Category Archives: Family & Friends

Paul C. Miltenberger: Hero

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Barb’s father, the late Paul C. Miltenberger, receiving the Silver Star following the Battle of Luzon in WWII. Dr. Miltenberger. From the St. Louis Post, July 18, 1945:

Captain Paul C. Miltenberger, 29 years old, Army medical corps officer, has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action last April 23 on Luzon. When a platoon sergeant had been seriously wounded and had fallen in an exposed sector of the jungle, Capt. Miltenberger dragged him 800 yards to a protected area where he administered first aid.

800 yards (almost half a mile) through the jungle, under enemy fire, is a long way. Dr. Miltenberger was one of the best people I’ve known in my life. I never heard him say an unkind word about anybody.

Dogs of March

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With Barb in Florida for 10 days, the dogs had to make do with time in her chair.

At 5 months+, Jessie finally starting to calm down a little. But the urge to bite the hand that feeds you is strong.When the coveted Barb Chair is taken, Jessie makes do with a nearby place in the sun.When the Alpha Dog returns, it’s all aboard!

First ride in the Jeep

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While waiting for the new steering box I’ve been amusing myself with what I think of as de-junking the Jeep. Removed rusty old seat belts; pulled up nasty carpet; ditched the home-made tool box (there’s a perfectly good one under the passenger seat). Also a little spray paint touch-up. Still plan to yank the CB radio and the spotlights on the rollbar.

As I finished up Paul suggested to take the jeep for a little drive (steering with vice grips, of course). I was surprised by just how much land Paul, his brother and father have. (I believe he said 120 acres but I might be wrong about that.) Best part? Winding trails just wide enough for the Jeep (and other offroad vehicles, I assume).

Paul had no trouble steering with the vice grips and the Jeep did the offroad bits beautifully. But we mostly just moseyed along in first gear. This is going to be a fun ride.

UPDATE 2/6/23: The floor of the Jeep –front and back– was covered with a nasty black carpet. I much prefer the battered (?) metal. When I get the Jeep home I’ll wash it out good and give the tub a coat of paint.

I played with the canvas top a little and decided to just go with the top over the seats. Just not a fan of those plastic windows. I’ll wear my insulated coveralls when I need to drive in cold weather. (Man,I have got to adios those lights.)

Paul was able to remove the broken steering column and see what he needed to get the Jeep drivable. Parts on order. Getting closer.

Jessie comes home

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We brought Jessie home today and we are once again a two-dog-family. It feels good.

She quickly found her way to Riley’s toy basket and checked out the precious green rope.

She peed on the floor a few times but that’s part of having a new puppy. But that first poop? Outside!

Riley was a little uncertain about having another dog in the house but within the first hour or so she was trying desperately to show Jessie how to play “chase.”

A full day and as regular readers (hah!) know, dogs have couch privileges in our house.

Sol Astrachan 1929-2022

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Sol Astrachan, long time business owner and resident of Kennett, Missouri, passed away this morning at his home in Kennett. Sol Astrachan was born in Poland in 1929, and later moved with his family to Russia. When he was nine his family immigrated to the United States. After a short stay in St. Louis, Mr. Astrachan went to Kennett, Missouri, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Astrachan served a term on the Kennett city council (1961-1963) and two terms as mayor (1963-1971) of Kennett. (Obituary)

Sol was a good friend to my father and a good (and courageous) mayor. Sol graduated from Kennett High School in 1947. Photo below of senior class. Sol was interviewed by Will Sarvis for the Missouri State Historical Society on October 28, 1998 at his home in Kennett.