Bern's Eye View

by Bernadine Hildebrant

Thanx, Jack, for informing me of my mistake(s) in writing about the woodchuck (or groundhog). Now if I knew the difference between the groundhog and the woodchuck, I would be happy, I think. The quote I had for the answer of how much the woodchuck would shuck was "He'd shuck as much as a woodchuck would if a woodchuck could shuck wood.” I am now thoroughly confused! End of story.

*****

The beginning of the spring season has finally made its appearance, as the robins, bluejays, cardinals, and squirrels are all showing up, along, of course, with some snow a few days ago. AND did you notice the group of pelicans, awaiting their turn to devour some of the fish in Sakatah Bay? I watched them a few days ago--beautiful big birds!

*****  

The saddest words of tongue or pen, are these four words, “It might have been.” I'll explain.

A few days ago, Lisa stopped at my house with her two little dolls, Anna and Ellen. They had quite an experience chasing my cat, Jinx, all through the house. I don't know who had the more fun, the girls or the cat. When it was time for them to leave, they both asked if I were ready. I didn't know what they meant, but I soon found out. They wanted to know if I could come and live with them. I asked them where would I stay if I came along. Immediately they both told me they would make room for me in their bedrooms. Then, I asked them where would my cat, Jinx, would stay as I'd have to bring him along. I don't remember which girl answered, but one spouted, "He could sleep with our cats!”

Thank you, Anna and Ellen. Those are the sweetest words I've heard in a long time. End of story... Until I come and visit you in your new, beautiful home on  Cedar Lake. Thank you also, for the beautiful, original Easter Basket that has an array of flowers and fresh green grass. The grass needs mowing. You'll have to stop and help me mow it!

*****

OK, Jack, where can you find the error in the above paragraph?

******

Our readers liked the notes in my last column about items in the school newspaper of years ago, “The Buccaneer.” I'll add a few this time, also, as those of us who were familiar with the paper will enjoy them. Since it's nearly graduation time, 2016, many years (since I graduated, 1939) I'll fill you in about some of the important things of that (my) year.

• There were 39 in my graduation class. Donald Hoban was the valedictorian--the first time in many, many years that a boy was smarter than a girl. Congratulations, Don. Guess who was salutatorian? It was I! I was only a few points behind Don, and if I hadn't taken algebra, which I didn't understand, I might have changed honors with Don. I think the only reason I took that subject was Mr. Stockton, who taught it, said it was only the smart “kids” who should tackle algebra. So much for that, and my ego expressing itself.

• Miss Elm, our English teacher, was preparing a thesis for her Master's Degree (she received an "Excellent" grade on it).  Dr. William O'Brien of the Minnesota Medical School gave the Address. Rev. Koch and Father Barry gave the Invocation and Benediction. Bill Short was the Master of Ceremonies at the annual banquet and prom. Receiving the Josten Citizenship Awards were Homer Anderson, Bill Short, Betty Ehlen, and Betty Aberle. Geraldine Hein won a trip to the New York World's Fair for selling the most subscriptions to the St. Paul Dispatch. From the Reflector: I don't remember who that was -either Zeb or Eb. Now I lay me down to rest, before I take tomorrow's test. If I should die before I wake, thank God, I'll have no test to take. Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper was Harriet Short. Faculty Advisors were Miss Campbell and Miss Nuffer.

*****

Tempus Fugits: For those of you who didn't study Latin, the words mean How Time Flies! See picture of young man and his 2003 Mitsubishi. He is my great-grandson, 6 ft. 3 in., who passed his driver's test and can now drive by himself as he's 16 years of age! I'll tell you a little story about him. We were discussing why he called me great-grandma. I was quick to answer "because I'm so great and I'm your great-grandmother.” His answer, after a little pause. "Well, OK!" I don't know what he meant by that, but that's OK, also.

*****

Super Fruity Confetti Cake

One of my Dump Cake Recipes - Nice for a birthday party!

2 cans (15 ounces each) fruit cocktail, drained

1 white cake mix

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into thin slices

1/4 cup multicolored tiny crunchy tangy candies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Spread fruit cocktail in prepared pan. Top with cake mixture, spreading evenly.

3. Top with butter, in single layer, covering cake as much as possible.

4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Sprinkle with candies during last 20 minutes of baking. Cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

 

 B.H.

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