Belated happy birthday to Grandma

Fri., March 7, 2003 - Talked to Jenny -- she said she's real busy so I'd better get a permanent here.  I really need one.  So I'll be getting one tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.  Nancy will take me.  Saw "Coal Miner's Daughter" in the evening.  Talked to Greta in evening.

Sat., March 8, 2003 - Nancy took me to get permanent.  Went to Stauffer's for dinner.  Nancy went home right away.  Dolores came in evening for several games of Rummikub.

Sun., March 9, 2003 - Nancy came at noon with dinner from Popeye's.  The usual Sunday chores.  Mitch and Anna were here in p.m. while Mary attended her writers' group meeting. 

I certainly meant to post on Grandma's actual birthday, but you know how things go. I did think of her often during the day.  Maybe it's weird, but I take comfort in birthdays that are past the age when the person would still likely be around.  So, 110 years isn't unheard of but certainly isn't usual.  Those birthdays aren't quite so bittersweet for me.

And bad news in 2022 with Kevin Andersen's wife, Mary, dying recently of pancreatic cancer.  She was one of my favorite family members.  She was always so pleasant and fun.  And it seemed that she and Kevin were at nearly every gathering we had; reunions, funerals, anniversaries, just everything.  Which nowadays with everyone so busy is quite the thing.  She will be sorely missed.  And now the Three Marys are down to two.  Someone needs to name a baby Mary just to get us back to three.

Oh, my goodness -- it has been a long time

So much going on, so little attention to this blog.  But here I am again.  For how many days in a row, or something close to resembling "in a row", who is to say?

Fri., February 14, 2003 - Saw a movie this evening, a tribute to Big Bands -- those taken from Lawrence Welk's shows.  Rained in p.m. and evening.

Sat., February 15, 2003 - Started to snow during the night.  Snowed almost all day.  Talked to Greta at noon.  They had snow, too.  Played cards in p.m. -- the group that plays on Mon. night.

Sun., February 16, 2003 - Nancy came at noon.  She made me a new kind of cheese & potato soup.  Very tasty.  Mitch & Anna here while Mary wen to Writers Group.  We played cards.  I popped some popcorn for them.

I'm having trouble reading Grandma's writing re the big band show, but I'll go with what I have there.

Of course, I cannot let dear Jenny's passing from this world to the next go unmentioned.  I should have posted something much closer to the event.  It wasn't for lack of caring about her, but just me being the usual me and not getting things done when I should do them.

However, since some time has passed it is much easier to say now how very happy I am for Jenny that her suffering is over, and for both she and Bill to be together.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.  I will always miss the two of them and particularly their laughs; both very different, but both very genuine and fun.  Bill and Jenny have left behind a beautiful legacy of lives well lived.  Their sons and grandchildren are testament to the lovely people they were.

My apologies

Sat., December 28, 2002 - Greta called.  Nancy came in p.m. with groceries.  I showered.
Sun., December 29, 2002 - Nancy & I left in time so we attended church in Wahoo.  The family gathered at Bill's for our Christmas get-together.  Merilyn couldn't come.  Had a wonderful dinner -- had gift exchange.  Went to see Jayson & Lora's new house.  Will be real nice.  Lovely day -- pretty ride home with all the Xmas lights.
Mon., December 30, 2002 - Annabelle called.  She was in Lincoln but didn't care to drive in Lincoln.  Had a very nice visit with her.  Played cards again this evening.

Life has been a bit crazy for me and so I have been even more negligent in creating posts.  But, each one is one more done, so no harm really.

The coronavirus is making life interesting and difficult for a lot of people, but not so much for me at the moment.  Hoping this situation is resolved soon and things get back to normal.  Brought the dogs in last night and they did very well for outside dogs.  There wasn't too much fighting for the privilege of sitting close to me once the initial excitement wore off.

Pecking order

Fri., November 22, 2002 - A home nurse came again.  I had Meals on Wheels today.  I called Jean.  Mary & kids came this evening -- they brought soup.
Sat., November 23, 2002 - Tom & Merilyn left Sunday a.m. for Laughlin.  A home nurse came again.  I called Ray.  Mary brought noon meal - a beef & vegetable mixture -- very good.
Sun., November 24, 2002 - I baked a pumpkin pie.  Nancy came & ironed for me.  Tom called from Laughlin to find out how I was.  Bill, Jenny & Patty came in p.m.  We had pie for lunch.

I wonder how it is Jean got called before Uncle Ray.  Maybe she had tried to reach Grandma or something.  Her birthday was in May, so it wasn't that.

I wish I could remember more of the fun sayings Jean tossed around often.  The only one I recall is "for crying out the window."

Here's the Christensen family.  I think Uncle Pete looks rather handsome here.  Jean looks waaay to serious for how I remember her.

Poor parenting?

Sat., November 16, 2002 - Dale came to see me at 8:00 a.m.  Mitch & Anna came in the morning also.  Tom & Mary came in early afternoon and Nancy came after the football game was over.  She stopped at my place & picked up some things I needed.  Tom, Anna, Mitch & Nancy ate at the cafeteria.  Everybody left by 7:30.
Sunday, November 17, 2002 - Mary & the kids came after early church.  Greta came about 10:00.  Dale here too in the morning.  Tom was here from about 10:30 to 12:45.  Greta, Mary, Mitch, Anna & Nancy ate in the cafeteria.  Bill, Jenny & Patty came in mid-afternoon.  Nancy left about 8:00.  Every day blood was taken for testing.  I evidently had a heart attack several weeks ago.  I'm also hooked up to a heart monitor.  Had an IV one day.
Monday, November 18, 2002 - Nancy came at 6:30 & Dale at about 8:00.  Talked to all 3 doctors & will get a pacemaker on Tuesday.  Nancy called Greta, Tom, Bill, Mary and Ray.  More x-rays were taken.  Mary here at noon.  Dale, Dane & Kyleah here about 5:00 p.m.  Mary & kids here at 6:00 & Tom here at 7:00.

Good heavens.  Did I just drop my kids off on a Saturday morning and go on my way?  Mitch would have been 11 and able to locate a hospital room on his own with Anna in tow, but still.  Hopefully at the very least I had something important to do and came up to say hi and then left.  Egads.

For no particular reason, here is a fun photo of Grandpa and Tom.  I sure miss that place.

To the hospital we go

Wed., November 13, 2002 - Bill took me for dental appointment at 8:00!!  Then to Wahoo - permanent in the afternoon.  Bill & Jenny brought me back to Lincoln after a supper with the whole family.
Thurs., November 14, 2002 - Sick all day.  Nancy came in evening-- called "Ask A Nurse".  She stayed all night.  Myrtle called.
Fri., November 15, 2002 - Nancy called Dr. Semin's office.  He said to go to the emergency room at Bryan East.  Were at the ER at about 10:00 a.m.  Dale came in the p.m.  In my room between 5:30 & 6:00.  Mary & the kids came to see me just as they were taking me to my room.  In ER they took x-rays & echogram.  Kids ate the extra supper they brought me.  Tom stopped by before he had to bowl.

Plenty more on this saga in upcoming posts.

An Affair to Remember

Wed., October 30, 2002 - Attended Book Club this evening.  Greta called Nancy & Nancy called me that Marie Parker died today.
Thurs., October 31, 2002 - I called Myrtle this morning. Annabelle called to tell me about Marie.  The funeral will be Saturday but I'm not up to traveling that far.  Tom came for supper, laundry & my shower.  Mary & the kid came for Trick or Treat.  (Mitch didn't go for Trick etc.  He stayed home & passed out goodies to those who came.)  Anna was a Jack in the Box.  Very clever costume.
Fri., November 1, 2002 - This evening saw the movie "An Affair to Remember".  Good show.

Oh, yes.  An Affair to Remember.  So lovely, so tragic, so enjoyable to watch.

This last weekend, there was a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Bill and Jenny at the care facility where she lives.  Such a nice turnout and I am so glad the decision was made to mark the occasion.  Jenny wasn't able to enjoy it as we all wish she would have been, but maybe she felt the happiness and love in the room.  It would be great if I had a photo of the wedding to post, but I don't so a movie poster will have to do.

Poster credit:  https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3916540

Rummikub extravaganza

Sat., October 12, 2002 - Dolores brought bananas and milk.  They were on sale at Hy-Vee & I paid her for them.  We haven't played Rummikub this week - she has had a very sore leg - almost sounds like the sciatica I used to have.  Greta called in p.m.
Sun., October 13, 2002 - Nancy & I went to Mary's church -- All Saints Lutheran.  We had dinner at KFC's.  Went to Penney's & I bought a fall weight coat.  Then to apartment -- took a nap -- then showered & then 2 games of Rummikub.
Mon., October 14, 2002 - Bill came at 11:00.  We went to a restaurant & met Jenny & Patty.  We had lunch & then Patty & Jenny went shopping & Bill took me to the dental school at the university. Impressions were taken for both upper & lower dentures.  Bill & I played several games of Rummikub.  In evening I played cards & won 3 games.

Grandma and Dolores might not have played Rummikub lately but it looks like Grandma got her fill over the next couple of days.  And of course she paid for her bananas and milk.  We wouldn't imagine it any other way, would we?

In honor of Dorothy Jo's birthday earlier this week, here's a photo of her place I've always liked.  Simple, but as I recall she was showing the other ladies some of her flowers and I happened to catch this picture.

Getting closer

Sun., May 17, 1936 - Ray was so late getting here, that we had Edwin take us out to the schoolhouse for the picnic.  The North and South schools had their picnic together.  Around 80 people there.  Howard was here this evening.
Mon., May 18, 1936 - We went out to the place this p.m. which he's letting us use this week.  We tore off old wallpaper and patched up cracks in the plaster with cloth.
Tues., May 19, 1936 - We washed and baked today.  This evening Mom and I went out to the schoolhouse and cleaned it.

Time sure flies when you comment on three days at a time.  The big day will be here very soon!

And speaking of big days, Jayme and Ashley's baby arrived last night somewhat earlier than expected, choosing to be born on his Grandma Jenny's birthday.  Tanner William Iversen and his mother are doing well at last report.  Dad and Grandpa are probably okay, too.

2015 goings on

September 29, 1932 - My "Wayne County Teacher" came and says that Institute is next Monday and Tuesday.  I played ball this noon.  Talked to Mayme tonite.
September 30, 1932 - Mom came after me about 5 o'clock.  We went over to Behmer's a few minutes to see about having the school furnace fixed.  Annie and Ola and kids were in this evening for watermelon.  Claus, Pete and Clara were here a few minutes, too.
October 1, 1932 - Mom, Ray and I went to Norfolk this morning.  I got some school prizes.  I went with Ray to the barn dance at Carr's tonite.  Had such a good time that I want to go next Saturday.

I am guessing Institute is what we called teachers' convention (I think that is what we called it in my day anyway . . . my day is 35 years ago now).  I do remember we got out of school for a few days and that was what mattered.

This last weekend was the Nielsen-Iversen family reunion.  We didn't make it up for the Friday night weenie roast and fireworks, but went to the gathering on Saturday at the Legion Hall in Winside.  I feel safe in saying a good time was had by all.  Dorothy Jo wished to pass along her recording secretary duties and gave them to Mom, who wasted no time in passing them to me.  I suppose I should find out what all is involved so that I do not drop the ball somewhere along the way.  I did a very quick count of the sign-in sheet and counted 89 people for the Saturday lunch.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  The next reunion, in 2018, will be Grandpa's kin's turn to be in charge.  The last I knew the weenie roast would be at our place and the Saturday meal in Wahoo.

I made a concerted effort on Saturday to talk to people other than those I see most often and did pretty well.  I had a grand time sketching out the family tree for Sabrina.  I think I managed to clear the air rather than muddy up the waters, but the family tree is a slight bit confusing for the younger ones.  I am so happy that she wanted to know who was who and what was what.

The photos are from 4th of July picnics in the past.  Thank goodness.  Some of these hairstyles and fashion statements definitely need to stay in the past. (The blog program has a limit on the characters in the label box where I name who and what is in the post -- so I couldn't get everyone tagged.)

Almost too much excitement, then and now

August 1, 2002:  Talked to Myrtle this morning.  Tom here this evening for the usual tasks -- laundry, shower and Rummikub.
August 2, 2002:  Made rhubarb swirl for tomorrow.  Not a "blah" day.  Dolores came right after dinner and we played Rummikub.  Zoya came about 3:00 -- brought some Pepperidge Farm snacks. Delores left then.  Later Marilyn M. came -- she brought some "egg rolls" -- first time I had some -- really good.  Zoya and I played Rummikub before Marilyn came.  Was a very enjoyable day.
August 3, 2002:  Tom came for me at 11:00 a.m.  Merilyn had to work today.  We went to Nancy's for the July birthdays.  Bill's and Jayson's couldn't come -- had a wedding in Omaha.  Greta, Mary, Mitch, Anna, Dale and family, and Jeff M. all there for dinner. The men helped Dane move some furniture.  We gals and kids went over to Dale's new house -- really nice.  They will be spending tonight there for the first time.  Quite an occasion.  Mary, Mitch, Anna, Tom and I had lunch with Nancy before we went home.  A wonderful day!!!

Well, I got a bit confused with the above retelling of 2002 events.  I think the men probably helped Dale move some furniture since Dane would have been 14 years old and hadn't moved out of the house yet.  And I think the last bunch of us had supper before we went home; lunch was probably with the big bunch.  But, it sounded like a grand couple of days for Grandma, so maybe she was thinking faster than she was writing.  Or else, equally possible, I am just missing something obvious to everyone else.

The internet at home is up and running!  As it turns out, three volunteer trees, one by the east pasture gate and two in the goats' pen had grown enough to block the radio signal from Ceresco.  So, the very nice internet guy that came out (ex-Army, which explains it) helped John cut down the trees.  Then we had a 100% signal.  Yay!  I told John to leave the branches in the goats' pen where they were because 1) it was 98 degrees out, and 2) the goats love eating leaves and bark.  That turned out to be a bit of a mistake.  The goats had a great time to be sure, but one of them apparently does not have an "off" switch.  He was bloated-looking last night but acted okay.  This morning when I went for chores, he was down instead of standing like he always is.  I had read previously that sick goats can go downhill very rapidly and die without much warning.  So, I consulted some online friends and have been tending to poor Andy ever since.  We went for a couple of walks to get his innards moving and of course, had to take Barney along so he wouldn't cry.  I have massaged Andy's belly and generally have been checking on him every 30 minutes.  I think he may be out of the woods; for awhile there he was straining like he was throwing up, but instead of anything coming out, his cheeks would fill a bit and he would chew, like a cow chewing cud.  I am thinking that meant he was re-arranging things, so to speak.  I also heard some loud bowel sounds around that time.  Lesson learned with excess leaves.

Here's a photo of the sick boy and myself last night before he got sick.  [Oops, noticed after originally posting that this is Barney, not Andy.  And for the record, Andy seems to be doing much better.]

A permanent and some splurging

July 23, 2002:  Bill came for me at 1:00 p.m.  Got to Wahoo by 2:00 and Jenny gave me a permanent.  Had supper and then went to the Dollar Store.  I splurged there.  Bill brought me back to Lincoln.  Jayson's were there for supper.  That Sarah is a real busy body.
July 24, 2002:  Was tired today.  Didn't feel too good so didn't go to Book Club.
July 25, 2002:  Tom and Merilyn here for supper -- had fried chicken.  Tom did laundry and I showered.  Played just one game of Rummikub.  Tom had been up since 4:30 a.m.!!!  Myrtle called in a.m.  Verna M. called -- Bud in hospital having knee surgery repaired.  He's to go home Saturday or Sunday.

I can believe Sarah was a busy body -- she was days away from her second birthday at the time of Grandma's visit; I imagine she put on quite the show.  Now, 11 years later, she is a lovely young lady.  Being called a busy body at this stage would not be a good thing.

The internet at the house is still being splotchy and I cannot do anything with this site at work (I sense a conspiracy), so I have been hindered in my ability to post anything.  I wanted to let you know I had not forgotten.

It is a bit blurry, but here is a photo of Sarah being her super cute self.

Dental and ducky fun

June 2, 2002:  Nancy came in early afternoon.  We ate, then she cleaned the bathroom and ironed for me.  I showered and then we played Rummikub.  I talked to Greta in a.m.
June 3, 2002:  Today is Jenny's birthday.  I played cards in evening.
June 4, 2002:  Bill came a little after 9:00.  My appointment at the dental school was 10:00, so we had plenty of time to visit.  Chad is the student who will be practicing on me.  Seems like a real nice young man.  Deadened my jaw and cleaned my teeth.  My mouth was so numb I couldn't eat until 2:30!!!  Bill laughed at me when I tried to talk.  Dolores came in evening.  We played Scrabble and Rummikub.  Zoya here a few minutes - she brought some of larger pieces of mail for me.

I don't know about anyone else, but I can pretty much picture Grandma with her mouth not working right from being all numb and Bill laughing about it.  I can also picture Grandma laughing about it, too.  Well, as much as she could with a numb mouth.

On a personal note, I am pleased to report that I have finally found the key to getting the ducks to use the fancy-schmancy deck and pool we built for them . . . mealworms.  If you put some on the ramp (after adjusting the ramp a bit more for the ducks' stubby legs) and put some in the water (mealworms float!), and then go away, the ducks will go after the worms and slowly find their way up the ramp and in to the water.  The first duck gets all the worms, but the others hear the happy noises from above and figure it out as well.  I am one proud ducky momma right now.  A few more days of worm training and I will take away their kiddie pool, aka source of much mucky muddy messiness.

The photo is of Grandma in a totally different situation in which she was laughing and being laughed at, even though she wasn't when the photo was taken.

Back home

May 27, 2002:  Greta and Nancy went on the bus with the Boy Scouts and Legionnaires to put poppy wreaths on soldiers' graves.  They went to seven cemeteries.  At noon, dinner in the Legion Hall.  In p.m. out to cemetery to pick up the flowers and planters.  Back to Lincoln at 8:30.
May 28, 2002:  Mary took me for my hair-do.  Very tired and did nothing but lie around the rest of the day.
May 29, 2002:  Still tired -- didn't go to Book Club meeting.

Well, after not posting for a little over a week, one would think I would have something profound to add here.  Unfortunately, I do not.  I do know that I am not 90 years old yet, but I can have two tired days in a row in the circumstances are right.

The photo has nothing to do with anything really, but I couldn't hold back using it.  Love the clothes and also my shoes, the hair, the cars -- all of it.

Well, that explains it

May 12, 2002:  Tom took me to Nancy's for Mother's Day gathering.  Merilyn came alone as she had to help Linda.  Bill and Jenny and Jayson's family came in p.m.  Rest of family there for pot luck dinner.  Lynn couldn't be there -- some sort of track meet.  We had a most enjoyable day.
May 13, 2002:  Nancy took me to the doctor in p.m.  Still doesn't know why my right [foot?] is swollen and causes pain at times.  Played tapes that Lester made for me -- some beautiful songs.  Played Seven-Up in evening.
May 14, 2002:  Had my shampoo and set.  Started copying material from old journal into new one Greta gave me for Mother's Day.  Called Lester to thank him for the tapes -- 4 of them.

I had noticed that this most recent journal, unlike others before it, were written in the same ink and in very consistent handwriting.  I would bet that this journal is the new one Grandma is talking about and the one she had been copying in to.  I peeked ahead and found other colors of ink and other variances.  Mystery, small as it was, solved.

Grandma left out a word and I thought it was her foot that she was having problems with.  Maybe we will see as we go along if I am right or wrong about that.

The photo isn't from 2002 since it was taken at Bill and Jenny's, not Nancy's, but I am thinking it may be a Mother's Day photo but the mix of short and long sleeves may mean it was Easter.  I like it nonetheless.

Dental fun

"April 15, 2002:  Played lazy today.  Went to party room to play Seven Up.  Dolores came afterward to play Scrabble.
April 16, 2002:  Cancelled my hair appointment since I'm going to Wahoo.
April 17, 2002:  Bill came at 7:00 and we went to the Dental Clinic at the University.  My appointment was at 8:00 and Bill's at 10:00.  Had my mouth open a lot -- took x-rays.  Tentative plans are to have five teeth pulled and have a partial lower plate.  They advised that I get a new upper plate -- will be able to get a better fit with the new lower plate.  Drove to Wahoo and ate at The Wigwam -- good food.  Then to the house -- Jenny gave me a permanent.  Had supper there -- Jayson and family were there, too.  Bill brought be back to Lincoln.  The clinic will contact Bill for my appointments and he will take me there."

Grandma had quite the busy day there.  You would think the entry about playing lazy would have been after that, but I peeked ahead and she had a normal day on the 18th.  Good for her.

I am pretty sure The Wigwam is gone and I do not believe I ever made it there.

I took a small break from Winside's history, but I found a entry that Mom will like.

One of the most able and most successful young business men of the town is E. T. Warnemunde, cashier of the Winside State Bank.  An honor student in Winside High School from which he graduated in 1923, his ability was recognized even in those early days and he was given a position as bookkeeper in the Merchants State Bank.  In those days a job in a bank offered much better opportunities for advancement and Mr. Warnemunde naturally was proud of the assignment and looked forward to bigger things, but the depression came along and like many other good banks, the Merchants State Bank, was forced to close its doors in December, 1931, and that was the end of the dream of another aspiring young man.  At least for the time being.

But Mr. Warnemunde was not idle long and for the next year and a half he found himself working for W. R. Scribner, bank receiver, who had two local banks to look after.  In 1933 and '34 he engaged in the insurance business and then helped organize a co-operative credit bank, receiving the appointment of secretary-treasurer of the new institution.  He was in charge of this bank until January 4, 1936, when it was dissolved and the Winside State Bank organized in its place.  Mr. Warnemunde probably was more responsible than any other one person for the organizing of this bank and he was rewarded for his efforts by being made cashier and placed in charge of the new institution.  Under his able direction, the bank has made fine progress and has grown substantially.

Mr. Warnemunde was born on a farm new Winside on June 16, 1904.  Since that time Winside is the only town he has ever lived in and he is truly devoted to its best interest.  He is a member of the school board, has served as village clerk for 10 years and as secretary-treasurer of the Wayne County Old Settlers Association for several years.

He was married to Irene Render on January 7, 1926.  There are two children:  Bradley 9 and David 3.

The photo isn't of the farm where E. T. was born but it is a farm near Winside nonetheless.  And lots of us have fond memories of that particular place.  By golly, I don't remember a swing set though. 

Brief, but blogged

"March 31, 2002:  Easter Sunday.  Nancy and I to Wahoo.  Went to church with Bill's.  All the family except Jayson's were at Bill and Jenny's for dinner.  Nancy took me grocery shopping when we got back to Lincoln.
April 1, 2002:  Tired today.  Played SevenUp in the evening.
April 2, 2002:  Cold and windy.  Mary took me for my hair-do.  Delores came in evening and we played Rummikub."

I want very much to come up with something to say here, but I am drawing a very big blank.  But, I have blogged today, which makes two whole days in a row, so I will have to be satisfied with that.

The photo isn't of Easter, I don't think, but pretty flowers nonetheless that are Easter-ish.

All is well

"January 11, 2002:  Called Marie Parker.  The 9th was her 97th birthday.
January 12, 2002:  Mitch and Anna here in evening -- watched cartoons on TV.
January 13, 2002:  Called Greta in a.m.  Nancy came for dinner.  I took a shower.
January 14, 2002:  Bill here in p.m.  We played Rummikub.  Jenny and Patty went shopping after Patty went to the dentist."

I should have started a label for Rummikub.  It sure gets mentioned frequently on here.

As some will already know and recall, there was (probably still is) a perk at The Pioneer House for those wishing to participate.  Folks were given a little cardboard tag on a string.  The idea was that they would put it outside their door hanging on the doorknob once they were up in the morning every day.  Someone volunteered to go around and check for tags at some point in the day.  This was a way to be sure the occupant was okay and did not need help or medical attention.  I believe the occupant was to move the tag back in at some point and that was likely checked too, otherwise the tag would be there morning after morning and not accomplish its purpose. 

When we were clearing out Grandma's unit after she died, I took the tag without really having a concrete reason for doing so.  Well, now it has become my "everything is okay" talisman.  Not that things are awful and I need the assurance; it's just a nice thought that includes Grandma with it.

I noticed some time ago that the tag was missing.  I knew it wasn't stolen and that a tornado hadn't blown through, so it would turn up in time.  And yesterday it did.  It fell down behind my desktop at work and was on the floor behind a box.  But, now it is back where it belongs as my little all-is-well reminder.  Photographic evidence above.

Always a teacher

"December 9, 2001:  Greta called in the morning.  I watched 'Anne of Green Gables' a sequel, all afternoon.
December 10, 2001:  Tom stopped in evening to get his keys.
December 11, 2001:  Bill came for me about 11:00.  Went to Wahoo -- had dinner.  Jenny washed my hair.  Went to Alicia's school at 3:00 and told the pupils about one-room schools.  In the evening went to school program that Alicia was in.  Bill and Jayson brought me back to Lincoln.  Had a wonderful time."

Of course Grandma had a wonderful time -- family, kids and getting a chance to teach.  I don't remember Grandma ever going on and on about how much she did or didn't like to teach, but I always thought she was good at it and she sure was fond of her students.  Alicia would have been in kindergarten or first grade and that's a fun age where kids are engaged and wanting to listen, so I am thinking the talk about one-room schoolhouses was great fun.

Since we have Bill and Jenny and Jayson in this particular post, I thought it only fair to get Jayme in there, too, so here he is in a photo.  Sure wish he would have cheered up a bit for the occasion.

Dale - 1, Nail - 0

"November 24, 2001:  Baked three pies.  Mitch and Anna here in evening.  We watched TV, played cards and then Rummikub.
November 25, 2001:  Nancy came for me.  We met Dale's family and Mary's family at a restaurant called "Grandmother's".  Had a buffet style dinner -- really good.  Then to Nancy's house for the p.m.  Bill came -- Jenny wasn't feeling well.  We played cards and visited.
November 26, 2001:  Tired after the busy day yesterday."

The meal at Grandmother's is when I first heard the story of Dale shooting himself with the nail gun while working on the house.  Quite the story from quite the storyteller.  Needless to say, we were all thankful on that Thanksgiving Day to know that he was okay.  It could definitely have been much worse.  It isn't because of any bad karma feeling, but I do not believe I have been back to Grandmother's since that day.

Here's a photo of Dale before he handled very many power tools.