There are a lot of things in life we tend to take for granted. High on the priority list Sunday was excellent cable television reception.
Well folks, sometimes Mother Nature likes to make things interesting and that called for an audible for football fans.
Officials from Midcontinent Communications reported a facility near St. Anthony was a victim of the ice storm and as a result, the signal needed to put the Minnesota Vikings on the Fox television network appeared to be in doubt. You can bet a number of engineers and numerous others were working overtime and scrambling in an effort to produce a signal, while the phone lines to Midcontinent were overloaded only adding to the pressure.
This day kind of reminded me of the good old days when only one channel was available and it required tin foil on the antenna to allow for any kind of reception. Yes kids, one channel. NO HD IS NEEDED
There was certainly no need for a high definition television on this day, as just prior to kickoff a signal was produced, but it proved to be a bit hazy.
One had to chuckle when the signal first returned with Midcontinent advertising “We Get It,” in reference to programs they offer. OK! That was followed during the game with a company peddling high definition televisions.
If there is any consolation on the day it is the fact others, even with a dish signal, were sent scrambling to view the game.
When all was said and done, the Vikings came up short in overtime 31-28 against the New Orleans Saints, good reception or not, leaving fans an opportunity to now discuss what should have been.
Perhaps time has come for the old gunslinger Brett Farve to holster his right arm. Then again, there’s always next year.
TURN OUR ATTENTION
With only two weeks until the Super Bowl, one thing is for certain -- the attention begins turning to baseball and the great outdoors. Well folks, that might be if you live in Arizona or Florida.
That’s where the major league teams begin spring training real soon.
The Minnesota Twins are touting a new outdoor stadium and those early April games are going to be interesting.
For many years, all you ever heard was a need for a domed stadium.
Now some 20 years later, the cry was much louder for open air and natural grass.
It must have been so long that folks forgot it gets cold and rains outdoors. Oh well, time will tell.
MARDI GRAS WEEKEND
To warm things up this weekend you can get out of the house to attend the 59th annual St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Mardi Gras. That action unfolds Saturday and Sunday at the St. Joseph’s Gym and O’Neill Hall.
Food and fun highlight both days, with the famous roast beef dinner on Sunday. On Saturday you can check out a number of homemade items, along with numerous quilts.
Plan now to take part in this community event.
MYLO IS IN THE WINGS
In conjunction with Catholic Schools Week, the beloved Mylo Hatzenbuhler is scheduled to be on the St. Joe’s stage at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4. This performance is open to the public.
KLUB ON SATURDAY
Another good way to warm up this weekend and take you mind off football is to attend the annual Potato Klub Dinner set for Williston's Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Good Norwegians know what klub is all about, while the menu also includes baked potatoes, meatballs and ham. Potatoes for this feast are provided by Bill Sheldon of the Nesson Valley Growers Association.
Serving runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and everyone is invited.
SUPER BOWL PANCAKES
While the Minnesota Vikings aren't in the mix, you can still get in on some super pancakes. Plan to attend the 16th annual Area Lions Pancake & Sausage Breakfast for Diabetes set for Feb. 7.
It sure would have been nice to get fed and be able to settle back and enjoy the Vikings, but play goes on. Serving runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER
Here’s an event you can put on your upcoming events calendar. Entertainment Inc!, along with Williston's First National Bank and Trust Company, invite you to take in the production of Frederick Knott’s Dial ‘M’ For Murder, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name.
Performances are planned for Feb. 11-15 at the Old Armory Theatre. Show times are at 7:30 each evening, along with a cocktail theatre night on Feb. 12 and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Feb. 14.
Kvamme can be reached at scopend@yahoo.com.
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