Year in review 2025

 Wow we both made it to the end of 2025!  That in itself should be a reason to celebrate! 

Our oldest daughter Trica still lives in Duluth Minnesota.  She came to take care of us when we recovering from the crud.  She calls often and was very supportive of her Dad's breast cancer struggles. She has chickens now and a coop with an automatic door. A dog named Lexie and a cat or maybe two.  She has a fella named Jerry.

Our youngest daughter Jen is on Sabbatical and will go back to teaching next Fall.  Andy teaches at UND.  We live with them for the Winter and various other times of the year when we have surgeries or appointments.  Jen and Andy both turned the big 50 this year.  They bought a extra large lot not far from where they live now, built a garage and house plans are in the works. Sadie is their happy Golden Retriever. 

Grandchildren:

Savannah; Still has her own business doing lashes in Bemidji Minnesota she has two dogs Chewy and Kalila. 

Savannah

Madison; Brenton and she welcomed Baby K (Kaylee Madison) in May.  Hey Mikey is 8 years old, Cee Cee is 5, Peach is 2. Maddie is a Dental Assistant in Pediatric Dentistry, Brenton works for Bobcat.  They have a dog named Koda and the kitty Doug.  Their dog Sam went to live with a family member and is doing well.  They are planning a move next June from Grand Forks ND to Bemidji Minnesota. 

Maddie

Paige;  Cole and Paige purchased a new home near Bemidji.  Paige is a Dental Hygienist and Cole works for a Irrigation Company.  They have a dog named Rosie.

Paige

Noah; In April Noah married Hanna.  They live in East Grand Forks, Noah works for Simplot and Hanna works for Hot Chicken. They have three dogs Aurora, Aphrodite and Noble and a couple of rabbits. 

Noah and Hanna

Adam; Adam proposed to Courtney on a trip to Hawaii. She said Yes!  The wedding will take place in Western North Dakota in September of 2026.  Adam works at Menards and Courtney is working at Mc Donalds and hopes to go back to school Fall Semester to finish her degree. They have a kitty named Phoebe. They live in Western North Dakota so we don't see them often. 

Courtney and Adam

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Births;

Our Great Granddaughter Kaylee was born the end of May

My Other Baby Brother and she who sees robins first became Great Grandparents to Callum in October.

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Deaths;

Longtime Friend Dale died July 4 age 86

Far Guy's Cousin Robbie died July 5 age 46

Grandma Ed died October 3 age 96 she was Andy's Grandmother and our Grandsons only remaining Great Grandmother.

Grandpa Ed died October 25 age 87 he was our Grandgirls Grandfather ( former Father in Law to Trica)

My Cousin Dion died November 9 age 63

We each lost a classmate in the last week of December.  Mike was 74 and Rick was 74.  Cancer sucks. 

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Far Guy survived chemo, surgery and radiation treatments for Breast Cancer this year.  He is a trooper.  He has to take a hormone pill for five years maybe longer which is a challenge due to the side effects.  He had three surgical procedures this year.  He continues to wood carve. 

Me... well I had a Laminectomy on June 10 and still have pain so I am undergoing more tests in the New Year.  I stay busy crocheting, reading and blogging.  I have a number of projects planned for the Winter.

I hope we can stay healthy in 2026 and out of hospitals.  I am thankful for family, a warm home, enough to eat and a dog to pet. 

Far Side

Crane and lights

 Tucked into a Christmas Card was a wonderful surprise! 

An Origami Crane!  Just perfect! Thank you Larry!  I have been following his blog a number of years:) 

We went out one evening to see "the lights"  the Lions in Grand Forks North Dakota do a bang up job with the display every year.

Monday we had two appointments.  I had to renew my military ID because it was expiring...now I have an Indefinite one.  Far Guy saw his Pulmonary Doctor and she is pleased with how well he is doing.  Keeping our fingers and toes crossed that he escapes the flu or any such germs. 

Three more medical appointment round out our week.  Will it ever end?  I see my worthless Rheumatologist on Wednesday.

Andy is on Christmas break and he is a much better cook than I am!  Last night we had twice baked potatoes, chili and fruit.  He already has Tuesday nights meal planned and the meat is being sous vide.

( cooked at a very low temperature in a special container that holds water) 

Minnesota weather; Monday it was sunny and the sundogs were out again.High was 5F or -15C low was 2F or -17C eh!  Tuesday we may get above freezing!!!

Far Side

18

 This blog is eighteen years old.  Hard to believe its teen age years are almost over. 

 I usually give myself flowers. 

Well here they are... Autumn Joy Sedum covered in snow.  

It kinda fits the snowy day we had on Sunday. 

If you are a long time/ part time reader/commenter you are partly to blame for me still blogging.  So thanks for that!  The blogging community is a wonderful group, many of you  are like family!  Thank you for sharing your lives with me! 

I shall continue on with the daily drivel. 

Minnesota weather; Snowy and some wind.  High 8F or  -13C Low was -9F or -22C  We have a blizzard warning through Sunday night into Monday morning. 

Andy ventured out to pick up pizza so that was a great supper!

 Happy Bloggiversary to me!

Far Side

 

Cuckoo

 Far Guy had a project.

It had so many tiny parts, every time I walked by his work table I shook my head.  He has patience to find all the parts, follow the directions and put it all together. 

Sadie on the other hand decided to be a lap dog one day....

We got more rain....real slick out there.  The next 24 hours we are in a Winter Storm watch...snow and wind are forecast.  We will be staying put.  Jen and Andy are painting their bedroom...so everyone has projects.  Jen is on Sabbatical and Andy is home for Christmas Break.

Minnesota weather : Dreary,  high was 38F or 3C and the low was 9f or -3c eh!

Supper was ham, scalloped potatoes, fruit and cornbread.  I puzzled most of the day in between cooking. 

Far Side

Christmas Dog

 We are fortunate enough to have a Golden Retriever who loves us here at Jen and Andy's home. 

She was real patient with us one evening.  Jen put Sadie in the pantry and then taped up Christmas paper over the doorway and for treats Sadie poked her head out. 

Sadie is a very happy dog.  She lets us pet her as much as we want! She is four years old now.

It was a skating rink outside on Friday...it rained during the night and ice covered everything.  The main routes were okay but the side roads are glare ice.  Coming home from the Infusion yesterday I had to attempt the driveway twice. Slow and steady the second attempt was successful.

Minnesota weather; High 28F or -2C and Low was 24F or -4C eh!

Supper was a Chef's salad, fruit and some sweet potato fries. (Sadie liked the sweet potato fries)

Far Side

Day After Christmas!

 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we had great food; smoked ribs, potato salad, cornbread and fruit....it was all delicious.  

Christmas Eve Day Andy wanted to learn how to make my potato salad...so we did it together and he did a thing! Complete with photos and everything! 

The Grands and Great Grands will have it as long as there is an Internet! 

Today (Friday) Far Guy has his weekly Infusion.  Not sure what I will do...read in the car most likely. 

Minnesota weather; Freezing drizzle with a high of 30F or -1C and low of 15F or -9C. 

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Merry Christmas!

 Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

Far Side

Christmas Eve

 Happy Christmas Eve!  

Stevie, Jay and Far Guy at his paternal grandparents home in the 1950's.  I will guess 1956 or 1957. The boys are cousins meeting up at their Grandparents home...were I am sure there was chicken and noodles and lots of homemade treats.  The photo was most likely taken Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 

Far Side

1966

 Going even further back...1966

Me, my other baby brother and my baby brother. 

No tinsel was spared that year.  Photo taken in the living room at the farm where I grew up. 

Far Side 

1980

 A blast from the past...45 years ago.

Christmas 1980 at my parents home at the resort on Straight Lake. 

Sunday was a quiet day, I had several naps.  Far Guy is working on a wooden puzzle. 

Supper was chicken wild rice soup, salad and a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Minnesota weather; High 14F or -10C Low was 2F or -17C. 

Only two medical appointments this week! 

Far Side

Christmas Ornament 2025

 Our woodcarving this year took many twists and turns.  We had a different design picked out but they are very time consuming so the first part of September we came up with a simpler design.

We finished all the wood carved ornaments finally.  

Far Guy did most of the carving, I helped with the sanding and I wood burned the heart. Team effort!

It was a tough year, but through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and prayer we made it through, so it is a fitting ornament for this year.

I have the last 18 Christmas cards in the works...I am slow this year. Some have been mailed. 

We had a quiet Saturday, it was cold.  We went and exchanged a Christmas puzzle that we finished in the hope that someone else might enjoy it this Christmas.  Then we went to the grocery store...chicken wild rice soup is in the crockpot :)

Happy Winter Solstice!  Now we begin to gain light again!

Far Side

56 years

 Happy Anniversary to us!  56 years...wow we are even impressed!  It was 20 below zero that day. 

 Then...

and now...

we hardly look like the same people....such is life...but we are still best friends for richer or poorer in sickness and health...

We will go out for supper one evening soon to celebrate. 

Far Side

The Blizzard

 The Blizzard kept us inside all day Thursday.  I took some photos out the window.  It rained, snowed and we had wind gusts up to 60 mph.  It will be icy out there for sure.  

Sadie had a boring day.  She went out a few times to sniff the air.  When it is really cold someone takes her down to the treadmill where she can run off some of her energy!

Far Guy's weekly Infusion was cancelled due to the weather...they rescheduled for today (Friday).

Minnesota weather; Cold but at least it's windy!  High 5F or -15C Low was -16F or -27C.  The wind chill factor is in the -40F range...downright cold. 

Far Side

In between book

 I started this book back in the Spring...April I think.  Jen gave me the book and said "It is best read in snippets here and there."   So that was my approach.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig.

I give the book a 7 out of 10 on my reading scale.  It was a very different read for me, however the last 20 pages were page turners.  

The book is full of different thoughts on life.  My favorite being...

"Reading helps you live lives beyond the one you are inside.  It turns our single-room mental shack into a mansion."

Now onto the next book...perhaps another in between book before I start the next book club read.  I got a Thrift Books order last week:)

We are in a blizzard warning.  Lots of time for puzzles and reading.  

Far Side

The Greats

 The Great Grandchildren were here on Sunday.  Wish we could bottle that energy!

Hey Mikey!

Cee Cee 

Peach 

Baby K 

You can always count on babies to scratch themselves before holiday photos. 

Yesterday I finished ordering the 2026 Calendar...the Greats will be 9, 6, 3 and 1 in 2026!  

We had a beautiful day yesterday!  The sun was shining! 

Minnesota weather; High 43F or 6C Low was 15F or -9C  at least it is windy!

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The Grands

 Getting all the young adults together is hard, last Sunday worked for most of us to gather.  Adam drove from Western North Dakota...Adam's fiancee Courtney had to work or she would have been here too.

Here they are oldest to youngest!  They brighten up our lives!  We played games and had a White Elephant gift exchange....and an incredible meal that Andy cooked.  Prime rib, twice baked potatoes, carrots, parsnips, popovers and snickers salad and then all kind of Christmas goodies. 

It was so quiet in the house after everyone left. 

Far Side

Christmas 1995

 Here is a blast from the past.  

Christmas 1995.  How time flies by. Photo taken at my parents home on the lake.  I did the lettering on that Christmas Sleigh for my parents. 

"Hyvää joulua!" (pronounced hoo-vaa yoo-loo-ah) is Finnish for Merry Christmas It's a common festive greeting used to wish people a joyful holiday season in Finland.

Far Side

At least its windy

In this area of Minnesota and North Dakota right across the river many people say...  It's cold but at least it's windy.  It's hot but at least it's windy.  It's raining but at least it's windy.  It is most always windy here and it is part of the weather you can count on.  I swear the wind comes off the mountains in Montana and gains speed over North Dakota because there is nothing to stop it...just my opinion. 

Minnesota weather; High was -2F or -19C low was -18F or -28C eh!   The real feel of the air was in the -20F to -30F all day.  Far Guy and I did not leave the house and we felt sorry for Sadie who lays in the snow! 

Not sure what year I made these bead angels they were fun to make. 

 We had pizza for supper.

Far Side

One sundog

 There were two Sundogs but I only got a photo of one.  Photo taken out of the windshield when I was safely pulled over. 

I stopped and took this photo on my way back from PT and a trip to the corner of happy and healthy to pick up a prescription for Far Guy.  I have new exercises to do for my back and my bad leg.  I have known the Physical Therapist for a number of years. 

Cold here...but at least its windy.

I plan to work on the puzzle while the rest of the household watches the Hockey game on Friday night.

Minnesota weather;  High was -3F or -19C Low was -20F or -29C eh.  Next week we will be 64 degrees warmer than we were if the weather predictions are correct.  Crazy extremes. 

Supper was freezer meals...Far Guy had chili, I had soup and Jen had an egg sandwich.  Andy was working late. 

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The snow report

 About seven inches of it.

Sadie barks at these deer.  

The snowman family all sit on five gallon buckets and they are partially covered. 

The main roads are petty good however the side streets and some parking lots are still a challenge.  

I picked up our grocery order from Walmart and went to Aldi while Far Guy had his weekly Infusion then we went out for a late lunch early supper at Perkins.  Breakfast is good anytime of day!  

In the evening Jen and I went to the library for the puzzle exchange:)

Minnesota weather; High 13F or -11C Low was -7F or -22C eh!  Forecast for Friday is a Winter Weather Advisory because it may snow a bit more and it will become very windy. 

Far Side

Two finishes

 We finished the puzzle, it was a tad difficult.  

Redwood National Park

Then I finished a baby blanket.

It is Baby Bee Snugs & Kisses yarn from Hobby Lobby and the color is called Grape Jelly.  I used three skeins and I think the crochet hook was a J.  

We have been lucky and had no appointments so far this week until today Far Guy has his weekly Infusion and on Friday I go to Physical Therapy.  It was a digging out day yesterday...we got about seven inches of snow. 

Jen made spaghetti and meatballs for supper and beer bread.  She cannot eat either of them so she is a star cook!  Jen has a gluten intolerance. 

Minnesota weather; High was 16F or -9C  Low was -3F or -19C eh!  We are headed into the deep freeze for a few days...Friday and Saturday we will not get above zero.

Far Side
 

Cards and stuff

 I am working on the Christmas Cards.  I always say I should start earlier.  Perhaps I should not change ideas so many times.  The first design... I was just not feeling it.  So I spent an afternoon watching watercolor videos. 

Blank cards ready for the magic. 

They are a work in progress and hopefully they will be mailed before Christmas.

My baby brother and me...this photo is from 1954.  My baby brother was born in March of 1954...there is a pillow behind him propping him up.  Looks like I was sharing a doll with him.  I bet I made lots of miles on that tricycle.  Photo was taken in the living room of the farm house where I grew up. Note the Shiny Brite Ornaments, tinsel and garland. 

Minnesota weather; Snowy all day.  We are in a Winter Storm warning.  High was 26F or -3C Low was 13F or -11C.  The wind is supposed to come up and blow the white stuff around a bit. 

Far Guy and I made supper...scalloped potatoes and Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Yummy!

Far Side

Snowy

 Monday was a snowy day.  We are headed into a Winter Storm sometime Tuesday....it may snow and the wind may blow...or not. 

My view from the craft room patio door. 

I am working on Christmas Cards. 

We went to the grocery store because that is what you do when a Winter Storm is forecast.  We needed a few things...ham, potatoes, crackers, pudding and fudge bars. 

Supper was egg, ham and cheese on an English Muffin with some of Far Guy's delicious fried potatoes!

Minnesota weather: Snowy,   High was 18F or -8C  Low was 4F or -16C eh!

Far Side

Making goodies

 Sunday was baking/creating day.  Maddie came over with the Greats.

Maddie made peanut butter blossoms, a chocolate chip/Reeses cookie and then Bugles with some almond bark and a M &M...I think it was supposed to look like a Grinch hat:)  

Andy made truffles, pretzels with a Hersheys kiss and an M&M...one night last week we did the pretzels with a Rolo candy and a pecan on top. 

I got to feed Baby K.  She got really mad at me when her bottle was done...her mood goes from okay to screaming crisis mode just like that.  No whining or fussing...just screaming!

She is very focused on her Mother's voice and her siblings make her giggle.   She had a bubble bath and afterwards I clipped her fingernails while she was asleep!

I can report that Maddie put an undershirt on the child!!

It was a chilly day.  High was 6F or -14C low was 3F or -16C 

Supper was a bacon cheeseburger, french fries and a chocolate shake...Andy is one heck of a cook!

Happy 46th Anniversary to my other baby brother and she who sees robins first!  

Far Side

Visit to the Farm

 Our friends Sarah and Chris have a Flower Farm.  This is their first year adding trees, porch pots, table decorations and various crafts for sale in late November and early December. 

They have several spots for picture takers. 

Inside photos too!  Our three great Granddaughters!  Inside the gift shop was much warmer for photos!  The girls wrote letters to Santa and left them in the mail box:)

It was a fun visit.  A few weeks ago Jen and I helped Sarah create some table decorations...all were sold and she could have used a few more...maybe next year!

Minnesota weather; High 9F or -13C Low was -7F or -22C eh!  

Supper was leftovers...so no cooking only warming up! 

Far Side

Book Club : December 2025

 I had Book Club on Thursday afternoon.  The book was The Switch by Beth O'Leary

On my scale of 1 to 10  I give it a 4.   It was a lot of fluff and not much substance.  I enjoyed the 79 year old woman in the book and her outlook.  However I would not read the book again. 

Seems like it has been forever since I have read a page turner!  

Recommendations are always welcome!

Friday was a quiet day, toward evening Jen and I went to Michaels. Far Guy waited in the car. He people watched and talked to my sister on the phone whilst we were in the store!

No yarn was purchased just watercolor paper for more cards. 

Far Side

A good fit

 I finished a hat and matching booties for Baby K. 

The hat ...it fits...it covers up her ears and that was the main intent.  Babies that get cold air in their ears get earaches and ear infections...just an observation over the years.  Hope Baby K has an undershirt on...I do check that from time to time and give her Mama the what for on undershirts:)  ( Babies need the layers to stay warm and cozy)

All the "stuff" for Christmas cards arrived so that will keep me busy for a few days.

Far Guy and I went out for a late lunch after his weekly infusion...so supper is left overs if you are hungry. I love a no cooking day!

Minnesota weather; Downright chilly. High was 24F or -4C Low was 18F or -8C  and it was WINDY!

Far Side

No place to go

 We are kinda lost on quiet days with no medical appointments.   No need to hurry and get up to be someplace. No place to go yesterday.  I slept til 9AM  Far Guy was up at o dark thirty...the hormone med ( Tamoxifen) that he has to take causes him anxiety which keeps him awake.  It is a conundrum. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen and stops cancer cells from growing.  Tamoxifen was discontinued during radiation and started again after radiation was finished. 

I am working on a very frustrating project...so I needed a time out. So I started some scrubbies to put in Christmas stockings. 

Christmas Tree at the Cancer Center

I put a pork roast in the oven we will have mashed potatoes, gravy and some baked carrots and parsnips for supper.  Comfort food on a very chilly Minnesota day.

Minnesota weather; High was 13F or -11C  Low was -9F or -23C.  Even Sadie says it is a tad chilly.

Far Side

 

Ringing the bell

 Radiation is over.  The 20 treatments are done.  

We are thankful to cross breast cancer off our list.  Far Guy saw his Oncologist and the spot on his scar that was concerning us is scar tissue.  Not cancer!  

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Reports

 First the snow report; it snowed twice maybe three times and this is what we have.  Granted some might have blown away.

Not much to complain about!

I am wearing my snow boots now...just too cold for Crocs even with socks.

Far Guy has one more radiation treatment on Tuesday.  Monday's appointment had a little glitch...as we have to see the surgeon again as a troublesome spot has appeared on his incision.  Is it a radiation burn?  A pocket of fat?  A stitch?  Something to worry about?  Something not to worry about?   The Radiation Oncologist says he is going to err on the side of caution and recommends that he see the surgeon. Needless to say Far Guy is discouraged. 

 I refuse to be discouraged until I know exactly what to be discouraged about.  What is one more appointment anyway...it is what we do. 

Far Side