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My boat, a not-so-fancy flat-bottomed john boat, was gassed up and the batteries were charged. Fresh line was wound onto my reels, and I was ready to go. Betsy had begrudgingly agreed to go along, and we headed for the river on the late afternoon of Thursday, May 12th.
Read moreHypothyroidism, the condition of the thyroid gland not making enough thyroid hormone, is a common hormonal disorder. Perhaps because hypothyroidism is common and its symptoms can be widespread and vague, misconceptions abound. Let’s cover the facts.
Read moreLately I’ve been thinking a lot about stuff. Not the general meaning of stuff, as in: I’ve been thinking about stuff. But the more literal sense, as in stuff stuff: things, material possessions, articles we accumulate and drag through life like barnacles on the bottom of a boat. That’s the kind of stuff I’ve been thinking about.
Read moreSenator Carrol Red Allen was a giant of a man not just in stature but in life. His hard work ethic, common sense, strong belief in faith, strong love for his family and willingness to help others by way of public service were a few of his outstanding attributes. Because of his example and leadership people like Senator Bernie Hunhoff, Senator Garry Moore, Senator Frank Kloucek became involved in politics. Red Allen was a legend. He stood up for the common person. He never once profited personally from politics. He set the standard for what is good and right about South Dakota. He and Gladys ran a custom combining business near Lake Andes and a truck stop on Highway 81 north of Yankton. He also enjoyed running heavy dirt moving equipment for building Highway 37 from Springfield to the Standing Bear Bridge near Running Water. Senator Allen would look at issues and see how they impacted the average South Dakotan on a daily basis and vote accordingly. Senator Allen had a huge positive in- fluence on our family's life and I wish to thank each one of his family members for sharing him with us and the people of South Dakota. There is a saying in Nebraska "Go Big Red" in support of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. We utilized the saying for many years in support of Senator Carrol V "Red" Allen. One of my fondest memories was when he was Senator, Garry Moore and I were Representatives. We would take turns driving to and from Pierre during legislative session. He drove a huge SUV and we rode in style. We would discuss the issues of the day and life in general. They were clearly the most enjoyable trips to our state capitol I ever had. He truly was a shining light for the citizens of South Dakota. He went through the same trials, struggles and tribulations that so many of us do. He inspired others to do great things by his setting the example for us to follow. Adios Senator Allen. Go Big Read!
Read moreReaders often ask, “Roger, what’s the next adventure?” Other than Saskatchewan’s Lake Besnard in mid-June with old friends, Louisiana’s Gulf Shores will be an entirely new adventure. This whole thing started when Laurie, our oldest daughter and a Kansas City area physician, was talking to a friend about a recent vacation. Her friend had rented an oceanfront home large enough to accommodate the entire family for a week at Gulf Shores, Louisiana. Whether or not Laurie knew the area was a bucket list fishing destination of mine, I know not, but she did know I was addicted to fishing.
Read moreThe older I get it seems the less I truly know. I prove this to myself on a regular basis. I’ve seen tee shirts that say, ‘In my defense, the moon was full and I was left un-supervised.’ If I had a shirt like that, I would have been wearing it the other night—on the occasion of my most recent foray into the murky depths of my own ignorance.
Read moreGun magazines seem to love “What Cartridge is Best” articles. While not best, if I were to name my favorite rifle cartridge, I’d pick what is labeled as the “.45-70 Government.” First off, I enjoy the historical aspect of the .45-70. The cartridge was adopted as the primary round of the U.S. military back in 1873, and for me the .45-70 has local color. Nearby Fort Randall’s primary purpose was to keep the peace and protect the advancing settlement in the area, and the Fort Randall infantry carried Springfield single-shot “Trapdoor” rifles in .45-70 caliber.
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