It froze

It froze again.  The wind blew too.  Chance was needy….he needed a friend to go outside with him.  In the late afternoon little snowy pellets fell from the sky.

There is still two inches of ice and snow at the snowstick.

When will it all melt?  In a day or three??  Here are some guesses that might win.

March 18 PM         Wendy Danielson
March 19  PM        Karen
March 20  PM        Pippa
March 21  5:20 PM   Red

Yesterday I stayed busy clearing odds and ends off my desk…nothing major.  I cleaned the  bathroom, Far Guy ran the vacuum and I dusted some. I did some laundry, I didn’t even cook as we had soup out of the freezer.   Making that list of what we have in each freezer is working well for us.   At least I feel we have a handle on the situation and will use up frozen  “stuff” before making more freezer food.

 

Melting

Our temperatures are warmer and snow is melting.  We may have a snowstick contest winner in a day or two or three.  A winner will be declared when all the snow/ice/water is gone from the stick and I can see grass. 

March 16 just before dark.

The following people have a good chance of winning. 

March 17                Mac n' Janet
March 17  PM        Marlys
March 18 PM         Wendy Danielson
March 19  PM        Karen

Stay tunned!

Far Guy and I have been woodcarving and finishing up a couple of projects.  Photos will be shared at a later date as they are gifts.

We still have some snow drifts in the yard.  Winter is not over yet but spring is getting closer.   Yesterday we saw several sets of Trumpeter Swans flying around, a herd of deer and about four or five Bald Eagles.

Happy St Urho’s Day!

March 16th is a mighty fine day.

tis the day of the Finns!

Today is the day that Finlanders all over Minnesota celebrate Saint Urho's battle with the pesky grasshoppers that threatened the grape crop. He chased the grasshoppers waving a pitchfork hollering "Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, menetaalta hiiten"...Grasshopper, grasshopper get the hell out of here.

Wistful Wednesday : Cousins

I have been working on many different branches of my family and Far Guy’s family.  A few bits and pieces are coming together.

This is a photo from Cousin Verniel, she shared many old photos and obituaries from long ago.  Eventually the obits will all be entered at Find A Grave.

Like Verniel says this is the only photo of Grandma Margaretta or Gretta (my Great Grandmother) with darker hair.  Isak is her husband, full white beard and head of hair makes him highly recognizable. He is my Great Grandfather.

“Many of their sons”  would be my Great Uncles…my Grandfather Samuel’s brothers who will probably remain a mystery…my Dad was just two when this photo was taken.  I see some family resemblences …or do I imagine them?

I believe this photo was taken just outside the original building that Great Grandfather Isak built for his wife Gretta and their five children back in 1896.

With the info from Verniel we can now push back to the1750’s in Kittila Finland for my Great Grandfather Isak’s family.

****

I got a packet in the mail from Far Guy’s Cousin David.  The Abbott family is fully researched back to 1747 to Daniel Abbott born in England. (From the Northamptonshire area).  I made copies for each of the Grandchildren.

****

An email came from a cousin of Far Guys from his maternal grandmothers side of the family.  He found me through a blog post that I wrote about the Lemon family several years ago.  Another cousin (Joyce) did research on the Lemons and compiled a booklet back in 1983. I updated some information and have  made a copy to send off to Tom in San Francisco.   Whilst updating I also updated some info at Find A Grave…and discovered that one cemetery in this area is really short on information and photos…so that is a project for next summer.

***

Thank goodness for cousins who share and are sharing their family info…I am encouraged.

I have asked Cousin Geraldine to begin a project to collect information from the newest generations that are not included in our Yliniemi family booklet.  It is a big project…but if everyone pulls their information together with names, birthdates and place of birth… town, county and state and marriage dates and to whom… in no time at all we could have up to date information.

Chance : Dirty Snow

I am supposed to forget about eating the dirty snow.   You know how hard that is for a dog that likes to chop down a bunch of snow?

It is really hard…the whole world is like one giant popsicle to a dog…avoid the yellow ones she says….now the dirty snow ones too. Picky picky picky.

She says I should wipe my paws too…only in her dreams.  She mumbled about some kinda booties…

She is bossy. I am supposed to ignore skunks, every night after dark and sometimes at o dark thirty AM she traipses out with me waving that flashlight and barking like some lunatic dog so the skunks if they are in the yard will run away.

They are waiting for the mud to come and go and the dirty snow to melt before taking me to the GROOMER.  They spell it sometimes…but I am pretty smart and have it all figured out.

Ahead

We turned most of the clocks ahead…we forgot a few…the thermostat does not go ahead automatically …duh.

I worked on some genealogy…going down different rabbit trails…cousins.  I know more than I did before…but not much. I still have lots of questions…and need to keep better notes. I need to have my questions someplace besides in my head.

I cleared one stack of papers off my desk… then I got an email from one of Far Guy’s Maternal Cousins ( I would call him a long lost cousin but he is doing research just like me)  and another project was added to the ongoing project list.  No progress is made there except this cousin may have some info to share…never can tell.

Ratibida pinnata  July 2016

I have the menus planned for the week.  Far Guy has become a bit testy when I am the first to ask what’s for supper.  Ribs and a baked potato, soup from the freezer, baked chicken and salad, venison and a steakburger round out the week with two supper dates during the week. Yeah for two nights of no cooking!  We had a huge break through last week…Far Guy discovered that he kinda likes roasted asparagus!!  I will roast another batch this week.

I was going to say I hope to get many projects done this week…but then that may jinx me…so I will just do what I can do to stay ahead.

It snowed again, it almost covered up the gray snow.

Layers and a Movie

There are layers of dirt from the snirt storm last week.

I got the patio cleared off so it doesn’t track in the house so bad.

Not exactly a winter wonderland.

Here is the snowstick, still about two inches of snow.

The wind was cold again yesterday.  I was cold after being outside so I went to the couch with a warm corn bag and covered up with only my eyes poking out to watch a movie on Netflix.  Sometimes I just watch the first movie that comes up…yesterday it was The Great Gilly Hopkins and I give it five out of five stars. Well worth watching.  Then I watched part of A Series of Unfortunate Events a Limminy Snickets TV Series…there were some snakes, I shut my eyes so many times I fell asleep.

It will be a hard week, I don’t like the time change but perhaps we can begin our after supper rides again since it will be lighter in the evening.

Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.  We change our batteries twice a year…no matter what…why wait for the chirping?? no sense taking a chance….you are worth it.   Check the expiration date on your Smoke Detectors…they should be replaced every ten years. We got some new ones last Spring and marked them with the month and year they went into service.  We have Carbon Monoxide Detectors too because we have a LP Fireplace and Furnace.

Patience and Patients

We had a mid morning appointment far away. It was –12 F Friday morning.  So we were up early.  I am so NOT a morning person.

There is no snow over there…oh maybe a few piles here and there but not much snow for this time of year.

Construction is already going to start over there.  Good thing we had our appointment before they started.

We have seen this before…it is called job security.  Put in a street with a median then in a couple of years remove it. 

Well anyways we were there a half an hour early.  The Doctor was running an hour late which turned into an hour and a half.  So we were there over two and a half hours.  We decided not to have lab work done there because that usually takes well over an hour, so the Doc ordered lab work to be done at our local clinic.  Ten minutes and you are in and out locally.

Far Guy’s appointment with his Neurologist went well, I need to keep a better eye on him and his medication.  He has been having too many Trigeminal Neuralgia flares.   The Doc and I would like to see him in less pain.  

On the way home I got hangry…that is hungry and angry and was too bossy to the driver so I got to drive.  We walked Chance and gave him some water.  He was a very patient boy…unlike me.

We stopped by Hometown Crafts which used to be Ben Franklin in Detroit Lakes…I just needed two ink pads…how hard can that be?  One brown and one black.  I got the Chocolate Brown one but they were all sold out of the black and don’t stock refill ink except in fuschia, iris, sandlewood and some more gosh awful colors.  They also had some of those dry as a bone ink pads just like our local Ben Franklin.  I could come back at 5PM and talk to the gal that does the ordering…REALLY???  That is so not happening. I would have died from starvation by then…

We finally made it to our favorite “After a Doctor’s visit place to eat that serves breakfast all day.”  I had blueberry pancakes…Far Guy had a Southern Biscuit Chicken something.   I think I was just too hungry as it did not sit well with me and it is just sitting in my stomach many many hours later….was it the pancakes or the coffee I had in the waiting room whilst waiting?

We stopped by “the home” and visited with a friend who now has a new knee. He is in rehab for another week maybe longer since he lives alone and has to take care of himself when he gets home.  He was happy to see us.  Didya know that that big incision for a knee surgery no longer has stitches or staples…it is glued together and then a clear tape is put over the whole thing?  They no longer use that machine that bends your knee back and forth for hours either.

Vivian and her brothers

I got to meet my Great Niece Miss Vivian yesterday.  She is beautiful.  She slept the entire time I held her, oh the smell of baby lotion brings back so many memories of babies long ago.

She is 11 days old.  She had a few rocky days after her birth but was monitored closely in the NICU and came home last Friday.

She almost opened her eyes once and didn’t seem at all disturbed by her brothers.  One is two and one is four.   My niece Megan is a busy Mom!

Harlow is two!  I love little ones at two, their personality is emerging and they are oh so curious about the world around them.

Teddy is four and takes his role of big brother quite seriously. 

These small children are all grandchildren of my other baby brother and she who sees robins first who live next door to us. Vivian is number 13 and broke the boy/girl tie in that family…girls rule!

What a joy it is to watch these little ones grow up!

Snirt Storm and Project Updates

First it snowed and that was okay… nice big snowflakes.

BUT then the wind came up, it just howled through the yard.  Chance had to be coaxed to go out.
It was awful. The wind blew for two days…40 to 60 MPH gusts. My happy little sunflower yard decoration flew off and is probably in the lake by now.  The squirrel guard blew off the feeders, a small piss popple came down in the driveway.   I was sure we were going to lose power but we didn’t.

All of the dirt on the fields in North Dakota and Western Minnesota ended up mixed in with the snow = Snirt.  Everything is just filthy outside.  I am hoping for a rain to help clean things up.  It blew so hard that the window screens caught the snirt.  The dirt hangs there like cobwebs.

It is not exactly a winter wonderland.

There is still ice and two inches of snow at the snowstick.  We are headed back below zero again. 

Ongoing projects: 

I am working on Mikey’s blanket. (Our great grandson who will be born in May…his middle name will be Michael…so I am going to call him Mikey…just like in the Hey Mikey Life Cereal Commercials.)

Taxes!!  Information was compiled and the paperwork is at the accountants.  I am always happy to have my part completed.

A special woodcarving project is in the works…it is going slower than I anticipated.

Midway Memories: The Last Chapter

Far Guy’s parents sold the two digger trailers with 28 machines to Marty Frey in 1977.

They retired.  We had a get together for them out at Vacationaire.   It was  a surprise.

Marvin, Evelyn, Marie and Ernest (Evelyn’s sister and brother in law.)

Uncle Jimmy decorated one of the old digger cabs with silver dollars and a sign.

Evelyn’s brother Uncle Willard at the end of the table.

Far Guy’s parents enjoyed their retirement.  We took many summer vacations with them to Canada and to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore.  They took a Canadian Railroad trip with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Esther.  They went to Alaska. Marvin loved to plan trips and look at his collection of maps, he fished and spoiled his granddaughters. Evelyn sewed, cooked and took care of her aging Mother.  Eventually they sold their motorhome and bought a smaller one that just sat in the yard.  Marvin loved to travel…Evelyn not so much.

The diggers that Marty bought were used for a few years ( he raised the price to a quarter) then he sold them off one by one.  One of Marty’s daughters (Jackie I think) married into the Buxton family in Austin Minnesota.  One digger cabinet was donated and is on exhibit in Owatonna Minnesota in their small museum on the fairgrounds.

We were able to purchase one digger from the Buxton family for $600.

Far Guy worked many hours to restore it to its former glory.

Restored

A few winters ago photos were collected and the digger stories and history were gathered together.  Far Guy made two scrapbooks, one to accompany each digger we have, so the history will never be lost.   Eventually both of our girls will have a digger as a reminder that a long time ago their relatives made their living one dime at a time.

Far Guy says that he is sad to see this Wednesday feature about carnival life, the Erie Diggers and his family come to an end.  He has itchy feet…sawdust in his blood…and loves to walk a midway and let all the old memories, sights and smells flood back….I think it makes him feel young again.

A lake

It warmed way up to 49 F  or 9C  eh!  Then it rained and we had snow fog.   Then the wind blew.  Snow melted and melted.

On March 5th we had four inches of snow at the snowstick. 

We have less now and lots of water and ice.  No grass there yet, but it could be getting close…unless of course we get more snow.

It thundered in the afternoon…it was a strange sound to hear in the winter.

We bought a new rain guage, one with huge numbers on it…which is just perfect for us old folks.   Everything in the lawn and garden section says Spring is on the way.   BUT the weather forecast is for below zero weather on Friday morning…how could Spring be so cruel? 

I was just about ready to put my parka away along with my good snow boots because I don’t want to wear them in the mud.  I have an old ratty pair that can get muddy and my red waterproof boots… it is too early for Crocs even with socks.

Mr Spoiled Rotten Border Collie

Chance is becoming a little more stubborn particular in his old age.   Many times he refuses to go with Far Guy but after a few minutes alone with me, he is ready to go. (Sometimes I have that effect on people too!)

Such was the case yesterday.  Far Guy left him with me in the afternoon.  I got out my camera and Chance was up the steps (all by himself) and waiting at the door.   Once outside he took off like a flash to the garage, back to me, to the woodshop/greenhouse and back to me,  I asked him “Where is he?”  he took off down the driveway wagging his tail.  Nothing is wrong with his nose.

 

I watched him through the trees, I could tell when he made it as far as Bailey’s house as she started to bark. 

Soon he was back with Far Guy. 

Then he was done and ready to go back in the house again.   I am not sure what goes through his mind sometimes…he likes it when we are in the same room that way he can keep an eye on both of us at the same time.  We should not sit on the couch together either…unless he sits in the middle.

He is 12 years and 5 months old now…he just may make it through the winter.  He likes routine and “jobs” he gets the mail even on Sundays…everyday must be a mail day to a dog.  Supper should be served at 6PM…sharp.  One of his “jobs” is seeing that someone is cooking at 5:30 or sooner. 

He doesn’t like windy days when tree branches (small twigs) fall from the sky, snow sliding off the roof, fireworks, gun shots or being left at home alone.  He doesn’t like carrots or apples as a treat, but will eat blueberries and asparagus.  His favorite food is a slice of cheese…which hides his aspirin.

What an adventure it is to share your home with a Border Collie.

 

Not much new

The wind is just raw lately, you want to wear a cap and mittens for sure.  It was –2 F here on Friday morning.  Chance doesn’t like the wind and must be accompanied outside.  There is safety in the pack.

 

I took the red Christmas lights down from the wreath outside and put up the snowmen. The red lights worked for a Valentine decoration but now it is March.

We went to town yesterday.  We had a few errands to do.  Chance needed help getting in the new vehicle and when we got back home he refused to get out…finally Far Guy lifted him up and out.   Chance is going to have to wear his vest with the handle…and he hates it.

Anyways the Ben Franklin Store in town was one of our stops.  I returned two stamp pads that were dry when I opened them…naturally I threw out the receipt.  They said get two more as replacements and we will open them and check them out…well those were dry as a bone too.  I said “I bet all your stamp pads back there are dry.  Some more people will be disappointed.”   So they refunded my money.  The next place to buy a stamp pad in Chocolate Brown is 35 miles away…so my stamping project is on hold.

I bought some yarn and I am beginning to crochet a blanket for the new baby.  It will just be a simple blanket with a soft yarn.  Naturally they only had 17 1/2 ounces of the yarn I wanted so I am making it work….I think.   If not I will just have to go buy different yarn.

It is forecast to be near 50 F today!!!

Funeral : Aunt Kay

My Aunt Kay died a week ago she was 76 years old. The funeral was yesterday.  My Mother is fighting a bad cold, she sent my Father out to go to the funeral with us.  My other baby brother and she who sees robin’s first went too.  Far Guy stayed home…good thing too as the perfumy smell of cleaning products assaulted you as soon as you opened the door of the church.

My Aunt Kay was married to my Uncle Clarence, Butch was his nickname.   They raised four children together and then divorced.  I had not seen my cousins in about 24 years.  It was good to see them at the funeral…now they are in their 50’s except for Holly who is going to be 48 she was born on our wedding day back in 1969.

My Aunt Kay was a very kind woman, she was a good mother and grandmother.  I have many good memories of her when I was growing up. I saw her and my uncle just about every week at my grandparents for Sunday dinner.  Their place on Little Floyd Lake where they raised chinchillas.  The new home they built together that had a double fireplace was beautiful.   We butchered chickens one summer out on a picnic table in the yard.  My Dad worked at the “shop” there and we would visit him there in the spring. When Far Guy and I picked out Mom and Dad’s White German Shepard puppy in Ada Minnesota…we took the pup as far as Uncle Butch and Aunt Kay’s place so my parents could pick her up.

The Funeral Sermon was short and sweet and to the point.  Ashes to ashes dust to dust.  Laugh and enjoy your time here on earth whatever troubles you encounter won’t matter in heaven.  Death has lost it’s sting because Jesus died on the cross. 

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I took a photo inside the church so my Mother could see all the flowers.

After the afternoon service we joined with the family for coffee and bars…all kinds mainly chocolate!

I took some photos of my Uncle and Aunt’s wedding album…they got married in October of 1960.

 

 

My baby brother was the ring bearer.

The parents looking at the ring.  Those are my grandparents on the right.  Grandma wore gloves and grandpa had some dark hair.

The wedding cake photo with a bunch of little girls looking on.  One is me, I am the tallest, my Aunt Karen is next to me…down in front the little gal with the great expression on her face might be  relatives from the other side of the family or it might be cousins La Rae, Vickie or Diane.

From weddings to the grave…my Uncle Butch died in 1993 and now Aunt Kay in 2017.