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Sunday, December 6, 2009
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Photo © Sarah Steinhauer
Snowflakes on stalks.

Updates -


Photos © Whitney Johnson, left; © Rorke Murphy, right.
Rachel & Damon at the piano, left; Mr. & Mrs. Damon Olson, right.

UPDATE -- Rachel and Damon get hitched
by Douglas Anderson
St. Cloud, MN Correspondent

Some may have thought that 4:15 p.m. was a strange and somewhat arbitrary time to have a wedding, but as the spectacular sunset spilled in through the windows of the gothic conference room, one thing became amply clear: Rachel and Damon have a knack for planning. (Although they may have had a little help; I can't be sure.)

The setting really could not have been more perfect, as anyone in attendance would undoubtedly concur. A huge marble fireplace burned festively behind the wedding party throughout the ceremony, radiating an aura that was both elegant and cozy.


Photos © Donald W. Anderson, left; © Rorke Murphy, right.
Preparing the fireplace for the wedding, left; glorious sunset, right.

The ceremonies began with a welcome from Randy Reese and a prayer from Owen Henderson, uncle of the bride (Albuquerque, NM). An oratory by Richard Harbur then followed, which included beautiful and poignant passages from the Song of Solomon and a lighthearted treatment of the phrase "Getting Hitched."

The bride and groom then sang a very moving rendition of Consider the Lilies that led nicely into the vows, which were simple and spoken with obvious heartfelt sincerity and resolve.

Rich strains of mostly classical music woven through the ceremony were provided by musicians including Mike Larson, Kristina Boyd, Greg and Danika Owen, Jonathon and Laura Olson and Doug Murphy. A chorus of talented young men provided ambience throughout the reception with their amazing vocal harmonies and interesting pop song arrangements.


Photo © Gina Henderson
Wedding dinner music by a barbershop octet of friends & relatives.

Later at the reception, the first course was delightfully light and delicious, consisting of a spinach greens and mesclun mix with a trio of fresh berries and tangy raspberry vinaigrette.

The entrée was Grilled Chicken Moutarde in a subtle horseradish sauce with poached asparagus, baby carrots and roasted red potatoes. It was quite delectable and one of the best meals I have ever enjoyed at a wedding.


Photos © Gina Henderson, left; © Rorke Murphy, right.
Table place setting with menu, left; tiered wedding cake, right.

Options for dessert included a choice of traditional white cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate cake with raspberry mousse and chocolate Grenache, or good, old-fashioned roasted s'mores.

In between courses, the members of the wedding party took turns making unrehearsed and sometimes spontaneous speeches, a charming custom that I believe should be the new standard for wedding receptions. The speeches were all very humorous and moving, but I can easily say (without any prejudice or bias on my part) that my very own nephews, Daniel and Benjamin Henderson, delivered the most humorous and moving of them. Dan had the room in absolute stitches and Ben's speech was eloquent and mature beyond his years, both resulting in a very proud Uncle Moment for myself.

The bride and groom also made short speeches that were as unpretentious and lovely as their vows, indeed, their whole wedding, which was as beautiful and thoughtfully conceived as any I have ever attended.


Photos © Kimberly Johnson, left; © Roxane Henderson, right.
Bridal bouquet of lilies, left; feeding each other wedding cake, right.


Photo © Rorke Murphy
The wedding party.
Editor's Note:
We have more pictures than room so we saved some for next week.



Photo © Jamie Loda
All the Swensons at new home in Dickinson, North Dakota for Thanksgiving. Clockwise from left: Tyler, Derek, Shayne, Jayna, Sheldon, Mitzi, Kjirsten, Aunika. We moved to a different house in Dickinson at the end of October. All of the kids were home for Thanksgiving, plus Derek's girlfriend, Jamie Loda. Our days were busy making lefse, painting bedrooms, pheasant hunting, playing games and enjoying being together. Jamie took the picture. We didn't have time to find someone else to take it with everyone as they needed to leave for the airport immediately. --Mitzi Swenson



Photo © Kristi Indermark
Jordan watches Grandpa George Larson feed a giraffe at the zoo.

UPDATE -- George Larson visits Kristi and Kelly
by Kristi Larson Indemark
Litchfield Park, AZ

We had so much to be thankful for this year! Dad (George Larson) was able to come down for a vacation over Thanksgiving so Kelly and I were able to show him around Arizona for a week. We spent a lot of time riding horses, playing games and visiting.

On Saturday, we took Dad to the zoo by our house. It was perfect weather and a great way for our kids to wear themselves out for nap time! The zoo by us doesn't appear big from the outside but once you get in and start walking around, there is a ton of great stuff to see. We visited all types of animals -- kangaroos, giraffes, lions, tigers, panthers and sooo many more.

It was great having help with the kids running around the zoo so Dad took turns walking with each of the kids. All in all, it was a great visit with Dad and seemed too short -- or maybe the time went by too fast -- either way we miss him a lot.

Alex, who is a little boy of few words ... two, to be exact, started calling Dad "pa" (trying to say Grandpa). Now he walks around the house with his arms held up saying, "pa? pa?"


Photos © Kristi Indermark
Tyler, Jordan, Alex with Grandpa George & camel, left; Alex with his "pa," right.



Photo © Mavis Morgan
Alyssa & Angel Freesemann with a complete apple peel in one piece at Grandpa Tom & Grandma Mavis Anderson Morgan's house in Hope, North Dakota.


UPDATE -- Katie takes her basketball to Bemidji
by Gert Dake Pettit
Howard Lake, MN

Katie Pettit, Don's granddaughter, is in her first year of college, at Bemidji State University. The school played their first game of the season and Katie was playing in it -- and they won. Katie scored 18 points, had 10 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Coach Mike Curfman said, "She is a winner off and on the court, and a great leader for someone so young."

The family feels the same about Katie. I will send an update later on in the season on how she is doing.



Photo © GertPettit
Aaron competing at one of the races.

UPDATE -- Aaron Blackstone's racing season
by Grandma Gert Dake Pettit
Howard Lake, MN

The dirt bike racing season has finished for 2009, so I will send an update about my "Dirt Bike Racer" grandson, Aaron Blackstone. This was Aaron's second year of racing in MotoKozie Upper Midwest Super Cross. Each event that he participated in, he would race in two different classes, as he raced on a 50cc and also a 65cc.

At the end of the season, an award banquet was held. At the banquet, Aaron was awarded the 2nd place championship plaque for both the 50cc and 65cc, which made Grandma very proud. I believe Aaron shows good sportsmanship as he never brags about winning. And he has made a lot of new friends at the races.

Now we will wait for the 2010 season.


Aaron & his pit man, Justin Blackstone, who is his dad.


Future racers: Aaron's sister Casey & brother Brady. Casey rides bike Brady is sitting on.


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

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. Earl Stahlecker supplied last week's mystery photo.


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.

This may be a little unfair, but that is James Dake on his big boy tricycle.

Cody Printz
Sidney, NE


I would say it's James Dake. It is fitting for him, hearing once he is into motorcycles. The background is also typical Arizona landscape.

In about 1966, on a visit to Billy and Lois, I took James and our son into town. While there, I bought Donnie a red straw hat to shield him from the sunlight. Coming home, I noticed James was kind of quiet for some reason. When we arrived out to the ranch, James put up an awful temper tantrum and his dad told him to stop or he would get a "thrashing."

It was determined that he wanted a red hat, too -- so back into town to get a red hat. That is all it took to make him a happy boy. In fact, he would wear it every minute of the day; maybe he slept in it, too! Not sure.

Don Anderson
Alexandria, MN


Not a guess ... but that would be my "baby brother" James Dake on his "tricycle." Smile.

Carol Dake Printz
Sidney, NE


My guess is Uncle James (Dake)!

:) Adriana Brown
Granbury, TX


Is the mystery picture our cousin James Dake? What an interesting motorcycle!

Shari Larson
Litchfield Park, AZ



James Dake, 8 years old.

Could this 8 year old be the same person who looks so relaxed on his machine? If that is a Chevy motor that nephew James Dake installed on the bike, then he did a good job!

Aunt Gert Dake Pettit
Howard Lake, MN


Whew! The GUESS picture is really a mystery. His mother was Dorothy's best friend and sister-in-law. That's as close as I can get. Could it BE her son? Here I was so positive that I had the GUESS picture right last week. I identified it instantly, and to my surprise I was half wrong.

Betty Weiland Droel
MoundsView, MN


The Story of James' Trike (3-Wheeled Car)
by Earl Stahlecker
Gatesville, TX

As far as I know the details, a friend of James Dake in a Bike Club was building the trike. The friend died of Tuberculosis. James bought the trike and continued the on-going project.

It began with the rear axle (narrowed down) and a 350 cubic inch V-8 engine from a Chevrolet Corvette. The transmission is a Chevy Turbo-Glide 2-speed. I do not know whether it is from the same source or not. I do not think so.

James' friend engineered and built the trike and it was together and running when James got it. James has added quite a lot of the chrome since he has had it and continues to make improvements.

The gear shift is a short lever by the rider's left knee. The gear shift knob is an antique glass door knob! The machine has a dash with instrument gauges, and a keyed starting switch. It will not pop wheelies, due to the weight of the engine up front, but it can sure turn the wheels and fish-tail. A "biker" guy I was talking to later said it is described more like a "3-wheeled car than a trike"!

I am apparently one of an exceptional very few people who have been allowed to ride James' trike. I turned my cap backwards so it would not blow off and enjoyed a ride down the highway. Kathleen snapped the picture because it is the only time that I have worn my cap backwards.


Photo © Kathleen Stahlecker
Earl Stahlecker takes James Dake's trike for a spin.


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.

Thanksgiving In The Country
Part 2
by Dorothy Dake
Howard Lake, MN

We were ready when Marge arrived. There was a slight uprising when it was determined that Carol got to sit in the front seat with Mom and Louella -- who would hold 1-year-old Gary -- and 2-year-old Teddy had to sit in the back with me. It was not that he objected to me personally, but on the principle that he didn't know me, that he whined a bit. Well, let's be truthful -- he whined quite a bit... So then Carol, 3 years old, going on 4 and wise beyond her years, volunteered that she would move into the back, too. That worked.

Carol explained to me that Jim was home with Daddy so Teddy felt lonesome alone in the back with me. (I think she didn't want me to feel bad about being rejected.) Maybe I could read a book to them on the way home. So that is how that period of time was passed and peace reigned. I noted that it took us 38 minutes to get to their farm home. We all went in and I carried in a few things Marge had bought in Bemidji before she picked us up.

They really have it fixed cute and homey. Being Louella had been there before, and knows where everything is, she took kitchen duty first while I finished reading the books. Then Carol suggested we could play Candy Land if I would like to... Of course, I would! So Teddy, Carol, and I played. Carol and I sort of saw to it that Teddy won the first game -- and then he got tired of it all and ran to see what Louella was doing and Carol and I could play a serious game, which she won handily.

Next, she decided that I had to see her baby book that her mom had made for her. She ran to the kitchen to ask her Mom and soon returned with the permission and the book. Now that was a charming book! Marge had found a really comprehensive book with forms for everything imaginable. She had even taken notes during pre-delivery hours. There were pictures from birth on. It was priceless.

Carol already knows lots of what it says. She assures me that because Teddy is only 2, he doesn't get to look at his alone yet. She thought that Jim, who is getting close to 5, could surely show me his, too -- when he got in from helping their daddy. I guess the rule of the house is you can look at your own, carefully, with permission from Mom or Dad, but are not to look at anyone else's without permission from them and Mom or Dad. I do know that Carol is very, very possessive with hers. When we finished looking, she put it carefully back where she had gotten it from -- as she assured me that Louella had already seen hers ... and she thought we were almost ready for dinner. What a sensible little girl!

I took a turn in the kitchen. I was assigned the setting of the table and arrangement of the chairs and in that job I was glad to have the help of Carol as she knew all of the "who sits where" kind of thing, and she chatted so pleasantly that I totally enjoyed her company.

I am a little scared of tending little fellows, so Louella took care of Gary most of the day (when his mom didn't have him) and she also took most of the kitchen help chores, too. And everything smelled so good.

The desserts were set up on a shelf and they looked delicious. Carol and I were told we could put on all of the middle things, fill the glasses, and put the Jell-O salad out. We found the bread basket and filled it with lovely homemade rolls. (There were really a lot of those in the pantry and I supposed they were for our late lunch.)

As we were taking the middle things out of the cupboard and the refrigerator, I heard Spence arrive at the back door. He came through the dining area with Jim and Teddy, on their way to get washed up for dinner.

Now it was dish-up time, and I could see that Marge was just finishing with stirring the gravy and Louella was cutting up the turkey. I washed my hands at the kitchen sink and Carol did hers, too. Next, I took the bowl and scooped the dressing into it and carried it out to sit by the cranberry relish on the table. We all grabbed whatever was nearest and we were ready to "sit up," at the command of our host.

Spencer offered our thanks to the provider of all feasts and then he started to fill plates for the kids. At that very moment, the phone started to ring...

Ring, ring, rrrrinnnng, rrrrrinnnng ... two "shorts" and two "longs"... No one could miss what that was. We all kind of looked up and everyone's eyes got kind of wide open as Marge jumped up to answer the old country style phone...

To be continued...



Photo illustration © Virginia McCorkell


Travelogue t


Photo © Kjirsten Swenson
Red Protea, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand.


Celebrations & Observances
From the Files of
5
Hetty Hooper

This Week's Special Days
December 7---Pearl Harbor Day

This Week's Birthdays
December 7---Aunika Swenson
December 10---Ryan Henderson
December 11---Makaila Belle Gordon (2 years)
December 11---Wyatt Wm. Meyer (10 years)
December 12---Sarah Lynn Dake Steinhauer
Happy Birthday!

More December Birthdays
' 
December 3---Twila Aydelotte
December 4---Sonja Dake
December 4---Carol Dake Printz
December 4---Elaine Anderson Wold

December 13---Larry Dake
December 13---Derek Swenson
December 14---Kathleen Dake Stahlecker
December 16---Avery Hope McNeill (1 year)
December 17---Char Morgan Myron
December 17---Austin Printz
December 19---Barb Anderson
December 19---Lisa Boltz
December 20---Jay Pierre Miller
December 21---Melanie Anderson Shockey
December 21---Jonathan Glen Hill (5 years)
December 24---Ken Hellevang
December 24---Arbor Johnson
December 24---Beaver Johnson
December 25---Angela Stahlecker Roberson
December 26---Koen de Been
December 29---Mitzi Johnson Swenson
December 30---Travis Quick

December Anniversaries
Z
December 20---Eric and Melanie Anderson Shockey (7 years)
December 23---Harold and Carol Dake Printz (42 years)
December 27---Earl and Kathleen Dake Stahlecker (35 years)

December Special Days
December 7---Pearl Harbor Day
December 21---First Day of Winter
December 25---Christmas Day
December 31---New Year's Eve


Miss Hetty Says:


Photos © Sarah Steinhauer, left; © Kimberly Johnson, right.
Flowers & babies! Don't you love 'em? Sarah Steinhauer shared flowers against a summer sky that look just like giant snowflakes on stalks. And Brienna Henderson brought her cutest smiles to Aunt Rachel & Uncle Damon's wedding. Gotta love that! Best wishes to a lovely bride and congratulations to a lucky bridegroom -- from Miss Hetty and The Bulletin staff.


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

Hello to Everyone,

It is coming to the end of another year that we are all thankful for many things.

I need to thank all you people that do such a good job at keeping The Bulletin going. I look forward to getting it every Saturday. I enjoy reading about the many things of everyone's lives. I enjoy looking at the beautiful pictures that are sent in by many family members.

It is hard to believe that we are ending another year and before we know it 2010.

So many things happened this year that brought much joy to everyone.

Congratulations to Chris and Jessy and baby Grady. He is just adorable -- now the fun starts.

Thanks, Everyone, and Happy Holidays.

Carol Pokornowski
Hutchinson, MN


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

This is Tuesday, and I had planned to send my thanks for this Bulletin #389 immediately, as I had enjoyed it so very much. But, Thanksgiving company -- was our son Darrel and Johanna, from the east -- and then the big day for Shalana, my great niece, who turned the magic number 13. We had them for birthday supper, so my thoughts and heart were busy.

So, as I sit to review The Bulletin, I must say the first picture did not really seem that spectacular until I read the caption, which was "Seasons in transition." THEN, I really took a closer look at that picture, and it was truly a one of a kind, not to be copied anymore this season. I have never seen all the seasons captured in one picture before. It was amazing, but leave it to Bitzi to see possibilities in it for the first picture of The Bulletin.

The different trees, the different colored trees, and then the snow fallen gently on them. The leaves hadn't even fallen yet. They were truly in "transition." So thank you for the thought-provoking, lovely scene.

Then we see Grandma Shari with her granddaughter, which must have been a very special experience, to have gone on the class trip with Jordan. I have never seen corn popped on the cob before, either, so that would have been very interesting and unforgettable for the kindergarteners.

There was no story with the orange pepper beside the quilt on the doily. But, I made up my own version -- which was that Bitzi herself made that doily, as we have one she made, too (our wedding gift from her). Also, I see the quilt colors give it away that it would have originated with her. As far as the artistic orange pepper, maybe that belonged to Sarah.

I wish our readers knew how very much we enjoyed the Updates they sent in. Not nearly often enough, but thanks to Earl and Kathleen; they took time to send in the Family Update, so we see Aaron making great strides in his football world. I thought it was very courageous of him to admit his decision to have second thoughts about his college courses. That time to "think," after some time having studied, would give him sober thoughts as to the long range plan he has in mind for himself.

Wonderful they could make that trip as trouble free as they did before the unfortunate experience of a torn tendon. What a pain, as they say.

I'm sure the picture of the sunset backdrop for the cactus was not a boughten one, but it very well could have been. It was meaningful.

Mavis, how is it you have stayed so young all these years as your friends continue to age? Must be the good old farm work and farm fare. Verlaine has a yearly noon luncheon out with some of her schoolmates, too, and it is always quite interesting to see them age.

The phone just rang. It was Verlaine and Richard. They are taking some time going to Georgia to see their daughter, Sharalyn. They are in Florida in a condo for a week, but hardly getting time to relax with so much going on with their friends and the beautiful days.

I have a dentist appointment, so I must continue this at another sitting.

Home from the dentist. No need to do one thing so no charge. I can be thankful, and I am. Roy will wait for supper until I finally hit SEND.

The Update for Thanksgiving by Weston was another complete story, as only Weston can write. We are always going to follow this brand new miracle baby, Grady, and this time he is being loved by his Uncle Weston and Ben's wife, Aunt Ashley. It was great to hear about their day at Wyatt and Jolene's new home. Even this soon, Grady is looking bigger as he lies in his mom's arms.

Oh, Donna Mae, can that really be all your grandchildren? Beaver is Grandpa. Where does time go?

Past history of family can be so valuable and treasured. Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing these pictures of your mutual relation with Don McKenzie. That surely is some gravestone ... and the old one still readable. Wouldn't that be uncanny if you did find the Dorothy you were named after?

Memory Lane. Now that one is always a special event nestled there in the pages of each Bulletin. How I hope they last and last a long time. I absolutely loved the Thanksgiving story about you going to Sorensons' and I pictured it all with great memories of that warm welcome and wonderful dinner you city working girls would have enjoyed for a change. It ended, like it does too many times, before the actual dinner, but we just might get that in next week's chapter.

The photos in the Travelogue were repeated from last week, only this time there was the story included. Another one of Kjirsten's magnetic (meaning you can't lay it down or stop scrolling once you start reading it) accounts of her travels to far away places. What a brave girl! I doubt she will ever be afraid to tackle the most serious and difficult patients, as she is willing and able for the unbelievable.

What a cute illustration of all sides of Levi for the Chuckles. We never know what will be just ahead as we read these Bulletins. Now, next week, we are expecting Rachel's wedding coverage, for sure.

Interesting Quotation for the day ... how valuable a neighbor really is. You have to BE a neighbor to HAVE a neighbor. We don't worry about when the snow finally hits our area in Minneapolis-St. Paul as we have a good neighbor who immediately sees to it that we can get out, even the sidewalks.

Thanks again to you Editors for another full-to-overflowing Bulletin.

Betty Droel


ADORABLE


Photos © Kimberly Johnson, left; © Rorke Murphy, right.
Mason Henderson, left, informed anyone interested that his orange tie was chosen by him, as "orange is my most favorite color." Little brother Logan, right, sported a bright blue tie.


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: Love is a flower which turns into fruit at marriage. --Finnish Proverb

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.


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