A while back I wrote about the unexpected death of my friend Melvin Giles.  The post is here.  I went to the celebration of Melvin’s life on Saturday.  Several hundred people were in attendance and it was a joyful gathering.  Melvin was a wonderful addition to any community of which he was part. Judging by his audience, his witness will continue.  The proceedings were filmed, and if/when they are on-line I’ll pass on notice.

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Also I gave notice about a new book about the genealogy and history of over 100 French-Canadian residents of the Minneapolis suburban community of Dayton, on the Mississippi River.  That post is here.

Earlier Saturday I picked up the 475 page volume.  Anyone with any interest in French-Canadians in the midwest, especially, of course, the descendants of the 100+ families presented in the book, will find this volume not only interesting, but a wealth of information helping to spur further research.  Information about receiving a copy is in the link of the preceding post.  I would guess there are several hundred photos from the originating families and other sources.  Take a look.

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Finally, Saturday night was the celebration of the 83rd birthday of Garrison Keillor.  (His actual 83rd birthday is August 7).

The Fitzgerald Theatre was basically sold out, and the program was excellent.  My photo (below) doesn’t pass muster, but the two apparitions are Garrison and Heather Masse, backed by pianist Rich Dworsky and three other musicians.  The audience was mostly old-timers, long time fans.  If you miss Garrison, check out his substack.com presence.  I subscribe.  I’m glad I do.  BONUS: In April, 1979,  I took a photo of Garrison crossing a street at St. John’s University at the then-Swayed Pines Festival.  He started his career with PHC about 1975 on then KSJN-Radio which had been founded about that time at St. Johns U.  That was 50 years ago.

Put the words Garrison Keillor in the search feature of this blog, and you will find many references, if you wish.  I have been a fan for years.

A quick internet search yielded this writing by Garrison in 2010. Garrison Keillor on his birthday 8 4 25 is Garrison’s review of the show on Aug. 2.  (It’s his post for August 4, 2025).