HAPPY NEW YEAR

Can you believe this picture. I found it the other day.
We arrived in Az Christmas Day. Spent the day with Tim and Deb at Bert and Carols.
The next day Tim us took us to the Resort and he helped Dennis put in a new bathroom fixture. We are all set up and ready to go.
Jan called last night and they are in Kansas. They were having snow last night.
It has been cold so the pool activities are not well attended. Guess this is all for now. Joan

"Have You Seen Any Reindeer"?

While visiting Ft. Meyer's Beach today, Leah asked a local Florida Egret if he'd seen any reindeer flying around.

We were enjoying the sun and surf in Florida today while watching news reports of the worst blizzard in years hitting Sioux Falls. Felt guilty for about 5 minutes as we watched the seagulls diving for fish and para-sailing boats traversing the shore. Yes . . . it's rough here in Cape Coral. But it takes more than sunshine to warm up Christmas.

We were reminded tonight at church tonight of Romans 8, and how Christ came to rescue us from an eternity without him. What more does it take to warm the heart than to know what a great and terrible price was paid for our souls. And tomorrow we celebrate the coming of Him who paid for you and me.

Have a blessed, thankful and wonderful Christmas - Anderson family! The blog is now open and available for the sharing of Anderson Christmas memories.

God Bless . . . Tad & Leah

from tracy

from tracy we (rosie lauren, sam, ethan, angie, spud, and i wish everyone a merry christmas. weather permitting cody, cj, mindy and mike we be here tomorrow. in a hour or so we will be having butter bbq pork sandwich's, orange sherbet jello, potato chips. also some cherry jello and lime. spud and i made rosie's mom buns late today. stay warm and make the best of the days ahead.
bob tbs

ps: we are on the mend. let spud run the snow blower this morning. they left roseville at 5 pm yesterday at got here at 1030 pm last night. i was a total basket case

Merry Christmas Everyone,

To each of you, where ever you might be, I send Christmas Blessings and the Joy of Family and Friends.

Love, Judy

Hello From Cape Coral

Leah and I just arrived in Cape Coral, FL for Christmas. So finally have time for some blogging. This is the Florida version of a Christmas parade. Hope you are all getting ready for a blessed time with family and friends.

Tad & Leah

After I had started the coffee this morning (6 AM) I went out to set in the hot tube for 10 to 15 min. Didn't make it in to the tube. I sliped on a same patch of ice and went down forward hitting the fence. When I tried to get up using my right arm I knew I was in trouble. After rolling over I was able to get up and get inside to get ROSIE TO HELP ME. It was to the TRACY HOSPITAL. (i KEEP HITTING THE CAP LOCK KEY) and after x-rays we found that I had separated my right shoulder. I m a very hard stick and the nurse was unable to start an IV. After four tries to find a vain it was a hypo and off in the ambulance to Marshall to have it reset. two more hypo's later we are in the emerengcy room in Marshall and the RN is try to find a vein for an IV. After a few tries by her and another the sandman was able to do it. When I woke up I was st raped up and feeling very much better. Will be wearing this under garment for at least two weeks. And no I can't be in the tube for two weeks

Bob (TBS)

Hardwick Water

I went one step further and ask Wes P about the Hardwick Water This was his ans to me:

Hardwick gets its water from the rural water system...... The old well is still working and the pump is in the fire hall and the well is under the building as you remember.

Bob (TBS)

Questions

Many questions have been asked in many of the last posting. The following are my answers to the one that I can answer

Do I remember the cat named Sir. No I remember us having Porky (along with all the dogs in Hardwick at the time), A bird, and Mary Poppens.

Where is the well for the Hardwick water. I always thought it was below the fire hall. I think I remember it being pulled one time to replace something.

Do I remember Mom making lefsa on the cook stove. Yes, I remember the stove and mom making lefsa one time. I think I remember Gram ma Halverson making it at there place.

If I would have know that you (Jan) and Al were alone on T-Day we would have invited you to Angie's. This time of year I always remember you girl making Fudge. It always seemed to take all day for it to get done. Also remember the card games after dinner on T-Day and other Anderson get to gathers.

We are have the first big snow of the year today. It started last night and we have maybe 1 1/2. It was a light snow for the first one. Going to get the blower going as it is very wet.

If anyone has slides of the Anderson vehicles will you send them to me and I will copy them to the computer and reture them. Thanks


Rosie's brothers church in Worthington has there Lutafish dinner this Sunday. Rosie and I are going as she now like the fish with a white sause. Do any of you remember the church in Hardwick having suppers with this fish. I remember going someplace and dad making Buzz and I eat the mashed potatoes with just butter

Have a good one
Bob (TBS)

T-Day

OK. I'm back. The picture that I posted is of the french teacher that is staying with Angie's. The other young lady is also a french teacher and came for dinner with us. Her host family went to KT and she did not want to go along. I think they enjoyed dinner very much. Later in the day they went to her host family house where 6 more were coming over for a party. One of the other girls brought a turkey. They found a recipe for stuffing and started cooking the bird. They found it take time to cook a turkey. Davita said that they cooked it for more that 6 hours. It was not done till 2 AM. She said that the turkey and dressing that I did was much better.

Spud had called me the week before and wanted to make a roast for mom's Butter BBQ so that we could have that one evening. I was unable to think of the name chuck or but roast. I told him to get one with a bone in it. Angie called later and said that she didn't think he brought the right one. He went to Costco, and Target but was unable to get one so he went to Barley's. Told the butcher he wanted a 6 lb roast with a bone in it. He ended up getting a prim rib roast. We did not do the butter BBQ and roast. He did a very fine job of cooking it for supper Sat night.

We are now at home for a few days

Bob (TBS)

Pre T-Day at Angie's and Spuds

This is the pre T-Day work. Rosie and I went up to Spud and Angie's on Tuesday night after she got off work. She and Angie had plans for the weekend and Spud did for me also. When we got to there place they had the potatoes pealed and ready to cook. After we riced them and added the butter, cream and salt we quit for the night. After Spud got off on Wednesday we started making the Lefsa. I had added the flour about noon and put them into 3 logs. Spud had done this before but wanted to help as he needed a refresher on rolling and frying.


This is on the last batch and Sam wanted to also help and learn. This is after she had sampled two pieces.



Ethan loves to cook and also wanted to help on the last batch. I was explaining that you roll the lefsa from the middle and try to just do half of it. He did very good and Sam also rolled some out. Sam, Loren, and Angie are the big Lefsa eaters.

Will send more later. Having a busy day and trying to get things done as we are going back up to Angie's. I have a Dr. App in the morning and then we will come back to Tracy. It is the end of the month and Rosie had to do the billing today or we would have stayed another day.

I also boned the turkey after we finished making the Lefsa. On Friday after T-Day Spud took me to the Wild hockey game at the Excel center. We were sever rows behind the pentily box of the visiting team. Sure was a fun time and the wild won.

Bob (TBS)

Cousin Carliss

Last Saturday, Buzz, Linda and I drove to Winona to visit Carliss. We had a delightful time reminising about family, pets, holidays and of course, our parents. She was extremely happy to hear that Buzz has seen the "light" and is sometime voting republican. She wanted to get out of the chair and give him a hug but to difficult for her. She has a hospital bed in her living room and hooked up to oxygen all the time. She said that her lungs are "shot". We were afraid that we were tiring her out as we stayed at almost 3 hours. Her home health aide came at 3ish and said it was the best thing for her to have company.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. This was the year for the girls to go to the "other side". Sara and family in Waukon, Iowa and Lisa and family headed to Battle Lake. Andy's dad, Marv was just diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and waiting for results of tests and when chemo will be started. Say a prayer for Marv and the family. Al and I just stayed home. We have both been working the last week and it felt good to just relax and watch football, football and football.

Judy, I think we sat on Porky ........Mom and Dad were getting new carpet...the green carpet so the big chair was in the kitchen. He sure did sputter and cough.....poor cat...
Buzz does not know about Sir Thomas Martin Anderson......Carliss really laughed about the name. Were Bob and Buzz just little little kids when we had him? Remember when we thought he was killed....we were all crying and he walked in the store or upstairs from the other room.
Enough rambling.......love all of you......
Jan #3

MEMORIES

It is two days before Thanksgiving. I had planned on heading for Tacoma on Wednesday, but woke up the other day with a tweek in my back. I do not know what I did, but the 'tweek' has slowed down traveling plans somewhat. It doesn't bother me to drive, but am afraid it would hinder getting past the 'tweek' somewhat.

Joan, you asked about the cat. I just remember him being around. I do know that Janice and I were kidding around (maybe fighting)and we landed on some coats in the big living room chair that was in the kitchen during the winter. We felt something move and we had plopped on the cat. He came out gasping for breath. It must have been an awful surprise. He was sleeping under some coats that had been tossed in the chair. When it was winter and we girls all slept across the hall in Jack's living room, I remember the cat jumping on my bed during the night and scaring me A LOT! I was sure that something was hiding in the room with all the jars.

AND, how many of you still yern for Hardwick water. If we were gone, even to Luverne, we were always happy to get back home to drink great water. Does anyone know where it came from into the fire station which I think it was pumped out into feeder lines. By the way, does Luverne still have icky tasting water.

Do have a good Thanksgiving Holiday. Eugene has a bad case of "Duck Fever" as the U of O and Oregon State will be playing for the chance to go to the Rose Bowl. This morning the paper read "The Battle between Feathers and Fur". OSU's mascot is a beaver. Until later, love to all.

Judy

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone where ever you are.
We are staying home with Gretch and Andy. Of course turkey is on the menue.
We are having a typical fall weather. No Snow yet. We are in the process of getting things ready to leave for Az on Christmas Day. Thankfully the motorhome and car and waiting for us in Az.
What are the memories of Sir Thomas Martin, the cat?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Joan

Trip to ARIZONA

A couple weeks ago Dennis and I took the Motor Home and Honda to Arizona to miss the bad and cold weather of January. We had quite a trip starting before we left CDA when I washed my cell phone. After I dried it out it seemed to work just fine.
We left CDA on Tuesday am. We were pleased to get to Idaho Falls, Id. After connecting the motorhome to the asserories I started making the bed and there were no pillow cases plus there was a big wet spot on the bed. (We still don't know where the water came from.)We survied the night with just a couple monior problems.
Wednesday as we were driving south of Nephi Utah we came to a 6000 ft pass with a full snow storm. Dennis did well; but it is nerve racking driving the motorhome and pulling the Honda as you see semi trucks in the ditch.
We arrived in Cedar Falls Utah and checked in. Dennis was hooking up the assesoried and I was warming the car to out to eat. When Dennis didn't come out of the motorhome I went inside to find him flooded in water in the bathroom. The pressure was to much and the fawset in the sink blew. Fortunately we had lots of towels and Dennis turned off the water and he will fix it when we return for our winter break.
Thursday we deceided tonight we would get a hotel since we didn't have water in the motorhome. Arriving in LasVegas we disconnected the car and had the motorhome and car washed from the snow slush etc. I had the Honda and Dennis the motorhome I said I'll met you at Hoover Dam. I made it to the dam before Dennis and after waiting about 1 hour I thought I had missed him and crossed the dam. Dennis was not on the east side of the dam. Well for the next couple hours we kept missing each other and my cell phone was in the motorhome. Dennis managed to run into a post at a parking gaurage so since it was a National Park this took him awhile while they filled out papers. When I didn't have my cell phone the only number I knew was my home phone.
When I went into a casino that had a computer for public use and e-mailed Tim. Tim told me where Dennis was and that Dennis had deceided to drive to Kingman, Az. Tim gave me his phone number and I called him collect. I told him I tought it was better we stay apart; so I stayed in LasVegas and Dennis in Kingmas. He arrived in Phoenix about 11 am and I arrived about 1. We talked and are still talking. I kept saying to myself "One day this will be funny"
So the motorhome and car are in Phoenix waiting for are arrival Christmas Day.

Angie's House Guest

This young lady is staying at Angie and Spuds for 8 weeks. Her name is Davina from Paris France. She is a teacher helping at the french emersion school that the kids go to. She is with them for 8 weeks and then will stay with another family. Her English is very good. She is an only child but thinks she want to move to the US. She fell in love with Rosie car and wanted her picture taken in it. Not much else going on here. To the Jan and Al kids; Great to see your posts and pictures.

Bob (TBS)

PS: It is Wes P birthday on Monday the 16th.

Lord Have Percy, What a Day ...

What do an almost-4 year old and a 7-month old look like the night after Mom hauls them off to have pictures taken.....

Andy set Livi down on the floor to check something and she just sighed, closed her eyes and out she went. And there she lays. Cooper was asleep barely 2 songs into his music that is played when he goes to bed. This from a kid that normally hangs out in bed for an hour looking at books and being told "Cooper, go to sleep" repeatedly. And Daddy was asleep as well. Livi will wake for one more bottle before down for the night. And no, we won't make her sleep on the floor :-) We're glad that we can get her to go 7 hours. While some others get longer, around here that's great. We were attempting Livi's 6 month (yeah, one month late) pics and also a family shot. Yeah, the first 15 min went fine then the typical stand-on-your head time for Mom, Dad and the portrait place ladies. Nana and Papa would have just smiled and laughed. :-)

We had a special treat this year for Halloween....Nana and Papa. They came up to our place to see the kids, go to Dillon Hager's football game (Dillon is the son of my cousin Al Hager and a nephew then to Jack & Denie who are in Arizona with Mom, Dad, Aunt Joan and Uncle Dennis), and go Trick or Treat'ing. Here they are with our Bunny and Adrian Peterson, though tough to see under the helmet.

A quick story behind my title. One Sunday we are watching the Vikings game and Percy Harvin scored. Cooper exclaims "Hey, that's who we sing for in church". Me: "When do we sing that?" Cooper: "we all sing Lord have Percy after that lady sings". Well, it's the cantor he was talking about. I tried to explain that we say mercy and not percy in church but he insists we say percy. The end of the discussion ends with Cooper: "so there's Percy in church, Percy who's a train and Percy who plays football. Three Percy's. Can you believe it?!"

Tomorrow it's church and a birthday party. 4 & 5 year-olds bowling....with hot dogs, cake and little sisters along. I'll be ready for a quiet Sun night of baths, and a cuddle on the couch while watching a movie. Another round of Cars or Ratatouille.

Love, Hugs and Lord have Percy,

Lisa

November Birthdays

I know I don't have all the November birthdays but here goes....Happy Birthday to Lisa, Kristen, Dennis, and Isabelle....please fill in if you have more of grandkids, kids etc.
Thanks for the update on your family, Carol. Can't believe you would have a great-granddaughter getting married.....Wow !!! Al and I are busy....I have been doing a long term sub job with Learning Disabled kids at the high school but that ends tomorrow (Tuesday). Al also has been working at the high school. One of the custodians saves all his vacation for the fall and uses it all up hunting for many different critters....Lucky for Al. Also, Basketball games start at Thanksgiving so he will announce both girls and boys basketball games until Christmas vacation.
Loves announcing because he gets a front row seat !!!.
Mom and Dad's wedding anniversay was also in November...think it was the 25th. Married in 1933 so figure it out. They were married at Thanksgiving time so Mom would have 4 days off from teaching. I think they went to Mpls on their honeymoon. Delores V told me she remembers Dad driving by the Hardward Store in Kenneth on his way to the wedding....
Also Dad told me they have chicken, mashed potatoes and peas for their wedding dinner at Grandpa's and Grandma's farm. He said, he hated peas then and he still hated peas.
Any one else remember anything...
Love to you all...
Jan #3

We had a beautiful wedding last Saturday, here in Sioux Falls,at Spirt of Joy Lutheran church, with Rons daughter Emilys marriage to Adam. Our first granddaughter married at age 23. She graduated from college this spring but is going on for her masters. Danette Gene and Dakota were here from Florida, and also had 2 of Milts brothers here and a sister sister in law nephew and wife from Colorado. Dakota was a little flower girl and Ashley Stans daughter was a bridesmaid. Little Dakota 11months was pushed in the decorated buggy up to the front. She enjoyed her ride smiling and looking over the crowd. The reception was at All Occasions by Tea. We had a wonderful weekend. Carol and Milt

Iowa Visit

I am a week late in posting this but I wanted to share our pictures from Papa and Nana's visit to Cedar Rapids last week. For those that read our family blog you have seen it but for those that don't...here they are.

They spent 4 days with us and in that time covered Isabelle's soccer game, Nate's LM team winning their basketball tournament, Isabelle at Linn Mar Pom Camp and the performance, Josh's basketball practice since his scrimmage was moved to the day they left, Josh's Saturday evening party (different location every Saturday with a group of kids), Mark's brother Jeff and his girls to visit for the Viking game, Josh finding out he made the A team for 8th grade basketball (top 8 out of 35) and Isabelle getting the H1N1 flu. Quite a lot. Oh, and Papa and Josh helped Nate build his Indian home for social studies and Nana helped Isabelle with her piano lesson. It was a cold week-end but the weathered it just fine. Thank you for visiting us, and thank you for dinner Saturday! We love you!

If anyone isn't on our Mentzer family blog let me know and I will make sure you are invited to view it. Sara

Where do the posts go?

Hi Sibs,

I have written two posts and I cannot find them posted or anywhere else. This will be brief because this one might end up with the 'lost ones' The house is in a repair and fix-up mode. I am having the big windows replaced with insulated glass, a sliding door turned into half wall and window, a door replaced with windows, dry wall repair and painting in bathrooms (2) a couple of lights installed and screen doors added. Lyman didn't especially like screen doors, not their function, but how they looked. The front door will have a screen door that operates from side to side while the other two door will get all-weather doors. Right now everything is sort of topsy-turvy. I am useing the futon in the extra bedroom and have become acutely aware of how nice my own memory foam mattress is to sleep on at night. All else is well. Very rainy, but not cold as yet.
Love the posts. Love to all, Judy

Weekend

Went to visit the Budds this weekend. Just before we left on Sunday I was able to get the kids to let me take there picture. This is the first weekend for Loren to be wearing glasses. She told me that I look bigger when see is wearing her glasses.

We went out to eat at Donatellis in White Bear Lake Friday night. We don't have any Italian place near Tracy so I thought it was great. So did everyone else. The place was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food TV network last week. It lived up to the program. This is the second place that I have eaten at that was on that program. The other is a Track Stop in Austin MN. They have a great 3 meat skillet for breakfast. Hash brown, the meat, cheese, eggs (to order) and topped with Holendaze (SP) sauce. It is the first stop for fuel when going east with a fire truck.

It is snowing today in Tracy. Turning the lawns white. Gizmo is not happy as we haven't went for a walk yet but will after lunch.

Time to make lunch. for the working girl.

Bob (TBS)

Minnesota

Well I am not the worlds outstanding fan; but Minnesota has sure been in the news with the vikings and the twins. I always think of Dad and Roy Rupp when the world
series starts. Go TWINS

Pizza

I made Pizza for Dad when I came back from a cheerleading trip with Vonnie Glaser...she took us to visit Morningside College in Sioux City. We had pizza at the Chesterfield club....thought the smell was awful but tasted pretty good. I think it was the Parmesian (spelling) cheese. I made pizza from a box for Dad. He didn't think it was to bad. I don't remember making Tacos for you, Bob. Hope they tasted good. I remember, I use to fry my own tortillas...either making them soft or crispy. Never had the flour ones. Also use to make our own tortilla chips out of the corn tortillas..fried them crisp and then salted with Lawry salt.
I do know that Joan also made baked pork chops with scalped corn...loved that and hungry for it...and Judy usually made spagetti. Don't know what I made except my dessert was also pineapple upside down cake. Still like it warm!!!!!
Fun topic to write about....
Hugs to all
#3 Jan

food

Two stories or maybe three come to mind.

1. We went to Morris to see Jan before she was married. Jan served us Taco's

2. When I was in the Army and cooking dad said to me one day when home on leave "You cooking all the time in the Army maybe you should make supper sometime. On my next weekend home I made spaghetti and meat sauce. After we had finished eating he said that it was OK. Later I found out that he didn't like tomatoes very much.

3. When we (Dad, Buzz and I) went to Sioux Falls to get things for the store. When it got to be dinner time Buzz and I would want to go to McDonalds. Dad alwas want to go across the street from Larson Hardware to the cafa for a hot beef commerical. He alwas one but when Macks Pazley (Spelled) would have an open house Buzz and I got all the Mak & Dons we wanted as he owned the place. I was in the hosiptal in Sioux Falls for tests and Mom and Dad came to visit. in the afternoon. They left just before supper as dad wanted to get to the Mac & Dons for a buger before it got busy.

I'm sure there are more stories out there.

Bob (TBS)

An interesting thought

When talking with Judy something struck me. Do we really realize the food changes our parents went thru in their lifetime. Judy tells of makeing something in High School Home Ec and came home and had to try it. It was like chow mein or stir fry.
Well Mother had more adventure to trying new foods and of course Dad wanted steak and potatoes. Dad told Judy her dish tasted better than it looked. I remember having pizza when I went to school in St. Paul and then we started making it at home.
Can you think of any new dishes that came to the Anderson home.
If any of you can think of anything like this or any thoughts of our past, write

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Hi All,

The title doesn't refer to a dimly lit cafe with good foodor music. Unfortunately,
the smoke and ashes are bringing back memories of the early years in Eugene when the grass seed farmers burned the fields to kill disease and germs that would affect future crops. A tragic fatal accident involving many autos on I-5 gradually brought the field burning to an end. On Tuesday, mid-morning the sky turned very yellow-orange and the acrid smell of smoke permeated the air.
We had an east wind, which is not the prevailing direction here in the valley. Because of very dry forests and two lightening started fires we were being
blessed with the remnants of forest fires. On Wednesday a.m. I went outside and found the car, deck, etc. covered with ash. Any small breeze would bring little grey ash floating through the air. Yesterday, a slight west wind cleared out the stench, but I notice it is back this a.m. The fires are not yet contained so until we get rain or cooler weather the fires aren't ready to lay down very much.

Several years ago we encountered dense smog in Milan, Italy. It was also very dry and no wind. Orange all day in LA, Eugene, or Milan is not the color or air that is good for anything. Is this just a freak of nature....well, on with a cloudy grey filled day. There is always variety in Oregon!

Judy

Catch-up News from Oregon

Hi All,

It is time for me to update the relations on late August and early September. JoAnn Brinkman, our pretend sister with the Montana cabin, invited my bridge group to come to the cabin on Bitterroot Lake about 25 miles from Gospel, Montana. Of the nine persons invited, four of us were able to go. It is 750 miles from Eugene to Buckingham Palace (the name her grandfather gave to the cabin as he was named Ward Buckingham...wonderful name). First day out, stayed in Cour d'Alene. Ate dinner with Joan and Dennis. Cabin the next day. We had wonderful weather...usually quite cold in the a.m., but very warm, and sometimes hot, in the afternoons. Scenery was wonderful, wasps were plentiful, lake is very cold and food was excellent. We relaxed, played bridge, and visited nearby tourist towns. Big Fork on Flathead Lake (expensive and fun to look in the stores...there are many 'starter castles' built around the lake) and Whitefish (tourist and skiing center in winter), also somewhat expensive...I bought a ring with blue sapphires from Montana...the sapphires come in a variety of colors. The mountains are always present. We drove to Glacier Nat'l. Park and toward the Highway to the Sun. The drive is overwhelmingly stunning...I think the pass is at least 6,000 ft. high. Much work is being done on the road. Road workers would in places be dropped over the edge of the road in a wire basket to work on drains, supports, etc. JoAnn's father worked as a cook with the surveying crew when in was in high school. The road closes in September until late May. There was much more snow than there was four years ago. This past winter was the first year in at least six years that the area has experienced adequate snow fall. National Park hotels are expensive and we only had to stay over one night. Second day was a brief trip into Canada and a visit to the International peace park at Waterton, Alberta. Wharton is also home to one of the early hotels built by the railroads in the early 1900s, the Prince of Wales. I stayed there 4 years ago, very old and very British. We had hoped to have an English Tea there but the price was 29.25, which we considered expensive for tea, little sandwiches, and little cakes.
We returned to the cabin, cleaned, washed linens and left for home the next day.
The country side is so very beautiful that I would hope that each of you can experience it sometime. I got home at 3 and Joan and Dennis came to Eugene at six. Needless to say, we ate out. The next day they ventured to Salem and the Oregon Garden Wedding. I spent the next couple of days just sorting mail and catching up. I think, that I have found a contractor to do some much needed repairs around 200 West 35th Place. Waiting for an estimate...unfortunately the repairs needed are not going to be very obvious...just needed. Have frozen peaches using Mom's recipe with orange juice...so very tasty. Just picked up tomatoes today..no pickles this year.

Fall is fast approaching. The tree leaves are starting to droop, the ponderosa pines dropping their very long needles that weave together on their way to the ground and soon the yard will be covered with many, many dried oak leaves. I will drop to my knees and say thank you when the yard man appears. I do not do that anymore....rake leaves that is and I guess, sometimes, I don't drop to my knees either.

Hope this find all of you well, healthy, and adequately busy.

Love to all, Judy

From Idaho

Last weekend (Labor Day weekend) Dennis and I went to Eugene on Saturday and had a lovely evening with Judy. Judy had a birthday cake for me and Judy and Dennis sang "Happy Birthday" I can't believe the bakeries in that communinty. They are just great. Sunday we drove to Salem for a wedding. It was at the Oregon Garden. The ceremony was outside and the reception under the tent. Well it rained during the ceremony. Fortunately somone had gone to the Dollar store and bought umbrellas. It was a colorful wedding with all the umbrellas. It was a lovely wedding and cold reception (temp wise. I had three glasses of wine and it didn't warm me.
Kristopher, we know your wedding date; but could you please recommend a place for all of us to stay? We are looking forward to your wedding.
Joan

September Birthdays....and one anniversary

Happy Birthday to Rosie, Bob, Joan, Patrick, Mark and Happy Anniversary to Bob and Rosie.
I know there are more birthday....you will have to add your families to this September list.
I am getting older and can't remember everything.....

Oh, I heard that Karen and Orrin have been in Rochester and Karen had a great checkup following her eye surgery.....good news, Karen.
Anyone have any other news.....
Heard that Kristofer got a job with Xcel in Becker, MN. Congrads
and Tait is in college in Georgia.....have to write this because our "little" brother never lets us know what is going on in his world. Hint Buzz.....
Going to coffee.......any other news about kids, grandkids, pets??????
#3 Jan

Judy and Joan

This is a explanation for the Judy Joan picture.
Judy and a couple friends were on their way to "Sister" Joannes cabin in Montana.
The first night they stayed in Coeur d' Alene. Dennis and I met them for dinner.
Joan

Judy and Joan

Crop Failure

I picked this batch yesterday. Last weekend Rosie and I were able to can 18 quarts of tomatoes with onions and celery. As you see in the picture below we got the blithe this year. After I get the rest picked week it will be the end. Have not had this bad a crop ever. The Roma's were very small this year. If you see the big green bush it is green beans. Frist time we tried this. Planted 6 beans at the bottom of a large tomato cage and let them climb. Going to do two next year. We have had three big batches of bean and it is still growing

Greeting Elder Anderson"s

A family that you grew up with got togather this last month in Hardwick. I was not there but asked the hosts if they would share some pictures. I also asked for who was in the picture. I got many pictures but no name to the pictures. Hope you enjoy and hope you are able to identify the family members and what family they are from Hardwick?


(HINT) From NY(HINT) Aunt Edna and youngest member of the family

(HINT) Aunt Edna and youngest member of the family

(HINT) Wife of the host with (i think) there grand daughter

The host and a good friend that grew up in Hardwick waiting for the turkey to be done or watching the turkey cook. If you wish to contact the host family and don't have there address ask and I will pass it on. Hope you enjoy.

Bob (TBS)

Grand daughter Sam

This is Sunday PM at 6. Rosie and I just got back from spending the weekend at Angie and Spuds. Last Wednesday Ethan, Sam and Lauren went to the park with mom near there house. 1 and 1/2 (+ a little) blocks. As we are told Sam fell from the monkey bars and when making contact with the ground brook her arm (just above the wrist). After Ethan running to the house to alert Spud, Angie getting her to the house and Loren tagging along saying she did not want to go to the hospital they made it to the emergency room. Sam had a temporary cast put on for a day or two. Rosie and I went up Thursday night so that Angie and Spud could take Sam to the hospital Friday morning. Sam was put into never never land (to the nerves of Angie and Spud) and the break was relocated better, No cuts were necessary. To show off her new cast we had to take a picture of all but Angie. (Gizmo sat in for her.) Sam is doing very good and so is everyone else. Today we had Anderson brunch of Grandma E buttermilk pancakes (made by me). Spud has this think about chocolate chips and now the kid also want them in there pancakes.

Important words to remember

Hi All,

I just came home from the gathering held at a beautiful county park to celebrate the life of a dear friend's 33 year old daughter who died on June 24 after a 3 day illness. I could see her young husband shedding many tears. Her only sibling holding herself together as she expressed one of the things that Kate had taught her....be kind to your self first so you will be able to be kind to others. Her parents laughing thru tears at the many stories told about her that impressed others in the short time she lived here with many of us. The most important thing I want to say to each of you and yours is that I treasure each of you. I am very grateful that I grew up with the family that we had....not always rich in money, but assured of caring, love, food and housing. Sooooo...I love each of you and yours. We take that for granted at times. That's all I have to say right now.

xoxoxo, Judy

Coeur d' Alene cont.

This is the flowers growing in downtown CDA this summer. It reminds me of Redwing.

This is our famous "hill" in our back yard. I think we finally have something other than weeds growing.

Coeur d' Alene

This is the other side of the rear of the house showing the deck and shed #1

Here is one view of the back of the house.

HAPPY SUMMER

Here is our enlarged deck in the front of the house. We can now fit a table and eat in the front as well as the back deck.
Summer heat has arrived here. We do have air conditioning; but it cools down in the evening so we turn it off. Just a few finishing touches on the lower level and deck. Two projects almost completed.
Having a good summer. Joan

Turtles

Here are the turtles before the run for freedom. Livi (Olivia) to small to take part.

Forgot to sign off on the last post...sorry !

Jan #3, with Lisa and Livi's help

Thies Family

Had the annual family picture taken after spending a week together at Lobster Lake, which is near Alexandria. It was a great week, weather cooperated, lots of golf, tubing, dominoes, lunches at Big Oles and our annual lunch at Bug a Boo Bay (which is where the picture was taken). Oh did I mention FISHING, FISHING, FISHING. Caught enough to have a fish fry ...for Mark, Al and myself. Sunnys, walleye, and crappies. The kids caught 5 turtles and managed to keep them alive until today and then they held the great race to the water. Of course, the biggest turtle won.
I would imagine they are all happy to get back to the slough where they were found....though Josh made a great habitat in the sand.
After Buzz and family left for the fire works in Eagan, we had a bonfire, smores, and watched fireworks around the lake. It was great seeing Tait, Hillary, and her friend Tammy along with Linda and Buzz. Buzz brought his pizza oven...YUM.... While it was sad to see them leave it was fun to show Tammi and Hillary our Anderson family chicken dance farewell tradition.

Guess Who Came to Visit at the Lake?

We spent the 4th of July in Minnesota at Lobster Lake with Mom and Dad. Buzz, Linda, Tait, Hillary and their friend Tammi came to spend Friday evening and Saturday the 4th with us. We had lots of fun cooking out, catching up, fishing and even some tubing.

Josh Mentzer and Uncle Buzz
Tait, Hillary and Tammi return from fishing with Mark as their guide.

Mystery of the toast

Last week I came home to find two paper back books and in a plastic baggy a piece of embossed toast. Mystery? The two books, no. The baggy of embossed toast, yes.

The books need mentioning to be sure. At my group of bridge friends, the lastest good "reads" are discussed. One of the women mentioned Out Stealing Horses and she proceded to leave it on my deck as well as return a book of mine. (If you want to know about Out Stealing Horses go to Amazon.com and search. The book will come up and you can read the first few pages on line.

Now as for the embossed toast. A soon to be "out of business" store here in Eugene called the LETTERHEAD is a store to visit for items you don't always need but are so much fun and at times useful. Mary Gail, bridge friend, has become a regular patron and found the template for the toast there. The directions on the packet say to stamp or enboss a slice of fresh bread with the plate and then toast. When you examine the toast carefully you can find a female figure there that resembles the Virgin Mary. The toast is then called (are you sure you want to know) "The Holy Toast".

Since the store no longer has any in stock and you really need one of these, type in Holy Toast on Google and a couple of sites will appear (and maybe some other interesting items also). If I might have offended you, sorry! But I do love a great pun.

Judy

And again,

I wrote something the other day and hit 'Posting' and now floating off in space is what I wrote.
I haven't been able to find it and I am hoping the 'blog god' enjoys the post. Judy

Trying again!

Happy 4th of July

This is our new umbrella. It is not in the center of the table and I really like it. We will be going to Bayview with Tim and Deb as they have an outstanding fireworks.
Joan

Wind Generators

If you remember? I have tried to take pictures of the wind generators that you can see from Hardwick. The generators are located at Chandler 15 miles away as the crow fly es. I took this the day I took the picture of the Ink Bottle bridge. If all you see is the towers? The picture was taken from Jarnet Johansen driveway. If you see the tower and blades? The picture is taken from Wes and Pat Pierson driveway. Are you sure that the potato was there for only a year?

Bob (TBS)

Potatoe

Dennis found this potatoe with (eyes) that turned into leggs under the refg in the motor home.
Joan

ceschaal@aol.com

Hi There is going to be a Smith reunion Saturday August 1, 2009 at Cleary Lake Regional Park
Prior Lake Mn. This is Grandma Edith Halversons side of the family. I sent the details to Buzz. We are to send 25 dollars by July 18th for reservation. Children 3-12 are 15 dollars and under 3 no cost.
Send to Valerie Miller
175 Birchridge Drive
Brainerd, Mn 56401

Valerie is the daughter of Clauds daughter Bev Butterwick. Carol

Congrats to Tafney on the wedding! Here's a sibling photo from what was a wonderful time together.

Money.....

Help....the flower fund is following the National Debt. Please send Orrin $50.00 so the fund will be solvent......thanks.......Jan #3

Sunday 6-21-09

Guess we all had a good weekend.
In church Sunday there was a little baby girl baptized that looked like she could be Oliva's age; and then as people were coming back from communion who appreared but Chuck Brummer and family. His son, David, lives in Post Falls and they were here visiting from Richfield. They were here a couple years ago and left a message on the phone; but we were out of town. They came up to the house for a cup of coffee and then he had to go help his son who was adding a deck to his house. Good to see them. Chuch send his regards to everyone.
Joan
PS. Chuck said he remembers building the gaurage on the hardware store; our Grampa Halverson eating molasses on his bread; going to Kenneth with his Dad delivering gas and stopping and having hamburgers at a place in Kenneth that was like someones home; but it was a restaurant. Gracie, Big Bill. Growing up in a small town gave a special bond with those you grew up with.

Try again

OK, It seems that you can't enlarge the picture. After a short power nap I went back and enhanced the picture. As you can see the old bridge has been replaced. When I'm not sure. You might want to ask Wes P.

Ink Bottle

I was returning from Brandon SD to Tracy this AM Went out of my way and stopped in Hardwick. OK it is early morning but there was also a storm moving in. I think you can click on the picture and it will get bigger. The picture was taken from the north side looking to the ball park. We delivered three truck to Chicago with two other drivers. It is only 600 miles so we drive the truck to the dealer get a rental car and drive back. Time to take a nap.

INK BOTTLE BRIDGE

PS If anyone gets to Hardwick check on Ink Bottle Bridge and take a picture.
Joan

INK BOTTLE BRIDGE

Yes, I rmember Ink Bottle Bridge; but never broke any ink bottles. I also though that and older generation like Ardith Holling would have broken bottles. I didn't have a ink bottle; but don't remember using ball point either; mainly pencil.
I thing when Marlee K and I complained about the boys in our class picking on us after school; the teacher kept the boys 5 or ten minutes latter for us to get home. We waited for them at Ink Bottle Bridge.
I don't remember roller skating that far.
I agree it was by the entrance to the ball park.
I watched movies next to the meat market. Where did they move the outdoor movies to when houses went in?
Joan

Ink Bottle Bridge

I always thought that Ink Bottle bridge was called that because at the end of the school year, everyone would break their ink bottles on that bridge. Don't you remember the glass pieces in and around the bridge plus the blobs of ink on the bridge? Of course, the younger Andersons would not know about ink bottles and ink pens. I thought the bridge was at the bottom of the hill....kind of across from the ball park entrance....or the free show entrance. Anyone else have any ideas....don't be shy!!!
Jan #3

I noticed the neighborhood kids riding their bikes with much elation today. I think it is probably the last day of school or at least the second to last day. NOW, this memory of last day of school comes with a question to my siblings. Do any of you have experiences of walking home from grade school and crossing "Ink Bottle" bridge. It was that small concrete up and down on the sidewalk. There was only water under the small bridge after a good rain. Why was it called ink bottle bridge? No prizes for answers.

Coming down the hill from the hardware store that bridge had another memory for me. If you were roller skating and could make it past ink bottle bridge, you had a great and fast trip down the hill. The big obstacle was to get over the gravel road between the first block and second block. I still have afew scares from wipping out there!

Judy

Finally

This picture shows Angie and Rosie cutting a panel for the bathroom of the house this last weekend. Spud was busy watching the kids and I was making lunch at this time. After 40 + years of training Rosie and many years of training Angie they made no mistaken cuts. on any sheets of material. The only thing they did wrong was nether one had to use a band aid from all the cutting they did. When not making lunch or watching the kids Spud and I road tested my golf cart.

Bob (TBS)

PS: Spud was able to hit the ball very good and I was able to hit it. The wind took my ball all over the course but spuds went stright. I think I need new clubs?

Hello all,

I am not sure but I think (due to some wonderful directions) that I might be able to make a post on the blog. This is a test run. Will add information at a later time.

Judy

BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES SARA

Belated birthday wishes. Hope you had a good one. We are having beautiful weather here in Northern Idaho. I really enjoy your blog. I don't know how you keep up with everyone and everything. Have a good one.
Aunt Joan

Happy Birthday Sara Renee'

Happy Birthday Sara Renee'.
Hope you have a great day.
Bugs, Dad and Mom

This weekend

It took a few hours but I was able to get all my tomato plants planted. I planted 27 plants. I do Better Boys, Early Girl. Big Beef, and Roma. I also put in one plant of Belgium Giant and one Brandy Wine. I'm trying something that I did when we moved hear. I planted potatoes below the tomatoes. An old neighbor told me this trick years ago. When it is time to clean the garden you did up the potatoes. Spent 2.00 on seed potatoes so it woun't be a big loss if it don't work. In one spot I'm trying to grow some climbing string beans using a big tomato cage for them to climb on.. Ben very busy driving truck east and will go with three other driver from Luverne to Charlotte MI to get chassis tomorrow. They are going someplace in NB. Should be home Fri afternoon and hope then to get to the golf course. Their can be some other posting at any time. I'm the only one that spells like dad

Bob (TBS)

Happy Mother's Day!

We hope that you moms are enjoying some time doing what you want to do today!

The Mentzer family spent the week-end at a baseball tournament in Iowa City. Both boys were in the same tournament but at different locations because of field size so it got a little tricky with timing everything. Yesterday and this morning we were out the door at 6:30 am. It was cold too. We had winter coats with us because of the wind. Some dinner out and a little shopping followed by a soccer game has capped off our day. We are hoping for a quiet evening getting ready for the activities of the week.

These are my three after lunch today. Josh is in 7th, Nate is 4th and Isabelle in Kindergarten.
Isabelle had her dance recital last week-end and Mom and Dad came for that. She loves dance but sports too so we are trying to fit it all in! Makes for a hectic pace!

We have our blog at www.houseofnorse.blogspot.com if you are interested in tracking our rather usual yet hectic life!

Have a very Happy Mother's Day!