Colgrove Quilt

I live in Becker County, however I work in Hubbard County.  I know much more about Becker County History since I was born and raised in the county.   I did go to High School in Hubbard County..for what it is worth.

Sometimes the county lines are crossed..since we live so close to Hubbard County the lines are easily blurred. 

Such is the case with a number of items in the museum.  Today I will  address the Colgrove Quilt.

The quilt hangs in the Heritage Room at the museum.  It is one of two items that is “on loan” to the museum.  “On Loan” so that all people may enjoy it.

During WWII local residents of the Ponsford Minnesota area brought things into the Red Owl store in Ponsford to sell.  The store was owned by Ted and Mary Colgrove.  They sold the store in 1949 to Ray and Bev Masog ( who I remember at the store).

Mrs. Clark’s quilt was not sold.  It’s original price was $10.00 but she offered it to the Colgroves for $7.50.  The Colgrove children remember the quilt being stored in a trunk..and on really cold nights it was brought out and put on a bed.  The children felt special to sleep in the bed with the Indian Quilt.

So this is a bit of Becker County history that resides in the neighboring Hubbard County Historical Museum.

Last winter it was taken out for appraisal.  I did not hear the evaluation.  This spring I called Joyce..because the wall was so bare..and she brought it back into the museum.

It is a beautiful piece of art!  The room where it is displayed has UV filters on the windows and on the light fixtures.  I would like to see this quilt  have a sleeve hand sewn at the top so that it can be secured to the board through the sleeve and not through the quilt itself.   It would require approval by the family and someone to do the hand sewing. 

Light and dust are the worst for quilts..and gravity.  Quilts that are folded in cases must be refolded every once in awhile or their folds will become creased.  All the quilts in the museum that are in cases need to be refolded.  I put it on my “to do” list.

I recently read an article that said cedar chests are bad places to store quilts long term..that the wood should be sealed for proper storage of heirloom quilts. 

Personally I have three quilts..well four..but three that I store in a Rubbermaid tote..I wonder how that rates for storage?:)

Lightening Rods

It has been awhile since I have seen lightening rods on a barn. 

 

This big beautiful old barn has three lightening rods and two cupolas.

If you were a farmer, those lightening rods could save your barn from a lightening strike that could cause a fire in your hay mow.  The glass balls would break if the building was hit by lightening.  The lightening would be directed downward following a wire into the ground and the barn would be saved.

Years ago when many people lived on farms, this was one way that they could protect their animals and hay crop..without the barn and its full hay mow..they had nothing and no way to eke out a living.

Not too many barns around these parts anymore..one by one they are falling down.  They are expensive to maintain and repair.  I will take their photos while I can:)

Horse Sense

Saturday was a beautiful day..over fifty degrees and no wind..perfect day to visit a friend and her horses.

My Husband does not really care for horses..well he does like them on a Merry Go Round..that is about it.

Here he is swarmed by horses.

This one wanted to eat him alive..or gum him to death.  She even felt his head with her lips.  I was laughing so hard I didn’t get THAT photo. You may wonder why Far Guy is kneeling on the ground.  The horses were a bit aggressive..Shirley is on crutches and they toppled her over..she was fine..just resting before she got up…all the horses came to check on her..and to say hi to Far Guy.

I stayed on the right side of the fence:)

Projects and News

I figured I should have at least one whole week off before I made the dreaded “to do” list.

Far Guy and I attacked the leaves.  He is feeling better but he is still coughing.  The garden ornaments are safely tucked away in my garage along with the lawn furniture. The lawn swing is still outside..I sat in it today..resting after raking leaves.  Chance loves to chase leaves and is continually jumping in the air or biting the rake..crazy dog..herding leaves.  There is still more raking to do…a few more days and we might have it!

I have been working on two projects for the museum..thank goodness I can work from home.  Projects that I should have finished the last week of work..but I assisted with the painting and supervising..which left me no time to finish up those projects.  It is what it is. I could have left the projects at work..but they are loose ends that I want to tie up.  Yes, I am a bit of a perfectionist.

I was almost out of sympathy cards..so I made up a bunch.  A sign of the times when you use more sympathy cards that anything else.  I have a favorite church scene I usually use..or a White Lady Slipper.  I read where Hallmark was closing down a plant and laying off lots of people.  I used to buy Hallmark Cards..then I started making my own.  So I suppose I am just a little bit to blame for their demise.

Perhaps I should send Hallmark a sympathy card?

How about that debate?  I stayed awake but barely.  I get so tired of the “he said ..you said”..tell me what you think ya big dummies..spit it out already.  I have a foreign policy for you..stop all aid to everyone we give aid to and balance our freaking budget.    Yessiree Far Side’s Foreign policy in a nutshell. 

I am just about ready to go on a news blackout again..most of the summer I ignored the news..and I survived..seems I didn’t miss much either.  The News is kinda like those Soap Operas..you can give up watching for awhile and six months later pick up practically where you left off:)

Second Snow

We had our second snow.  It started snowing late in the evening October 10.  Chance came in full of snow flakes.

I got some photos yesterday morning before it melted.

 

I mailed off Rita’s cards yesterday, she won for the first snow. I will mail out Blissed Out Grandma’s cards very soon, she guessed Oct 13..so she is the second winner!  Congratulations Gals! 

Kinda depressing isn’t it..unless you are a skier or an eskimo.

As you can see the leaves are mostly out of the trees.  There are a few cling-ons left.  We raked a half a million leaves into the woods.  There is still a million or two to move to the woods. Hopefully the weather will warm a bit enough for the lawn furniture to dry off so it can be stored for the winter.  I have not taken my garden ornament inside yet. 

Chance was invigorated by the snow.

He thought it was a big pain to sit and pose for me..when he should be off checking out all the tracks in the snow.

We have two feral kitties. One is grey and white and one is black and white.  They come up to the house in the evening and scratch on the window and then run away.  I suppose someone nearby at the lake had kittens for their kids for the summer and just let them go.  Buggers:(

ABC- 123 and Redemption

A long time ago back about 1978 or 1979 our daughters Trica and Jennifer had birds. Parakeets or Budgies. The girls chose names for their birds.  Pansy was green with a yellow head she belonged to Trica.    ABC-123 was Jennifers..he was blue with a white head. 

One Sunday afternoon the girls asked to have their birds out..sure.. Jennifer wanted to hold ABC-I23 with her blankie because the bird had sharp claws.  A short time later there was a problem with ABC-123  he looked strangely asleep and stiff..poor ABC-123 was dead..he must have had a heart attack.

Poor Jennifer..she was only 3 or 4 years old.  It was very traumatic for her.

Last weekend one of the places I wanted to visit was Hawk Ridge in Duluth.  Sunday morning just before leaving town we headed up there.  There is a beautiful view of the city from the ridge.

Hawk Ridge is right on the path that the birds follow on their migration south.  If the wind is right the birds fly right by the ridge. 

Volunteers are on hand with binoculars and very available to answer questions.  Volunteer Margie brought out this Sharp-shinned Hawk.  They have several banding stations in the immediate area..where birds are lured in and caught, banded, weighed and sexed.  They bring birds up to the Hawk Ridge so that people can see them up close..and as a fundraiser they can be adopted.  This Sharp-shinned Hawk could be adopted and then released by the adoptee for a donation of $25.

Jen spoke up immediately.. “I will do it!”

Visions of ABC-123 and a little girl with tears in her eyes flashed quickly through my head…she is older now..certainly this bird won’t die.

The volunteer showed her how to hold the bird and it’s number was recorded.  They will send Jen a note if the bird goes through the banding station again.

Then it was time.  Time to release the bird.  1..2..3 and Jen opened her hand.

And her Mother the photographer extraordinaire got the shot!  I did it..I really really did it!  The bird swooped down and quickly did an upward loop and was on it’s way south!

Jen was pleased..it was quite an experience for her..redemption is sweet! :)

Wistful Wednesday: Cakes

It was my Dad’s birthday yesterday.  He is 86 years old.  I can always tell how old he is..just add 25 years to my age and I have his.

I was 2 years old in this photo in 1953 and Dad was 26 going to be 27.  Our birthdays are just 3 weeks apart.

This photo was taken at the farm, I can see Dad’s car in the background and a hay wagon and a stack of hay.

My Mom’s birthday is later in the week.  The celebrate their anniversary and their birthdays all in the same week.

October 15 1950

This is the top of their wedding cake.

I remember a pink box that was on the shelf in their closet for years.  Mom waxed the top layer of the cake and kept it wrapped in tissue paper in the pink box.  She also kept the rose petals from her bouquet..they were in the bottom of the garment bag that held her wedding dress.

This year we had pie for Dad’s birthday.  It was my turn to have “Cousins.”   Far Guy was not feeling up to having company in the house (he is getting better) so I called my girl cousins and we all met in town and had lunch together…Mom and Dad were our special guests.  The waitress brought out a cookie with a candle and we all sang Happy Birthday!

Dad and his sister.. my Aunt Anna:)

Waterfalls and Night Shots

One of the things I wanted to learn to photograph was waterfalls. I wanted to shoot some soft flowing water.  A tripod is a must..or finding a stable place to set your camera. 

I had a tripod at home..and I forgot it there..unfortunately..so I bought a new one..but it was missing parts. Between the instructor and Jen they cobbled together a workable tripod for me for the first morning.  When we returned to Duluth I bought a new and improved tripod.

I set my camera on the rock wall to take the Gooseberry Falls photos..I was pleased with them.

There was a happening at Gooseberry.

How romantic..

I just stayed at the lower falls..the girls went up to the upper falls.  I visited with some very nice people and rested on the benches along the walkway and watched people and their dogs.

This is my best night shot of the city of Duluth.

I have to make myself a “cheat sheet”  that has my settings on it.  I like to do night photography at Christmas Time..perhaps I can get some really nice photos.  I used my new tripod for this shot. 

Jen wanted to go up to the Enger Tower for a look at the city.  Enger Tower is an eighty foot observation tower made from blue  stone.  It is beautiful at night. I was standing under a tree and got the leaves in this shot!

My main photography goals were met during the photography workshop.  It is all about experimentation..and getting comfortable with your camera.  I have a long ways to go..but at least I am on my way:)

 

Update:

Far Guy is still sick..I spoke with his Doctor who prescribed another medication for him yesterday.  He is struggling to recover from this illness whatever he has..earache that feels like he has an ice pick in his ear/body aches/temperature/cough and stuffy head.  He spent only about three hours upright yesterday..I kept bugging him to drink more fluids and take deep breaths.  I cooked him some chicken for supper.  So far knock on wood I am free of symptoms…perhaps this is the same thing I had back in May…maybe I am immune. This is the sickest I have seen Far Guy in a very long time..if he gets any worse I will have to take him to the hospital.  This is day twelve..he rallied for the weekend and we thought he was on the road to recovery..but I guess not:(

Sunrise on Lake Superior

I had a wonderful time on the photography trip with my daughter Jen.   The photographer who we met up with was very knowledgeable and kind.  (He didn’t call me stupid..or ask me what I was doing with a camera I knew so little about!)

We began at O’ Dark Thirty.  I need to put a small flashlight in my camera bag..our instructor wore one of those headlamps.

This was one of the few places where we did not hike for miles.  We just traipsed up and down the beach.

We learned all about aperture and histograms..and ISO..I am not sure that I will remember it all.  BUT with practice I will get better…stepping off the automatic photographic bandwagon..and trying different settings will make me a better photographer…I think.

The sunrise was beautiful.  I love the sounds of the waves coming ashore.

I loved being able to capture the water in motion.  It was a wonderful beginning to our photo adventure.

On this trip I had two goals.  To photograph “soft looking” water and get some hints about successful night photography. More about those adventures later in the week.

Far Guy and Chance survived without me..Far Guy has a terrible cold and is on medication. Chancy was happy to see me..  he didn’t stop watching me until my suitcase was unpacked:)

October 7th

Today is my parents 62nd Wedding Anniversary.

I hope to get back from the big lake they call Gittchi - Gummi in time to visit them.

This is the card I made for them.  It has their wedding photo and a photo of the church where they were married.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! :)

Sunflowers

There were no sunflower fields in our area this year..at least none that we knew of.

We were in Detroit Lakes one day.  I spied a few sunflowers.  Far Guy said “You are going to take a photo aren’t you?”

Of course their cheerful little faces cannot be denied.

Have you ever felt like this..so tired it was hard to hold up your heavy head.  I know I have.

How can one plant evoke two completely separate emotions?

Next year I hope someone grows an entire field full.  No better way to waste an afternoon…photographing a sunny field:)

Sunflower Field August 2011

Snow Daze two..and a winner..and painting

It snowed.  I was in the museum..painting…again.  I am so done with that place..stick a fork in me done.

I walked Chance..he had huge white flakes covering his back.  They quickly melted.  I have no photo. 

So..big drumroll.  Rita is the Snow Daze winner..she guessed October 11.  She has a video of the snow over at her blog..she lives 95 miles straight west of me.  Congrats Rita..you are a winner!  I will mail off your note cards next week.

Well..shall we continue the Snow Daze with a Snow Daze two?  I think so.  I will keep all the same guesses..and see who wins next. I will send four notecards to the next winner!

October 4th and it snowed.  Hard to believe..but this is Minnesota…eighty degrees last week..snow this week.  Uffda.

Military Room used to be baby blue..it is now Sunlight White.  The exhibits in this room should really pop now..before they were lost in a sea of baby blue.

My office making the transition from Royal Blue to Sunlight White..it is such a small space it is hard to get a good photo. Yes that horrid blue is gone..it took two plus coats of paint.

The winter storm warning brought the AmeriCorps kids back to the museum for the day on Thursday.  They finished up most of the painting…cleaned up the paint spots on the floors..and helped to get some items moved back into the newly painted High School Room and petted Chance.  He has been a real hit with these kids. 

The janitors from the courthouse came over and purged the dehumidifier and picked up my Fire Extinguishers for testing and recharging.  One of our members who owns an Electrical/Alarm Service Company donated 12 feet of fluorescent lighting for the High School Room..his workers came by and did the installation.  Cross lots of things off the list!  Now to raise some money for book shelves in that room.. but first..

I am going to enjoy some time off.  I am heading out with my youngest daughter Jen and one of her friends for a girl only photo weekend:)

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and Throat

Minnesota has a number of wild fires burning.  Three areas North of us are or have been burning.

The Smoky Hills are real smoky.  Wednesday afternoon the smoke moved in.  The wind was coming from the north.

It smells like a wild fire..wood and grass burning..it has a certain smell.

The good news or bad news is that we are in a winter storm watch all day on Thursday.  Duh..I think it may snow.  It will be good news for the wild fire fighters and for the trees that need moisture to get through the winter…and it will take care of all the smoke in the air.   The bad news…winter is coming.  I knew it was coming just not so soon.

Whilst writing that last sentence and listening to Obama and Romney debate.. Far Guy’s pager went off.  There was a fire reported on our corner.   Far Guy took off running..I said “Grab a shovel for me too.”  Arson..there was fire in the ditch on both sides of the road.  The west side is a plowed field..the east side is all trees..pines and oaks..there was a forest fire in there years ago.  I for one did not want to repeat that afternoon/evening.  We needed to stop the fire..and with two old people wielding shovels we kept it from advancing into the trees.  I don’t know what kind of sick bastards start fires when it is so dry.  They should be put in jail for the rest of their lives..or burned at the stake.   No photos..I left the house so fast I did not grab my camera.

Far Guy said, “ You could have taken some really good photos.”

Just like old times..it seemed like it took forever for the fire trucks to get there…but they came and they had water and quickly knocked the rest of the fire down…they mopped up.. and we came home tired and coughing.  I will welcome whatever moisture comes our way:)

Wistful Wednesday : Watery Escapes

I always thought that guys who enlisted in the Navy would be excellent swimmers.

My cousin Chuck.  He was in the Navy.  He is a woodcarver.  During carving this week he talked about his Navy swimming experience.   Turns out he was not a swimmer when he enlisted. In fact he had a great fear of the water.  During the initial Navy Swimming Test he jumped off the deep end of the pool and promptly sunk like a rock.  He said they fished you out with a bamboo pole.  Every day after boot camp he went to swimming class.  He learned to swim. He learned to set aside his fear of drowning. 

Early one spring when he was about six years old he was riding on top of a load of loose hay.  His father( Uncle Jalmer) was driving the team of horses.  His brother Gerald and a neighbor were riding at the back of the load.  The water was up from the spring rains and winter snowmelt.  Chuck was at the center of the load.  The wagon wheel hit a hole and the whole load of hay was dumped upside down in the creek.  Gerald and the neighbor were thrown clear.   Chuck was in the icy water with the load of hay on top of him.  Uncle Jalmer dug him out.  This was in about 1946… 66 years ago..Chuck says he can remember it as if it happened yesterday.

I found an old photo taken right about that same time.

Evelyn, Uncle Jalmer, Chuck, Gerald and Aunt Jenny

Chuck says that the last time he went swimming intentionally was years ago.  Although one year while collecting nets in a boat up on one of our Minnesota lakes he and Roger W. took on too heavy of a load of wet nets and sunk.  They overturned the boat and crawled part way on top of it and paddled to shore.  He said that Roger was laughing so hard he had a hard time paddling. Chuck was not amused at the time..although he did smile whilst recalling the story:)