Happy Saturday morning all:

There was a time when our north woods everyman, Claire, on his way to the chow hall, quickly ducked behind a tree.

It was the swarm of mosquitoes which caused him to re-emerge pirouetting much the way a classical ballerina would enter from a stage left; although poor Claire never really learned to pirouette, nor is he a ballerina – classical or not. In reality he was just making certain that no mosquito would find a handy landing pad.

A couple of loggers, including “cookie”, forwent muttering the usual “good morning”, instead they stared and began hollering; “secure your weapon!”

As Claire stumbled into the chow hall he began to feel it more than actually realizing what exactly it was they tried to communicate. To some enthusiastic hooting and hollering from his fellow loggers he never buttoned his pants faster than he did that time.

Yes, we’ve embarked on a fogging regimen to manage the pests. This morning I do not see dozens hanging on the screens. It’s a good time to sit back and enjoy my mug of morning coffee.

Fogging – to control the mosquito population is an amazing art. Sure, it sounds simple enough, get a fogger, insert a canister of propane, add the “fog” and set out. In actuality there is much more to fogging.               

First of all, there is much sitting and waiting to make certain that there is no air to move the fog into areas you did not set out to fog, such as the lake. A great tool is a cigar; actually, it’s the best tool. There really is no better way to ascertain whether or not conditions are perfect for a fogging. While you might get accused of “lazing” about, deep down you know that at that moment in time, there is no more important ‘duty’ which could be performed. However, it should be stressed that it’s best to forego using words such as “pleasant”,  “aroma”, “enjoy”, “smooth”, or “delightful” while your air test is in progress.

Pollen – is the second of the springtime nemesises (or is it nemesii?) we experience residing in the forests found in the shadows of the LaCloche mountains. The lake has a yellow band along its shoreline – much like what Cristo would view as a work of art (we’ve taken a poll [pun intended] and no-one here views that yellow-band as art—sorry Mr. Cristo). The deck has a yellowish glow. Rain has managed to paste a yellow coating all over the truck and our little Deux Chevaux. Yesterday I drove the truck to the nearby landing for a proper washing – by evening a yellow dusting was back!

You would be amazed at just how many tons of the stuff is flying about. Why Marcia has even placed the vacuum cleaner on the front lines of defense during these pollen battles. Whoops, I was informed that the vacuum cleaner was merely used to suck a wayward mosquito or two off the cabin’s ceiling. Sorry, but it’s come to the point where I am wishing for yellow mosquitoes and thus only have to deal with a single springtime issue.

Actually, I found another issue. Overnight a large bird (probably ranging in size to that of a Canadian goose) spotted the shiny roof and windows of the truck and unloaded with perfect aim. Was that really necessary?

In reality, I don’t want you to wonder why it is we are even here. Much of this week the weather has been wonderful and this morning the sun is as bright as can be. Maybe a week more and the black flies will disappear then the mosquitoes will follow quickly.

Animal planet – We’ve not seen any of the animals who’ve left their tracks on our driveway. We’ll see the tracks such as adult deer. These creatures must wander about the property at night and then leave at dawn. It might be fun to stay awake and sit and watch.

Hummingbirds are bearing the burden of a cold spring. They are constantly all over the feeders. Yesterday we had five at one time. Dia and Paul had as many as nine simultaneously – requiring refills throughout the day.

Fini – Make it a great week everyone. Congratulations to all those who graduated or who are planning to leave the comfort of one grade and step into the scary unknown of the next one. In our case it’s Derek and Marin who are off to grade 5. Kellen moves to 2nd grade. Dinah will enter 1st grade, and Vaioleti is already going to Kindergarten. (I think I got that all correct)

Tonight its dinner at Basswood Lake and then tomorrow its listening to Kayla Luky giving us her best in the form of prairie influenced folk music at Auld Kirk in town.

Cheers.
Dirk

From the Archives
Friday, June 18, 2004

Morning all:

This is however an evening post. Since it takes about 3 hours to clear security in Cartagena if flying out of country, I need to vacate my hotel at 5:00 AM. This week went fast since it was meetings, trade show, and lots of functions. But rest assured I started each morning with a brilliant cup of strong Colombian coffee con leche.

This place has a phenomenally rich history as wave after wave of pirates and buccaneers came here to grab their fortune. The old city still has the massive walls used to turn back the invaders. One dinner was had in the old Spanish fortress of San Fernando which still guards the harbor entrance. The likes of Sir Francis Drake, Pablo Morillo, and Capt. Henry Morgan have major historical presence here. We had our own “storming” of the castle and after collecting our booty (or should that be booties?) sat down to feast.

This afternoon was free so I set out on the 4Km walk to the old city section. Part of it along the beach and part of it past about 1800 vendors; Rolex senior? – Wonderful painting for your family senor? – Sunglass mister? – Three shirts for only 10-dollar mister – And on, and on it went. All of this activity took my mind off the fact that it was really hot. Continuing my walking I went past some military barracks. Out front was a digital clock/temperature display – 36 degrees. Yes, do the conversion, spot on 97 degrees Fahrenheit by my book. Add a blistering sun with super high humidity and you’ll understand why I was soaked.

Sunday is Father’s Day. It is not too early to teach young Derek and Marin the fine art of showing appreciation to their dads. All the rest of you, just place us dads in front of the grill – we’ll be happy.

Have a great week.
Cheers,
Dirk

6/18/2004 10:38:00 PM