GaryOsberg.com

July 25, 2008

 Good morning from Collegeville,

 I may have found someone who can pick up the torch from Brother Willie.  The story is; years ago I met an old man who was shuffling home to Wimmer Hall from the shop area.  His coveralls were covered with dust.  I asked him what his name was and what he did on campus.  He replied, “My name is Brother Willie, don’t you know about the table and chairs that I make for children?”   To make a long story short, I ended up ordering a table and chair set for my granddaughter Kaylin Marie.  When I picked the finished items up I noticed a small wagon filled with blocks.  They were made from scrap oak found in the Saint John’s woodshop.  I eventually ordered 10 wagon and block sets.  Brother Willie is in his nineties and has not been able to work in the shop for quite a while.

 This week my old classmate, Bob Clear, delivered built-in bookcases and bathroom vanities that Barby had ordered just a couple of weeks ago.  They are absolutely beautiful.  I called Bob this morning and told him how pleased Barby was and asked if he might consider making a table and chair set to set in the loft next to the built-in bookcases.  Barby has three grandchildren and another on the way.  He said no problem.  Ah, the gift of the hands.

 The show this week is a special Wild West compilation full of unwashed cowboys, jangling spurs, painful cacti and rotgut whiskey.  Cowboy poet Paul Zarzyski recites “Bucking Horse Moon”, Stephanie Davis sings an ode to bailing twine and Wylie Gustafson gives a sentimental performance of  “Cattle Call”.  For those of you who love yodeling, like Barby, Janet Sorenson sings “Cowboy Sweetheart”.  Enjoy the show.

 “..to build!  That is the noblest of all the arts.”   Longfellow