Kip’s Comments - May 12 and 13, 2026

Two Adventures!

Yesterday and today have covered the full range of emotions - from immense satisfaction to grave concern to thankfulness. Allow me to explain.

Yesterday a formidable group of volunteers provided outdoor experiences for 450 fifth graders at Alcock Park. As I have since the inception of Bremer County Fifth Grade Field Day, I taught the backpacking session. Joining me was my buddy “Brother Darrell” - a fellow who has assisted in the past. Brother Darrell knew the expectations and how to contribute to the betterment of the day.

This year Brother Darrell and I had special assistance from my oldest grandson who is also a fifth grade student, but not in Bremer County. While I was planning for this year’s event I tossed the idea out to my grandson. “Would you like to skip school and join me at “Gramp’s and Brother Darrell’s Home School?” Of course he jumped at the chance, but not until after receiving approval from his parental units.

The three of us had a good time sharing our outdoor knowledge. My grandson was exhausted after the day of home schooling and nearly fell asleep during the short drive home.

Tired After Bremer County Fifth Grade Field Day - Image 3307

During the time with the students learning outdoor skills I was notified of a family member experiencing difficulty breathing. My grandson and I immediately left the training to check out the situation. Indeed there was trouble that needed advanced intervention.

Fast-forward to a couple of hours ago when my family member underwent a procedure to have fluid tapped from the pleural space around a lung. After removing 1.7 liters of fluid we watched as a once deflated lung again expanded to move air. For a while we were very concerned. Now we are relieved and very thankful.

Pleural Effusion Fluid - Image 3310