Siblings Reunited - Day 3 - July 21, 2007

On Saturday, Mom was up early again and making sure she had all the flower arrangements down at the church just in case she didn't make it back in time for Saturday evening mass. We all got back up to Janice's place by 10 or so that morning. Mom was glad to Delores and Jerry Kahnke.

Mike-George-Mom-Jerry-Rita-Bonnie-Paige-Peggy passing around some old photos and trying to identify ancestors

Bonnie with that big smile - showing off her son Sam to Delores and Grandma Rita (Bonnie & Sam had matching pants - they were so cute)

Mom brought up some stained glass for George and Bonnie to pick out as they requested. Later they decided to drive through Arlington on the way to the airport in Sioux Falls and look at more of Mom's stained glass and take some back with them.

I really enjoyed the ride we took later on out to the farm and then Ray drove us around the neighborhood to see all the old places Mom and Rita used to go as kids and also to see Stephanie's new home. George and Bonnie were following us in their car with Rita. We ended up back at Jenkins Nursing to visit with Jack some more. He seemed pretty good yet on Saturday and glad to have the company. He looked so much better than the other visits I'd had with him last winter. Rita had made arrangements to have supper with an old school girlfriend, so Mom decided she wanted to get back to Arlington for the evening mass. She was pretty tired again, but I really think she enjoyed her time up in Watertown.

Here is a panoramic view of the O'Toole farm - Leland is the only one living out there now - unless you count the many cats and kittens and one dog he has for company.

Leland and Mike visiting out in the back yard.

Mom visiting with Leland and dog Jack by his pool.

Peggy and Aunt Rita look over the remains of the gardens from days gone by.

The old flower bed looks pretty good - Leland keeps color all year round by using the artificial species - also a favorite shady spot for a cat.

Leland discussing a favorite old photo with Mom and Mike

Little Sam just couldn't stay awake out on the farm - wish we could all sleep that soundly!

Leland-George-Me-Mike (behind me)-Mom-Rita-Peggy

Sisters Marguerite & Rita standing in front of one of the original lilac bushes planted when they were children.

Bonnie Fleming & Ray Stern - the "out-laws"

This is back at Jenkins Home when George is getting a cheek swab from Jack to take back and get a DNA analysis done on the sample - he hopes to match it up with someone over in Ireland.

At the end of the Mom kept saying she wished she could get up there more often to be with Jack, but just can't drive anymore and Dad isn't able to get out as much as he used to. I know she was a little nervous in the days before Rita came up and worried it would all be way too much for Jack and maybe we shouldn't overwhelm him. But I think she relaxed a lot after seeing Rita and Jack both.

Siblings Reunited - Day 1&2- July 19 & 20, 2007

My Mom's sister decided to come to South Dakota from her home in Scottsdale and visit her sister (my Mom) and brother Jack this summer down in Watertown South Dakota - which is near where they all grew up. I don't think they had seen each other for approximately 8-10 years. Jack is currently residing in a nursing home. My Aunt Rita is still working (amazing), but almost has a full time job traveling around the country visiting all her children (nine) and grandchildren. And we were surprised and excited to find out that one of Rita's sons - George and family would be meeting us all in Watertown with their new son - Sam.

Rita flew into Watertown from a visit with her other son in Seattle on July 20th and was met by Janice Bienn (my Mom's cousin). It was kind of funny on the first day that Rita arrived. She called Mom that afternoon, who was sitting by the phone and answering all calls quickly in the hopes it would be her. When she did call, they talked for only a few minutes and Mom came right over to me and told me she would like to go up to Watertown right away in the morning on Thursday. She thought she "had" to work at the gift shop in the afternoon so we had to get back by noon. Dad and I knew she could get the time off if she asked for it, but we didn't say anything. Anyway, Janice told me later that Mom must not have said anything to Rita, because she sounded so disappointed after that first call and though Mom wasn't going to come to Watertown at all. Anyway, the next morning, we got it all figured out and they ended up spending the whole day together. Our visit with Jack and Jenkins that day went very well. We got him downstairs in a little room with a fireplace next to the cafeteria. He was in a very chatty mood and told stories about his first dates with his wife and how he didn't get home until 5 in the morning and had to play cards with her dad, and about his favorite nurses. He and Rita went back and forth a bit about some things, and I got the feeling that those two have always 'argued' like that. It was nothing major and kind of funny because both Jack and Rita are hard of hearing, so Mom would have to do a bit of translating, which made everyone chuckle a little.

I took Mom and Rita to a nice little bakery/sandwich shop just up the street and then we drove to Arlington. When Rita came to the gift shop (where Mom works a few afternoons a week) and Mom introduced her to the manager, Donna immediately told Mom to close up the store and go home and visit - Rita's visit was much more important that sitting all afternoon in a 'junk' shop! So they talked all afternoon, kind of quietly, while I was fixing a quick supper for everyone. I think they were going over all their kids' lives and troubles and successes, which is what usually happens when they get together; and can take quite some time with 16 children and their visits few and far between. Janice came down after work to pick up Rita and ended up staying until 8 that evening. Mom was pretty tired that night.

Marguerite Manley - George Fleming & son Sam - Rita Fleming

Friday morning we got up and Mom was starting to make a potato salad by 6 AM. We planned on waiting for my brother Mike to arrive from Rapid City and then drive up to Janice's place in Watertown. I made a fruit pizza also. Mike got here right at noon and Mom was ready to go right away. But we didn't get on the road until about 1 pm. That afternoon was really nice.

Janice had her back yard fixed up so nice - perfect sunny summer afternoon for catching up with everyone.

George and Bonnie seemed to be enthusiastic about meeting everyone and seeing all the places around Watertown that were special to Mom and Rita. George has been doing a bunch of genealogy research so he took down a lot of names and dates of our family. He has access to some DNA databases and even thinks he can match up some of ours to someone in Ireland. I tend to think it is a long shot, but was interesting to hear him talk about it. I thought Jack did really well that day and Saturday. He arrived around 3:30 and stayed until 7. He was telling stories with Arbie (an old neighbor from the farm) and laughing. The only thing I heard him complain about was the catheter, which is understandable.

Mike- Marguerite-Janice with granddaughter Paige & daughter Stephanie

Uncle Jack eating lunch with Arbie and listening to a story of Mike's with Mom

A very proud grandmother Janice with Paige - Janice couldn't have been more welcoming and just the best kind of hostess for this little reunion. I really enjoyed reminiscing about all the old times our families got together for holidays and special occasions. Her and I feel much the same about the importance of family get-togethers while we are still able.

Bonnie and Sam look pretty serious about eating that lunch!

Marguerite - Jack - Rita

Jack telling a story to his daughter Peggy, Bonnie, Rita & George Fleming

Stephanie showing the two youngest - Paige & Sam - how to share toys. I found it hard to believe how much Stephanie has changed into a great young Mom - I think the last time I saw her was over 30 years ago when I used to babysit her - and now she is a Mom herself.

Sam had a great time playing with his toys on the old marble coffee table.

These are 3 of Marilyn Peterson's grandchildren - they live in Watertown. Her son runs the local bike shop - hence the cute helmet! They were quite a lively bunch.

I really enjoyed talking with Melinda and her daughter Molly and hearing all about their time in England. George told us that he and Bonnie were excited to hear the good news about the decision to build this huge lab in the old Homestake Gold mine in Lead SD - I guess Bonnie's research had a project or experiment that would be perfect for that lab and they wanted to know all they could about the Black Hills area. After we got everyone back to Jenkins and most everyone left, we were getting ready to leave when Peg & Ray came back with a couple bottles of champagne! I was surprised that Mom wanted to stay and have a glass to toast Janice and also the O'Toole family. It was really nice. She slept in the car all the way home though!

Sunrise on Brush Lake July 15 2007

I spent about 9 days in Arlington in mid July for my summer vacation. I decided to take my bike along to get in some 'training' for candisc in August. But the only real ride I got was one morning at sunrise south of Arlington to Brush Lake, and another southwest of Arlington to the old Manley farm. I could have rode longer on this day, but the calm glassy waters of Brush Lake along with all the bird activity made me stop and pull out the camera.

I came upon this kitty out getting some morning sunshine just before I turned the corner to get to Brush Lake in front of Dick Christensen's farm. He didn't move and watched me slowly pedal around the long turn in the highway.

Here is the first pelican I saw while looking back to see the town in the background. He was busy cleaning or searching for breakfast and didn't notice me.

Later a couple of other pelicans noticed me and all three decided to swim to the other side of the lake.

Just before I left I got a photo of a group of geese trying to join the pelicans on the other side of the lake also. I just love those early morning reflections on the water when there is no wind. It's hard to get me off the bike in such perfect riding weather, but scenes like this will do it almost every time.

Summer of Construction - July 27, 2007

The solarium is finally done! Here are a few photos I took so you can see what I see. I still have a bit of work to do under the deck and also get the flower gardens back in shape in the back yard. Now the inside construction can begin. Will keep you posted on that progress - much painting involved I think.

I took this from my neighbor Cindy's place - I was dog-sitting for her that weekend.

Here is a view from my backyard. I think I may move my little wooden chair inside the solarium after I give it a new coat of paint and get some cushions for it.

Another view, can see the windows a little better under the deck.

This is what it looks like from inside my dining room. I still have to get some new window treatments for this door - something that won't cover up the doggie door for Sam and Rowdy.

Here is a view from inside the solarium - Sam and Rowdy are on their way down the steps. Rowdy's favorite perch is still at the top of the steps, but Sam likes to sit outside on the grass.

This is the view looking to the left. As you can see, I have quite a bit of shade from the trees, so it doesn't get too warm inside. I can also remove 4 window panels to provide some ventilation if needed. So far I am really enjoying the improvements.

Summer of Construction - June 6, 2007

I came home from work this day to find my deck gone and the new windows installed. The dogs were a little confused when I had to block their 'doggie-door' out to the deck. So for the next few weeks, I have to toss them out the downstairs window to go do their 'business' every morning and afternoon. The new deck won't be built until my window/siding contractor is finished. I will be putting up siding to match the neighboring townhouses. The windows are maintenance free as will be my new deck.

Summer of Construction - June 2-3, 2007

Travis came out on this Saturday afternoon to remove the large tan shed. He arrived shortly after lunch and carefully and slowly started removing nails and taking the walls apart.

His first task was to saw the roof in half and remove it. He and I were both surprised to discover the walls had two layers of sheetrock in them, making each one particularly heavy.

We both wondered if the prevous owner had lived through a tornado or something as he built this shed way too sturdy. I also heard him mumble a number of times, had he known how heavy they were, he wouldn't have taken the shed. His buddy came out in late afternoon and helped him load the walls and they were able to leave around 9 PM, quickly heading for the closest tavern I'm sure.

Here you can see the area with the shed now gone and only the little brown shed under the deck. He didn't damage the concrete floor, so it will become the landing for the stairs on my new deck which will be moved to the other side.

Sunday afternoon the other bargain hunters arrived. A motley crew of two high school age boys with nose & eyebrow rings anxious to use a borrowed electric saw on anything that they had permission to cut, a woman well into her 40's but trying to pass for high school age, her boyfriend who didn't speak much at all, and a very large friend who could have passed for Andre the Giant. I wasn't watching them closely at first, until I looked out the window and realized they had somehow managed to drive a trailer and pickup inside my yard and were now having difficulty getting all out the yard again without knocking over the the utility boxes. So I quickly went out back and guarded the utility boxes with my body at times, and tried to gently motivate them through quarrels and give suggestions on how to maneuver everything out. At one point the large man got so angry and frustrated that he stomped off to the west into the field yelling and screaming. We all just looked at each other and kept quiet, not one of us offered to go after him, but it was his truck so we just had to wait for him to cool down. He stopped yelling, came back and quietly and slowly moved all out the yard and took off quickly with the trailer and shed rocking down the road. That is the most nervous I'd been so far, and decided the rest of the project would be easy compared to that afternoon.

The only picture I dared to take was after they were all gone. All that is left is to remove the existing deck and start the new construction.

Summer of Construction - May 22, 2007

I finally decided to get my back yard in shape. After paying off my car loan and all my credit cards, I decided it just isn't the American way not to have some debt to work on. So after a trip to my local bank, and a number of interviews with carpenters, I took the first step. I placed a 'give away' ad on the local online classifieds hoping someone would take away two sheds that I don't use and are blocking by view of the valley to the west. My back yard is narrow, enclosed with a chain link fence, and has two utility boxes that cannot be disturbed at the back of the yard, making the whole removal process pretty tricky; hence the 'give-away' ad. That weekend was particularly wet and muddy with over 5 inches of rain falling over 3 days. I hope that is the last time I place that type of ad. I took so many calls and spent the holiday weekend letting people either trudge through my house to the backyard or through my neighbor's yard to get to my gate. Lotz of people made me promise to save it for them, only to not show up again or return my calls.

This was the most popular shed - it is pretty sturdy, had a concrete floor, had a locked door and shingled roof. I finally let a young engineer from one of my company's competitors agree to take it. He was very excited as it matched his siding on his home and he had planned on spending a couple thousand dollars to build a shed exactly like this.

This little odd shaped brown shed was built half under the deck. Only 4' high on the low end and 6' high on the outside end. I suspect at one time it was a dog house for a large dog. When the dog got too big, the previous owner decided to enclose the deck with plywood and use it for the dog house. This one didn't have a foundation, so would be easier to move (I thought) than the larger shed, at least after the larger shed is gone. Kind of hard to get a good picture of it.

Bike to Work Week

Finally going to get some pics uploaded from a fun winter project. I helped a local group of committed bicycle riders plan the first official "Bike to Work Week" in Bismarck. They met in the evenings and due to my work schedule I wasn't able to attend many meetings, but through the magic of email, I kept in touch with them. When they were in need of a poster design for the flyers, brochures, etc. I offered to help.

It was a success and we all were asked to get our photo taken with Governor Hoeven and his Secretary of Ag Roger Johnson.

As we were waiting for the photographers to get set up, one of the guys asked the governor if he biked to work (his residence is less than a block away from the capital). He laughed and said he'd make it faster if he picked up the bike and carried it to work.

I ride with girl behind me in red - Marian. She is going to join me on Candisc this summer. The other person I collaborated with most was a scientist working for the Ag Research Center - Mark - he is in the tan shirt behind the governor and in front of the ND Flag.

North-South-East-West Dakota Christmas 2006

Again this year, I decided take the full week off between the two holidays and travel across the states to catch up with family and friends in South Dakota. My two canine travelling companions were so anxious to get on the road. We left the morning of December 22nd. The sun was unusually bright for a late December morning and gave off enough heat to raise the temperature to the mid 50's by mid afternoon which made for perfect travelling. I made my mid-trip rest stop in Ipswich this time because they have a nice city part along the highway that Sam & Rowdy love to explore.

Here are Rowdy & Sam back in the truck after a run thru the Ipswich Park, ready to hit the road again.

As I got closer to Highway 14 I began to gradually see more and more patches of snow in the grasses that turned into small drifts. But when I crossed the James River in Huron, it was as if a curtain was dropped from above. The sun was gone, the fog rose up thick, damp and cold, and I knew I was in eastern Dakota again. By the time I got to Arlington the streets were a mess and all trees, outdoor Christmas decorations, and sidewalks were covered in a thick sheet of ice.

Dale, of course, was worried and so glad to see that I made it, admonishing me weakly for travelling in such nasty weather. Brother Dave and Pat didn't brave the roads to come to Arlington. Earlier in the day I was puzzled by this, but not after I crept along the highway through DeSmet, Lake Preston and finally Arlington. After an hour or so of unpacking the truck laden with Christmas gifts, food goodies and dog beds and blankets, I was able to relax and catch up on all the latest news from Arlington.

On Saturday I went uptown and bought some of the last ice melt I could find in town and went to work on the terrible ice on the steps to the newspaper box and the walkways in front of both doors. The sun managed to come out later in the day and helped a lot. And I decided to take advantage of the light and ice and take a few photos of the winter sparkles.

Later in the afternoon, I had a long phone chat with Randy and caught up on his adventures of living with and caring for his mom, gardening, and musical outings with a brass quintet. He seems much more relaxed and has found a way to incorporate all his passions into small town life with an elderly parent and failing health. He never did like life in Denver with all the traffic and pollution and noise. We made plans to go for a drive sometime over the holidays and invited me to bring the folks to the candlelight service in the Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve. His quintet was going to perform throughout the service.

Sam & Rowdy enjoying their Christmas gifts of chewbones from Matt.

So on Christmas Eve, we all got up and Mom wanted to open the gifts that had accumulated over the week. I had some gifts from Pete & family, they both had gifts from everyone. And even Sam & Rowdy got a treat or two from Matt. Later we drove down to the church for the late morning mass. The church seemed so small and modern to me after all the old ornate churches in small towns I had visited over the summer on bike tours. It was decorated beautifully as usual. After the service I had a chance to visit with some of the ladies who expressed wonder and worry both to me about Mom. They were so glad her health was on the mend, and realized when she was gone, there were many things she took care of at the church they weren't aware of. So now, they are making a point of questioning her about the 'whys' and 'wheres' of all the preparations she does for mass each week. One of the ladies has a very cute precocious little girl who follows Mom around and watches everything she does and where she puts every candle, alter cloth and vestment. I think she kind of enjoys it a little bit, thought would not admit so. We came home to a small meal of pork loin and all the trimmings. In the afternoon, we made and received various phone calls and watch a movie made from a book Mom had read and really enjoyed - 5 People You Meet in Heaven. Mom and I decided to go to the Christmas Eve services at the Lutheran church about 4, we were early, so took a drive around town to look at the decorations.

Mom really enjoyed checking out the tops of all the trees that glistened in the late afternoon sun.

When we returned to the church, it was full to overflowing. I had forgotten just how large the Lutheran congregation in Arlington is. Up here on the western side of North Dakota, the majority of the population is Catholic, but not down in the eastern side of both Dakotas. It was a beautiful service and the quintet sounded great, although we were seated way in the back (Mom didn't want to get too far in front as she said she felt a little like an outsider). After the services, I felt like I was in the winter version of Arlington Days because I saw so many old friends and their families I hadn't seen for years. It was particularly nice to Grace, Sue & Mike and the whole family - which is four generations now. I think Mom enjoyed it as well. We went home to a small supper, and then decided to go to the Christmas eve evening mass at St. Johns. The crowd there was much smaller but very nice.

Marguerite & Jack on Christmas Day in Watertown

Christmas morning was quiet and we all decided to make a trip to Watertown after lunch to visit Uncle Jack in the Jenkins Living Center. Mom hadn't been up in quite awhile and seemed anxious to see him. The day was calm and sunny and Dad always enjoys riding and checking out all the farms on the drive up. The center was busy with visitors and found Jack right away. He seemed glad to see us and was moving around all the time in his room, but still in his wheelchair. I think these visits are always a little conflicting for Mom. She worries about him, but at the same time is glad he is safe and taken care of. I know she sees his frustration in losing his independence, but knows he isn't able to live on his own anymore. I found some unopened gifts from Kathleen, so opened them up and we all sampled all the candies and goodies she sent along with an old photo of Kathleen, Peg & Leland taken I suspect sometime back in the 60's - it was great. We stayed for a couple of hours then, decided it was time to get Dad home before he stiffened up like the tin man without his oil can.

On Tuesday, Pat and family were able to drive up from Sioux Falls, so we had a nice meal with them. I was so busy listening to all the wonderful stories that Aislynn created, I didn't get too involved with the meal-making. Andrew is getting so mature (he looks like he belongs in New York or LA - not South Dakota) and as most teenagers are at that age, longing to be anywhere else but with the family - I remember those days well.

Aislynn taking her "babies" for a stroll in the snow (which they hadn't had yet in Sioux Falls).

Aislynn & Pat watching Marguerite open her Christmas gift.

Aislynn busy creating 'famlies' to live in her new doll house - a pop-up book gift from Grandma for Christmas.

Aislynn and I had great fun filling her new dollhouse from Grandma with cut-outs from magazines and making up stories about all. Later, Katrina wanted to explore Grandma's attic for a costume for a future party with a theme of the 60's. And Aislynn had great fun modeling all the pieces we found.

Here is Aislynn once again posing with that big smile after a trip to Grandma's attic and the theater costumes.

After a small supper, Pat packed his family and dog up to go back to Sioux Falls.

Later on Randy and I made plans to go for a drive out to Lake Poinsett. It was a nice drive and so easy to visit with him again for hours. We decided not to stop in to any of the old hangouts, went for a short walk along the beach, then headed back to Arlington and some blueberry pie - he still has that big old sweet tooth he always had. We sat up and chatted with Mom for a bit, but then he decided to go home when he noticed I suddenly looked particularly tired. Guess he saw the first signs of the flu bug that bit Mom and I overnight.

I had planned on driving Mom to her rehab in Brookings on Wednesday morning, however, we both were not feeling up to it. She was worse than I however. And Dad was weather worried again about an upcoming storm the radio/tv were predicting to be statewide and bringing feet, not inches of snow. My initial plan was to drive across the state to Rapid City on Thursday, but Dad wouldn't hear of it. He insisted I'd be stuck in Arlington and possibly not able to make it back to Mandan in time to go back to work. So reluctantly I packed up my truck, stocked up on crackers, soda water and pepto bismol tablets and headed for the interstate. I really didn't feel so bad, just tired and a little queasy. The weather was cloudy, but calm and warm. To my dogs' delight, I made plenty of stops. Finally someplace about 20 miles west of Chamberlain, I was so tired, I pulled into the parking lot of a small country church and took a nap for about a half hour. The rest of the trip was good and arrived at Martie's home just as she was pulling into the driveway after work. Her daughters were out shopping at the malls spending their gift card money and Roger was still at work. I was glad to be off the road and feeling a little steadier. Later it was quite a change of pace from Arlington - with the teenagers chattering all over the house and their young dog Ted so excited to have some buddies to play with. We decided to go out for supper to Chilies. My stomach wasn't steady enough yet to have anything, but was nice anyway to be around all the activity and catch up on all the Rapid City news stories from the girls.

On Friday, Ceci and I decided to take a drive up to Spearfish and visit Paula. Ceci is at that tender age of such rapid change and uncertainty. Sometimes she seems like a little girl, especially when I see her with a lapful of dogs. And then I'll look over and can't find any of that little girl in her and she seems ready to go at it all on her own. But most of the time I think she has all those teenage doubts in the back of her head, searching for the right thing to say or do. Besides all of that she is so tall - everytime I see her I'm amazed at how she has grown. She is turning into a real beauty, inside and out.

Paula asked Ceci and I to help her learn to play a card game that Tim's girlfriend, Leslie, liked a lot. After reading and re-reading a list of rules in a paperback of card games, I think she felt confident enough to play with her son's numero uno and win.

Later on we visited in her newly decorated living room and I had to get some photos of her silly gift to Jim - the crows. I guess he likes to birdwatch from his porch as they go after the fallen walnuts in their front yard. We also got to see a lot of Mike's published art - he seems to be doing quite well in his field and she is sure he will eventually be able to support himself with his art.

On Saturday, I joined Martie and Roger at the ice rink and watched them curl. They didn't have enough members for a full match, so did a lot of practicing.

Martie & Kathy visiting about either the next shot or where to go for a cup of good coffee.

Roger is getting ready to throw the stone - he's gotten very good at this in the past year or so.

We later went out for a cup of cocoa. Martie and I did a little shopping in the afternoon. After watching a dvd movie, Mike came over for supper. One of the annual traditions when I go to Rapid City is to get out a board game when Mike comes for supper. This time Liza's boyfriend Steve joined us. It was a lot of fun. I can really see the difference college has made in Liza. She seems so much more relaxed and mature. Just doesn't seem to sweat the small stuff like she did just a year ago.

I decided to drive back to Mandan on Sunday, rather then Monday. I knew I would have a lot of laundry and chores to finish before I went back to the office, so thought I'd give myself extra time for it.

Boy was I glad I did, as I got within 5 miles of Mandan, I realized there really had been a snowstorm - we got about 10 inches. It was really beautiful though, as the snow obviously just fell straight down with not wind. All the evergreens looked like a christmas card. The streets were plowed out but my driveway was not. After unloading the dogs in the back yard to play in the stuff and phoning Dale to stop the driving worry I knew he was having about me (but he had to make a specific point of how he enjoyed listening to Randy's quintet - 'they are loud enough even for me' -in church that morning), my first chore was to shovel snow so I could drive into the garage. Worked off all the candy calories in that hour and a half I think. Felt good to exercise so I decided to do my neighbor's walk as well.

The holidays are over and January is here - we had a little thaw the next few days, and now a cold spell has set in with the 'Alberta Clippers' that are coming in.