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Today, November 19 (Thursday) has several occurrences over the years. In 1863 it was when U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the brief but renowned Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the National Cemetery in Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. Also it is Great American Smokeout Day, a day quite a few people have observed and stopped smoking. And it is National Toilet Day, which really means bringing attention to sanitation - it's 19 years old on the 19th!
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Saturday morning breakfast took Bob, Terry and me to 400 Springs just outside of Spring Green at the House on the Rock Golf Course. We went there because it's very good food and because we were heading to Plain from there to Straka Meats to pick up some meat for someone who couldn't make it that day and it was the only day they could pick it up. Coming out of 400 Springs we had to turn to the east and then to the north to get back onto Highway 14 because the bridge on Highway 23 is closed for repairs.
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I had someone ask me who Bob and Terry were. They are Bob Kratochwill and Terry Carroll, two good friends!
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I'm sure we made Saturday's trip into at least a 70 mile excursion because we took a few scenic detours and we drove around Dodgeville checking out a few things too!
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There have been a lot of usual events cancelled this year especially around the Christmas and Holiday Season. I have taken "Photos with Santa" every year dating back to when the Wisconsin Power & Light Building was on Iowa (Main) Street in Dodgeville. One young lady, who is now in her 50s posed for me there when she was a senior in high school. She had been photographed with Santa every year since she was born! This year, with the COVID and since Santa and Mrs. Claus are going to be at the Red Room December 12 and 13 I have decided to not take them. It's just not the same with masks and the youngsters not being able to whisper in Santa's ear or sit on his lap!
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If anyone hasn't picked up their photos from last year or even the year before, I have them at the Chronicle office yet!
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The wind sure whipped over the weekend with gusts up to 40 MPH. I don't mind the temperatures getting into the lower digits, but wind is one thing that I don't like - even in the summer!
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The Wisconsin Badgers Football Team bounced back from taking an hiatus due to the COVID-19 and "humbled" usual power Michigan Saturday night. It was impressive to see all the "weapons" the Badgers showed in the win!
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I understand the Mineral Point Football Team won't be playing Cambridge for the championship of their Division 5 "pod", so their season has ended. Good luck to Highland (Division 6) and River Valley (Division 3) this week in their final games and Mini Titles! River Valley plays a familiar foe in Richland Center that has former Dodgeville football player Chris "Cookie" Clerkin on its staff!
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Winter high school sports is scheduled to begin with some already practicing as of Monday and others set to begin next Monday. Some schools have already opted to not have winter sports, others to start in December (even after Christmas) and others in January. Some are revisiting having competitions. It's a tough choice for everyone as the virus spikes seem to only get higher.
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The Dodgeville Lions Club is winding down its Birthday/Anniversary Calendar Sale. Since the pandemic forced cancellation of three major fundraisers for the group - Fun Night and two Antique/Flea Markets - this may be the club's only fundraiser for the year. The Lions Club gives a lot of money to local and area needs, including the Food Pantry, Food Locker and Feeding Friends. They have built a lot of shelters at parks and provided funds for dugouts at ball fields plus they give out several scholarships to graduating seniors. They also help Boy Scouts with Eagle Projects and donate much more to other needs. If you haven't been contacted by a Dodgeville Lion to buy a calendar, please do so. There is information on their website.