The Bulletin
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Browse The Bulletin archive index
Home About Archive Recipes Stories Galleries Who's Who Where

Autumn begins September 22


Photo © Virginia McCorkell
Sun Center

Updates -


Photo © Virginia McCorkell
Flower arrangement from LeRoy Dake funeral.

UPDATE -- our day in Erskine
by Ginny Dake McCorkell
Blaine, MN

I think it is safe to say that no one really likes funerals but there are some bonuses to such gatherings...

Our family tends to come armed with a multitude of cameras when we get together and this time was no exception. We came away with a few very nice family photos to share.


Photo © Jennie Horne
LeRoy Dake's grandchildren: Suzanne McCorkell, Jennie Dake Horne, Greg Dake, Sarah Dake Steinhauer, Amy Dake Harrison.

The weather was beautiful for saying our goodbyes ... and the gorgeous flowers were soothing. Just as Rich finished the prayer at the graveside, two small farm dogs trotted up ... to the delight of the kids ... and amusement of some of the "older kids."

There are the precious moments spent bonding with family ... and forming new bonds. Carrie Horne and Alexis Sigman became fast friends. Carrie worked hard to win Levi over and by the time the day was over they were playing tag in the yard.

We were so pleased that Dad's sisters, Gert and Dorothy, (and Don Anderson) were all able to travel north to be with us. The cousins were well represented ... Duane Miller, Peggy McNeil and Ed, Wesley and Joanne Sigman went the extra miles to be there.


Photo illustration © Virginia McCorkell; photo by Jennie Horne
Gert Dake Pettit & Dorothy Dake Anderson.

Rich and Verlaine Weiland and Pat Bullick made the long trek to represent all the friends in the cities that would have liked to join us. The local folks that were so kind to Mom and Dad in their last days were well represented. Rich Raschke, Caleb Dunham, Martha Nelson and our sweet Kimberly Johnson came all the way from Hector to be with us.

Our thanks to all who were present, who would have liked to be present and who have thought of us in our time of loss.


Photo © Jennie Horne
Virginia Dake McCorkell, Larry Dake, Ernie Dake.



Photo © Lori Anderson
Castle once housed a staircase.

UPDATE -- a castle at the beach
by Lori Anderson
Orange County, CA

A few weeks ago, Keith and I heard about a castle along the shore in Laguna Beach. We were both intrigued by hearing about the building. So on Saturday afternoon we headed to the beach to find it. Even though we had to cross a busy highway, head down a steep driveway, walk down an even narrower set of stairs, and make our way on the sand around a cliff, we found our "castle." And the adventure was worth it!

We learned that this turret-like structure used to be a staircase that led from the top of the cliff to the shore below. We also got to take in a nice sunset that day. It was great to watch the sun peek in between the clouds before it dipped below the horizon.


Photo © Lori Anderson
Beautiful seaside sunset at Laguna Beach.



Photo © Angela Roberson
Tracer, Trevor, Trinidy & Trenton hanging out on July 4th.

FAMILY UPDATE -- Scott and Angela Roberson
by Angela Stahlecker Roberson
Hico, TX

The school year has started out busy, busy, busy here in our household. I am in my second year at Cranfills Gap ISD, teaching 7th grade and 8th grade science, IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry), biology, chemistry, and physics. I also teach a half of a year of speech and a half year of health. It is a lot of preps to get ready for each class, especially with labs, but I enjoy the variety. I definitely don't have time to get bored with what I am teaching. Ha!

This is my 6th year of teaching, overall, and I love it more now than ever. My largest class is speech with 13 students, and my smallest is 8th grade science with only five kids. I really love getting to know my students and having more one on one time with them.

Tracer is in junior high this year (6th grade) and is very excited to be learning to play the trombone. In fact, it is the very trombone that his uncle Aaron Stahlecker played. Tracer likes changing classes, and loves his all-boy PE class this year because they get to play tackle football. Isn't that a typical 11-year old boy, for you?

Trevor also gets to change classes a little bit this year in 3rd grade. He loves math and science and has two really awesome teachers who split up the teaching responsibilities. Tracer had these two teachers himself, and they are really great so Trevor is having a really good year! Trevor also just started Little League Flag Football so he is very excited about that and can't wait for his first game.

Trenton is going to Cranfills Gap with me. (The other two boys are still going to Hico.) However, Trenton needed some extra discipline and direction with his being the last boy and all. He is definitely our little dreamer and, to use that familiar cliché, he "walks to the beat of his own drummer." He is in Kindergarten, and I've heard that his favorite time of day is naptime and ice cream time.


Photo © Angela Roberson
Don't mess with Texas cowgirl Trinidy Roberson!

Trinidy turned three years old over the summer. She will be in pre-K next year, but for now, she is at home most of the time with Daddy. I think that she would sneak onto the school bus, if she were able to do so. She is a funny cross between a girly princess who loves her dolls and a mean tomboy who can actually make her older brothers run and hide. For those who knew me growing up, I've been told that her feisty, independent streak reminds people of me. I, for one, don't know what they are talking about! Ha!

Scotty is still doing some consulting work from home while we try to search for a better job for him. He was laid off last November from the company that he'd been with for 12 years. Since then, this company has laid off over 400 of their sales and management force. As I am sure you all know, it is a very tough market to try to find a job in ... but we remain hopeful that something good will come along soon. Sometimes, you just have to keep your chin up and try to have some faith. In the meantime, Scotty and Trinidy are enjoying spending their days together.

So, that's what is going on with us right now. We are getting a TON of rain, which we have desperately needed. So, we are thankful for that. And, we're looking forward to the cooler days of fall.


Photo © Angela Roberson
Tracer, Trinidy, Trenton & Trevor at the Fort Worth Zoo Gorilla Mountain.



Photo © Merna Hellevang
Rice & Raspberry Salad.

UPDATE -- a salad that tastes like dessert
by Merna Morgan Hellevang
Fargo, ND

I brought this rice and raspberry salad to the Berndt reunion last month and got several requests for the recipe. It was suggested that I submit it to The Bulletin, along with a picture.

Rice and Raspberry Salad

Cook 1 cup white rice in 2 cups water for about 15 minutes (until water is absorbed).

Add 3 cups milk and 1 cup sugar. Cook slowly for about 25 minutes (until milk is absorbed).

Cool completely. Add 10 oz. Cool Whip.Thaw 2 pkgs. sweetened frozen raspberries; drain and save juice.

In a saucepan, mix juice with 2 T cornstarch; beat with wisk.

Add berries; cook 3 min. until thick. Add 1 tsp. almond flavoring. Cool.

Place half the rice in a bowl, then a layer of raspberries, the remaining rice and the rest of the raspberries on top.


UPDATE -- a visit with the Matriarch
by Don McKenzie
Stillwater, MN

We had a great day! It was so wonderful to finally meet you and Don in person on Sunday and spend time so Rosemary and I and sister Shari could to get to know you better. We all had a fun visit and, of course, Shari was especially excited to learn of all she has in common with her new found second cousin. We hope that you find time in the future to visit us in Stillwater.


Photo © Don McKenzie
Don & Rosemary McKenzie, Don & Dorothy Anderson & Shari Allen.


FAMILY UPDATE -- Doug & Bridget Larson
by Bridget Larson
Ashby, MN

I figured it was about time to update you on what the Larsons have been up to the past couple of months. The most major thing that has happened is that Paige flew the coop. In June, Paige decided that it was time to break away from Mom and Dad and move to Waite Park. She found a lovely apartment that she could afford and is only four blocks from the school she will attend.

She decided she wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology and so, for a month now, has been learning all she can about nails, hair, facials, etc. I was lucky enough to be a test subject for her last week by having a manicure, facial and make-up applied. It was fabulous, to say the least.

Doug and I are trying to decide what to with ourselves now that we are empty nesters (well, sort of). I have decided to do a walk to help support those affected with Mental Illness. This is very near to my heart because I know many people with various mental health conditions, including immediate family and friends. I will write more about the walk when I finally have the chance to complete it on the 26th of September.

I just wanted to share that if anyone would like to help me with raising money for this great cause you can. It is tax deductible and will help NAMI offer classes, retreats, and information, not only to those who suffer from a mental illness, but also the family members who are caring for them. Okay, done with my spiel, and will update you all after the 26th.



Photo © Jerrianne Lowther
Autumn foliage, Arctic Valley, Anchorage, Alaska.

UPDATE -- Autumn color, foliage and fruits
by Jerrianne Lowther
Anchorage, AK

In Anchorage, an early spring and a glorious summer have given way to a brilliant autumn. The color this year is simply breathtaking. The chokecherries and bird cherries that blossomed so profusely in May have produced heavy crops of ripe chokecherries. They should have been picked and turned into jam and syrup by now, but there has been no frost and they cling so tenaciously to their slightly poisonous stems that I'm confident they'll wait a few days longer.

Sunny days and rainy nights have produced bumper crops of mushrooms in lawns and woods. I've been on a couple of mushroom walks with more experienced mushroom gatherers and even led a walk for a couple of longtime friends, myself. Meanwhile, my neighbors' lawns have provided me with several meals of Shaggy Manes. Like chokecherries, most of these "Lawyer's wig" mushrooms go to waste because so few people know they are edible, delicious and safe to eat. Last year, I sautéed and froze a few but this summer I've devoured every one I've found.

The lettuce in my flower box is definitely winding down, but is still producing enough for all the sandwiches and salads I care to eat, though it's no longer supplying the neighborhood. It keeps on supplying my needs until frost finishes it off ... and I'm in no hurry for that to happen. Time to put this Bulletin to bed and get some shut-eye myself. According to the weather forecast, tomorrow looks like it's going to be a glorious day and I don't want to miss it.


Photos © Jerrianne Lowther
Mushrooms (inedible), left; Shaggy Mane mushroom, right.


Photos © Jerrianne Lowther
Chokecherry blossoms in May left; ripe chokecherries in September, right.


The Matriarch Speaks W
by Dorothy (Dake) Anderson
Alexandria, MN


Photo © Donald W. Anderson
Dorothy with granddaughter Kim Johnson & Levi & Sarah Steinhauer.



Photo © Dorothy Anderson
Duane Anderson & Don Anderson.

"Brothers?" everyone asked. No, but friends of long standing. Last year, we had the pleasure of having Duane's wife, Charlene, along for a visit, too. This year Duane made the trip by plane and then rented a car to visit his sister (who is living in a nephew's retirement home at Hoffman, Minnesota). Duane intends to be in Minneapolis for a while, too, to visit some family there.


Who Is This?

Let's Play a Guessing Game: Whenever it is handy to do so, we will run a picture of someone of the subscribers or staff members of our e-magazine. Tell us who you think it is -- we will let you know who was the first to guess it right -- and the correct guess -- in the following week's Bulletin.

(Send us some to run; we will line them up in our staging area to take their turn. Lori Ostendorf supplied last week's mystery photos.


How many can you identify? What's going on?

Answers to last week's mystery pictures (click here to review them):

Editors' Note: Correct guesses appear in bold face type and incorrect guesses in normal type ... generally in the order we receive them, so the first guess received is on top.

The first is my niece Caity, sitting on the dock with my daughter McKenna. The second is my youngest daughter, Kierra, standing on her Grandma Donna Johnson's lap. Both pictures were taken during our family vacation in Wisconsin this past August. It was a wonderful family vacation!

Lori Ostendorf
Rogers, MN


Looks to me like a grandma and her girls! Caity, McKenna, Kierra and Donna. :)

Gina Henderson
Watertown, MN


What do you know? Pictures of a daughter and her three granddaughters ... well not all together. In the first picture is her oldest granddaughter, Caity Chap, who is having a little visit with her first cousin McKenna Ostendorf. And the picture taken from behind her is of my daughter Donna Anderson Johnson and she is steadying her youngest granddaughter, Kierra Ostendorf (McKenna's little sister).

So then, it's one of my daughters and three of my great granddaughters. I do think these were taken by my granddaughter Lori Chap Ostendorf -- and they are pictures to excite any matriarch of such a great family!

The Matriarch (Dorothy Dake Anderson)
Alexandria, MN


I have been so perplexed about the GUESS picture this time. Of course it is Caity on the first picture but WHO is that familiar looking little girl with her? I will make a guess ... McKenna! The second picture remains a mystery, also. I will take a far fetched guess that it is Lori when she was a baby. I am going by the black hair bangs on the -- is it the mother?

Betty Weiland Droel
MoundsView, MN

Photo Editor's comment: Well, the baby isn't Lori, but the lady IS Lori's mother. Half credit?


Memory Lane

A series of recollections, of the five years when Bill and Lois Dake and their family lived in Minnesota, began with the episode in Bulletin 343. It's too soon to tell just how many parts there will be in this series, just after World War II. In Bulletin 349, I told more about polio (once called Infantile Paralysis) via two links, Polio and Sister Kenny, to minimize disruption of the narrative flow. Both documents are posted as a series of scanned images. We can't edit them or correct typos and they will not respond to font changes or printer settings as regular Bulletin pages do.


Dorothy Dake, 20, hand tinted portrait, 1946.

Miffed On Arrival!
by Dorothy Dake
Howard Lake, MN

I am almost ready for bed. Before I do anything more I am going to tell you why I just suffered a really virulent case of moodiness. A really blue feeling at the true unfairness of life -- if you must know, I was MIFFED.

First of all, managing two pieces of baggage through the door to the station was not much fun, but Aunty was right there to help. She squeezed my shoulder to make me welcome and then, together, we hauled the stuff out to the car. I started to open the back door to store the suitcase ... she sort of barked at me, "No, don't put your suitcase there! I have some stuff for Grandma and I don't want you to mess with it!"

Well, that's "cute"! I don't mess with other people's stuff! I stepped back and let her put my things in the back. Then we climbed into the front. And then came the next shock.

"Should we stop and get a sandwich as we go through Long Lake? I expect you are hungry?"

"No! I may be hungry but I do NOT want a sandwich. I want some home cooking!"

"Well, I suppose we can at least find some leftovers, but at the farm they will probably have eaten. They have been working a long day today. It is going to be pretty late and I expect their suppertime will be finished."

I sat there and steamed! So I am just the Middle One ... the one dropping in to get a quick look at all the work that is more important than feeding me! And then I pulled myself up short and decided I still love my Aunty and I am glad to get home ... so I settled in for a visit.

It seemed to take forever to get there and the day did disappear and evening set in as we traveled the 50 miles or so between the bus depot and our farm. But even though we kind of ran out of things to talk about, at least there was a friendly silence the last few miles. We turned and went by the Justice of Peace's home and headed north around to the west end of Howard Lake. Now it was just a matter of a minute or so until Aunty and I could get us a meal to fill my hungry stomach!

There it was, the driveway to -- oops, and what was that the lights of our car were shining on? A row of cars all lined up in front of the house! Oh, Aunty, you rascal! You were teasing... We weren't into the yard when the door flew open and Gert and Carol came running out to meet us. And my sweet niece came right up to me and reached her arms up for me to pick her up to hold...

Oh, Aunty Dorothy, come quick ... we have a big supper ... and we are all hungry! So that is what I did.

And then we all talked at once. We aren't used to hugging much in my family -- but we punch and squeeze each other's arms ... and once in a while we do offer a quick hug. Maybe someday we will even learn to love to give good hugs! Probably it will take another generation...

And now I know just who to blame for this little trick I had pulled on me!

After LeRoy talked to me, and he and Vonnie decided to ask Aunty if she would be free to pick me up, he called Aunty to make the arrangements for the change in plans. I had told him how anxious I was to get some home cooking. So he decided that I could stand a little shaking up ... so I would appreciate them all, he says (but I think just to let me know his affection ... teasing is the way, you know!). So he hatched that little trick with Aunty ... who I must say cooperated with him very well! So Bubsy kept me guessing! And miffed!

You know, once one of my girlfriends asked me why I call LeRoy Bubsy ... and I explained to her that my sweet Grandpa Warren Dake (who I loved about as well as Grandpa Mellon), started calling him that. When I asked him why, he said it was because LeRoy was such a "little man" -- so serious, and yet with a cute grin. And he said that Bubsy was a Swedish pet name for little fellows. So until he went to school, we had Bubsy ... and even yet, when he wants to show his affection for me, or I for him, his name is Bubsy. I really think this will be so for the rest of our lives! There is a special bond between the two Middle Ones.

I am not going to tell you how luscious and loving that meal was. No one cooks any better than my family ... and Mom, Grandma, Blanche, Lois, Vonnie, Gert, and yes, Carol ... all did such a lovely meal there will never be a more satisfying one.

There was just one more little episode to teach me a little meekness. It had to do with my lovely boots. I can't remember which one asked about them but I was quick to take that story up. I went in the folks's bedroom, where someone had put my baggage, and got them out and brought them in for all to see. The ladies were properly impressed -- even the fellows had a look, too.

It was soon time to pick up and get everyone to their proper places to get rested up for further festivities. Tomorrow, Grandma and Grandpa Mellon will come out in the afternoon and then I will get a chance to see them -- but for now, those of us who will be staying here went out to tell the rest goodbye.

After everyone had gone home, I noticed that Dad just sat by the table and waited till I came in from telling them all goodbye ... and then he called me over and I sat down beside him and this is about what he said:

"Dorothy, those are beautiful boots that Mrs. Foley has given you to use. It was nice to get to see them, and Mom is going to look them over for a project she is doing ... and so we are glad you brought them home ... but I do think that you should put them back in the paper in your suitcase and hide them away from view. I don't think you should be be letting everyone try them on and hand them around. They are far too expensive to be in everyone's oily hands. What if Carol got to playing with them like she does with our boots? She doesn't mean any harm and doesn't hurt our boots a bit ... but I would not want her playing with those expensive boots!"

I must admit I was miffed yet again, because my dad seemed to be correcting me, finding fault with how I was doing things, in short treating me like his daughter... Well, what do you know? That is exactly what I am and I expect I will do as I mostly do -- follow his advice. As a matter of fact, I must admit I wondered if I really should bring them along to show off ... it seems a bit like I wanted to show everybody just how well I am liked by my boss's mother. I wouldn't be surprised if I am getting off rather lightly, just to have my dad correct me, rather than to bring back scarred boots to Mrs. Foley.

Well, the first thing before I get ready for bed, I am going to let Gert try them on (if she wants to) and then back they go in my suitcase ... and Mom can look at them and put them back ... and there they will stay until I get back to "Bermidji."


Photo by Dorothy Dake
Home Again! Autumn 1948.


Travelogue t


Photo © Kjirsten Swenson
Alpenglow on mountains seen from Larjung.

Hiking The Annapurna Circuit
by Sheldon Swenson
Dickinson, ND

Because of our day trip up to the Dhaulagiri icefall, we stay at the teahouse at Larjung two nights in a row. Our meal was very good the first night but the pizza someone else had looked wonderful. With huge appetites after our 10 hour day hike, we order soup, two pizzas, steamed vegetables and Mitzi even orders a salad for the first time on the trek. She is only able to eat about half of her salad. I also am full by now, but realizing there are a lot of starving children in the world, I feel obligated to eat part of the salad, so that it is not wasted.

When I hear someone throwing up about 2 a.m. in the adjacent hole in the floor bathroom and realize that this "someone" is Mitzi, I immediately remember the salad and wonder why I felt so obligated to eat part of that when I was already full ... and now wonder if I will soon be deathly ill. I wake up many more times before morning and breathe a sigh of relief every time I realize I still feel fine.


Photos © Sheldon Swenson
Teahouses; trekker accommodations on Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

Come morning, it is obvious Mitzi does not feel so great. She has been up much of the night with frequent visits to the bathroom. She is pale, nauseated and weak and wants to stay snuggled in her sleeping bag. We eventually coax her into getting up after Kjirsten and I agree to carry most of her gear. The thought of sitting around waiting to get sick is just not that attractive.

After a couple of hours on the trail, my own guts start to rumble, nausea sets in and my energy level drops. I stick to Coke, Sprite and water for the rest of the day and never do get violently sick like Mitzi, but continue with no appetite and intermittent cramping every time I try to eat anything solid for the next three days. Even plain rice with sugar looks pretty good after a couple of days. This does not help our weight or energy levels. It was hard to keep up with Kjirsten on a good day, and is impossible now, but eventually this runs its course.

To be continued...


Photo © Kjirsten Swenson
Sheldon & Mitzi with Cokes -- the least delicious Thanksgiving in Swenson history, ever. Mom & Dad had funny tummies. :(


Celebrations & Observances
From the Files of
5
Hetty Hooper

This Week's Special Days
September 22---First Day of Autumn

This Week's Birthdays
September 21---Jessica Aydelotte
September 23---Abigail Mae Henderson (
1 year)
September 24---Wyatt Johnson
September 25---Keith Mason
September 26---Jaxon Dwight Hill (3 years)
September 26---Alexa Ann Gauderman (
1 year)
Happy Birthday!

More September Birthdays
' 
September 2---Patty Anderson
September 2---Vicki Anderson
September 2---Stanley Wm. Dake
September 3---Jacob Mendoza Dake
September 3---Eric Printz
September 3---Charles Quick
September 4---Wiley Nelson
September 5---Genelle Mogck
September 5---Lori Chap Ostendorf
September 5---
Gabriella Ruth Boltz (1 year)
September 7---Brendan Aydelotte (10 years)
September 12---Lindsay Dawn Hellevang
September 15---Carolyn Miller Dake
September 15---Shari Miller Larson
September 19---Nathanial Kurtis Seaman

September 28---Donald L. Anderson
September 30---Sheldon Swenson

September Anniversaries
Z
September 2---Michael and Sarah Dake Steinhauer (7 years)
September 4---Ernie and Carolyn Miller Dake (38 years)
September 7---Tim and Colette Huseby (13 years)
September 18---Jay and Sandy Miller Smith (10 years)

September Special Days
September 7---Labor Day
September 11---Patriot Day
September 13---Grandparents' Day
September 22---First Day of Autumn

Miss Hetty's Mailbox:


Photo © Virginia McCorkell
Flower arrangement from LeRoy Dake funeral.


Keep Us Posted!

Please drop Miss Hetty a line and tell us who, and what, we've missed. And how about a report (photos welcome) of YOUR special celebration?

'Many Thankse
Everyone!

Miss Hetty


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

Click here to review last week's Bulletin

Great! A red hair day! As a formerly red-haired (now white-haired) person I found that very interesting. I read some time ago that red hair was some sort of recessive condition that would eventually become "extinct" ... so I am relieved to see that it appears it will be quite some time before that happens! (Smile)

Carol Dake Printz
Sidney, NE


Today I turned 70 and can hardly believe it. I had a very fun surprise five days in Washington this past weekend with all my kids and lots of other friends and family doing very fun things each day. It made me think of Janie's mystery trip with her girls. I loved reading about that.

Now, it is back to work.

Barb Floyd
Phoenix, AZ


Last Week's Bulletin Review JKL
by Betty Droel
MoundsView, MN

As I normally do, I printed The Bulletin and took it to my chair to read slowly and leisurely, savoring every item and picture. Then, when I had finished it, it just happened that I had opportunity to come right to the computer and write this Letter to the Editor while all my impressions and comments were still "fizzing." That is sort of a lame expression, but sometimes a person's first impressions weaken as time passes.

I knew immediately that first picture was a sample of the Travelogue for this week. How could anyone be standing there in that vast expanse of nothing but cold stone and ice, expecting to hike right into that? It is so fortunate no one had any emergencies, but I am sure that had all been planned for before they ever began this climb. Making use of the prime years of life, and making travel dreams come true, is the bottom line.

After examining and visualizing and imagining our friends in that hiking experience, it was with a relaxed breath to see the next item about the update of Wyatt's new home. Now that was another kind of dream come true. Thank you for the pictures, which answered a lot of questions for us. Like colors, and furnishings, and sizes. A lot of nice lighting right where it is needed most.

What a sweet picture of Camryn turning 2! Now let's see -- is that a hint of red hair she has? That fits right into this Bulletin.

Thanks, Tom and Mavis, for the nice little story about those helpful girls that visited you. They would be so proud of the change in the fence with their coat of paint on it. It would always be more fun with two to work together. A hammock and a golf cart and an ice cream paddle -- what a great visit to Grandpa and Grandma's farm.

By the way, I have been shopping everywhere, trying to find an electric teakettle like is on your sink, Mavis. WHERE did you get that? Some friends, well, actually, it is Jeff and Evelyn Swenson (Sheldon's brother) who have one that we used when we used their motorhome, and it is a dandy for sure. I have seen a lot of them, but not one just like that with the handy switch under the handle.

I am always so thankful Memory Lane is still continuing, and it seems there will be a lot of story left to tell in future issues of The Bulletin. Like this time, it begins with the feelings while standing and waiting for the bus. Doesn't that make you feel like you are there, standing right next to her? I love the way Dorothy can write so descriptively.

To get back up out of bed to wrap the boots carefully so her dear mom can see them was so thoughtful. The story continues with even how she rewrapped the clothes, removed from the suitcase to make room for the boots. Once again, we feel like we are standing right beside her -- was it just last night? I get so caught up with her account of this trip that I can't quit reading until the last word, no matter how many things I must be doing besides sitting with The Bulletin.

Being familiar with the Greyhound bus, and the stops it made to familiar tourist attractions, and the ladies' room little coin box, and how many times someone has held a door open for the next person, brought a lot of smiles and even laughs. Dorothy, it would be you with the consternation if you had even remotely imagined the Family Restrooms they have now. With all your details, I was expecting we would learn what kind of pie you had. THEN IT ENDED ... right there. I doubt I can wait a week for "the rest of the story."

The Travelogue from the Netherlands was extremely interesting and something I have never ever heard about before, but would have loved to attend as an observer. RED HAIR DAY! Now that is a first to me. I have never seen so many redheads together as in that picture. The white dresses really showed the red hair vividly. It has happened in Breda for six years, and this was the first I ever heard of such a day. How interesting! Probably not two exactly the same shade of red, either. That cute little girl with the unhappy face doesn't realize what a celebrity she will be soon. That turquoise colored outfit really enhanced her hair.

I am going to mention something that I am sure the editors will delete, but it really bothers me when a redhead wears red. It usually clashes, but when they wear just the right colors it is most beautiful when it is the original, natural red. The one picture of the two girls with bangs that looked alike could be twins. They have such pretty hair, and if there was a prize they would likely get it.

The flower exhibition was hard to imagine. Glad those links could be read in English. Thanks for sending in that interesting Travelogue, Frans.

We are all impatiently waiting for GRADY. He is going to be one special little boy when he finally arrives. There are anxious, loving arms longing to finally hold him close. I see a rocker waiting in the pictures of his room.

I did a double take to see that Jerrianne actually could take time from her very busy schedule to give us the update about events in Alaska. What a picture that was of the Arctic Valley! Nothing like that in Minnesota, that is for sure. Kathlyn and Arg, do you miss that rugged beauty out your windows? We are glad you settled for the beautiful Minnesota lakes instead.

Honestly, those cabbages were tremendous. Rich and Verlaine gave me half of one they had grown in their little garden, and it was a close second to those. We had it for a few meals. I think Rich had a picture in a Bulletin holding it. Thanks for the Grandparents Day greetings, Jerrianne, Mai Tai and Miss Kitty AND the grandkitties. It would take a complete Bulletin to tell you about our Grand and Great Grandchildren. They are the best and we could not love them more.

Caity is growing, maturing and changing with each Bulletin picture of her, it seems. Tula loves being spoiled; you can see that. So how does Tula mix with your other animals? Where did you get her? We need some update, Donna Mae.

I see Grady had a trip to the State Fair. No stroller needed this year. Roy and I have been there and done that, and are so glad not to have to do all that walking anymore. The time comes when there's no place like home.

Then Travelogue part 2 of Sheldon's story of the hiking, and the fabulous photos. I see everyone is still friends, even after all that time together alone. Mitzi will never grow old like the rest of us, I don't think. You can't tell which one is the daughter. I am so curious how you got that unbelievable background with all three of you on it. Time exposure? Or were there other hikers?

Whew, that was a lot of Bulletin that was too interesting not to comment on. This is getting way too long. You may edit to your hearts' content, though, Editors.

Miss Kitty wrote the most pitiful letter about Tabasco's attitude of her telling us that cute story about her episode last week. Oh, poor Miss Kitty! Please don't let that keep you from telling us on those grandkittens anytime they do something Bulletin worthy. If you need a backup, there are hundreds of subscribers ready to pounce on troublemakers. That is a prize picture of Tabasco and her hips.

What a crazy cat ... perfect for the CHUCKLES. Bitzi, you did a great job.

We don't want to sign off on this LTTE without telling you what a meaningful Quotation for the day it was this time. How very true that wherever is just one step at a time.

Thank you, and we don't forget your scramble and frenzy as the moments tick by and The Bulletin deadline is near. So far, you have made it every single time, and we are glad.

Betty Droel


CHUCKLES


Photo illustration © Virginia McCorkell; photo by Jennie Horne
Carrie Horne & Alexis Sigman (Wesley Sigman's grandaughter).


To search a name in Who's Who or Who's Where: click on the link to open the page, then use CONTROL F on a PC or COMMAND F on a Mac. To search for a second occurrence of the name, use CONTROL G on a PC or COMMAND G on a Mac. (This works on ANY web page with text, unless the text is converted to an image. Chances are, it works in your e-mail, too.) HINT: Search by first name only, as most entries list the family name once but do not repeat the last name for each family member. In Who's Where you can search on state or city names, too.



Quotation for the day: The distinguishing mark of true adventures, is that it is often no fun at all while they are actually happening. --Kim Stanley Robinson.

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.


Home About Archive Recipes Stories Galleries Who's Who Where