Dear Sandy Mason,
By now, you probably have said farewell to your winter visitors down there in Tucson. They show up around here with big smiles. They are ready to watch the tulips bloom and the peonies as they get ready for their June show.
This is Music Week. There's a robin tweeting away in my back yard. On Thursday, they are holding the annual Judd Sondreal memorial - the Rise and Shine for Peace Breakfast at the Alerus Center.
Sometimes I watch the Shark Tank on television. On Wednesday, there will be a Grand Forks version of the show at the Empire Arts Center. It's free. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
May Day
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Of course you know it is also May Day on Wednesday. That day rings up memories of childhood days. We used to make little baskets and fill them with jelly beans. Then we would hang them on the front doors of homes of friends.
Time marches on! The prom is coming up this weekend at Central High School. Red River's prom was Saturday.
Spring is so beautiful in the Red River Valley - that is, after you get through the late flare ups of Old Man Winter.
Answering questions
May is wrap up time at UND. There are finals coming up. And some people are moving on. One of them is Kathy Fick, a beloved pastor at Christus Rex Campus Center.
On Sunday she spoke of being patient and loving the questions of life. And she said, "For 30 years I have worked with you in this place. Together, we have answered questions."
There was a full house for her farewell service and a dinner that followed. Chad Brucklacher who works with Fick as campus pastor will continue at Christus Rex.
And Kathy Fick will have more time with her family. Her husband, John Fick, retired a year ago. He was long time lead pastor at Sharon Lutheran Church of Grand Forks.
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My observation has been that in retirement he has been on time for UND basketball games at the Betty. Now with her freedom, Kathy will be right on time. The couple plans to stay in Grand Forks.
Second wind
Time marches on, and so does the Second Wind Band directed by Don Craig. The band will be in concert at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Mayville at Lutheran Memorial Home. And soloist for the concert will be Mike Bakken of Mayville.
Yep, the snow is gone. The birds are back. And all is well around Grand Forks. I send my best to you and Earl from the west bank of the Red River flowing north.
