On their way to Vietnam

"It's Jami, spelled with no e. Sounds like Jamie.  Some people call me Jammie. Go figure.  
Don't know why Mom didn't add an e."

Uncle Lam, his wife Jami, and their little dog checked in to a room upstairs in Hotel California this week. Fortunately, the hotel is quite pet-friendly. So is the airline to Vietnam, he confirmed, when he purchased tickets for their 12-hour flight to see relatives in the old country.

Lam grew up next door to a busy MP station, learned the military jargon and American music, and played rock-and-roll for the GIs, who adopted this eager, willing local kid. He got his first guitar at age eight, learned the English words to all the latest, and was a hit around the barracks. He formed a band and was useful and appreciated by GIs seeking the reminders and comforts of home.

When Saigon fell, he stowed away in a handy freighter, got to Thailand and worked for the U.S., settling refugees.

Eventually he got work in Alaska, then on to Minnesota where he married a white woman, raised three kids and opened a restaurant in Lindstrom. Whatta Country!

Their eldest is 39. They’ve had the dog for 17 years, and are quite fond of him. They named him, and you veterans will appreciate this, Charley.

Maybe it’s his black pajamas.

Today's Tropical Fish

Nice break in the action

Less than 24 hours from sea bottom to dinner plate.

Long way to go. Plenty of time for more fish.

Yesterday while I was building a tropical Fish Farm for my California friend, he was out in the deep sea fishing off the coast of Mexico. He pulled up four yellow-tail tuna, -- feeding on the sea bottom this time of the year, as well as a few Bonitos for his Mom and her friends.

The 30-lb yellow-tails were cut up on the overnight boat and most of the meat was given away. But Hai saved out the best filet for his carpenter back at Hotel California.
We’re making a 28 tank outdoor fish farm for fun and it is about 1/3 done, but it was time for a welcome break today with Hai presenting a fresh plate of yesterday’s delights, served outside of course.

Fish of the Day

Caught my eye, for good reason, today.

All grown up and looking for tail

This Beta flashes a sign to the fish in the neighboring tank, displaying what it hopes will entice. The last time I was at Hotel California, I saw this magnificent specimen as a tiny egg, cascading from its mother's womb, without a hint of what the future would bring. These are being bred for fun.

He's gone....

Dan Neilson, Kathleen's older brother, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. after numerous struggles with a variety of infirmities. We were with him and are assured that his trials are over and he is in a better place. Thank you for your support. He was a kind, generous man who will be missed. We grieve his passing.
Details on a memorial service will be posted here in the future.

Here's the obituary we are getting ready for the paper:

Neilson, Daniel L.

Age 80 of St. Paul passed away peacefully on January 17, 2019. Dan was a retired Brown and Bigelow employee. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Florence Neilson, brother James Neilson, and brother-in-law David Brewer.  He is survived by his sisters Mary Lou Brewer of Colorado and Kathleen (Stan) Rolfsrud of Eden Prairie.  Nieces Melissa, Marcelline, Jennifer, and Heidi and nephew Anthony. Grand niece Emily and grand nephew Maxwell. Special thanks to the staffs at Highland Chateau and Alina Hospice.  We love and miss you Dan.  Memorial services pending. Full notice to follow in the spring. 

Doing fine. . .

Keep your eyes on your fries, Dan.

After a brief stint at United Hospital, brother Dan has returned to his usual digs at the Highland Chateau in elegant St. Paul. We visited today and found him in good spirits and not quite sure what the bruise is under his eye, but not to worry, he said. He's bracing for the cold weather that is about to ensue, and got a big hug from his sister, Kathleen, on behalf of his niece, Jennifer, who was being infused today as part of the international study she's participating in, supporting breast cancer victims, and a company that thinks it has something in the works.

Although the food is fine at le Chateau, Dan likes an occasional diversion from le McDonald's Restaurant across the street. Therefore his sister, from time to time, brings him his favorite: cheeseburger, large french fries and a coke, the All-American choice. But his vulnerability to a casual fry-snatcher was demonstrated today, and was photographed in the act by Dan's sister.

That'll work.