Happy birthday to Aunt Helen

Thurs., February 20, 2003 - Myrtle called in a.m.  Had to cut our visit short as I had a visitor, Marilyn Mark brought me a delicious pastry -- don't know what it is called.  Tom came for supper and the usual chores.

Fri., February 21, 2003 - Helen's birthday.  Saw the movie "Road to Hong Kong" with Bing Crosby & Bob Hope -- silly but funny.  Only 5 of us there for the show.

Sat., February 22, 2003 - Tom came for me & took me to church.  Merilyn was at a shower and came by herself.  Went to Tom's after church.  Merilyn brought spaghetti for our supper & then we played a new type of dominoes -- was lots of fun.

I'm guessing that was an evening church service for Merilyn to have had time to go to a shower beforehand.  

According to the following plot summary from Wikipedia, it does sound like a fun but silly movie.  Especially the end.

The story is told in flashback as Diane (Joan Collins) explains to American Intelligence how transmissions from passengers picked up from a missile to the moon are by Americans rather than Russians.

"Harry Turner (Bing Crosby) and Chester Babcock (Bob Hope) are defrauding people in Calcutta by selling a "Do-it-yourself interplanetary flight kit" that ends up injuring Chester, giving him amnesia. An Indian doctor (Peter Sellers) says the only way for Chester's amnesia to be cured is through help from monks in a lamasery in Tibet.

At the airport, Chester mistakenly picks up a suitcase with a marking designed to be a point of contact between agents of a SPECTRE-type spy organization called "The Third Echelon." Diane (Collins), a Third Echelon secret agent, is supposed to give plans of a Russian rocket fuel stolen by the Third Echelon to the man with the suitcase, who will be taking them to headquarters in British Hong Kong. She mistakenly thinks Chester is the contact.

In Tibet, the two make their way to the lamasery in Lost Horizon fashion. Not only do the lamas cure Chester, but they have a Tibetan tea leaf that gives super memory powers to those who consume it. Chester and Harry observe as great works of Western literature in the manner of Fahrenheit 451 are committed to memory, one giggling lama (David Niven) memorizes Lady Chatterley's Lover. The scheming Harry decides to steal a bottle to give Chester the power of photographic memory for lucrative nefarious purposes.

Returning to Calcutta, followed by Diane, Harry has Chester test the results of the memory herb by memorizing the rocket formula that Diane placed in Chester's coat. Not knowing what it is, Harry destroys it after Chester has successfully memorized it. Diane arrives too late, but after seeing Chester recite the formula, she offers them $25,000 to meet her in Hong Kong. On the way to Hong Kong, an agent of the High Lama replaces the stolen Tibetan herbs with a similar bottle containing ordinary tea leaves.

The Third Echelon is seeking the fuel for its own spacecraft with an underwater launching pad in Hong Kong. The goal is to be the first on the moon, where a base is to be established to launch nuclear weapons against Earth and to bring survivors under the agency's control.

With a Russian launch to the moon carrying two apes imminent, the Third Echelon, which was going to emulate the Soviet achievement, decides to gain respect at the United Nations by launching two human astronauts, Chester and Harry, instead of apes. The two are used as guinea pigs (and fed with bananas) to test the capabilities of the spacecraft and the effects of spaceflight upon humans. The mission is successful, with moonlight bringing back Chester's photographic memory.

Diane decides to leave the Third Echelon when she discovers that once her colleagues have extracted the final formula from Chester, they plan to dissect Chester and Harry to see the effects of space travel on their bodies. Diane helps the boys escape. They are pursued through Hong Kong, eventually leading Diane to the authorities. Chester and Harry happen to meet Dorothy Lamour at a nightclub where they are recaptured by the Third Echelon.

Chester, Harry and Diane all end up in a rocket bound for another planet. They think they're alone after landing, but they're not—Chester calls out, "The Italians!" as they are joined by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Birthday party time

Sun., February 2, 2003 - Tom took me to Dale's for dinner.  All there except Merilyn & Jayson's family.  Jeff & girlfriend Sarah were there for dinner & Doug, Dana & Madison came in afternoon.  A nice warm day.

Mon., February 3, 2003 - Snowed today.  I went to Card Club in evening.  Delores made a cake & Grace furnished ice cream -- a surprise to me.  Then Nancy & Mitch came which was a real surprise.  Delores had asked them to come.  Anna was sick so she & Mary weren't there.  Jean called today & so did Raymond Iversen but we didn't talk much -- he could hardly hear me.  The trouble must have been in his phone because Jean didn't complain.

Tues., February 4, 2003 - I cancelled the hair-do appointment.  Nancy said the sidewalks were icy.  Delores here in evening for some Rummikub.

Darn, but I don't remember not going for cake and ice cream because Anna was sick.  Nice to know that Nancy and Mitch were able to pull off the surprise, though.

I've been re-starting my genealogy research of the family and came across a humorous little thing from the Winside paper.  Thankfully, well hopefully, it had nothing to do with anyone in our find, upstanding family but I need to share it anyway.  Here goes:

Winside Tribune, April 22, 1920:

Luthern [sic] Church Emblem Smeared with mud.

Disregarding the motives of the parties guilty of smearing mud on the emblem just above the entrance of the St. Paul's Lutheran church Wednesday night, the act surpasses any barbaric deed that was ever perpetuated in this locality.  Anyone that would condescend to such an outrageous and blasphemous act isn't as good as the mud he used to express the degenerate machinations of his furtile [sic] brain.

We haven't any idea who the guilty parties are but if we haven't made this article emphatic enough parties in question can call at the office and get what we didn't have space for in this weeks [sic] issue.

Well, amen to that.  

Seems I should have Nancy in charge of photos for my posts since she is the most organized photo queen in the family.  But, a nice photo of the church isn't a bad thing, right?

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.

Fingers crossed

Sun., December 22, 2002 - I baked banana bread & apricot bread.  Nancy came in a.m.  She did some laundry & vacuumed, etc. while I showered.  Mary went to Writers Club meeting at Zoya's.  Mitch & Anna stayed here.  We played UNO, Go Fish, and Crazy Eight.
Mon., December 23, 2002 - Went to Zoya's apartment in a.m.  Gave her a loaf of apricot bread & some peppernuts.  Had a nice visit.  In p.m. I went to Grace's apartment with a loaf of apricot bread & some peppernuts.  She was sorry to tell me that her children didn't want her to drive me places -- they are concerned about her health.  She seems to have more problems than are apparent.  Went to Card Club in evening & took the sleigh bells along.  After club I stopped at Dolores's place & we played Rummikub.  Home Nurse came at noon and I'm discharged from that service.
Tues., December 24, 2002 - Made some candies with almond bark, marshmallows, and peanuts.  Also made apple crisp to take to Nancy's this evening.  Tom & Merilyn stopped after their 5:00 church service & took me to Nancy's.  Had supper there.  Mary, Mitch & Anna came too.  We exchanged gifts.  I stayed all night at Nancy's.

I clearly remember Grandma's banana bread and apricot bread.  Also, many many treats that she made for Christmas.  I must say we do not have the volume of sweets these Christmases as we did when Grandma was around to make them, but that's probably okay.  We do fine with the sweets that are there.

It's a long shot to be sure, but there is a competition to have special items included in an exhibition at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.  People are to submit a short essay about a particular object and why it brings them happiness.  Some of the items will be selected for the exhibition and those contributors will receive tickets to see the whole collection.  One person will receive two airline tickets to Copenhagen.  And it's all by email to start, so I've risked not even an overseas postage stamp by entering.  I wrote about the little tag I took from Grandma's place at the Pioneer House.  The one that she put outside the door to let the person checking tags know that she was okay.  It makes me happy to look at the tag because I am reminded of how adventuresome Grandma was to leave Winside behind and move to Lincoln and start making new friends at her age.  The tag reminds me that things will be okay.

I do not have high hopes of my submission making the cut nor especially of winning airline tickets, but it doesn't hurt to try, right?

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.

A little trip out of town

Fri., September 27, 2002 - Merilyn brought Raymond I. here at noon.  We spent the afternoon playing Kings Wild.  Tom came after work for Raymond.
Sat., September 28, 2002 - This morning Mary, Mitch, Anna, Per (Mar's friend from Denmark), Nancy & I drove out to the Danish Cemetery 7 miles north of Lincoln.  A small but well kept cemetery -- was started in 1890.  I didn't wander around much --- was cold, windy & sprinkled a little.  Nancy & I had dinner (at noon) at Popeye's.  She brought me to the apt. & then went home.  I slept most of the afternoon.
Sun., September 29, 2002 - Nancy came in p.m.  She fixed grilled cheese sandwiches.  I showered & then Nancy went home.

I remember the trip to the Danish Cemetery.  As I recall we really had no reason to go, other than we all had driven by it numerous times whenever we were on Hwy. 77 and were curious.  And I can confirm that it was cloudy and drizzly.

A quick look online shows the cemetery has about 250 burials, the most recent in 2018.  The earliest year of birth I found for someone buried there is 1829.  And as one might guess, there are several people buried there that were born in Denmark.

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.

Deviled eggs

July 20, 2002:  102 degrees today.  Called Greta this afternoon.  It's hot and dry, too, in Winside.  Mary came for the eggs -- the kids stopped in Winside for dinner and had eaten all the eggs already!!!
July 21, 2002:  I called Ray this morning to tell him Bill would like those wrenches of Howard's.  Tom came at noon for me to shower.  He and Merilyn were moving Linda to a new home.
July 22, 2002:  Tried to call Nancy P.  First the line was busy and then I heard the answering machine.  Went to a membership meeting tonight.  Delores came afterward and we played Rummikub.

I just realized I had Delores (under one of Grandma's other spellings) as a label and that I have been forgetting to add her on the several posts where she has been mentioned.  Ah well, I can start now.

I somewhat remember all the eggs getting eaten before we hit Winside.  And in our collective defense, they probably shouldn't be out at room temperature very long or they might go bad.  And well, Grandma's deviled eggs were always really good.

I have know knowledge whatsoever of the wrenches, but I hope Bill got them eventually.

Here is another photo from that vacation.  This one was taken after a hike where Anna was the leader.  It was a bit hot that day and my fellow hikers were a bit weary.

Never too old to ask Mom

"June 14, 2002:  As usual I played lazy today.  Did fold the laundry and put it away.  Talked to Nancy in evening.
June 15, 2002:  My neighbor, Bernice, called to borrow two round cake pans.  She was baking a special cake for her husband.  Greta called in p.m.  Arlene R. had brought five chickens and Greta wanted to know how to package them.  I told her about our plans for tomorrow so there won't be a Sunday morning call.
June 16, 2002:  Nancy came a little early -- we left here about 7:45.  Went to Dale and Lynn's church.  Dane was an acolyte.  Lynn was at some convention in San Antonio.  After church we went to IHOP --  a special pancake house.  Dale treated us to our meal.  Then Nancy and I did my grocery shopping -- took it to the apartment and took a nap.  Went to Tom and Merilyn's about 2:00.  The kitten is really special.  He walks around the place as if he owns it.  Jeff M. came while we were there.  I was back here about 5:00.  Nancy went right home to rest.

As an over 50-type person, I am glad to see that in 2002 my mom was still asking her mom things she didn't know.  It is supposed to work that way, of course, but I am still glad to read this.

And did Tom and Merilyn ever have a cat that didn't think it owned the place?  They have/had a knack for some real characters, even for cats.  I was telling someone about that rough-and-tumble Keena (sorry, if I am spelling that wrong) just the other day.

Here's Mom learning something about gardening from Grandma, no doubt -- something I am learning now.  Looks like a healthy bunch of something they are picking there.

Sad day in the past, silly day in the present

June 5, 2002:  Hair appointment today.  Tom came for me.  Then to Merilyn's office to finish getting the card for cheaper cab rides.  Tom took me to HyVee -- I picked out groceries.  He went to Sam's Club to get me a new long distance telephone card.  Went to Book Club tonight.  Tom didn't stay -- he and Merilyn were planning an evening out for their 31st wedding anniversary.
June 6, 2002:  Had Nancy, Tom and Merilyn here for supper.  We played Rummikub -- Jeff came while we were playing.  I showered while Tom and Nancy did dishes.
June 7, 2002:  Long, lonely, dreary day.  Nancy called in late afternoon -- helped a little."

Poor Grandma.  She sure missed Grandpa a lot, even with the change in locale and routine and new friends and all that.  Hardly surprising, given how long they had been married.  June 7, 2002 was 64 years since their wedding.

On a cheerier -- albeit totally off-topic -- note, I had some fun with the sheep yesterday.

Right before I left to go to Lincoln for Mom's birthday ladies' breakfast (Mom, Nancy, Anna, Bev and myself), I was greeted by one of Frank's ewes that had escaped her confines.  Since I now have a bucket ready near the back door (I am always hauling water to one group of critters or another), I took it and rattled it like Frank told me to do, and sure enough the ewe followed me over to the pen.  Two of the ones already in there heard me and thought they needed to come out, but I managed to get everyewe where they needed to be and off I went.  I did not alert Frank since it is not uncommon for one ewe to get excited and jump the fence, so no big deal.

I came home to find 20 or so ewes out of the pen and just having a grand time all over the yard.  The last I knew we had 6 or 7 ewes with us, but obviously something was up.  My bucket was useless other than as a humorous and very momentary distraction for the ewes.  They went in the coop and tried to eat sweet feed and bird feed, but because they were closing the feed bags by standing on them, that didn't work.  They did manage to scare the life out of my one gimpy guinea and also knock over the brooder box; which is no small feat -- that thing is heavy.  They also momentarily raided the barn and left sheepberries and a couple of small piles all over the grass.  Well, I had to call in the troops (Frank) and he came over with a bucket of corn.  Our phone conversation was a bit funny; here it is paraphrased:

Me:  Frank, it's Mary.  I came home just now and there are sheep everywhere.
Frank:  I know, I opened the pasture gate. [more about the pasture gate in the next paragraph]
Me:  No, everywhere all over the yard.
Frank:  The yard?!?!?!?

Now the pasture is divided with a gate into two parts.  The 6 or 7 ewes were closed in on the one half and I would periodically put the goats out in the other half.  Well . . . Frank brought over the additional ewes while I was gone.  He eyeballed the gate to the goat half of the pasture from a distance away and thought it was closed.  I didn't know he was coming, so I didn't make a point to close it myself even though I normally do.  Because Frank had opened up the gate between the two halves (necessary since the number of ewes had gone up considerably) the ewes did a perimeter check and found the gate open and off they went.

Lesson for Frank:  Never trust the uninitiated.
Lesson for me:  Close the gate no matter what -- it can't hurt.

Now I get to collect extra fertilizer for the rhubarb from around the lawn.  Bonus!

I do not know if the photo for today was from their actual wedding day, or if there was a gathering with cake at a later date.  But a nice photo of a day Grandma surely remembered.

Of course

May 30, 2002:  Tried twice to get Myrtle. Then Lois called that she had taken Myrtle to the hospital in Wayne.  Myrtle's good leg was swollen and both were painful.  Tom here tonight -- had supper.  He took care of laundry and I showered and of course, we played Rummikub.  Merilyn called and said she had bought a new cat!!!
May 31, 2002:  94 degrees today.  I hope all summer won't be that bad.  Last winter was so mild I only wore my extra warm winter coat once.  Nancy came at supper time.  We stopped at Popeye's for chicken dinners -- went to her house to eat.  Then we sat on the deck and enjoyed the lovely evening.
June 1, 2002:  Hot again today.  Mitch and Anna here in evening.  We played Rummikub -- then watched cartoons on TV.  They went to sleep fairly early.

Nice that Grandma recognized the massive amounts of Rummikub playing that went on back then.

And that must have been some kind of record; Tom and Merilyn were without a cat for a whole nine days!!!  (My turn for exclamation points.)  I am just funnin', of course.

And here's Tom with Nancy's favorite cat, Satch.

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.

RIP Sneakers

May 21, 2002:  Tom called this morning.  They are flying to Las Vegas today -- then renting a car and going to Laughlin.  Sneakers hasn't been well -- Tom took him to the vet and Sneakers was put to sleep.  Mary took me for my weekly hair appointment.  Received a notice from the doctor's office about the blood test.  Seems my blood sugar count is a little high -- I'm supposed to watch my diet!!!!
May 22, 2002:  Started living here a year ago???  Called Dorothy Jo and Ray today -- their birthdays are tomorrow.  Maryan C. brought me a 6-inch blue and white tile with pictures of Dutch windmill, canals and boats. It was made in Holland.  She thought it would look nice with my blue plates.  Went to Book Club tonight.  I found a glass of homemade jelly by my door when I came back.  Talked to Nancy -- rained this evening -- some thunder and lightning.
May 23, 2002:  Myrtle called this morning -- no rain there last night.  I called around and I guess Helen D. may have made the jelly.  I left a message on her answering machine.  Nancy brought "Submarines" for our supper.  She attended to some laundry for me -- we played Rummikub.

Poor Sneakers.  He was a really cool cat.

I hate to disagree with Grandma but she moved to Lincoln in October, not May.  And if she meant half a year, she was still off a little bit.  Maybe that's why she added so many questions marks -- because it was a question, and not a true statement.  A quiz, actually.  Hmmmm.  Did she foresee a blog in the future?!

I don't recall blood sugars being an ongoing problem for Grandma so either they weren't that bad, or she quietly watched her diet, or she said the heck with it and ate what she wanted.

The word submarines in quotes.  Too funny.

Here's a photo showing some of the people Grandma mentioned.

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.

River Dance and other stuff

"April 21, 2002:  Tom, Merilyn, Nancy and I went to a restaurant for brunch.  Then to Lied Center to see the River Dance -- a really wonderful program.  Afterward we stopped at Runza and took our lunch back here to eat.  Had a wonderful day.
April 22, 2002:  Called Raymond for his birthday which was last Saturday.  Played SevenUp in the party room tonight.
April 23, 2002:  Mary took me for my shampoo.  Had a new girl -- liked her just fine.  Played Scrabble here tonight with Dolores."

It is funny, but sometimes when I am reading Grandma's words I can distinctly hear her saying some of the phrases.  Other times, not so much.  But with this one, I can definitely hear "liked her just fine." 

I bet they did have a good time watching River Dance.  Me, I get exhausted after watching about two minutes' worth.

I see I have had a lapse in blogging longer than any other lapse so far.  Tsk tsk and shame on me.  I will endeavor to do better.

This very short excerpt from the Winside history book is rather fascinating, I think.  Here are the population numbers from 1890 through 1940:

1890 = 130
1900 = 400
1910 = 450
1920 = 488
1930 = 483
1940 = 451

and from a quick internet search, 2010 = 427.

The green "Winside, pop." sign I remember most growing up said 420.  So, it has had some variances, but has been in the 400's apparently for over 110 years.  My question is, so why do we (I still say "we") not have a  dentist and a hotel like we did in 1940 if the population is relatively the same -- 1940 being the most recent year for which I have history information?  I suppose with automobiles being faster and more efficient, a hotel probably wouldn't make it.  But people still have teeth that need fixing.  The other businesses from 1940 that are no longer in Winside and which are self-explanatory include:  blacksmith, cream station, and harness shop.  The times, they are always a-changin'.

The photo is of two Winside businessmen, William and James Andersen who owned the garage for a time.

Some crazy running around

"March 16, 2002:  A 9:30 breakfast in the Party Room for St. Patrick's Day.  Mitch and Anna here in evening.
March 17, 2002:  Nancy brought pizza for our dinner.  We played several games of Rummikub.  I took a shower while Nancy vacuumed.  Talked to Greta in a.m.
March 18, 2002:  Merilyn left yesterday to go to Tacoma.  Maria is scheduled for back surgery this week.  Played Seven Up this evening."

Pretty normal stuff from Grandma.  So, it's Winside history again.  This article does not have a source, so I can't say who wrote this piece.  Not that we would know them, but it might shed some light on any biased reporting.

1927 Foot Race

December 25, Irvin Leary, better known to his friends as "Farmer" and Louis "Butch" Ehlers seemed to have difficulty in deciding upon the price to be paid for two calves that Farmer wanted to buy.  They were still about $10 apart when the thought of running it off was suggested by Butch.  At first they thought 100 yards was long enough but it was finally changed to about a mile and a half.
Butch only weighed about 225 pounds while Farmer was built along the lines of Nurmi or perhaps Hahn or Ritola, but Butch's confidence was supreme and the race was going to be run.

They started from the crossing near the Winside cattle yards and after starting out at a brisk dog trot, tired and fell into a walk until they reached the Frank Dangberg farm.  From this point both decided to make one supreme effort for victory, the finish of the race being on the summit of the steep hill south of the Dangberg place.  Both dashed forward about the same time, Farmer gradually leaving Butch in the rear.  It appeared that both might collapse before they reached the top, so groggy from exhaustion were the two principals, but Farmer was not to be denied and kept pressing forward until he crossed the line, but he could not have gone much farther as he had nothing left.  Butch was game but about half way up the hill, he fell from sheer exhaustion and lost the race.  Farmer won but insisted afterwards that no more disagreements will be settled by the "Marathon Route" as far as he was concerned.

Okay, so I had to look up Nurmi and Ritola and Hahn.  I didn't find a Hahn that had the proper birth year to be considered, but Nurmi and Ritola can both be assigned to Finnish runners who were alive and running in 1927.  Both were slender guys.  So, I am thinking that Farmer was a big guy and Butch was most definitely not, which does add quite a bit to the story if you visualize the race that way.  They sure knew how to have a good time in Winside back in the day.  I wonder how many spectators there were.

The photo is of Ville Ritola.

Noodles!

"February 19, 2002:  Mary took me for my weekly shampoo and set.
February 20, 2002:  Helen's birthday is tomorrow but I called her today.  Mary came at noon for lunch.  I took my shower.  Went to Book Club this evening.  Brought back book "Rivers of the Heart" by George deBord.
February 21, 2002:  Worked on sorting cards, clippings, etc.  Made noodles for chicken soup.  Tom came in late afternoon.  We played Rummikub.  He took my laundry home with him.  He didn't come last night because he and Merilyn went to a special ball game.  Myrtle called after supper.  I forgot it was my turn to call -- I was so concerned about getting the noodles made!!!  I'll call her two Thursdays in a row now."

I love how I find out things Grandma did (or didn't do in this case) that remind me of me.  I can certainly see myself forgetting to do something because I was wrapped up in doing something else.  In fact, I most likely do that several times a week.

Speaking of Aunt Myrtle, here's a replay of our wonderful photo together from back in my less inhibited days.

Quilting lesson, part 4

"January 31, 2002:  Received 18 birthday cards.  Snowed lightly all day.  I baked six loaves of banana bread.  Have received 66 cards.
February 1, 2002:  Clear this morning.  19 cards today.
February 2, 2002:  18 cards today.  Took banana bread to Evena S., Zoya, and my neighbors Bernice and Dale A.  Helen called for my birthday -- so did Raymond and Arlene P., also Jean and Marjorie.  Nancy came the middle of the afternoon.  Brought groceries and then washed floors, vacuumed, etc.  I took my shower."

The total cards would be over 100 at this point and spoiler alert -- she got more after February 2.

How nice to make gifts and deliver them around the time of your own birthday. 

On to more quilt information.

Quilts have had a place in history.  I found these stories in quilt magazines. 

One quilt in history concerns an Irish family by the name of O'Hara.  The father, Thomas, came to America first.  After two years and three months he was able to send for his wife and two daughters, Jenny and Patty.  The grandmother had given each of the little girls a fine handmade quilt to wrap up in on their sea voyage.  When they arrived at Ellis Island, Jenny had a bad cold and was kept there until she as over it.  After two weeks she rejoined her family but with new clothes and no quilt.  The law was to destroy the clothing of anyone held because of sickness.  The family was very upset over the loss of the quilt as the grandmother was very frail and died before she could make another quilt for her granddaughter.  Girls became involved in school and new friends and soon forgot the disappointment.  Several months later a woman came to the door -- had written description of pattern and materials -- searched stores for similar material, etc.  Quilt not too different from the original -- made Jenny realize the kindness in the new country.

Another quilt story involves an 8 year old girl who had difficulty with multiplication tables (no calculator then!) [teacher to home, etc.]

This quilt story is told by Mary Louise Kitsen whose ancestors were from Arnsdorf in Austria.  People used quilts more as robes than covers.  As a child Mary's grandmother had a favorite "church" robe which had bright red material that was "soft" to the touch.  (churches not heated).  She used this robe on the Christmas Eve in 1881 when the Pastor, Josef Mohr first sang "Silent Night" to the accompaniment of a guitar-like instrument.  The church organ had been damaged by mice gnawing at the organ bellows.  The lady likes to imagine the little congregation, sitting in the cold church, with snow falling outside, many wearing "quilted robes" listening to the new song and then singing with the pastor.

Oh, phooey.  Apparently Grandma didn't need more notes for the multiplication story and so all we have are these bare notes.  I am curious as to what that story is.  Maybe I can find it.

Here is a photo of the Baby Blocks quilt that was given to Tom and Merilyn.  I like Nancy's quilt-modeling pose.