Dakota RIP

The grand girls dog died on Wednesday May 15th. 

Dakota was a Sheltie and they got her when they lived in Illinois.

She must have been about twelve years old.  She didn’t do “old age” well, she suffered many strokes and had a problem with her thyroid.  We saw her several weeks ago, she looked terrible, her eyes were as dull as her coat, she looked miserable.  She nuzzled my hand and wagged her tail..I wished her a pain free journey and hoped she would go to the Rainbow Bridge soon.

When Trica and her family lived with us..Dakota would come and lay her head in my lap and stare up at me when she had to go out.  Sometimes I would holler at Maddie to take her out..Maddie would say “How do you know she has to go out Grandma?” I would answer  “Cause she told me.”  We kept track of her thyroid medication on the calendar, and would usually hide the pill it in a small slice of cheese. Some dogs do fine on that medication..Dakota just seemed to get more cranky.

Dakota tolerated Chance..but she didn’t like him very much.  She didn’t like other dogs. Sometimes she would growl and snarl at them..so you would have to tell her to “Knock it off.”  She snapped at a few children in her younger years..and would bite the bottom of the girls pants trying to herd them. I never trusted her around small children that she didn’t know..sometimes she was very protective over her girls.  She loved to be brushed and petted, and would always nuzzle your hand to get your attention to pet her.

Savannah and Dakota in 2009

Here she is behind all the Grands in 2004 ( Their Grandpa made them all walking sticks.)

The grand girls grew up with Dakota or “Kota” as they called her, they loved her…she will be missed:)

Chance: What a week

Far Guy dropped me off at the groomer one morning..I stayed all day because Far Side was home napping and getting over her virus. Far Guy worked for her at the museum.  She said she missed me..but I am not so sure about that. She said “Look at what a pretty boy you are and you smell better too!”

Then Far Guy got really sick, there was lots of commotion..and hollering ( Yes were are going to the ER or I am calling the rescue squad..No you aren’t..that kinda yelling..it made me run in circles between them) finally Far Side got everything under control, she made me a bowl of food, plopped it down on the floor and said “Stay home and eat.”   Four hours I laid there at that dish. There was no one to throw my ball for me or say “Good Boy Good Boy” while I ate. They finally returned and I ate all gone.

Far Guy was feeling much better..he said he would live, and he was glad Far Side did not drop him off in the ditch on the way to the hospital like he requested.   They gave him all kinds of Meds in the ER because he got a secondary infection trying to fight off that nasty virus.

I went to the Vet and got my yearly shots, I have one small problem..I have a stye in my eye so I get “stuff” in my eye a couple times a day…other than that I am good to go.

Far Guy has some problems too.  Far Guy has to call Far Side at work and report how he is feeling and if he took his medication and if he is drinking fluids..and she tells him when to lay down and rest and when exactly to call her again.  So far it is working..he is cooperating and getting better. 

Far Side however is exhausted…that why I am blogging :)

Wildfire

There was a wildfire about twenty miles south and east of us.  It started on Tuesday afternoon.  The wind was horrid, gusting to 45 MPH.  The fire travelled fast.

As we left home you could see a cloud of smoke.

We drove the back roads ...having heard that some roads were closed. 

We did not want to be in the way..but we  wanted an idea where the fire was and I wanted to take some photographs.  We only met one fire truck.

This was a crowning fire..the Pine trees heat up and then they go “whoosh” and are totally engulfed in flames.

I was in a crowning forest fire only once in the 1990’s..it is scary and you can hardly breathe the smoke is so thick.  I asked Far Guy if he knew the way to the lake, he didn’t so I pointed in the direction of the lake and said if we get separated and the fire turns ..it is that way and I will meet you in the lake.  I was never so happy to get out of a fire..I coughed for days.  We were in the forest when they dropped the airplane tankers of water..that is something to see.  Someone said they saw fish flopping around..what a strange site to see in the middle of a forest fire.

Anyways..I am way to old to fight anymore fires..it is really hard work.

We were about three to four miles away from this fire.  We never got into the smoke at all.

The winds were strong from the west and north west.   The area in the path of the fire was evacuated.   Highway 40 where we took these photos from turns a bit south up where those red buildings are on the right.  We didn’t go any further.

12 homes and 45 out buildings were lost in the wildfire.  It is being called the Green Valley Fire, it started in Becker County in Green Valley Township and moved into Hubbard and Wadena County. 

Firemen are still out there, the fire is 25% contained as of last night.  Us “gawkers” have stayed away..when it rains over the weekend we may go for a drive..by then it should be completely contained and the firemen and their equipment will be gone.  There is plenty of time for more photographs..it will be black for awhile.  I believe about 7,500 acres burned, no loss of human life has been reported however a number of dogs and cats perished ( Mostly because their owners were at work when the fire reached their homes.)

I hope it rains soon:)

Wistful Wednesday : In Laws

I ran onto an old photo yesterday.  Taken 1976… There was a family gathering in the summer.  My Aunt who used to live in Washington was home for a visit and almost the entire family gathered for a picnic at my parents resort.

The In Laws in my Dad’s family.  My Grandfather with his son and daughter in laws.

Most are gone..but there are a few left.

Back Row: Aunt Violet, Aunt Lila, Uncle Stanley, Uncle Otto, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Grace

Front Row: Aunt Jenny, Aunt Senia, My Grandfather, My Mother Madeline, Aunt Mia

There were two Aunts missing from the photo: Aunt Joan and Aunt Eleanor.

Those still with us are Aunt Lila, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Grace and My Mother.

One by one this generation is leaving us behind.

When I look at this group..I remember mostly..bingo, hunting, apple strudel, black coffee, flat bread, chicken and dumplings, cookies of all shapes and sizes..and from my Grandfather the smell of moth balls on his wool clothing and the taste of the pink peppermint candies that he used to carry in his pocket…good memories all:)

Aunt Senia

My Aunt Senia died last Friday.  She was 95 years old.  She led a good life until the last five years.  She has been in the Nursing Home for some time.  For a long time she would know you..or she would ask “Who are you?”  Prompting you to say your name and recognition would dawn on her face and you would get a hug..and she would be so happy to see you!  The last time I saw her there was no recognition on her face..no big smile and hug.

It is difficult for me to mourn the death of someone who had a full and active life.  She was more than ready to leave this earth.   I am grateful that she was a good Christian woman who knew she was saved by grace and grace alone.  So I cannot be sad.

Senia was married to Wilbert; my Dads oldest brother.

Uncle Wilbert and Aunt Senia

Uncle Wilbert died in 1990, my Aunt Senia was very lonely, they had been married 54 years.  I visited with them often enjoying cookies, coffee and conversation when my Uncle was alive, and the visits continued after his death.  Aunt Senia had quite a sense of humor and I enjoyed visiting with her.

Life goes on..widows are pursued…she was a good cook and homemaker.  At the age of 78 she remarried.  She took good care of Ralph..until he died.

They lived on the way to the raspberry patch.  I stopped there with fresh raspberries for them.  She was thrilled..probably not so much with the raspberries but with company.  One summer she had a garage sale..I bought her pickle dishes.

She would be at the family picnic in the summer and at the Christmas Party that the cousins have for Uncles and Aunts every December.

We went to the visitation at the Funeral Home.  I am just not feeling up to attending the funeral today.  I have given my condolences to my cousins.

The funeral home had a wonderful photo presentation with many old photographs.  I enjoyed it very much..however Far Guy and I both thought that the somber piano background music should be replaced with rock and roll oldies when it comes our time to go:)

Feeling Icky

The cold temperatures in the museum finally caught up with me and I have a terrible sore throat (felt like I had razor blades in my throat) cold, cough, headache and feel like I have been through the wringer several times.   Far Guy caught it from Miss Paige and then he shared with me..I thought I might escape..no such luck..I got the fever on Saturday at work.  It must be a virus because I am on antibiotics already and have been for some time.

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, apparently undiagnosed for some time.  I am feeling a whole lot better  since I started the medication (Doxycycline) for treatment.  I will most likely need 60 days of medications perhaps more.  I take the medication twice a day..and it must be taken with food..or you suffer the worst nausea ever ( think seasickness).  I am thankful that the medication has taken some of the horrid aches and pains away.  My Doc says it will be a long recovery and is watching me closely.  She says that going back through my records that I must have had it for at least 18 months..my complaints of feeling tired and achy were put off to “old age” by my last Doctor who is no longer in the area.  My new Doctor ran about every blood test available and found the Lymes and a Vitamin D deficiency.

Such is life when you live in Minnesota.  No, I do not remember when I got a tick..we have ticks..they are all over in the woods.  If you get a tick you pull it off and life goes on.  Far Guy had Lymes a year ago..his Doctor treated him with antibiotics right away.  My brother had one of the fancier tick diseases anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis…and he recovered.

I am sure I will recover also..it will just take time.

The ice is finally off area lakes and the farmers are in the fields:)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms out there.  The women that helped make you..YOU!

Far Guy and his Mom in 1953.

My Mom, my baby brother and me in 1954:)

No Show

The Governor was a no show at the museum.  Ya..he is a Democrat.

Some very nice people from the area showed up for egg coffee and cookies during our open house.  We were not over run with people and we had lots of cookies and coffee left over, it is an important Minnesota “Nice” thing to always have enough treats for your guests. 

Egg coffee is a Scandinavian thing.  You mix together 1/4 cup of water, 3/4 cup of coffee grounds and one egg.   Set aside and boil ten cups of water.  Add the mixture to the boiling water and let simmer for a couple of minutes..then set aside so the grounds settle.  Makes a wonderful cup of coffee…I usually don’t drink coffee..but I always enjoy egg coffee, so I had two cups! 

I think the Governor is going to have to fish on the river, unless some of the lakes opened up during the night.

Gas went up by another dime overnight..it was $3.89 a gallon.  Typical small town gouge them while you can mentality.

I stopped by the beach in Osage on my way home.  The ice has receded on the mill pond.

You can see the ice sheet along the north shore of the mill pond.  There is still ice on the big lake ( Straight Lake).  We will have made history with this late date for ice out:)

Visitors and Volunteers

We still have our usual birds.  Nuthatches both White Breasted and Red Breasted, Chickadees, and Downy Woodpeckers.  The Redpolls are still here off an on..I think many of them have gone north.

Two new visitors:

An American Goldfinch already dressed for summer.

A White-Throated Sparrow..who is supposed to sing but I have not heard him yet.  I think he may just be passing through.  He has a bit of yellow above his eye..like a bit of fancy eye shadow. 

Two old friends:

I was lucky one evening and caught a pair of Downy Woodpeckers chasing each other round and round the tree trunk.

It has been a really busy week at the Museum.  I had some wonderful volunteer help; Far Guy, Gravy and his wife Dawn (who is a remarkable woman with organizing skills that won’t end) and Marie a board members wife ( who showed up everyday this week and asked “What can I do?” )  Thanks to them the museum is ready for the Open House today.  I could not have done it without their help.  Four rooms in the museum were totally torn apart and had to be put back together again.  I finally got the extra shelves I wanted in my office/gift shop..It will make my life so much easier.  My office is so much brighter now that it is an off white instead of a navy blue.  The Military Room was baby blue and it is now off white…big difference in that room also.  I will take some “after” photos one of these days..I know I have some “before” photos in my archives.

The Governor or the Lieutenant Governor may show up for coffee at the museum today..we will see.  They were both invited.  We are serving egg coffee and cookies at our open house.  There are supposed to be 10,000 visitors in town this weekend, all the gas stations increased their prices yesterday to $3.79 per gallon..nothing like making everyone feel  welcome:)

Sunset and Clouds

Most people think that Minnesota has mountains.  I suppose because Little House on the Prairie was filmed in California where there are mountains.

Minnesota has some hills and some cliffs along rivers and the North Shore..but no mountains.

We have hills nearby called The Smoky Hills.  I grew up in their shadow.

Sometimes the clouds at sunset makes it seem like there are mountains.

Chance and I spent some time watching the sunset on Tuesday evening.  He is good company..I let him hang his head out the window.  Dogs are so easy to please.

It was a beautiful sunset. 

The best part of the sunset was like molten lava along the Shell River.

Probably the best photograph I have taken in a while.  I was real pleased with it.

I was happy, and relaxed..I had the whole dirt road to myself…no traffic…no one to stir up the dust and mess up my photographs.  I could drive down the middle of the road slowly…and stop wherever I wanted.  I passed the river once looking for wildlife…when I turned around in the middle of the road and headed back the sunset was perfect.  Sometimes the best photographs are not planned they just happen:)

Wistful Wednesday: Uncles

My Dad had eleven brothers.  They are all deceased.  My Dad and my Aunt Anna are the last remnants of their generation.

These are two of my Dad’s brothers.  Oscar and Ervin.  The automobile is a 1932 Model A and it belonged to another brother Wilbert.  My Dad said “That is Wilbert’s shed in the background.”  

My Uncle Oscar (John Oscar to be exact) farmed in Minnesota a few years.  He was adventurous and headed out west and lived in Montana and Idaho most of his adult life.

My Uncle Ervin was a farmer that could bake better bread than any woman in the country..because he grew up being the bread baker for his Mother and his 13 brothers and sisters.

I wonder who took the photograph:)

Flying recon in the yard

Far Guy’s newest passion is flying recon through the yard.

It entertains us in the evening when there is no wind..he flies and I photograph.  It doesn’t take much to entertain the aging.

It even has lights.  I don’t fly it, I have a hard time chewing gum and walking at the same time.

Sometimes I wonder where he is trying to land it.

Here he is flying recon over the daylilies.  Notice the green grass? 

We still have some patches of snow for Chance to lay in after playing ball.  It has finally warmed up  a tad.  The ice is still on the lakes.

I am hoping for a warmer week at the museum..maybe it will get to 60 degrees F in the building!!!  Not sure whether or not the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor are coming to the open house at the museum on Friday or not.  Some people say we are on “the schedule”..some people say we are not.  I just hope I get everything spiffed up, cleaned up and organized by Friday..it will be a busy week:)

Confirmation 2013

Fourteen years ago a tiny baby was baptized.  Our first Grandson.

And then he grew…and grew…

Into this handsome very tall and still growing guy that affirmed his faith In Jesus Christ!  Baptism day to Confirmation day…how time flies.

Confirmation Sunday was yesterday.  We got up early and traveled north..along with  potato salad in a cooler.  After Confirmation it is customary to have a lunch.  We had home made buns with ham and cheese, fruit, vegetables, potato salad, chips, nuts, mints, and cake.  A perfect lunch for 21 people. ( A ice cream pail of potato salad will feed them all with just a tiny bowl left over.)

Noah and his Great Grandparents (my parents)

Noah and his Mom..I think I will frame this one.  I love the love that they have for each other and it really shows in this photo! 

He wanted me to take a reflection photo in his really cool sunglasses so I did. 

He is growing up..not only taller.. so fast.  It is almost scary for this Grandma.

There was some discussion about his hair.  His Mother thought perhaps he should get a haircut for confirmation.  He  told me he liked his hair just the way it was..and so did I.

If you ask me he looks like one cool dude:)

Prom 2013

We were invited out for a pre-prom dinner by Savannah and her parents. 

Getting ready for prom must be hungry work..she wanted to eat baby back ribs..so she did.  Her Grandpa borrowed her his hooded sweatshirt so she wouldn’t get anything on her dress.

Her dress was beautiful…and so is she.

The back of her dress was corseted..after dinner she thought maybe it should be let out a little.

She went to prom with three of her best friends.

They all walked out together during the grand march.  They are a good group of kids.

Savannah was a little nervous.  She said “I have been dreaming about prom for a long, long  time and now I finally get to go.  It seems so unreal.”

Trica and I enjoyed seeing all the different dresses. Every color you can think of and every style…some were the same exact style but in different colors… sparkly with a cut out back and a slit up the leg.  Far Guy commented on a few of the short dresses..”Holy Cow that dress is short.”  He was correct..and some of the real short dresses should not have been allowed to leave the store without matching pants. 

The young men all looked so handsome.  Two were obviously horsemen, their western cut overcoats and hats gave them away.  Many wore white tuxedos with colored ties.  Some twirled their dates as they were center stage…and some of the more theatrical kids struck a pose.  It was fun to watch:)