Its a sad day. Well, in a way. Our dear brother, Marlon, passed away in the early hours of this morning. He had been very ill and hospitalized in St Louis MO. After several days of quickly deteriorating health he was diagnosed with lupus. But, by that time the severe complications had caused shut downs of his major organs. They were able to slow some of the sedatives and near the end he was able to hear and acknowledge those with him and several on the phone. He was only 53.
He spent 6 years in our area when Melissa and Brian were teenagers. When I read the words of David "thy gentleness has made me great" I always think of Marlon. He was a gracious, kind, tender, loving brother. We will miss him.
Lorene
Just a little lefse, will go a long ways
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
October
October has got to be my favorite month even if it rains. I love the beauty of the changing leaves and the odor of them. I love the smell of campfires in the neighborhood (pollution? do people have to make you feel guilty about everything?) I love the cool mornings, the nice evenings. I suppose what really makes us love October, though, is convention.
Now our conventions are over and I still love October. One's spirit is refreshed and one truly feels like a new person!
We had a new experience this year! We camped! In our cargo trailer! It went surprisingly well. The first two nights I spent with Miranda and Kaylee. Since Shannon and family were just a few trailers down we had a little gtg at our camper...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Annie and Len's Vows
Before our friends and family so special to us here, I Annie, take you Len, to be my husband. You are the love of my life, my best friend, and you make my dreams come true. Today, I say my vows with purpose to keep them in my heart. I promise to keep God in our daily life, and to encourage spiritual growth, that we may have a home of peace and happiness. I promise to love, respect and honor you in good times and bad. I promise to laugh with you, inspire you, and cherish you for ever.
Len, I give you this ring as a symbol of the promises I made to you today. May we live happily ever after.
Len, I give you this ring as a symbol of the promises I made to you today. May we live happily ever after.
Annie and Len's wedding
Now, that was quite a weekend. There is no way to describe what is like to see your daughter walk down the aisle to marry her prince! Someone asked Len Saturday what it felt like to be married. He said, "the same, only better." That was the way I felt, too. Congratulations on your marriage Annie and Len!
It was a busy weekend.
Thursday evening our family and Len's family all arrived around 5 PM. Len's dad bbq'd hamburgers, hot dogs and tri-tip roast! We had some salads and extras. Was a fun time getting to know each other. We had invited Bud and Ruth Anderson. Buddy entertained us with his humor and musical talent! After that we all got down to business and rehearsed! So Annie's first several walks down the aisle were from our bedroom to the garage door!
Friday morning was a flurry of eating, getting dressed, picking up Annie's dress, forgetting the flowers, going to Arrowwood, going back downtown Alex for the flowers, getting dressed, pictures and suddenly it was time for line up. The wedding went with "only one hitch" and that was Len and Annie's! Their vows were so nice, the music was great! Very sweet wedding!
The reception was great too! Tyler and Heath had fun pumping the root beer, the meal was tasty, the castle was a hit with the little kids and everyone had a good time!
Saturday morning Vernon and Gwen came to pick up Mom and stayed for a while. Terry, Marleen and Jerry and Anita stopped too for a while. Around 1 Len's family came and we had leftovers from grooms supper and then Annie and Len opened gifts!
Sunday after meeting Melissa and Daryl and girls joined Len and Annie, his family and Vern and I at D Michael B's for lunch. I think there were 24 of us. We had asked 3 young friends from our meeting to join us also.
We came back to our place and they guys loaded our guest bed, frame and all, into our cargo trailer. we added a card table, some folding chairs, the clothes rack from the laundry room and a lamp. Then all of Len's family went with us up to Eagle Bend convention grounds where we dropped off the trailer.
Annie and Len are going to EBI and Vern and I to EBII. Since we went to all the work to load it we are planning to camp in in the weekend afterwards at Carlos State Park!
And so, Annie and Len are married. Joel and Alayna were her on a fast trip. All my siblings and some of their children and grandchildren were here also. It was a very busy but happy weekend!
It was a busy weekend.
Thursday evening our family and Len's family all arrived around 5 PM. Len's dad bbq'd hamburgers, hot dogs and tri-tip roast! We had some salads and extras. Was a fun time getting to know each other. We had invited Bud and Ruth Anderson. Buddy entertained us with his humor and musical talent! After that we all got down to business and rehearsed! So Annie's first several walks down the aisle were from our bedroom to the garage door!
Friday morning was a flurry of eating, getting dressed, picking up Annie's dress, forgetting the flowers, going to Arrowwood, going back downtown Alex for the flowers, getting dressed, pictures and suddenly it was time for line up. The wedding went with "only one hitch" and that was Len and Annie's! Their vows were so nice, the music was great! Very sweet wedding!
The reception was great too! Tyler and Heath had fun pumping the root beer, the meal was tasty, the castle was a hit with the little kids and everyone had a good time!
Saturday morning Vernon and Gwen came to pick up Mom and stayed for a while. Terry, Marleen and Jerry and Anita stopped too for a while. Around 1 Len's family came and we had leftovers from grooms supper and then Annie and Len opened gifts!
Sunday after meeting Melissa and Daryl and girls joined Len and Annie, his family and Vern and I at D Michael B's for lunch. I think there were 24 of us. We had asked 3 young friends from our meeting to join us also.
We came back to our place and they guys loaded our guest bed, frame and all, into our cargo trailer. we added a card table, some folding chairs, the clothes rack from the laundry room and a lamp. Then all of Len's family went with us up to Eagle Bend convention grounds where we dropped off the trailer.
Annie and Len are going to EBI and Vern and I to EBII. Since we went to all the work to load it we are planning to camp in in the weekend afterwards at Carlos State Park!
And so, Annie and Len are married. Joel and Alayna were her on a fast trip. All my siblings and some of their children and grandchildren were here also. It was a very busy but happy weekend!
Monday, September 22, 2008
CRUNCH TIME
THREE DAYS FROM NOW we will be in the middle of groom's dinner and rehearsal. I asked Alayna how she did all this stuff on her own. She said she had Joel and 7 months and every night they worked on wedding stuff. I think Annie has done really well! She has had mostly Tuesday and Thursday evening to do anything on the computer and weekends to do anything else. Right now we have ALMOST everything ready! Look forward to seeing everyone!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
I got a call the other day from the internet blog police telling me that since I hadn't updated my blog for over a month it would be removed from the internet. Well, at least I know one person checks my blog!
I have been blaming my lack of updating on the fact I can't find my camera. Annie has pictures on her camera but she never brings up the cord. So this blog will just have to be without pictures until I find the camera (which maybe doesn't have anything on it anyway! Or Annie brings up her cord!
It was a busy month. Annie and Len have been here almost every weekend working on plans for their wedding. We should be getting most responses to the invitation this week.Unbelieveable how fas the time has gone.
They say weddings take on a life of their own. How true. This "simple" little wedding has changed its mind a dozen times, so its probably not classified as simple any more, but it is going to be beautiful, delicious, fun and most of all a day for us all to remember.
Kris and Melissa threw a bridal shower for Annie. I never did see the invitation until after it was all over, but there must have been some "directions" included.
We all sat cozily around Kris's extended dining room table. Melissa had put together a sweet "craft" project that we all objected too cause we weren't "crafty" then got into big time and it was a LOT of fun! (and we found out Annie is sensitive enough to be a princess!)
Kris had fixed a delicious lunch. Annie's favorite chicken salad, meat and cheese, crossiants, fruit plate, chips and dip, etc. She encouraged us to start thru the lunch line while Annie finished opening her gifts.
Just as we finished eating Kris brought in a square chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting decorated with a pink heart and Annie and Len's names. She announced, "OK, Annie's shower is officially over and Lorene's birthday party begins!"
AWWW..they had all been in on it! Eventually the guys and the grandchildren all came back and we had cake and cheesecake and candles and singing and laughs and hugs, and OH it was GOOD!!!
After most of the guests had left my kids came carrying boxes and more boxes of some dinnerware I had looked at but chosen not to purchase. Now I have the prettiest dinnerware! Thank you my dear children. Being 60 is not so bad after all!
I have been blaming my lack of updating on the fact I can't find my camera. Annie has pictures on her camera but she never brings up the cord. So this blog will just have to be without pictures until I find the camera (which maybe doesn't have anything on it anyway! Or Annie brings up her cord!
It was a busy month. Annie and Len have been here almost every weekend working on plans for their wedding. We should be getting most responses to the invitation this week.Unbelieveable how fas the time has gone.
They say weddings take on a life of their own. How true. This "simple" little wedding has changed its mind a dozen times, so its probably not classified as simple any more, but it is going to be beautiful, delicious, fun and most of all a day for us all to remember.
Kris and Melissa threw a bridal shower for Annie. I never did see the invitation until after it was all over, but there must have been some "directions" included.
We all sat cozily around Kris's extended dining room table. Melissa had put together a sweet "craft" project that we all objected too cause we weren't "crafty" then got into big time and it was a LOT of fun! (and we found out Annie is sensitive enough to be a princess!)
Kris had fixed a delicious lunch. Annie's favorite chicken salad, meat and cheese, crossiants, fruit plate, chips and dip, etc. She encouraged us to start thru the lunch line while Annie finished opening her gifts.
Just as we finished eating Kris brought in a square chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting decorated with a pink heart and Annie and Len's names. She announced, "OK, Annie's shower is officially over and Lorene's birthday party begins!"
AWWW..they had all been in on it! Eventually the guys and the grandchildren all came back and we had cake and cheesecake and candles and singing and laughs and hugs, and OH it was GOOD!!!
After most of the guests had left my kids came carrying boxes and more boxes of some dinnerware I had looked at but chosen not to purchase. Now I have the prettiest dinnerware! Thank you my dear children. Being 60 is not so bad after all!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
And so the month of July is past. We planned to have a little reception here for Joel and Alayna, but a spider bite spoiled the party. When I talked to Joel a couple days ago he said it has improved a lot. So now we look forward to seeing them in September.
Annie and Len have been busy with wedding plans. They both are looking for jobs in the cities.
We have enjoyed a nice summer. So far there has not been a lot of heat and humidity. I guess I am not really the one to judge cause i work in air conditioning and come home to an air conditioned house.
We have lived here 18 months. Last weekend we made a little trip around the "block" and drove out to the old farm. The thistles in the woods are 8 feet high. The weeds have grown up around the buildings and are taking over the gravel yard. The birch in front of the living room window has the top broken down and has not been pruned and removed. The weeds have grown up around the back door. (i wonder how many snakes are there??) Where Vern had the garden in the front yard had grown up to weeds, been mowed and grown up to weeds again.
The Clematis are blooming and the trumpet vine around the pole by the back door invites the hummingbirds. the hydrangia and the day lilies are blooming too. But nothing says "home" anymore and I was elated to come back to my beautiful house. Maybe we will try to move in some good black earth and plant a few more of our favorites, but I am thankful to be living in Alexandria.
Annie and Len have been busy with wedding plans. They both are looking for jobs in the cities.
We have enjoyed a nice summer. So far there has not been a lot of heat and humidity. I guess I am not really the one to judge cause i work in air conditioning and come home to an air conditioned house.
We have lived here 18 months. Last weekend we made a little trip around the "block" and drove out to the old farm. The thistles in the woods are 8 feet high. The weeds have grown up around the buildings and are taking over the gravel yard. The birch in front of the living room window has the top broken down and has not been pruned and removed. The weeds have grown up around the back door. (i wonder how many snakes are there??) Where Vern had the garden in the front yard had grown up to weeds, been mowed and grown up to weeds again.
The Clematis are blooming and the trumpet vine around the pole by the back door invites the hummingbirds. the hydrangia and the day lilies are blooming too. But nothing says "home" anymore and I was elated to come back to my beautiful house. Maybe we will try to move in some good black earth and plant a few more of our favorites, but I am thankful to be living in Alexandria.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
4th of July weekend
Annie came up Tuesday night after she Kris came home from her last class. Friday afternoon Melissa and family and Brian and family came. Kris had brought the CoolDaddy, altho she said she was doing the frying it was the CoolMommy. She deep fried mushrooms, cauliflower, onion rings and shrimp. (well, at least we ate some vegetables!) Len bbq'd some steak and we enjoyed some eatin' we haven't had in years. Maybe a good thing! But it was all delicious!
Brian and Kris took all 5 children in the boat through Lake Victoria, Geneva, Le Homme Dieu, Carlos and Darling over to Arrowwood to watch Star Storm. Annie,Len, Melissa, Daryl went by shuttle. Star Storm is a magnificant fireworks display. But getting home again tries everyones patience. The bugs on the lake are bad and the boat parade to get through under the bridges is LONG. On the other hand if you take the shuttle, the lines of people waiting to get back on the shuttle are horrible, as are the lines of people trying to get their cars out of the huge parking lot. So either way you go, you need to decide you REALLY want to see fireworks.
Saturday Morning Brian and Kris put their boat in Lake Victoria, through Geneva and into Le Homme Dieu. There is a swim beach there with a place to park boats next to it and a nice place to picnic. I think we were there until 5:30. We had an easy supper of Papa Murphy's pizza before going to bed. Everyone was exhausted from sun, water, riding the tube and skiing.
Sunday was another busy day, with everyone getting to their own places, by late night.
And where was my camera through all this?? In a pocket in the truck, so I have nary a picture to show you. Next time I'll wear the camera.
Brian and Kris took all 5 children in the boat through Lake Victoria, Geneva, Le Homme Dieu, Carlos and Darling over to Arrowwood to watch Star Storm. Annie,Len, Melissa, Daryl went by shuttle. Star Storm is a magnificant fireworks display. But getting home again tries everyones patience. The bugs on the lake are bad and the boat parade to get through under the bridges is LONG. On the other hand if you take the shuttle, the lines of people waiting to get back on the shuttle are horrible, as are the lines of people trying to get their cars out of the huge parking lot. So either way you go, you need to decide you REALLY want to see fireworks.
Saturday Morning Brian and Kris put their boat in Lake Victoria, through Geneva and into Le Homme Dieu. There is a swim beach there with a place to park boats next to it and a nice place to picnic. I think we were there until 5:30. We had an easy supper of Papa Murphy's pizza before going to bed. Everyone was exhausted from sun, water, riding the tube and skiing.
Sunday was another busy day, with everyone getting to their own places, by late night.
And where was my camera through all this?? In a pocket in the truck, so I have nary a picture to show you. Next time I'll wear the camera.
June 2008
The big event in our family in June was Annie and Len's engagement. He surprised her by proposing and giving her a ring on Friday June 13. They had bought the ring together, but he had told her he would give it to her on the 14th. We are very happy for them. Len has been staying here and painting with Vern. Annie has camped at Brian and Kris' for the summer and spent a couple weeks helping Kris with her household of children while Kris took a class at the U. I believe Brian was also taking a class or two at the U at the same time.
Melissa has also been taking classes this summer, on line. She is thankful not to be working and is enjoying time with her family. They have a new addition. He is a cute little puppy. He even stayed overnight here the 4th of July and was a good puppy.
Joel and Alayna have been trying to get settled into married life and their little apartment. But most weekends they have been at convention. Thats a great way to start a marriage!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Happenings
May28,29,30. worked 3 full days after getting home from great MONTANA get-to-gether! However, Wed AM Vern, Len and Annie went to New Ulm to clean out her apartment. They put everything in our utility trailer and went up to Brian and Kris' where Annie unloaded what she needed for the time being. Thursday, they loaded up what Len needed for the time being and moved him up to our place.
Saturday the 31st was one of those days where nothing goes quite as planned, but we did manage to go grocery shopping.
Sunday, June 1 we went to fellowship meeting at Braunds, stayed for a potluck, then went to Alana Quick's graduation party. On the way home we stopped briefly at Melissa and Daryl's.
Monday, work. Annie went back to the cities, Vern and Len painted. Tuesday same. Wednesday, same and Bible Study. Thursday and Friday I worked. It rained so Vern and Len were very restless.
Friday they picked me up at 5 and we went down to Brian and Kris. Saturday they had a birthday celebration planned for Aedan, who turns 10 Aug 7 and Emmett who turns 7 July 19. They each had chosen 3 friends to spend the day with at Valley Fair.
Vern Annie, Len, Amara and I went to a nature park near them for an hour or so, then headed down to Lindsay Hanson's graduation party. On the way home we stopped at AMARA'S favorite place to shop! Better yet, it was a SUPER Target. We made potato salad, cabbage salad and hot dogs on the grill. The rest of the family came home around 8 pretty tired!
Sunday we went to fellowship mtg and Dean and Lois's. Afterwards we were talking in the driveway to Muriel, Lorraine and Becky. Kris was telling them about the Mexican hole-in-the wall restaurant that we had been to and enjoyed. The three ladies left and Kris and I decided we would go again! When we all got there, who should be just getting out of the car but Muriel, Lorraine and Becky. So we all had lunch together. You might have to ask Kris more about it. She and Brian help us order! Its lots of fun, lots of food, good price. I suppose it helps if you know a little Spanish.
We went back to Brian and Kris's. I was tired and sat in the recliner. Next thing I know I hear them discussing batteries. I told them I put new batteries in the keyboard before we went to Montana. Well, that was quite a laugh because they were talking about a new toy that Aedan had received from a friend the day before. Well, at least i didn't fall asleep in Sarah, Wendy and Lyle's Gospel meeting like some very tired children i was sitting with!
We didn't get back to Alex until 10 PM. that is quite late for this ole gramma...
Monday, work, paint, Tuesday work, paint. Wednesday, work, painting sounds a little more iffy...could we possibly need any more rain....
Hey, you out there in Montana..KEEP the snow please!
Saturday the 31st was one of those days where nothing goes quite as planned, but we did manage to go grocery shopping.
Sunday, June 1 we went to fellowship meeting at Braunds, stayed for a potluck, then went to Alana Quick's graduation party. On the way home we stopped briefly at Melissa and Daryl's.
Monday, work. Annie went back to the cities, Vern and Len painted. Tuesday same. Wednesday, same and Bible Study. Thursday and Friday I worked. It rained so Vern and Len were very restless.
Friday they picked me up at 5 and we went down to Brian and Kris. Saturday they had a birthday celebration planned for Aedan, who turns 10 Aug 7 and Emmett who turns 7 July 19. They each had chosen 3 friends to spend the day with at Valley Fair.
Vern Annie, Len, Amara and I went to a nature park near them for an hour or so, then headed down to Lindsay Hanson's graduation party. On the way home we stopped at AMARA'S favorite place to shop! Better yet, it was a SUPER Target. We made potato salad, cabbage salad and hot dogs on the grill. The rest of the family came home around 8 pretty tired!
Sunday we went to fellowship mtg and Dean and Lois's. Afterwards we were talking in the driveway to Muriel, Lorraine and Becky. Kris was telling them about the Mexican hole-in-the wall restaurant that we had been to and enjoyed. The three ladies left and Kris and I decided we would go again! When we all got there, who should be just getting out of the car but Muriel, Lorraine and Becky. So we all had lunch together. You might have to ask Kris more about it. She and Brian help us order! Its lots of fun, lots of food, good price. I suppose it helps if you know a little Spanish.
We went back to Brian and Kris's. I was tired and sat in the recliner. Next thing I know I hear them discussing batteries. I told them I put new batteries in the keyboard before we went to Montana. Well, that was quite a laugh because they were talking about a new toy that Aedan had received from a friend the day before. Well, at least i didn't fall asleep in Sarah, Wendy and Lyle's Gospel meeting like some very tired children i was sitting with!
We didn't get back to Alex until 10 PM. that is quite late for this ole gramma...
Monday, work, paint, Tuesday work, paint. Wednesday, work, painting sounds a little more iffy...could we possibly need any more rain....
Hey, you out there in Montana..KEEP the snow please!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
more of the weekend
On Saturday, the 24th, all except Vern and I went to a cavern somewhere in the mountains. It was a tough hike but I heard it was a fascinating tour.
Vern and I went to Joel and Alayna's apartment to watch them open gifts. They had "leftovers" for lunch and we were there until 3 PM. Since both of them have been living in apartments for some time and have lots of necessities, they got some very special gifts including antique linens and other antique items and lots of the kind of things you wish you had (but at my age in life i might use once a year). However, loving to entertain like they do, they will use it all!
Alayna's cousin had invited all of us to share in a family potluck to be held in her family's back yard, but since it continued to rain she arranged with a local school to have it in the cafeteria. Lots of food (is this Montana style?) and it was very special to get to know some of the new relatives!
Sunday we all went to meeting at Don and Sharon's. That means the 15 of us, Alayna's mom and sister, and Nancy and Will Hardy who planned to do some sightseeing! Dennis Hause was there and lead the meeting.
Brian and Kris and family and Melissa and Daryl and family left in the early afternoon.
The wedding
Joel and Alayna are married and it was beautiful! We set up about 175 chairs and I think they were very few empty! Annie helped Roberta put flowers together..she took the guard leaves from the roses and put them in little baskets for the 8 little girls. Dennis Hause and Don Murray, Joel and Alayna's edler were the first to go in. then Melissa and Daryl, Alayna's sister and husband, then Alayna's other sister and Annie. (Len was waiting for her in the front row!) After that were Nathan and Shannon, Then Joel took Vern and I down the aisle..after that came Aedan and Emmett, each with a pretty light green blankets and unfolded them, sat on the blanket as Wyatt brought up the pillow with Alayna's ring..then he sat by the boys...then came 8 little girls in pink dresses throwing down rose petals.. when they were sitting on their blanket Alayna came down the aisle on her mother's arm. she kissed Alayna before Alayna turned to Joel. Don started the wedding, Sue Gillie prayed, Dennis spoke about the mystery of the man leaving his parents being made one with his wife. and about Proverbs 31 being not just for the women, but also for the men as we are all the bride of Christ..He talked about respecting each other, giving each other space for their relationship with God..Four young people sang the Irish Wedding Song. Then Joel and Alayna exchanged wedding vows and rings and Don pronounced them husband and wife! During the reception line somehow the chairs were all moved around white tablecloth covered tables. Alayna and the meal planned to a tee.. little buns, 3 kinds of cheese, three kinds of meat, mustard and mayo, delicious potato salad, mixed fresh red, orange and yellow peppers, carrots, broccoli, and sliced mushrooms. There was also a huge mixed bowl of fresh pineapple, strawberries, apples, blueberries. and grapes. Their wedding cake was chocolate and white...with ribbons and flowers. they left in a shower of birdseed and bubbles!
The night before the wedding
we had the best rehearsal last night! the barn is logs and rough sawed lumber big cedar posts. It has continued to rain and the rivers are at the highest level in a decade. but in this country rain is a blessing and so it cannot dampen the spirits of the wedding day. Last night we went to
Don and Sharon Murray's after the rehersal. We had a pizza buffet and lots of fun. Kris played keyboard and Aedan, Emmett and Amara sang the beatles song "i wanna hold your hand" then Miranda and Kaylee recited the old girl scout song "the cutest boy i ever saw, was sipping soda from a straw. We had a few other stories and musical pieces, then Don and Sharon played accoridians and sang a June Carter/Johnny Cash song called "cause I love you" you might want to look it up on you tube!this morning some of us need to be at the ranch at 10 for set up etc. wish you were all here!
Don and Sharon Murray's after the rehersal. We had a pizza buffet and lots of fun. Kris played keyboard and Aedan, Emmett and Amara sang the beatles song "i wanna hold your hand" then Miranda and Kaylee recited the old girl scout song "the cutest boy i ever saw, was sipping soda from a straw. We had a few other stories and musical pieces, then Don and Sharon played accoridians and sang a June Carter/Johnny Cash song called "cause I love you" you might want to look it up on you tube!this morning some of us need to be at the ranch at 10 for set up etc. wish you were all here!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Three weeks from today we will be arriving in Bozeman for Joel and Alayna's wedding. Yes, we are quite excited. In October 2006 Joel, on a lark, went to MT to work. A few weeks later he told me that, yes, one of the girls they were meeting in Big Sky for supper WAS his girlfriend! For several years we have had the joke that if he was standing next to a tree talking to a girl (??) he would know the name of the tree but not the name of the girl.
But, lo and behold, this girl's name he knew! And he brought her home to meet us all on New Years. Time flies and November 2, i think it was, he asked her to marry him. And now there are only a few days left. There seem to be a lot of things we'd like to share with them about being married. After all, Dad and I have come through 37 years. But it really all boils down to giving 150% of yourself to your spouse by doing everything you can to make their day the best day possible.
Joel and Alayna, we wish you years of the "BEST DAYS POSSIBLE!"
But, lo and behold, this girl's name he knew! And he brought her home to meet us all on New Years. Time flies and November 2, i think it was, he asked her to marry him. And now there are only a few days left. There seem to be a lot of things we'd like to share with them about being married. After all, Dad and I have come through 37 years. But it really all boils down to giving 150% of yourself to your spouse by doing everything you can to make their day the best day possible.
Joel and Alayna, we wish you years of the "BEST DAYS POSSIBLE!"
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Totally Red
On April 5 Kris brought the children came up. Brian had work at home. She went on up to visit her dad. Melissa and Daryl and the girls came over. We had pizza for supper. That is a favorite with the grandchildren. Then we all got "dressed up" and went to the theater. The play was "Totally Red," the retelling of the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. When we walked into the theater lobby, there was the lady I knew was playing the part of Granny. She had a red ink pad and a stamp of a wolf print. We all got wolf prints on our hands. She talked to the children about her part in the play. Later, when Granny is shut in the closet and you cannot see her, they all laughed when she would knock on the door and say "Is anybody out there? I seem to be locked in the closet! Oh! My! Because parts of the play were repeated in different styles they knew what Granny's lines would be when she started knocking on the door. The acting was fantastic. The leads sang, danced, performed ballet, and of course, acted. We had a very enjoyable evening and look forward to next years play.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Bozeman
We just came back from our third trip in one year to Bozeman. One year ago this same weekend we went out for the first time. Joel and Alayna took us to see the sights, checking out antiques and other shops in downtown Bozeman, and out to eat. On our way home we drove into snow. In the middle of North Dakota we decided we'd had enough and spent the night. The next day the closer we got to Alexandria the worse it got.
We went again over Labor Day. This time they tood us to Yellowstone National Park. Joel had told me he'd get me close to a buffalo, but they were too close for my comfort. I think I could have petted one out the window of the truck. We also saw a moose and elk. And of course, all the geysers, bubblers, mud pots and pools. We also toured Virginia City and the Museum in Bozeman.
This time when we went the attraction was a little different. Since Joel and Alayna are getting married May 23, there was a bridal shower for her. The weather was cold and windy and Vern and Joel went sightseeing. We also checked out the place where the wedding will be. And of course, we had to do a little shopping and eating out.
We left in snow. Drove on ice and snow with poor visibility all the way to Billings. After that it was smooth sailing.
It is really beautiful country. Look forward to our trip in May.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
THE GEESE ARE HERE! Spring is definitely on the way. Last night as i was waiting for sleep to come I heard them checking out the area lakes looking for an open puddle. This morning I saw a few flying "north".
It must have been Vern that got me into bird watching. He always loved to hear the wrens through the open window in the late spring. And from there we went on to identifying birds and their songs.
I think we had the perfect place for birdwatching on the farm. We never were very happy with the swarms of mosquitoes we had because of living on the edge of the swamp but we did enjoy the birds. I think it was the first year or two we had loons. I had never heard them before and it was amazing the loud, eerily beautiful calls they made. We never saw them in the swamp because of all the vegetation but have seen them on open water since.. they are big birds, maybe 26 inches long with a wing span of 3 feet.
We had Great Blue Herons. Grandpa Anderson saw them in the backwaters of the Mississippi and called them slough pumpers. But we learned the bird that really bears the nickname slough pumper was a American Bittern. The are a small secretive bird of the swamp that does make a sound like that of an old pump. We had egrets and other herons. All kinds of ducks nested in our swamp. Trumpeter swans spent a night or two there on their way north in the spring and south in the fall.
Our farm yard with all the trees and brush was a haven for birds also. We had everything from the tiny hummingbirds to Great Horned Owls and once we even saw an eagle in the trees at the end of the driveway. We always had the bird book and binoculars handy. I wish we would have kept a list, but I am sure we identified over 150 different birds on our farm or the local area. We have a "Birds of Minnesota Field Guide" and we have seen every single bird in the book.
We started feeding the birds quite a few years ago and had many migrating birds stop at our feeder. One winter right before we moved we had a female cardinal for most of the season.
Melissa and Annie are both bird lovers. I think Joel might have even taken a class on birds in college. Brian? well, he knows they have lots of cardinals!
Now that we have moved to Alexandria the only thing we really miss from the farm are the birds. We have a few chickadees, an occasional downy woodpecker, a couple of blue jays and for one whole day had a bright red male cardinal. Oh, yes, and a barred owl.
We have started a few things to improve the habitat and attract the birds but it is a slow process.
However, we still can listen for the geese to herald the spring!
It must have been Vern that got me into bird watching. He always loved to hear the wrens through the open window in the late spring. And from there we went on to identifying birds and their songs.
I think we had the perfect place for birdwatching on the farm. We never were very happy with the swarms of mosquitoes we had because of living on the edge of the swamp but we did enjoy the birds. I think it was the first year or two we had loons. I had never heard them before and it was amazing the loud, eerily beautiful calls they made. We never saw them in the swamp because of all the vegetation but have seen them on open water since.. they are big birds, maybe 26 inches long with a wing span of 3 feet.
We had Great Blue Herons. Grandpa Anderson saw them in the backwaters of the Mississippi and called them slough pumpers. But we learned the bird that really bears the nickname slough pumper was a American Bittern. The are a small secretive bird of the swamp that does make a sound like that of an old pump. We had egrets and other herons. All kinds of ducks nested in our swamp. Trumpeter swans spent a night or two there on their way north in the spring and south in the fall.
Our farm yard with all the trees and brush was a haven for birds also. We had everything from the tiny hummingbirds to Great Horned Owls and once we even saw an eagle in the trees at the end of the driveway. We always had the bird book and binoculars handy. I wish we would have kept a list, but I am sure we identified over 150 different birds on our farm or the local area. We have a "Birds of Minnesota Field Guide" and we have seen every single bird in the book.
We started feeding the birds quite a few years ago and had many migrating birds stop at our feeder. One winter right before we moved we had a female cardinal for most of the season.
Melissa and Annie are both bird lovers. I think Joel might have even taken a class on birds in college. Brian? well, he knows they have lots of cardinals!
Now that we have moved to Alexandria the only thing we really miss from the farm are the birds. We have a few chickadees, an occasional downy woodpecker, a couple of blue jays and for one whole day had a bright red male cardinal. Oh, yes, and a barred owl.
We have started a few things to improve the habitat and attract the birds but it is a slow process.
However, we still can listen for the geese to herald the spring!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
There was a terrible bus accident near Cottonwood, MN, this week. Four children were killed when a van driven by what appears to be an illegal alien with a MN ID card with a name apparently not hers driving without a license, going through a stop sign and slamming into the side of the school bus. I well remember our bus accident. I found the scrapbook I have kept all these years. The pages are faded and tattered and I decided time to scan them into the computer. In looking at them again I cannot believe no one was killed. I used to be able to "feel" the bus bump the railing, hang on the edge, then go over the edge. But time has erased that memory. I doubt if I could have told you any of the details after the accident. I think there were some of us that were unconcious for a little while. Can you imagine there was no 911. Someone had to drive to Lewiston to let the school know the bus had gone over the bridge. There were no trained first responders. There were no safe way to get children out of the bus. Someone used a shovel and broke a couple windows out. Children then climbed or were helped out the window. Even some who had serious injuries were just picked up and put in the back of a vehicle. Most of us walked up the hill to Beach's house and waited in turn to use the phone to call our parents. Mom drove over the bridge and when we got in the car she wondered where the bus was. She didn't realize it was at the bottom of the creek. We were not allowed to cross the bridge again and had to go the long way home. Later that evening she took me to Winona where I did have a fractured collar bone. Terry and Tom did not even have broken glasses. We were indeed very lucky.
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