2014 Happy Mother's Day

This is my mother.  She really does not like having her photo taken.  But, she graciously sat still long enough for a shot!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

I am sorry for the times I tied you to the clothesline pole and piled sticks around you and played burn her at the stake with the neighbor kids.   And, I am sorry for the times I hung you upside down over the stair rail and swung you back and forth like a pendulum on a clock.   And, yes, I am sorry for the times I carried you out of church because I wanted to get home to watch Laurel and Hardy. 

It is a good thing you were tough!

Thanks Mom!

Festival du Voyageur: In the Fort's Trading Post

Trading furs for goods.  The Northwest Company Fur Post was doing a brisk business.

It was one of the first companies in the area, competing with the Hudson Bay Company.

 

It was also a place where the "winterers" (the Voyageurs who stayed inland during the harsh winters to trap) could come to in the spring and see what amounted to civilization and reconnect with friends.   They would trade furs for supplies.  Spend a fair amount of the summer in camp.  And, then, back into the woods for the winters work.

It was a harsh life. 
 

Festival du Voyageur: In the Fort: In a nice, warm cabin

Certainly the ladies of the day were busy preparing food and ordering the men about!

But, they did seem to enjoy the role.

 

My sincere thanks!
 

Festival du Voyageur: In the Fort

The next morning the sun was shining and it was a bit warmer!!  I went into the Fort to see the various displays, artifacts, food, etc.  The re-enactors were great.  I was told that many of the French schools let the more advanced students out and they must speak French while at the Festival. 

This gentleman was keeping warm by chopping a little firewood. 
Note the very cool, traditional sash!

What is that strange thing you are pointing at me?   I guess the Voyageurs weren't used to seeing digital cameras!



 And, he was doing a GREAT job with the wood pile!

My sincere thanks!

Festival du Voyageur: In the Tents!

There are several, perhaps a dozen or more, very large tents spread around the Festival grounds.  And, the best part about them is that there is HEAT inside!    Of course, some music, food, and drinks don't hurt!

It was very interesting to hear the focus on French music.  There was certainly some rock and roll. And, I am pretty sure I actually heard French rap.   I think.   I mean, I am not sure.  It could have been.  Maybe.  

The food was wonderful!

Festival du Voyaguer

No celebration of the French connection in Northern MN or SW Manitoba or Ontario can be complete without a recognizing the fur trade business of the Hudson Bay Company. 

Whether you like it nor not, this one was of the first global businesses to hit the area.  They supplied furs to the world. 

I could feel the pride the festival goers had in their heritage.
 

Festival du Voyageur: The Sash!

There is little more important to the Voyageur fan than the sash.   The sash functioned as a belt for the Voyageur.  And, it could be tightened about his mid-section as he carried two 90 lb packs of furs over the portages.  

The design here is quite traditional, going back to the original Hudson Bay Company. 

Since I used to guide canoe trips into the BWCA and Quetico Provincial Forest 100 years ago, I am quite familiar with the sash and I have long desired one.

I was thrilled to see them for sale.  I purchased one for myself  and 4 smaller ones, for the grandkids.  NOW...I am working on a Voyageur induction ceremony.  I think...a small puff on a pipe...and some French words...and dipping a pine bough in the water and over them...might just do it.  Of course, it will need to be filmed. 

Think of this as a crazy Norwegian version of a bar mitzvah.   In my case, I think the following criteria will need to be met in order to become a "Voyageur":

• Must be out of diapers.
• Must be able to tie your own shoes.
• Must be able to count to 50 (we are Norwegians, after all and that could be a stretch)
• Must say that they have the coolest Papa in the world.

Then...they are a Man.  Of course, one granddaughter will then, be a Woman.  Can't forget that!

Now, to find a pipe and some tobacco.



 

Festival du Voyageur: Evening Snow Sculptures and the Weather

I loved seeing the snow sculptures!  Here is a nice, warm cabin (and about 17F). 

People wandering around.

Nope.  This is NOT Santa.  This is a Voyageur and his partner, braving the cold.

As I was leaving, I stopped to take this photo.  I was trying to be careful and not get snow on the lens.  But, as you can see, it was coming down like CRAZY!. 

This was my first time shooting in nasty weather.  And, I can see why a nice, protective package would be useful.   All in all, I cleaned up the lens and it was fine.   These were the actual colors that night.  I haven't touched them up. 

Festival du Voyageur: A Translator!

In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I flew from -5F to 82F for business.  I want to point out that it goes the other way, too.

I have occasion to travel to Winnipeg for business.  And, I was fortunate to have a business trip at the same time as the Festival de Voyageur.    This is a wonderful celebration of the French Canadian history in the area.

So, I made two trips to the Festival.  The first, a Sunday night after flying in.  It was a bit on the chilly side. 

Since French is openly spoken, and much preferred during the festival, I needed a translator! 

Meet Angie!

She was a delightful, charming, and helped me arrange tickets and transportation to the event. 

They have wine that you can drink, outside, in ice glasses!!   This drink is called Caribou.  I am not exactly sure it is wine.   But, it had a bit of a kick to it!

How cool is that?  (OK..just a bit of a pun, intended!)

Thanks Angie!

Traveling for Business

I travel for business.  Not a lot.  But, enough to keep it interesting.   On this specific instance, I left -5F.

And landed, 3 hrs later at 82 F. 

I nearly died of heat exhaustion.  I forgot how warm a black, long sleeve t shirt could be in the sun.   I needed to purchase shorts, and a couple of t shirts.  I was NOT prepared for the heat.