Picnic, or no picnic?

September 11, 1932 - Ray came in this morning.  He's going to fix his car, so it's "good-bye picnic."  Mom and I went out to Ola's with him.  I washed my hair this afternoon and Lilly finger-waved it for me.  I fixed hers for her, too.  Ray brought me back to Walker's this evening.
September 12, 1932 - The League had a treasure hunt tonite.  We started at the church and went east and south of Hoskins, through stubble fields full of sand burrs and everything  We went about 5 miles before we found the treasure which consisted of suckers.  Played games at the church when we got back.
September 13, 1932 - Played ball this noon.  I went home with Ronald tonite.  We were over to Green's a few minutes this evening.  Willard Maas' birthday.

Well, it seems Uncle Ray is tinkering with his sister's destiny here.  But, as we know, all was right in the end.  Sorry for the teaser, but I wrote the truth when I said there was an Iversen sighting.

Speaking of Uncle Ray, Mom and I went to the Memorial Day program at Winside yesterday.  I had not been since high school, I'm pretty sure.  Honestly, I had forgotten about it until the speaker, who was several years behind me in school, mentioned that the school band performed at the program each year.  School was out, but we had one more band obligation to fulfill.  Not that it was a onerous obligation, just bad timing if you were really anxious for summer like most kids were.

We heard Uncle Ray's name called during the reading of the roster of deceased veterans.  As Mom commented later, the crowd was very quiet during the seven to eight minute reading.  One would expect that to be so, but often there are some folks that just have to whisper about something or other.  We didn't hear any of that kind of thing.

I know I am going to forget someone, but the other names were heard read from the family were Uncle Chris Jensen, Ramon Nielsen, Uncle Raymond Iversen, and a newly-realized cousin, Peter Petersen from William Andersen's (Grandpa Bill's) branch on the family tree.  I thought I saw a Legion marker by Uncle Chris Andersen, but Mom doesn't remember him being in the service, so it's more likely that I'm not remembering correctly.

In skipping ahead a bit in the Winside history, I note that in October of 1932, W. C. Lowry, the last of the Civil War veterans in Winside, died at the age of 89.  I am sure we heard his name called as well.

The photo is of the flag on Grandpa and Grandma's house, before he was gifted the flagpole.  Looks like it was before there was a birdbath there, but I do see the boot scraper.  Wish I'd grabbed on to that when we were getting the house emptied and ready to sell; could sure use it now.

All the bases covered

June 9, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well, here I am, late again.  Hope you had a happy anniversary.

We've been having winter weather.  It really rained yesterday.  But it was really needed.  Snowed up in the mountains.

Took Dale to the doctor yesterday for his physical.  They strongly recommend that all kids have a physical before starting school.  I'm very glad to say he is healthy in every way.  Mary was amazed by the whole process.  Dale had to strip to his shorts and she wanted to take her clothes off, too.  After
the nurse took his temperature she said, "My turn, my turn."  The doctor was real nice.  Talked to Dale all the while and put him at ease.  The kids both got the Sabin oral vaccine.

We had a nice letter from Aunt Ethel.  She said they had gone to the Alumni Banquet and saved Gabe from getting the flowers again.  Have they quit sending out cards about the banquet? I sure would like to get back to one of them some day.

Ever since we got back from Aunt Irene's I've been going in circles.  Seems like I'm busy all day, but I still don't get anything done.  I should be doing some real good cleaning of closets, shelves, drawers, etc.  But never seem to find the time.  Guess I'll just have to set a certain day to start and do it no matter what else needs doing.  Can't say I'm looking forward to it very much.

I'm getting an itch to do some sewing again.  I have a shirt for Dale and a dress for Mary (the same material) all done but.  But haven't felt like finishing them.  I haven't even done any work on my afghan lately.  I don't know what I do with a day.

Sure hope it clears up today.  The kids are just about out of underwear.  I can hang clothes in the basement, but it takes about 24 hours for things to dry.  Especially things like underpants.

I'm afraid my visit to L.A. sort of ruined my weight losing.  All that delicious food and easy living and I gained back nearly everything that I'd lost.  Not that I had lost much, but at least I had made a start.

We got a letter from Bill last week.  He didn't have too much to say, but he sounded in better spirits than he must have in your letter.

Nancy said Lloyd was home.  Is that for good or just a leave?

I didn't get to see Ramon while I was in L.A.  Just happened that he was out to sea at the time.  After all the weekends that he's been in and then he has to be gone just when I'm there.

Tom is coming along this summer isn't he?  Judy and Trina wanted to know.  They said they were going to try and save the bus fare and come up while you folks are here.  I sure got a bang out of those two.

Raymond said he was coming, too.  To see Dale.

Well, I really must get to work.

Love, Gary, Greta, Dale and Mary

Mom sure got a lot of things talked about in this letter.  From what she said (not my interpretation at all), she may have been avoiding things like cleaning by writing an extra long letter.  I know that is what I would be doing.

I am guessing the Raymond that was coming to see Dale was Raymond Jones since Mom would have probably referred to Uncle Raymond as . . . Uncle Raymond.

The photo was developed in 1964, obviously from a visit to Nebraska.  I'm using it for two reasons -- it is likely close in time to the letter and it is one of my absolute favorite photos of all time.

4th of July rolled around again

July 2, 2002:  Dolores came in evening -- played Rummikub.
July 3, 2002:  Mary took me to hair dresser.  Nancy came in evening and I showered.
July 4, 2002:  Nancy and I went to Winside.  Then to Ramon's place for the family picnic.  It was a wonderful day.  There were at least 48 people there.  Norris and Vicki were there.  Also Vicki's parents and her sister and husband.  They had been to Colorado for Dawn's wedding.  Mary, Mitch and Anna were there -- so was Bill.  Stayed at Greta's for the night.

That was a pretty good crowd for the 4th of July.  I still remember very distinctly the picnics out at Uncle Elmer's; mainly the new potatoes, Aunt Myrtle's raspberries, and Dora often bringing a new card game to play.  Due to being a bit of an island, age-wise, I usually hung out with the adults.  I am glad I did since that group has left and is leaving us while the ones younger than I are around to visit with now.

This photo isn't from Uncle Elmer's place, but I am betting it was from some 4th of July.  It never fails to crack me up.

Don't like one answer, try someone else

June 11, 2002:  Missed hair appointment.  Hot weather.
June 12, 2002:  Nothing much happened.  Attended Book Club meeting -- read an article about the history of the flag to the group.
June 13, 2002:  Called Lois -- Myrtle still in hospital -- not sure how soon she'll be home.  Called Frances C.  She's moving in with Dana and wife.  Called Myrtle after dinner -- she doesn't know when she'll be home.  Has therapy every day.  Tom came for supper.  He did the laundry.  I showered and we played Rummikub.

Did Grandma not like Lois's answer to the question as to when Aunt Myrtle was coming home?  In all reality, it may have been that Lois thought Aunt Myrtle would know more later in the day, but it reads that Grandma maybe didn't like or trust her information and wanted to go to the top.

I think I can speak for the group and say that we had a grand time at Lois's yesterday for the 4th of July gathering.  Not as large a crowd as other years, but sometimes you get to visit better with people that way.  In any event, a fine time was had by all.  And cream pies were present.

Here's a photo from a 4th from the past.  I am thinking 1999 or thereabouts, but I am not sure.  Some were there, some were absent, and some are gone from us.

New potatoes!

"June 29, 1995:  Howard gave Greta new potatoes.  June has been quite dry -- we could use a good rain.
July 1, 1995:  Nancy came -- helped put cages around tomatoes.  Ramon N. came -- helped Nancy.  Tom's came in evening.
July 2, 1995:  4th of July picnic at Dorothy Jo's.

I won't go again in to my love of potatoes.  Just nice to know the garden and Grandpa came through for Mom on her birthday.

And here she is, closer to her birth than she was in 1995.  Might have been a potato fan by then, but I'm not sure.

Surgery for Ramon

"August 16, 1994:  Ramon had surgery -- part of his right lung removed.
August 19, 1994:  Pinochle at Laura J.'s.
August 20, 1994:  Tom and Merilyn met John and Helen at Onawa.  Tom's came here in p.m.  They stayed at Helen's at night.
August 21, 1994:  Tom finished the patio.  Also fixed the front railings -- they are steady now."

Pretty normal stuff here.  I do remember that Ramon had that surgery.  Sounds like quite the ordeal.  I never saw him sick, but I bet he was a pretty good patient.

I know I've used this one before, but here's the only photo I have handy with Ramon in it.

Found the book!

"June 30, 1992:  Norris, Vicki and Ann N. visited here in p.m.
July 3, 1992:  Nancy came at noon.  We fixed food for tomorrow -- played Manipulation in evening.
July 4, 1992:  Picnic at Dorothy Jo's.  Those present:  Norris, Vicki, Ann; Ramon and Linda; Myrtle, Gaylord, Lois, Mark and Jeff; Irene; Bernie, Carol, Kris and Ryan; Marvin, Betty Ann; Linda and Christopher; Gary A., Jennifer and Karen; Kevin and Mary; Betty Jo; Rick, Mary, Mitch; Greta and Lester; Helen and John; Nancy; Howard and I; Bob, Mary and Michelle.  Lloyd in hospital for tests, an irregular heart beat."

Grandma had a new line in her book for each family unit so her list looks more impressive.  But it was still a pretty good-sized bunch that year.  And we just had our early 4th this last weekend.  Wunnerful.

I have pictures of Christopher from this particular 4th, but I gave them to Linda a while ago.  And of course, I don't know where the photos I kept are at the moment.  This photo is of a different branch of the family tree and may or may not have been taken on the 4th but I simply love it, so I am posting it.  I don't care if I've used it before or not.  Love it!  Love it!

The Centennial

July 20 - 22, 1990:  Centennial.  Nancy came Thursday night.  Tom and Merilyn came Thursday night and stayed with Ted L.'s at Norfolk.  Ray and Aileen here Friday and Saturday -- stayed at Norfolk motel.  Bill, Jenny, Jayme came for Saturday and Sunday, spent the night at Helen's.  Dale's just in Winside on Saturday.

Hmmm.  I am not sure what to think about this one.  I happen to know that Rick and I also made it up for the centennial.  Either Grandma forgot to note that or . . . we didn't make it up to say hello.  I suppose either is equally possible, but I would like to think she forgot us.  I am sure we would have at the very least said hello during or after the alumni banquet.  But it was a huge affair up at the school gym, not in the auditorium downtown like usual.  So, dunno.  My 10 year class reunion got somewhat gobbled up by the centennial celebration, but that's fine.  Tom once told me that reunions after the 20th are more fun than the 10th.  At ten years, you and your classmates are still a bit busy trying to impress with what you drive or where you work or where you live.  However, by 20 years and beyond nobody really cares anymore.

I should have gone on a bit more about family 4th of July picnics in my earlier post.  They are always great fun with lots of fireworks and food and visiting and kids running around.  My favorite foods from our gatherings would be fresh raspberries (from Aunt Myrtle), new potatoes (from anybody) and cream pie (again, I don't care who makes it).  The first picnics I can remember were at Uncle Elmer and Aunt Myrtle's place, then they moved to Leonard and Dorothy Jo's and then to Ramon and Linda's.  It's always a good time, but I certainly miss those of our hosts and hostesses that aren't with us anymore.  Oh, and can't forget Ramon's dog who liked to run at the fireworks instead of away from them.  Such a kick in the pants!

The photo is probably from a previous Old Settler's.  I believe Grandpa grew a beard to enter a contest.  Look how dark his tan is -- I remember those days.