alexandriacardinals

This is BAT.  Bat Bennett that is . . . from New Mexico.  He and Brenda travel the country as gypsies, to entertain as they go, to bring a little smile and a sing-along to the entertained.  We had not seen him before.  The name rang a bell, but at my age it may have been a ringing in my ever hardening cochlea.  But he was at SAWA, as he was Thursday night, last September.  Those who were there last September remembered . . . they were all here again on this night.  This was the first of four straight days of performances in Alex. We made them all.  As far as I could tell from his schedule, Alex is their only stop in Minnesota.  Needless to say, we liked him.  Not only for his talent, an ability to play a thousand songs (all by request) without music, but for his energy.  He only takes a break when he breaks a guitar string, or to have a little repartee with his audience.  And as we have discovered over the years it’s hard not to like someone who so demonstrably loves what they do.  🙂

BAT: https://sites.google.com/site/wheresbat/home

[Brenda, on the left, keeps tabs on things and surveys the audience for requests.]

Black Water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5-XHTLf60o

[Yes, there are videos interspersed herein.]

My Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHi9CbQhN_c

[As daylight turns to . . . ]

Magic Carpet Ride:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBlzKnIbrDg

[Nightfall . . . and the protected age group set begins to turn into pumpkins.]

Ole Oppe Fest didn’t officially begin until Friday.  It, like Awake the Lakes (now moved to the end of June because of recent weather issues associated with Memorial Day) in the past, welcomes the commencement of the summer season where the natives cast off their parkas, don their shorts, and go out on the holiday weekend for their first sunburn of the season.  This year we amazingly got a couple of days early start when the supervisor was able to put the top down on her new VW for the first time.  We were heading to town to meet with high school classmate, Doctor Colonel Professor Tom Kiehne, and his wife Pam who were here from Austin, Texas, to visit Tom’s 90-year old, but still frisky, dad Merill.

[The supervisor’s move from her 14-year old pick-up to this little ditty is a big hit!  🙂   ]

[Leaving the “plantation,” it was nice to see the horsies out grazing across the street.  They’re apparently big fans of California Chrome.]

[I guess I’d better get in the car or she’ll likely drive off and leave me!]

[By going topless, I was able to reprise my award winning photo, “Blue,” from several years ago.  Wait for the inevitable nice day, ride top down in a convertible, aim the camera straight up, and hit the shutter button.]

[We joined the Kiehnes for a little repast at Bug-A-Boo Bay.  Then while Pam, Tom, and I went for a little walk down Darling Drive, the super took Merill for a hot ride in a cool car (or is a cool ride in a hot car?). ]

[I’ve heard of chick-mobiles, but . . .  ]

This was truly an Awake the Lakes weekend as on Friday I (yes, the supervisor was golfing) gave the lawn its first mow, on Saturday the leaves actually popped enough to give some shade, and on Sunday we turned on the A/C for the first time!  🙂

[Friday night was a Let’s Celebrate Golf Season shindig at the golf club with chicken, ribs, and fixin’s, with Mary and Crazy Dave fresh from Sarasota . . . and with BAT.  BAT sang the following for both of them for their recent birthdays.  Mary said, “Pass the ribs, please;” Crazy said, “I only have a beer and a half in front of me?”]

When I’m Sixty-Four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPYLXKsuChM

[Brenda chatted up a fellow Class of 65er . . . ]

[The object of their discussion I believe involved a need to know.  Probably something to do with a weather forecast that had no mention of rain . . . yet it rained on us here?]

[The golf club board was introduced; BAT took a break without breaking a string.  The super and I had to leave early because Lisa was succeeding BAT at SAWA this night.  And fellow golf clubbers Karin and Dave Berg were meeting us there from Mpls.]

[The next morning, the super and I christened Ole Oppe Fest with our annual participation in Breakfast at the Fort.  It seems like we have had more good weather days than bad for this?]

[It was a beautiful morning as the super dove into her eggs!  Mmmmm!  🙂  ]

[Big Ole from inside Fort Alexandria – and yes, that is the rear end of Dangerous Dan’s red Jag convertible in the photo.]

[And annually, the supervisor has her photo taken with “Viking” Bill.]

[Saturday afternoon it was off to the winery for BAT’s next venue.  The Norwegian horses were leading tour groups around the property.]

[And away we go . . . ]

[Sometimes you just have to scratch your back in the middle of a song.  I had to request “White Rabbit” because it almost drew a standing ovation at SAWA on Thursday.]

White Rabbit/Me and Julio . . .: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6-Me0Me_mw&list=UUDt6CCFM-8cxXEwOQhEwkiA

[Brenda photos the crowd . . . ]

[I photo Brenda (it’s just something I do around other photographers but I’m in therapy).]

[Is that Kim Kardashian over there?]

[Ahhh, a little more to the left . . .    ]

[Sunday, the fourth and final day, again at the winery.  Brenda was already hard at work . . . we ordered a Mediterranean pizza from Alia (yeah, a former Alex hockey player).  It was delicious!]

A BAT sequence . . . as he takes flight!

[Sami Steidl fiddles barefoot; BAT guitars in his stocking feet.]

Classical Gas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYNwsXMD8Tc

[The crowd peaked about 4:00 and rocked until 6:00.]

[Are we having fun yet?]

[Yah, sure, you betcha!]

[And what we have learned . . . BAT will be back at SAWA on September 11, and then will be at the winery for Grape Stomp on the 12th and 13th!  🙂  ]

I judge how much a man cares for a woman by the space he allots her under a jointly shared umbrella.  ~ Jimmy Cannon

[Editor’s note:  I videoed BAT on Saturday doing his almost 11 minute-long original song, “The Last Stand in Texas.”  It is an incredibly ambitious piece that requires the endurance of a marathon runner.  Maybe because YouTube was overwhelmed this holiday weekend, I have not been able to upload it.  I will advise if I’m ever successful.  It’s now May 29th, it finally made it!  🙂 ]

The Last Stand in Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsEMPWQ6Kg8

 

 

 

 

 

[There are two baseballs in this photo.  After consultation with the finest scientific minds on the planet, we have an explanation . . .]

The day was Wednesday, May 21.  [Yeah, I hear ya.  That was five days ago!  Well, nice weather and Ole Oppe Fest intervened, and I (and the supervisor) decided I should spend time outdoors.]  This was the last regular season baseball game but the first at which I deigned to make an appearance (until now attendance at such events had been rendered unlikely thanks to Mother Nature).  And it was a battle for the regular season conference championship – our Cards had only one conference loss and the Brainerd Warriors had only two (though they were they higher rated team in the section).  The previous day had been lovely (I meandered through 18 holes of golf for only the second time this season), and the forecast, surprisingly, was for more of the same.  Yet because we were still suffering through our spring of discontent (after our winter of discontent), the morning of game day dawned gray and ominous (i.e., normal) with the occasional spritz.  Then magically, at 3:00, one hour before game time, it broke, and we had a perfect day for baseball! 🙂  It had been a long time since this blog had “reported” a sporting event . . . the boys’ state basketball tournament?  So, the blog decided it best to send a seasoned pro, “Mr. Basketball” [see insert], to cover this game.

[Junior pitcher Dan Kuhn was on the mound for the Cardinals.  This is just a guess, but possibly his major claim to fame until this day was that his mom, Beth, took the photo of the now internationally-renowned Fat Boys Walking Club.]

[Meanwhile, back to the photo at the top of this missive.  The mystery of the two baseballs was such that I submitted it to professional photographers and scientists thinking it may have something to do with light refraction, or global climate change.  If I had bothered to check the photo sequence (see below) I should have recognized what was subsequently pointed out by occasional blog contributor, Al Grundei, that this was a warm-up pitch and the 2nd ball had to be one thrown by the 3rd baseman or shortstop to first.  Mystery solved . . . but still a cool picture!  🙂 ]

[And this is senior shortstop Zach Peterson, a likely candidate for the thrower of the second ball in the opening photo.]

[Oh, you’re probably wondering about the game?  Diehard fans advised that Brainerd came in averaging 8 – 10 runs a game (?).  Dan did a good job limiting the Warriors to two runs in his five innings of pitching.  The problem was the Cards didn’t even have a hit going into the bottom of the 5th.  The Warrior pitcher didn’t appear to have great stuff . . . but what do I know?  I haven’t seen enough games to recognize stuff . . . except I know we have too much of it in the garage.  But the Cards were unfortunate in that we hit a lot of “at ’em” balls . . .]

[In the bottom of the 5th we finally got a couple of hits, and with guys on 2nd and 3rd junior 2nd baseman and lead-off hitter, Grant Toivonen, singled to drive them both in to tie the game at 2.  He then stole 2nd to get in scoring position for the go ahead run, but it was not to be . . . ]

[I stayed long enough to see staff ace, senior Blake Stockert, come in and pitch a strong 1-2-3 top of the 6th.  Then because the excitement never ends in Vacationland USA, I had to leave for a previously scheduled next event.  I subsequently heard that with two outs and a runner on 1st in the top of the 7th, a Brainerd batter hit an infield fly that Card fielders apparently lost in the high sky and when the dust settled the Warriors had runners on 2nd and 3rd who were promptly singled home for a 4 – 2 win.  The teams tied for the conference title, the 2nd Cardinal tied-title in a row, so a big congrats to them!]

[The left-fielder in the photos is senior Parker Bowden.  The fans in the leftfield bleachers, a/k/a, the lake, are white pelicans.]

[Mr. Kuhn in an action series . . . ]

[This is Mr. Toivonen leading off.  I was impressed though it was lefty on lefty, he made solid contact every time he swing the bat in this game.  The hole in the fence behind home plate was obviously designed for photographic purposes.  But it has been enlarged significantly (?) since last I was here so I was hesitant to get all the way into it once the action began.]

[Senior 1st baseman Toby Helgeson batting 2nd . . . ]

[He’s had a heckuva year.]

[Taking it the opposite way.]

[Senior Parker Revering . . . was he in right?]

[Senior Mitch Thompson, centerfield (as in “put me in coach”)]

[Senior designated hitter Blake Stockert, who later came in to pitch.    ]

[The aforementioned Mr. Bowden.]

[The aforementioned Mr. Peterson.]

[Junior catcher Casey Hammerback . . . picked a runner off 2nd in the game.]

[Junior 3rd baseman Travis Krueger, who also played a little roundball for the Cards.]

[A Blake Stockert series . . .   ]

[A power pitcher, in this half inning he had better control of his hard curveball than of his fastball.]

[I believe sections begin today!]

Throughout history, women have picked providers for males.  Males pick anything.  ~ Margaret Meade

[The event is described by Mikko below.  And I really hesitated in “covering” it until . . . well, until Annie joined in on the music, though this was my final shot of the afternoon.]

[Bruce’s wake was Saturday. 600+ people showed up to honor our old friend and play kick the can with a thousand sweet memories. It was a microcosm of life, with laughter and tears, some anger and bitterness, rainbarrels full of love, and music galore. Close to fifty musicians on hand were among the best that Minnesota, and North Dakota and South Dakota have to offer. There was so much love in that big old horse barn at Carlos Creek Winery that everybody spent all they had and still had an abundance left to take home with them. The Bruce was well represented and well loved. And life goes on.  Rest in peace, my friend. ~ Mikko]

[Ruthie held up a painting of Bruce and Annie . . . ]

[I’m sorry, I don’t know who did it.]

[Various musicians took the stage over the course of the afternoon . . . ]

[I had to include the following video, I believe penned by Terry Kennedy (2nd from the left) with the vocal led off by Bruce and followed by Al Lieffort.  A telling saga of Minnesota winters.]

Thin Ice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGIiZgXIKQg&feature=share

[Annie & Mikko]

[I finally decided the flash worked better, if obtrusive.]

[And the penultimate shot, with Sami mugging for the cameras.]

But the music continues (as Bruce would have demanded) . . .

[This is Katie Ray, performing at the winery on May 10.]

[We had actually seen her perform with Mikko a few years earlier at the winery . . . I’ll be damned if I can find that photo again?]

[The following video is a YouTube compilation.]

Katie Ray: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyszzT-qqPw&list=UURGVS5RyQULwUrkcnd_m3Pg&index=7

[On May 11, our annual tradition of Mother’s Day brunch at the golf club . . .]

[With Angie, Bob, and Vivian Annen.]

[Bob thought my “new” eye was sparkling in the over head lights.  Don’t see it?]

[Our staff reporter, “Rock,” from the north end of Big Darling took this photo of our place from his deck . . . a mile away!  Does the NSA know about this?]

[The evening of May 15, the renovation of Broadway has begun.]

[Tami, the winery owner, told me when we were out there the afternoon of May 17 that she had posted my video of Josie Nelson from last year.  Finally outside, temp in the low 60’s, but that cold NW wind made videos impossible (last year, I videoed Josie from the side so I could block the camera microphone from the wind). The photo is from last Saturday. We left after a couple hours because the supervisor was getting cold. Still nice to see Josie again . . . and nice to be outside!]

Landslide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkPl9OqCkPw

[From Josie’s FB page, January 15:  It’s official!! Although this has been in the works for months, today I’m signing a publishing deal with SQE, a music company in L.A. SO excited to take my first big step in the music world and to work with an amazing group of people. Lots of songwriting in my future–I CAN’T WAIT!]

Don’t Know Why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9QHrxEQokI

[Because it was so windy again, and she always kids about bringing the wind with her, I couldn’t take any videos without having that background whooshing.  So I just posted a few in here from YouTube.]

I Wonder About Her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBYNLi7NwEE&list=PLmcg4jbKSuaDGicNDG-2OGc3VCTm63Bwh

[Minnesota girls seem to go barefoot regardless of the temperature . . . ]

[May 18 . . .]

[The supervisor does it again . . . But first, the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra (CLSO) closed its 5th season this afternoon, at the winery. Pretty proud of their representation of our small community!  They led off today with Bedrich Smetana’s “Dance of the Comedians” from “The Bartered Bride” (1866). Yeah, I know, me neither. But now it’s my favorite song “du jour.” At intermission, they held lottery drawings for about 7 prizes – it was a packed house, at least 300 people (my guess). Well, I won some CLSO notecards! Hooray for me! But then came the big prize drawing . . . Maestro Lambrecht stirred and stirred the pot before drawing, I leaned to Ken Howell sitting next to me told him Ruthie was going to win (she always wins!). Sure enough – two season tickets for next year when they’ll all be held at the new performing arts center at the new high school! Woo-woo!]

Dance of the Comedians: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEsxjz8iB-4

[My lottery won notecards!  🙂   ]

[And your further summer music schedule . . . ]

[Tim Fast at the winery after the  just concluded Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra Concert in the CCW Events Center (photo and posting by the supervisor).]

Tim Fast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVLYaOTbaVE

Tim Fast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_kNhyLFQNY

[This is the supervisor’s favorite photo of Bruce and Annie.  As captioned by Mikko:  Annie & Bruce at the Rose Cottage, Duke of Ormond Estate, Ballypatrick, County Tipperary, Ireland.]

Bruce Kelly died on May 12.  He was only 62.  He had just been to Abbott Hospital last Thursday for a physical prior to bypass surgery scheduled for May 16.

Bruce was not only a terrific musician, but he was a real renaissance man who could converse, with great humor, on a variety of subjects.  Skilly & Duff was the first music group for whom we became groupies when we retired back here 13 years ago.  We will remember Bruce (Skilly) as someone akin to his longtime friend and music partner, Mikko Cowdery (Duff), who always had an impish glint in his eye and who could bring a smile to your face as he approached from a block away.  He will truly be missed.

If you have followed this blog, you know there have been dozens of posts of Bruce, and the various music groups he performed with, over the years.  I have gone back through the archives to remember him again with a variety of photos and videos (scattered randomly herein).  It is quite lengthy – but then Bruce deserves it.

Friend and longstanding musical partner Bruce Kelly died today of a heart attack. He had been grocery shopping this morning and died in his vehicle in the parking lot after eating a Klondike ice cream bar.   [We understand the Klondike bar may have been a little poetic license from Mikko].  How like Bruce to spend his final moment in celebration of life! Condolences to his widow, Annie O’Flynn Kelly, 26873 Grand View Rd. – #2, Elbow Lake, MN56531.  ~  Mikko

His obituary from the Anderson Funeral Home website:

Kelly, Bruce

Bruce James Kelly was born October 8, 1951 in Clear Lake, South Dakota. His parents were John and Ann Kelly. He grew up on a farm near Revillo, South Dakota (he would tell you ‘Oliver spelled backwards-kinda’). Bruce passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014 in Elbow Lake, MN. He graduated from Revillo High School in 1969 and went on to college at Aberdeen, SD. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a degree in teaching – math and physics. He taught in the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg school district, and worked at Lorenz Manufacturing in Benson. In 1981, Bruce married Sue Weinauer. To this union three children were born: Rebecca Dori in 1982, Peter John in 1985, and Emmalynn Anna in 1989. Bruce and Sue were married from 1981 to 2002. During this time Bruce made cabinets and also worked at Alexandria Lumber, and eventually became one of the owners of Miltona Lumber. Bruce met Anne O’Flynn in 2006 and they were married on June 13, 2009. Together they played music with many area bands. Bruce would say, “Bruce on bass, Annie on accordion.” Bruce worked for Beyer’s Tire and Repair in Elbow Lake, and later for Rainbow Rider. Annie convinced Bruce to move to Elbow Lake with her by buying a home on Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course – and a new recliner. Bruce often told people that when he moved to Elbow Lake he ‘hit the jackpot!’ He loved the friends he made in the Lions Club and the only Saturdays he got up early were the ones that started with the Breakfast Club guys – and boy did he look forward to that! He thought the community was just amazing. Bruce was a man of many talents. If you needed something fixed or built, he was the guy to call. If you wanted a heart-to-heart talk, you just picked up the phone and dialed his number. Bruce loved all his grandchildren – the time spent with them meant the world to him. His version of ‘Bingo’ and teasing the kids about their ‘stinky feet’ will be long remembered. His own children fondly recall the ‘Jock and Toby’ stories he made up to tell them at bedtime. He also loved the people who rode on his Rainbow Rider bus. He was touched by their lives, and was considering writing a book about his experiences. One story is done. It’s called ‘Homer.’ Most people will remember Bruce doing what he loved most, playing music. The list of bands he was a part of is a long one. Starting at a young age, he and his brother Norman learned to play guitar, and had their first gig in Tunerville, SD. Bruce was 14. What followed was nearly 50 years of playing, singing, and having fun doing what he loved. Every day he’d come up with another song for one of the bands he was currently playing with. “This is great,” he’d say, “just listen to that bass line…” Bruce’s humor and love will be missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Anne O’Flynn; brother, Norman Kelly (Carol); ex-wife, Sue Weinauer; children: Rebecca Kelly (and friend Erin), Minneapolis; Peter Kelly (and friend Lindsey), Morris; and Emmy Kelly (and friend Kelvin), San Diego. Also survived by his ‘bonus’ children Heather Goldberg (Jeremy) of Lakeville, and Joel Erickson (Melany) of Morris. His ‘bonus’ grandchildren: Nathaniel Coffey, Riley Goldberg, Owen McCannon, Kellen McCannon, Layla Erickson, and Sawyer Erickson; and, the granddaughter he loved so much, Willow Grace Kelly of Morris. And, the best ‘company of friends’ in the world. Services were held on Friday, May 16. Friends gathered to share memories, music, and their love for Bruce.

[We’ll begin with some professional photos by Mark Weise of Bruce and Annie with Cassie & the Bobs.]

A very sad day today. We lost our dear friend Bruce Kelly. Bruce and his wife, Annie played with Erik and me in the Salty Dogs. He was a great musician and a great guy. Our hearts go out to Annie and family.  ~  Tom Mulder

Bruce, from the moment I met you, I was certain that you were a guy who had all the answers…now it’s really true. You know all the answers to all the questions, just like I always thought. Feel free to haunt me anytime! ~ Michelle Wencl

Our hearts are breaking.  Our love to Annie O’Flynn.  They did not have nearly enough time together.  Like Tudy said to Mikko when he was sick, “Don’t leave me…I haven’t loved you long enough”…….Oh dear.  There just aren’t words.  Godspeed, wonderful, wonderful man. So willing to give of his time and exceptional talent.  He will be missed.  ~  Patty Wicken

We’re heartsick over this news.  Tucker’d Out salutes a dear friend who loved music and friendship as much as anyone we know.  This is gonna take a while….Annie, we’re thinking of you with very heavy hearts.  ~  John, Lynn & Ryan

[Cassie & the Bobs]

Here are three songs I’ll always associate with Bruce:

When Annie Took Me Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c0Czjf3_o0

Galway Girl:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGWMhO3kZ20

Under the Scotman’s Kilt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phX9IrF0f9s

[This was earliest of my photos,  May 26, 2007.  Bruce and Mikko at the Awake the Lakes (or Ole Oppe Fest?) Festival at Big Ole park with Lake Agnes in the background.  I seem to recall it was quite chilly.]

[Our Grandson Tom (now a junior at Purdue, where does the time go?) joined the group at Carlos Creek Winery, July 13, 2008.]

[This was one of the more memorable afternoons of my life, July 12, 2009.  My old golfing buddy from Washington, D.C., days, Bob Gilbert, who retired years before to the great American Southwest, paid his first visit ever to Vacationland USA.  I took Bob out to show him the winery.  I can’t remember who was scheduled to perform that day, but we had previously worn the supervisor to a nub so she decided to stay home and rest.  When we arrived, I noticed it wasn’t the scheduled performer.  I believe it was Al Lieffort and Erik Schultz, at first.  Then I believe Tom Mulder arrived.  And then Bruce and Annie, though I can’t be sure of the correct order of arrival.  Anyway, they were really clicking on all cylinders that day.  Bob kept looking around and saying, “I can’t believe nobody else is here to hear this?”  Well, no one knew.  It was seriously one of the best music performances I have ever attended, and it was really fun sharing it with an old friend!  🙂  ]

[The Salty Dogs, Bug-A-Boo Bay, Lake Le Homme Dieu, Alexandria, July 12, 2009.  Tom Mulder and Al Lieffort on the left, Erik Schultz on the right.]

[Douglas County Fair, August 23, 2009.]

[Nary a peek under Mikko’s kilt!]

[Break time with Terry Kennedy, a frequent playing partner.]

[And back to work.]

Mikko’s Family Tree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR4nBMv46wU

Seven Old Ladies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPAHUK1TM_w

Big Strong Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5ClUef921w

[Russ Rolandson captures the moment at the winery, December 5, 2009.]

[The winery that same day.]

[Sami Steidl joined the group at the AAAA Theatre, Alexandria, May 22, 2010.]

[The winery, singing through the grape vines, June 5, 2010.]

[Alexandria’s City Park for Art in the Park, July 25, 2010.]

[The winery, September 4, 2010, my 63rd birthday.]

Come Out You Black & Tan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHgy8sbCpQ

Jam session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au0IDWKevTM

A poem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScaU-THO_kE

[The winery, May 29, 2011.]

[An overzealous fan, July 29, 2011.]

[The winery, August 19, 2011.]

[The winery, August 27, 2011.  I believe this young couple did something special at the moment – like announced their engagement?]

[The winery, September 4, 2011, my 64th birthday, with video following.  🙂  ]

When I’m Sixty-Four: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yPKrPB6yLE

[The Pines, with Patty Kakac, Alexandria, November 13, 2011.]

[I’ve naturally forgotten the event?]

With Sami: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rADlh3CzAQI

Under the Scotman’s Kilt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzRMNqy2cs0

Why Paddy’s Not at Work Today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpVpqQPSlbk

[The winery, January 14, 2012.]

[The winery, February 11, 2012.]

[The winery, April 14, 2012.]

[But this is what happens when you let groupies rush the stage!]

[No harm, no foul!]

[Jeanne Johnson’s garage, May 19, 2012.]

[Jeanne had hoped for an outside event, but it was raining.]

[Annie’s accordion, the winery, June 9, 2012.]

[The winery, June 22, 2012.]

Jug Band Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faQaxR6Mt8c

Cannibals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTx2gUlN9Mw

Rocky Road to Dublin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgoOfhuZhzs

[The winery, June 23, 2012.]

[Red Willow Arts Coalition, introduced by Sandy Susag, Alexandria Courthouse lawn, July 26, 2012.]

[Cassie & the Bobs, Douglas County Fair, August 17, 2012.]

[Sami said Bruce would occasionally approach her on stage to whisper in her ear.]

[She thinking he was going to tell her the key for the next song.]

[But it was more likely to be something like, “Did you hear about the dyslexic atheist who didn’t believe in ‘Dog’?”]

[A beautiful night at the fair from the stands for Cassie & the Bobs.]

[The winery, December 1, 2012.]

[The winery, February 9, 2013.]

[The winery, April 13, 2013.]

No No Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MylQILwQjE

If I Had a Million Dollars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eYZCHiQNfk

Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVxGmjPYpug

[The supervisor occasionally is called upon to act as a visual interpreter for the assembled masses.  Here she was invited “on stage” to lead audience participation in The Black Velvet Band, May 11, 2013.]

THE BLACK VELVET BAND

Her eyes they shone like diamonds,

I thought her the queen of the land,

And her hair it hung over her shoulder,

Tied up with a black velvet band.

[Bug-A-Boo Bay, June 29, 2013.]

[The winery, July 7, 2013.]

[CD cover photo?]

[The requisite shot with the pick-up truck.]

[Grape Stomp at the winery, September 14, 2013.]

[Later, that same day, a meeting of legends.  Abby Williams, co-captain of Alex’s 2008 state champion hockey team, had recently graduated from Bemidji State and was waitressing at Bennigan’s while job hunting in her field.]

[The winery, November 9, 2013.]

[The winery, February 1, 2014.]

[Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale, February 27, 2014.]

[St. Paddy’s Day at Carlson Music Center, with Chuck Wencl, March 15, 2014.  I took five quick shots in succession.  This was the last shot.  Bingo!]

[The winery, April 12, 2014.]

[“The parting shot . . .” ]

And from Mikko . . .

[Here’s a photo from last year of Bruce, Canadian folk singer David Francey, and me. Lotta folks gonna miss himself.  ~ Mikko]

[Mikko, Annie & Bruce on the main drag of Youghal (pronounced Y’all) because it is as far south as you can get in that part of Ireland. That’s the old city gate in the background. Youghal is where the classic movie Moby Dick was filmed. This pic was taken in front of a little cafe which had a sign inside reading: “No Singing, No Swearing, No Dancing! This is a respectable house!” ~ Mikko]

[Winning the 2009 Minnesota Irish Fair Celtic Music Competition.]

I had the unique pleasure of golfing with Bruce a few times over the years.  And there was nothing that quite spoke to the essential Bruce as when he would deadpan, “Say, that was a nice shot.”   Bruce, thanks for the memories . . .

Parting Glass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WXqDQU5O7M