Grandma Judy

Life has started all over for me,
The young years of happiness
Have come again in a sweeter form
Than a mother could ever guess.
The love and devotion I gave my child
I thought I could give no other,
But life held a lovely surprise for me --
This year I became a grandmother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The memoirs of the Johnson Family

Recently I attended a book chat at First Lutheran Church.   "Memoirs of the Johnson Family" written by Mary Ellen Johnson told  of their experiences in Philadelphia, Mississippi 1968 - 1973. Those were turbulent times, you may remember. Mary Ellen gave us a vivid glimpse of numerous different encounters under a variety of social settings.  Mary Ellen and her husband Dick gave us the opportunity to revisit their life in Philadelphia.   The day before we watched the movie that documented the death of three civil rights workers that came to Philadelphia to help with the volatile situation in Neshoba county.  I found it interesting that this all happen 100 years after Lincoln 's Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment was added to the constitution which abolished slavery.   

The secret

After 21 years of marriage, my wife
wanted me to take another woman out
to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love
you, but I know this other woman
loves you and would love to spend
some time with you.”
The other woman that my wife wanted
me to visit was my MOTHER, who has
been a widow for 19 years, but the
demands of my work and my three
children had made it possible to visit
her only occasionally. That night I
called to invite her to go out for dinner
and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you
well?” she asked.
My mother is the type of woman who
suspects that a late night call or a
surprise invitation is a sign of bad
news. “I thought that it would be
pleasant to spend some time with
you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.”
She thought about it for a moment,
and then said, “I would like that very
much.”
That Friday after work, as I drove over
to pick her up I was a bit nervous.
When I arrived at her house, I noticed
that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door
with her coat on. She had curled her
hair and was wearing the dress that
she had worn to celebrate her last
wedding anniversary. She smiled from
a face that was as radiant as an angel’s.
“I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were
impressed, “she said, as she got into
the car. “They can’t wait to hear about
our meeting.”
We went to a restaurant that, although
not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My
mother took my arm as if she were the
First Lady. After we sat down, I had to
read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the
entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom
sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic
smile was on her lips. “It was I who
used to have to read the menu when
you were small,” she said. “Then it’s
time that you relax and let me return
the favor,” I responded. During the
dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation – nothing extraordinary
but catching up on recent events of
each other’s life. We talked so much
that we missed the movie. As we
arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll
go out with you again, but only if you
let me invite you.” I agreed.
“How was your dinner date?” asked my
wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much
more so than I could have imagined,” I
answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a
massive heart attack. It happened so
suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to
do anything for her. Some time later, I
received an envelope with a copy of a
restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached
note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I
wasn’t sure that I could be there; but
nevertheless, I paid for two plates –
one for you and the other for your
wife. You will never know what that
night meant for me. I love you, son.”
At that moment, I understood the
importance of saying in time: “I LOVE
YOU” and to give our loved ones the
time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give
them the time they deserve, because
these things cannot be put off till
“some other time.” ♥

WARNING

I never knew this about washing your hair in the shower because the shampoo runs down your body.  Please a warning to us all !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Shampoo warning:

I don't know why I didn't figure this out sooner!  I use shampoo in the shower.  When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning: 
FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY

No wonder I have been gaining weight. 

Well. I have gotten rid of that shampoo and I am going to start showering with dish washing liquid instead as it label reads:
DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE

Problem solved --- If I don't answer the phone I'll be in the shower.

Darrell Scott

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this.  Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.  Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott

vice versa

Peak Performance

When my Brother past I quit going to Peak Performance.  I just could not make myself to walk by the Dialysis unit on my way to Peak.  I told my son that is why I quit.  He really didn't feel that was a good excuse, but did not pressure me.  Well, if you remember the movie Forest Gump, One day he just started running and ran for 3 and 1/2 years.  Then as suddenly as he started  he just stopped.  Well I told you that because that was how it happened with me.  I just woke up on Monday morning and decided today is the day that I start back.  I have made it every day except Thursday this week. It guess I have finally healed.   

Thanksgiving

I spent Thanksgiving in Bagley.  Dinner was at one.  I guess I need to back up.  I had planned to have dinner at St. Philips with friends.  Last minute they could not make it.  I had run into a friend when I was at Peak Performance.  He asked if I would like to join his family at the American Legion in Bagley at the Halverson/Cowles family reunion.  My friends from Sentenel Butte belong to the Cowle family and four of my friends would be here. (that is the family that I traveled back to Sentinel Butte for his funeral)  I jumped at the invite.  I had such a great time with my friends.  I think I have told you before that they think of me as family.  It is very funny as two of my class mates are in that family.    The roads were not too bad, but I did drive my 4 wheel drive truck.

Jax room

 

 

 

This is Jax's room.  It is done in a fishing theme.  Natalie told me she had some other things that she was going to do, but didn't get it done before he was born. She needed to get the fish quilt hung and I think she had some words to put on the wall.   I think it is just precious the way it is.  Jamon tells me that Jax doesn't like his crib.  It is too big.  They may just have to get a smaller version for a while or a cradle. Or like his Dad who slept in a drawer for the first two weeks. 

Paul Bunyan featured

 

PBVAC held our monthly meeting at BEC meeting room.  We invited Nicole Foss, Director of the Beltrami County History Center to speak to us.  Our club has worked on projects with the center and has donated funds from our Car Show proceeds.  Nicole presented the history of Paul Bunyan. I found it very interesting.  I especially liked seeing the development of the present day Babe.  My Dad had told me that he was put on a truck and used in parades.  I just did not believe him at the time.  But during her slide show there he was on a truck going down the street with the exhaust from the truck coming out his nostrils.  He was not on the bed of the truck he was actually on the whole truck.  Amazing.

Tal's first hunt

Tallan Fredrickson my 10 year old nephew won the Dale Sorenson Big Buck Contest at Wilton Liquor Store. He shot his very first deer - 9 pt - it weighed 185 lbs. He took it down with one shot! I am SOOO very proud of him!! He called me tonight and told me all about it and that he won $135.00.  His Dad shot an eleven point that they are getting mounted.

Thank Offering Sunday

 

 

Sunday November 18th was Thankoffering Sunday.  Women of the Lutheran Church have been gathering in the setting of Thank offering services since the Early 1990's.  We give thanks and praise for what God has given  us.  From the FLCW Executive board to circles, to quilting and knitting, to committees, altar Guild and food shelf and the soup kitchen, the women of the church have a large ministry.  What a wonderful church I be;ong to. 

Auxiliary craft show

setting up tables

quilt raffle

beeman

bake sale

book sale

 

my purchase -- redneck wine glasses

 

Saturday was the Legion Auxiliary craft and book sale.  We served sloppy joes and had a book sale too.  I think that we did very well as a club.  But I do think the vendors also did very well.  I bought Redneck wine glasses.  Stemmed mason jars. When they have covers and lids they are to go cups.   I think I can watch Duck Dynasty and drink ice tea with them. One of my classmates came in with his wife and I had a beer with them.  There was 4 craft shows this weekend.  

shoe size tells your age

Your shoe size can tell your age.
Try this and see:

1. Take your shoe size
2.  multiply it by 5
3.  Add 50
4.  Multiply by 20
5.  Add 1012
6.  Subtract the year you were born

The1st digit is your shoe size while the last 2 digits is your age.

Baby Lonnberg

Baby Lonnberg now has a name.  It is Jax Mathew Lonnberg.  He was  born at  6:50PM on Thursday November 15th.  He weighed 8.6 pounds and was  21 inches long.  He is beautiful.  Being that his birthday is the 15th  all their birthdays are 5 days apart.  Jamon 11/5, Nat 11/10 and Jax 11/15.  From now on it will be call the birthday month in our family.  This is my first grand baby. I can hardly wrap that I am a Grandmother around my feeble brain.       It was a long trip over to see him, but worth every moment.  Natalie's mom is going to stay with them, so I am turning around and coming right back.  I am already counting the days until Christmas.

Communication is key

Wife texts husband on a cold winter's morning:"Windows frozen."

Husband Dave texts back

"Pour some luke warm water over it."

After a while wife texts back:

"Computer completely buggered now."

Homemakers make Christmas craft

At our regular meeting of the homemakers we made our holiday craft.  It is a Reader's Digest trees.  They will become the center piece for our Christmas dinner next month for the Becida shut-ins.  I think that during the 50's we all made the Christmas trees or the angels out of a Readers Digest magazine. They will be spray painted, spray glittered and decorated.  We they have a drawing with the winners taking one home for the holiday.  Next month I will tell you about the part.  We are serving turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.  We usually have a program where we sing carols.  I love this party. 

circle

Mary circle met Monday at a member's home on Movil Lake  What a beautiful place. One member supplies the place and her partner supplies the treats.  I brought my famous pumpkin bars.  Everyone said they were good.  I brought a gluten free bar for me to nosh on so I didn't even taste the bars.    We had such a good time.  We talked about our lives as a way of introducing ourselves.  We welcome two new members in our  group.  Our Bible study was about having the faith to believe in things that we may not be able to see.  We were glad and comforted to see that even the disciples had trouble with this concept.  Snow came on Monday I wonder if it is here to stay.

Tracks

 

Normally I get only fawns, yearlings, and does by my home.  But last night something made these tracks  . I saw them when I went to the mailbox.  A BUCK.  The tracks were not only big they dug in deep and indicated the buck was heavy. I saw a big buck when I left our town hall Tuesday after I voted.  It jumped across Bootleg Lake Rd on my way to Stone Lake Road.  I wonder if it was the same one.  He was headed toward my house.   A huge bodied deer with a huge rack.  He went by so fast I just could not count the horns.  Also I was looking to see if he had the rest of the herd with him.   Again no trail camera at home to record the nightly events.  I bought a new sewing machine now the camera is on hold.

classmates coffee clutch

There are four of us from the class of 64ever that meet on a regular bases for a morning coffee.  We just love the time we spend together.  We all recall different stories from high school days and funny stories from our classmates now.  We mourn our losses and keep their memories alive.  We also support each other on our daily occurrences in each of our lives.  We are such a dynamic group and I love each and everyone of them.