Our favorite swim coach gets out of the pool

After seven years, our niece has decided to retire from her coaching career at St. Kate's. We're proud of her achievements there. She's Linda (Stan's sister) and Ron's daughter. Here's the official press release:
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St. Catherine University athletic Director, Eric Stacey, announced the resignation of head swimming and diving coach, Shana Erickson. Shana had been with the program for the last seven years and served as head coach for the last two seasons.

“We are sad to see Shana leave,” said athletic director, Eric Stacey. “Her contributions to this program have been immeasurable over the last seven years. Her dedication and drive have been vital to the increased competitiveness of the team during her tenure. As her role increased, so did the demands on her time, and the time away from her family.”

Erickson has been instrumental in the growth of the Wildcat swimming and diving program in recent history. She began working with the team in the 2005-2006 season as an assistant coach. Over time her role continued to grow as she became the recruiting coordinator and then the head coach prior to the 2010-2011 season.

During her first season as head coach, the Wildcats had their best finish in the last 25 years. The team finished 5th in the MIAC and set 12 school records and posted three NCAA provisional qualifying marks. Erickson was named MIAC Coach of the Year following that season.

In regards to her departure, Erickson said "I'm proud of the way our team has grown throughout the past seven seasons and believe that I am leaving the program in a good position to move forward for continued success. Thank you to Eric Stacey and Nicole Hempler for giving me the opportunity for tremendous professional growth, first as an assistant coach, and then as head coach at St. Kate's. I wish all of our current and newest student-athletes the best of luck next season!"

A search for Erickson's successor will begin immediately.

Rose's best

Kathleen's favorite: Rose's House Salad. Laurie brought over this edition for Stan's indoor birthday picnic last night. Why does Kathleen get her favorite salad on Stan's birthday? 

We all agreed: When Mama is happy, everybody's happy.

Birthday greeters

Here's the mother-daughter birthday text/photo that arrived today. Thanks everybody for all wishes. Laurie is bringing dinner tonight.
-- The birthday boy

A birthday kiss for the old man

Photo by Katheen Rolfsrud

Stan's 65 today.

Fourth of July neighborhood indoor picnic

Our hostess
She organizes, cooks, keeps an eye on Joe, serves. . . and takes pictures.

Twenty hungry Abbey Pointers made quick work of Joe and Mina's catch of freshwater salmon tonight. The July Fourth event brought together the largest gathering of neighbors so far this year, with Joe and Mina's annual offering continuing to be a big draw. Neighbors filled in with a nice buffet of salads and sides, and everyone was delighted to be out of the heat.

Mojitas

Hot weather brings out the cooling drinks. Today Marcy and Jennifer drove out to the house with makin's for Mojitas. We enjoyed a refreshing drink and a long chat in the air conditioning.
Then Marcy brought out the hats. She's Stan's personal haberdasher and has produced a variety of lids over the years to protect his bald pate, making presentations during special events, this one being Stan's upcoming 65th birthday.

Today's gifts included an interesting military cut along with a traditional baseball model from the University of Colorado. What do you think? Which one will get the most use? Didn't Dr. Zhivago wear one like that?

Here's the Mojitas recipe. Try this at home.
10 Mint leaves
1 tsp raw honey
1 6x6 chunk organic watermelon
3 tsp lemon juice (or lime, if preferred)
Ice cubes
Sparkling water

Smash the mint leaves in the honey, then add to 16 oz tumbler;
Blend watermelon and lemon juice until slightly chunky
Add mixture to tumbler
Top off with sparkling water and ice
Garnish with mint leaf
Drink on the rooftop in hot weather for maximum pleasure.

Hooray for the Herald!

Photos by Mark Olson

Okay Buddy, 
just wave the cap and then go sit down.

The venerated Chaska Herald reached its 150th this year so there was a big hoop-ti-doo last night at the Chaska Cubs town team baseball game to help mark the event. 

Free crackerjacks and Culver's custard, Herald logo tats and fridge magnets were offered to fans at the gate. Between innings, the public address announcer posed tricky Herald/Cubs trivia questions and the Community Band (under the direction of graying impresario Barry Fox) played on.

Warm and fuzzy mascots, above, raced around the bases between innnings, with free drinks going to fans who had picked the winner. (Mr. Bubble beat all comers, almost lapping an overheated moose and the lead-foot Gedney pickle). 

Among the historic relics showcased to an enthusiastic, sweating crowd was the longest-serving publisher of the Herald who somehow held the title for 35 years. He waved his jaunty cap (above) and, upon request, received some very nice applause -- but not as much as Mr. Bubble got.

The Cubs, founded in 1922 and featured for decades on the pages of the Herald, are a relative newcomer to the Chaska social scene. The Herald, after all, accurately reported the death of Abraham Lincoln and the old girl hasn't missed an edition since.

Herald staff, 2012: Mark, Mark, Dick, Bob, Molly, Eric, Vanessa.
No, these are not the same people who wore outfits in the top photo.
Stan worked for years with most of them -- Bob and Mark came in the 1970s.
Really, really nice people.

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Herald Editor Mark Olson writes:

Stan,

Very nice.  You may not have received as much applause as Mr. Bubble, but I'm pretty sure you beat Dilly the Pickle. Have a great Fourth!

Mark

Happy Trails, Craig!

Weekend house guest Craig Hahn has departed for Lincoln, but not before enjoying Katie's traditional parting breakfast of waffles and strawberries. We advised Craig to skip I-35 and take the scenic route through Iowa and Nebraska, by going via Sioux City, using U.S. 60. He'll save 50 miles and, according to Google, it will take only a minute longer. Judging by his vehicle choice, he'll appreciate the efficiency and enjoy the more relaxed ride. We had fun hosting him and await his return with his wife someday soon.

Once again, it is time to pause from our everyday activity and briefly honor the nativity of Wm. O. Shearer, (at right) who long ago voluntarily associated himself with the Rolfsrud clan by marrying Stan's sister Sosie. Here he stands with Sergio, imagining himself as head waiter in a red jacket at Musso and Frank, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. (He is way too young to be actually considered for the post.) Happy Birthday, Bill!