The First Time

We were driving to Rapid City for a medical appointment. We had gassed up the car in Hot Springs, driven five miles and the car stalled on the highway at the busy intersection of 79 and 385. Somehow Bob managed to get the car to the shoulder on the side closest to the truck stop.

We were fortunate that we were close to the truck stop and could use their phone to call the emergency road service. Neither of us have a cell phone and have preferred it to the constant contact with the noise of the world, but today I would have been grateful to have had one. At this time I was thankful to have a dead car next to the truck stop with the obliging people who worked there. After our first call to the road service and four return calls from them the tow truck arrived.

During the first phone exhange the road-side service said they would send a truck from Hot Springs. On a return call we were told that the tow truck was coming from 40 minutes away. Why? It was a mystery but we settled down for the long wait.

Another phone call and one of the friendly clerks told us that they said that the tow truck had broken down! Soon after they called back once again and once again the clerk came over, sat down with us and said that a truck was coming from nearby Hot Springs. Finally they had contacted a local service! They arrived 15 minutes later and we arrived home within the hour. During our lengthy wait the manager of the truck stop visited with us and offered a sympathetic ear to our dilemma.

Needless to say I missed the medical appointment. This was a first for me, as well as the use of the roadside emergency service. I guess there is a first time for everything during a lifetime and it came after many years so I shouldn't compain,

I guess that next time we not be so lucky to break down next to a friendly truck stop and I am now considering getting a cell phone to use on the road for emergencies that could occur. This will be another first for me.

Sigh! There comes a time to adapt to the changing world.

Oh, yes, the highway patrol stopped to assist but drove on when he learned we were waiting for a tow. I doubt that he would have remained for four hours and four return calls. But then we never had to find out.

One thing I do know is that there are advantages to living out here where many are ready to help in time of need. There are no strangers when one is in trouble, at least not here in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

In Memory of Dennis

"Who is that standing in the back of the room," I asked Bob at one of the many auctions we attended.

Bob turned around. "I think that is a statue or something."

I looked back repeatedly. I saw no movement. "I wonder if that is going up for auction?"

Then, at last, I saw the tall, dark, thin man with long hair and an outstanding mustache move slightly. I nudged Bob. "It is a real person. He stood like a statue for most of the auction."

Months later at another auction we saw the man again. Bob engaged him in a conversation and discovered they had a mutual interest in trains. His name was Dennis and he attended most auctions, always on the alert for train paraphernalia or for items that might be of interest to our local Pioneer Museum on top of a hill in the middle of Hot Springs.

In time we learned that he was the curator at the museum where he had worked for 38 years. His love of history inspired him to make many improvements to the museum. He kept the place spotless from the first of April until the yearly closing in October. He cared for it much as a parent for his child. This museum is second to none in our country for its displays of Pioneer history from the area. The above photos show rooms with collections of artifacts from a by-gone era depicting our local history.

We say farewell and thank you to Dennis Papendick, a quiet and unassuming man who devoted his life to the Pioneer Museum. He was a treasure who rescued our treasures from the past.

Bitter-Sweet

My kitchen window faces the neighbor's back yard. From early in the spring to late in the fall I enjoy a view of a perfectly kept yard. The flowers always give me enjoyment, from the reds and lavenders of the daffodils and tulips to the hydrangeas, sunflowers many others which I cannot identify. Each day I drink in the vibrant colors with pleasure.

For the past eight years I have seen the 90 some neighbor lady out in her yard, tending to her flower gardens. She has a small rolling cart that she uses when she spends the day weeding and trimming.

Each time she is out in her yard I marvel at how such an elderly lady can do this tiresome work. When she sits and takes a rest Bob or I visit with her while she shares her love of gardening. Lately she has been increasingly complaining about the stress of her efforts. It cannot be easy for a women in her nineties to continue this strenuous activity.

Today as I tend to the kitchen chores I look out that same window where for many years I have taken pleasure in the plethora of colors that I drink in for a lengthy season of delight due to the constant efforts of our neighbor. The sunflowers are in full bloom, attracting the birds, bees and butterflies.

At the same time I savor the sight, I feel a tinge of sadness. This weekend she has been moved to our assisted living facility in town. I will miss seeing her, not only bending over her gardens, but the sight of her walking her dog, resting for a brief time in her lawn chair or going out, immaculately dressed, to attend church or some other function.

She has been an inspiration to me and I will treasure the memories and, as long as they last for this season, the careful array of hues growing proudly in her back yard.

Thank you, Nancy, for the beauty you left behind as you follow a new path.

Completion!

A photo of the final mural completed last night, August 20, 2017. The orignal concept was by Bob Lee and it was designed and painted by Maria March. It is on the side of Bob's shop, Wild West Wheels and Fix it Shop.

Its purpose was to beautify and amuse locals and tourists alike, and of course to create a conversation piece. The mural, conceived by Bob, is dedicated to those who bicycle and motorcycle and to the town of Hot Springs, SD, a mecca for both.

Half Way There

And here we are in Hot Springs, SD with the mural on Wild West Wheels half completed.
This scene of the natural beauty around our town beautifies the otherwise white, boring wall. Maria March will continue the work on Monday and we will have yet another mural decorating our community.

This view is the side entrance to the Fix it Shop of Wild West Wheels. Need anything fixed, stop in or call Bob. Also recently added are efficient, speedy, inexpensive, light motorcycles for sale. Use this side entrance of 144  S. Chicago for your repairs or to look over the new motorcycles. Bob is often out making deliveries and since this is a one-man operation, call the number listed if he is not available. Leave a message with your name and number.

You don't need to leave Hot Springs for repairs or motorcycles. You can stay local. That is the plan.

This is South Dakota

He came to the back door of Wild West Wheels Fix it Shop. He was tall, thin and anxious. His son was sitting in the cab next to him.

"I have been driving all over town trying to find someone who could help me. Can you get my motorcycle off of the back of my truck?"

Bob took one look. "No problem. Just back up to the loading dock."

Later his wife joined the pair. The man was uncommunicative and seemed in a hurry. Bob presumed they were camping in the area and wanted to tour with the motorcycle.

Bob looked at the license plate on the back of the white truck. It identified the vehicle from New York.

Bob interrupted his work on a lawn mower to slip the Triumph motorcycle off of the back of the truck. It took him about 20 minutes because the man needed help in parking his truck correctly in order for Bob to unload it.

"How much do I owe you?"

"Not a thing. It only took a few minutes of my time. This is not New York and this is the way we do it in South Dakota."

To the family from New York: enjoy your trip compliments of Wild West Wheels from South Dakota!

Recoursefulness

She was about 15 years old - thin, brown hair with glasses. She hesitated, then came into Bob's Fix it Shop pushing her bicycle.

"I need my bike fixed. I fell and it is sort of messed up."

Bob stopped his other work to help the girl. He patched the tire, adjusted the brakes and replaced the broken shift control with a new one.

"How much do I owe you for all of this work?"

"I will charge you $20.00 for the new shift control."

"Well, I have to ask my mother for the money and I have to wait until she is in a good mood."

The girl took her bike with her.

Two weeks went by before the teen-ager came back to settle her bill.  She handed Bob the $20.00.

"Oh, I guess your Mom was finally in a good mood."

"No, she wasn't. I saved my lunch money to pay for my bike."

There are still shining beacons of hope among the newest generation.

Slow and Steady

It has been a year since Bob purchased the former "Robb's" building in downtown Hot Springs. During this year he has worked on the building and opened a Fix It Shop in the back. He recently completed work on the one bedroom apartment upstairs and is renting out the business section below.

The Fix it Shop is doing remarkably well. He and his partner can barely keep up with items being brought in for repair. He also teaches a weekly class to children from the Boys and Girls Club on bicycle repair, during which time the bikes from the club being stored at the shop are also being fixed.

And as of this week he has begun to carry and sell small motorcycles which are light, fast and suprisingly affordable. Scooters will follow soon. Watch for them.

All of this has been accomplished by my 80-year old husband who loves to repair, restore and keep the locals from having to make a long trip to Chadron or Rapid City. Being a long-time environmental enthusiast, his lifetime goal is to leave the earth with a small footprint. He continues this goal by helping others in this "throw away" society to use and re-use while using less gas and enjoying life.

Let's here it for use and re-use!

A Toast to Talented Youth

This one is not just a personal goodbye. It is farewell to our town of Hot Springs.

I worked closely with our city administrator for several years. At first we had our differences, but soon I gained respect for him and his position even though we still might have disagreed on some issues.

He could be counted on to respond to my concerns swiftly, and when appropriate he acted on them just as rapidly as the city budget allowed.

He took over the position as city administrator almost three years ago. He brought with him energy, talent and honesty. He also carried some attitude that offended many folks who thought him too young to lead our community. But lead he did. He and the finance officer built up the city finances. He strengthened both city owned entities...the golf course and the Evans Plunge facility. He brought transparency to local government, a remarkable web site for the city and encouraged collaboration among volunteer groups, organizations and businesses.

He leaves us at the end of this month to climb the corporate ladder as his talents allow. Of course we wish him the best and have always known that his time with us would be brief, but this goodbye is painful. Our community is largely made up of retirees. The young and talented bring a breath of fresh air and hope. I will miss him but am optimistic that many of the advances he brought to Hot Springs will continue and grow.

This I do know. He will continue to grow and make us all proud.

GOOD LUCK, GOODBYE, BEST WISHES AND KEEP IN TOUCH!

Heroes All

It has been over five years since the VA announced the closure of the Hot Springs VA. It was a puzzlement to many since our VA was rated one of the best in the country for servicing our veterans. During this time many services have been cut, including loss of doctors and other professional medical staff.

The community came together to save our VA, writing letters, making posters and signs, contacting our legistators and marching through town up to the VA. A committee was formed called Save Our VA. Some of the members went to Washington to meet with the head of the VA.

In spite of the rallying of the citizens and the South Dakota congressional representatives, things looked grim as more services were lost or sent to Fort Meade hospital. As time went on most of us slacked off, some discouraged, some busy with daily lives.

But during these years the people on Save Our VA have contnued to meet weekly, planning and working and speaking for our veterans. They had not lost hope. At long last there is light at the end of this gray winter. Much as the flowers have blossomed in purple, orange, lilac and white with the advent of another Spring, the announcement came from Washington that our VA would be put on hold while all the VA facilites are ranked nationwide.The best news is that our VA will be re-evaluated among all the others and we are a five-star facility, superior in every way.

There is hope, and all the members of Save Our VA are my heroes, deserving appreciation for their continual battle to do the best for the veterans using our VA.

The flowers slept through the long, bitter winter, but they have not died and have returned, ever a sign of hope.

Thanks to all of those on Save our VA who have not slept through the past six winters, but have struggled on so our town and VA can blossom once again.

Aaaaahhhhhh, small towns

She rolled up to the side door of the Fix It Shop.

"Are you Bob?" she asked.

Bob was just locking up for the day. "Yes, I'm Bob. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I saw your ad in the paper a while back, but I lost your number. I couldn't find your shop so I called the newspaper and they told me where you are. I am so happy to find you. I have a riding lawn mower and a regular mower that both need repair. Do you do pick up?"

Of course Bob does pick ups. Most folks cannot bring their large riding mowers to the shop and he has the equipment to do this service.

Mr Fixit has far too many lawn mowers, bikes, motorcyles and chain saws needing repair at this time so he may not be speedy, but he is efficient, reasonable and saves locals a drive to Rapid City.

Thank you, Mr. Fixit, for opening shop in our small town, where the newspaper knows your name and knows your address.

One Woman's Journey

She joined us at our table in the restaurant. Her mother had just died, her heart was filled with sorrow, and memories came pouring out. For the first time she seemed willing to share her story with us. (Details were lengthy and may not be entirely accurate by this writer),

She had grown up in Vietnam but because she was Chinese, she and many of her family had to go back to China. They were given only a few hours to pack a few belongings that they could carry on their backs. It was during the Vietnam war  They walked through the jungles. One of the group was an older relative that had to be pushed in a wheelbarrow. He never made the entire trip.

They boarded a small boat, crammed together. During the journey she was so sick she thought she would die. They travelled to Communist-free Singapore where they were interred in a refugee camp for several years. It was there that three of her four children were born.

At long last they found sanctuary in the United States. She and her family ended up in Denver where she opened a restaurant and supported her children while they attended college. She and her husband were opened seven days a week, saving their money in order to live the American dream. In time she and her family opened another eating establishment in the small town of Hot Springs, SD., far from the heavy competition in the large city.

In time she brought her mother over to join them. She helped in the kitchen of their restaurant, working each day, chopping vegetables for the buffet, until she became too old to stand for so long on her feet.

It took thirteen years to bring her brother and sister-in-law and their children to the United States from China. Finally they arrived, having to leave their oldest child behind because he had passed the age where he was considered part of the family. Her brother and wife joined them working daily in the restaraunt, willingly taking on the menial chores in the kitchen, while their two children went to live and work for an aunt in a nearby town.

Her past will always be a part of who she has become, an American citizen contributing to our country, with special Chinese food to satisfy hungry customers every day of the week and every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

In our small community her restaurant has filled a need, to be open for the hungry and the lonely, when all else are closed. One Christmas Eve a couple were stranded at home, all flights cancelled due to a winter storm. They drove back home from the airport to a house empty of groceries since they had intended to spend two weeks with family in Florida. They drove through the desolate streets of town. Her diner had an open sign, cheerfully welcoming one and all. The others were closed for the holiday Eve and the powerful winds and cold covering the area. The stranded couple found warmth and nourishment in the only place left open in a small town in America, run by an immigrant family from across the sea.

Not many of us born and raised in this country will ever be able to fully understand the difficult path that many immigrants follow in order to make a better life for themselves in America.

I am honored to have had her share some of her story. I am grateful for being fortunate to have been born here. Our country has a proud heritage of immigrants from many countries who paved the way for us who have always lived here. Thanks to all of you!

Help for Everyone

"Hello, is this the Wheels place?"

"Yes it is. Can I help you?"

"Well, my bike has flat tires."

"Can you bring it down to the shop? He is there now."

Her voice had a tinge of panic to it, but she said she could come down.

Bob told me the story later. The woman came into the shop with a three wheel baby stroller. It had three flat tires. He jacked it up and filled the tires with the wide-eyed baby still sitting inside. He wondered how she had made it down to the shop.

"No charge", Bob told her. It only took up some of his time.

The woman said with some surprise, "Could I have done this myself at the gas station?"

Of course she could, but I imagine it was some comfort to her to know she could count on Mr. Fixit to help out. After all, that is why he opened his Wild West Wheels shop in the heart of Hot Springs. He offers more than repair service.

Small Town Politics

There are always two sides of every issue. This is especially blatant in the small town. The gossip flows swiftly, facts are distorted and exaggerated until everything is brought out in the open....if it ever does.

I watch in interest as my small town of origin takes sides on an issue, often similar to those in our town. There have been differences over a hospital, a library, mining and on and on. Both sides in both communities are passionate and vocal on their viewpoints. Compromises may come about. Victory for one side may leave bitter tastes in the losers. Whatever the outcome, feelings rumble below the surface, waiting for an opportunity to rise up to another challenge or to loudly state "I told you so!"

It is no different on the national level. There is passion on both sides and the voice of reason is often lost among the conflict. Calm, reason and compromise are reached at times, after the furor of the moment has receeded.

The latest in our community is a ruckus over the suspension of our city administrator. During the furor, sides were taken, a settlement was reached, our mayor resigned and our community was exhausted over the entire episode.

During the ruckus there was a ray of reason on our city council. That member wanted time, documentation and a decision based on facts rather than emotion. I was reminded of the doctor who attended me during my hospital stay. She wore a hijab. I asked her where she was from. She and her husband were doctors from Egypt and had become citizens of our contry.

I questioned her on the latest immigation laws and the possible effect on her travel plans to visit her family in Egypt. I was emotional but she responded to my frustration with the calm voice of reason and understanding.

"People are afraid."

There it was. Calm and inner peace showed through. I reflected on our difference. I was agitated. She was the serene voice of reason. A lesson learned.

I am grateful for calm and reason. It is still among us.

Overheard on the Telephone

"Hello", says the voice over the telephone. "Is this Bob from the Fixit Shop?"

"Yes it is."

"Well, I was wondering if you make house calls. My four wheeler won't start and it needs some assistance."

So now I know that Bob will make house calls to service motorcycles and similar vehicles.

At this point in his new venture I have heard him only hesitate one one item, and that is sewing machines. "They are tricky and I would have to judge each one separately before I make an attempt at repair."

I learn something new each day about my Mr. Fixit. He can repair most anything. He was asked if he works on cars and he refused, saying that there are many car repair businesses in town. He wants to work on items not serviced locally. On the other hand he will do oil changes if someone uses Amsoil since he offers the product exclusively and knows first hand that it is the best synthetic available. On the bitterest of days (which we are having at this time) my car which is parked outside, starts right up. After all, we spent many years enduring the bitter cold days in Minnesota. We came to this Banana Belt of South Dakota well prepared, from the warmest of clothes, well layered, to the cold-resistant oil for all of our vehicles.

Do I have a partner that keeps me going, season through season? No doubt about it!

Cruising for Cookies

Each year during December our Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Cookie Cruise. People sample cookies and hot drinks at each participating store and vote for their favorite cookie. The idea is not only holiday fun for the family, but also to have the cookie travellers see what each store has to offer.

This event coincides with our annual Parade of Lights and other seasonal activities. Bob has not opened up the Wild West Wheels shop yet, but he has opened the back of the store to do repairs on bikes and other small engines. We thought that he would open for the Cookie Cruise last night to let others know what services he offered at this time.

"I'm not in this to make money. I will be happy to break even, but what I want is to provide a service to our locals so that they don't have to travel to Rapid City."

Bob was tired of seeing the empty storefronts in town and decided to invest in a building and do what he does best: service for motorcycles, bicycles and other small engines. His interest has always been in making things better and in the process to help the environment which lately has become a "throw-away society. He believes in using and reusing. Not much has ever landed in the land fill from our home. 

We had many folks stop by with a high interest into what Bob is doing, with requests such as "Do you fix rotor tillers? What about vacumn cleaners?" Today's world is filled with consume, buy and dump. It was heartening to meet folks who want to repair and keep what they have invested in over the years.

Maybe it is our small, rural town with a different mind set than in the urban areas, but whatever the reason, Bob has the opportunity to offer his skills in restoration to our locals, saving them both time and money to travel 60 miles to the nearst large community.

Thanks to the local Chamber of Commerce, many residents had the opportunity to talk with Bob and to discover what his shop has to offer. He is truly the Fix-it-Man for Hot Springs.

Am I proud of my husband? You bet. He is not fighting the battles that surround us. Instead he works quietly to provide a sense of pride to those who choose to repair. He will be teaching the children from the Boys and Girls Club to repair their bicycles that he is storing in his buiiding. He was asked to repair them. "No, bring the kids down here and I will teach them to repair their own bikes."

What is the old saying that goes something like this? "Give a man a fish and he will eat once.. Teach him to fish and that will last him a lifetime."

Standing Proud

And so Secretary McDonald has come and gone. He gave our community an hour of his time. He listened intently and responded to comments from residents, veterans, the head ranger from Wind Cave National Park, the National Historic Preservation Trust, former employees of our VA and veterans presently using our domiciliary.

Once again, on a blustery, raw day in the southern Black Hills, a community gathered to support our veterans and our local VA. They came from nearby Nebraska, protesting the possible closure of the best of the best of the VA facilities. One veteran told how he had gone to VA after VA seeking help for his cocaine addiction. He continued his use, often being supplied by dealers standing outside of the VA hospital. He came to this VA 8 months ago and stated with conviction, "This VA saved my life. I will always be an addict, but I am not using."

Voices told similar stories of hope and recovery in this accepting, quiet small town atmosphere of Hot Springs, SD. Several repeated that this VA should be a centerpiece for all of the VA hospitals. It should be restored to its former self and enhanced for all of the veterans, past and present coming from Iraq, Afghanistan and the continual war with ISIS.

Not all who stood patiently wating for a turn to comment had the opportunity to speak. Secretary McDonald was on a schedule and he kept to it strictly. The time was all too short for the auditorium filled to overflowing with hopeful veterans and citizens supporting them. But I, for one, was proud of our small, but passionate and dedicated community. They spoke with conviction and hope. I was filled with tears and gratitude for being a member of this small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We stand together against the powers that be in Washington....for our town and for our veterans, past, present and future.

Secretary McDonald has 30 days to make his decision. We can only wait and hope and be united in our gratitude.

Melody on Gratitude

Tomorrow Secretary Robert McDonald, the head of the VA in Washington, DC, will be visiting our VA and conducting a meeting with all of the citizens of Hot Springs. Many have lost hope for keeping our VA in our town, others are still working and have hope. Either way I have taken comfort in a poem I recently received from one of our veterans who will be more directly impacted by the decision than I.

GRATITUDE

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today,
And creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie

We may lose a wonderful VA, but we must keep our gratitude. It is our hope.

Painting With Words

There was a poetry reading last night at our Hot Springs Library. The poets read with enthusiasm, be it a poem filled with sadness, regret or humor. It was inspiring to hear those filled with the love of poetry share their feelings with an audience.

One that touched me the most was the poet who, before she read her poem, shared the background to its inspiration. She attends a weekly meeting of artisans at our local co-op. She was in awe of what each of these artists brought to the group. There were shawls and quilts and other various artistic endeavors. She knew that she had no talent with the paint brush so she shared that her artistry was with words. "I paint with words", she said.

My mind soared to other venues, equally artistic. It is not only in the crafts or arts created through the hands, but she reinforced that other avenues are open to creating beauty. I thought of those who draw blueprints, and those who work with their hands constructing the vision of the blueprints. There are those who meld ingredients together to make the perfect loaf of bread, cookies, pies or even an entire meal. Others assist in healing others, teaching developing minds, performing dance or music, working in groups to form consensus, producing the crops to feed the people, squelching the destruction of flames, designing floral arrangements, building cars, computers or repairing products that make lives easier, and on and on. Every one can create to make our world a better place.

There are those who destroy, but there are more who enrich, much as the poet who paints with words.

After all, it is those who create, in whatever form, who are themselves enhanced and who continue to grow and feel the beauty of love and a part of universal creation.

Yet Another Step

"When will you open?" This question keeps getting asked.

Before Wild West Wheels opens Bob has stuff to do to get the building ready. There is water to hook up, locks to change, doors to fix, windows and pipes to replace and on and on it goes.

So, in answer to some of you, he doesn't know when the shop will officially open, but he is selling his Amsoil to old and new customers and he has been repairing bikes and motorcycles. Those who have come in advance are delighted they don't have to trek up to Rapid City. That is his plan: service locally and be reasonably priced. It may not be speedy, but it will be done with skill and care.

Roof repair is another step in getting his building in shape before opening. The list goes on and on.
                                                                         Let's hear it for the patient man!