Ashes Boxes for Columbarium Cathedral - PH Weaver and MGWeaver

This morning I took this photo on a colorful Pendleton Blanket I received on my trip west to Nebraska and South Dakota for sun dance. Through the artistic work for Mark Mueller-Dahl (wood worker who crafted the boxes, birch for PH Weaver and sycamore for MG Weaver, as was their vision) and Mark Weinberg (wood burning artist who added the symbols of the medical caduceus for dad, and mushrooms for mom) I now have the finished products to go in the niche. In addition, I created two more boxes out of sycamore, in case there is enough room for me and another mystery connection. I am grateful for the example of my parents, who donated their bodies to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Dept and then were cremated after about a year by the U of Minnesota. I have arranged for the same process for myself, whenever I am ready to pass over.
Blessings - Wichoni "in praise of life!"

Faribault Cathedral May History Tour Bob Neslund Jerome and Werner

Here is Bob Neslund, historian giving Jerome and Werner a tour in May in the historical Cathedral, founded with a mission of connecting with the tribes of Minnesota and providing Christian based eduction. Whipple, whose likeness is in the background, was known as "Straight Tongue" to many of the Chippewa and Dakota allies at the time. My family was raised in the 40's- 60's in Faribault and this community was a big part of my education and spiritual growth. I learned a lot about Dakota and Minnesota history and in Whipples crypt below, is where the ashes of my mom, Margaret Glessner Weaver  will be put to rest this weekend, on Aug 1, 2009 at a 1 PM committal service, provided through Rev Henry Doyle of the Shattuck St Mary's Educational Community while Very Rev James Zotalis is on a summer sabattical.

Valley of the Green Giant - Minnesota River by LeSueur

Thinking of the green planet and the waters of life here on Mother Earth. I left the Twin Cities yesterday about 10:30 to drive through southern Minnesota, the farmland, prairie and wind farms of Buffalo Ridge to Pipestone National Monument to pick up a prayer pipe, channupa in D/Lakota to fullfill a vision. On the way down the hill to the Minnesota, I spied this sign. My nick name when I played high school basketball, was the "jolly green giant" as I was 6'8"+ and always cheerful, and not particularly aggressive. So here is a photo of the ads for green giant brand vegetables. Enjoy the green planet. Eat well, breathe well and respect the earth and the plant nation. Pidomiya pejuta oyate!

Libby Muir and Peg Weaver Gingko Tree Faribault Home

Here are Libby Muir, widow of Tom's Carleton Botany-Biology Advisor, Professor Bill Muir, and Peg, visiting the home where Peg raised her family from 1943 - 1965, and where she and Pete lived through 1976. Peg wanted to make one last visit here the summer of 2007. I am grateful that we could stop in at Northfield and visit Libby where Peg looked at the chestnut trees growing in the Muir yard on Maple Street. See the size of this tree, Peg and Pete planted this gingko many years ago. They also planted a sycamore which is no longer growing at this site, which was special for both Peg and Pete who are native to Ohio. Greatful for the teaching of the tree nation, the chan oyate! Our standing relatives.. Pidamiya

Jane Newell supports Peg Weaver at May Cathedral Event

When Peg and I decided to revisit Faribault and places that were important during her years there, from 1939 - 1976, the years being part of the Cathedral and singing in the choir came up for her. Her three sons introduce to choice of religion and differents part of reality here. The family was involved in Sunday School at the Guild House, singing in the boys choir. Tom returned when at Carleton to work with Very Rev Ernie Campbell for three summer in youth travels to the Big Fork River, Canoe trip, Hiking in the Tetons, Wyoming, and a BWCA Trip where we all met Dorothy Molter, the root beer lady on Knife Lake. Peg had many friends, the Waflers, Onkkas who stayed active the the church after she moved to Pelican Lake. She remarked that after the 1992 Ceremony to honor Paul H Weaver, it was fun to reconnect. Here, my spirit sister, Jane supports Peg with her walker with the cloister garden in the back ground.

Peg Weaver with Tom Cathedral May 20 2007

Jane Newell and Byron Aldrich supported Peg and me when we came to the Cathedral to be part of a service and tell the story of the redbud and our dedication of it to the life of Paul H Weaver MD.

Redbud Tree Planting Cathedral Cloister Garden 2007 and follow up 2016

2007 Here are Mankind Project brothers, Mark Mueller-Dahl, Dan Gorbanow, and Randy Peck with Faribault connection, Jim Langevin helping me plant the tree, Peg and I choose to honor PH Weaver MD in the Cloister Garden.

2016 Photo made through Lynn Mickelson and Jim Langevin sent to me May 2 2016. 

Peg Weaver Red Bud Leaves May 2007 Dedication for PHWeaverMD

Here is Peg, checking out the heart shaped leaves newly emerging after the flowing of the tree in 2007. I am so grateful we could visit the Cathedral and have Rev Jim and the congregation greet Mom and the tree remembrance that we planting to honor her husband, Paul H "Pete" Weaver MD, 1910 - 1982 who was her companion and partner during over 46 years of marriage. Thanks to Jane Newell and Byron Aldrich who accompanied Peg and me to this service- ceremony.

Men's Brunch July 19 Gratitude for the Beauty of the Day

I am so grateful for the welcoming by good men at the monthly brunches here in the Twin Cities. On Sunday in south Minneapolis, Michael and Patrick (lower table) opened their warm home to men from the community. Andy Mickel, white shirt has been a board member of the Twin Cities Men's Center for years and serves up one of his famous killer omlets. Bobby Schaurhamer is in the kitchen making waffles! Thanks to all the men who support each other in enjoying the beauty of each other and the Twin Cities.

1942 Home on Furlough - Gaylord Betcher WW II Searchlight Team

Here is a photo of Gaylord in 1942 at age 24 when he came home for his parents 25th anniversary in Mezeppa. Last Monday, I went with Gaylords nephew, Gary Engler to visit his 91 yr old uncle, first in Rochester at the senior home where he lives, then driving out to his farm house in rural Mezeppa. Here is where we worked to scan and build up a photo collection for a power point to support his story, from training in the US to years in Africa, Italy, France and Germany from 1942 through 1945. This is the same hat Gay is wearing in the photo I took below on Monday.

Gaylord Betcher -Mezeppa MN WW II Vet - Tauberbishofsheim 1945 to 2009

On Monday, July 13, I drove to Rochester with my friend Gary Engler to pick up his uncle Gaylord to go to his farm in Mezeppa to scan in photos from his 1942-1945 tour of Europe. He will be sharing his story at a Rochester Round Table and the photos of his journey are part of what I scanned in. While in Tauberbischofsheim, after he participated as an infantryman in the 63rd Infantry in their walk through the Siegfried Line, crossing the Rhein, he got this beer stein. I invite folks to come to his talk in Rochester on Sept 14th.

Orchard Stop Tour of the Saints Jesse and Amy visit horses

About 2/3 rds of the way on our 35 mile bike ride we stopped at the Orchard on Fruit Farm Road near St Johns University. Many flowers blooming along the way. Sweet smelling roadside pink vetches, common milkweed, even an occasional bright orange butterfly milkweed in the prairie. Here Amy connects with some of the local horses in part of the orchard. Glad we all three made it to the end in good shape!

Cold Spring Stop - Amy and Jesse Tour of the Saints

After finishing the first third of the Tour of the Saints Route 35 mile route from St Joseph to Cold Spring, here are Amy Brown and Jesse Weaver refreshed after baked goods and beverages. We got a few bananas too, then next leg to Fruit Farm Road and an orchard where we got more fruit and drinks. A nice cool ride and grateful Amy did so well on her first attempt.

Edina Theater Landmark Departures Japanese Film

Here are Jane Newell and Amy Brown waiting outside of the Edina Theater in down town Edina MN ready to dip their feet into the cool water. Jane commented that it has a "European Feel" to it. Anyway, Jesse Weaver and I were waiting for them to head into the 2:50 show after we all shared Japanese Sushi and other treats at Midori's Floating World Japanese Cafe on East Lake Street. The film "Departure's" which one an Oscar this year, illustrated a very powerful theme of art-music and the art of honoring the dead. I particularly was moved by the cello music. Thanks to Jesse for treating us to chocolate desserts at D'Amicos after the film. Fun day!

Jasper Peak Looking Northwest toward Tower-Soudan

Here is a photo from the fire tower at Jasper Peak. Howie desribed the line of sight from this point to points south on Giants Ridge and north at Tower after we made the trek up to the fire tower from the road. In this view from near the top, notice the town at the base of the hill where the Tower Soudan Mine is located and then Lake Vermillion in the back ground. The wind was quite strong yesterday during my ascent and thanks to the many butterfly friends, tiger swallowtails, white lined purples and mourning cloaks who gave color and courage for this swaying adventure. Perhaps the CCC workers built this one too, back in the 30's like the ones that worked at Pelican Camp. I did check out the security of each wooden step as I made my way to the top. It was great to sit at Burntside Lodge near Ely afterward, over a couple of brews and then at a restaurant overlooking Shagawa Lake in Ely. Pidamiya tate', waste!

1945 Marked Indian Mound near Esquagema Lake and TW

Here is the author at an Indian Mound with a birch tree on the north part. I always leave some tobacco for the likely ancestral remains that are in many of these mounds. Howard Heath, a resident of the East Range for many years, shared many of the stories he has collected over the years. Nearby is the pretigious Esquagema Country Club where Howie related a story of how he helped feed Governor Rudie Perpich some local nutritious specialities back in the day. I am grateful to have shared the journey and some historical and hysterical wisdom along the way. Thanks Howie for the memories!

Howard Heath of Hoyt Lakes describing water routes of the East Range

Here is Howard early on Sunday, beginning our historical tour of the land in the north. Near Giants Ridge, by Biwabik, he points to some of the waters that allow canoes to travel from the Lake Superior watershed up the St Louis to the Embarrass (from French word "embarras" "to hinder with obstacles or difficulties". ) To the Canadian water shed through the Pike River to Lake Vermillion. Later in the day, we visited the Bois Forte Rez and then Stunz Bay on Vermillion where the boat houses bedeck the south shore.
Thanks, Megwitch Howie for the tour!

Howie and Angie Heath in Hoyt Lakes MN

Driving east from Grand Rapids on Saturday evening on the 4th, I bipassed the town of Biwabik as there was a parade through the center of the town. I found my way to the town of Hoyt Lakes where my friends Howie and Angie hosted me for a couple of nights. I had known Howie AKA Jim Heath in Faribault and when I did a short stint as a locum tenens doc in the early 90's, Angie was a clinic nurse, where I recall we met over a surgical event involving an LTD taconite employee at the East Range Clinic. Anyway here they are ready to dig in for a breakfast of wild rice pancakes with the US colors in, fresh strawberries (red) Greek Honey Yogurt (white) and fresh blueberries (blue) at their warm home refuge in Hoyt Lakes. Good coffee too!

Lougee Lake - Pelican CCC Camp History

Here is the map made by Jeff Shelstad next to Lyle Steffenson, with Jiggs Shelstad behind at the July 3rd gathering dedicated to story sharing around the fire. Thanks to the Shelstad - Westerberg clan for arranging the gathering on the north side of Lougee. Here Lyle, born in 1938 on the north shore of Lougee, shared his memories of swimming across the lake, south of the land, where the CCC Camp was from 1935 - 38 to a resort for a candy bar. He shared how his father, Steve Steffenson, 1900-1968 had built many of the cabins in the area, including two for Bill Paulson, so he could trade for title for his property. According to Jeff S, Sam Lougee "loo -gay" in French carried supplies from Merrifield to Cross Lake and the Whitefish Chain and built a log cabin where Ab Manker used to have his place, mid way on the east. Jim Henderson, author of the book on the Pelican Camp CCC, also shared his journey for 3 some years in writing his book on the history of the land. Fun to connect with fellow lovers of history!

Libby Muir's Home in Grand Rapids

Here one of Lib's cats she affectionately named after one of her parents, along with Lib and son Bill. This is the one level home she moved into from Northfield a while back. What a pleasant space filled with fun stuff including the family photos behind. Thanks Lib and Bill for the fun visit with you and your expanding family!

Marshall Family 4th of July Gathering Pokegema Lake

Here is a son of Bill Marshall, left, sitting with his dad, Bill Senior with a view of the lake by a cabin that has been in the family for over 70 years. Bill, who I think is somewhere in his early 80's, talked of enjoying this view for over 70 years. His son, Bill, married Peggy Muir in Northfield, I wedding I attended some 30 years ago. Bill and Lib led me to Cub Foods where I found ripe enough avacados to make the Weaver traditional guacamole to share with the family. We had blue corn chips and guac in the porch at Bill and Peggy's home near the lake, while listening to the chords of Sam Miltich, a local guitar player and folk singer who is engaged to one of the Marshall daughters. Sam knows Peter Mayer a fellow folk musician, brother of Joe Mayer, who shared in my trip to Red Lake yesterday! Small world and fun connections. Bill Marshall Sr has lived a long productive life in Itasca County and shared a variety of his life stories and wisdom today. Thanks Bill!

Brewed Awakenings Grand Rapids Bill and Lib Muir

I drove from Walker to Grand Rapids through Remer, a clear crisp 4th of July morning of beauty. When I arrived in GR, I was hoping to find some good coffee and a protein-like breakfast. Ah, and with wifi too. Indeed, I found Brewed Awakenings here on US 2 here in Grand Rapids. So I am sitting here again after a day with the Marshall-Muir clan. Here are Bill and Libby Muir, whom I figure I have known since 1967, at least, when I was a student at Carleton College, when Professor Bill Muir, husband of Libby became my college advisor in the biology department. He was the kind of guy who welcomed students to his home. I remember onion and peanut butter sandwiches in the professors home in Northfield. After Bills death at age 57 (he went blind from his diabetes while I was his student, and later dealt with other effects of the dis-ease) I still stayed in touch with the family, visiting Lib at her home and even Bill at his home in Madison off of Willie Street and now in the country north of town. Thanks Bill and Lib for your warm welcome to Grand Rapids and sharing in your extended family!

May Fly - Lakeview Motel Walker MN

I awoke this AM to a bright clear sky over Leech Lake. On the building here is a may fly, a member of the Ephemeroptera. Living for just a short time, these flies are a part of my childhood memories around the fresh water lakes of Minnesota. Today, I am processing the learnings from the sun dance near Red Lake, where I heard the amazing sounds of sandhill cranes between the dancing rounds. Grateful to have been asked to join in singing at the drum to support the dancers in a good way. Pidamiya, megwich!

Stevia Growing in Pete's Roseville Garden!

Well, I have always been interested in plants and their connection to life and health. Went to a picnic with the men in my I group, Integration Group in Roseville last evening. Pete has been working on his garden, and after marveling on its greenness, the brocolli flowers, munching on the snap peas and greens, he said "I wonder if you know what THAT plant is?" Well I looked at a foot high plant whose foliage looked like chysantemum and thought "some kind of aster-composite family plant" and then he said, try eating a leaf. THen my mind said "Stevia" as it has a refreshing sweet and thick flavor. He said "You are right!" I had always thought it was a tropical plant, so I am surprised. Here is the Wikipedia notes on Stevia:
"Stevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. The species Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. As a sweetener and sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, although some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations. With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternatives." Yes, and I have drinking it for several years in Treasure Tea, named by John Easterling for the Shipibo People of the Peruvian Amazon that led him to the healing power of the plant nation and his founding of the Amazon Herb Company. For more info, check out my link: www.drtomweaver.amazonherb.net. Health and happiness with the plant nation!