The Minot Lions Club Slothalon is back.For most of my life the thought of being slothful appalled me. Not so much these days as I've aged and mellowed.I am well beyond the days of needing to prove what a magnificent competitor I am (or never was 🙃).The Lions Club Slothalon is a fun way to help the Lions promote their focus of helping others with eyesight issues. To learn more head to their website www.minotlions.com/tryslothalon  08/01/2022

Well, I can show you what happened to the stinky dog.As far as that "free" dog I guess I could show you receipts for the dog bed, the tie out cable, the two toys, treats and more that all added up to nearly $100.00.Considering Baby came with a kennel (living room type to sleep in), water & food bowl, a collar, and some towels I guess we got off pretty cheap over all.That being said I want to once again reiterate that if you rescue a dog from Minot's local animal shelter keep in mind your total cost will more likely be $300.00 or more when you consider the $100.00 adoption fee and just the sparse list above if you were also to buy the things we got free from Babies previous owner.If you have children and you are just scrapping by financially consider the costs of owning a dog before you ... 07/31/2022

We had lots of fun yesterday at the 2022 North Dakota State Fair. We arrived around 1:00PM and stayed till 8:00PM. I would have loved to stay longer however I am still suffering sever leg pain and just couldn't do it. Your continued prayers are appreciated.The good old fashion Merry-Go-Round.Tea Time. Look at the smile on that childs face.Lots of rides with "G" force.and MORE "G" force.Long lines. This was Military Day and the rides were free.Lots of critters. We love the Bunny Barn but we also went through all the livestock barns which is a BIG part of the 4H shows that hundreds of youth participate in hoping to "show" a State Fair champion.We also walked through the "Old Settlers" display (live reenactment) which was fun. Just so you know the following display was NOT a live critter.O... 07/27/2022

Today was the day of the BIG parade!It was a grand parade with approximately 200 entries. There were marching men, cars, girls, horses, Big equipment and much much more.Lots of marchingLots of Cars. New and  vintage.Lots of pretty girls.Lots of horses. Not pictured but present were the Budweiser Clydesdales.Farm equipment big and small.  07/23/2022

I am always showing pictures and videos of Minot ND during a blizzard, I thought it may be a good idea to let you know that no blizzards are predicted during the North Dakota State Fair that will be starting this Friday 07/22/2022. So come to Minot this weekend or coming week and I will give you my personal guarantee that you will NOT experience one of our North Dakota blizzards while you are here. 07/21/2022

Sometimes We ScreamSometimes Out of AnguishSometimes Out of DelightYesterday I gave you a "heads-up" on this Saturdays North Dakota State Fair Parade. Today I am going to encourage you to find some time in the next two weeks to relax .... and to SCREAM at The North Dakota State Fair itself.I love the Fair. It means we are at the pinnacle of summer. It means bright colors, large crowds, fun sounds (love a calliope once a year), and fun food. I love seeing kids and parents have family fun.There is plenty of screaming at events such as the races and live entertainment at the fair.What ever it is that makes you scream and relax I am sure you will find it at the North Dakota State Fair.The copyrighted comic strip, Titus & Philemon, used by/with the permission of it's creator Timmothy N. Timm... 07/20/2022

One of our favorite events in Minot ND is the North Dakota State Fair Parade. The North Dakota State Fair is the largest event in the State of North Dakota, it brings hundreds of thousands of visitors, not just from the area but from all over the USA.The NDSF Parade starts this Saturday the 23rd at 9:15 AM on the corner of Broadway and Burdick.The parade usually has 200 to 300 entrants and goes on from 9:15 AM to (approximately) 2:00 PM. Here are a couple of tips:Come and set up early! We bring lawn chairs, a cooler, and sun umbrellas. If you like candy bring a LARGE bag.WARNING!!!EXPECT TO SEE A BOOB OR TWO... NOT THE KIND YOU THINK 😂I see tempers flair every year when some inconsiderate boob comes late, butts in, stands right in front of you and your kids where you have been waiting f... 07/19/2022

Another cartoon that could have many "moral of the story" lines to it. I am going to use it for a hyper-local post.While you shouldn't eat the date on your calendar your children will be fed at our one day Vacation Bible School.Our church, Grace Evangelical Lutheran (a Wisconsin Lutheran Synod) Church. Grace is a new church and this is only our second VBS but I assure you that it will be well run and a lot of fun for your kids. The WELS is the third largest Lutheran church body and is over 100 years old.Save the date, Saturday August 18th 2022.The Titus and Philemon comic strip is copyrighted and used with the permission of the author/artist Timmothy N. Timm. Books and products by Timmothy N. Timm are available by contacting the author at timmtimmothy@gmail.com or through the Titus & Ph... 07/18/2022

It has been a while since I've woke up to a foggy Summer morning but that was the case this morning. It was beautiful to see from the porch but not so wonderful to drive to work in.Funny how some things are so ingrained into us that we assume we know exactly what we are talking about. As soon as I saw this I thought "just like London" yet I've never been to London and only rely on stories and Hollywood to believe it to be true... as if everything out of Hollywood is accurate.I think I could take that thought all kinds of directions BUT I am going to choose to let it lye. 07/15/2022

The International Peace Garden belongs to the people of the USA and Canada. It just happens to be in North Dakota Located 110 miles from my home in Minot.Earlier last week my daughter Tina and a friend paid a visit to the Garden and I asked her to take a few shots for me to share with you.True to it's name the International Peace Garden is truly a garden...  nearly 2400 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, displays, hiking trails, scenic drives and a museum.  The cacti & succulent Conservatory are closed to the public.  They have begun construction and expansion of The Conservatory and the cacti and succulent display will be closed to the public and off-display until fall 2022 but there is more than enough going on to keep you busy for a very full day.Here are some pictures of the 911 m... 07/05/2022

The list of events on the 4th of July in Minot ND is shortBUTTHE QUALITY OF THE EVENTS ARE EVCELLENT!Celebrate Independence Day at Roosevelt Park!This is an old fashion celebration and one of my personal favorites. I do not know the exact plan but I assure you that The Minot City Band will be there playing patriotic songs, there will be speaches by the commanders from the Minot Airforce Base (as well as some blowhard political folks like or Mayor), there will be food trucks and plenty of yard games. This is the best event for small children as there are no fireworks allowed that would scare them.There will be plenty of noise and excitement however at the Nodak Speedway on the 4th of July and after the races (usually sometime between 11:00PM and Midnight) the sky will light up with firew... 06/29/2022

Yesterday was our first "Summer" walk through the Woodland Trails Park in Southwest Minot North Dakota.We did see some wildlife like the turtle sunning himself but the best animal life was tame.George (L) looks just like my old dog Jack. Cain (R) is a very young PitLab. I had never heard of this combination before and I wonder what kind of temperament he will have being Pit-bulls can be very aggressive and Labs are usually mello.PoppyI was taken by how clear the water was as this is a "Dead Loop" (Swamp) so I took two pictures showing the submerged wood in the water.Tina and TimmothyCarol and Bob  06/27/2022

This part got me doing my part.After work yesterday I got in my car to drive home and as soon as I shifted it was obvious my shifter was no longer connected to the transmission. Bummer.Due to some other activities I had going on I didn't get a chance to call my auto club, Good Sam, until 6PM. The auto club said they would do their best best to get someone there yet (last night) . A half hour later a tow truck showed up and two polite young men jumped into action and had it loaded on the truck in minutes. These guys knew exactly what was wrong and assured me it was not a major fix.Off went the Yukon to my favorite mechanic and I knew he would have me back on the road tomorrow (today).First thing this morning I did "my part" and got on Google to give those young men a good review.We all l... 06/24/2022

Perhaps I should say my Two Flags.To the left of "Old Glory" is the North Dakota Medal Of Honor Memorial and the flag to the right is the official flag of North Dakota.Another flag in my neighborhood that I appreciate although I can not say it is beautiful, actually kind of ugly, I like what it stands for... The American Zoological Association. Here it is, also flown next to Old Glory.This post is an entry into Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho Active Rain June Challenge, 'Ole Glory Coast to Coast' - June Active Rain Challenge 06/18/2022

One more set of Titus and Philemon cartoon strips to end  your day. I just decided to pick three that are plain old funny (no theme here). Enjoy and have a good evening.To see the other Titus & Philemon comic strips I posted today click here.Timmothy is my 20 year old son. He was diagnosed as having high functioning autism at the age of 3. He would/will struggle to carry on a conversation with you yet be is a great communicator through his art. He has two comic strip books out (like Garfield or Peanuts) that we sell over the internet and he is involved in the arts at Minot State University.Every day I thank God for entrusting this brilliant, sensitive young man to me.You can visit the Timmothy Timm Art Studio and the Titus & Philemon Art Gallery at 201 Main Street South in Downtown Mino... 06/02/2022

Today is the day that I send in Timmothy's comic strip to the Newspaper for print for the upcoming month. I marvel at his daily creativity and his sense of humor. I wanted to share the strip above and the two below with you today.Timmothy is my 20 year old son. He was diagnosed as having high functioning autism at the age of 3. He would/will struggle to carry on a conversation with you yet be is a great communicator through his art. He has two comic strip books out (like Garfield or Peanuts) that we sell over the internet and he is involved in the arts at Minot State University.Every day I thank God for entrusting this brilliant, sensitive young man to me.You can visit the Timmothy Timm Art Studio and the Titus & Philemon Art Gallery at 201 Main Street South in Downtown Minot Monday thr... 06/02/2022

Although the sun never broke through the thick cloud cover and it was a bit windier than the norm there were plenty of blessings to be thankful for.First and foremost it was a day of prayers of thanksgiving for those who gave their lives for our freedoms (all freedoms including the 2nd amendment). As you surely know we also thanked God for all who have served as well as those currently serving. Even though the weather was less than one would wish for I did get out and did my favorite thing... tinkered. This included a little construction. I got a little unexpected, unlikely help.And then more help flew in (see the Robin in the top photograph). They keep my spirits bright even though I was already on a bit of a relaxing high for the day.And then there was the food!Lunch was at Slim Chick... 05/30/2022

Over the past 4 years I've written several posts about the collegiate baseball team that plays across the street from my home, The Sabre Dogs.We have really enjoyed having the Sabre Dogs as our neighbors and we are hopeful that another collegiate league will come in behind them. Last year the Sabre Dogs won top spot for their league and it looks really good for them this year and we wish the best for them. 05/29/2022

It seems like gradual changes can happen suddenly.The GOOD!When I walked by this tree yesterday the buds looked like little pearls. That caught me eye because the pearls looked good. Today many of the "pearls" have fully opened and it looks even better. It also is releasing it's beautiful aroma.The Ugly!Even though we have only had a few day with temperatures above 50 degrees the street repairs have begun in earnest. This is the 2nd downtown project on our block alone this Spring. No wonder people are apprehensive about coming downtown.The Good news about this project that is going on across the street from me is that it is part of a renovation leading to The City Of Minot City Hall being moved to the downtown area. Hopefully this will bring more traffic and notoriety to my son's busine... 05/26/2022

I am donating my mornings May 11th - 17th to a cause close to my heart. It is not a vacation but it is very enjoyable to me as I know I am contributing to my faith.The picture above is of Roy Leavitt (L) and Bill Schwartz (R) broadcasting on the AM radio side. The picture below is Chad Olson broadcasting on the FM radio side.I was able to work on both the AM and FM side on the air today. Like I said, it's not a vacation BUT what could be better then to be around like minded individuals, lifting up a cause you believe in, AND get a free lunch catered by some of Minot's best restaurants?   05/12/2022