Today is my mom’s birthday. I know a lot of people talk about their mothers and how great they are. I would do the same, but I hear how great my mom is from a lot of different people. Every time I go back to her bar in the backwoods of Minnesota where I grew up, I hear stories. When I call someone in the bar always yells to thank me for calling my mother and what a great person she is.

My mom is straight up. She’ll tell you exactly what’s on her mind and if you don’t like it, get the hell out of her bar and take your business elsewhere. For some people this is a big turn off and has driven those people away for a time, but 99% of the time they come back. Her bar is the second oldest bar run by the same management in McGregor. If you talk to anyone in McGregor about Rae Ann or the Cajun Queen, they’ll know exactly who you’re talking about. She’s been running that bar since 1983 and has done a fantastic job because of her honest, straightforward attitude.

Growing up she never put the fear of ‘God’ into me. I was never afraid of my mother. Oh sure I got my share of spankings and scoldings, but never anything I didn’t deserve. She was firm, but caring. She gave my brother and I very long leash, but she always knew where we were and what we were doing. I wouldn’t think twice about coming home after dark without calling and normally that was for her to come pick me up because I rode my bike to a friend’s house that was 10-15 miles away.

Today she celebrates the 30th anniversary of her 40th birthday. She may be slowing down, but she’s still not a lady you want to tangle with. When she was around 60 I saw he walk a man about 6’6” out of her bar after she told him repeatedly to watch his mouth. He lipped off to her face saying “I’d like to see you kick me out of here” and she came over the bar, grabbed him firmly by his tingly bit and did just that. You’d think his friends would have been laughing, but when she came back and said “Any of you got a problem with that?” They all said “No ma’am” and ordered another pitcher of beer. The person in question returned the next day to apologize for his behavior the night before and became a regular at her bar…as long as he watched his mouth. All she had to do was say his name, and he knew exactly what she meant.

I’ve posted here before that my mom has made sailors blush. My brother brought some Navy buddies home saying you have to meet my mom and it took her all of 10 or 15 minutes and they were either laughing of turning bright red.

In the history of McGregor every bar has been broken into. All save one. You might be able to guess which one. There are two reasons. 1) My mom lives in the back. 2) She’s armed. She’s feisty and has never kept it a secret that if you come into her bar when she’s closed she’ll shoot first and figure out what happened later. She’s got a shotgun by her bed and a handgun on her headboard. Her late husband also collected guns and they would go shooting often. Yes, my mom can shoot a gun and she’s not afraid to do so.

I’ve had my mom all my life. Something I appreciate more now that I’ve lost my father. She’s a spectacular woman with an interesting past. She’s done a lot and hasn’t left McGregor much over that past 30 years. I know of at least 10 different kids I grew up with that all call her mom, send her mother’s day cards, birthday cards and calls. Many who have come to respect my mother for who she is and would do anything to protect her. It warms my heart to know that so many have come to know and love my mom.

If you’re ever around the McGregor area, stop in, see my mom, tell her that her sons told you to stop by. The Cajun Queen is a great place to sit, have a beer, and enjoy some conversation.

Happy Birthday, Ma!

I need to go find more picture of ducks. I read an article that you can find on your own (I like to keep my site PG) about duck mating habits. I was surprised. I won’t post pictures of THAT!

Until Tomorrow!

WOO WOO!