The groundhog stays six more weeks of winter

I've been noticing my memory is not as fast as it used to be when I'm trying to remember things. The slowness in recalling made me wonder about Alzheimer's.

The local chamber of commerce hosted an age friendly dementia event at the Albert Lea Fire Department building in Albert Lea with Dr. Gaugler, a professor in long term care and aging at the University of Minnesota.

There were two programs the same day of one and a half hours, each with identical programs. Yes, the place was packed.

The programs were very, very interesting with most of the info being in terms which this old Norwegian understood.

I left with this conclusion, “The longer you live, the more likely you will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” Do you suppose the social security crowd because of age is why they call this “The old timers' Disease?

The groundhog stayed outside just long enough to see his shadow the morning of February 2. As you well know, that means six more weeks of winter. I did see a Harley Rider when it was a record 57 degrees on January 30, 2025. (I think the bike is now parked in his garage.)

My birthday was January 23. On that day I talked by phone to relatives in California, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Arkansas and Mineesota. Guess which state did not have snow on the ground as I celebrated my birthday with Genie at Applebee's in Albert Lea.

While at Applebee's we talked to three young ladies in the next booth. They were celebrating the birthday of one of them on that day also (January 23). They were very friendly and said goodbye as they left.

Genie and I asked for our bill as we prepared to leave. “Surprise” the young ladies treated us. Yes, Genie and I will pay it forward!!

We usually have a “Guess when all the snow will be gone from the parking lot at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church in the spring” event. “Sad to say,” the contest was canceled due to “No Snow.” A number of snow related events in this area of Minnesota were still held due to “Man Made snow.”

This year's Valentine party, sponsored annually at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church by F.R.O.G., was very different than previous years.

The last minute decision was to cancel the party and suggest, if you usually attended, send the cost of attending to an organization helping the California Fire Victims. (If you are a Thrivent member, funds may be sent with matching funds or through choice dollars.)

The decision was made to mail a Valentine card to (what we call) shut-ins of both Central and East Freeborn Lutheran Church, signed by members of Central and East.

Each adult lady present at East or Central Freeborn Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 9 received a carnation.

Many, many thanks to Applebee's, Arby's, Hardee's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Main Street and Taco John's for their food coupons.

I guess you might say, “The giver of Valentines became a receiver at Valentines!!

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in New York. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.