Bulletin 129, December 5, 2004

This past weekend was a fun and exciting vacation for many; I'm sure others would agree with me!

On Thursday (November 25th), my family and I got packed up in the white rig and drove as far north as we would ever want to venture ... Fargo, North Dakota.

We actually found The Radisson Hotel without too much trouble. We put our luggage up in our room, and headed off to see where the wedding would be held. We got to level 3 and found some other family members congregated there; we had found the right place.

There was a huge icicle chandelier above a big opening where you could see the main foyer of the hotel. Around the big opening there was a railing with white icicle lights hanging from it. In the room where the wedding and reception were held, there were some slanted windows which looked over some of the city. There were some smaller icicle chandeliers in there, too. They picked a very gorgeous place to get married!

They seemed to have it almost all decorated and set up, so we didn't have much to do except talk; so that's what we ended up doing.

That night there was a Groom's dinner for Ben, which was a Thanksgiving dinner as well. It was a very pretty buffet, which consisted of turkey and ham, potatoes and gravy, carrots, salad and a big platter of fruit. For dessert, we had pie.

After dinner, we had a run-through of the wedding ceremony, which was fun and definitely amusing! It went well, and looked like we were ready for the morrow's wedding!

To be continued...

UPDATE -- Birth Announcement: Alexis Jo Marie Sigman
by JoAnne Sigman
South Haven, MN

Just wanted to share our great news with everyone!

Our little angel Alexis Jo Marie Sigman made a GRAND entrance into our world November 21 at 2:28 p.m. She weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 18 inches long.

The proud parents are our son Jaryl and Lucy Farrell! Mom (Lucy) was a real trouper. Five hours of labor and NO stitches. And Grandma Jo was there the whole time. I even cut the cord! Was a WONDERFUL experience!

I say GRAND entrance because even though the birth went VERY well, she was having breathing problems and was rushed to the NICU. The docs have assured us that she is doing very well and will be fine. They have run some tests to see if they can determine why she had lung problems, but results won't be in for a couple of days. Wonder if the problems are from her being face UP instead of face down?

I talked with Mom this AM and sounds like our angel, "Lexi Jo" (for short), will possibly get her IV removed today and be able to be with Mom. Which means we can finally HOLD HER!

She is a very beautiful baby with a FULL head of sandy hair with a tint of red in it. Sorry to do this like a news letter, but much easier for me. I know I may have already talked to some of you, but wanted to make sure we included EVERYONE. I will send pics as soon as we can. Didn't think to take the camera into the NICU unit, and because they limit visits, wasn't able to go back in. Besides, you have to scrub up for EXACTLY 3 minutes before being allowed in.

Linda, we MISS you, too! And I will write more later. But have to get to the hospital and I'm already running almost an hour late! (AS USUAL for me!)

Love to ALL,

Grandma (JoAnne) and Grandpa (Wesley) Sigman

Great Grandma Gert (Dake) Pettit feeds Alexis Jo Marie Sigman, left; Melanie & Brian Lehtola with Brandon & Brianna Lehtola and the new baby, "Lexi Jo" Sigman, right.

UPDATE -- Job
by Donna Richards
Eden Prairie, MN

I started my "new" job about a year ago. It has gone VERY well. I am very happy with the job, the people I work with, as well as the people I work for. SO different from my previous job, where I put in many hours of overtime and got no appreciation for the work I did.

I don't have to put in the overtime here. (They actually have hired enough people to do the work, so no one is overworked.) And I feel appreciated, which is much more valuable than the paycheck I get. The bonus is that this job pays more than the old did, icing on the cake! Nice to not have so much stress in my life.

I'm taking December 29 and 30 as vacation days. The office is closed on the 31st, so I'm coming back to Ashby. Spending the weekend reminded me how nice it is to get away, spend time with friends, relax and enjoy the scenery and company. I resolved to do it more often. It's like a mini-vacation.

Day to Day R
With Donna Mae
Ashby, MN

Reprinted from The Ashby Post, where it ran with a couple of pictures:

Tammy Schmuck's third grade enjoyed a Literacy Day Wednesday, November 24th, celebrating the fact that they won the PIE sponsored coupon contest. Suzanne Wing, parent, read Give a Moose a Muffin and Clifford's Thanksgiving. For the former, they consumed muffins and milk. With the latter, they made and ate edible dog bones. All read the Thanksgiving story and made baskets representing different things used by the pilgrims. All snacks were provided by PIE. The students read all day long.

Caity's Third Grade Class celebrates win with a Literacy Day

The Ashby third grade class enjoying their celebration party for their first quarter win! They are busy collecting labels again -- so don't forget them... Details on label collection for Caity's class are in Bulletin 127, published November 14, 2004, under Update -- School Activity. Thanks!

A Nice Surprise Visit

We had fun weekend guests last week. Donna Richards picked up Shari (Miller) Schweiger and Shari's grandson Nathan Seaman (Kelly's oldest son) from the airport and all three of them came out for a visit. Peggy came over and joined us for some Scrabble games in the afternoon. Shari treated Beaver, Peggy, Donna R. and me to an excellent meal in Evansville. (THANKS SHARI!)

Sunday we visited at Mom and Dad's, in the late afternoon, meeting their surprise guests -- Duane, Ingrid and Ashley Miller -- in the parking lot. Mom and Dad had known the rest of us (except Beaver) were coming over, but didn't know Duane and family would be coming, so they were pleasantly surprised.

After visiting, we went to the Depot in Alex (Shari's request) and had a late dinner. The kids had a grand time, all sitting together (or in the case of the youngest three -- running around together -- which was OK, as it was not crowded in the area we were in). Not so sure Shari thought it was such a great time for herself, though; they kept her busy! It was a fun little get together.

We had company last week --What a nice surprise!
Back row, left to right: Duane Miller holding Ashley, Beaver Johnson, Don Anderson; middle row: Ingrid Miller, Caity Chap, Donna Richards, Shari (Miller) Schweiger, holding grandson Nathan Seaman; front row: Grandma Dorothy Anderson holding Jayce Chap.

Don and I were invited to eat dinner with them, but I avoid the cold when I can, and we had a lunch before our guests arrived. It looks like they had fun, though... DMA

Starting with Bulletin 124, I plan to run biographical sketches of the members of our staff. When that has been done, I want to run sketches and pictures of each of the readers and subscribers who have not already done introductions. Please tell us about yourself. What is your work and what else do you do with your time? How are you related or what friend introduced you into the family? I am hoping that you can share family photos and background sketches. Send all manuscripts and pictures to me at dma49261@juno.com

Introducing The Bulletin's "This and That" columnist & Wahpeton, ND correspondent:

Elaine (Anderson) Wold
Wahpeton, ND

Elaine Wold

For those of you who do not know me, I am a sister of Donald, who is the husband of the Editor (the "Matriarch" of this great newspaper!).

I grew up in a family of seven children in a small North Dakota town ... Dwight! We moved to a farm near there when I was a teenager. After graduation, I went to Teacher's college a short time and taught several years in country schools.

I married a neighbor boy and we farmed all our married life. I have two daughters, Muriel Rodriguez, and Mindy Miranowksi, both living in Wahpeton, and one grandson, Steve Rodriguez, in California. We moved into our retirement home in Wahpeton in November 1983, and Earl passed away two months later.

I have kept very busy tending my yard and flowers, volunteering, writing family histories and I also joined the Historical Society here in Wahpeton. I served as an officer in The Richland County Chapter for 20 years.

I enjoy reading, crosswords and jigsaws in the winter months, birdwatching, and walking in the outdoors, enjoying nature. I write as a correspondent in The Bulletin to keep my subscription coming. There's so much of interest in it and I have enjoyed meeting so many people.

Editor's Note: Elaine Wold's essay, The Little Creek, appeared in a column called Reflections, which ran in the November 2004 issue of a magazine called North Dakota Water. It is a monthly publication published in Bismarck. It contains articles on Garrison Diversion, Rural Water Systems in the state, and includes issues concerning Irrigation, Education, Wetlands, Wildlife, Agriculture and how they all have to work together as a cooperative solution, as they affect all.

The Little Creek was entered in an essay contest, which was to tell of some way water had made some effect, memorable experience, or impact on her life. As her submission was published, it received a prize and it will be considered for a grand prize after all entries have been chosen in the contest. Click here to see a reproduction of the Reflections page as it appeared in print last month.

Elaine said: The picture I sent was only an inch or so and they enlarged it. It's one of the very few photos I have of myself as a kid. I must have been 5 or so at this time. Mom had it taken for the Cradle Roll in Sunday school, so that's why I figure 5 years old.

As I pass by the numerous gyms and recreation centers, or the brightly colored playground equipment, I ask myself, "What did we do as kids for entertainment?" reflecting back, I think the little creek winding by our farm provided year-round entertainment for us young 'uns.

Numerous summer hours were spent fishing, and we enjoyed catching a bullhead, sucker, or even a crab on the end of the line on our bamboo poles. Swimming was a good way to cool off, and was enhanced by a rope swing from an overhanging branch. During a spring flood or heavy summer rain, the creek would flood into our pasture, and my brothers would raft down with the current, portraying Huckleberry Finn.

In the winter, the creek became the gathering spot for the local kids as they skated, keeping warm by the bonfire. Crack-the-whip, along with many a heated game of hockey was played. A lump of coal was used for a puck, and sticks were made from bent tree branches from the creek banks. The banks also provided a place for skiing or sliding on Dad's scoop shovel or a piece of cardboard. My brother spent hours walking the creek as he trapped for mink and other animals which provided extra spending money.

An evening ride in the old pick-up down the country lane found us at a beaver dam where we would quietly watch the antics of the busy animals. In the stillness of the evening we could hear numerous birds in the trees on the bank.

Along the creek banks grew wild plums, chokecherries and gooseberries. What a treat for our tummies as we felt hungry in the great outdoors. I fondly remember the hallowed spot near the gooseberry patch where we made a cemetery for the pet kittens or dead birds as we held funeral services for them.

As I reflect, I wonder if we didn't have as much fun as the entertainment centers the kids have nowadays. What special memories the little creek provided us!

Greetings from Cochabamba!

I've just returned from 10 fabulous days in Morochata. The first week was very tranquilo ... I woke up every morning at dawn and walked for two hours, savoring the sounds and colors of morning. Earlier sunrises mean longer walks, and I enjoyed exploring some of the smaller, less-traveled roads, farther from Morochata, that I never had enough time to reach before.

After traveling for nearly all of September, I appreciated the long days of relaxation and conversation in between patients. The new cook has a 7-month old daughter, whom she always brings to the hospital with her... She's really precious and always greets me with a huge grin. :) If only I could convince her to quit peeing on me ... no disposable diapers in rural Bolivia.

Morochata's fiesta began last Friday. That day was the entrada, in which the image of the Virgen del Rosario was carried through the streets from the house of the Pasante to the church.

The Pasante is a local who is chosen each year to host the fiesta. He is responsible for all of the expenses associated with the four days of riotous merrymaking. He contracts bands and dancers, feeds the masses, and provides extraordinary quantities of alcohol for the whole town.

Though he names Padrinos and Madrinas to help cover some of the costs, the Pasante tradition is a pretty effective means of keeping things equal.

And so Friday afternoon we sat in the plaza and watched first the procession of the image and later enjoyed the bands and traditional folkloric dancing. That evening there was an emergency, so we didn't stay late into the evening.

Saturday was more of the same except everything started earlier. It was very sad to see so many people stumbling drunk by late afternoon... That night we hung out in the plaza until late and were entertained by the bands, fireworks, and party-goers.

By Sunday I was finding myself rather impressed by the endurance of partiers but sympathetic for their poor livers. Market day was a lot more extensive than usual and I was delighted to find pineapple and apples! We spent most of the afternoon at driver Luis's birthday party.

Today was the official closure of the fiesta. I didn't see much of it, as my bus left for Cochabamba at noon.

Tomorrow my Bolivian sisters and I are going to a Chayanne concert. He's a very popular Latin American artist. Wednesday or Thursday I'll leave for the border of Chile to renew my visa. I expect the adventure to last between a week and 10 days.

I need to be back in Cochabamba for the baptism of Dr. Juan's daughter. They've asked me to be the Madrina. I explained I'm not Catholic (though they already knew), but it turns out they're not terribly Catholic either. In Bolivia, the whole process is much more a rite of passage than in the states. As is the case with many Catholic rituals, Bolivians have adapted them to fit previous rite of-passage events and "de-religiosified" them. And so, because Dr. J is a great friend, and so is his daughter Daniela, I told them I'd be honored, as long as they're not bothered by my not being Catholic. And so I'll need to be in Cochabamba in time to help plan the festivities.

I'm off for tea!

Kjirsten

Charlie and I drove to Georgia mid-October to see our oldest son, Jason, in Atlanta. We took five days to get down there and eighteen hours to get back.

We spent two nights at my dad's in South Beloit, Illinois, and then traveled to Ashland, Illinois, outside of Springfield. We spent the night with Charlie's brother, Gary and his family. It got late enough the next day that we spent a night west of Chattanooga instead of driving and getting to Atlanta at 3 a.m.

It was Georgia Tech's homecoming weekend while we were there so we took in some of the common college sites; tailgating, college football game (they won), and hanging out at the house. Jason lives with four other guys and one girl in a house that's been converted to house students. We also got to spend an enjoyable evening with Ernie and Carolyn Dake at their home.

We also did some tourist attractions. Our favorite was the botanical gardens not far from Jason's house. They had a special exhibit of blown glass art that was on display intermixed with the gardens themselves. Attached are a few pictures. The glass "onions" floating in the water are 12-30" in diameter and the vibrant colors were beautiful in the sun. They were anchored indoors and in outdoor ponds.

This and That
6
by Elaine Wold
Wahpeton, ND

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The teenager not cleaning his room, because he is not on the streets.
The taxes that I pay, because it means I am employed.
The mess to clean after a party, because it means I have friends.
The clothes a little snug because it means I have enough to eat.
The lawn needing mowing, the windows to clean, because it means I have a home.
All the complaining about the government, because it means I have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot at the far end of the lot, because it means I am capable of walking and blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill because I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church singing off key, because it means I can hear.
For the pile of laundry, because it means I have clothes to wear.
For aching muscles at end of day, because it means I am capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in early morning hours, because it means I am alive.
And finally, for too much e-mail, letters to answer, and phone calls, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

More December Birthdays:
'
December 12---Sarah (Dake) Steinhauer
December 13---Larry Dake
December 13---Derek Swenson
December 14---Kathleen (Dake) Stahlecker
December 17---Char (Morgan) Myron
December 17---Austin Printz
December 19---Barb Anderson
December 21---Melanie (Anderson) Shockey
December 24---Ken Hellevang
December 24---David "Beaver" Johnson
December 25---Angela Stahlecker
December 29---Mitzi (Johnson) Swenson
December 30---Travis Quick

December Anniversaries:
Z
December 20--Melanie and Eric Shockey (2 years)
December 23--Harold and Carol (Dake) Printz (37 years)

December Holidays & Observances
December 25---Christmas
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miss Hetty's Mailbox:

Happy Birthday, Fellow Columnist!

Miss Elaine, I think it is time to come clean -- you and I. (Have you checked out the picture of "Miss Hetty at the Slot Machine--with her Friend"? Just give a look at Bulletin # 70, published Wednesday, November 12, 2003). I hope you won't mind me telling the folks about how that picture really got in the paper!

The partial truth of the matter is that Miss Elaine is quite a joker. She sent that picture to Don and Dorothy for their anniversary and my boss loves a good joke, so she asked me if I would mind being fired over it (well not really, you know). Do you think that worried Miss Elaine? Oh my, no! She just got right in the middle of the planning, and so until this day, she gets a chuckle out of that silly picture!!

I think it is a great privilege to have Miss Elaine as a friend and relative -- and I say, "Have a Very Happy 75th Birthday, Dear Elaine!"

On the occasion of Elaine Wold's 75th birthday (December 4, 2004), in recognition of her steadfast support of, and copious contributions to, The Bulletin, the editors have begun two new online collections of Elaine's work, reprinted from her This and That column ... This and That Recipes and This and That Stories, Poems, etc..

http://www.thebulletin.ws/collections/Stories/ThisThat/index.html

http://www.thebulletin.ws/collections/Recipes/Elaine/index.html

"Miss Elaine" has been contributing to The Bulletin since issue #21, published on St. Valentine's Day last year, February 14, 2003. In addition to her present title of Wahpeton, North Dakota, Correspondent, she has served as The Bulletin's assistant food editor.

For the first selection in the Stories and Poems, etc. section, the editors chose recollections of her grandfather, Hans Christian ("H.C." or "Chris") Anderson, written in collaboration with the editor, Dorothy Dake Anderson, in Bulletin #41, published May 5, 2003. There is also a reprint of The Little Creek, a prize-winning essay that appears in this issue.

The first recipe, for Aleo's Apple Dessert, was named for Miss Elaine's mother, Cleo (Berndt) Anderson, and Cleo's neighbor, Alice Grinager. It reflects her love of family history and good food. The recipe also appeared in Bulletin #72, published November 19, 2003, along with a recipe for Thanksgiving Gobble Turkeys (for the kiddies!).

Happy 75th Birthday, Miss Elaine! And many happy returns!

The Editors

Miss Hetty Says

I was just thrilled when my boss (Miss Dorothy, we call her) told me I would be going along to her grandson Ben H's wedding to Miss Heather. It seems the Matriarch wants some family snaps -- kind of human interest ones. So for the next few issues I will show you the photos that some of the family took of the happy event -- and tell you some of the cute or beautiful or funny things that happened at that heart warming event. The first picture to arrive is this one of Caity with her Grandpa Anderson (aren't they spiffed up though!!) Leona Anderson sent us these photos -- thanks dear!

+ LETTERS TO THE EDITORS?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As usual, The Bulletin was right up there in its ratings in my book! Loved the picture from Janie and Dwight. Tell Larry to keep up the great writing!

Donna Johnson
Ashby, MN

I sure love reading The Bulletin. And keeping up with the family. I really enjoy hearing about other countries, and their customs. You ALL do such a GREAT job at keeping us informed and smiling! Can't wait to see the next Bulletin!

Hope all is well with everyone!

JoAnne and Wes Sigman
South Haven, MN

Does Donnie have a new email address? I tried to e-mail him (to thank him for speaking in my place at the reception) and it came back.

Editor's note: Yes, he recently changed his address to dopaerza@netzero.net

We were glad to be able to go to Ben and Heather's wedding Friday evening. It was very nice and we had great company at our table. We sat with Ken and Merna, Beaver and Donna, Donnie and Patty, and Doug and Brianna. It was nice to get to know Brianna a little bit.

Janie Anderson
Dwight, ND

CHUCKLES

THE PARROT

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. In desperation, John threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued,

"May I ask what the turkey did?"

THE STAFF OF THE BULLETIN

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY: Families are like fudge: mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

EDITOR'S POLICY: If you wish to subscribe to The Bulletin, simply send me a statement of that fact. If you wish to keep receiving it I hope you will contribute to one of the columns that are running in this family epistle (at least occasionally!). My e-mail address is dma49261@juno.com

This Bulletin is copyright Dorothy M. Anderson; the contents are also copyrighted by the authors and photographers and used with their permission, and the contents are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the explicit consent of the creators.