Category Archives: Background

The Owl Next Door! (A Talk by Me!)

Background, Year 9

Does everyone have spring fever? This winter has been cold and long. Thus, what could be better than to escape to a small organic farm a bit north of the Twin Cities on Saturday … enjoy homemade hard cider while I speak about the Amity Owls! Assuming the weather permits, you would also be able to walk around the farm and visit the maple syrup operation in progress. The talk will be in Sapsucker Farms modern cider barn with plenty of warm space. Although you are welcome to bring your own food, the farm will have a food truck present serving “Fireman’s BBQ”! This is a great family friendly event. My talk is just part of Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day! Learn more.

  • Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day: Saturday, March 26th
  • Time: 12:00 to 8:00 pm
  • The Owl Next Door Talk (me): 2:00 pm
  • Learn more via Sapsucker Farm’s web site.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Address: 2752 215th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
  • Google Maps Link
  • Download a free PDF copy of my book, Do You Hoot?

The Gift of Life!

Background, Year 9

I don’t like to post about myself. This blog is about the birds, but occasionally exceptions must be made, and this is one such occasion …

16 months ago a young couple in the middle of the Pandemic when none of us really understood how lethal Covid-19 might be … rescued me on the Lester / Amity Trails. It was October of 2020 and I had collapsed while trail running. I do not know the names of the young couple who supported a 65 year old gent such that we could hike down to the Lester trailhead, call 911, and get an ambulance. By helping a man who had collapsed, logic dictated that given Covid-19 they were risking their own lives. Thank you for the gift of life.

I had a genetically misshapen heart valve, and my Garmin showed I was on the ground for over 30 minutes. Today, after five surgeries (including open heart) and an additional five heart procedures, Essentia Health published a video of my story. Thank you … (video link for email subscribers).

Here is a photograph of me and my brother … a long term Covid survivor. We are both working are way along the recovery road. This winter, I have even been able to cross-country ski the Lester / Amity Trails (where Hoot lives) including its 250 elevation gain (five miles in duration). The photograph was taken last November (yes … I am still in shorts). We are having a laugh over our weekly medication boxes.