Thanks to a Great Librarian!

Background, Year 10

Every so often I decide I MUST move a post over from my old blog which I still maintain to 365 Days Of Birds (this web site). The motivation arose earlier today when the children’s library at the University of Minnesota Duluth asked to purchase some of my children’s books. I am honored by the request, but will turn down the sale … the books will be a gift! Read on … and you will discover why this is truly an honor for me.

I originally published this post on August 25, 2010  on NorthstarNerd.Org.

How do you say thanks to the person who opened up the world of books to you? There is truly no adequate way to express my gratitude.

Earlier this month my elementary school librarian died. She taught me to love books, starting with Dan Frontier! Over the years I branched out to other books, and I never stopped visiting Mrs. Bissonett. My visits to this great lady lasted for over 45 years! After they closed my elementary school, she ran the children’s library at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

  • As an east coast prep school student attending Phillips Exeter Academy, I always took time out while home in Duluth, Minnesota to visit my elementary school librarian.
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  • As an Ivy Leaguer attending Dartmouth College, I always took time out while home in Duluth, Minnesota to visit my elementary school librarian
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  • And finally … two years ago for the last time, as a 52 year software project manager working at a Fortune 100 R&D Center, I visited my dear friend for one last time.

Thank you, Mrs. Bissonett for my love of reading … and the challenge to get a great education. Other than my parents, you were the key person who taught me to “love to learn”.

As a fyi to any UMD Librarians … my blog has thousands of readers. Mrs. Bissonett will continue to get the recognition she deserves (16,313 visitors in March)!

Post Storm Birding?

Year 10

Believe it or not the winds are down this morning … only 35 mph and out of the west on Lake Superior. Ships had been hiding in the Duluth Harbor from the strong 60+ mph NE winds and ice buildup the waves might cause. In very short order I saw three “Lakers” heading down lake. (the photo location is about 13 miles up the shore from Duluth’s Canal Park)

The sun also returned, but the birding is still horrible given the very strong winds. The chill factor this morning must be below zero. However, within a few days spring is rumored to arrive in the Northland with temperatures soaring into the 50’s with strong winds out of the south (bringing migrating birds??). The North Shore waterfalls will be intense given both the depth of the snow back in the woods combined with an extremely fast melt which will start (video link for email subscribers … this morning’s ore boat)

Winter Waves at Stony Point on Lake Superior

Year 10

It may be April 5th, but do NOT tell Lake Superior. There were 60 mph winds overnight and heavy snow. My yard at the northern edge of Duluth still has 2+ feet of snow on the ground.

Around the point from the crashing waves, our cold water surfers were at play. They dared not surf out at the point … normally their favorite local spot. (winter waves videos for email subscribers … Video1 | Video2)