three toes

By the light of the full moon, old Cheyenne would saddle his horse and ride out into the Badlands. He'd been riding full moons for years hunting old Three Toes, the crippled wolf that haunted Sage Creek. As the moon rose into the night, old Three Toes would howl and cry. Old Cheyenne would follow the lament into the canyon-like creek bottom among the scattered Cedars and sagebrush. He'd ride over the sand bars and wade the alkali waters that pooled here and there, creating eddies of white clay. His buckskin mare picked its path with care and jerked her head sharply at Three Toes crying.
Last night, the full moon rose and old Cheyenne saddled the mare. He rode out on a dusty buffalo trail and down to the creek. Old Three Toes howled on cue and Cheyenne turned the mare in the direction of the call. The steep embankment was littered with snow and ice and the mare stumbled as she descended. Old Cheyenne, not as spry as he once was, slipped from his saddle and tumbled down the steep bank to the creek below. A broken collarbone jutted from his left shoulder.
Old Three Toes approached silently, surveying the scene. With care, he drug Old Cheyenne from the frigid water and onto the sandy, rocky flat. He chased the mare home and set to howling in Old Cheyenne's yard. There was nobody there to hear. Old Cheyenne died that night, but Three Toes is still out there, howling and crying for his best and oldest friend.

opening all the gates

I still can't get the parking gate to open when I drive up out of the underground parking. Tonight, Anissa, a very pretty Somali came out of the Central Parking ramp office and after I signed the form, lifted the gate with her special gate-lifting device. One way or the other, it's free parking in a heated underground ramp that would otherwise cost me $18.00 a day, minimum. Yikes! I ain't made of money.
Anissa asked me my name and I confirmed hers. Since I like to work fast in matters of the heart, I figure the next step is meeting her parents and/or extended family, sharing some canjeero and subag (ghee) and sugar followed by black tea in the morning and a proper session chewing khat with the elders in the heat of the afternoon. Forget anything you've heard to the contrary, these folks is just folks and I like them. Eventually, one will say, "Xalwadii waad qarsatey!", the phrase that follows a person who has eloped or has a small, private wedding. They are suggesting a kinship via romance. I hesitate before smiling and decline.

i can't see (everybody notices)

I can't see very well in the shower. I can't wear my glasses in there because they fog up. I can make out the outlines of my Target brand hair and body wash but if I lose the bar soap, I'm done for. I lost the charger for my toothbrush (ain't they all "powered" these days?) so it refuses to cooperate and is only capable of brushing one tooth at a time. It's dang tedious, brushing that way.
I  can't see my sidekick, Willie. He's in Pierre, SD. Hanging there until I can get a place that will accept his weirdness. It always takes time to get Willie in. He's half feral, part nocturnal and pretty much in charge (he thinks) when he's present.
But what bums me out the most is that I can't see my girlfriend in RC (I moved to MPLS). She is my darling one. Sweeter than my Aunt Iva's Chokecherry Jelly. Flashing green eyes, a smile that would beguile the least among us and a disposition that charms me to death. When she's near, I can't take my eyes off her.
Everybody notices.
I'm a creep.

jerry willuweit

One of the last of the true SD cowboys passed away last month. Jerry Willuweit, August 7, 1943 - January 14, 2010.
From his memorial:
"He loved trailing cows, breaking horses and playing cards ... [but] Jerry's passion in life was rodeo. From riding bulls and broncs as a young man to steer roping in his later years every aspect of the sport thrilled him. [...] With his oversized silver belly tipped to one side and one pant leg tucked into his boot Jerry could be seen sitting behind the chutes at almost any rodeo. He was a lifetime member of the PRCA."
I haven't met very many cowboys that rode as long and hard as Jerry or had as big a heart. I was lucky enough to ride along once or twice. Today I stopped by the State Brand Board to check on the status of my father's brand (renewal due May 1) and it made me think of Jerry. He most likely helped brand some of my dad's cattle. Rest in peace my friend, I'll see you at the big rodeo upstairs. I'm sure if I mention your name, St. Peter will hand me a beer and let me right in, no questions asked.
PS: I'll bring your rigging.

My foot's in the stirrup,

My pony won't stand.

Goodbye, old partner,

I'm leaving Cheyenne.

marsha

So an attack is underway in some place called Marsha in Afghanistan. It's in one of the "stan" based countries. I knew a guy named Stan from Aberdeen. He once attacked me with an empty ice cube tray after a foosball dispute and I retaliated with a shot to the thigh using a 2 iron. I can't remember who won the game or the fight, but foosball was big then and often lead to fights.
But more to the point, it depresses me that we would attack a city named after a major figure on The Brady Bunch. I know Marsha deserved a lot of heat. She was tall and pretty and served as the perfect counterpoint to the sourpuss Jan. Plus, there was always that Greg "thing".  Awesome plotlines, intensely fulfilling drama. Cars and bikes and science experiment volcanoes. Jeepers!
So - anyway - this attack in Marsha, what kind of scene is that? Sounds really lame. For one gun and a 100 rounds of ammunition I could have the most kick-ass foosball table ever. Sweet!

be careful

As you may have noticed, Hootenanny has taken a recent turn towards the culinary arts, adding content and links to food-related material. However, we must caution that care be taken. The tools of this art can become weaponry.
To wit, a line from a local police-blog:
"[Ms.] Lone Hill was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly attacking her victim while in a drunken fit". Lone Hill used a common kitchen knife. Enraged and under the influence, she stabbed her victim in the thigh missing the heart by a mere three feet or so. Had she gone inside, she could have nailed the carotid.
Ms. Lone Hill is in custody tonight. The knife cleared the lab and is in the secured evidence locker. The arraignment is Monday in 7th Circuit Court. Ms. Lone Hill will be charged with aggravated assault. She doesn't have the cash to bail out so she'll sit until she pleads guilty.
Kitchen cutlery is dangerous. If used properly, only children and family pets are endangered. Used malevolently,  they can kill.

horsemeat avocado burritos

3 lbs horsemeat
6 ripe avocados
2 tbsp olive oil
22 oz rock salt chunks
mentholated petroleum rub
drug


1. leave horsemeat in sun to ripen (minimum 2-3 days depending on weather). horsemeat should smell like spoiled meat. pound flat with large wooden mallet. cut into large meat-circles with metal trashcan lid. transfer to roadway to further flatten horsemeat. remove rocks and other road detritus. boil in area hot spring until softened. horsemeat should be stiff but malleable.

2. place six ripe skin-on avocados in blender. blend avocados until blended. blend again. mix with olive oil. blend again to achieve paste-like consistency.

3. coat horsemeat discs with petroleum rub and rock salt. spread with avocado mix. if desired, add crushed lithium or placidyl. roll prepared discs into burrito shaped tubes.

4. last,  and most importantly, hide the results in neighbor's bushes for eight days. hopefully, neighbor's dog who barks all night-every night and poops in your yard will eat them and die.

(JUST KIDDING! It's easier to just shoot an offending dog with an Amazonian poison arrow.)

pat's meatloaf

Two pounds venison, beef or pork or any combo of the three.

One onion

One pepper

A few garlic cloves minced

Two stalks celery

Mushrooms if you want.

Sautee all vegetables until soft

Cool down

To the meat and cooled vegetables add:

2 eggs

½ cup milk

1 cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs.

Mix all together and add salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley if you have it.

Bake for ½ hour at 350 then top with ketchup that you have mixed some brown sugar in.

Cook until done probably another ½ hour.

not bad oranges

Not Bad Oranges has disbanded again. It was done before I could get to Minneapolis for the tour strategy meetings and was presented as a fait accompli. I'm not surprised. Things were not coming along well with the tour logistics. No bus, no instruments and no bookings. I guess sometimes it's way too early to consider your band a headliner.
But guys, we could have borrowed Terry's Uncle's van. It's done in a purple inflected Prince-The-Artist theme with eight track (only Prince tapes, pre "formerly known as" era), neon replica Prince guitar and working mirror ball. Terry or Pat have my old guitar which I traded for back in the 2609 Columbus days for a Replacements cassette (When The Sh*t Hits The Fans) that I bought in Sioux City on my way back from NYC. The beast didn't have any strings and I think the neck was warped due its leftward angle but it looked extremely cool.
The trouble started with my request to bring my girlfriend on the tour. I met her at the 311 Bar in NE Minneapolis about 15 years ago. She was a Draghounds groupie at the time. Green eyes and a blue eyed soul. Worked at Mayslacks during the day, just up the street, making roast beef sandwiches. Got all her piercings at St. Sabrina's on Hennepin from my friend Leslie. Got her a job at Psycho Suzie's Motor Lounge. Fell in love. Bought a condo. Got a cat. Started working again.
Long story short, the band doesn't like her. She broke us up once before and they started calling her Yoko. That didn't set well with her. It didn't set well with me either and to move on I moved into my Americana-Roots-Music phase. It was a complete disaster. For both of us. Rick Rubin decided not to produce my album of reworked Lightning Hopkins. My car was repossessed. The cat ran away. We broke up.
But she and I repaired the damage. Fell back in love. And in the process broke up the band once again. Dang! Why can't we have our cake and eat it too? I'll buy some candles! Not Bad Oranges is the second most important thing in my life!

mpls

The moving is finally underway for real. I arrived in MPLS Wednesday night. Met with new Boss on Thursday. Was formally offered (offer had been made previously, just needed to complete some paperwork) and attended an orientation on Friday. My title is Project Manager as it was with my previous company. I like that title. No one knows what it means, but it sounds important.
I found an apartment in NE MPLS a couple of blocks from the Mississippi River and the old Grain Belt Brewery which now houses mostly advertising agencies, artist's studios, galleries and shops. The neighborhood is rife with coffee shops, neighborhood-type, blue-collar bars and ethnic restaurants. I can see I'll be eating a lot of Vietnamese Cuisine! It's not too far from downtown either whose skyline I can see through my bedroom window. Today I'll stop for lunch at Kramarczuk's Eastern European Deli, pick up some cheese at Surdyk's and later stop by Quang Deli on Nicolet to pick up some Bahn Mi Thit Bale, the best sub sandwhich known to man. No time for Pho though I may grab some for later.
It's great to be back in the City. I've lived in a major metropolitan area since first leaving South Dakota (for good) over 20 years ago. I no longer feel comfortable in a rural environment. I can't explain myself there. Of course, I will miss my very good friends who have remained but I will not miss the isolation and emptiness. I suppose I may return to hunt or fish, but not often. I can do that anywhere and most of my friends live elsewhere now like me.
I'm heading back for the last time on Tuesday. I need to pick up my things and my cat, Willie. He is my sidekick and goes where I go. He'll have lots to do here. My apartment in MPLS has a yard and trees and a shared garden. There should be plenty of bugs and birds to draw his interest. He never went outside in South Dakota unlike his wandering ways in Gilbert, Laveen and Phoenix, AZ where he is from (actually he was born on a horse ranch in Apache Junction, east of Mesa). I can't blame him for his insular behavior, South Dakota is crawling with Sweethearts and Hillbillies. Mostly the latter. Willie couldn't find a Sweetheart in SD, I suppose. They are few and are to be treasured when found because they usually are the best.
So that's the story. Willie and I are moving on - or moving back. To place more like home. Where we belong. Maybe we'll see you at a show. The Magnolias play the entry in April. Spoon will take the mainstage the same weekend. Willie scored tics for the sold-out Cymbals Eat Guitars show at the Cedar. Seems he already has a connection behind the bar at Pizza Luce.

spoon

A spoon is a utensil consisting of a small shallow bowl, oval or round, at the end of a handle. A type of cutlery (sometimes called flatware in the United States), especially as part of a place setting, it is used primarily for serving. Spoons are also used in food preparation to measure, mix, stir and toss ingredients. Present day spoons can be made from metal (notably flat silver or silverware, plated or solid), wood, porcelain or plastic.
It's also a band from Austin, Texas with a new album out - Transference. Buy it and I'll tell Mr. Daniels when I see him on the mainstage at First Avenue in Minneapolis on April 4th.

coffee press

I left my coffee press in Phoenix when I moved and I desperately needed another while staying in the home of a coffee abstainer. Instant coffee was not doing the trick. I could not even approximate the rich, instant coffee a friend could make as if by magic. Mine came out sour, dirty and mean. Half and half only turned it tan. It was still rank. Sour, dirty and mean.
I knew I needed a simple French coffee press. No wires. No filters. No dripping. Just hot water and an organic French roast and a little half and half. I had $27.00 in cash to spend. Thus armed and motivated, I ventured forth to a Super Target. Nope. A Walmart. Nope. Dunn Bros, Caribou. Nope, nope.
Bewildered and losing hope, I texted a friend. She answered immediately suggesting Starbucks, any location. I had intended to stop at the Starbucks on Rushmore Road on my way home but her suggestion confirmed I was likely to find one there and it was true. They had three. Varieties. I picked the mid-priced press made in Poland. My sense of relief was palpable. The cashier/barista picked up on it, stating, "You really needed this didn't you?" Of course, I'd mentioned my search efforts but nonetheless, she could tell I was relieved. It was as if I'd been reborn.
I texted my thanks to my helpful and knowledgeable friend and hurried home. I didn't make coffee right away but plan to soon. I'll have it tonight. With ice cream.

my expensive 12 day vacation

1 Private Med/Surg $4,380.00
2 Intensive Care Post ICU $2,080.00
3 Cor Care General $18,900.00
4 Pharmacy General $3,318.34
5 Pharmacy Self Administered $4,096.12
6 Pharmacy IV Solutions $2,569.93
7 Pharmacy Other $97.49
8 IV Therapy General $475.00
9 M/S Supply General $654.38
10 M/S Supply Sterile Supply $2,578.46
11 Laboratory General $1,137.00
12 Laboratory Chemistry $6,784.00
13 Laboratory Immunology $744.00
14 Lab Hematology $2,509.00
15 Lab Bacteriology/Microbio $1,476.00
16 Lab Urology $230.00
17 Radiology Diag General $485.00
18 Radiology Diag Chest Xray $1,500.00
19 Cat Scan Head $889.00
20 OR Svcs General $7,207.00
21 Blood Stor/Proc General $3,452.00
22 Oth Imag Ultrasound $246.00
23 Respiratory SVC General $12,296.00
24 Physical Therapy General $414.00
25 Physical Therapy Evaluate $39.00
26 Occupational TPY General $50.00
27 Occupational TPY Hour CHG $180.00
28 Occupational TPY Evaluate $39.00
29 Speech Pathology Evaluation $114.00
30 Emergency Room General $2,098.00
31 Pulmonary Function General $3,226.00
32 Clinic General $1,573.00
33 MRI Brain (inc brainstem) $2,180.00
34 Drug Spec ID Detail Coding $9,282.04
35 EEG General $753.00
36 Psych SVCS Rehabilitation $277.00
37 Other Ther General $176.00
38 Prof Fees Other $32.00
39 CRNA Services $1,836.00
40 Rapid City Emergency Physician $655.00

ADJ UNINSURED $10,102.88
Billed Charges to date: $101,028.76
Total Due: $90,925.88

PLEASE HELP!

take me down

I can't breathe, I can't swallow.
I'm here today, I'll be gone tomorrow.
Lyrics by Paul Westerberg and the Replacements
Album title: "Hootenanny"
Song Title: "Take Me Down to the Hospital"

I've sort of gathered the information necessary to explain what happened that resulted in my most recent extended stay in a medical facility, but it's more difficult when you just can't remember the majority of facts and experiences that form the core. Those who were there have differing recollections or missed key events. So this will probably always be a work in progress. I have consulted with many people but mostly two that I've tried to run through this with chronologically, fact-by-fact. Still, I can barely make sense of it.

I do know I was admitted to Rapid City Regional Hospital on November 22, 2009. I was disoriented and confused. I was admitted to the ICU. In the ICU, I was physically restrained and medicated into a stupor to prevent my unknowing attempts to remove a breathing tube and later, a catheter. This medication and the illness combined to result in a virtual coma. I remember none of this and it continued through Thanksgiving of which I was likewise unaware. A close friend and/or my brother visited me almost daily though I did not realize it.

I was deemed contagious and all who saw me during this time, the aforementioned friend, my brother and the doctors and nurses, wore full protective gear including gowns, masks and plastic facial gear. I was in the ICU, drifting in and out. Hallucinating. Sort of hovering between bad and worse. I could not breathe unassisted and brain-wave activity was minimal. According to the attending physicians, permanent brain damage was likely or had already occurred.

My blood and urine were closely scrutinized. I was never really told what was found or not found.

Still, I cannot independently recall this.

As my senses slowly returned I became aware of my friend's presence but continued to hallucinate. I could not remember her name. She asked me if I knew who she was but her name escaped me. At some point, the breathing tube had been removed and I could speak, albeit in a limited and painful fashion. So I spoke very little when I spoke at all.

I do not recall any of this.

As I slowly fell back to earth, I was moved out of ICU and eventually to the 10th floor. It's been mentioned that I was surly and mean but I don't recall being so. My brother told me I was polite but not particularly pleasant. Go figure!

I was in Room 1012 where I would remain until discharged. I was fitted with a PIC line and fed massive amounts of antibiotics. I slowly began to recall who and where I was. I don't know if it was the previous drug therapy and restraint or the sickness, but I was not always a pleasant fellow. My friend stood by me. My brother missed a week of work for me.

Over time my condition improved as did my memory. My brother brought me some real clothes. T-shirts and athletic shorts and my flip-flops. I started joking with the nurses. I listened intently to the Doctors and followed instructions or even anticipated them. I started doing physical therapy when I wasn't even scheduled to. I excelled in improvement. My hospitalist (primary doctor) marveled at my consistent recovery and improvement. Sue, my primary nurse, was a big factor, consistently encouraging, witty and kind. She was looking out for me.

Friends began calling and showing up to visit. That really made me feel better and I know hastened my recovery. On a particularly good day, 5 visited in person over the course of the day and several others called. I was humbled by their concern.

I was discharged Friday, December 4, 2009 by Dr. Smith. My brother picked me up and we drove back to Hill City. I could only walk with the assistance of a walker but discarded it as soon as I could (basically the next day) knowing I couldn't rely on it for long. Plus, I've got a thing about those kinds of tools. I have too much pride, I guess, too hobble about like an invalid. I'll take it back to the hospital.

Still, speaking was at times difficult so I spoke as little as possible.

After all of this, I'm feeling better each day. Regaining my strength. Wondering what I've done to have so many great, caring friends and family. Each of them helped break my fall and I am grateful. They are wonderful people. This is a wonderful world. I am truly blessed.

12/20/2009 UPDATE: Feeling great. Mentally sharp. Sleeping and eating well. Fully recovered except for some lingering weakness.

12/26/2009 UPDATE: Bills rolling in. Health back to normal. Have taken a job in Minneapolis, MN. Leave soon. Will miss my friends but it is time to move on. Time to regain my place.

The Diagnosis: Bacterial Meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is one frightening illness. The infection moves so fast, it can kill within days.

In the United States, bacterial meningitis mainly affects adults. Immunizations continue to help prevent childhood bacterial meningitis. Most people who get bacterial meningitis get it from one of two types of bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.

These bacteria often live in the body, most often in the nose and throat, without causing illness. But the bacteria can cause meningitis if they get into the bloodstream and travel to the cerebrospinal fluid or the tissues (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. These bacteria also can be passed from one person to another, usually through infected saliva or mucus.

Two other bacteria that sometimes cause meningitis are group B streptococci and Listeria monocytogenes. Meningitis caused by group B streptococci bacteria occurs most often in newborns, who can become infected during or after birth. Meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria occurs most often in newborns and in older adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening for group B streptococci in all pregnant women at 35 to 37 weeks. Women who have the bacteria are given antibiotics during labor in order to prevent infection in their newborns, and this practice has worked well.

In rare cases, other bacteria cause meningitis, usually in people with long-term medical conditions.

Meningitis also can be caused by other organisms and conditions. It can be a complication of an illness, an injury (particularly to the skull or face), or brain surgery.

Organisms that cause meningitis can be passed from one person to another or passed from rodents and insects to people. But exposure to an organism that causes meningitis does not mean you will get the infection.

Organisms can be passed from one person to another:

Stool could have enteroviruses or certain types of bacteria in it. Washing hands on a regular basis can help prevent you and your children from getting infected this way. More children than adults get meningitis this way.

Through coughing and sneezing. Infected people can pass certain bacteria that are normally found in saliva or mucus in their noses and throats.
Through kissing, sexual contact, or contact with infected blood but fairly rarely through kissing.

In rare cases, some organisms that cause meningitis can be passed to people from rodents and insects. The most common of these are arboviruses (including the St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile viruses), which are transmitted through dust and food contaminated by the urine of infected mice, hamsters, and rats.

today is the greatest

i drew a re-ride

and as soon as get my riggin' back, i'm outa here. next rodeo's in bremerton then all the way down south to henderson. truck's still limpin' along just like me. tore up my ACL in cheyenne, my shoulder was done in for by the time i got to billings and i been drinkin' so much I see blurry in the morning. sometimes my legs go numb.
can't take coffee no more. it eats at my guts. mostly it's just CC and cocaine for breakfast. when I got money. don't see much of that anymore. a gal in el paso asked me to stay. to settle down. but i can't. ridin' keeps me alive. my boots are dirty but not from work. their dirty with the lights, the horses and the dust; sweat and warm beer and copenhagen.
i drew a re-ride tonite. horse wouldn't buck. just took off runnin' on a straight shot to nowhere. just like me, i guess.

gravity wagon

wanted a small gravity wagon that might be sitting in your trees or not used any more. any where between 150-250 bushels. need fixing ok let me know what you have and price. will also consider just the box. have access to running gear. thanks

Craigslist South Dakota

PS: who doesn't need a gravity wagon
PPS: that would be a cool band name

grouse with a stick

my brother just told me a story. our older brother, too young at the time, asked Mom if he could take grandpa's shotgun out to hunt grouse.
she said, hell no
dejected, older brother walked out along the country road and happened upon a car-killed grouse. past it's prime. grub infested. he found a stick in the ditch, poked it into the dead bird and carried it home.
he took the impaled dead bird home, walked into the kitchen and said "look Mom, I got a grouse with a stick". Mom didn't miss a beat, she said "you clean it, I'll cook it."

who's gonna watch

this song is for my mom - hi mom

finally sold the legos

even though it took almost two hours, we sold them dang legos at the 11th street rummage sale. these were non-conforming legos, abnormally big legos in pastel colors. horrifically ugly. someone put them in ziploc freezer bags. there were four bags visible and we started at two bucks a bag, hence an asking price of eight dollars, cash.
my associate and i worked the rummagers individually and in groups. she, having the better business mind, determined our price exceeded value so we dropped the price to five bucks. it wreaked havoc on our margin but at least someone else would have to throw them away or give them away "used". sorta like hand-me-down underwear. uh, thanks grandma.
finally, we got a nibble, then a bite. my associate (Heather) set the hook and we reeled the rummager in at four bucks. it was then that a fifth bag was discovered. having a lawyerly bent, i asserted verbal rescission of contract based on mistake in fact regarding the essential terms.
it was no go. the rummager was prepared for the possibility of rescission and had prepared her argument in advance. she cited south dakota codified law regarding verbal "arrangements" with respect to yard/rummage sales, to wit: All Sales Are Final Regardless. No contractual obligations have been created by the offer or acceptance. South Dakota jungle-monkey-style law.
things were not going well with our venture so i faked left then darted right towards my truck to get my skinning knife and gun. unfortunately i didn't get very far before the rummager's accomplice got a foot in that sent me sprawling. you can still see the dent in the door of the neighbor's truck.
at this point i can only relate what i've been told. i lost consciousness for some time, maybe an hour or so. when i recovered, i guess i kept mumbling, "save the legos, save the legos'.
but heather had already sold all five bags for four bucks. killed our margin. our profit for the day was just about enough to buy a single peanut. if they were still sold individually.