Wistful Wednesday: Trip to Dakota 1922

Recently I was transcribing my husbands Grandfather’s Farm Diaries, I TRY to do a month a day…somedays that is not possible. Anyways I found this entry.

September 1922
1  Friday Thresa and kids and Harrys and Anna and their kids went to Dakota  I took cream and hauled rock got stuck and wet  rained
2  Saturday Helped Robinsons fill silo
3  Sunday To Osage in PM took teachers books
4  Monday Helped Robinsons finish silo  worked on barn foundation in PM  Thresa and kids came home 

I wish Grandpa was a man of more words.  He is short and to the point. 

I knew that this photo must have been taken about 1922 because of my Father in laws age being eight years old (Grandma marked it) and he was born in 1914, and Uncle Jimmy is a babe in arms and he was born in October of 1921.   Finding the diary entry we can date the photo to September 1-4 1922.

Looks like a fine automobile to travel in, spare tires were carried right with you just in case and roads were not the super highways we know today.  Note that everyone has a hat on all ready for the big trip to Dakota.

The women are sisters Anna or Annie as she was called and Tracie or Thresa or Theresa Far Guy’s paternal grandmother.  Tracie is on the right with her three children, and Annie and her husband Harry and four children are on the left.

I wonder what the children thought of he trip?  I wonder how far into Dakota they went?  Fargo or further?  Whom did they visit?   Perhaps the diary and Grandpa will tell me in some later entries….I will keep my fingers crossed.

Update from Cousin Pat
Jack read your blog today and said Gram was on her way to see the
McKee's at their farm by Valley City.

Update from me: 
The trip would have been 150 miles one way.
Yes they all traveled together, the kids all fit in here and there. 

Tuesday February 16

It snowed again and then it warmed up, we got to 28 F yesterday or –2 C eh!  In town there was a melt, it was hard to walk in the muck.  I had the wrong boots on. I have two pair of warm boots for winter; one for snow and one for sloppy wet fall on your butt ice or slush. I need to crochet some tops for my waterproof boots…they are stiff and create a sore area where they rub my shins…oh the problems of the elderly.

We went out to breakfast for Far Guy’s birthday then in the afternoon I cut my nap way short to make him a decent meal…pork chops and rice and then lemon pudding one of his favorites.  Putting it in a custard cup is a whole lot better than making a whole pie. I am no good at crust anyways.

My meringue turned out better this time, last time it was flat as a pancake.

I am keeping busy with obituaries and photos added to Find A Grave.   The old obituaries need to be transcribed and then entered.  My note book is coming in handy.  One day I left an obit edit for a gal, turns out she is a cousin of Far Guys and she maintains many of the graves for Far Guy’s Aleck side of the family.  Fun stuff.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my husband and best friend!

Photo taken when he was about two years old in 1952.
He hasn’t told me yet what he wants to do today to celebrate…other than he wants a picnic next summer.

Chance: A Good Visit

Two of my girls came to see me!  I have five girls…they all should have come!

Savannah, Chance and Madison

I was so happy to see them!  They fussed with me …telling me I was so handsome! I have known these girls my whole life.

They had lunch.  Far Side asked Savannah what she wanted for lunch…”You know those crescent roll pepperoni cheese things we made one Christmas Eve?”  That was simple enough along with a salad and some early birthday cake for Far Guy(a brownie with ice cream topped with hot fudge).
Those girls can giggle, I settled down after lunch for a long nap lulled to sleep by the sounds of their giggling.  Several card games of “Golf” were played in between lunch and dessert.

Then they had to leave, I was sad to see them go.  I would have gone with them but I am needed here…plus they both have dogs of their very own.

I kissed them goodbye.

I hope they come back to see me again real soon.
Happy Valentines Day!

Cold and Area News

How cold is it? Pretty cold…

* WIND CHILL READINGS... AS LOW AS 35 BELOW.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS... MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.

I read this after I walked the dog in my shirt sleeves and my crocs…it was a tad chilly out there.
Seems another storm is headed this way on Sunday. Snow and wind. More fun.

We ran some errands yesterday so we are good to go.  When we get a clear day the temperatures drop.  It was nice to see the sun but it nearly blinded me!

We have been watching the progress of the renovation of the Grocery Store in Osage.  The guy that bought the store has been working in all kinds of weather, the rumor is that it will be a Grocery/Hardware Store and will open May 1st! It will be nice to have the store open again.

They took the whole roof off and  are rebuilding.  Looks like the new entrance might be on this side…just have to wait and see.

It was another sad week in local news. Our sympathy to all those who have lost a loved one this week.

A local fellow was killed in a snowmobile accident one night.  I went to school with his sister and I knew his wife…they have a 13 year old at home…he was young…57.  His Mom still lives on the old farm place…she must be incredibly sad.  

This was also a sad week for our friends Gravy and Dawn.  Gravy’s sister had Lewy Bodies Dementia.  It is a progressive dementia often misdiagnosed. Lewy bodies are protein deposits that develop in the nerve cells in your brain.  It is a horrid disease for which there is no cure… they think that Robin Williams may have had Lewy Bodies Dementia. Gravy’s sister was 61 years old.

A 33 year old Police Officer was shot and killed by a nut case in Fargo North Dakota.  Fargo has not had an Police Officer shooting death since the 1880’s.

So we should all make the best of everyday that we are upright and feeding ourselves.

Snow Stick Contest 2016

I figured I better get a move on with the snow stick contest.

Right now we have nine inches of snow at the snow stick.  A winner will be declared when the stick is surrounded by water or when the snow is all gone.  Here is some snow stick history.

2011  April 8
2012  March 13
2013  April 30
2104  April 10
2015  March 11
Right now we have nine inches of snow at the snow stick.

I took this photo last night just before dark through the window…too lazy to go back outside…it was cold out there.

Please enter a date and either morning or afternoon with your guess.
So what about a prize?  It might be a carving!  Maybe…it is a good possibility!

I have been working on some little carvings.  These still need window and door holes but it has been too cold to go to the wood shop to finish them. I use power tools that raise dust. They also need to be painted…but they will be finished sometime this spring…probably about the same time as the snow melts.

Please enter by leaving a comment with your guess, for you shy ones you know the email. Guessing will remain open until Sunday night Feb 14 at 9PM.  Please check back to make sure I got your guess correct!

Date and AM or PM   Happy guessing!


Guesses:
Auntie Pam Feb 29 PM
Linda Reeder March 4 PM
Sam I Am March 10 PM
Elaine S March 12 PM
Gail March 13 3 PM
diane March 15 AM
linda M March 15 PM
the crazysheeplady March 16 PM
Linda in Alberta March 18 PM
Shirley March 20 PM
The Furry Gnome March 21 AM
Sonja March 21 PM
LD March 23 PM
Cynthia March 25 PM
Gravy March 26 AM
Intense Guy March 26 PM
Jan March 27 AM
Karen March 27 PM
Rita March 28 PM
Kathy March 29 PM
Pee Jay March 30 AM
Wendy Danielson March 30 PM
Red March 30 PM
Country Gal March 30 PM
Terry and Linda April 1 AM or PM??
DJan April 1 PM
Mildred April 2 AM
Anonymous ?? April 2 PM
Anonymous (Sharon) April 4 PM
lisa April 5 PM
carrington April 9 PM
MJM April 15 AM
Molly M April 21 AM

Chance: A Harness?

My turn!  My turn!  I think I should have turns more often.

Far Side ordered me a harness.  She said “That boy needs some help sometimes getting up the steps and into the car.  His arthur-itis is getting worse.”

The harness came in the mail and she unwrapped it joyfully and set about making it the right size for me.  She is so easy to entertain.

I am a little “fluffy.”  They are working on exercising me more so I feel better but sometimes I talk Far Guy into a few extra treats….he is a push over.

Far Guy tried to get me to use a step stool to get into the vehicle…I didn’t like that at all.  I was ready to stay home all by myself if I had to use that thing to go for a ride…and you know how much I like my rides in the car. I can only get in on the passenger side and only if the seat is way back so I can jump to the floor then to the seat and then into my very own hairy back seat.

I was having a hard time jumping up on the bed too…Far Guy had to help. Pushing off on my back legs is problematic sometimes.

Far Side likes red so my new harness is red and black.

She says I look snazzy and the harness is perfect, it even has a handle for a quick assist if I should need one….whatever.

I don’t have to wear it all the time, just on days when I am having troubles. 

Far Side says that these kinds of troubles happen to the ageing…and I guess I am 11 years and 4 months old now.  Nearing that average age for a Border Collie, their life span is from 9 to 17 years with the average being 12.  Of course I think I am way above average for a Border Collie!

Wistful Wednesday: Watch Deacon Grow

Our middle granddaughter Maddie has a deep love for animals…most all kinds but especially horses, dogs and cats.

When Jade had her puppies Maddie’s heart was won over by Deacon.

He was little then.

November 22 2014

Lets all say AHHH together.  I knew from the size of his paws that he was going to be good sized.

Maddie “arranged” to get him as a Christmas gift, I think he was the only item on her list.

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2015

He did what puppies do best…grow.  He really needs to go to an obedience class.

Maddie sometimes calls him Goose instead of Deacon or Deakers.

Maddie is undecided where she will go to school next year but she is interested in Equine Science and has been accepted at a school in Wyoming.  I am not sure dogs are allowed in a dorm.

For the Birds

It was still stormy all day on Monday. We stayed put, no sense being out there on the roads unless you have to…and we didn’t. My other baby brother came by with his huge snow blower and took care of our driveway and yard.

The little Red Polls were really hungry.

The wind blew and we shoveled the walk and part of the patio.

We watched the birds from inside.

It was a quiet day, I put a roast in the oven along with 2 Ibs of carrots …some comfort food on a stormy day. Cooked carrots are one of my favorite vegetables.

I watched a movie, The Best of Me I kept watching mesmerized by the drama as it unfolded one tragedy after another…what does this writer have to write such tragic love stories?  How many good people can get shot in a movie and it still be considered a love story? ( I really liked the part where Gerald McRaney shot up the pickup truck.) If I had paid more than a Netflix subscription for this movie I would have walked out half way through. It just gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.  Then last night I watched The Bachelor…good old Ben Higgens must have bought stock in Chapstick…but he surfaced from kissing his girlfriends long enough to get rid of the two troublemakers …so I am encouraged…his parents probably would have seen through them anyway.  

Snowy

It stormed, it started raining Saturday night or maybe it was sleet and then it snowed. Then the wind blew….and blew.

We had a quiet day at home.  Far Guy went out and shoveled the walk once.

There was some big game yesterday, we didn’t watch.  The Food Network was more entertaining.

Kinda nice to have fresh snow, but with it comes the hazard that it has covered up some icy spots. 

Quiet

I am sometimes quiet, but not very often.  Sometimes when I am quiet I am just thinking, and sometimes I am just pissed.  Sometimes I just lose what little bit of tact that I have.

Some quiet things have been happening. Deaths, weddings and health concerns.

I hope when I croak that some people know about it before reading it on Facebook.  Social media is fine but how about an email to relatives first? Guess I better check my status every morning to make sure I am still alive.

Recently I was asked to keep quiet about some important things that concern me.  I have taken it under advisement but it would be totally out of character for me to shut up.

Recently Far Guy was shopping unaccompanied in a store, a lady blocked his path with her cart…he was trapped.  He said “Excuse me” several times…apparently she was deaf to all male voices.  She rammed him with her cart and his body was thrown into one of the shelves.  He was stunned that someone would intentionally try to hurt him…and he was quiet…I told him he should have fallen to the ground and screamed bloody murder.

Mums at the Trial Gardens in Grand Rapids Minnesota September 2014.

Jo

Our neighbor Jo has a very artistic flair.  She paints, sews and creates all kind of fun stuff.
This was our Christmas gift.

Can you tell she knows me well?  The designs are wood burned into the wood utensils.

I told her they are too pretty to use.  She said she uses hers all the time. 
This is Odda. OR Odda come to visit.

Odda belongs to Jo but every so often something clicks in this girls brain and she takes off and comes to our house about 3/4 mile away.  It happens most often when Jo is gone, but not all the time…sometimes she is home…there doesn’t seem to be a real rhyme or reason for Odda’s behavior.

She is happy at our house, Chance likes her and they get along quite well.  However…we would rather she stay at home…we are afraid that she might get hit by a car or someone might shoot her thinking she is a bear.  She doesn’t have a mean or vicious bone in her body…but just the pure size of this dog can be intimidating. We have known this dog since she was eight weeks old. (She loves us.)

We have tried paying no attention to her until Jo shows up to fetch her…it doesn’t work.  She is always so happy to see us…we know she is here by the whack, whack, whack sound of her bushy tail hitting the kitchen window.

Hooch, Chance and Odda  May 14, 2009

We wish we knew what we should do or not do…having a dog that runs away from home is not a good thing.  She is about seven years old now…and not likely to change her behavior…so we give her a good amount of loving and answer the phone “Lost and Found.”

Friday Fragments

It is Friday again…before I retired the days never went as fast as they do now.

Chance is becoming real bossy.  He wants both of us up early in the morning…and knows when I am awakened by his cold nose, I will take him outside and make sure he goes potty.  Far Guy just sends him off by himself to potty all alone.  Often times after we are both awake for the day Chance goes back to sleep…he must think it is one of his new jobs.

I am still waiting for some W 2’s for the Income Taxes.  I did our taxes years ago. Never again.  We have been audited twice and had a few greetings come in the mail…and that is with an accountant doing the computations.  Last summer we were sent an IRS bill.  Of course we contested it…it was obviously an error on their part…but they are never wrong.  Our accountant wrote them a letter on our behalf and about six weeks later we got a letter saying that we owed them zero $.  That was about the time that there was an IRS Scam going on in this area…whoever it was called us three times in one day saying that if we didn’t pay up right now we would be going to jail.  Buggers anyway…kinda scary when someones says you are going to jail…but then I thought hey they have to cook for me and I would have lots of leisure time…

I cleaned out part of the pantry and donated some real smelly laundry soap and a few other items to the local food shelf.  One of our local stores had a coupon for a free can of Hormel Chili with Beans….we like ours without beans so it is a really good item to send to the food shelf…and it didn’t cost anything.

The funny this week:  We were in Wallyworld shopping, Far Guy had his list and I had mine.  On his travels…he likes to walk up and down all the aisles getting his steps in when he saw an old woman he knew, she warned him to keep his distance as she had a bad cold.  She also said “Don’t talk to my husband either, he has a bad cold also.”  Well low and behold..a few aisles later Far Guy saw him taking stuff off the shelf, looking at it and then putting it back.   I said “Maybe there should be a rule, if you touch something you should buy it.”  Far Guy said “We would have a lot of shampoo then.”

Guilty, I am guilty of reading labels on shampoo bottles, if fragrance is one of the first three items listed in the ingredients it is returned to the shelf.  Good grief…I am also guilty of standing in the shampoo aisle smelling shampoo to see if we can live with it or not.  Prell gives me an instant sore throat and sinus problems…it has been years since I have used it….but it always looks so pretty in the container.

Shell Lake

One day we took off to see what was happening over at Shell Lake.  Shell Lake is one of my favorite places.

Looking north, you can see the sled dog trails along the edge of the lake.  See the hill on the far right, that is where the sled dogs live…my Uncle Hugo and Aunt Mia used to live there.

Shell River winding its way toward the hills.  You can see the bald part on that big hill…years ago that was called Pine Point.  If you walk to the top you can see for miles.

The CCC built this structure…years ago when I was little there was a concrete walkway that went across those posts.  It is good to see the water is flowing.

From what we could see there were only two fish houses on this part of the lake. 

We were way north of that big winter storm “Kayla” but we did get about a hundred flakes.

Wistful Wednesday : The Five 2003

These are photos of the Grands in the spring of 2003.
They were all together in Nebraska.  Far Guy and I could never both leave the greenhouse at the same time…so we were absent from many spring and early summer activities.

I ran onto these photos recently and they made me smile.

What a bunch of cute kids…and look at Adam… his little legs don’t touch the floor.

Madison, Paige, Adam, Noah and Savannah…almost 13 years ago.

Here they are making their best funny faces.

I think Jen took these photos, one of the photos had a pin hole at the top, I probably had it tacked up to the bulletin board near the cash register in the greenhouse to show off to the customers…especially those that would ask…how many grandchildren do you have now?

Five…the best five ever!

Turkeys

Cabin Fever forced us out of the house one afternoon, it was too sunny to stay inside.

Saw a flock of Turkeys in the middle of the road, I think they get sand for their gullets off the edges of the highway. Chance was excited to see them!

I have been doing some family research.  One name at a time.

I had a few questions and was verifying a couple of my Paternal Uncle’s Birth Records online with the State of Minnesota.  Uffda.  What a hornets nest.  My Uncle Hugo is listed as Huga, obviously a transcription error.   I sent an email notifying the proper people.  My Uncle Ervin is listed as Erven..unlike Hugo who had no children, Uncle Ervin has several children and I wouldn’t want to step on any toes, so they can do their own corrections.  There was also some question about my Uncle Arthur’s birthday…some family records said November 4…that is incorrect the birth record indicates he was born November 6 which coincides with his grave marker.

At Find A Grave  I have been working on getting all of the children linked to their parents, and sometimes spouses.  Aunt Mia (Mary) is missing.  I did not go to her funeral so maybe I am looking in the wrong place but she should be next to Uncle Hugo.  Aunt Violet was off all by herself with no link to Uncle Ervin so I fixed that.  I am still waiting on several many other fixes.  I get an email every time something is linked so I have some idea and I have kept track of every link that I requested.  My handy dandy Find A Grave notebook is a great way to keep track of progress.

The local Find A Grave gal is the most rude unhelpful ditsy person I have been inclined to meet in my entire life.  She takes forever to do additions/corrections and gets hysterical if I send her an email.  I don’t like her very much and I am certain that the feeling is mutual. I am sure she is sick and tired of my edits…but she should get her butt in gear cause I will send edits daily if I have to so that correct information is out there.

Yes, sometimes I can be a pain in the butt turkey too.

Happy Groundhog Day!  I am certain it will be cloudy and no shadows will be seen but we will still have at least 12 more weeks of winter.  Some things never change in Minnesota.
 

Christmas Photo Cards

I finally got around to putting the year on all the photo Christmas Cards. I took a photo of them and put them away in the box marked Christmas Photos…which will someday end up in a folder…another someday project. There is still room in the box.

These may be really good sources for genealogy someday….or just a good walk down memory lane.
I was thrilled when some of the photos that I took came in the mail as Christmas Cards.

You never know for sure if people liked your photos enough to use them or not. 

Photography is a good hobby to have.