Is there such a thing as a typical week? April 8-14 was reasonably normal for me… several commitments, but not so overstuffed there wasn’t time to breathe. Most weeks are an amalgamation of moments, some special, some mundane. Let me share a few such moments.
Monday, April 8. A Norwegian professor, Jostein Garcia de Presno, is in St. Ansgar presenting on Claus Clausen… Dane, clergyman, founding father of St. Ansgar and of 26 Lutheran churches in the region. De Presno discusses Clausen’s life prior to coming to the U.S. in the mid-1840s. Afterward, I drive to the Charles City Library, doing homework on a column about Arthur Mooney, a photographer who gifted the library a series of art prints and books almost a century ago. Stay tuned.
Several notable Monday phone calls. First, Becky: Would I participate in the congregation’s annual program at Good Samaritan Nursing Home on Thursday. Yes. Second, Amy: I’m to receive the “Timeless Liberal Award” from Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) in July. I’m honored… and will provide a “friends list” seeking financial support. Third, we call son Ethan, who euthanized his beloved dog today. Understandably, he’s heartbroken.
Tuesday, April 9. I post my weekly column (about Sir Robert Grant). I review proofs of the printed program for Hamlin Garland’s induction into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, which includes my essay about Garland’s Chicago years. I drive to Mason City for Austin Frerick’s presentation about his book, “Barons”. I facilitate the question-and-answer section, pleased to see friends from Mitchell, Worth, and Cerro Gordo Counties, maybe 40 people in attendance. Afterward, I drive two hours north, to the Twin Cities.
Wednesday, April 10. I’m bound for Target Field mid-morning to meet friend Mark for a noon Twins-Dodgers game. Twins win, 3-2. Late afternoon, Paula and I host an event for Dan, campaigning to become a county commissioner. I introduce Dan; he talks about his career before effectively fielding questions from our Minnesota townhome neighbors.
Thursday, April 11. I return to North Iowa to participate in the Good Samaritan program, providing piano music between readings by colleagues Becky, Joan, and Diane, musing about the first such program I participated in almost sixty years ago. I respond to emails… yes, we’d love to host a visit from Lou, a Harvard student, in mid-July. These are dates when we could connect with a friend, Brittany, from Scotland while we’re in England. I propose a title for a water-related art exhibit in Dassel, Minnesota this summer: “Water Works… the Art of Lakes, Streams, and Seas.” I chair an evening Zoom meeting of the ADA Executive Committee.
Friday, April 12. I drive to nearby Austin, Minnesota for a modest grocery shop, trying self-check-out for the first time… I’ll improve. I get a much-needed beard trim. I drive to Northwood and give an enthusiastic thumbs-up regarding an electric keyboard our church is considering. Returning home, I practice hymns and a choir anthem for Sunday. I serve as organist / choirmaster… generally bringing more willingness than talent to the task.
Saturday, April 13. A stay-at-home, yard-work day; gorgeous weather. Friends accept an informal dinner invitation, dining al fresco. I make rhubarb crisp for hosting my Twin Cities book club on Sunday and spot two wood ducks on our stream in the early afternoon. Eddie from LA calls to talk baseball. He’s engaged to a terrific woman; I urge them to set the date, reminding him our wedding attendance requires sufficient notice. Dinner includes reveling in the joy of enduring friendships.
Sunday, April 14. Our casual choir performs “Great is Thy Faithfulness” remarkably well. I leave immediately after the postlude for pre-theater lunch plans in Minneapolis with Paula’s two sisters and their husbands. We six attend “The Color Purple” at Theater Latté Da, rescheduled from last Sunday so we could watch the Iowa women’s basketball game. I depart at intermission to fulfill a commitment to lead an ad-hoc ADA planning meeting via Zoom. Sunday evening, book club colleagues gather on our deck, discussing Erik Larson’s “Isaac’s Storm” while eating rhubarb crisp.
My week was busy but manageable. And pleasurable. How about yours?
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I’m pleased to be part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. My colleagues:
Wow, such a leisurely week - not. Don't forget a sympathy card for your son, Ethan. He'll appreciate it.
Worthy.