Showing posts with label Vince. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vince. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

2020

December 2, 2020

CHRISTMAS LETTER - 2020

I hope the year of the Covid 19 finds you all healthy and wise. Verla and l have been very fortunate in that we have not contracted the disease or other serious illnesses. Thank God for all His blessings this past year. The independent housing facility that we live in, shut down Mar. 9th for visitors, and restricted many privileges for us so that has been a bummer. The praise band at the local church that I played bass with also shut down so the band has not played a service and we have not attended church services since then. We have worshiped online at Concordia San Antonio where Dawn and Bob worship.

Our family increased by one in March when Lily Boyd was born to Andrew and Samantha Boyd of San Antonio TX. Dawn and Bob were very happy with the new addition as were we.

We were able to make many trips to Decorah to our apartment this past year so we were very thankful for that. We were able to see many old friends such as Norma W. and Karen B. old neighbors of ours when we lived in Decorah. Verla quilted and I read a lot as we enjoyed our old haunts. Mark, our son and his daughter Roslyn joined us in July for a few days at Decorah about Nordic Fest time so that was a lot of fun.

Verla continues her passion of quilting by making and designing quilts for Lutheran World Relief and zooming with her buddies down at Zion Lutheran every Wed. morning for a few hours. Since Covid 19, they have not been willing to meet at church in fear of catching the dreaded disease.

Vince has been busy writing his third paper on the Eucharist. He has had an interest in the subject of Holy Communion for many years and the last paper is about the meaning of the words of institution and how they may be interpreted. So a literature review of two theologians who described the views of the patristic fathers up to the age of the reformers in Europe in the 1400 to 1500's was assessed and summarized in a paper to compile the views of learned people for two thousand years. It isn't exhaustive but is a snapshot view of what Christians have thought and recorded for many years. If any of you are interested I can send you an e-mail copy of what I found. It is entitled: THE EUCHARIST: IGNATIUS TO ZWINGLI.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year,

Vince and Verla

Sunday, December 25, 2016

2016


Christmas tree (Iowa City, IA, 2016). Image courtesy of Vincent Williams.

December 17, 2016

Dear Ones,

Last year at this time we were in San Antonio with Dawn and Bob and their family for Christmas and New Year's; a marked difference from this year in Iowa City where it is snowing and the temp is dropping to below zero tonight. But you know what? We are alive and still kicking after all those years that God has allowed us to be on this earth.

In March we returned to San Antonio to spend spring break with Arik, Stacie and the girls at Dawn's and Heather's. Their association has a pool so we spent some time relaxing at the pool. The girls, Kaelyn, Amaya, and Lauren are now a junior in high school, an 8th grader and a 6th grader respectively. They are really nice girls, but of course we are prejudiced.

Of course, in April the infamous Blakey girls met in Decorah to spend a few days at the apartment and reminisce about times past and look into what's great about Decorah, and/or the area round about.

July found all of our family here for a long weekend to help us celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. Whoever would have thought that God would allow us to have so many years together. We are truly blessed with four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The end of July found us back in Decorah for the annual Nordic Fest. Sharon showed up to help the celebration by wearing the bunad from North Osterdalen and Verla wore the one from Akershus in the bunad show. They behaved themselves and looked very stylish as they modeled the attire with great aplomb.

Then we did something really different as we spent from Aug. 29-Sept. 1st at Mt. Carmel Bible Camp to celebrate the exact date of our marriage at the Bible Camp that Verla went to when she was a teenager. We had a great time and met some old friends of Verla's and made some new ones as well.

Verla continues to lead a Bible study at church and then spends quality time with friends making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Vince continues to play bass with the praise band at church and trying to keep up with the work that is involved with living on two acres of land. Hancher Auditorium was completed this fall so we have heard some wonderful musical and ballet events.

May God continue to bless you all this Christmas Season and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

All our love,

Vince and Verla

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

2015

December 10, 2015

Dear Mark and Junel,

May you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! It is difficult to know where to start - so many who are on my Christmas Card list are also on my e-mail list. So what I write here, you may have already read.

But a review:

We drove to northern Pennsylvania the end of May to see grandson Andrew and to meet his bride, Samantha; and of course to see the rest of the Boyd family. We won't be driving east to visit Dawn and Bob any more - they have moved to San Antonio, TX and live quite close to Heather and Xav. We plan to drive down to see them over the holidays.

In June, we flew to Reno (Carson City) to visit Mark and family. He and Roslyn were in the show, Beauty and the Beast. Roslyn was the little cup with a chip. She's a budding actress. It was fun to see that.

Arik and his family came here in March (their spring break) for a visit. It is so much fun to see those 3 granddaughters “growing up.”

BrandiAnne graduated from the community college in Mason City in May, so we were up there to see her graduation. She is now enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa.

And we have been to Traer a few times - in October for J.T.'s confirmation where we heard the best confirmation sermon ever. The Archbishop spoke directly to the “kids” and he had them listening!

We were up there again for Thanksgiving and J.T.'s birthday, right on the day!

And of course, several times to Decorah: Nordic Fest, etc.

We've barely just begun to think about starting to go through files and drawers to see what should be given away or trashed or whatever. It was about August 1989 when we got a computer and printer and I wrote my weekly-or-so letter to the kids, sending each of them a copy. I found files of those copies I had made for me, too, the other day. I've started reading through them - wow! I think they go through 1998. Uffda! So that must have been when we started using e-mail.

Something I have done is made a computer file of the letters I wrote from Norway the semester Vince spent there doing research. My sister Sharon had shared them with others but asked for them back and saved them for me. And just the other day, I found the diary I kept the summer the family spent on Anguilla, where Vince did some dentistry. There was no dentist on the island. Maybe I should publish?

Anyway, have a blessed Christmas!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

2014


Verla Williams. Christmas Letter (2014). Image courtesy of Mark D. Williams.

December 2014

Dear Mark and Junel,

It's always fun to have some firsts. One of the firsts we enjoyed this year was a trip to Minot, N.D. for their annual Norsk Hostfest the first part of October. We heard Dr. Severinsen, Gaither Vocal Band, and Daniel O'Donnell. That's a long drive!

For the first time, I went to the 65th reunion of my high school graduation in Windom, Mn. We are still quite a few that come but a few less than 5 years ago. Of course, the 65th never happened before.

For the first time, we surprised Arik on his 50th birthday. Dawn had arranged the trip - and he was shocked. Of course, his 50th never happened before.

Of course, there some of the usual things: the Nordic Fest in Decorah and other weekends up there; we three sisters get-together; Dawn and Bob's visit - they stretched it from Dawn's birthday, through our anniversary to Vince's birthday.

Vince still enjoys playing his base guitar with the Praise Band. He counted up that he had played 26 times this year, so that's about every other week. However, he is entirely retired from the College of Dentistry. I think he misses talking with the fellow professors, but we are invited to various doings so he still gets that opportunity.

The Bible Study and the quilting at church still occupy my time. We are thankful for good health and still able to stay in our home. We wish for you Christmas blessings as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

[signed] Dad and Mom

P.S. Any packages that arrive in the mail should be put under the tree.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

2013

December 18, 2013

Another year has gone by and it's been a good one! We are both in good health, just a little slower, just sit a little more, just nap a little more.

Vince has officially re-retired. He has gone in one day a week as an adjunct professor for about 15 years but decided now was the time to quit. There seems to be enough jobs around here to keep him busy.

We still keep our apartment in Decorah (we go north for the summer) though we did move. An apartment across the way from ours became available so we took that one. It is a 2 bedroom so we now have room for guests. Come see us.

There have been a few trips this year. The most memorable one was to celebrate Vince's 80th birthday. We gathered the whole family for a week in July at a light house keeper's cottage that has been restored and is rented out by the Calvert County, MD, Museum. It is right on Chesapeake Bay - the light house is still in operation, but not the keeper's cottage. It can be divided in half, so 2 unrelated families can use or it can be opened up. It holds 14; we were 19, but lucky for us, Dawn lives about 20 minutes from there so they drove down each day. The times to have everyone free to get together are not very often, so it is extra special when it happens.

Other trips: twice to Mankato, for 'family reunions' - once the usual end of June and the second in July when brother Gordon was there from Denver.

A trip to the Maryland area in the spring to see Heather receive her promotion to Lt. Commander- yes, she still is in the Navy and stationed at Fort Belvoir Army Hospital.

We went to Hayward, Wl for a visit with a colleague at his cabin on the lake. He says we can use it anytime.

Oh, and to Carson City to visit 6 year old Roslyn and while we were there we watched Mark play the part of Javert in Les Miz at their Community College.

We have also had visitors: Dawn and Bob from Maryland, Sharon, Jessica and boys from Mpls. and Duluth, Karlene and Ed Krisker from Minnesota seeking Roe family info--our 4x great grandfathers were brothers; Pam and Tom with Sharon and Dalen, Steve and Kathy from Denver. Not all at the same time, you understand.

Vince plays once or twice a month in the praise band at Our Redeemer. He bought himself an acoustic bass guitar last fall. I keep busy with LWR quilting and Bible study.

As to the grandchildren: I already mentioned Heather; her brother, Andrew lives in Richmond VA and has a job using computers (we call him when we need help) - they are Dawn's 'kids.'

And I mentioned Mark's daughter, Roslyn - she is in first grade.

Then Arik's: Kaelyn is 13, in 8th grade; Amaya is 10, soon to be 11 and in 5th grade and Lauren is 8 and in 3rd grade.

Jené's are BrandiAnne who graduated from high school and is first year in the Community College at Mason City; J.T. just had his 16th birthday - now he can drive alone.

We wish for you Christmas blessings as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

[signed] Dad and Mom

Sunday, December 30, 2012

2012

December, 2012

It might be possible to copy last year's letter and you wouldn't know the difference. It seems we keep doing the same things year after year. Vince is still the prosthodontics consultant one day a week at the College; I still have Bible Study and LWR Quilting spring and fall. We go to concerts by the Cedar Rapids Symphony (now calling themselves Orchestra Iowa) about once a month, and also Bank bus tours a couple of times a year. We saw the musical Miracle on 34th Street in the Quad Cities earlier and also The Nutcracker last week at the restored Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids. It had been badly damaged in the 2008 flood.

We went out to see Dawn, Bob, and Andrew part of spring break in March, partly to celebrate with Andy his graduation from college and obtaining a good job. I don't know what he does - he's a computer scientist. Way beyond my understanding. We also got to see Heather and Xav - yes, they are back in the states. Heather is stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA so lives only about an hour from her folks. We 'helped' them get settled in their apartment - the shipment from Japan had arrived. Well, I mostly sat up in the loft holding their small dog, to keep the dog from getting stepped on and getting squashed.

And in August we took a short trip to Oregon to see Arik and Stacie, Kaelyn, Amaya and Lauren. My, how they grow up with each passing year.

We didn't make it out to Nevada this year, but we have skyped with Roslyn. She is SO excited because she is in the performance by a children's theater group of The Little Mermaid Jr. They performed for three weekends. Is it like father, like daughter?

We do see the Daubs oftener- sometimes for a cross country meet, or a track and field meet, or even a foot ball game. BrandiAnne is a senior this year, J. T. will be a sophomore, active in football and wrestling.

The Blakey "girls" try to get together in Decorah once a year and we did that in August, too. And we also try to have a family reunion in June and at Christmas time. The one in June has been at Decorah, also - it is sort of central.

We are both well- walk a little slower, sit a little longer, but still manage the upkeep on the house and the yard. I heard a fellow the other day say he belongs to the useta club - I don't know how many usetas one needs to join - he useta ride bike, he useta golf.

Oh yeah, the kids all thought they should come home the last weekend in April. It was a surprise to me! Dawn and Bob come every once in a while, so that was okay. But when Mark walked in, then I knew some planning had been done behind my back. And I got suspicious and asked if Arik was coming, too. Dawn couldn't lie, and said he was - the next day. (He was disappointed that he wasn't a surprise, too). Jene had me faked out because they had been with us the previous weekend (part of the ruse). It was something about a significant milestone in my life. We had a good time - Dawn plans well.

God's blessing be yours as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011

December, 2011

It doesn't seem possible that it could be December already - time just seems to go faster and faster, and I go slower and slower.

We do much the same things month after month: Vince still works one day a week, (he is already being asked to work next year), I still have Bible Study and LWR quilting spring and fall. We like to go to the concerts by the Cedar Rapids Symphony and also on Bank bus tours (we went to both "Simply Sinatra" and the "Nuncrackers" earlier this month).

We get up to Traer for Track or Cross Country meets a couple of times to watch BrandiAnne run. She is a long-distance runner and good at it. We were with the Daubs for Thanksgiving - helped JT celebrate his 14th birthday - time does fly, doesn't it?

There were also a couple of longer trips. We spent part of Holy Week and Easter with Dawn and Bob and Andy in the spring; and a week with Arik and Stacie and girls in August at a rented house on Priest Lake in northern Idaho. It is always fun to visit each of them.

There was also a couple of weekend when we had visitors - Steve (Vince's nephew) and Kathy one weekend, and my sisters, Sharon and Pam and their spouses, another weekend. That's fun, too!

And just last month, we flew out to Carson City to visit Mark and Junel and Roslyn, and incidentally to see Phantom of the Opera with Mark having the lead role. My sister Sharon and our daughter Dawn joined us for that long weekend. It was fun and Mark did a great job.

Heather and Xav will be coming back to the states in February - she ends her tour of duty in Japan. It will be so much easier to visit them.

We did just finish a little upgrading in our house. The floor covering in the laundry room was the old rubber backed carpet that was used 35 years ago - we had it replaced with sheet vinyl. And this past week, the carpet in the kitchen was replaced with oak flooring, plus a new counter top and sink. Now, we will enjoy it for awhile until we decide that it's time to downsize, and then it will probably be more sellable.

We are both well- just a little more creaking and cracking in the joints and bones. But we are thankful for good health.

May the blessings of Christ's birth be yours this Christmas season!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

2007

December 11, 2007

Dear ________,

We are in the midst of another freezing rain/ice storm, so this will be a good day to start on the Christmas letter. I chopped the ice off from the front sidewalk from the previous 2 or 3 ice storms, so there won't be so much to do the next time. Vince did make it up the driveway this morning and went in to work. It's those 4 studded snow tires!

Yes, Vince is still working, though only 2 days a week this year. Since his Dental Class celebrated their 50th year this fall, he is thinking that this may be his last year of working. He does enjoy the teaching and he hears good reports, both from other faculty and from the students. The 2007 Senior Class voted him Adjunct Professor of the Year!

There were a couple/three fun trips on our calendar this year. In July, we spent a week at the resort in Minnesota with our entire family with the exception of Heather, our oldest granddaughter. But Jene, John, BrandiAnne and J.T., Arik, Stacie, Kaelyn, Amaya and Lauren, Mark, Junel and Roslyn (yes, our youngest granddaughter born March 1) and Dawn, Bob and Andrew all were able to attend. It was a fun week, and the cousins all got to know each other a little bit more.

We went to Carson City, to get acquainted with Roslyn in June. We wanted Mark and Junel to get adjusted to being new parents, so we didn't rush out when she was born. She is so smiley and happy!

And in February we went to Maryland for the graduation of Heather from Arcadia University in Philadelphia earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. We didn't make it out for her commissioning into the Navy as a Lt. I teased her: do we call her Dr. or Lt. or Lt. Dr? She has been stationed at Quantico, VA. Her adventures are just beginning and she makes us proud.

It is with thankful hearts to our gracious God for continuing good health as each year passes. Our small group Bible class studied Proverbs this fall. There are so many thought provoking proverbs - one I like is 17:6 "Children's children are a crown to the aged." Isn't that the truth? But maybe more important is 1:7 and 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge."

May the blessings of this season be yours as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas

Saturday, April 23, 2011

2006

December, 2006

Dear __________,

Have you heard the Christmas song written by Mark Lowry: "Mary, Did You Know?" It is addressed to Mary asking if she knew that the Baby Boy she delivered was going to heal the sick, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, make the lame leap, give voice to the dumb and hearing to the deaf, calm the stormy waters. I just listened to it again – it is thought-provoking!

Our activities during the past year have been both mundane and spectacular – mundane is the daily ebb and low. Well, maybe Vince doesn’t think so – this school year he is teaching three days a week at the Dental College, helping them out because of a temporary shortage. The spectacular has been our trips. In May, we flew out to Mark’s, who is now living near Carson City, NV but still teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College, for his wedding to Junel. It was a beautiful wedding at a chapel in Squaw Valley.

In July, we flew to Norway for a guided tour which was called Spectacular Norway, taking Dawn and Bob and Mark and Junel along as a celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. Nephew Steve and Kathy also went along. We saw Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim and places in between. What fun we all had!

And in August, Arik, Stacie, Kaelyn, Amaya and Lauren, and Jené, John, BrandiAnne and J.T. went with us to a resort on Whitefish Lake, Minnesota for a week as a continuing celebration of our anniversary. Boating, swimming, sand castles, even turtle races. Fun!

And on the exact date of our wedding (September 1) we were in Decorah because Vince had a 55th high school class reunion. So my sisters and brother and their spouses joined us there. It’s as if we have been celebrating all year long.

A summary of where our children are: Dawn and Bob still live in Maryland. Bob has retired after 30 years in the Navy and is now employed in the same office as a civilian. Dawn enjoys her teaching pre-school at their church, Heather is about to complete Graduate school, getting a doctorate in Physical Therapy, and Andy is attending Community College.

Mark and Junel, as you have read, are in Carson City. Junel is a cosmetologist in Reno. We are eagerly awaiting the birth of their child in March.

Arik and Stacie with their girls are near Portland, OR. Kaelyn is in first grade already, Amaya will be 4 and is in preschool, and Lauren is about a year and a half. They are kept busy.

Jené and John remain in Traer, IA – at least they are close enough so we see them once in a while. They both teach, Jené second grade and John high school business. BrandiAnne is in 6th grade and learning to play the flute, and J.T. is in third, plays soccer and football (we gave him a practice drum pad and drum sticks for his birthday to maybe that is next).

"Don’t be afraid!" the angel said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior, -yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born tonight in Bethlehem!" (Luke 2:10, 11 – Living Bible)

Christmas Blessings to you as we celebrate the birth of that Baby Boy!

Friday, April 22, 2011

2005

December, 2005

Dear __________,

It seems that Christmas comes sooner and faster each year. There are some people who are more organized than I am who already have their cards sent. We have had the annual brunch at the home of the Chair of the Department, and also the reception for the faculty and staff emeriti of the Dental College. And it looks like winter and feels like it what with the snow and the cold.

There have been few changes within our family – we have all gotten a year older. That’s probably most noticeable on the grandchildren, who grow and change.

We spent last Christmas with Dawn and her family in Maryland. Andrew will be graduating from high school this spring, Bob will be retiring from the military, Heather is continuing her pursuit of a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Dawn is completely enthralled (most of the time) with the 4-yr. olds in the Preschool at their church.

We visited Mark in October and met his fiancée, Junel. We spent about 5 days packed with trips to Virginia City, where Mark was the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera in Concert. We saw the production 5 times, besides a couple of rehearsals. And between performances one day, we went to Carson City to see the house that Mark and Junel will be living in halfway between her work and his.

Arik and Stacie are still in McMinnville, OR. We visited them on a long Memorial Day weekend. Then we went out again in September for another long weekend to get acquainted with our newest grandchild, Lauren Maile, born July 29. Kaelyn started kindergarten this fall; Amaya is busy in Pre School – they both love to play dress-up.

John and Jené are in Traer still busy with teaching, home and family. BrandiAnne is a fifth grader, loves being on the Drill Team, and in the band. She does an amazing job on the flute. J.T. is in second grade, likes soccer and wrestling.

Vince still teaches one day a week as a Prosthodontic consultant. He enjoys the students, seniors getting ready to go ‘out into the world’ and work. We still go to Decorah every once in a while – though being sooo busy it’s hard to find the time. Vince enjoys catching the trout – and he cleans them, and then fries them. Um, good!

As for me, I still type Norwegians listed in the 1900 Minnesota Federal Census for Vesterheim, still “lead” the Wednesday morning Bible Class, and still tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Relating to that, with money that was given in memory of Mom, I bought quilting material. The finished quilt was raffled at church with the proceeds going to LWR. Pam, Sharon, Jessica, Dawn and Jene all bought a bunch of tickets. And the winning ticket was BrandiAnne’s. When I called LWR for the address, the gentleman answering the phone told me that if a gift is over $500. a brick can be placed in the plaza of the LWR building in Baltimore – there will be a brick there with Mom’s name on it – we got $571. Isn’t that neat?!

With all of you, we celebrate “the good news of great joy that will be for all the people…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”.

Merry Christmas!

Vince and Verla

Thursday, April 21, 2011

2004

December 2004

Dear ___________,

It is hard to believe that it is time to send out Christmas Greetings again. We have already received a few from the early birds who are so organized. We have had our annual Norse Club Smorgasbord with the lutefisk and lefsa; and a reception for the faculty and staff emeriti of the College of Dentistry; we have seen the Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker performance; and still to come is the department faculty Christmas brunch at the home of the Chair of the Department.

With children living on both coasts, we have traveled during this past year: In May we went to Maryland to visit the Boyds (Dawn, Bob, Heather and Andy) and to attend Heather’s graduation from Salisbury (MD) University. It was a busy but enjoyable time.

In June, we went to Lake Tahoe to see Mark and to attend a gala for the presentation of a musical which he, together with the Drama professor at the college, wrote. (Mark wrote the music and Dave wrote the book.) They called it Lysistrata’s War, based on an old Greek play.

And in July we joined Arik, Stacie, Kaelyn, and Amaya and Jene, John, BrandiAnne and J.T. at a Minnesota lake for a week. We had a nice house which held all of us; it was such fun.

My mom died in August, so there were a couple of trips to Minnesota to share her last moments and to attend her funeral. If she had lived 17 more days, she would have been 95, a long life. We think of her often.

In September we again headed for Minnesota to attend my high school class reunion – let’s see how many years was that?

On a long weekend in October, we took a Iowa Public TV bus tour to Branson – the days were filled with excursions, shows, dinners – the family friendly atmosphere as well as the patriotic emphasis was enjoyable.

And in between that we squeezed in a few trips to Decorah – Vince still teases the trout or do they tease him?

With all of you, we celebrate “the good news of great joy that will be for all the people…….a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”.

Merry Christmas!

Vince and Verla
verlawilliams@juno.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

2003

Dear __________,

We are both doing just fine – what do they say, “we’re in pretty good shape considering the shape we’re in”, - you know, skin sagging around the jowls, underarm flap, bent shoulders, tummy paunch, etc. But we are still going strong, enjoying the activities in Iowa City, sometimes in Decorah. Vince still goes in as a consulting prosthodontist one day a week, but wonders if he will next year. Then there is Book Club, Norse Club, Zion Bible Class, - we both keep busy.

Our “kids” are all fine, also, and our travels this year have involved visits to all of them. In March we went out to Maryland to visit Dawn and her family. Bob had a “Change of Command” and that is always such a beautiful ceremony – dress uniforms, flags and flowers, salutes, escorts to our seats. Neat! Heather is a senior at Salisbury University but she was able to come home for that, so we got to see her, too. Dawn is home schooling Andy, but he is beginning to look forward to taking some science courses at the Community College when he turns 16 in February. Dawn is still very active at church, and is now teaching 4-year-olds at the Pre-School there.

Mark is busy at Lake Tahoe Community College – he sold his condo the first of the year and bought a house on the California side. So in September we went out to scope that out. There is little space to build new houses there, so he bought an older one which was completely re-done inside – very nice. We even got to go to a couple of rehearsals for the play he was in. It is such a beautiful area!

We visited Arik and Stacie on the same trip – they also have moved into a new house, built in a developing area a little southwest of Portland. They presented us with our 6th grandchild last January, but this was the first opportunity we had to see Amaya Grace. She is a cutie, but may have a hard time keeping up with her 3-yr old sister, Kaelyn. What a beautiful bundle of energy she is!

And every once in a while, we go to Traer to visit Jene and their kids. They also have built a new house, on a large lot just across the alley from the old one. (They even have a spare bedroom which is called “our” room.) So they still walk to school. J.T. is in all-day kindergarten this year, and keeps the teachers busy with his curiosity. BrandiAnne is a third-grader, still has her vivid imagination. Wonder if she will become a writer?

Mom is still in her apartment in Mankato, and we plan to go up there for Christmas with her (and my sisters and their families). We helped her celebrate her 94th birthday in August. We made another trip the weekend before Thanksgiving: we went to Denver for my brother’s 50th wedding anniversary. It was fun to see all of his family again – that doesn’t happen often. And we also had a good visit with Vince’s nephew, Steve and Kathy.

And so we wish for you a blessed Christmas, not only as we celebrate Christ’s First Coming, but as we look forward to His Second Coming!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

2002

December 2002

It is difficult to tell the story of our past year, because for so many (the family extended, and all who I e-mail) already know so much of it. But for all others:

There have been mountain tops and there have been valleys.

Easter weekend we were in Portland, OR, for the wedding of Arik and Stacie – it was beautiful! And all of his siblings were there to share it, plus his cousin Steve and Kathy from Denver.

June found us on the other side of the continent, in Maryland, celebrating the graduation from high school of our oldest granddaughter, Heather. Since she was home schooled, her graduation was planned by her superintendent, principal, and teacher (her parents) – it was neat!

In September, we winged our way to Stateline, NV, (Lake Tahoe) to watch and listen to Mark as he had the lead in the musical Jekyll & Hyde. He was terrific! He said it was the most difficult role he has ever played – to watch him change from Jekyll to Hyde was most interesting.

In November we again drove to Maryland to have Thanksgiving with the Boyd family. On the day before Thanksgiving we rode with Dawn to Salisbury to pick up Heather – she attends the university there.

The summer was a different story for our youngest daughter - Jené was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June, had surgery in July, and recuperated in August and September. The tumor was benign for which we all thank and praise God. God was besieged with prayers on her behalf from friends and family all across the nation.

In December, we are not going to Florida to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes football team play in the Orange Bowl. We did go to most of the home games and watched the transformation of the team from 0 wins-8 losses in the Big 10 four years ago to 8 wins-0 losses in the Big 10 this year. Wow!

As for our daily routine, it is much the same: Vince is still prosthetics adjunct at the Dental College, I’m still involved with the Bible Study and quilt tying at Zion, and we try to get 3 or 4 walks accomplished each week (our drs. say exercise is good!).

“Don’t be afraid!” he {the angel} said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem.”

Merry Christmas!

Monday, April 18, 2011

2001

December 2001

Dear ________,

In just re-reading some past Christmas letters seeking inspiration for this one, I instead became depressed. Take the 1982 letter for example, I filled an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet solid with news, in rhyme yet. Uffda! And using that letter as an example, we have now been living a very inactive quiet life. Then why do I think I am so busy?

Anyway, this has been a good year:

Mom still lives in her apartment in Mankato, slowing down, losing her vision, celebrated her 92nd birthday. She is glad for evening meals served 5 nights a week, and morning coffee with several of the other residents.

Our "kids" are all in the same place as last year, all doing the same thing: 1) Dawn, and Bob, Heather and Andy in Maryland. We were out there for Memorial Day weekend - saw the Blue Angels perform. What precision, what noise! And the following weekend we were present at Andy's confirmation service. It was a good visit.

2) Mark living in Stateline, NV, teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College, performing some. We were out there for a short visit in August. After taking us up to Donner Pass one day and down to Yosemite National Park another, he was surprised that one of our favorite things was watching him work as musical director for the play Into the Woods being put on by a private company at the north end of the Lake.

3) On that same trip, we went up to Portland OR to see Arik, Stacie and Kaelyn. Arik still works at United Rental, Stacie part time as a dietician. We helped Kaelyn celebrate her first birthday, a few days early. She enjoyed watching the single candle burn on her cupcake, and then getting to eat the cake and get frosting all over her face. Yummmm!

4) Jene and John are still teaching at Traer, IA so we see them oftener, though maybe not as often as you would think living that close. Jene still teaches second grade, and John high school business, and helps setting up the computer for the school, and of course, head wrestling coach. BrandiAnne is in first grade and loves learning to read. J. T. goes to pre-school and day care. They are a busy family!

We've gone to Mankato a few times, and to Decorah a few times. Vince had his 50th high school class reunion in September, and had a really good turnout. The years go by! And of course, we went to the Nordic Fest in July, a Vesterheim Museum dinner at the restored Winneshiek Hotel in October, some trout fishing weekends.

Vince still plays his bass guitar in the Praise Band for the Contemporary Service on Saturday evenings at church - he really likes it!

It is so comforting to know in these times of threats and dangers, that we rest in the knowledge of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior, whose birth we celebrate this time of year. May that peace be yours.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

1999

December 13, 1999

Dear ________,

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is
Christ the Lord" - our prayer is that you have a blessed Christmas!
So many are saying the year has passed so quickly, and we agreel Our year has been filled
with happy times:

- the wedding in Morris, IL of Vince's great niece, Tara Zylla to Jim Walke - it was beautiful, and so good to see Lanita (Vince's niece) and Brian and Candice and their little girl, and of course, Steve and Kathy.
- the Johnson Cousin reunion in Decorah at Nordic Fest time. There were about 80 at the Saturday evening picnic, and nearly that many at the Sunday noon dinner. Florida and California and places in between were represented. Steve and Kathy flew in from Denver and stayed with us a night at our little "get-away" apartment.
- the 90th birthday celebration for my Mom in August. Most of her descendants were at a picnic in Mankato - 50 or so. She has 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and even now this month is awaiting the arrival of her first great great grandchild. My brother thinks it's worse that he is going to be a great grandpa. All 4 of our children with spouses and children spent the week prior to the Party with us. That was really neat! It's not often the 4 are home at the same time.
- my high school class reunion in Windom, MN - 50 years. Uffda! Some hadn't changed much,
some had. It was fun.

Our children's lives are much the same. However, Bob has a new tour of duty so Dawn and
Bob, Heather and Andy moved from Centreville VA to St. Leonard MD last spring. We were out to see them in their new house when they were barely settled. Andy went fishing with his grandpa; Heather and I did a sewing project, besides the sight seeing and visiting.

Mark has just moved from Carson City to Stateline, NV. He says he has a beautiful view of
Lake Tahoe on one side and the Carson valley on the other. He will be teaching voice, musical
theater, whatever at Lake Tahoe C.C. He and another faculty member have written a musical which they will be doing next June - we hope to go out and see it.

Arik is at the same job in Portland - he has gotten a boat and with his special friend, Stacie, has gotten into fishing. He was thrilled to have caught a 7 foot sturgeon. Wow!

Jene and John are still in Traer, IA, both teaching. BrandiAnne and IT. keep them on the move when they're not working. IT. just turned 2, andis into trucks, big, little and in between. BrandiAnne has her dolls - she loves her nativity set and talks with Mary, 'Dofus' and baby Jesus.

Vince was asked to come back as a prosthodontic consultant, so he spends Wednesday mornings at the Dental College. He enjoys the interaction with the senior students and the camaraderie with his colleagues.

I just keep busy. I continue to lead a Bible study at the church, 12 weeks in the fall session, and 12 weeks in the spring. That keeps me studying!

picture i.d.: Bob Boyd, Mark, Arik, Vince, Stacie, John Daub holding J.T.
Heather, Dawn, Andy, Verla, Jene holding BrandiAnne

Mom

Thursday, April 14, 2011

1997

When Christmas morn is dawning I wish that I could be
There by the manger cradle God's Son, newborn, to see.
How kind of you, our Savior, For us to come to earth
Oh, may we not by sinning Despise your lowly birth.
We need you, 0 Lord Jesus, to be our dearest friend
Your love will guard and guide us and keep us to life's end.

--Abel Burckhardt (19th c.)


14 December 1997

Merry Christmas!

It gets harder each year to remember just exactly what happened during the year. There were some momentous times to remember, I think.

We did have a trip or two: In February a usual dental trip into Chicago, and an unusual trip (for us) for Iowa dental alumni to Scottsdale, AZ. Vince's class also made it a 40th class reunion and that was fun.

In June we went on an 18 day trip with my sister and brother-in-law (Sharon and Dalen) to the northwest. We saw, sometimes briefly, Glacier, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Victoria, Portland, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Big Horns, Spearfish-Passion Play, Black Hills, the Corn Palace, and a few places in between. We traveled in Dalen's RV - now that's togetherness!

It was fun to see Annie (my friend of old) and Bob in July - they stopped in for an overnight - we visited and visited. Annie wanted to see the Medical Museum at the University - that was interesting and we had never seen it. We also went to the Amanas a little bit. Annie and I roomed together at LBI, & I was her maid of honor, she was my matron of honor.

Vince took early retirement the end of August - he was given a nice retirement party - such plaudits! I've been told that retirement is twice the husband at half the pay. And the very next week we drove to Centreville, VA to visit Dawn and her family. (Any time we see any of our kids is a treat - it isn't nearly often enough.) Dawn's kids are growing up, too fast we think. Heather is 13, a sweet young lady, and Andy is 9 (nearly 10). Andy is going to be a proficient fisherman - Grandpa showed him how to cast.

Since October we have been trying to be as much help as we could to Jené - she had a high risk pregnancy and had to go on bed rest. The day before Thanksgiving she gave birth to John William Daub, III. He was a preemie and had to spend about 10 days in Intensive Care, but is now home and doing well. He seems so small - how soon we forget how tiny newborns are. BrandiAnne is 2 and is getting used to have a little brother around. John got a teaching position in Traer, IA and so they moved there in August. It is different not to have them in Iowa City, but it is only an hour and half away.

Mark is still in Carson City, teaching and doing some performing. Arik is still in Portland, helping to manage a rental company. We haven't seen them this year except for a brief stop in Portland when we were on our RV trip.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

1996

"For unto you is born this day
in the city of David
a Savior who is CHRIST the LORD!"


16 December 1996

Dear __________

We wish you God's richest blessing in this Christmas season!

There have been events and changes in our lives this year just closing. Our children are all in the same places, and we have been able to visit them briefly. We tacked March's Spring Break onto a Dental trip to San Francisco, and visited Mark in Carson City, NV and Arik in Portland, OR. We took a day trip while in Portland to visit our good friends, the Molines in Philomath, OR.

We spent some time in Centreville, VA with Dawn and her family the first part of July. We decided to watch the Fourth of July festivities of D.C. on the television, rather than brave the crowds and traffic. Dawn took us to Gettysburg, PA one day - that was an interesting historical trip. Jené, John and BrandiAnne are here in Iowa City, and we enjoy seeing them more frequently.

The first weekend in August we went back to Carson City, to see Mark as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man. That was at an outdoor theatre on the north end of Lake Tahoe, and gets chilly (cold?) in the evenings in August. But it was a fun production to see!

I had one day home from that, when I drove to Minneapolis to accompany Mom on a flight to Denver to visit my brother and his families. (Five of his kids live in the Denver area.) His daughter and family from Texas were there and Mom thought it was a good chance to see some great grandchildren she hadn't yet seen. We had a good time visiting all of them.

My dad died in July, a couple of months shy of his 94th birthday, and a month shy of his and Mom's 69th wedding anniversary. He said several times in the last couple of years that life was getting harder to live - the body just didn't work as well. But they were able to stay on the farm until just a year ago August, when they moved to an apartment. Mom is happy to be there and keeps busy. The apartment complex offers assisted living for those who need it. Mom, however, still drives her car and maintains her independence.

Vince and I are both well. Vince is now on phased retirement, and works 3 days a week. He enjoys his Mondays and Fridays off. He is hoping to take early retirement the end of next year.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

1995

December 1995

Dear ones,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Isn't it great to hear the Christmas carols on the radio, on the TV, or even in the shopping malls? It helps remind us of the miraculous birth of the Son of God which is the whole reason for the season.

This is the annual report for some of you who usually only hear from us this once-a-year:

We haven't made any really long trips. Going to San Antonio for the annual dental research meeting in March was fun. We walked the River Walk, toured the Alamo, and ate the good Mexican food. And to Centreville, VA to see Dawn and her family over New Year's was a good time. Dawn had arranged for us an invitation to a plantation for a party - that was neat. Other than that, we have mostly traveled to Decorah or to Windom.

We still have the apartment in Decorah and Vince loves to go up there and catch those trout. He also cooks them and they are really good. We went up in October to see the King and Queen of Norway - we even had dinner with them. They didn't know we were there, of course. But it was a lot of fun. The King in his greeting at the convocation at Luther College said he heard that that area of Iowa is called Little Switzerland, and that is all right - Switzerland is a beautiful country; but he thought it could also be properly called Little Norway. He received a resounding round of applause.

My parents decided it was time to get off the farm and into town. They couldn't find an apartment in Windom, so they moved to one in Jackson. They were born, raised, married in Jackson County, so it wasn't a "foreign" move. They are liking it, though Dad says it isn't home.

We had a good vacation at a resort in northern Minnesota which we have been to every now and then as our children were growing up. And they all joined us for that week in June - there were 15 of us (my sister Pam and Ryan and Joshua were with us) and such a gathering around the table that was. We took turns preparing the meals. The week was really hot so was good to be at a lake. Dalen and Sharon stopped by for a day with Dalen's boat; so a lot of water skiing was done that day. One day we rented a jet ski, and most everyone had fun on that! And of course, we had to go to Paul Bunyanland one day - the kids (big and little) had a good time, riding all the rides. It was the first time that we were all together in six years. We are told the kids want to do it again, only maybe in three years, so they must have enjoyed it, too.

BrandiAnne Daub joined our family in July being born to Jené and John. It is such fun to have them living so close - we get a chance to spoil her properly. Now we look forward to having my sisters and families and Mom and Dad visit us over Christmas!

Season's Greetings,

Monday, April 11, 2011

1994

It gets harder to remember what happened as the year speeds by. It's a good thing I have a calendar. It reminds me we took a few trips - some long, some short. Vince's annual March dental meeting was in Seattle - that was fun for me. Annie, my matron of honor at our wedding lives there and entertained me royally. Such gabbing! Vince took off one day from the meeting and Annie and Bob took us to Leavenworth, a beautiful little town SE of Seattle that looks like Bavaria in S. Germany.

Spring break is also in March and we flew out to visit Arik and Miranda in L.A. We felt a 5.3 aftershock from their big quake in January. Whew! Our short trips were mostly to Windom to visit my folks (or my 45th (Uffda) high school class reunion), or to Decorah. Vince has what he calls his "fishing shack" - we rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Decorah. And he has caught, and we have eaten, some trout this summer and fall. They are good!

This has been a year of changes for our children, excepting Mark. He is still in Carson City, NV, teaching voice and doing some performing.

Arik and Miranda decided to get out of LA and moved to Portland, Oregon, the first of September. We have yet to visit there. They were back here for a weekend in September for the wedding of his friend, Marty.

Dawn, Bob, Heather and Andy moved back from Guam, and now live in Centreville, VA (near Dulles airport). They stopped here for 3 weeks enroute the end of June and first part of July. What fun!

Jené and John also moved back from Guam, arriving about the same time as Dawn - they had vacationed in Hawaii and LA (with A & M) on their way. They are presently living in Iowa City where Jene is a Special Ed teacher - John is substitute teaching and works most every day. He is still looking for a full-time teaching position, so time will tell where they will be next year. We appreciate having them so close.

Vince still teaches full time but retirement is getting close scrutiny - early retirement if the Univ. would approve at least a phased retirement.

There have been some sad times: Vince's aunt and uncle in Decorah both died - Mable at Christmas last year and Bill in February. And in September his brother Spence died in Tucson. We flew down for the Memorial Service. Vince alone survives in his immediate family.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

1993

December 1993

Time does fly when you're having fun (or is it when you're getting old?)! Another year has flown by; there have been no great changes in our lives this past year.

Our "kids" are all still in the same places: Arik and Miranda are in Los Angeles, but are beginning to think abou living some place else. They entertained us royally this past summer when we spent 3-4 days with them - saw the Crystal Cathedral, heard the Los Angeles Symphony in the Hollywood Bowl, and ate at several of Arik's favorite places.

Mark lives in Carson City, NV and really likes the area. He is back to teaching voice and doing some performing. We were lucky enough to see him in
Pirates of Penzance at an outdoor theater at Lake Tahoe - it was cool enough so we huddled under blankets to keep warm. He also took us to Virginia City to see the old silver mining town!

Dawn and Jené are still in Guam, both getting anxious to live in the states again. And by next summer, they will. Jené and John are in their fifth year of teaching - whoever thought they would stay there that long? John enjoys being head wrestling coach at George Washington High School in addition to his teaching, and Jené is a special ed. coordinator (I think) spending time at 2 different schools.

Dawn and Bob are in their final year of the tour of duty on Guam. Bob became CO of his squadron in June - so his parents, Vince and I, and Jan, (a real good friend of Dawn's) all journeyed to Guam for the ceremony. It was really neat! To see the entire squadron in their dress whites standing at attention, to hear those who were to be on the platform being piped "aboard" and to hear a Navy band playing - Wow!

Vince had an especially good time - Dawn arranged for Bob, Bob's dad, and Vince a deep sea fishing trip as a Father's Day gift. Vince caught a 50-pound, 56-inch mahi mahi - he said it took an half hour to get it in, and his arms hurt for three days. But he also had a smile on his face for at least three days. Fun!

Dawn, Heather and Andy visited here in September - Dawn wanted to surprise her dad on his 60th birthday; but we aren't sure he was really surprised. My folks, my sisters Pam and Sharon, and their families came down to spend Labor Day weekend.

We have a new tourist attraction here: the erosion done by the flood waters going over the spillway at the Coralville Dam has created a geological masterpiece, eroding down to rock bed, revealing fossils from years ago. We had no personal flood damage; some had flood waters in their homes for weeks, basement walls caving in, or appliances, carpets, furniture, walls all destroyed. Horrible!

May your observance of the birth of the Christ Child bring you much peace and joy!