Hark! Back! Issue #11

 March 25, 2008

"Charlie"

Revenge is sweet but embarrassing for teenage girls.

In retaliation for the huge rejection by "Pearl" the cockatiel I purchased "Charlie" a male parakeet.

Charlie loved me, he was my rock and roll bird. He loved the oldies and would bee bop in time with the music and sing his heart out.  "Please Mister Postman" was his very favorite song, he liked the version by The Shirelles the best, although versions by The Carpenters, The Beatles or The Marvelettes were acceptable. 

Charlie had one small problem, he would spread his wings, rub himself on his perch or on the bell of his mirror...making the most delightful sounds and he would sing on and on...

The girls were teenagers and they found my wonderful Charlie an embarrassment.  They would announce their displeasure. "M O T H E R your bird is doing it again."  "Mother, I would appreciate it if you could control your bird."  "Do you know how embarrassing he is?"  "I am having friends over and he is SO disgusting."  "Is that all he ever does?" 

They would announce their displeasure with us quite loudly and quite often giving Charlie the female attention he so desired....which in turn would excite him even more. So I usually had to apologize to their friends and explain that I was the owner of an oversexed avian and it was all my fault.  

Playing "Please Mister Postman" would jerk him back to reality and he would become  a rock and roll star once more, it seemed that bee bopping to the music stopped all avian sexual activity:)

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Charlie was a hoot...I adored that little bird.   He lived a good long time with us and then was rehomed with a Vet Tech gal when Far Guy retired from the Military and we moved all our belongings into storage and bought a camper.

The teenagers a long time ago.

Far Side

Happy Father's Day!

 We remember our Fathers on this special day.  

Far Guy's Dad, Far Guy and Far Guy's sister photo taken in the Summer of 1950.

My Dad, my baby brother and me in the Fall of 1954...note how attentive I am.

My Dad with my sister and my other baby brother in the Spring of 1967.

My husband is also a great Dad!!

Trica, Far Guy and Jen at the Needles in South Dakota Summer of 1978.

Happy Father's Day!

Far Side

Little Golden Book

 Do you remember The Little Golden Books?  Did you or your children have a favorite? 

We had one special one that we could recite over and over. 

I found it for sale.

In 1973 it was 69 cents and it along with a few other story books were gifts for our oldest daughter's 1st Birthday. (Gifts from Snuffer...our much loved dog)

Far Guy and I read that book over and over on our trip home on leave from Lowry AFB and then again on the long trip to Mac Dill AFB in the Summer of 1973. 

As Trica got older and was able to turn the pages she would turn them as you recited the book and would make you go back and say it right if you messed up. 

Anyways...I have a copy of the book...in todays prices the book would be valued at $5.50  well it is kinda rare...so I payed a tad bit more than that for it. 

"Wake up baby this is your special day" 

Far Side

54

 Our oldest daughter Trica is 54 years old today.  We hope to meet her for lunch. 

In 1973 we celebrated her first birthday in Colorado.  We were there while Far Guy went to Tech School at Lowery AFB.  We enjoyed our time in Colorado.

Happy Birthday Trica...we love you lots! 

Far Side

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

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

Sick

 Far Guy shared whatever bug he has.  Feeling pretty rotten but I should be good as new in a few days.  Far Guy is about the same...not any better for sure.  He is teetering between being sick enough to go to the ER and sick enough to stay home.

We had a slow water leak in the bathroom upstairs...it was a bad shut off valve.  Our son in law Handy Andy came and fixed it for us!   Thank goodness for helpers!

Our oldest daughter Trica came last night to help the sick elderly for a few days.

I made chicken and wild rice soup for supper...chicken soup helps everything!

Far Side

Mothering

My days of "mothering" up close and personal are pretty much over.  My role as caregiver takes over my mothering ability/energy.  Yes, I am still available to my daughters, son in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and assorted in/out laws but in a limited capacity.  I can still give advice or an opinion when asked...sometimes even without asking.  I am pretty much past the holding hand stage. "Be careful when you cross the street look both ways" she said covering her eyes.

However...there is someone who has the energy to do the "mothering" in our family.  That is our youngest daughter Jen who is like a mother hen gathering all her chicks/cats...you know cats? 

Usually children can team up...Jen has no back up.  Our oldest daughter Trica struggles with alcoholism. She was a good Mom at one time, but the disease of alcoholism took over and has robbed the entire family.  

Jen cares for her elderly parents, making sure we have what we need when we need it.  She often asks "What can I do for you Mom?"  She has nine young adult children ( her boys and their gals and then Trica's daughters and spouses)  in her life that may/may not need guidance/financial assistance/ groceries/a good home cooked meal/ a soft welcoming place to land for a bit.  She has a very busy husband who needs attention too.   Then her three great nieces and great nephew with new great baby on the way to spoil, love and mother. (She will be in the delivery room)

AND then there is Sadie.

Yes being a dog mom is a very important job too. 

 I loved being a human mom but I also loved being a dog mom...when my daughters were teenagers they often said "Mom you love the dogs more than us"  Some days in some situations that was entirely possible. 

I am thankful to Jen for picking up the slack in our family, things I can no longer do...she embraces. 

Thanks Jen you are the bestest Mom/Daughter ever!  You are very important to so many people!

Love you lots!

Mom

53

 Our oldest daughter Trica is 53 today.  

Here she is in 1972 at my baby brothers graduation (age18), that is my other baby brother holding her (age 11) and my sister (age 5 almost 6) looking on.  Photo taken at my parents home on the farm. 

Happy Birthday Trica, we all love you very much!

Far Side

Year in Review 2024

 It was a year!  Why is it as we age time seems to go by faster and faster?

Our oldest daughter Trica lives in Duluth Minnesota, we saw her one time this past year and that was at Paige's wedding. 

Our youngest daughter Jen and husband Andy still live in East Grand Forks Minnesota and we spend the Winter months with them.  They have a Golden Retriever named Sadie.  Jen teaches at Northland Community College and Andy teaches at the University of North Dakota.

Savannah is doing well with her Lash business in Bemidji, Minnesota.  She has two dogs Chewy and Kalila.

Maddie is a Dental Assistant, her husband Brenton works at Bobcat. They live in Grand Forks, North Dakota and they have "The Greats"  Hey Mikey, Cee Cee and Peach.  With a new baby due in June!  They have a very busy household...two dogs Sam and Koda and a cat named Doug. 

Paige married Cole in October.  Paige is a Dental Hygienist and Cole works for a Irrigation Company. They live in Bemidji Minnesota. They have a dog named Rosie.

Noah lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota and works at Simplot, he supervises the cleaning of all the machines and the chemicals used.  Simplot processes potatoes.  Noah has a dog named Aurora. 

Adam moved to Dickinson, North Dakota. He works at Menards in the plumbing department and will attend Dickinson State University this next semester.  Adam's gal Courtney is also a student at Dickinson State University, if all goes well they will graduate about the same time. (2 years from now) Adam has a cat named Phoebe. 

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No births this year or new pet additions. 

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Deaths...we had a few. 

Far Guy's Cousin Bill Weeks  January 25  age 78

High School Friend Cyndi 

My Mother Madeline February 11 age 94

Neighbor Cheryl  July 13 age 70

My Cousin Diane August 13  age 68

My Cousin Patsy September 15 age 72

Far Guy's Cousin Tom's wife Linda October 4  age 78

My Cousin Kathy October 11  age 75 

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One of our bestest Winter friends Little Elvis died September 27, 2004 he was almost 15 years old.  He had a good life.  I miss him sleeping on his bed near the foot of my bed and as old habits are hard to break I look for him automatically when I get up during the night.  I miss him.

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Far Guy keeps busy; he woodcarves, fixes on his old car and occasionally he goes to a car show.  He is my best sous chef and helps readily in the kitchen.  His lung function is about 19% so we limit our activities to outdoor gatherings as much as possible.  He rarely goes into a store because of perfumes, aftershave and cleaning products that people/stores use. 

I keep busy, I have many crochet/craft projects in the works at all times.  I am still struggling with pain from all my ritises  I do daily exercises and should have bought stock in whoever makes Tylenol.  One day at a time. 

There you have it the big wrap up for 2024.

What will 2025 bring us?  A new Great, time spent with those we love...both humans and dogs!

Happy New Years Eve!  We have not stayed up late enough to ring in the New Year for a number of years.

Far Side

Christmas 1978

All those old Christmas photos are treasures.  I do not recall what gifts were exchanged other than the gift of Family. 

My Mother wrote on this photo the year 1978.   My sister Julie (age 12), our daughters Trica (age 6) and Jennifer (age 3)  

Not sure what my sister was telling Jen ...probably say cheese.  Looks like Trica was in first grade as she has some missing front teeth.  Jen has a Raggedy Ann doll that I do not recall at all. 

The Nativity set in the background was ceramic and I made it one year as a gift for my Mother. The tree was in the corner of the living room in my parents home on Straight Lake.  I see tinsel and satin balls. 

I am still not sure what my Mother was thinking with the choice of carpeting! Uffda high low shag.

Christmas was always celebrated the same; church on Christmas Eve, after church my Mother would disappear and begin her last minute gift wrapping...there would be knocks at the door and neighbors would join in the festivities...my Mother invited everyone for Christmas Eve.  There was food and plenty to drink...it was always terribly cold outside...Minnesota ..freeze your butt off cold.  The next morning was church and the rest of the day was spent at my Grandparents home.

Far Side

  

1979 a blast from the past

 My other baby brother and she who sees robins first celebrate 45 years of wedded bliss today! 

1979  That is my sister Julie age 13 on the far left and the flower girl is our oldest daughter Trica she was 7 years old that year. 

Congratulations! 

Christmas card report: 12 finished so total is 65

Pain report: I have a little less pain....hopefully it will keep improving. 

Far Side

52

 Our oldest daughter, Trica is 52 today.  It has been 16 months since we last saw her.  She came for her Grandfathers Funeral but not for her Grandmothers. 

Here she is with my Mother about two years ago. 

Trica has a life of her own, with very little contact with family members. It is the way she wants it.

We love her daughters and grandchildren very much, of course we cannot fill her shoes but we can hug them all and tell them that they are loved. 

Happy Birthday Trica, we all love you!

Mom

Christmas in 1981

 Found this old photo amongst the photos my Mom has saved. 

The year was 1981. 

Christmas at my parents home at the Resort.  Mom put the tree in the same corner every year. 

My Dad at age 55 is in the photo with three of his grandchildren.  Trica, Jen and Kirk.  Trica was 9 years old, Jen was 6 years old and Kirk was 1 year old ( Kirk belongs to my baby brother and his bride).   You can tell that Jen was in first grade as she has lost her front teeth. 

I don't know what my Mother was thinking when she picked out the carpeting!   Tinsel remains on the tree...as many mentioned yesterday in their comments tinsel was saved from year to year.  It was collected strand by strand and put over a piece of cardboard to use again the next year. 

Far Side

Happy Birthday Trica!

 Our oldest daughter Trica is 51 years old today.  

Recently I ran across this photo from the summer of 1972. Much happier times.

The babies were born in the Spring.  Far Guy's Paternal Grandmother Tracie is holding our daughter Trica, my sister Julie is holding Kathy. Kathy is a Granddaughter of Tracies.  Trica and Kathy had matching dresses.  I believe the photo was taken at the summer cottage on Straight Lake that belonged to Kathy's parents Archie and Liz.

Our oldest daughter Trica is not in good health.  She has been in and out of the hospital most of the winter with ovarian cysts, bowel blockages, dehydration, kidney stones and kidney/liver issues. 

 If I could wish or pray her healthy and happy I would. 

Today I can only wish her a happy birthday!

Far Side

Sunliner and visits

 I think you have to have a little strappy sundress, huge sunglasses and a scarf that flaps in the wind in order to drive this convertible.

Ford Sunliner most likely a 1956...back when a car was a car.

Friday I saw my Dermatologist for my whole body exam...all clear for another year! 

I had a rough night after my third booster...finally got up and put ice on my arm.  Far Guy is headachy and feeling tired.  Seems like I am always tired and I joined him with the headache.  

Our oldest daughter Trica brought her beau for a visit Friday afternoon.  Good to see her and to meet her beau.  Also met their dogs Chase and Lexi ( Golden Labs) who had a fun time racing around the yard. 

Far Side

Birthdays

 Today our oldest daughter Trica is 50.   Hard to believe that she is that old. 

I believe this photo was taken in 2006.  Savannah, Trica, Paige, My Dad and Maddie.

Maddie's birthday was yesterday!  Maddie was 24 years old.  We visited her via facetime, she likes her new job.  Fun to get caught up with her.

Maddie and Chance...2008 I think.  The walking stick she is holding is a Diamond Willow Branch that Far Guy debarked and made into a walking stick...one for each of our Grands....he uses a wood burning tool to engrave their names on the walking sticks.

Far Side

Another quiet day

 We had another quiet day.  I worked on painting Christmas ornaments and we went for a ride in the afternoon. 

There is still a bit of color out there.

In the evening we visited our oldest daughter Trica.   

Far Side

Happy Birthday Trica!

 Our oldest daughter is 49 today...how can she be that old?  Time passes...we all get older.

A long time friend sent us this photo.  It was taken of Trica and her Dad in the summer of 1972 in Janesville Minnesota.   I always made sure she wore a hat...Mothers don't do that anymore.  The blanket she has is one that was made by her Great Grandma Henderson...corduroy of different colors ( A Crazy Quilt) on one side and an animal print on the other.   Far Guy had lots of hair back then. 

Hold onto your good memories.   Live in the present and make the best of each day.  Sending our daughter birthday blessings all wrapped in love.  Happy Birthday Trica! 

Far Side

40 hours

 I was away for 40 hours.  Granddaughter Paige and I took a flight from Bemidji Minnesota to Louisville Kentucky.  Travel trip...do not wear a shirt with sparklies on it or you will alarm the system and have to have a wand search and then a pat down and residue swab on your hands.  Who knew?  They took Paige's toothpaste because it was too large. 

We had a lay over for a couple of hours in Minneapolis /St Paul.  The plane from there was a hunk of junk and kept making noises and you could feel vibrations and hear clunking noises under my feet.  As we landed in Louisville several streets were blocked off with cop cars...the lights were quite visible late at night we had no idea that riots were happening there and there was a 9 PM curfew as we traveled out of the city with Far Guy's sister and brother in law amongst very little traffic on the freeway. 

Thursday morning our oldest daughter was released from a hospital there and Paige and I drove 13 hours and delivered her safely back to the town where she is living.

Far Guy drove 3 1/2 hours in the early morning hours to pick up Paige and I.  Paige kept her grandpa busy talking and helped him watch for deer while I slept and reportedly snored in the back seat...only awakened with a charlie horse behind my knee.   After Paige was delivered safely to her apartment I completed the drive home. 

It was a quick trip...however it was nice to see Far Guy's sister and brother in law and our niece who lives in the area. 

Everyone wore masks in the airports and on the plane we were all spread out inside the aircraft with spaces all over...capacity was about 25% of normal.  They seated everyone in the back of the plane first row by row so no one had to walk by anyone else.   I believe that exposure was minimal...at least we hope so. 

On our way back through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin everyone wore masks except a couple of people in a McDonalds in Indiana. 

Far Guy and I are both tired of driving and missing sleep.  Far Guy could not travel on the airplane due to his oxygen requirements and his weekly infusion. 

I came home to a carpet of newly fallen leaves so the second mulch of the season was completed...I would rather drive the lawn mower around for hours versus a car any day of the week.  Far Guy estimates that 1/3 of our leaves fell out of the trees while I was gone. 

Sunrise on Brazil Lake near Georgetown Indiana September 24 2020

It is good to be home.

Far Side