The Parrot

On By scottpetersenIn Humor, The ParrotLeave a comment

A man was looking for a present to buy his elderly mother. What to get he thought. An idea came to him. His mother had lived alone for years.  Maybe a pet?  Not a dog or cat – too much work.  So he went to the pet shop.

The owner said “I’ve got just the thing. I have a parrot. Smart as a whip. Speaks seven languages. Friendly.   She can talk to him.  Great companion.  Bird likes to watch t.v. too.”   The owner named a hefty price.

The man grimaced but said “I’ll take him.”  He had the pet store deliver the parrot to his mother.  And he called her the following week. 

“Hi Mom!  Hey how did you like the parrot I sent you?”

“He was delicious,” the mother said.

“WHAT!  Don’t tell me you ate him!” 

“Of course I did.” 

“Mom – that parrot was supposed to be a pet!  He spoke seven languages.”

“Well he should have said something.”

Henri Nouwen

On By scottpetersenIn Henri Nouwen, L'Arche Daybreak, Return of the Prodigal SonLeave a comment

One of the great inspirational/spiritual writers of all time was Henri Nouwen (1932-1996).  Henri Nouwen was born in Holland.  At an early age, he felt a call to the priesthood.  He was ordained as a diocesan priest in 1957.  He studied at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, KS.   And he went on to teach at Notre Dame and then the Divinity Schools at Yale University and Harvard University.  He died suddenly — and all too early — in 1996. 

For several months in the 1970’s, Henri lived in a Trappist community at the Genesee Abbey in New York.  In the early ’80’s, he lived in Peru among the desperately poor.  After a time of contemplation, he left the seemingly bright world of academia — to go and work with mentally handicapped adults at L’Arche Daybreak in Toronto.  It was at L’Arche that Henri felt his greatest fulfillment.  He was a prolific writer and in 2003, a Christian Century survey rated his works number one among Catholic and mainline Christian clergy. 

I was referred to Henri some years ago by my old friend David.  On his recommendation, I have read most of Henri’s works.  Wow!  Spiritual.  Inspirational.  Moving.  And somewhat melancholy – knowing that Henri died at such a young age.  Return of the Prodigal Son is one of his most famous – and probably my favorite.   I was given a copy by my friend and priest – Fr. Bob.   Return is worth a second read. . . . which I’m planning. . . . .  If you have to pick one of Henri’s books to read — this is the one. 

The Dirty Dozen

On By scottpetersenIn Dirty dozen, Organic foodsLeave a comment

It has to be 30 years or more that I started reading about how “water-based” fruits literally soaked in the water along with everything that was in the water.    As apples, blueberries, strawberries and grapes would grow — and become flush with their liquid nutrient — they would also absorb high concentrations of the pesticides, weed killers, insecticides and fertilizers that were dumped on them to make them grow.   

These toxic chemicals would then be ingested (often unwittingly) by the masses.  And the ingestion of these toxins has been linked to cancer, lower birth weights, shorter pregnancies and other maladies.   

There was a time when I stuck pretty much with bananas.  And then came organic. . . . .

I love blueberries.  I have them on my cereal nearly every morning.  But the blueberries I buy (often from Fresh Market) are organic.   If organic blueberries are not available, I will break down and buy “conventional” but only those blueberries grown in the U.S. 

I am convinced that my daughter and her family should buy organic of the really (and truly) “dirty dozen”:  apples, peaches, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, green beans, strawberries, celery and cucumber.  

The “safe” fruits and vegetables are onions, corn, grapefruit, mushrooms, watermelon, pineapple, avocado, mango, peas, asparagus, cantaloupe and bananas.

And then there’s the (pretty one-sided) debate on grass-fed beef. . .   

The Secret Weapon. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Caddies, Evans Scholarship, Secret weaponLeave a comment

As you might have guessed, I enjoy golf.  I play at a Club where we have caddies.  Many are young men and women from local schools who tote bags for good exercise, good company, a nice wage, and a decent tip.   There are “B” caddies (the newbies), “A” caddies (some experience) and “honor” caddies (older caddies – often “pros” – with experience and wisdom).  Many of the young men and women go on to apply for Evans Scholarships for college (most courses and many players generously support this fine program). 

When playing in any competition (or just for fun), I have come to realize that a good caddy can be a secret weapon.   They don’t just carry the bag, rake the trap, give yardage and clean your Pro V-1.  They also read the greens, talk strategy and give wise counsel on golf course management. 

Lawrence is one of the best.  I can see why Tiger, Bubba, Bo, Phil and Rory and all the others lean heavily on their caddies for second opinions and sage advice.  There are times when I was sure the “break” on a green was left to right.  Lawrence would shake his head — “right to left – cup and a half” — and he was always right.  That’s why you learn to trust your caddy.  Especially the ones who have earned that trust.  They can really be a secret weapon.   Shhhhhh . . . . don’t say a word about this to anyone. . . . .        

  

Wine Pairings. . .

On By scottpetersenIn Red wine with fish, Wine pairingsLeave a comment

I have received mild — but friendly — criticism about my wine suggestions with recent postings on cooking fish (I suggested Caymus cab with walleyed pike and Wild Horse pinot noir with tilapia).   The criticism can be distilled into the following – “white wine always goes with fish.”   

I am aware of the conventional (though in my opinion, somewhat archaic) wisdom which suggests white wine is mandatory with fish and red wine with red meats.  However I am also guided by the old Danish saying De gustibus non est disputandum.  Meaning – there must not be debate concerning one’s tastes (yes I know it’s not Danish. . . . ).  And I am guided by more contemporary articles on the subject such as the Wine Enthusiast which suggests that a pinot noir may be just ducky for lighter fish and more bold reds for fish with sauce (see  http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/May-2010/Wine-101-Pairing-Red-Wine-with-Fish ). 

Perhaps I should also share my bias — that I do not drink white wine unless it is served to me in which case I smile and sip.  This predilection probably has a lot to do with my wine recommendations.   

Walleyed Pike

On By scottpetersenIn Caymus Vineyards, Walleyed PikeLeave a comment

I go fishing once a year though not every year.  Up near Minnoqua, Wisconsin, with my friend Dan.  We get a guide – often Jim who is excellent – and head out onto the deep waters.  Looking for walleye.   It’s often so early the loons are not even awake (“what are they doing here?”).  

To catch walleyes, you need big worms and a small jig with a medium-sized hook.  You string the worm onto the hook so most of the worm trails behind.  Then you cast and reel in slowly waiting for a little tug.   There are times when I’ve fished and had not so much as a nibble.   And then there are times when the fish are biting so fast and furious (I’ve heard that term somewhere. . . . ) that you have to bait your hook behind a tree.  

At the end of the day, Jim will clean the fish and portion them into filets.  As with tilapia, not much needs to be done.  A quick roll in some olive oil, Italian seasoning and bread crumbs and saute over a medium heat until the fish is flaky.  I swear there isn’t a better-tasting fish on the planet when it’s fresh out of the lake.  Add some homemade hash browns (I cut organic potatoes thin and saute in a squidge of olive oil, some butter, salt and pepper and chopped Vidalia onion), steamed brocolli and wagon wheel chocolate chip cookies for dessert.   Oh yes and some Caymus cab.   You’ll have a North Woods meal fit for Paul Bunyan.     

Five Feet from Glory. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Five feed from glory, Hole in One1 Comment

I love golf.   I practice.  I play.  I watch (especially when Tiger is in the hunt).  And when I do play, I secretly like stepping up to the par 3’s because I know that there is a chance. . . . .

In my post of August 13, 2011, I spoke of a brush with glory.  A 205 yard par 3.  Wind against.  And I popped my Pro V1 less than a foot from the pin.   Twelve inches.   304.8 millimeters. 

Every time I tee it up on a par 3, I take just a tad more time.  A bit more analysis on club selection.  And more care on the implementation of all 49 of my swing thoughts.  Or is it 50?   Sometimes my ball ends up off the green though often it’s somewhere on the green.  Sometimes it’s a few feet away from glory.    

I have friends who have had holes-in-one.  But so far I remain untouched.  Maybe one day.   Probably on a Saturday when there is a special event.  And the Club is jammed with people.  Of course I will have to buy drinks for everyone.  Be just my luck.     

Louis L’Amour

On By scottpetersenIn Louis L'Amour, ShalakoLeave a comment

In 1981, there was a center column article in the Wall Street Journal about an author who wrote about the Old West — Louis L’Amour.  Having spent some formative time out West when I was young, I read the article with considerable interest.  A few weeks later, while walking near my house with my 5 year old daughter,  we happened on a garage sale and went in.  In rummaging through the books, I found a battered copy of Shalako by Louis L’Amour.  Hmmmm . . . . . Louis L’Amour.   For one thin dime, I bought the book.  And read it.   Wow!   I was hooked. 

In the ensuing years, I read all 105 or so of his novels.  I think I still have them all – in a box – in the attic.  Some I’ve read twice.   What drew me to Louis L’Amour (1908-1988) was more than the tales of the Old West.  It was his inimitable style.  The good guys were good.  Good men.  Tough yet compassionate.  The women were always good.  And nurturing.  And sweet.  But mess with them and they’d carve you up one side and down the other. . . .  And the bad guys were very very bad.  And I relished when the bad guys got their just reward.  Which they usually did.   Whiskey for my men and beer for my horses. . . .

Some of L’Amour’s books have become movies.  Ironically, Shalako – my first read – had been a 1968 movie starring Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot and Honor Blackman.  I’ve never seen the movie.  It’s still on my list.  If you’re looking for a light – meaningful – read, give Louis a try.  You won’t be disappointed.   

     

Watch for Anomalies

On By scottpetersenIn Watch for anomaliesLeave a comment

When my daughter was very young, I taught her a phrase – “watch for anomalies.”  As a young girl growing up, I wanted her to always be keenly aware of her surroundings.  To know where the exits are in a restaurant, theater or other public place.  And to always be aware of what doesn’t “look right.”  What looks out of place.  I frequently cautioned her – if something doesn’t look right, go the other way.   

I have a feeling that my daughter at the age of 12 could “case” a room as well as anyone.  Though today when I smile and say “watch for anomalies,” she’ll usually responds “Oh dad. . . .”  

I learned the expression years ago.  As a State’s Attorney – working with police – I learned quickly that they watched carefully for anomalies.  Situations that don’t look right.   Things that look out of place or out of character.  

Apart from teaching my granddaughter about music, the guitar, speaking Spanish, making Swedish pancakes, how to spit, playing golf, making spaghetti carbonara (see post of 7/27/11), playing poker, doing magic tricks, finding pennies on the street and so on, I will also teach her to know where the exits are and to “watch for anomalies.”