the 2015 skarsten · this should be the time of the year to haul out the maps and begin plan-ning a...

Vol. 7 , No. 4 APRIL, 2015

The 2015

SKARSTEN FAMILY REUNION

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

“Skarsten Times” is a non pro t, private enterprise, newsle er publishedperiodically at 39630 Fairway Drive,Apt 126 in Palmdale, California93551.Editor…………..……..JIM SKARSTEN

Home/Cell Phone: (661) 992 2730e Mail Address: [email protected]

Managing Edigtor…….…DR. DAVID DIXON

Associate Editor…...MICKI SKARSTENExecu ve Editor…….IRVIN SMITHAc vi esCoordinator……….….MARY O’BRIEN

APRIL, 2015 SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 2

EDITOR’S INKWELLwith

JIM SKARSTEN

EXCITEMENT!!


Write Now!

How can anyone overlook April which is usually the first day of spring in most areas as residents of the northern latitudes start think-ing about things other than staying warm and shoveling snow!

This should be the time of the year to haul out the maps and begin plan-ning a summer vacation! Please don’t forget to add the 2015 Skarsten Family Reunion to the itineraries!

Even the “Skarsten Times” editorial staff is excited, as evidenced by the exclamation marks ending sentences instead of periods! It is easy to use exclamations when there’s something nice to contemplate such as the forth-coming spring and summer!

In particular, the farmers are getting ready to seed the fields, hoping for a bumper crop again this year. Since there is no controls over the weather, hoping and praying for good crop yields is about the extent of the “Skarsten Times” capabilities to help the farmers enjoy record yields!

In just a couple of months, school will be out for the summer. As everyone knows, this presents opportunities to pack the family into the car and head down the highway for summer recreation.

This is an exceptional summer, highlighted by the 2015 Skarsten Family Reunion August 7-8 at The Dells, Wisconsin, near the state capital of Madi-son. By that time, the main vacation season will be history as May, June and July are removed from the calendar pads.

In reality, the month of Au-gust is the threshold for the 2015-16 winter. Unlike 2015, there will be no Skarsten family reunion in Jim


KOUT LINE2015 FAMILY REUNION

L

Finding The Dells north of Madison should pose nodi cul es for seasoned Skarsten naviga onal a cia-nados travelling to the site of the 2015 Skarsten Fami-ly Reunion August 8.

Should following the map become confusing, just dialup the geophysical coordinates which are as follows:

If that doesn’t help, there’s always the old and reliable cel-lular phone. Just dial in the map for direc ons if yourphone has a program for this applica on.

Those Wisconsin Dells seem much larger when looking atthe map instead of the imagina on. Some residents bragtourists can spend an en re life me in The Dells area ands ll never cover everything.

In fact, a number of people from other states have movedto Wisconsin just to be in the vicinity of The Dells area.However, there isn’t much chance we’ll lose any reunionpar cipants...is there?

With “Hildy” McGown in control, this reunion promises tobe one of the best ever. During past reunions, “Hildy” hasbeen helpful in keeping things running on a smooth tempo!

It can be said that “Hildy” really knows her way around Wis-consin, being a na ve of the state. Anyone who needs as-sistance may phone “Hildy” at (XXX) XXX=XXXX any me.

Excitement of the an cipa on seems to be moun ng withonly four months le un l the reunion bells ring. For planning purposes, it is always refreshing to have some advanceidea about the loca on being visited.

WISCONSIN DELLSCONVENIENT SITE

La tude LongitudeN 43.626613 W 89.774557

JIM’S ARMORED CAR SERVICE“Your Cash is Safe With Us”

APRIL BUSINESSAIMS AT EASTER


Invariably, there are far more events during the short, 30 day, monthheadlined by the Chris an observance of Easter Sunday, the Easter Weekend one of the biggest business mes of the year with an expected 145.13billion expected to be spent during 2015.

Here’s some sta s cs compiled by the Cable News Network, “CNN”:

Here are some other interes ng facts provided by “CNN”:

58 Percent of Americans who plan to a end church on Easter Sunday this year.

33 A.D. Possible year of Jesus' cruci xion, according to the Bible and earthquakeresearch reported in the Interna onal Geology Review

13th century About the me people are rst thought to have decorated eggs forEaster.

1700s Era in which German immigrants bring stories about "Osterhase," an early Easter Bunny, to the United States.

180 million Number of eggs Americans will purchase to dye and decorate thisyear.

6 Number of minutes it takes the Just Born Candy Co. to make a Peeps Marshmallow Chick.

88 Percent of American parents who make Easter baskets for their kids.

76 Percent of chocolate bunny eaters who go for the ears rst, according to asurvey by the Na onal Confec oners Associa on.

POPULARSUMMERVACATIONSLOCATIONS1. Maui, Hawaii2. Yellowston3. Washington, D.C.4. .San Francisco.5. New York City.6. San Diego.7. Yosemite.8. Honolulu Oahu9. Orlando Disney World.10. U.S. Virgin Islands.11. Anchorage.

A few infamous jokesters will go a long way to dream up a new “April Fool” prankon April 1, perennially called “April Fool’s Day”.

In poking fun at “April Fool’s Day” isn’t intended to spoil the day for those whohave the common sense not to do anything dangerous. Being afraid isn’t the issue,exercising reasonable cau on is a virtue.

Each April 1, the door is wide open throughout the world for making fun of people.It is done in mul tudinous languages although in many places United States ci zenscouldn’t recognize the meaning of “April Fool’s Day” because the words are wri enin a foreign language!

In history, “April Fool” was rst men oned in England when on Ap;ril 1, 1698, whenseveral people were tricked into visi ng the Tower of London to “see the lion’swashed”! This was a mild prank compared to others that have been documentedover me.

Generally, the a tude is “Who cares?” un l someone becomes the vic m of anprank when it becomes “wakeup me” was well as “April Fool”!. O en , this be-comes the reason for retribu on which must be worse than the o ense su ered.

Safety experts con nually cau on everyone to be careful with “New Year’s Day”frivoli es. The act of doing something at another person’s expense o en severelyback res.



ICE DANGERS“SPRING” UP

Every spring ice accidents cause injuries and claim lives on the many bodies of waterin the northern United States.

Amazingly, most of the vic ms are winter recrea onal enthusiasts who should be aware of the ice thinning during the spring thaws. Actually, thin ice isn’t visible from the surface as the ice thins from the bo om up!

Walking on lake ice is always hazardous, any me of the year. Hikers should exercise par cu-lar cau on in the vicinity of beaver lodges where the ice is kept thin by beaver ac vi es.

Tes ng the ice while walking is okay except most tests are conducted on the area in front ofthe ice walkers who don’t fully experience a “sinking” feeling un l standing atop dangerouslythin ice.

This cau on is par cularly directed at those who are paying visits to the northlands who are probably less acquainted with lake ice condi ons….


APRIL 22ND“EARTH DAY””

have walked the globe, an astronomicalhistorian noted that the compara ve meman has been around is roughly comparedto the brief ash of a re y in the dark ofnight. Civiliza on as we know it has exist-ed “only” about 6,000 years.

“Earth Day” was rst observed during 1970on March 21. The “Earth Day” dates haverepeatedly changed over the years un l itarrived April 22 following a long journeythrough the calendars.

April 22 was chosen to maximize par cipa-

on on college campuses as this date didnot coincide with collegiate springbreaks nor nal examina ons.

As we stand and ponder the lo y sky

Watching birds sailing so high

We think of mes past here on Earth

Since our many years simce birth

We’ve learned something so it seems

In quests of Earth in search dreams.

Here we are on a planet not alonesomewhere in the vast universe.

A er more than 4.5 billion years it is about me to once again give tribute to the Earth, our planetary home. Most certainly, things have changed over the billions of years which is probably not considered a “long me” according to universal mekeepers.

In addressing comparisons of theearth’s age to how long human beings

JEWISH PASSOVERAPRIL 3 11, 2015

This is the me of the year when people of the Jewish Faith observe the Passover in commemora on of God’s libera on from slavery by the Egyp ans and freedom as a na on under the leadership of Moses thousands of years ago.

During Passover, the storyof the Exodus is describedin the Hebrew Bible especially in the Book of Exoduswhich exempli es the Israelites’ freedom. The Passover begins on the 14thday of Nisan, typicallyfalling during March or

EXODUS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE FROM EGYPT

April of the Gregoriancalendar, this year April3, April 11 equivalent tothat of the 15th day ofNisan.

As illustrated in this layout, the blood of a slaughtered sheep is applied to the lintels and doorposts of homes to ensure that demonic forces could not enter the home. Such protec on is guaranteed in the Hebrew laws and other principles of the Jewish religion.

Incidentally the English term, “Passover” rst appeared in the English language in transla ons of the Bible, later appearing in the King James version as well as in liturgical transla

ons of the term printed in the Hebrew language.

JEWISH EXODUS FROMEGYPT DURING PARTING OF THE RED SEA.


PAUL BUNYAN +OXVISITS RURALSKARSTEN FARM

It has been reported to the “Skarsten Times” thatthe mythical lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, and Babethe Blue Ox paid a visit to the Grant and BeverlySkarsten farm seven miles south of Fosston, Minnesota.

This was promptly discredited as an “April Fool” gag,nevertheless worth a phone call to Grant. A shiworker, Beverly is usually sleeping to rest up for hernext appearance at the “Shoo ng Star” casino inMahnomen, Minnesota 20 miles from the farmhouse.l

For those who don’t know about Paul Bunyan and Babethe Blue Ox, these two have long been mythical characters of the north woods, mainly the forests of Minnesota. Origina ng from tales of loggers, Paul was praccally unknown un l popularized by a freelance writer,William Laughead in a 1916 lumber company promo

onal.

Always accompanied by jos rpadwau cp,[amopm Babethe Blue Ox was a bull, trademark of hybrid Osbornebulls. No follower of the Paul Bunyan tales would admit that Babe was an Ox which is a lower breed of animal than the Osborne bulls.

“Where the heck did you hear that crqzy story?”Grant asked in response to the “Skarsten Times” issueregarding Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox visi nghis farm where he has resided more than 60 years.Tradi onally, Grant doesn’t like being the target ofany “April Fool” prank.

Well, we’ll just leave it at that which at least presentedan opportunity to share the legends surrounding PaulBunyan and Babe the Blue Ox!



PATRIOTS’

DAY APRIL 20

On April 20 several states will formally observe Patriots’ Day, inclucluding school holidays.

This is always a major holiday weekend in Massachuse s and Maine and a public observance day in Wisconsin and Flordia. The 3 day holiday weekend occurs only in Massachuse s and Maine where Patriots’ Day marks the rst day of a school vaca on week.

Many people in other states choose to celebrate Patriots’ Day privately,some even going so far as to take the Monday of that weekend o .lorida.This is especially prac ced by those who have moved to other states fromMassachuse s and Maine and are strong supporters of patriot remembrances that are conducted on the eastern seaboard..

Patriots’ Day commemorates the ba les of Lexington and Concord , therst ba les of the Revolu onary War that began April 19, 1775. This spe

cial commemora on was repeated through the years, in 1969 changed tothe third Monday in April.

There are many Skarsten rela ves who reside throughout Wisconsinwhere Patriots’ Day is celebrated as a public observance, without any ofthe 3 day weekend a ached. Also, there is reportedly no weeklongschool holidays in Flordia and Wisconsin.

Unques onably the largest event of Patriots’ Day is the Boston Marathonwhich links the colonial struggles for freedom. Ac vi es also memorializemili amen who lost their lives in the riots of 1861 that ared up prior tothe beginning of the Civil War.

In proclaiming Patriots’ Day during 1894, the then Governor of Massachuse s, Gov. Frederick T. Greenhalge, consolidated the longstandingba les of Lexingon and Concord that took place during 1775. The governor explained that this dual commemora on celebrated the anniversaryof the birth of liberty and union.

with Jim Skarsten, Editor


APRIL SHOWERS,MAY FLOWERS

ALMANAC

with Jim Skarsten, Editor

PoorJim’s

ALMANAC

In 1557 someone nally came up with the idea for arhyme that would match the spring rains that usuallybrought out the early owers.

Just for the record, a man named Thomas Tusser compiled awri ng collec on, “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry”. Inthe April Husbandry sec on, Tusser wrote:

“Sweet April showers

Do spring May owers”

While this is true in many areas of the northern hemisphere,owers don’t do well in the freezing temperatures and snows

that occasionally persist during the month of April and evenMay. No rhyme has been wri en about June rains bringing July

owers.

As Tusser noted, it is always preferable to address the posi veaspects of the spring season such as “April owers”. In anyevent, rains are the basic s muli that helps plants grow fasterand healthier.


For many, gardening can be a frightening challenge, well worth onlyreading about it.

Thinking about plan ng a garden may produce exci ng thoughtsthat may eventually become produc ve. However, there are nu-merous things to think about when planning to start a garden.

First of all, where will the garden be planted? Near the home, onthe home property or somewhere else, keeping in mind that own-ership of the area to be gardened is a legal prereqsite.

Secondly, is the soil sa sfactory for garden plants? For example,potatoes do be er in sandy soil, black topsoil generally best formost other gardening.

Before going to the hardware store, study gardening in books and/or on the computer. Knowing a gardening friend o en helps.

Gardening has many bene cial aspects such as being good mentaland physical exercise. Being careful not to overdo things in the gar-den is important, remembering that caring for the garden is noteasy work!

Consul ng gardening stores for ps on removing pests such as birdsand rodents is necessary. The local stores are anxious to help forselling garden tools.

GARDENING A REWARDINGRECREATIONAL ENDEAVOR

APRIL , 2015 SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 15

FROM YOUR

SKARSTEN TIMESSTAFF


EASTER SUNDAYAPRIL 5, 2015

On Sunday, Apri 5, 2015 people throughout the world will once againobserve the historic meanings of Easter Sunday.

Although Easter is variously described as a Chris an event, people of allreligions par cipate. Of course, there are numbers of those who do not fol-low this nor any other religious tradi on, for that ma er.

As the year indicates, the Easter history goes back to the me when JesusChrist was cruci ed. At one me on the cross Jesus prayed, “Father, forgivethem for they know not what they do!”

There is some ques on that the ci zens of the world today s ll “do not knowwhat they do”. Circumstances are so hec c there’s not much me to thinkabout it.

Chris ans welcome everyone to join in the Easter commemora ons, regard-less of religious preference or of no faith whatsoever. Again, religious prefer-ence is not a prerequisite to join the Easter gatherings.


EASTER BONNETSWEAR RETURNING

It has been noted in fashion circles that the EasterBonnet is again coming into vogue.

And why not, for this is Easter season! What good isEaster fashion without an Easter Bonnet

For the bene t of anyone who has not yet become acquainted with Easter Bonnets, the Easter Bonnet is ahat worn by ladies and girls. Bonnets are more frequently seen during the Easter season than at any other mewhich is why the big round hats are called Easter Bonnets.

These hats are very fashionable and decora ve, therefore also very expensive. Most purchases are made atthe end of the religious Lenten season, a me whenwomen take advantage of the opportuni es to purchase luxury items.

Children’s bonnets are usually white, broad brimmedhats with a pastel colored sa n ribbon around it ed ina bow. It may also have owers or other spring memo fs on top and may match a special dress picked outfor the occasion.

Tradi onally, “new clothes at Easter” may be seen inwri en references da ng to the 16th century. Duringthose days bonnet type hats were seen in Shakespearean stage plays as well as in church on Easter.

It was considered bad luck not to wear something newat Easter, the Easter Bonnet worn atop the head beingthe most obvious piece of new clothing. In contrast,popularity of the Easter Bonnet has waned in today’smore casual society.

Nevertheless, there are a variety of new hat designs instores and on the computer internet. It has been notedthat a wider variety is available today than several yearsago.

There is a strong indica on that the tradi on of wearingEaster Bonnets at church services on Easter Sunday isagain gaining momentum…

WITH IRVIN SMITH

Quickly find a program or file that is located on your computer in Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 using Windows Search Box as shown below or the Start Screen in Windows 8.

1.Click Start2.Type in the name of the le, program, or key wordyou are trying to nd.

3.Windows lists all applica ons matching your query. Ifthe program you want is highlighted press enter toopen the program. If there is more than one program, click or use the arrow keys to select the program to run.



DOWN ONTHE FARM

withJIM

SKARSTENSuddenly, the wind shifted to the southwest sending the Fosston far into a frenzy of activity.

Such changes in wind direction during the spring season meant that fields would quickly dry enough to accept tilling equipment. With every day counting heavily upon crop yields, when the warm south-west wind started blowing us Fosston farmers knew we’d better be ready to go….quick!

Fortunately, we had everything ready to go during March when time was not quite as critical because there was time left before spring field work would begin. During this slack period everything needed in the forthcoming field work was readied on a high priority basis and was ready to hit the fields.

Spring work meant long days and some nights tilling the fields to make them ready for growing the seasonal crops in the 120-day growing season. Usually this was sufficient time for the crops to mature before the autumn frosts in late September.

Frequently frosts occur during the seeding of the crops in the field. Late frosts can result in such considerable dam-age to the young crops that the frozen fields must be re-seeded, in these situations often dur-ing mid-May.

HECTIC SPRING WORK BEGINS

Losses of crop yields can result in farm failure forcing farmers to sell out at ridiculous low prices. Fortunately, such catastrophies don’t occur very often.

Prudent farmers prepare themselves for farm losses by saving as much a possible during the good times to make up for the years when things don’t go so well. Those not willing to budget so effec-tively won’t make it in the farming business.

Anyway, during April the farmers strive to get the grain seeded as soon as possible to ensure the crops have plenty of time to fully rip-en. When things are going right, most of the harvest is safetly com-pleted by mid-August.

Another factor is crop losses due to natural damage. Mid-July is the storm season where violent winds and heavy rains can ruin the crops make them impossible to harvest because they’re flat on the ground. and render them Early seeding means early harvesting to get the crops into the granaries before the July storm season.

Realities of farming include high risk and hard work as well as fre-quent rewards. Many farmers must quit at comparatively young ages due to disabilities from farm injuries and pain from so much heavy labor.

Familiarity with the grain markets is a particularly essential skill that farmers must possess for maximization of success. During the 1950s grain was sold directly out of the field unti elevator storage facilities began rejecting grain that was too wet or dirty. This was due to changes of responsibility for unacceptable grain from the elevators to the farmers.

Selling grain directly became so intolerable that farmers stored the grain in steel granaries on the farm to be sold during the spring when the prices were going up in response to shortages of grain on the markets.

After the grain has been harvested and safety stored, priorities shift to preparing ground for next year’s crops. Fields that are cultivated during the autumn produce much better than those which cannot be tilled during the autumn.

APRIL 2015 CROSSWORD


1. Stringed instrument 2. Sea 3. What place? 4. Directed 5. Boulevard 6. Savors 7. Church alcove 8. Drivels 9. Attempt 10. Colorful wrap 11. Asthenopia 12. Nipple 13. Vipers

18. Kings of the jungle 22. 8 bits of data 24. Optimistic 26. Decorate with gold leaf 28. Inspire 29. Angers 30. Backside 31. Shallow metal contain-ers 32. Violent disturbance 33. Watered 34. Disinvesting 37. Travel on foot 38. University administra-tor

40. Anagram of "Seek" 41. Sketches 43. Nose count 44. Hits 46. Fall color 47. Small African antelope 48. Parental brother 49. Purposes 50. Soft drink 51. Placed 53. Chills and fever 56. Prefix meaning "Modern"57. Make lace

ACROSS1. Roll a ball 5. To the rear 10. Bristle 14. Dull pain 15. Steam 16. Visual organs 17. Unnecessarily 19. Harvest 20. Glass container 21. Signed 22. Anagram of "Stabs" 23. Burdensome 25. Country of the Nile 27. Half of a pair 28. Standards 31. One who is excessively proper 34. Wild Asian dog 35. Arrive (abbrev.) 36. Breezy 37. Brandish 38. Perishes 39. Neither ___ 40. Roof overhangs 41. Feel 42. Disciplinarian 44. Calypso offshoot 45. Nerds 46. Inauspicious 50. Tribes 52. Implied 54. Ribonucleic acid 55. Horse feed 56. Billy club 58. Place 59. Habituate 60. Competent


ACROSS1. Fishing poles5. Sweater eater9. Toboggan13. Bright thought14. Hearing related16. Rouse17. Airhead 18. Choice 19. Baking appliance 20. Construct 22. Store clerk 24. Hack 26. Sticker 27. Genuine 30. A "cord" used in sewing 33. Literary criticism 35. Bring upon oneself 37. Tavern 38. Unstable 41. Consumer Price Index 42. River muds 45. Reflexive form of "you" 48. Very small 51. A tiny drop 52. Consumer of food 54. Ripped 55. Belonging to the gospel 59. A long narrow estuary 62. Epic 63. Seaweed 65. Container weight 66. Self-satisfied 67. Antlered animal 68. Decorative case 69. Type of sword 70. Small songbird 71. Clairvoyant

DOWN

1. Go on horseback 2. Smell 3. Luscious 4. Small bag 5. Chart 6. Not yours 7. Threesome 8. Tiny village 9. Distended 10. Magma 11. Barely managed 12. Declare untrue 15. Bloodsucker

21. Conservative 23. Indian dress 25. Long ago 27. Trips around a course 28. Eskimo 29. 52 in Roman numer-als 31. Speed up 32. Double 34. Operative 36. Break in friendly re-lations39. Detachable container 40. Mongol hut 43. Adolescent

44. Catch 46. Top of a house 47. Pixies 49. Water vapor 50. Lemon or canary 53. Severity 55. Being 56. Seductress 57. Chills and fever 58. Carryall 60. Not false 61. Inheritor 64. Poetic dusk

DOWN

MARCH CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY

APRIL, SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 22 PAGE 17 APRIL, 2015 SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 22

APRIL, 2015 SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 23 APRIL, 2015 SKARSTEN TIMES PAGE 23


APRILFUN

Ingredients3/4 Lbs of sliced bacon 6 Eggs 2/3 Cup half-and-half

1 1/2 Tbsp flour 1 Tbsp fresh dill, minced 1/4 Tsp salt 1/4 Tsp pepper 1/4 Cup chives or green onion tops, chopped


DirectionsPre-heat your oven to 200ºF. In a large, heavy skillet on medium heat, fry the bacon in batches until almost crisp. Set each batch on a plate covered in paper towels to drain off the excess fat. Place on a plate in the oven to stay warm. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp of the bacon fat from the skillet. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, flour, salt and pepper until just blended. Slowly add the half-and-half until ingredients are well blended and frothy. In your large skillet heat the tablespoon of bacon fat over medium heat. Add your egg mixture, reduce to very low and allow the egg mixture to set into a firm custard consistency. This should take about 20 minutes, check the bottom of the cake frequently to ensure that the cake does not burn. Once the egg mixture has set top with the bacon slices and sprinkle with the dill and chives/ onion tops. To serve cut into wedges.

Scandinavian Bacon and Egg Cake

TASTY NORWEGIANGOURMETCUISINEGrimSmarten,Viking Seaman

The “Skarsten Times” Gourmet Reciple Page!

Ingredients

3/4 Lbs of sliced bacon 6 Eggs 2/3 Cup half-and-half 1 1/2 Tbsp flour 1 Tbsp fresh dill, minced 1/4 Tsp salt 1/4 Tsp pepper


ENGLISH

NORWEGIAN

LATTERSALVENORWEGIANINTERNATIONAL HUMOR PAGE

Why did the Norwegian bring a rolled-up piece of sandpa-per to the desert? A: Thought it was a map.

Hvorfor norske bringe en fremhevetstykke sandpapir l ørkenen?

A: trodde det var et kart.


A ethought...

SKARSTEN TIMESfor the times of our lives


the 2015 skarsten · this should be the time of the year to haul out the maps and begin plan-ning a...

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