Seaside Kids eat pancakes, elk return and rainbows appear

There was a great turnout as usual and more kids than I can recall, serving as wait staff. They’re so solicitous. They evidently took one look at me and decided against offering seconds on pancakes and sausage. Conversation was great. I saw many of the usual suspects: Al Wood and his wife; Linda and Chuck Carlson, their daughters and grandchildren; Irene Kan; Greta Passetti; Jim Auld; Frank Brougher; Chief Bob Gross; Margaret and her husband from a medical clinic; John Morris; Connie Auld (I can’t remember her married name); and others whose names escape me. Frank Brougher said that every small town should have a “Seaside Kids.” They are so very special and exemplify what kids should be and do.

I did learn that the duo that played at the American Legion Oktoberfest call themselves Rhinelander Express composed of Ken and Corinne, and they didn’t eat sauerkraut. It was brats, German potato salad and beer — or was that bier?

Did you see the beautiful double rainbow in the eastern sky? The left bow was very bright, the right one a dim reflection, but in between was a large band of very dark clouds. It stayed for quite a while and there were others the same day.

A celebration of life was held at the American Legion, Post 99, for James Pesonen on Oct. 18. Larry Pfund presided and led many of Jim’s friends — firemen and fishing buddies — who had funny anecdotes to share about those times together. He intimated that some of the stories were not told out of deference to family feelings, but there were some lulus anyway. We enjoyed a varied buffet of good things to eat and had lots of time for visiting with friends we haven’t seen for a while. I’ve known Jim for years but didn’t realize what a sense of fun he had. He will be missed.

Have you noted how much building there is on the mountain and how far up the homes are being established? It’s no wonder the elk have come down to share with us. Where can you hide on top of old baldy? On Monday, when Robin and I passed the high school athletic field, maybe about 10 large elk were resting among the trees, and a line of spectators had stopped to observe. The animals seemed totally oblivious, but I didn’t want to join the crowd; it was too close for me, yet they are so beautiful.

The sports write-ups in the paper are always extensive and well done with great pictures by various cameramen. A friend from Washington noted that there are never scores or details from national contests or even local events like the Seahawks’ two-point game on Sunday. While we’re all proud of our own teams, there is a curiosity about the big stuff, too, whose activities draw such avid attention.

Joel Osteen’s joke: A guy was out fishing when he heard the words “pick me up.” Then he heard them again. “Pick me up and kiss me, I’ll become a beautiful bride.” He looked down at the ground and there was a frog, repeating again: “Pick me up and kiss me, I’ll become a beautiful bride.” The guy picked up the frog and put him in his pocket. “Hey,” said the frog. “I said ‘kiss me so I can become a beautiful bride’.”

“I don’t think so,” said the fisherman. “At my age, I’d rather have a talking frog!”