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.
Verla Williams
Showing posts with label Spence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spence. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
1985
4 December 1985
As you turned your calendar to December, did you stop to wonder where the year has gone? I did. And I looked back to see. Each sheet is marked up with birthdays to remember, things to do, places to go, and even money spent. Each month has a lot of repetitions: circle meeting, Norse Club, reading group, postage - $4.40; 22nd - call Mom; go quilt. And each month has some things different: a concert, or a play, or an opera (we drove to Champaign, IL, twice to see Mark perform - The Merry Widow, and The Magic Flute), or a football game (how about them Rose Bowl Hawks?)
There've been some interesting trips:
Feb - a dental meeting in Chicago; and Vince flew to Edmonton, Can. to lecture at a 2-day meeting.
Mar - a dental meeting in Las Vegas - that was . . . interesting. Especially so because Arik drove up from LA to see us, and we also saw both Spence, and his son Steve, and Lyle and Exene (Vince's brothers).
Apr - Mom, Sharon, her daughter Jessica and I flew to DC to visit Dawn, Bob and Heather - both Mom and Heather were quite the sight-seeing troopers!
May - 2 short jaunts - a day to Des Moines, and one to Decorah. Vince had a fishing trip to N. Minn.
June - Vince had a week of fishing in Canada; and we spent part of a week checking out lakes in Mn. We think we might like a lake cabin. Went home via Windom, for a short visit with my brother Gordon and Shirley.
July - Dawn and Heather flew out to visit us - Dawn timed it for her H.S. reunion at Nordic Fest time, so another trip to Decorah.
Aug - Heard the Statler Brothers at a little county fair not far from here.
Sept - Decorah for a day, and Windom for several.
Oct - a trip to Mpls. (Vince went to a continuing ed. course) I took Sharon to the Mn. Historical research building and taught her how to read census films. How exciting!
Nov - one of our trips to Champaign; also Thanksgiving Day in Pekin, IL with Amy and Mark at her folks.
Dawn and Bob are still in DC but are looking for a new duty assignment next spring. They are coming next week for a 10-day visit. We are anxious to see Heather (well, Dawn and Bob, too) - sounds like she keeps her mom busy - running and climbing.
Mark and Amy are still in Champaign, still going to school.
Arik is still in LA (Sherman Oaks) and planning on going back to school, out there.
Jené is still at UNI, second year. She will be taking off the next semester and spending it in Norway. So she is quite excited about that. Actually, we are too; she will be living with us. Vince was granted a developmental leave from the University, and will be doing research with a professor at the University of Oslo. We leave on Jan. 6, will be in Oslo until middle of May, and then hope to travel to Germany, Switzerland, and Great Britain before heading back here on June 12. It should be quite an adventure.
May Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, fill you with His peace throughout this season and the year to come.
P.S. Our address until 15 May in case you want to write or come to visit:
c/o Prof. Jon Gjønnes
Otto Ruges Veien 84A
1345 Østerås Norway
As you turned your calendar to December, did you stop to wonder where the year has gone? I did. And I looked back to see. Each sheet is marked up with birthdays to remember, things to do, places to go, and even money spent. Each month has a lot of repetitions: circle meeting, Norse Club, reading group, postage - $4.40; 22nd - call Mom; go quilt. And each month has some things different: a concert, or a play, or an opera (we drove to Champaign, IL, twice to see Mark perform - The Merry Widow, and The Magic Flute), or a football game (how about them Rose Bowl Hawks?)
There've been some interesting trips:
Feb - a dental meeting in Chicago; and Vince flew to Edmonton, Can. to lecture at a 2-day meeting.
Mar - a dental meeting in Las Vegas - that was . . . interesting. Especially so because Arik drove up from LA to see us, and we also saw both Spence, and his son Steve, and Lyle and Exene (Vince's brothers).
Apr - Mom, Sharon, her daughter Jessica and I flew to DC to visit Dawn, Bob and Heather - both Mom and Heather were quite the sight-seeing troopers!
May - 2 short jaunts - a day to Des Moines, and one to Decorah. Vince had a fishing trip to N. Minn.
June - Vince had a week of fishing in Canada; and we spent part of a week checking out lakes in Mn. We think we might like a lake cabin. Went home via Windom, for a short visit with my brother Gordon and Shirley.
July - Dawn and Heather flew out to visit us - Dawn timed it for her H.S. reunion at Nordic Fest time, so another trip to Decorah.
Aug - Heard the Statler Brothers at a little county fair not far from here.
Sept - Decorah for a day, and Windom for several.
Oct - a trip to Mpls. (Vince went to a continuing ed. course) I took Sharon to the Mn. Historical research building and taught her how to read census films. How exciting!
Nov - one of our trips to Champaign; also Thanksgiving Day in Pekin, IL with Amy and Mark at her folks.
Dawn and Bob are still in DC but are looking for a new duty assignment next spring. They are coming next week for a 10-day visit. We are anxious to see Heather (well, Dawn and Bob, too) - sounds like she keeps her mom busy - running and climbing.
Mark and Amy are still in Champaign, still going to school.
Arik is still in LA (Sherman Oaks) and planning on going back to school, out there.
Jené is still at UNI, second year. She will be taking off the next semester and spending it in Norway. So she is quite excited about that. Actually, we are too; she will be living with us. Vince was granted a developmental leave from the University, and will be doing research with a professor at the University of Oslo. We leave on Jan. 6, will be in Oslo until middle of May, and then hope to travel to Germany, Switzerland, and Great Britain before heading back here on June 12. It should be quite an adventure.
May Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, fill you with His peace throughout this season and the year to come.
P.S. Our address until 15 May in case you want to write or come to visit:
c/o Prof. Jon Gjønnes
Otto Ruges Veien 84A
1345 Østerås Norway
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
1982
'Tis the twelfth of December, in '82 And my list is long, of things to do,
We've already enjoyed hearing from some; And eagerly wait for each mail to come.
So the first on my list to get done next, is the writing and mailing of this little text.
This year has been fun from start to end; it began with Vince really on the mend.
In February, we flew to Tucson, for his 'silver' dental class reunion.
Attended sessions, sat in the sun, remembered classes, faculty, fun;
Renewing friendships of days of yore, and mourning those who are with us no more.
In March, to New Orleans we flew, where Vince read a paper of facts that he knew
Concerning bridges and stresses of mastication, from his article deemed worthy of publication.
The French Quarter, Bourbon Street - sea food dinners, all really neat!
No trips in May, but two graduations, shared with a few of my relations.
Arik from high school his diploma received, with 300 classmates all much relieved.
Mark, from the U. his Master's complete, anxious now to sing for his 'bread and meat.'
I think that in June I just stayed at home. For eight weeks of theater, Mark left for Macomb.
And for his annual fishing excursion, Vince joined Spence on a Canada diversion.
Let me tell you about a jam-packed July. You won't believe it and neither do I.
Vince got home on the third, you know; and off to the Des Moines Airport we go
To meet Peggy, you remember her? She lived with us while attending Luther.
She's attending a Sem. in Ft. Worth; what visiting, giggling, reminisicing and mirth.
She, Vince, I, Dawn, and Jene drove down to Macomb on a Thursday
To see West Side Story, and "Tony" by Mark - such singing and acting, the trip was a lark.
Peg left for Texas, the week too fast ended, while we headed north for a vacation splendid.
Just sis Sharon, her family, Vince and me - a cabin, the lake shore, phone-and-schedule free.
But back to the rat race the following week: again to Macomb, the 'rising star' to seek.
Appearing this time in a supporting role; Once Upon a Mattress the name of the show.
Then to Decorah, the annual Nordic Fest; we stayed with Wangsnesses, accomdations the best.
Dawn got her Master's at U of NI; we surprised her and went - oh me, and oh my!
One more day of July yet to go - back to Macomb to see one more show.
Oklahoma! - it's "Curly" Mark was this time; his acting was good, his singing sublime.
We swam in the pool, stayed over night; met Amy, Mark's friend (I think she's Miss Right).
August has come and things quiet a mite - We took Dawn to C.R. for her Japanese flight.
She's teaching there on an army base - exciting happenings she's had to face.
Met her Mr. Right, married him too; such mysterious moves God only knew.
They'll be coming back to live in D.C., after blessing their civil vows in a church ceremony.
Amy was here to share our Thanksgiving; after Christmas with her, Mark will be living
In Chicago, that marvelous big city, where he hopes to be singing some little ditty.
Amy's moving there, too; she graduates now. A wedding there'll be. Together somehow
They'll interview, audition, and struggle along - she writing an ad, he singing a song.
Still home in the nest is Arik who cooks - he's working full time, saving money for books,
Tuition, room and board, college next fall (too bad he's not good at some kind of ball).
Jené is a junior, studies real hard, in order that her 3 pt. will not be marred.
A special ed. degree she hopes to pursue, to help others who have special needs, too.
We were up home in August, the folks 55th; and back there in September for Dad's 80th.
They'll be coming this way for Christmas this year. We'll all be at Pam's for the Day of good cheer.
Vince's mother still lives, though a year ago now, the dr. had almost given up, but somehow,
She survived the pneumonia, the new broken hip; celebrated her 90th with a smile on her lip.
We visit her often to talk, and of course, with Vince it is likely to be in Old Norse.
Before I stop, just a word not in jest: How about them Hawks? Aren't they the best?
So Christmas is coming with all of its joys, the glittering lights, the jubilant noise.
May God give you His peace, only this season can bring, As we worship togetherHIS SON AND OUR KING!
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S A N D H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
We've already enjoyed hearing from some; And eagerly wait for each mail to come.
So the first on my list to get done next, is the writing and mailing of this little text.
This year has been fun from start to end; it began with Vince really on the mend.
In February, we flew to Tucson, for his 'silver' dental class reunion.
Attended sessions, sat in the sun, remembered classes, faculty, fun;
Renewing friendships of days of yore, and mourning those who are with us no more.
In March, to New Orleans we flew, where Vince read a paper of facts that he knew
Concerning bridges and stresses of mastication, from his article deemed worthy of publication.
The French Quarter, Bourbon Street - sea food dinners, all really neat!
No trips in May, but two graduations, shared with a few of my relations.
Arik from high school his diploma received, with 300 classmates all much relieved.
Mark, from the U. his Master's complete, anxious now to sing for his 'bread and meat.'
I think that in June I just stayed at home. For eight weeks of theater, Mark left for Macomb.
And for his annual fishing excursion, Vince joined Spence on a Canada diversion.
Let me tell you about a jam-packed July. You won't believe it and neither do I.
Vince got home on the third, you know; and off to the Des Moines Airport we go
To meet Peggy, you remember her? She lived with us while attending Luther.
She's attending a Sem. in Ft. Worth; what visiting, giggling, reminisicing and mirth.
She, Vince, I, Dawn, and Jene drove down to Macomb on a Thursday
To see West Side Story, and "Tony" by Mark - such singing and acting, the trip was a lark.
Peg left for Texas, the week too fast ended, while we headed north for a vacation splendid.
Just sis Sharon, her family, Vince and me - a cabin, the lake shore, phone-and-schedule free.
But back to the rat race the following week: again to Macomb, the 'rising star' to seek.
Appearing this time in a supporting role; Once Upon a Mattress the name of the show.
Then to Decorah, the annual Nordic Fest; we stayed with Wangsnesses, accomdations the best.
Dawn got her Master's at U of NI; we surprised her and went - oh me, and oh my!
One more day of July yet to go - back to Macomb to see one more show.
Oklahoma! - it's "Curly" Mark was this time; his acting was good, his singing sublime.
We swam in the pool, stayed over night; met Amy, Mark's friend (I think she's Miss Right).
August has come and things quiet a mite - We took Dawn to C.R. for her Japanese flight.
She's teaching there on an army base - exciting happenings she's had to face.
Met her Mr. Right, married him too; such mysterious moves God only knew.
They'll be coming back to live in D.C., after blessing their civil vows in a church ceremony.
Amy was here to share our Thanksgiving; after Christmas with her, Mark will be living
In Chicago, that marvelous big city, where he hopes to be singing some little ditty.
Amy's moving there, too; she graduates now. A wedding there'll be. Together somehow
They'll interview, audition, and struggle along - she writing an ad, he singing a song.
Still home in the nest is Arik who cooks - he's working full time, saving money for books,
Tuition, room and board, college next fall (too bad he's not good at some kind of ball).
Jené is a junior, studies real hard, in order that her 3 pt. will not be marred.
A special ed. degree she hopes to pursue, to help others who have special needs, too.
We were up home in August, the folks 55th; and back there in September for Dad's 80th.
They'll be coming this way for Christmas this year. We'll all be at Pam's for the Day of good cheer.
Vince's mother still lives, though a year ago now, the dr. had almost given up, but somehow,
She survived the pneumonia, the new broken hip; celebrated her 90th with a smile on her lip.
We visit her often to talk, and of course, with Vince it is likely to be in Old Norse.
Before I stop, just a word not in jest: How about them Hawks? Aren't they the best?
So Christmas is coming with all of its joys, the glittering lights, the jubilant noise.
May God give you His peace, only this season can bring, As we worship together
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S A N D H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
Friday, March 18, 2011
1970
Monday afternoon
December 7, 1970
Today as I sit before my typewriter preparing to write our annual Christmas letter I look at the date and see that it is "Remember Pearl Harbor" Day. And it reminds me as we enter Advent season and approach Christmas, our slogan should be to remember Jesus Christ. Remember He whose birth we celebrate; Remember Him - the greatest of all gifts! And as we give our gifts and receive others' gifts, to do so in His Spirit of Love. Merry Christmas!
We don't have a big trip to a lovely island or a far-off paradise to tell you about this year. Our travels last summer were only as far as Brainerd for a two-week stay at a cottage on a lake. We have been spending the past year traveling - in our area - sharing our slides and experiences of the previous summer. In fact, we still, have a couple of engagements to fill in the next two months. Each time we show them and tell about Anguilla it is almost like going back again. Our summer's experiences on the island have followed us in a peculiar way. Luther College has granted to Eleanor (Peggy) Bynoe, an Anguillan, a scholarship; and so she is enrolled as a freshman at the College. Several organizations and individuals have helped contribute to her support. We are trying to be her family away from home - so we see her quite often. She shares with us her good news as well as her bad. Peggy is quite a singer and has been doing some solo work when her studies permit. She will be with us this Thursday to sing for our ALCW Christmas party.
Each year brings some gladness, some sorrow, it seems. My younger brother, Averland, passed away last March - he had suffered with lung cancer for about a year - and we grieve our loss at his death. But we are comforted by being able to be with him some of his last three weeks (as he was hospitalized in Minneapolis) and by knowing that he died in peace, realizing that Jesus Christ is the Forgiver of all sins and the Giver of eternal life.
Otherwise, we are pretty much the same. We see Vince's oldest brother, Spence, and his family, every once in a while. Steve was confirmed in October, so we were to Mason City to help him observe that. Vince was one of Steve's sponsors at Baptism. Lyle, Vince's other brother, was here for a visit Memorial Day weekend and it was so good to visit with him again. Thinking of my brother being gone now, it seems more important to get together with one's family - we just never know about tomorrow. Vince's folks are much the same. They still live in the apartment down the block from us and get along as well as we can expect. We try to get to Windom to visit my folks, but the trips are short and sweet and not as often as we'd (I'd) like. It is fun when we are all there - and we plan to be again during the Holidays.
Our children are growing up faster than we would like to admit - Dawn is a teenager now and in eighth grade. She is involved in so many things - piano, flute, Girl Scouts, 2nd year confirmation. And she is beginning to notice that maybe boys aren't all nuisances. Mark is almost as busy but he has dropped Boy Scouts. He started on the trombone, so he also quit the piano. But he was manager for the 7th grade football team, and is now on the 7th grade basketball team, and in 1st year confirmation. Arik is 6 and in the first grade. He is so enthused since he now can read. Jené is 4 and anxiously waiting for next year so she can go to kindergarten. She goes to Wednesday Church School so she doesn't feel completely left out. She still checks at Mayo every 6 months, and is doing fine.
I am still principal of the Wed. Church School, have been Bible Study leader in my circle, and served on the nominating committee for ALCW (I think that is almost as bad as being president). Vince is resting a year from Sr. Choir but is still teaching 10th grade boys in the Hi School Bible Dept. They have a really, going department. He belongs to the Lions, and to Symra, a local literary society, and with his dental groups keeps busy. His latest excitement is his motorcycle. He bought a Honda 350 this fall and really enjoys it. He is the envy of all the neighborhood kids and they have all had rides. He stlll hunts and fishes and both Mark and Arik like to go along. In fact, we all go fishing. You should have seen Jené's face when we were out fishing once while on vacation. She was pulling in one bluegill after another and having a ball. And if you ask her yet, "Who is the best fisherman of all?" she will answer, "Me!"
As ever,
Vince and Verla,
Dawn, Mark, Arik and Jené
December 7, 1970
Today as I sit before my typewriter preparing to write our annual Christmas letter I look at the date and see that it is "Remember Pearl Harbor" Day. And it reminds me as we enter Advent season and approach Christmas, our slogan should be to remember Jesus Christ. Remember He whose birth we celebrate; Remember Him - the greatest of all gifts! And as we give our gifts and receive others' gifts, to do so in His Spirit of Love. Merry Christmas!
We don't have a big trip to a lovely island or a far-off paradise to tell you about this year. Our travels last summer were only as far as Brainerd for a two-week stay at a cottage on a lake. We have been spending the past year traveling - in our area - sharing our slides and experiences of the previous summer. In fact, we still, have a couple of engagements to fill in the next two months. Each time we show them and tell about Anguilla it is almost like going back again. Our summer's experiences on the island have followed us in a peculiar way. Luther College has granted to Eleanor (Peggy) Bynoe, an Anguillan, a scholarship; and so she is enrolled as a freshman at the College. Several organizations and individuals have helped contribute to her support. We are trying to be her family away from home - so we see her quite often. She shares with us her good news as well as her bad. Peggy is quite a singer and has been doing some solo work when her studies permit. She will be with us this Thursday to sing for our ALCW Christmas party.
Each year brings some gladness, some sorrow, it seems. My younger brother, Averland, passed away last March - he had suffered with lung cancer for about a year - and we grieve our loss at his death. But we are comforted by being able to be with him some of his last three weeks (as he was hospitalized in Minneapolis) and by knowing that he died in peace, realizing that Jesus Christ is the Forgiver of all sins and the Giver of eternal life.
Otherwise, we are pretty much the same. We see Vince's oldest brother, Spence, and his family, every once in a while. Steve was confirmed in October, so we were to Mason City to help him observe that. Vince was one of Steve's sponsors at Baptism. Lyle, Vince's other brother, was here for a visit Memorial Day weekend and it was so good to visit with him again. Thinking of my brother being gone now, it seems more important to get together with one's family - we just never know about tomorrow. Vince's folks are much the same. They still live in the apartment down the block from us and get along as well as we can expect. We try to get to Windom to visit my folks, but the trips are short and sweet and not as often as we'd (I'd) like. It is fun when we are all there - and we plan to be again during the Holidays.
Our children are growing up faster than we would like to admit - Dawn is a teenager now and in eighth grade. She is involved in so many things - piano, flute, Girl Scouts, 2nd year confirmation. And she is beginning to notice that maybe boys aren't all nuisances. Mark is almost as busy but he has dropped Boy Scouts. He started on the trombone, so he also quit the piano. But he was manager for the 7th grade football team, and is now on the 7th grade basketball team, and in 1st year confirmation. Arik is 6 and in the first grade. He is so enthused since he now can read. Jené is 4 and anxiously waiting for next year so she can go to kindergarten. She goes to Wednesday Church School so she doesn't feel completely left out. She still checks at Mayo every 6 months, and is doing fine.
I am still principal of the Wed. Church School, have been Bible Study leader in my circle, and served on the nominating committee for ALCW (I think that is almost as bad as being president). Vince is resting a year from Sr. Choir but is still teaching 10th grade boys in the Hi School Bible Dept. They have a really, going department. He belongs to the Lions, and to Symra, a local literary society, and with his dental groups keeps busy. His latest excitement is his motorcycle. He bought a Honda 350 this fall and really enjoys it. He is the envy of all the neighborhood kids and they have all had rides. He stlll hunts and fishes and both Mark and Arik like to go along. In fact, we all go fishing. You should have seen Jené's face when we were out fishing once while on vacation. She was pulling in one bluegill after another and having a ball. And if you ask her yet, "Who is the best fisherman of all?" she will answer, "Me!"
As ever,
Vince and Verla,
Dawn, Mark, Arik and Jené
Monday, March 14, 2011
1966
This comes with some second thoughts this year. I've read articles, and some of these sarcastic, about the annual Christmas "brag sheet" and I began to wonder if I should send out a beautiful Christmas card instead. As you can see, I decided on the annual letter (because I owe so many anyway) and hope it isn't a brag sheet but just a grateful chronicle of some of our happenings.
I'm not sure everything will be listed in the order of their importance but this first one certainly is. Our fourth child (and second daughter) was born June 2 and is by now a healthy and happy six-month-old. She is good now (after the colicky spell) and so enjoyed by the other three. Her baptism was the weekend after the Fourth of July when my aunt and uncle, Bruce and Ella Graves and cousin Elaine and my brother Gordon and his wife Shirley were down to be her godparents and sponsors. We had a real nice weekend! Pam, my littlest - well, my youngest sister came along and stayed on with us for three weeks. Then Elaine came back to spend part of her vacation (?) with us. They both got used to me, saying, "Give the baby her bottle," before they went back home. Elaine even lengthened all the hems on Dawn's dresses so they were ready for school. That's the kind of company to have, huh?!
Arik who is now 2 1/2 is full of it. He is such a tease and doesn't mind being teased back. He is a favorite with everyone (except his mom at times) - enjoys his uncle Spence and still talks about his uncle Lyle's visit here; Grandpa & Grandma Blakey would come to visit with him every day if he could manage it. Just lately he has been enthralled with Pastor Kappelmann, only he calls him master.
Mark is in third grade this year and still likes school. He talks most about football and baseball and basketball, so I would guess his favorite subjects are phys ed and recess. Dawn is a busy one - is in 4th grade and this year goes to a different school than Mark. She is in Girl Scouts, and is taking piano lessons. Both Dawn and Mark do a lot of reading and so with a little time for just playing or watching TV cartoons, their days go by quickly.
Vince's routine and schedule is pretty much the same. I don't think his practice has changed much in the last year, except that he is a little farther behind. His dental hygenist doesn't work every [day] part time anymore. He took a post-graduate course in Endo at Iowa City (three days [in] the middle of November) and also took in the lectures during Homecoming - Oct. 21-22. (I went along for the parade and the game). Sthe[?] State Meeting in Des Moines and the District meetings both spring and fall also help him to keep up with the new. He is considering going to Chicago in February, for the Midwinter Meeting.
Vince hasn't done much hunting, and didn't do as much fishing as he would like to (naturally) though he did go on the annual excursion to Canada. Our vacation was spent on the farm with my folks. The kids especially loved it and Vince and I appreciated the relaxation. Of course, I was still getting up at six with Jené, Mom and Dad probably had to take a vacation after we left.
I've been the lucky one this year. Our living room, dining room, and kitchen needed redecoration. The paper was dirty, torn and colored upon. We decided to panel the walls, paint the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator, get new kitchen floor covering, and install a dishwasher. I have certainly enjoyed that! It was a messy two weeks or month, but we were lucky enough to get it done just before the baby was born. (In fact, three hours before she made her grand entrance into this world, Vince and I were hanging dining room curtains without a suspicion that this was the day).
This coming year promises to be a more involved one - Vince is still teaching in the Bethel Bible Series, and singing in the church choir. I am going to be chairman for the Hospital Auxiliary Unit, Circle Bible Study leader and captain of the bowling team. I still have two units to take in Bethel so will try to finish that up this year, too.
If you are ever in this vicinity, stop in and see us. We love having company.
May you have a blessed Christmas and a worthwile year to come.
Sincerely,
Vince and Verla
Dawn, Mark, Arik, and Jené
I'm not sure everything will be listed in the order of their importance but this first one certainly is. Our fourth child (and second daughter) was born June 2 and is by now a healthy and happy six-month-old. She is good now (after the colicky spell) and so enjoyed by the other three. Her baptism was the weekend after the Fourth of July when my aunt and uncle, Bruce and Ella Graves and cousin Elaine and my brother Gordon and his wife Shirley were down to be her godparents and sponsors. We had a real nice weekend! Pam, my littlest - well, my youngest sister came along and stayed on with us for three weeks. Then Elaine came back to spend part of her vacation (?) with us. They both got used to me, saying, "Give the baby her bottle," before they went back home. Elaine even lengthened all the hems on Dawn's dresses so they were ready for school. That's the kind of company to have, huh?!
Arik who is now 2 1/2 is full of it. He is such a tease and doesn't mind being teased back. He is a favorite with everyone (except his mom at times) - enjoys his uncle Spence and still talks about his uncle Lyle's visit here; Grandpa & Grandma Blakey would come to visit with him every day if he could manage it. Just lately he has been enthralled with Pastor Kappelmann, only he calls him master.
Mark is in third grade this year and still likes school. He talks most about football and baseball and basketball, so I would guess his favorite subjects are phys ed and recess. Dawn is a busy one - is in 4th grade and this year goes to a different school than Mark. She is in Girl Scouts, and is taking piano lessons. Both Dawn and Mark do a lot of reading and so with a little time for just playing or watching TV cartoons, their days go by quickly.
Vince's routine and schedule is pretty much the same. I don't think his practice has changed much in the last year, except that he is a little farther behind. His dental hygenist doesn't work every [day] part time anymore. He took a post-graduate course in Endo at Iowa City (three days [in] the middle of November) and also took in the lectures during Homecoming - Oct. 21-22. (I went along for the parade and the game). Sthe[?] State Meeting in Des Moines and the District meetings both spring and fall also help him to keep up with the new. He is considering going to Chicago in February, for the Midwinter Meeting.
Vince hasn't done much hunting, and didn't do as much fishing as he would like to (naturally) though he did go on the annual excursion to Canada. Our vacation was spent on the farm with my folks. The kids especially loved it and Vince and I appreciated the relaxation. Of course, I was still getting up at six with Jené, Mom and Dad probably had to take a vacation after we left.
I've been the lucky one this year. Our living room, dining room, and kitchen needed redecoration. The paper was dirty, torn and colored upon. We decided to panel the walls, paint the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator, get new kitchen floor covering, and install a dishwasher. I have certainly enjoyed that! It was a messy two weeks or month, but we were lucky enough to get it done just before the baby was born. (In fact, three hours before she made her grand entrance into this world, Vince and I were hanging dining room curtains without a suspicion that this was the day).
This coming year promises to be a more involved one - Vince is still teaching in the Bethel Bible Series, and singing in the church choir. I am going to be chairman for the Hospital Auxiliary Unit, Circle Bible Study leader and captain of the bowling team. I still have two units to take in Bethel so will try to finish that up this year, too.
If you are ever in this vicinity, stop in and see us. We love having company.
May you have a blessed Christmas and a worthwile year to come.
Sincerely,
Vince and Verla
Dawn, Mark, Arik, and Jené
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