg . . . ]

Drinking makes such fools of people, and people are such fools to begin with that it’s compounding a felony. ~ Robert Benchley

[Dave pours a bit of bubbly for Jim, theatre board president, and Jan Pence, while Paul Trumm acts as a witness . . . ]

[Cassie was the professional photographer while I dabbled around the edges. She is known to regular diners and music aficionados at the Garden Bar . . . ]

All people from small islands dance funny. ~ A. A. Gill

[Known patrons of the arts arrive . . . ]

God damn it, you’ve got to be kind. ~ Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

[Also known as Tom and Jeanne Mulder . . . ]

If God wanted us to bend over he’d put diamonds on the floor. ~ Joan Rivers

[Let the mingling begin . . . ]

Humor has to surprise us; otherwise, it isn’t funny. It’s a death knell for a writer to be labeled a humorist because then it’s not a surprise anymore. ~ Garrison Keillor

[The vast expense of greenery looking to the campus entrance from the theatre building – landscaping is a continuing work in progress . . . ]

A room is like a stage. If you see it without lighting, it can be the coldest place in the world. ~ Paul Lynde

[THE THEATRE L’HOMME DIEU . . . ]

I was the class podiatrist. I never made it to class clown. I wasn’t funny enough. I would examine feet and prescribe and ointment. It was a sad childhood. ~ Gilbert Gottfried

[The old lodge . . . ]

It just seems to me that there’s no particular reason comedy albums should be dead. There’s a lot to laugh at. We have very funny people, still. ~ Eric Idle

[Even more patrons of the arts: Marianne and Tim Moe . . . ]

I have no agenda except to be funny. Neither I or the writers profess to offer any worldly wisdom. ~ Julia Louis-Dreyfus

[Thank you Sidney Imsande and Jenna Nowak, we could not have pulled this off without you. Therefore, this Bud’s for you!]

[The entertainment begins. The performers from The Class of ’85, the theatre’s play at the time, put on a terrific display of dance for us . . . ]

It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than to watch it accumulate. ~ Gloria Steinem

[And away we go . . . ]

From the first time I saw Sid Caesar be funny I knew that’s what I had to do. ~ Billy Crystal

There is something about sex that always brings out the funny in me. I think it’s because we make such fools of ourselves over it. ~ Rita Moreno

It’s simple, if it jiggles, it’s fat. ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

I grew up in a time when women didn’t really do comedy. You had to be homely, overweight, an old maid, all that. You had to play a stereotype, because very attractive women were not supposed to be funny – because it’s powerful; it’s a threat. ~ Lily Tomlin

The ‘Billionaire’ song is what my kids tease me with. They sing it to me. It’s funny. ~ Bill Gates

The Show . . .

And this is my table! ~ The Supervisor

Certainly there are things in life that money can’t buy, but it’s very funny – Did you ever try buying them without money? ~ Ogden Nash

I don’t know who the hell Paul Lynde is, or why he’s funny, and I prefer it to be a mystery to me. ~ Paul Lynde

[And this was our table. It appears the executive director (see the following photos) was pouring our wine . . . ]

To me, the funniest American of the Twentieth Century is Richard Nixon because he had the most to hide, and he was so bad at hiding it. To me, that’s what’s really funny – people who think they’re doing a great job of hiding stuff, and it just keeps leaking out. ~ Harry Shearer

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. ~ Robin Williams

[Taking the stage, i.e., time to raise money, is Nicole Mulder, the theatre’s executive director, and Katie Eiser, theatre board vice president with the lead role for this event . . . ]

Richard Pryor introduced me to the world of the inner city, and the urban world, and did it hysterically. My favorite comedian, even though we work 180 degrees differently, but funny is funny is funny. ~ Bob Newhart

Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving. ~ Hank Rosso 

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. ~ Booker T. Washington

[Thank you Nicole and Katie . . . ]

I think forever is an incorrect concept,” I answered. He smirked. “You’re an incorrect concept.”
“I know. That’s why I’m being taken out of the rotation”. ~ John Green

Once you get past funny, my other qualities are so below average. It’s not like I’m handy. ~ Seth Meyers

Up Next: Part 2 . . .

July 25

* OK, I think I’ve worn out this theme . . .

I’ve always wanted to smash a guitar over someone’s head. You just can’t do that with a piano. ~ Elton John

And OK again, I didn’t take this photo. NASA did. I need a grabber for Facebook postings . . .

July 17

Playing guitar is a never-finished journey. ~ John Fogerty

[The most usual of the usual suspects . . . ]

[Assembled at Jack’s Pub at Carlos Creek Winery . . . ]

[To see and hear Anthony Miltich . . . ]

If you want music to be your livelihood, then play, play, play and play!… ~ Eddie Van Halen.

I grew up in a world that told girls they couldn’t play rock ‘n’ roll. ~ Joan Jett.

I’m just a guitarist in a kick-ass rock and roll band. What more could I ask for? ~ Eddie Van Halen

If you really love guitar, you’re going to spend every waking hour stroking the thing. ~ Frank Zappa

July 19

Don’t use your brain to play it, let your feelings guide your fingers. ~ Jimi Hendrix

[Then it was on to the Tuesday Night Club at the Garden Bar on Tuesday . . . ]

[It was a full house for the boys . . . ]

Everyone has their own sound, and if you’re heard enough, folks will come to recognize it... ~ Chet Atkins

The guitar is a small orchestra…Every string is a different color, a different voice. ~ Andres Segovia

I would advise you to keep your overhead down; avoid a major drug habit; play everyday and take it in front of other people… ~ James Taylor

[My medium rare, 6 oz. filet mignon with smoked guoda mashed potatoes with corn succotash was more than tasty . . . ]

Melvin D. Lamar, age 91, of Alexandria, MN died on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the Sauk Centre Nursing Home.  A Celebration of Melvin’s life will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 11 AM at the Vie Church in Alexandria. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

[Mel was a local legend and guitar tutor to many. He often played with the guys of Tuesday Night Club . . . ]

[I thought this a great shot of Mel posted by Terry Kennedy . . . ]

July 22

No heron is an island . . .

But for their cries, The herons would be lost Amidst the morning snow. ~ Chiyo Ni

Memory in these incomparable streets, in mosaics of pain and sweetness, was clear to me now, a unity at last. I remembered small and unimportant things from the past: . . . blue herons on the marshes . . . ~ Pat Conroy

There was an infinity of greens, rendered all the greener by splashes of red hibiscus and the herons floating past, so white and big it seemed as if sheets hung out to dry had suddenly taken wing. ~ Geoff Dyer

July 23

Art is about building a new foundation, not just laying something on top of what’s already there. ~ Prince

I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better. ~ Prince

I like constructive criticism from smart people. ~ Prince

[Jerome Newsom reprised the role of Morris Day performing The Bird from the movie Purple Rain (canned photo). We “ran into” him in the theatre parking lot. The Super wondered how he got such a great spot. I reminded that her was a member of the band, an assumption on my part . . . ]

My hair is capable of doing a lot of different things. ~ Prince

[Killroy was there . . . ]

[Killroy has problems shooting behind because he has to tilt his head far back to focus through his bifocals . . . ]

When I first started out in this music industry, I was most concerned with freedom. Freedom to produce, freedom to play all the instruments on my records, freedom to say anything I wanted to. ~ Prince

People say I’m wearing heels because I’m short. I wear heels because the women like ’em. ~ Prince

I learned from Jimi Hendrix. They all wanted him to do the tricks, and at the end of his career, he just wanted to play. I lived longer than he did, and I can see how those pressures can really play with your head. ~ Prince

[Our view from seats E1 and E2 . . . ]

I don’t want anyone to fail, so if you can make money off music even though you can’t sing or dance, that’s genius. ~ Prince

[Part of the regulars of the regular crowd . . . ]

I don’t talk to old people; they try to find ways to stay static. Young folks are the ones with the ideas and constantly moving forward. ~ Prince

You ever get that feeling that you just have too many hits? ~ Prince

[TLHD’s executive director Nicole Mulder greets the attending masses . . . ]

Each audience is different. ~ Prince

[Chase & Ovation take the stage (well, actually this is at the end during the wrap up and encore (Purple Rain) when the entire audience felt comfortable taking photos) . . . ]

I’ve always understood the two to be intertwined: sexuality and spirituality. That never changed. ~ Prince

Well, my musicians are my friends. ~ Prince

[The guitar player on the far right is Alexandria’s own Spencer Bradley Christensen. His Alex background was oft noted during the performance. The Super and I went to his high school graduation party. He then matriculated to McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. And he recently turned 30 . . . ]

[Brian “Snowman” Powers on saxophone . . . ]

I like to open people’s eyes. ~ Prince

At one time, MTV was hip and suddenly it became outdated. ~ Prince

My bankers are very happy with me. ~ Prince

[Chase noted that at the time, VH1 polled its listeners and When Dove Cry was voted the No. 1 dance song. I don’t dance, but When Doves Cry is my favorite Prince song . . . ]

YouTube is the hippest network, and they abuse copyright right and left. ~ Prince

[And a well-deserved standing ovation . . . ]

[Say good night folks (a 2 1/2 hour show) . . . ]

Good night!

July 25

This morning. 61 degrees. Victoria Heights. Alexandria, MN. Where Ozzie and Harriet lived on every corner. Perfect.

This is where I grew up (well, got larger). Playing ball, fishing unabashedly from other people’s docks, and otherwide enjoying the life of Ozzie and Harriet . . .

I didn’t grow up in a mom-and-pop, Ozzie and Harriet type of environment, but who did. ~ Lucinda Williams (Well, me.)

 We lived a lovely, middle-class, suburban life in Philadelphia. And I really thought that the TV programs of the ’50s, like ‘Father Knows Best’ and ‘The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet’ Nelson were documentaries filmed with hidden cameras in our neighborhood. ~ Richard Corliss

 Man, y’all make the Addams family look like Ozzie and Harriet. ~ Tami Hoag

Well, when I was growing up it was Ozzie and Harriet on TV – nobody’s parents were like that. ~ Liza Minnelli (Well, mine.)

I really wasn’t too interested in writing “Father Knows Best” and “Ozzie And Harriet.” I thought they were pleasant enough, but it wasn’t really what I wanted to do. ~ Garry Marshall

Those rosy memories we all share are actually memories from our favorite TV shows. We’ve confused our own childhoods with episodes of “Ozzie and Harriet,” “Father Knows Best,” and “The Brady Bunch.” In real life, Ozzie had a very visible mistress for years, Bud and Kitten on “Father Knows Best” grew up to become major druggies, and Mom on “The Brady Bunch” dated her fifteen-year-old fictional son. ~ Cynthia Heimel

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is a TV program that first aired in 1952 on American Broadcasting Company. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet ended in 1966. (poemofquotes.com)

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was on for 14 seasons and 435 episodes. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is created by Ozzie Nelson. (poemofquotes.com)

[Just looking for a strong finish . . . ]

A night none of us will soon forget…

A BIG THANK YOU to the community of Alexandria, and to the gracious hosts of a MOST beautiful Theatre L’Homme Dieu who helped us welcome a *SOLD OUT* crowd to this Central MN gem of a Performing Arts Center. ..

Such a special night we all had this weekend coming together in Celebration of LOVE.. LIFE.. AND THE MUSIC OF *PRINCE!*..

The energy in this room and the love shared with one another is everything we could have hoped for during our visit with our neighbors to the North..

We’ll certainly be back to see you all again..

BIG Love…

~C&O~ (As posted on Facebook)

Up Next: In the immortal words of The Gong Show host, Chuck Barris, more stuff . . .

July 13

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawnmower is broken. ~ James Dent

Summer activities in the greater Alexandria metropolitan statistical area once again set a trend leaving the solo participant to struggle in the dust trying to keep pace . . .

Heat and cold alike last only till the equinox. ~ Japanese Proverb

July 6

Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun. ~ Brian Wilson

[On scenic drive County Road 42 on the way to Theatre L’Homme Dieu . . . ]

[Passing Rotary Beach on Lake Le Homme Dieu . . . ]

[Turning east on County Road 120 to the theatre . . . ]

It’s summer and time for wandering… ~ Kellie Elmore

[Arriving at the destination . . . ]

A beautiful evening celebrating the music of Bread featuring Wayne Anthony and these tremendous musicians. And another sold out show at TLHD! Thank you everyone! (TLHD Facebook)

[TLHD Facebook photo . . . ]

[Driving entry into the campus . . . ]

[Enjoying the patio and a beverage prior to the concert . . . ]

[Fans also come by bus . . . ]

It was always the view of my parents…that hot weather encouraged loose morals among young people. ~ Ian Mcewan

[The theatre’s executive director, Nicole Mulder, greets a table of attendees . . . ]

[The Bread performers . . . ]

[If memory serves, the stage . . . ]

[Nicole offers greetings and introductions . . . ]

[Wrapping up another enjoyable evening at the theatre . . . ]

[Now it’s time to go home and go to bed . . . ]

[Kudos to Wayne and the band!]

July 9

I read and walked for miles at night along the beach, writing bad blank verse and searching endlessly for someone wonderful who would step out of the darkness and change my life. It never crossed my mind that that person could be me. ~ Anna Quindlen (one of my all-time favorite columnists)

[Elsa Lee was back at Carlos Creek Winery. Woo-Woo!]

Vacation is that time when you wish you had something to do while doing nothing. ~ Frank Tyger

Life’s short. Eat dessert first, work less and vacation MORE!! ~ Lea Mishell

July is a blind date with summer. ~ Hal Borland

[America’s sweethearts were there . . . ]

Girls in their summer clothes . . . ~ Bruce Springsteen

And we’ll have fun, fun, fun . . . ~ Beach Boys

Summertime and the livin’ is easy. ~ Porgy and Bess

[A panorama view of the winery campus . . . ]

It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do. ~ Walter Winchell

July 10

Reminder, the Alexandria Golf Club clubhouse is open to the public for fine dining. This morning the Super and I enjoyed a dearth of customers but with a plethora of ambience! ~ Me

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. ~ John Gunther 

Large, naked, raw carrots are acceptable as food only to those who live in hutches eagerly awaiting Easter. ~ Fran Lebowitz

Summer bachelors like summer breezes, are never as cool as they pretend to be. ~ Nora Ephron

[The clubhouse grounds in its summer splendor . . . ]

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if not has not dined well. ~ Virginia Woolf

July 12

Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds. ~ Regina Brett

[The city’s flower baskets in Big Ole Park, where the Fat Boys begin their daily saunters . . . ]

But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun. ~ The Beatles

During summer vacation, you get to do all your favorite things; cook hot dogs over a campfire (while being eaten alive by mosquitoes). ~ Bruce Lansky

It’s opening night! We are excited to share this show with people in the lakes area! Wondering if you’d like it? If you like musicals or don’t like musicals you probably will. If you like Shakespeare or not, you probably will. This is a laugh out loud show, with humor that may leave you wondering “did they really just say that?” We’re ready to rock the renaissance! Happy opening to the Cast, Crew, and Staff! (Minnetonka Theatre)

Minnetonka Theatre is recognized as one of the premier high school programs in the Midwest.  It is our mission to prepare our cast and crews to be creative and critical thinkers, successful scholars and advocates for the arts.

Today, under the direction of Artistic Director Trent Boyum, our theater plays an integral role in our student’s well-rounded education and we know how valuable the arts are as they develop a better understanding of the human condition. We take pride in presenting a season of plays and musicals of wide-ranging genres that challenge and excite our students, and after months of preparation and rehearsals, we bring them to you – our supportive audiences (minnetonkatheatre.com/about-us-c5cx).

And when people talk about a cast of thousands, this is what they’re talking about . . .

SOMETHING ROTTEN CAST & CREW BIOS 

Reagan Aleman (Bea) – Reagan is delighted to be a part of Theatre L’Homme Dieu’s Something Rotten this summer! She will be a senior at Minnetonka High School this fall and enjoys being a part of the theatre community. Reagan began performing in 4th grade and fell in love with acting after being cast in her first ever musical, Clear Spring Elementary’s production of Oklahoma! Jr. Since then, Reagan has been involved in several Minnetonka Theatre productions, the most recent being Mamma Mia! this past spring. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and family, watching movies and enjoying the lovely summer weather while it lasts! Reagan would like to thank her parents and friends for all their support and encouragement. Additionally, she would like to thank the Minnetonka Theatre Staff and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for this incredible opportunity. She is truly grateful to be involved in reviving this musical for a new audience! Reagan is still finalizing her plans for after high school but has an interest in studying biological science. However, she knows that she wants to make theatre a part of her life when in college! She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Spencer Ammon (Spot Light Operator) – Spencer is going off to Colorado State University in the fall, continuing his theatre career out there and hoping to become a lighting designer. He says, “Theatre has always been a large part of my life because I’ve been exposed to it forever with my mom and sister being theatre majors in college. So, to me, theatre is family and brings us all closer together.” 

Alex Armstrong (Light Board Operator) – Alex just finished his first year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks pursuing a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He plans to return in the fall and continue to pursue his degree in hopes of getting a job in the aerospace or automotive industries. In addition to working on Something Rotten this summer, Alex has decided to pursue his love of airplanes and is now working at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport as a ramp agent. 

John Armstrong (Tech Crew) – John says, “Theater is this place I go to just do something I enjoy with people I enjoy. It’s hard, annoying, and we don’t really get recognized or rewarded, but we do it anyway because we enjoy doing it.” 

Zhou Benson (Ensemble) – Zhou is a recent graduate from Minnetonka high school. She is beyond thrilled to be returning to Theatre L’Homme Dieu to reprise Minnetonka’s production of Something Rotten. This show brought Zhou so much laughter and joy and she hopes it will do the same for the audience! In the challenging times of the pandemic, she found it especially refreshing to do such a ridiculously humorous show that brought a smile to audiences’ faces. Zhou would like to thank everyone who has supported her through all her endeavors. 

Izzy Bloom (Tech Crew) – Izzy is excited to keep making memories, as well as gaining life experience and wisdom through theater. 

Sam Boime (Ensemble) – Sam is a 2021 MHS graduate who plans to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall. Sam says, “I’ve been involved in theatre since I was in third grade and have made some great friends along the way, and I’m very happy to be able to share this experience with some of those friends. Something Rotten was one of the highlights of my senior year and I’m thrilled to get to do it again.” 

Ella Bricker (Stage Manager) – Ella is a senior at Minnetonka High School and has been involved in theatre for three years. 

Kate Brown (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Kate has been a part of the costume crew all throughout high school and has been involved in theatre since elementary school. She’s so excited to experience one last show with the cast and crew, especially one as funny and upbeat as Something Rotten. This fall she will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison to study Journalism. 

Marcus Carlson (Assistant Stage Manager, Spot Light Operator) – Marcus is a rising senior and has been involved with theater for as long as he can remember. Marcus says, “I love my theater family and feel incredibly lucky to get to spend time putting on great shows!” 

Alex Colmenares (Brother Jeremiah) – Alex says, “Theatre to me is a way to express my love of roleplay and acting. I don’t have many means in my normal life to act. So, theatre is a great way to get into character and just have fun with it.” 

Jenna DeJong (Sound Board Operator) – Jenna will be a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire this fall. She is on the Pre-Med track with ambitions to become a doctor. Some of Jenna’s fondest memories involve her time at Minnetonka Theatre, especially her stay in Alexandria for Bright Star in 2019, her time behind the sound board, and most importantly the friends she made in the theatre. A special thanks to her mentors Nathan Humason, Jeff Geisler, and Matthew Kudas for helping her even when she asked stupid questions. This will be Jenna’s 19th show with Minnetonka. She is excited to be back at Theatre L’Homme Dieu rejoining her Minnetonka Theatre family one more time. 

Andrew Denhardt (Ensemble) – Andrew plans to attend college and pursue acting. He says, “Theatre gives me a sense of community. I have been acting since 5th grade and the people I have met become my favorite people. It feels like I am a part of a big family which allows me to express myself and be a part of something. I cannot imagine who I would be without theatre. It brings me joy to be a part of a show!!!! I am excited to be a part of Something Rotten. It was an experience to perform it live outside, and now we all have a chance to perform it inside! I would like to take a moment and thank my family (parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) and friends for supporting me through my acting career.” 

Joe Douglass (Tech Crew) – Joe has been doing crew since 6th grade and says, “These years in theater have proven to be central to my journey of self-discovery and growing up. Theater is a place to find confidence and passion, even for someone like me, who is never actually on stage. These experiences are truly magical, and Something Rotten is one of the most fun shows that I’ve had the opportunity to work on. I’m so excited to have the chance to help bring it back here this summer!” 

Jason Elyea-Wheeler (William Shakespeare) – Return to Theatre L’Homme Dieu? Thou surely doth jest. Perform Something Rotten again, with the cast that is best. A bard in training, Jason Elyea-Wheeler may be. To play William Shakespeare again what other honor shall he need? A Hamline University student, Tonka alumni with pride. He won’t stop performing until you are all mesmerized. 

Stanley Gagner (Sound Effects Operator) – Stanley is excited to finally get to do Something Rotten in a real theater where we can have full control over the sound, the lights … and the AC. Thank you to all the Theater L’Homme Dieu staff for accommodating such a large cast and crew, and to the Minnetonka staff for striving to give opportunities like this to students. In the fall Stanley will be attending Fordham University at the Lincoln Center campus. 

Molly Geldert (Ensemble) – Molly is so excited for the opportunity to be able to perform this show for a second time! She says, “Something Rotten is like no other show that I have been in, and it is simply so funny and entertaining to watch, making it all the more fun to be a part of. Theatre is such an amazing and collaborative activity, and I am so grateful that I have been able to work with such incredible directors, actors, crew, and friends with Minnetonka Theatre. I will never forget the wonderful experiences that I have had here!” 

Hailey Guptail (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Hailey is so excited to get to do Something Rotten again!! She says, “It is one of my all-time favorite shows I’ve done and I’m so grateful that I get to perform it again for new audiences! I’m going to be a senior this fall and am excited to be a part of the directive team for the Students Arts Showcase at MHS this August. Lastly, I want to thank my parents for always supporting my theatre ambitions, I love you!” 

Joe Harris (Nigel Bottom) – Joe was singing before he could form words, so it only makes sense that he would join Minnetonka Theatre at an early age. His first role was as Buckwheat in Our Gang Follies of 1938 in 4th grade, and he has performed on stage in 24 productions since then. He also served as a Student Advisor for Broadway, Here I Come! and composed and performed the original score for Subject to Change. Joe is excited to return to the role of Nigel Bottom and share this show with TLHD audiences. He will attend the University of Oregon in the fall to study Psychology. 

Bjorn Johnson (Student Director) – Bjorn is happy to have been participating in theatre productions with his friends since elementary school. His favorite part of student directing is watching the show come together from a different perspective as to how he usually sees them come together as part of the cast. He’s excited for people to see the show, as the entire cast and crew of Something Rotten have put together something really special! 

Ruby-Mae Karason (Dancer, Ensemble) – Ruby says, “To me, theatre means working with a family of cast, crew, directors, and audience to apprise a message through performance and empathy. My favorite part of theatre is being able to have the freedom and support to explore many different mediums with the same outcome, whether it’s acting, set crew, or directing. Even though each role has a different goal and duty, the overall outcome is the show.” 

Max Kedrowski (Run Crew) – Max has worked on crew for 20 shows with Minnetonka Theatre, and Something Rotten is one of his favorites. Max is excited to be back at Theatre L’Homme Dieu for the second time. 

Chase Kickhaefer (Ensemble) – Chase is an incoming junior at MHS and loves performing. She says, “Being involved in theatre at Minnetonka has been an experience that I am incredibly grateful for. Something Rotten was my first spring show at the high school and first show on school property. Originally performing this show in the parking lot created some of the happiest memories and strongest friendships. I am so excited to get to do it all over again!” 

Jason Kizilos (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Jason says, “This coming fall, I am going into my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin Stout for Psychology. My plan is to become an adolescent therapist. We are performing Something Rotten in the beautiful lake region of Alexandria, and I’m looking forward to spending time on the lakes and catching up with friends I haven’t had the opportunity to see during the school year. I’d like to thank my close friend Gabe Smerillo for his support and friendship since kindergarten.” 

Truman Klein (Nostradamus) – Truman is a 2021 MHS graduate and currently attends the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a focus in History and Spanish. Theater has always played a very large role in his life, and it will remain as a great passion of his going into the future. Truman would like to thank his loving parents and his close group of friends for constantly inspiring him and supporting him through thick and thin. 

Olivia Kronzer (Assistant Stage Manager) – A 2022 MHS graduate, Olivia has been on crew since her freshman year. She says, “Theatre to me is all about the community and I’m so happy to be doing Something Rotten again with a great group of people. In the fall I plan on going to the University of Minnesota and majoring in environmental science.” 

Lily Krueger (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Lily says, “I love Something Rotten because it’s a show you can’t explain to another person. It’s such a pleasure to be on the crew for this show again with my favorite people.” 

Elliot Lee-O’Halloran (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Elliot will be a junior at Minnetonka High School this fall and is delighted to be able to perform Something Rotten again! Theatre has always had a big impact on his life ever since he was 6 years old, and he hopes to continue it after high school. Elliot would like to thank the artistic team for giving him the opportunity to perform this fun and comedic show again, as well as his parents for supporting him over the years! 

Greta Lindberg (Portia) – Greta says, “I am so excited to be back with the Minnetonka Theatre community to perform my senior show for a second time! I am an incoming sophomore at St. Olaf College, and I have the incredible opportunity of studying Theatre in London next year. I would like to thank my family, as well as the Minnetonka Theatre staff, for consistently supporting and motivating me during my time with Minnetonka Theatre. It has truly been a blessing.” 

Wilson Lindberg (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Wilson says, “Theatre has always held a special place in my heart and a lot of that space is taken up by the people I’ve made connections with. What I really love is that Something Rotten is a show that takes you out of your reality and allows you to have the most fun you could possibly have on stage!” 

Jennifer Xinyi Liu (Ensemble) – Jennifer says, “Something Rotten is one of my favorites among all the shows I have done! I would like to give thanks to the directors for making the show so funny and delicate. Also, thanks to the talented cast and crew for creating the loving and welcoming atmosphere that made the production even more fun! I will continue to pursue music when I go to college next year!” 

Aaliyah Lowry-Luther (Dancer, Ensemble) – Aaliyah says, “I am so excited to perform Something Rotten at Theatre L’Homme Dieu. I’m thrilled to perform in one last show for Minnetonka Theatre before I head off to college. Minnetonka Theatre has allowed me to meet some amazing people and make some lasting friendships. I’ve made many memories that I’ll cherish forever so thank you for everything.” 

Savannah Lowry-Luther (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Savannah has been involved in Minnetonka Theatre since the 5th grade when she was in the ensemble of Oklahoma Jr. She has gone on to help in 11 shows as part of the costume and set crews for the high school. Savannah is excited to revisit Something Rotten this summer and spend time with friends before going off to North Carolina in the fall to attend Meredith College where she will be majoring in Fashion Design and minoring in Business. 

Emma Lee Macosko (Ensemble) – Emma Lee has been performing with Minnetonka Theatre since she began in The Scarlet Pimpernel. She is thrilled to be able to work with such a great community again for her Theatre L’Homme Dieu debut of Something Rotten. Emma Lee has loved getting to perform so many incredible shows with such amazing casts and crews. She would like to thank her family for encouraging her love of musical theatre and keeping her on stage. Emma Lee will be attending DePaul University this fall. 

Silver Oakman (Tech Crew) – Silver says, “Theatre has caused me to grow as a person and I am thankful for it. Over the year I’ve done it at MHS, I’ve made a lot of friends and gained new skills. It’s also inspired me to continue in the future, and I hope to do it as a career.” 

Henry Olig (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Ensemble) – Henry attends the University of Minnesota studying Computer Science. He is super excited to perform Something Rotten again because it is a show where he got closer to a lot of amazing people. Henry would like to thank all the cast and crew involved in putting on such a fun show. 

Sara Pender (Ensemble) – A recent graduate of Minnetonka High School, Sara plans to go to Australia to study International Relations at The University of Sydney. She has loved participating in theatre throughout high school and hopes to continue into college. To finish off the year, she is very excited to reintroduce Something Rotten back to the stage with this wonderful cast and crew. 

Max Perdu (Shylock, Ensemble) – Max says, “Whenever I’m not in rehearsal for a theatre production, my life doesn’t feel complete. I’m so grateful for the opportunities Minnetonka Theatre provides me. Something Rotten is the perfect lighthearted show for a good pick-me-up. I love it, I love it, I love it!” 

Sean Peterson (Ensemble) – Sean says, “My biggest hobby is the performing arts! I love all aspects of theatre and I hope to minor in some sort of theatre practice in college. Theatre to me means having the courage to be yourself but also someone else at the same time onstage. If you can achieve both, you are a rock star!” 

Tessa Ramsden (Lady Clapham, Ensemble) – Tessa just completed her freshman year at the University of Iowa, where she is majoring in Creative Writing and Chinese. She is so happy to be back with her Minnetonka Theatre family for the summer! Tessa would like to thank her parents and sister for always being her biggest supporters. Fun fact: her favorite song in Something Rotten is ‘God I Hate Shakespeare!’ 

Alli Richter (Tech Crew) – Alli says, “I first got involved in theatre at Minnetonka Middle School East and enjoy working behind the scenes with the cast and crew. For the future, I plan on continuing with the crew and can’t wait to see what performances they have planned. There are so many people I’d like to thank for helping me with theatre, but I just want everyone that I’ve worked with to know I am grateful for their guidance, support and encouragement.” 

Luke Rowen (Master of the Justice, Ensemble) – Luke says, “I’ve performed in Minnetonka Theatre productions for 3 years, and before that at the Breck School. My passions excluding theatre are hiking and math. My favorite role I’ve played is Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity and I am looking forward to being in Something Rotten!” 

Jocelyn Saint-Louis (Run Crew) – Jocelyn is at MHS and has done 11 shows with Minnetonka Theatre. 

Olivia Salmi (Ensemble) – Olivia has been involved in musical theatre since third grade. She has primarily acted on the stage but has also worked as a part of the crew behind the scenes. Her favorite part of being in theatre is the community it creates, and the incredible productions a team can create working together. Next year, Olivia plans to attend St. Olaf College to further her education. 

Ella Schindel (Dancer, Ensemble) – Ella is planning on going to Western Washington University in the fall. She says, “Theatre has been a great home for me in the past 3 years. I have met so many amazing people and I’m gonna miss them so much next year. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to perform this show again for you all, I hope you enjoy it!” 

Adam Schulenberg (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Adam has been doing theatre since 4th grade, so it definitely made its mark on his childhood. Next year he will be heading off to the University of Oregon to study Cinema. Adam would like to thank the many people he met along the way for creating an experience he’ll never forget. 

Jack Schuster (Bottom Brothers’ Troupe, Ensemble) – Jack says, “Something Rotten is such a positive memory in a hard time, and it was an amazing end to my high school career! I’m now going to the University of Minnesota Duluth for Mechanical Engineering and spending most of the time I should be studying outdoors. Music and laughter are so important to daily living and this show has a lot of both!” 

Hannah Seeman (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Hannah recently graduated from Minnetonka High School and plans to attend Hofstra University this fall where she will major in Television Productions and Studies. While she is currently an actor, she plans to pursue directing in college. Hannah has been doing theatre since she was five years old at multiple theatres around Minneapolis. She was in Bright Star at TLHD and is so excited to be back!!! She wants to thank her dad, mom, and sister Clare for continuing to support her through her theatrical journey! 

Chloe Stromberg (Ensemble) – Chloe has performed in various Minnetonka High School and Minnetonka Community Theatre productions. She also has enjoyed performing in other local community theatre shows. Theatre has always been an outlet to escape from reality and be able to both understand and portray a perspective different from your own through storytelling. She has thoroughly enjoyed performing in Something Rotten as it tells a beautiful story of staying true to yourself regardless of others’ opinions. Chloe would like to thank Minnetonka Theatre staff as well as Theatre L’Homme Dieu staff for providing us with this opportunity to bring to life this heartfelt story. 

Kat Tran (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Kat says, “To me, theatre means connecting with people you wouldn’t normally get the chance to. Whether that means interacting with people outside your grade and daily group of friends at school, or working with people within the community, both older and younger, that you wouldn’t typically have the opportunity to, everyone is able to come together to create something they’re proud of and all had a part in making happen.” 

Nate Turcotte (Nick Bottom) – Nate is thrilled to be back on the L’Homme Dieu stage with Minnetonka Theatre. A 2021 graduate of Minnetonka High School, he has spent the last year studying Acting and Computer Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he will be returning in the fall. He would like to thank the artistic teams at Minnetonka High School and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for the opportunity to perform this show again, and he can’t wait to see what the future holds! 

Ella Van Engen (Minstrel, Ensemble) – Ella says, “I am so happy to be back on stage with Minnetonka Theatre, and very excited to be back at Theatre L’Homme Dieu since our run of Bright Star. I’m currently double majoring in Art and Psychology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, but I would like to thank Minnetonka Theatre and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for giving all of us Minnetonka High School graduates a chance to come back to the stage to do what we love.” 

Jazmin Westlind (Props) – Jazmin says, “Theatre has been a passion of mine since elementary school, it is a way for me to not only meet new people but to also express my artistic creativity in many different ways. I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the cast and crew for previous productions which have really made me appreciate the hard work and dedication put into both positions. I would like to thank all the staff and students of Minnetonka Theatre that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I can’t wait to create even more incredible memories with the Minnetonka Theatre community in future productions. 

Jane Williams (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Jane has been acting in shows with Minnetonka Theatre since fourth grade. Among her favorite productions were Evita, Bright Star, Something Rotten, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Circle Mirror Transformation. She had the great joy of performing in Bright Star at Theatre L’ Homme Dieu in the summer of 2019 and is so happy to return for Something Rotten. She wants to thank the TLHD staff and the Alexandria theatergoers for their welcoming and warmth.

[It’s nice to be serenaded while sipping wine on the patio prior to the show . . . ]

Thirty ways to shape up for summer. Number one: eat less. Number two: exercise more. Number three: what was I talking about again? I’m so hungry. ~ Maria Bamford

I like swimming in a sun shirt. People always look at me like I fell in the pool. ~ Jim Gaffigan

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~ Russell Baker

[The venue, the stage, where the excitement soon began . . . ]

[The full house was in rapture from beginning to end . . . ]

July 13

If you’re not barefoot, then you’re overdressed. ~ Unknown

[Thanks be to Jim Hafdal for giving us a pontoon ride around beautiful Lake Darling on a beautiful day . . . ]

[The Super settled in for a two-hour tour . . . ]

[Ye olde homestead . . . ]

[Our old master bedroom deck . . . ]

[Arrowwood in full summer bluster . . . ]

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair… ~ Susan Polis Schutz

Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet. ~ Bob Marley

She had that whiskey sipping skinny dipping smile. ~ Atticus

Yo, Crazy Dave!

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. ~ Diane Ackerman

And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Up Next: Something exciting (at least to me) . . .

July 11

Golf is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well. ~ P.G. Wodehouse.

I’ve been losing too many of my old golf buddies lately. But Gordy gave it a helluva run, didn’t he. I’m not sure if he kept track or not, but we know he shot his age or better probably hundreds of times. I remember one of the last times I played with him (and I gave it up seven years when I could no longer play it as a recognizable sport), he eagled hole No. 12, a par 5. I think he was about 125 yards out and knocked his 3rd shot into the hole with a hybrid. Keep on swinging, Gordy!

Relax? How can anybody relax and play golf? You have to grip the club, don’t you? ~ Ben Hogan

[Gordy Anderson, at age 100, teed off in the 100th Resorters Golf Tournament at the Alexandria Golf Club on August 3, 2021. Gordy received some national notoriety for this event . . . ]

In Hollywood, we have some of the richest unemployed people in the world. They have sun tans. Some of them have chauffeurs in Rolls-Royces waiting outside. They have their golf clubs ready in the car. There is no law that says you cannot play golf while being unemployed. ~ Allan Sherman

Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an ever smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose. ~ Winston S. Churchill

[Gordy, with Warren and Martin, a Senior Men’s team of players over 90 on June 12, 2012 . . . ]

I am past writing angst songs for kids. My angst is when I can’t get my Porsche roof up and when I can’t get my golf handicap down. ~ Alice Cooper

[Gordy with a Senior Men’s League team of players over 85 on September 25, 2012 . . . ]

The uglier a man’s legs are, the better he plays golf – it’s almost a law. ~ H. G. Wells

[Ruthie and Gordy celebrating the 100th birthday of the Alexandria Golf Club on July 17, 2015 . . . ]

A major golf tournament is 40,000 sadists watching 144 masochists. ~ Thomas Boswell

[Ruthie hopped a ride with the honorary centenarian of the 100th Resorters Golf Tournament on August 2, 2021 . . . ]

The place of the father in the modern suburban family is a very small one – particularly if he plays golf, which he usually does. ~ Bertrand Russell.

[The sign says it all . . . ]

A great deal of unnecessarily bad golf is played in this world. ~ Harry Vardon

[Gordy having a chat with Joe Korkowski for the Voice of Alexandria . . . ]

Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air. ~ Jack Benny

[Gordy and Gloria at The Don Carlson Memorial Senior Soiree, Steak Fry, and Putting Contest, Alexandria Golf Club, August 31, 2010 . . . ]

Although golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it’s open to anybody who owns hideous clothing. ~ Dave Berry

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. ~ Bryan White

But the fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright Brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. ~ Carl Sagan

Up Next: I’m not sure, but as I was finishing this, we got word that an old family friend, also 101 years of age, died last night. Rest in peace, Merill Kiehne . . .

July 6

I’m trying to elevate small talk to medium talk. ~ Larry David

The Super and I had been away to college for 10 days. Upon returning home, we were ready to get in the swing of things again. I awoke with a dry cough, which I thought nothing of. Nevertheless, the Super dragged out the COVID test kits. Mine was positive, hers negative (until a couple days letter). Back into the protocols for another 10 days. Neither one of us ever felt sick or in anyway incapacitated. We both had had all four of the Pfizer shots. Protocols complete, we were ready to rock and roll again. We missed plenty but were fortunate the first play of the season at Theatre L’Homme Dieu, Glensheen, was scheduled for a two-week run. Those on the early “shifts” reported back to us:

You were missed last night. Glensheen was one of the best things I’ve ever seen at TLD! Full house! And the patio is wonderful! ~ Mary Pohl

Thought the play was fantastic with perhaps one of the strongest casts of any play I’d seen there.  Not one weak link.  Had to listen carefully because some of the best lines little more than “asides.”  ~ Jim Pohl

Full house and fantastic! ~ Tom Mulder

June 30

Glensheen

Elisabeth Congdon and Velma Pietila were murdered at Glensheen
mansion in 1977.
By Christa Lawler (https://www.startribune.com/christa-lawler/8761943/) Star Tribune
JUNE 26, 2022 — 3:25PM

DULUTH — Monday marks 45 years since an elderly heiress from one of the region’s
most high-profile families and a retired night nurse who was working a pick-up shift
were found slain in the Congdon mansion — a story that remains one of the city’s most
buzzed about murders.
On June 27, 1977, Elisabeth Congdon — at 83, the last living child of Northern Minnesota
mining magnate Chester Congdon and his wife, Clara — was found smothered in her bed
in the family’s 39-room Jacobean mansion on the shore of Lake Superior. Nurse Velma
Pietila, 66, who had recently retired but was subbing for a former colleague, was found
on the staircase — beaten to death with a candlestick.

[The Super enters the theatre, stage right . . . ]

The energy of live theater is indescribable. You are just in the moment for an hour and a half. ~ Adrianne Palicki

I want to do stage again, because there just aren’t words for how great it is. People say that all the time, ‘There’s nothing like live theater, blah blah,’ but it’s really true. I see a show and I know how they feel, and it feels great. ~ Anna Kendrick

[A terrific set to replicate the Duluth mansion . . . ]

Unlike film, live theater is an anti-naturalistic medium in which character is mainly illuminated through speech and movement. ~ Terry Teachout

[The theatre audience begins to wander in. For two weeks “Glensheen” all but sold out every performance as forecast by our executive director. It was every bit as terrific as all the reviews claimed . . . ]

July 1

Love conquers all things except poverty and toothache. ~ Mae West

[A beautiful morning – the babies could hardly wait for Mom to let them go outside to play . . . ]

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. ~ Lily Tomlin

I’m sick of following my dreams, man. I’m just going to ask where they’re going and hook up with ’em later. ~ Mitch Hedberg

Every time something pops in my head, I think twice about it and I do it anyway. ~ Gilbert Gottfried

[A country that does not know its past (even in the form of a novel from 36 years ago) is doomed to repeat it . . . ]

[Thunder, lightning, very very frightening . . . ]

Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair. But a confident bald man – there’s your diamond in the rough. ~ Larry David

[And yes it was a beautiful day. Late in the afternoon the Super decided we needed to go on a road trip in the convertible. We passed the Lowry water tower mid-route . . . ]

[After Lowry comes Starbuck . . . ]

[With all thirteen hundred of its citizens . . . ]

[Driving through Starbuck one passes by the West Coast of Lake Minnewaska, flush with boaters and bathers . . . ]

[And the Waters Edge, where the Boys of ’65 have dined . . . ]

I’m not for everyone. I’m barely for me. ~ Marc Maron

[Arriving at our destination on the south side of Lake Minnewaska. To avoid construction detours, the trip was 36 miles from home . . . ]

[Rolling Forks Vineyards . . . ]

[The from our table on the patio looking north across three fields of grape vines and Lake Minnewaska . . . ]

Peel me a grape . . .

[From their own Marquette grapes – Carlos Creek Winery 25 miles north of here couldn’t sustain Marquette grapes any longer because it’s too cold. I guess 25 miles can make a difference . . . ]

[Why yes, ‘The Joe’ pizza was just fine . . . ]

[Lake Minnewaska, through a telephoto lens . . . ]

[To me, there seemed to be a dearth of boats on the lake. The Super thought maybe everybody was preparing for the holiday weekend . . . ]

[Kind of a walk out peninsula for a better view . . . ]

[On the way back home . . . ]

[One mile down the hill to the shores of Lake Minnewaska . . . ]

[‘Natural Preservation’ is good . . . ]

[Minnewaska is a BIG lake. ‘Minnewaska’ in Ojibway means “less real estate taxes than Alexandria” . . . ]

[I didn’t realize at the time of the photo, another shot of the Lowry water tower, that a pteradactyl was flying overhead . . . ]

[So, if you thought Starbuck was small . . . ]

June 2

Son, if you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now quiet! They’re about to announce the lottery numbers. ~ Matt Groening

[The first concert of the season at Theatre L’Homme Dieu – Quinn Sullivan . . . ]

[The regular (and irregular) crowd shuffles in . . . ]

[From the band’s POV . . . ]

[The couple sitting behind us. They were kind enough to advise me that I spilled my wine . . . ]

[With apologies to the theatre’s executive director, Nicole Mulder, my camera, on its own, decided to focus on the people standing behind her because they had better lighting . . . ]

[And here’s Quinn with his band . . . ]

Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away. ~ Benjamin Franklin

There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.There is another theory which states that this has already happened. ~ Douglas Adams

I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact. ~ Elon Musk

Life begins at 40 – but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times. ~ Helen Rowland

[Quinn is 23 and has been performing since the age of 6 . . . ]

[Our next door neighbors . . . ]

[Got up to cut the asphalt . . . ]

[I commended their impersonations of Fred and Ginger . . . ]

Facebook just sounds like a drag, in my day seeing pictures of peoples vacations was considered a punishment. ~ Betty White

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. ~ Mark Twain

The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby. ~ Natalie Wood

The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it’s unfamiliar territory. ~ Paul Fix

[Putting the wraps on this puppy . . . ]

[After the show I, as a person of lots of age, had to thank Quinn personally for playing a song I could recognize in . . . three notes – “Dear Prudence”! You can find a video of him performing that song on YouTube. He’s an amazing guitar player . . . ]

[A standing ovation from the assembled masses . . . ]

You have to remember one thing about the will of the people: it wasn’t that long ago we were swept away by the Macarena. ~ Jon Stewart

I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture. ~ Laurence Olivier

[This is Sidney, operations manager for the theatre, which consists of the theatre, an old main lodge and four cottages, and 22 acres. Hang in there, Sidney!]

[My phone camera was fighting me the night of Glensheen. The new patio was full of happy customers that night. Well, at least this a view of our beautiful outdoor setting . . . ]

[The concert is over – it was quite a performance . . . ]

There is no such thing as fun for the whole family. ~ Jerry Seinfeld

Everyone has a purpose in life. Perhaps yours is watching television. ~ David Letterman

[The concession stand from which one can enjoy an adult beverage on the patio pre- and post-performance . . . ]

[My chauffeur impatiently awaits completion of my cub reporter duties . . . ]

[Passing a crowded Zorbaz on the way home. The Lure was similarly overflowing . . . ]

It is a scientific fact that your body will not absorb cholesterol if you take it from another person’s plate. ~ Dave Barry

July 3

Folks, I don’t trust children. They’re here to replace us. ~ Stephen Colbert

[An afternoon at Carlos Creek Winery with the Cropdusters . . . ]

[They’re from Fargo and accordingly close personal friends with one of our favorite groups, Tucker’d Out . . . ]

The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life. ~ Oscar Wilde

[I heard the keyboard player was 19. That’s really young, right?]

According to a new survey, 90% of men say their lover is also their best friend. Which is really kind of disturbing when you consider man’s best friend is his dog. ~ Jay Leno

The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius. ~ Sid Caesar

Nobody goes there anymore because it’s too crowded. ~ Yogi Berra

July 5

If your parents never had children, chances are… neither will you. ~ Dick Cavett

[A new feature at Gathered Oaks . . . ]

[The night was for Josie, who announced she was getting married on the weekend. They grow up so fast! And she’ll be heading into her second year of medical school . . . ]

Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know. ~ Daniel J. Boorstin

[The Gathered Oaks property as seen from the patio with Lake Charlie in the background . . . ]

All men are equal before fish. ~ Herbert Hoover

I’m in shape. Round is a shape. ~ George Carlin

[The Bergs got us (I was just trying to get my camera to work) . . . ]

[So, we got them back . . . ]

May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house. ~ George Carlin

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. ~ Isaac Asimov

Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it. ~ Laurence J. Peter

[Enroute to a new CD of original songs some time this summer. May I suggest you check out her “Season of Not Knowing” on YouTube . . . ]

[Gathered Oaks has received national media coverage for its uniqueness. New, upscale rooms inside repurposed old grain bins; generous views and natural light make these rooms so special! 8 separate hotel-style rooms, each offering: queen bed, bathroom + shower, television,1 comes as a suite that also offers a small kitchenette and seating area (from their website) . . . ]

What the world needs is more geniuses with humility; there are so few of us left. ~ Oscar Levant

[Where the Super parked her VW convertible, outside Bulter bin 2 . . . ]

I know that there are people who do not love their fellow man, and I hate people like that! ~ Tom Lehrer

[The Bergs are leaving as well after a loverly evening . . . ]

[Until next time . . . ]

I don’t really believe that all theater needs to be filmed – for some things, the special part of live theater is that it exists and then it’s gone. ~ Marielle Heller

I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being. ~ Oscar Wilde

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