New Pope
It’s too early as to say which way Pope Leo XlV wants to steer his flock of 1.4 billion Catholics. I don’t really care whether he’s a Sox or Cubs fan. Okay, maybe I’m happy he’s a Bear’s fan. So much for my shallow thinking.
I do hope he can make good decisions during his time on this earth. I really enjoyed watching the event on TV.
Memorial Day
It used to be known as “Decoration Day.” It honors all the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
It originated during the American Civil War when citizens put flowers on deceased soldiers and sailors that were killed in battle. It is always celebrated on the last Monday in May. In this case, May 26, 2025.
Dien Bien Phu
Last Christmas I received a book from our daughter entitled, “Guerrilla Warfare,” by William Weir. It tells about various irregular warfare in the 20th Century.
I had not heard those three words (DBP)in years, but there was a chapter about the fighting in the 1950s between the French and the Vietnamese guerrillas of the Viet Minh Army. The French did win some battles, but the major battle for Dien Bien Phu was won by the Communist because of superior number of soldiers and weapons provided by China.
As you know, we took our hand at fighting the North Vietnamese in the 1960-70s and to no great purpose. Russian troops fought several years in Afghanistan and also ended with no purpose. Of course, we went into Afghanistan and we ended up with no purpose except providing the “bad guys” with tons of weaponry. Will we ever learn?
When I wasn’t Old
My fascination with firearms goes way back to, I think, 1949-50. My dad had a friend who was in the war and brought back a German rifle. The rifle had no stock and for some reason he gave it to my dad. He made a Bishop sporting stock for it and from then on, I was hooked. Still have it today.
When I was about age 11 or 12, Jimmy Anderson and I went hunting on a farm by 2nd St. in Moline. The farmer passed the word that anyone on his property would be shot at with his “salt ‘n pepper” shotgun. I’ll be darn if that old farmer did shoot at us one time, but at a long distance. One would have to be 1 foot away to be injured by a shotshell loaded with “salt and pepper!” We had Crossman pellet rifles and hunted rabbits all the way to Rock River.
Another time Jimmy and I had BB guns shooting at sparrows in Stephens Park, just off of 7th St. in Moline. A Moline Police car pulled up and the officer said to go home. I was “so” scared and told the officer I’m sorry and he can have my BB gun. He said he didn’t want my BB gun and to go home, which I did.
Gardening
Lorna and I enjoy working outside. Our larger garden has 20 tomato plants, and rows of onions. We used to plant beans, but the squirrels dig ‘em up. We have a resident raccoon that takes his share, too! We love flowers and if you drive-by you’ll see what I mean.
The one negative is our front lawn. We recently hired CurbAppeal, Carbon Cliff, IL, to spruce the lawn up like it was before the grubs did their dastardly deeds.
Flowers, Vegetables & Birds
We do so enjoy watching all the various birds that come to our feeders. We love the hummingbirds. We have plants for hummingbirds and three bottled feeders on our upper deck. We have three flower gardens in the back of our house.
Unfortunately, at our age it makes it very difficult to keep everything how we want it. My sense of balance is horrible even with a cane or walker. Both Lorna and I have had our share of falls. We do have great next-door neighbors, the Putnams, that help us a lot.
Worth Reading?
I really don’t know how many people read this column. Maybe 10, 25 or hundred(s)? Do me a favor, send me an e-mail (deboonelr@aol.com) if you like or dislike the “Dan D Outdoors” column. Feedback, good or bad, is always welcome.
Bear’s Schedule Ugh!
The “Monsters of the Midway” better live up to that title because they have a really tough schedule. The NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. All three teams, Vikings, Lions and Green Bay made the playoffs. They have some tough non-conference games, too! My Super Bowl is beating the Packers!
Humor
What did the duck say when he bought Chapstick? Ans: Put it on my bill.
Quote of the Week
“It is a nobler fate to be envied than to be pitied.” - Pindar