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!
Verla Williams
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
1992
December 1992
Merry Christmas!
Another year, another letter - we've enjoyed the cards and letters we have received thus far, so here goes:
The packages hae been mailed to Guam. Yes, the girls are both still there, though if they get many more typhoons, Jené and John may decide to come back to the states. Those storms are scary; maybe it's more the anticipation as they listen for or watch its approach. This is the 4th year John and Jené have been teaching there and they enjoy most of it. John is head wrestling coach as well as business teacher at Geo. Washington H.S. This year Jené has a desk job (pushing papers, she says) still in Special Education - the stresses have only changed. They think now they will stay one more year since Dawn and Bob will be there that long.
Bob will become CO [Commanding Officer] of the Squadron next June. We have been invited to come over for that ceremony, so we might try to visit Guam again. Dawn keeps busy - she is home-schooling Heather (age 8) again. Andy (nearly 5) is going to Pre-school, but he says he'd just as soon stay home for his schooling, too.
Dawn, Heather and Andy were here with us in May while Bob was taking care of some schooling. We had such fun - the house got too quiet when they left on the 30th to meet Bob in LA and fly out to Guam.
We still chuckle when we think about Andy: one day Vince lightly reprimanded him at the breakfast table for dropping (or throwing?) food on the floor. Sensitive Andy sat quietly and soberly considered that for several seconds and then quietly said, "Some day I'm going to be big, Grandpa."
John and Jené came to spend (John's sister was getting married in August) the summer here and with John's family and friends in the Mason City area. They went with us on a drive around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That is a pretty part of the country!
The packages are ready to be mailed to the boys. Arik has stayed put in LA, well no, he did move to a different apartment but just across the courtyard.
Mark went to Tehachapi, CA for a summer job with a publishing company. The publishing company offered him a full time job if he would move to Carson City, NV. - he decided to make the move. He enjoys the beauty of the mountains and is looking forward to the skiing.
There were a few other happenings during the year:
Feb. - a dental trip to Chicago. There we renewed friendships with Dr. Paul Thomas whom we hadn't seen since we left the Air Force in Harlingen, TX in 1960. That was fun!
Mar. - a dental trip to Boston, also heard the Boston Symphony.
July - a short genealogical trip to Madison, and Portage Co., Wis.
Aug. - a weekend in Windom, quietly observing the folk's 65th Wedding Anniversary. [Then] a week in Rochester while Mom had open heart surgery at St. Mary's She said at Thanksgiving when we were there that she is finally beginning to feel like herself again.
Sept. - back to Windom for Labor Day weekend for Dad's 90th Birthday Bash. Eleven of his fifteen grandchildren and four of his 10 great grandchildren were there plus all us "kids" and out spouses.
The usual football games, a few concerts, Nordic Fest, Sander family reunion, monthly circle and book club meetings all keep us out of mischief.
In all this busyness, may we never forget the reason why we are celebrating what our "politically correct" school system calls Winter Holiday, but what we know is really the Birth of our Savior!
Merry Christmas!
Another year, another letter - we've enjoyed the cards and letters we have received thus far, so here goes:
The packages hae been mailed to Guam. Yes, the girls are both still there, though if they get many more typhoons, Jené and John may decide to come back to the states. Those storms are scary; maybe it's more the anticipation as they listen for or watch its approach. This is the 4th year John and Jené have been teaching there and they enjoy most of it. John is head wrestling coach as well as business teacher at Geo. Washington H.S. This year Jené has a desk job (pushing papers, she says) still in Special Education - the stresses have only changed. They think now they will stay one more year since Dawn and Bob will be there that long.
Bob will become CO [Commanding Officer] of the Squadron next June. We have been invited to come over for that ceremony, so we might try to visit Guam again. Dawn keeps busy - she is home-schooling Heather (age 8) again. Andy (nearly 5) is going to Pre-school, but he says he'd just as soon stay home for his schooling, too.
Dawn, Heather and Andy were here with us in May while Bob was taking care of some schooling. We had such fun - the house got too quiet when they left on the 30th to meet Bob in LA and fly out to Guam.
We still chuckle when we think about Andy: one day Vince lightly reprimanded him at the breakfast table for dropping (or throwing?) food on the floor. Sensitive Andy sat quietly and soberly considered that for several seconds and then quietly said, "Some day I'm going to be big, Grandpa."
John and Jené came to spend (John's sister was getting married in August) the summer here and with John's family and friends in the Mason City area. They went with us on a drive around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That is a pretty part of the country!
The packages are ready to be mailed to the boys. Arik has stayed put in LA, well no, he did move to a different apartment but just across the courtyard.
Mark went to Tehachapi, CA for a summer job with a publishing company. The publishing company offered him a full time job if he would move to Carson City, NV. - he decided to make the move. He enjoys the beauty of the mountains and is looking forward to the skiing.
There were a few other happenings during the year:
Feb. - a dental trip to Chicago. There we renewed friendships with Dr. Paul Thomas whom we hadn't seen since we left the Air Force in Harlingen, TX in 1960. That was fun!
Mar. - a dental trip to Boston, also heard the Boston Symphony.
July - a short genealogical trip to Madison, and Portage Co., Wis.
Aug. - a weekend in Windom, quietly observing the folk's 65th Wedding Anniversary. [Then] a week in Rochester while Mom had open heart surgery at St. Mary's She said at Thanksgiving when we were there that she is finally beginning to feel like herself again.
Sept. - back to Windom for Labor Day weekend for Dad's 90th Birthday Bash. Eleven of his fifteen grandchildren and four of his 10 great grandchildren were there plus all us "kids" and out spouses.
The usual football games, a few concerts, Nordic Fest, Sander family reunion, monthly circle and book club meetings all keep us out of mischief.
In all this busyness, may we never forget the reason why we are celebrating what our "politically correct" school system calls Winter Holiday, but what we know is really the Birth of our Savior!
Friday, April 8, 2011
1991
December, 1991
It's time to catch up with those we see or hear from once or twice a year. It's rather a paradox - some of the events seem to have been a long time ago, and yet the months have gone by so quickly.
We have had a couple of trips: in March we visited our 2 daughters, our 2 sons-in-law, and our 2 grandchildren for 10 days who then were living in Guam. What a lo-o-ong flight! We broke it up a little by staying with Arik in LA a couple of days on each end of the trip. Guam is a nice, warm, interesting place to visit. We spent time on the beach, saw WWII historical sites, and played with the kids. (Actually, Dawn's husband, Bob wasn't there - the Navy was still in the Persian Gulf and he was over there.) Dawn and Bob, Heather and Andy moved to northern Japan last summer but will move back to Guam the first part of June (as orders stand now).
Jené and John are still teaching in Guam and will most likely stay for one more year. But they are beginning to get lonesome for the States. They are in their 3rd year of teaching over there. Last summer they visited Hong Kong. I think next summer they hope to get to Australia. And they are trying to get up to Japan for Christmas.
Towards the end of April we went to Acapulco for a dental meeting. It was interesting, very hot, fun to see people only seen at such meetings.
Dawn, Bob and the kids were here on leave the first part of June. When Bob found out that housing in Japan wasn't immediately available, he decided to go on ahead - Dawn and the kids stayed here through July. What fun we had! I guess I really spoiled Andy - he wouldn't let anyone else do anything for him. Heather is a neat little lady - she reads to me now. Dawn home-schooled her first 2 years, but this year she's enrolled in second grade and having a good time.
Arik and Miranda popped in for a visit in September. I knew they were coming but it was a surprise for Vince for his birthday. He was surprised!
Mark lives the closest, still teaching in Decatur, IL. so we get to see him oftener. He probably thinks it's up to him to keep us from getting too lonesome.
We didn't go to any genealogical-type meetings this year, so to meet any 3rd or 4th cousins; but I did meet Helene Furst with whom I have been corresponding, at the Nordic Fest in Decorah (she's a 4th cousin on my mom's side). And one day I got a phone call from a 3rd or 4th cousin (in-law) who was visiting relatives in Iowa City so I got a chance to meet her. I have also been writing to her. Another phone call led to meeting a second cousin on my dad's side, (they were going through Iowa City on their way home). That's one of the most fun results of doing family history!
It's time to catch up with those we see or hear from once or twice a year. It's rather a paradox - some of the events seem to have been a long time ago, and yet the months have gone by so quickly.
We have had a couple of trips: in March we visited our 2 daughters, our 2 sons-in-law, and our 2 grandchildren for 10 days who then were living in Guam. What a lo-o-ong flight! We broke it up a little by staying with Arik in LA a couple of days on each end of the trip. Guam is a nice, warm, interesting place to visit. We spent time on the beach, saw WWII historical sites, and played with the kids. (Actually, Dawn's husband, Bob wasn't there - the Navy was still in the Persian Gulf and he was over there.) Dawn and Bob, Heather and Andy moved to northern Japan last summer but will move back to Guam the first part of June (as orders stand now).
Jené and John are still teaching in Guam and will most likely stay for one more year. But they are beginning to get lonesome for the States. They are in their 3rd year of teaching over there. Last summer they visited Hong Kong. I think next summer they hope to get to Australia. And they are trying to get up to Japan for Christmas.
Towards the end of April we went to Acapulco for a dental meeting. It was interesting, very hot, fun to see people only seen at such meetings.
Dawn, Bob and the kids were here on leave the first part of June. When Bob found out that housing in Japan wasn't immediately available, he decided to go on ahead - Dawn and the kids stayed here through July. What fun we had! I guess I really spoiled Andy - he wouldn't let anyone else do anything for him. Heather is a neat little lady - she reads to me now. Dawn home-schooled her first 2 years, but this year she's enrolled in second grade and having a good time.
Arik and Miranda popped in for a visit in September. I knew they were coming but it was a surprise for Vince for his birthday. He was surprised!
Mark lives the closest, still teaching in Decatur, IL. so we get to see him oftener. He probably thinks it's up to him to keep us from getting too lonesome.
We didn't go to any genealogical-type meetings this year, so to meet any 3rd or 4th cousins; but I did meet Helene Furst with whom I have been corresponding, at the Nordic Fest in Decorah (she's a 4th cousin on my mom's side). And one day I got a phone call from a 3rd or 4th cousin (in-law) who was visiting relatives in Iowa City so I got a chance to meet her. I have also been writing to her. Another phone call led to meeting a second cousin on my dad's side, (they were going through Iowa City on their way home). That's one of the most fun results of doing family history!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
1990
December 1990
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas greetings are beginning to arrive and we enjoy them all - it is so good to keep in touch.
In fact, this past year could be summarized by our various 'visits':
In January, Willis and Norma Wangsness came to visit and it was like old times in Decorah - we or they going across the street for a cup of coffee and chatter.
In February, and again in May, we made the trip to Decorah, visiting with relatives as we attended the funerals of cousins Fred Rosenthal and Arnold Hexom.
March was Vince's dental trip to Cincinnati - that gave me a chance to visit with Charlotte Lee, who drove down from Dayton (What a friend!) each day to help me sight see, and to talk. It was so much fun!
Vince took his annual fishing trip in May, so I trekked off to Windom to visit my folks, and other relatives. That's getting to be a tradition and fun to have more time than just a weekend.
Jené and John came from Guam in June for a 6-week visit. Trying to see both parents, all their friends, and other relatives kept them on the run. It was good to see them and to hear about their teaching experiences. While they were up at John's folks, sis Sharon and her family and we drove a rented RV out to the East Coast. My, what visiting went on day and night. We were typical tourists trying to see way too much in too short a time. We glimpsed D.C., Phillie, Cape Cod, Boston, some of the Maine coastline, upper N.H., Vermont, N.Y., through Niagara Falls and back home, in some less than 2 weeks.
Jené and John had met Arik and Miranda at the airport, so they were all at the house when we got back (this was July 5). We repacked, and loaded 2 cars and headed for a few days at the Minnesota resort we have gone to since the kids were little. There we had time to lay around, fish a little, swim a little, read a little, and visit through it all. But Arik and Miranda only had a week, so it was back to L.A. for them.
We went to the Nordic Fest the end of July - that's a given - but this time we went via Minneapolis. John and Jené flew out from there back to Guam on Saturday morning, so we saw them off before going to Decorah.
Mark spent the summer in a little town in the mountains near Denver doing theater. He loved the mountain scenery and showed us around when Sharon and I flew out for a weekend. We also got to see all three of the plays he was in, a different one each night. And we included in the visit a few hours with brother Gordon and Shirley and some of their family.
I also went to Windom in August, this time to share in Mom's birthday observance. Both my sisters were there, as well as cousins, so it was a good visit. (I forgot a weekend in June when we went to Windom for the All-Class Reunion. Over 30 from my class were there!)
Vince's brother Spence came to visit in September. He was here a few days, visited his daughter Lanita in Joliet, 1L. and his grandchildren, and spent time in Decorah, Calmar, Mason City. He even got to see the Iowa State (he grad. from there) Iowa football game while he was here. We made a trip to La Crosse, Wis. in September for the Romerike Stevne (a convention of descendants of immigrants from Romerike, Norway) and while there met and visited with Bob Moe, a 2nd cousin of Vince's who now lives in California but grew up in the Fort Dodge area. Doing family history brings new connections, and that is fun.
October brought some other visitors - Dawn, Heather and Andy came from Guam (Bob was too busy to get away). It had been over a year since we had seen them so we really enjoyed it. The kids have grown and changed: Andy talks a blue streak, giggles and laughs and enjoys life. Heather is getting to be a little lady, looks upon herself as Andy's protector (if he needs it). Dawn is 'home-schooling' her, so the daily lessons came along. They went out to PA to see Bob's folks, too; I'm sure the time was too short for them, too. They even got to see a bit of snow before they flew out of the Minneapolis airport the first part of November.
Now we are into Advent and eagerly listen for the telling of the visits of the Angels, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men as they and we worship and adore the Child whose birth we celebrate!
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas greetings are beginning to arrive and we enjoy them all - it is so good to keep in touch.
In fact, this past year could be summarized by our various 'visits':
In January, Willis and Norma Wangsness came to visit and it was like old times in Decorah - we or they going across the street for a cup of coffee and chatter.
In February, and again in May, we made the trip to Decorah, visiting with relatives as we attended the funerals of cousins Fred Rosenthal and Arnold Hexom.
March was Vince's dental trip to Cincinnati - that gave me a chance to visit with Charlotte Lee, who drove down from Dayton (What a friend!) each day to help me sight see, and to talk. It was so much fun!
Vince took his annual fishing trip in May, so I trekked off to Windom to visit my folks, and other relatives. That's getting to be a tradition and fun to have more time than just a weekend.
Jené and John came from Guam in June for a 6-week visit. Trying to see both parents, all their friends, and other relatives kept them on the run. It was good to see them and to hear about their teaching experiences. While they were up at John's folks, sis Sharon and her family and we drove a rented RV out to the East Coast. My, what visiting went on day and night. We were typical tourists trying to see way too much in too short a time. We glimpsed D.C., Phillie, Cape Cod, Boston, some of the Maine coastline, upper N.H., Vermont, N.Y., through Niagara Falls and back home, in some less than 2 weeks.
Jené and John had met Arik and Miranda at the airport, so they were all at the house when we got back (this was July 5). We repacked, and loaded 2 cars and headed for a few days at the Minnesota resort we have gone to since the kids were little. There we had time to lay around, fish a little, swim a little, read a little, and visit through it all. But Arik and Miranda only had a week, so it was back to L.A. for them.
We went to the Nordic Fest the end of July - that's a given - but this time we went via Minneapolis. John and Jené flew out from there back to Guam on Saturday morning, so we saw them off before going to Decorah.
Mark spent the summer in a little town in the mountains near Denver doing theater. He loved the mountain scenery and showed us around when Sharon and I flew out for a weekend. We also got to see all three of the plays he was in, a different one each night. And we included in the visit a few hours with brother Gordon and Shirley and some of their family.
I also went to Windom in August, this time to share in Mom's birthday observance. Both my sisters were there, as well as cousins, so it was a good visit. (I forgot a weekend in June when we went to Windom for the All-Class Reunion. Over 30 from my class were there!)
Vince's brother Spence came to visit in September. He was here a few days, visited his daughter Lanita in Joliet, 1L. and his grandchildren, and spent time in Decorah, Calmar, Mason City. He even got to see the Iowa State (he grad. from there) Iowa football game while he was here. We made a trip to La Crosse, Wis. in September for the Romerike Stevne (a convention of descendants of immigrants from Romerike, Norway) and while there met and visited with Bob Moe, a 2nd cousin of Vince's who now lives in California but grew up in the Fort Dodge area. Doing family history brings new connections, and that is fun.
October brought some other visitors - Dawn, Heather and Andy came from Guam (Bob was too busy to get away). It had been over a year since we had seen them so we really enjoyed it. The kids have grown and changed: Andy talks a blue streak, giggles and laughs and enjoys life. Heather is getting to be a little lady, looks upon herself as Andy's protector (if he needs it). Dawn is 'home-schooling' her, so the daily lessons came along. They went out to PA to see Bob's folks, too; I'm sure the time was too short for them, too. They even got to see a bit of snow before they flew out of the Minneapolis airport the first part of November.
Now we are into Advent and eagerly listen for the telling of the visits of the Angels, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men as they and we worship and adore the Child whose birth we celebrate!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
1989
Dear family and friends,
If you want to read an uplifting, depressing, sad, and joyful little book, try Edna Hong's Bright Valley of Love. I've read it at the beginning of Advent for 4 years and cry, and get angry, and laugh, and become more determined to "love my neighbor" each time I read it. There is one place where a young boy has discovered "there's a crack in everything!" so what's the good of Christmas anyway? The answer given him is that's just the reason that Christ was born - because there is a crack in everything!
We've had some exciting times this past year:
Vince had a dental meeting in San Francisco last March. Mark and I went along - we went sightseeing while Vince attended meetings. Arik flew up and joined us for a weekend. We took an additional week of vacation (Spring Break) rented a car and drove down to L.A. Stayed with Arik, lollygagged around the pool at his apartment, enjoyed the warm weather. (This year the March meeting is in Cincinnati.)
On June 10, Jené married John Daub. It was a pretty day and a beautiful service. She was so well organized we were able to have Dawn's 2 little kids stay with us the 2 weeks before the wedding. Dawn and Bob were busy packing, sorting, etc. in preparation for a new assignment. We were especially glad to have Heather and Andy here since they moved so far away - they are now living on Guam, moving there the middle of July. What is even more strange is that Jené and John both got teaching contracts on Guam, and they left for there the first days of August. We hope to visit all of them some time.
Bob has been back in the states on temporary duty and was with us for Thanksgiving - he brought along a videotape, so we got to see and hear the kids, some of their activities, the house Dawn and Bob have, and Jene and John's apartment, as well as some of the island's beaches, historic spots, scenery. That was fun.
We helped my mom celebrate her 80th birthday at Windom in August. She didn't want a big "to-do" and though we threatened to do it anyway, we decided to mind her and just had a small family affair.
These were the major events and changes - Mark is still teaching at Millikin Univ. Decatur, IL; Arik is still working as asst. manager of an auto junk yard in L.A.; and Vince is still teaching at the Dental College.
The Christmas cards and letters have started to arrive. We saw the Nutcracker last week, and went to the Dept. Christmas party. The Madrigal Dinner is next on the calendar and then the Norse Club Smorgasbord. I think the Norwegians have a better idea - they do all the preparations the days before Christmas; then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the church and family observances, and then for the next 12 to 20 days are all the parties.
May your Christmas be joyous and meaningful, "for unto to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord."
If you want to read an uplifting, depressing, sad, and joyful little book, try Edna Hong's Bright Valley of Love. I've read it at the beginning of Advent for 4 years and cry, and get angry, and laugh, and become more determined to "love my neighbor" each time I read it. There is one place where a young boy has discovered "there's a crack in everything!" so what's the good of Christmas anyway? The answer given him is that's just the reason that Christ was born - because there is a crack in everything!
We've had some exciting times this past year:
Vince had a dental meeting in San Francisco last March. Mark and I went along - we went sightseeing while Vince attended meetings. Arik flew up and joined us for a weekend. We took an additional week of vacation (Spring Break) rented a car and drove down to L.A. Stayed with Arik, lollygagged around the pool at his apartment, enjoyed the warm weather. (This year the March meeting is in Cincinnati.)
On June 10, Jené married John Daub. It was a pretty day and a beautiful service. She was so well organized we were able to have Dawn's 2 little kids stay with us the 2 weeks before the wedding. Dawn and Bob were busy packing, sorting, etc. in preparation for a new assignment. We were especially glad to have Heather and Andy here since they moved so far away - they are now living on Guam, moving there the middle of July. What is even more strange is that Jené and John both got teaching contracts on Guam, and they left for there the first days of August. We hope to visit all of them some time.
Bob has been back in the states on temporary duty and was with us for Thanksgiving - he brought along a videotape, so we got to see and hear the kids, some of their activities, the house Dawn and Bob have, and Jene and John's apartment, as well as some of the island's beaches, historic spots, scenery. That was fun.
We helped my mom celebrate her 80th birthday at Windom in August. She didn't want a big "to-do" and though we threatened to do it anyway, we decided to mind her and just had a small family affair.
These were the major events and changes - Mark is still teaching at Millikin Univ. Decatur, IL; Arik is still working as asst. manager of an auto junk yard in L.A.; and Vince is still teaching at the Dental College.
The Christmas cards and letters have started to arrive. We saw the Nutcracker last week, and went to the Dept. Christmas party. The Madrigal Dinner is next on the calendar and then the Norse Club Smorgasbord. I think the Norwegians have a better idea - they do all the preparations the days before Christmas; then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the church and family observances, and then for the next 12 to 20 days are all the parties.
May your Christmas be joyous and meaningful, "for unto to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord."
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
1988
14 December 1988
Merry Christmas! It is with hesitant anticipation that I approach Advent and Christmas. I enjoy the extra baking, the shopping, the card-mailing and receiving, the get-togethers and parties; the concerts, Madrigal dinner, the decorations and lights; but is that what God intended? Can all that be combined with the Worship and Adoration of the Christ-Child? Perhaps so, as long as we remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
January - a couple of trips to Mpls-St. Paul - Vince was considering a change of location but decided against it so we are still here in Iowa.
February - I flew to Charleston, S.C. to entertain Heather and help her welcome her new brother. Andrew Keith was born February 14.
March - Jené, Vince and I drove to S.C. during Spring Break - Grandpa had to see that new grandson, too. We also had a trip to Montreal for a Dental Meeting.
June - 2 weeks at a lake in Mn., my sisters and families, my folks, Arik and Jené joining us for the first week. Dawn and Bob, Heather and Andy there for most of both weeks. Bob's new orders were to report to Fort Leavenworth, KS July 1. It's been fun having them so close - we've seen them at least every month.
August - spent a week at Windom with the folks - visiting relatives, etc. Looked up a high school classmate (I hadn't seen her since our 5-yr. reunion) one day on our way to visit my sister in Mankato. My cousin (Mom's 1st cousin) gave me some letters in Norwegian written by my gr. gr. grandfather to his son, my gr. grandfather. What fun to have!
Sept., Oct., Nov., - football games, concerts: we've heard Moscow Symphony, Marvin Hamlisch, Robert Goulet in South Pacific, Debbie Reynolds, Canadian Brass, Mark Williams in Oklahoma!, among others.
Our kids:
Dawn, Bob, Heather and Andy will be in Kansas until June 1, then maybe heading for Guam. We've never visited Guam.
Mark - received his DMA in Voice Performance at U of I, Champaign, Ill. presently teaching at Millikin Univ., Decatur.
Arik - still living and working in LA - hopes to get home in June.
Jené - practice teaching next semester; graduating from UNI in May, marrying John Daub in June - both of them hoping to find teaching positions.
Merry Christmas! It is with hesitant anticipation that I approach Advent and Christmas. I enjoy the extra baking, the shopping, the card-mailing and receiving, the get-togethers and parties; the concerts, Madrigal dinner, the decorations and lights; but is that what God intended? Can all that be combined with the Worship and Adoration of the Christ-Child? Perhaps so, as long as we remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
January - a couple of trips to Mpls-St. Paul - Vince was considering a change of location but decided against it so we are still here in Iowa.
February - I flew to Charleston, S.C. to entertain Heather and help her welcome her new brother. Andrew Keith was born February 14.
March - Jené, Vince and I drove to S.C. during Spring Break - Grandpa had to see that new grandson, too. We also had a trip to Montreal for a Dental Meeting.
June - 2 weeks at a lake in Mn., my sisters and families, my folks, Arik and Jené joining us for the first week. Dawn and Bob, Heather and Andy there for most of both weeks. Bob's new orders were to report to Fort Leavenworth, KS July 1. It's been fun having them so close - we've seen them at least every month.
August - spent a week at Windom with the folks - visiting relatives, etc. Looked up a high school classmate (I hadn't seen her since our 5-yr. reunion) one day on our way to visit my sister in Mankato. My cousin (Mom's 1st cousin) gave me some letters in Norwegian written by my gr. gr. grandfather to his son, my gr. grandfather. What fun to have!
Sept., Oct., Nov., - football games, concerts: we've heard Moscow Symphony, Marvin Hamlisch, Robert Goulet in South Pacific, Debbie Reynolds, Canadian Brass, Mark Williams in Oklahoma!, among others.
Our kids:
Dawn, Bob, Heather and Andy will be in Kansas until June 1, then maybe heading for Guam. We've never visited Guam.
Mark - received his DMA in Voice Performance at U of I, Champaign, Ill. presently teaching at Millikin Univ., Decatur.
Arik - still living and working in LA - hopes to get home in June.
Jené - practice teaching next semester; graduating from UNI in May, marrying John Daub in June - both of them hoping to find teaching positions.
Monday, April 4, 2011
1987
December 16, 1987
Dear __________
On a Saturday about 3 weeks ago, we stood in a cold, wet rain eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the King of Norway as he drove through the streets of Decorah. The thought has struck me: do we wait as eagerly now as, we approach the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings! May your Celebration be especially meaningful to you (and to us) this joyful season.
Just a brief summary of where our kids are: well, come to think of it, it will be brief. They are all still where they were last year. Maybe by next year there will be a couple of changes. We visited Dawn and Bob and Heather in Charleston, S.C. last March, and we made a short trip to L.A. to see Arik this fall. It's fun to be able to see them in your mind instead of just imagining what their homes are like, etc. We have been to Mark and Amy's a couple of times at Champaign, and see Jené oftener - she's the closest and is enjoying her college work.
Guess August was both the saddest and the "gladdest" month. Vince's brother Lyle died from lunq cancer - he had fouqht it bravely for 2 1/2 years. Fortunately, we had been to Salt Lake in July to see Lyle and Exene, and Linda and family and had some good visits. We flew out for his memorial service August 17-18.
And then the following weekend drove to Windom to help my folks celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. We made it a Blakey reunion and all of the folks' descendants were there, includinq 15 qrandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. We spent most of Saturday together visiting and eating, and eating and visiting. On Sunday, we filled 4 pews at morning worship, and at noon nearly filled an upper room of a restaurant where Dad treated us to dinner. In the afternoon, the folks greeted 160 friends and relatives at an Open House. My only reqret is that the weekend went too fast, and the time for visiting was too short. Next time we will have to add another day. Shall we plan it for their 65th or 70th? It really was such fun!
Merry Christmas,
Dear __________
On a Saturday about 3 weeks ago, we stood in a cold, wet rain eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the King of Norway as he drove through the streets of Decorah. The thought has struck me: do we wait as eagerly now as, we approach the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings! May your Celebration be especially meaningful to you (and to us) this joyful season.
Just a brief summary of where our kids are: well, come to think of it, it will be brief. They are all still where they were last year. Maybe by next year there will be a couple of changes. We visited Dawn and Bob and Heather in Charleston, S.C. last March, and we made a short trip to L.A. to see Arik this fall. It's fun to be able to see them in your mind instead of just imagining what their homes are like, etc. We have been to Mark and Amy's a couple of times at Champaign, and see Jené oftener - she's the closest and is enjoying her college work.
Guess August was both the saddest and the "gladdest" month. Vince's brother Lyle died from lunq cancer - he had fouqht it bravely for 2 1/2 years. Fortunately, we had been to Salt Lake in July to see Lyle and Exene, and Linda and family and had some good visits. We flew out for his memorial service August 17-18.
And then the following weekend drove to Windom to help my folks celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. We made it a Blakey reunion and all of the folks' descendants were there, includinq 15 qrandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. We spent most of Saturday together visiting and eating, and eating and visiting. On Sunday, we filled 4 pews at morning worship, and at noon nearly filled an upper room of a restaurant where Dad treated us to dinner. In the afternoon, the folks greeted 160 friends and relatives at an Open House. My only reqret is that the weekend went too fast, and the time for visiting was too short. Next time we will have to add another day. Shall we plan it for their 65th or 70th? It really was such fun!
Merry Christmas,
Sunday, April 3, 2011
1986
9 December 1986
Dear __________
Last night I read about 70 Christmas letters and cards - no, I haven't received that many already this year. I was re-reading the ones we received last year. We were so involved with the details of our Norway trip at this time last year that it was good to read them again.
Norway - it is impossible to describe our trip in a 'brief' letter but I will try to give a few observations. We had a great trip! We also had frustrations! It is much different to visit a beautiful country for a couple of weeks than to live within its culture for five months - not that we would give up the experience - we wouldn't. But next time we will be prepared for the cultural shock. I think the most difficult part for me was the language barrier. You turn on the TV and you can't understand it. You pick up a newspaper and you can't read it. You answer the telephone and can't understand the caller. You go to church and can't understand the hymns, prayers, sermon or Scriptures. And on and on. Vince got along quite well. Most of the time, he understood at least the gist of the conversations. Most of the time the conversations went over my head. [Handwritten note: By the way, visit Norway in the summertime.]
But we had a great trip! The highlight was meeting "family" - third, fourth, fifth or sixth cousins. In particular, one distant cousin of Vince's outdid himself in Norwegian hospitality. We were invited to their home many times; he took us to the church where Vince's forebears were baptized, married, and buried. He showed us the farms that they lived on and in some cases where family still lives. They shared with us their Syttende Mai (May 17) celebration. They invited us to a day in their hyyte (cabin) on the Oslofjord.
Other relatives also opened their homes to us, some in Oslo or the suburbs, and some out in the scenic countryside. On one farm which used to be in the family but is now owned by strangers, we were invited in and treated to kaffe and smultringer (donuts) while they tried to help us find out if there were any relations still in the area. As I said - all these visits were indeed the highlight of our trip.
We returned to Iowa City on June 12, having left Norway on May 22. We drove through Denmark, Germany, and then over to England before flying out from London. The typical American tourists: we tried to see too much in too short a time, and hope we have another opportunity to take more time to see some of those beautiful places.
Life is back to normal, whatever that is. Jené is back at UNI and enjoying it. Arik is working in California and planning on attending USC at Northridge next semester. Mark and Amy are at Champaign - Amy has completed her Master's and Mark is still at work on his Doctorate. We go see them every once in a while. Dawn and Heather spent 3 weeks with us in September - Bob has been on the J.F.Kennedy carrier in the Mediterranean since August, but will be back in a couple of months.
A Blessed Christmas!
Dear __________
Last night I read about 70 Christmas letters and cards - no, I haven't received that many already this year. I was re-reading the ones we received last year. We were so involved with the details of our Norway trip at this time last year that it was good to read them again.
Norway - it is impossible to describe our trip in a 'brief' letter but I will try to give a few observations. We had a great trip! We also had frustrations! It is much different to visit a beautiful country for a couple of weeks than to live within its culture for five months - not that we would give up the experience - we wouldn't. But next time we will be prepared for the cultural shock. I think the most difficult part for me was the language barrier. You turn on the TV and you can't understand it. You pick up a newspaper and you can't read it. You answer the telephone and can't understand the caller. You go to church and can't understand the hymns, prayers, sermon or Scriptures. And on and on. Vince got along quite well. Most of the time, he understood at least the gist of the conversations. Most of the time the conversations went over my head. [Handwritten note: By the way, visit Norway in the summertime.]
But we had a great trip! The highlight was meeting "family" - third, fourth, fifth or sixth cousins. In particular, one distant cousin of Vince's outdid himself in Norwegian hospitality. We were invited to their home many times; he took us to the church where Vince's forebears were baptized, married, and buried. He showed us the farms that they lived on and in some cases where family still lives. They shared with us their Syttende Mai (May 17) celebration. They invited us to a day in their hyyte (cabin) on the Oslofjord.
Other relatives also opened their homes to us, some in Oslo or the suburbs, and some out in the scenic countryside. On one farm which used to be in the family but is now owned by strangers, we were invited in and treated to kaffe and smultringer (donuts) while they tried to help us find out if there were any relations still in the area. As I said - all these visits were indeed the highlight of our trip.
We returned to Iowa City on June 12, having left Norway on May 22. We drove through Denmark, Germany, and then over to England before flying out from London. The typical American tourists: we tried to see too much in too short a time, and hope we have another opportunity to take more time to see some of those beautiful places.
Life is back to normal, whatever that is. Jené is back at UNI and enjoying it. Arik is working in California and planning on attending USC at Northridge next semester. Mark and Amy are at Champaign - Amy has completed her Master's and Mark is still at work on his Doctorate. We go see them every once in a while. Dawn and Heather spent 3 weeks with us in September - Bob has been on the J.F.Kennedy carrier in the Mediterranean since August, but will be back in a couple of months.
A Blessed Christmas!
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
Friday, April 1, 2011
1984
16 December 1984
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This letter is being written as we drive along the Interstate between Champaign, Ill. and Iowa City. We spent the weekend with Mark and Amy. They are both back in school at the University of Illinois - Amy working on a master's and Mark on his doctorate. (We did enjoy seeing Mark in several shows during their stay in Chicago, but for several reasons they decided to make the move.)
Dawn and Bob were here for Thanksgiving, bringing little Heather Marie. It was the first time Vince had seen his granddaughter (I had been out to Alexandria in Sept. when she and Dawn came home from the hospital). Mark and Amy came to meet her, too, as did my folks. Jené was home so the only one of the immediate family who hasn't met her is Arik. It was a fun week!
Arik moved to Calif. in September - he is living in N. Hollywood, working for a moving company - establishing residency, I think. He will be flying in tomorrow night to spend the holidays here. He didn't take his car so plans to drive it back there this time.
Jené is in her first year at Univ. of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls. It is 1ess than a 2-hour drive but she has been home only a couple of times, besides Thanksgiving. It sounds like she is enjoying college!
We have had some fun trips this year - besides our 3 or 4 trips into Chicago. We went to Dallas last March for a dental meeting - had supper one evening with my niece, Lez, her husband and family. Another niece, Lisa and her husband were there, too. They both live in Dallas suburbs. Another afternoon we visited fast and furiously with Eleanor Bynoe. She has now gotten her master's from South Western Baptist Seminary, Ft. Worth, and at present is seeking a job. It was interesting to hear her appreciation of Pres. Reagan's action in Grenada: "The support from the U.S. is our security!"
In July we drove out to Salt Lake City to visit Lyle and Exene (Vince's bro. and wife) and Linda (Vince's niece) and Steve and their boys. It had been years since we had been there. We drove home via Denver and spent July 4 with my brother Gordon and his family. Met a nephew-in-law, and a grand niece and nephew, too - it had been awhile since we'd seen them, too.
The following weeek was spent at a lake in Mn. with my 2 sisters and their families. Dawn and Bob flew in to join us for that week - a good time was had by all (in spite of Mn.'s state bird, the mosquito). We drove to Windom from the lake to attend my high school class reunion. It is always fun to compare notes at those affairs.
The annual Nordic Fest in Decorah, my trip to Wash., D.C. in Sept. and a weekend to Windom in October completed our travels for the year. We were hoping the Hawks would give us a trip to the Rose Bowl, but their last couple of games were disappointing. They are going to the Freedom Bowl at Anaheim, but the day after Christmas doesn't work out well.
Weather permitting, we will be in Mankato for Christmas Eve and Day. If today's weather keeps up, it would be no problem - it is 60, bright and sunshiny! We have had a couple slight snowfalls, nothing lasting so far.
Though we pray for "peace on earth, good will to men," Christ only promises us His peace within, available in the midst of any earthly circumstance. May that peace be ours this Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This letter is being written as we drive along the Interstate between Champaign, Ill. and Iowa City. We spent the weekend with Mark and Amy. They are both back in school at the University of Illinois - Amy working on a master's and Mark on his doctorate. (We did enjoy seeing Mark in several shows during their stay in Chicago, but for several reasons they decided to make the move.)
Dawn and Bob were here for Thanksgiving, bringing little Heather Marie. It was the first time Vince had seen his granddaughter (I had been out to Alexandria in Sept. when she and Dawn came home from the hospital). Mark and Amy came to meet her, too, as did my folks. Jené was home so the only one of the immediate family who hasn't met her is Arik. It was a fun week!
Arik moved to Calif. in September - he is living in N. Hollywood, working for a moving company - establishing residency, I think. He will be flying in tomorrow night to spend the holidays here. He didn't take his car so plans to drive it back there this time.
Jené is in her first year at Univ. of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls. It is 1ess than a 2-hour drive but she has been home only a couple of times, besides Thanksgiving. It sounds like she is enjoying college!
We have had some fun trips this year - besides our 3 or 4 trips into Chicago. We went to Dallas last March for a dental meeting - had supper one evening with my niece, Lez, her husband and family. Another niece, Lisa and her husband were there, too. They both live in Dallas suburbs. Another afternoon we visited fast and furiously with Eleanor Bynoe. She has now gotten her master's from South Western Baptist Seminary, Ft. Worth, and at present is seeking a job. It was interesting to hear her appreciation of Pres. Reagan's action in Grenada: "The support from the U.S. is our security!"
In July we drove out to Salt Lake City to visit Lyle and Exene (Vince's bro. and wife) and Linda (Vince's niece) and Steve and their boys. It had been years since we had been there. We drove home via Denver and spent July 4 with my brother Gordon and his family. Met a nephew-in-law, and a grand niece and nephew, too - it had been awhile since we'd seen them, too.
The following weeek was spent at a lake in Mn. with my 2 sisters and their families. Dawn and Bob flew in to join us for that week - a good time was had by all (in spite of Mn.'s state bird, the mosquito). We drove to Windom from the lake to attend my high school class reunion. It is always fun to compare notes at those affairs.
The annual Nordic Fest in Decorah, my trip to Wash., D.C. in Sept. and a weekend to Windom in October completed our travels for the year. We were hoping the Hawks would give us a trip to the Rose Bowl, but their last couple of games were disappointing. They are going to the Freedom Bowl at Anaheim, but the day after Christmas doesn't work out well.
Weather permitting, we will be in Mankato for Christmas Eve and Day. If today's weather keeps up, it would be no problem - it is 60, bright and sunshiny! We have had a couple slight snowfalls, nothing lasting so far.
Though we pray for "peace on earth, good will to men," Christ only promises us His peace within, available in the midst of any earthly circumstance. May that peace be ours this Christmas!
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