MARILYN HAGERTY: February brings blessed relief from January

Dear Shirley,

Now that February is here, I think I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, it is just a little light. But January was harsh, and I did not mind turning the leaf on the calendar this week. I don't mean to gossip, Shirley, but I have heard that January is not Mother Nature's favorite child.

February at least brings us red hearts and flowers.

I'm just back from a quick visit to Carol and her family in Colorado. When I arrived in Denver last Friday, the people were boasting about their fine 60-degree weather. When I left Monday, it was colder and snowier than Grand Forks. They said, "This weather doesn't last long."

It's always pleasant in Denver International Airport. I like the people who wear western clothes and are around to answer questions and greet people. There are 300 people who volunteer in this airport program, Shirley.

And the DIA is very efficient. It took only 20 minutes from the time I arrived at security until I was out. It was painless. I think things with TSA have simmered down since Christmas.

I spent a long time in the airport watching the bags go 'round and waiting to team up with Bob and a friend to drive out to the cattle farm. It seems like every other traveler had skis or snowboards that come out from the planes on special horizontal carriers. Winter is a big business in Colorado!

The airlines can drive you crazy. Or they can be amusing, Shirley. Getting up to catch a 5 a.m. flight out of Grand Forks is my idea of a horror story. Sometimes, there is no choice. Then, if that flight is delayed, the passengers have to race from a remote section of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport to catch connecting flights.

At the same time, the Delta connections out of Grand Forks get you there. They whisked us home from the Twin Cities in 49 minutes flying time Monday evening. The attendant on that flight was Kyle. He brightened the trip with a few light-hearted comments as he went through the usual spiel. He showed us how to fasten our seat belts -- which we already had done -- and then said, "I can't believe I am having to tell you this!"

If you are looking for something to do today in Tucson, you could go out to the Oro Valley Country Club. There you would find President Robert Kelley and others from UND. They are there to "Ignite the Spirit," and they also will be meeting with alumni and friends Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Meanwhile, back here in Grand Forks, Director Don Craig is holding the first practice of the new year for the Grand Forks City Band. They hold their rehearsals from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the lower level of Grand Forks Senior Center. And they always welcome new members.

The director says they are expecting a new flute player and a tuba player this week. Their first concert of 2011 will be March 24 in the Empire Arts Center downtown. I think sometimes of going down there with my drum, but then I think better of it and stay home. Maybe it's just as well.

For now, I send my love from the frozen white tundra, where there are little flecks of red here and there. Your sister, Marilyn.

P.S.: You should look in your closet and find something red to wear Friday. You probably know it is national Wear Red Day. This will be the 11th annual day to try to create awareness of heart disease as the No. 1 killer of women and the fact that we can fight back.

Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or (701) 772-1055.