I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

Psalm 30:11~~"You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."

Good Afternoon, Readers!  I hope this day finds you filled with the joy of life!  I've heard it said that you can never go back home but I totally disagree.  I am blogging from my hometown of Glenwood, Minnesota and finding that part of me that I left behind so many years ago.  As I wander through the streets, there is part of me that yearns to return to the place of my birth.

I was surprised ... my drive northward wasn't as tedious as I thought it would be.  I had plenty of time to listen to talk radio and learn all I could about raising the debt ceiling and balancing the budget.  I am disappointed in the Democrats, disappointed in the Republicans, and appalled at our President.  I'm as guilty as the next person about allowing a specific party to make decisions for me.  At present, I would consider myself an Independent trying to learn as much as I can about political issues and individuals who are speaking for me in Congress.  I wish I would have started being more aware sooner but better sooner than later!

I arrived in Glenwood, MN at 12:30pm last Thursday.  As I approached the hill leading downward to Glenwood, my tummy was in butterflies and I was so in awe at the view of Lake Minnewaska before me.  The little city is so much smaller than I remember it ... I felt like I could stand in the middle of the intersection on Main Street and touch all four corners!  I rang up my sister in law and we met for a bite to eat.  Oh, it was so good to see her!  I followed her out to the farm and got settled in before my brother arrived.  I hugged the stuffing out of him and told him to expect hugs every day til I left.  It is cooler out here in the country and I slept with the window open ... ah, the fresh air!!  The mosquitoes are awful though ... bug spray has become a staple when I leave the house!

I was to meet my friends, Pam and Elaine, for dinner Friday night so I decided to tour the city and take photos before hand.  Not far from my brother's farm, is an Indian Mound.  When settlers came to this area, there were quite a few Indians.  My Aunt Blanche interviewed her grandfather, Anton Pederson, and wrote, "They would usually have their war dance on the hill where the present Glenwood Summer Hotel is now located.  Their war cries, hoots, and banging on pans could be heard for many miles.  At night they would dance around a big fire.  These Indians were not harmful but they frightened the people by their ugly looks and their sly ways.  Many times they would steal grain and food from the settlers and would come almost every day and beg for food."

How do I know this?  I went to the Historical Society and had them copy everything in the files of both sets of great grandparents, my paternal grandparents, and my own family.  What treasures I uncovered!  So much I didn't know ... I am so proud of my heritage I could just shout with joy!!  I look forward to writing more about that.

I ventured around the city snapping photos and reliving special moments.  The mind is an amazing thing ... as soon as I came upon different areas, memories came forth at warp speed!  What a gift this time is for me!!



Dorothy Seidler, Dale Searcy, Elaine Karste, Pam Hoffland

My friend, Elaine, just moved into a condo that has been constructed at the elementary school I attended.  My friend, Pam, divides her time between Minnesota and California and she also met us at Elaine's.  Oh goodness, we hugged and danced around like little kids.  We drove out to Torgy's on the lake for dinner and talked for hours.  We were joined for a few minutes by friend, Dale Searcy and his wife.  You'd think we would have been talked out but heck no, we headed back to the condo for more time together.  Elaine (and Pam too) is a fabulous cook and I've come away with some pretty awesome recipes!

Pam and Dorothy

I asked Pam why she thought that we were still bonded so deeply at 65 and she replied, "Well, we were together for so many years growing up and we knew each other inside and out."  I'm sure that has a lot to do with it but there has to be something more.  Our lives have taken us down different paths but it's like we are kindred spirits redefining our Senior Years and, for whatever reason, it's important that we include each other as we move forward in life.  We're already planning a get together next summer at a lake house for a week.  God willing, we WILL pull this off!

The lake woos me ... I stood on the shores of Lake Minnewaska enthralled at her massive beauty.  I just know I will need to borrow a book from Nancy and spend an afternoon reading while listening to the waves gently lapping at the shore.  I can only imagine what it was like for the first settlers to the area as they topped the hills surrounding the lake and gazed upon the beauty before them. 

Even in a brace, this foot is made for walkin'

Sometimes, we are called upon to take the high road when we'd just as soon fall down in a heap.  That's where choices come in.  God says, "Do the right thing and leave the rest to me."  The human part of me says, "It's impossible ... I can't go on."  I always do though ... step by step ... year by year.  When I chose to shrink and hide, I was the loser.  When I chose to rise above and shine, I was the winner.  I just knew I needed to make this trip to Minnesota.  When the surgeon said my ankle had not healed, my first reaction was, "How can you rig it so I can drive?"  He came up with a driving brace and I was on my way...



Pam Hoffland, Pat Anderson, Bonnie Wagner,
 Jane Hanson, Lynda Neuhalfen, Elaine Karste

Yesterday morning, I got together with more friends for breakfast at Torgy's.  The food was yummy and the company beyond wonderful!  My bestest friend in the whole world in high school drove three and a half hours to spend the day with Elaine, Pam and I.  I saw her and we both felt the years melt away.  I've learned that the most precious gifts are those of time spent with those nearest and dearest to the heart.  Material gifts are often times forgotten but the presence of a friend?  Forever!!

It is Waterama weekend here ... Elaine, Pam, and I ventured down to Lakeside for the festivities (food, water show, lighted pontoon parade, fireworks).  There were storms around us and the wind switched bringing in some cool air.   The statue of Princess Minnewaska was unveiled and families arrived to taste the cheese curds and various and sundry food items.  After touring antique shops and walking miles, we were three tired ladies ... I drove out into the dark countryside hoping to remember where to turn on the gravel roads.  Poor Lily ... she is begging for a nice bath ... I tell her, "Monday!"

Dorothy and Elaine

I slept in this morning.  It is so wonderful to feel the breezes coming in the window.  Roger and Nancy don't have air conditioning on the farm; however, they do have many many fans which is just fine with me!  I feel such peace and do have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!!  I drove into town for breakfast at Elaine's and to say goodbye to her.  That was tough but I know we will do better at staying in touch!

Trisha Pederson and "Aunt" Dorothy

I am now back at the farm and am excited to say that I have connected with my lovely niece, Trisha.  She is so beautiful ... more hugs to give and get!!  I look into the mirror and pinch myself ... how could I be so blessed?!  Every part of my trip has been so very special!  Tonight, I am taking Roger and Nancy out for dinner in Alexandria.  More memory making moments!!

As today unfolds, I cherish every moment, sigh, and look forward to tomorrow.  God willing, I will wake to new opportunities, growth and JOY! 

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!  We'll chat again tomorrow!

Warmth for Cold Hearts

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God has done!

Good Evening, Readers from the state of Missouri!  I am off on a new adventure.  It's been a good many years since I've driven solo from Texas to Minnesota.  I am very excited about reconnecting with family and friends.  Texas has hit records for heat this Summer and it looks like many other areas are in the same boat.  I have much to be grateful for.  More on that later!

Ingratitude ... the subtle temptation to first grow accustomed to ... then to expect ... and, finally, to demand.  Sound familiar?  Life seems quite easy when we walk on easy street ... good jobs, money in the bank, healthy bodies, fiends, family ... no real worries ... just livin' life to the fullest!  In the USA, we have been accustomed to the good life for many years.  Some are still doing that...  For others, those good jobs have dried up, stocks plummeted, and, illness and worries seem to fill the days.  What then?  How do we handle the downturns in life?

When I was reading The Chronicles of the Golden Frontier, I realized something ...  Jason and Jennifer bought a $300,000 house in Denver.  Now prior to 1900, that was some house!  One day, during a severe rainstorm, lightening hit a tree near the house.  The tree fell on the house and everything burned to the ground.  Today, we would just call the fire department then file a report with our insurance.  Yes, we would be devastated; however, because we were insured, our home could be rebuilt.  Not then ... no fire department nor insurance company existed.  The house and it's contents were just plain gone!  We have grown accustomed to having most things in our lives insured ... we expect prompt good service ... and, we demand more than often times we are entitled to.  So much in our lives runs along these lines.  Are we grateful for our insurance or do we take it for granted?  How about our lives as citizens?  We have grown accustomed to being given to ... are our wants becoming demands?  As a nation, in an effort to help our citizens, we have, often times, rewarded poor choices and, in turn, made them irresponsible.  I am all for the individual rights of others; however, I must say, I don't like to pay for the laziness of those who won't work.




There are those living amongst us who have cold hearts ... their glasses are half empty and people are always disappointing them.  They grow bitter and punish rather than work towards reconciliation.  Just turn on the TV ... if there weren't people with hard hearts there would be no need for Dr. Phil, Oprah, Jerry Springer or, yes, even soap operas.  My reading in my Daily Walk Bible was Psalm 78.  I listed 25 things that I was grateful for in 1990, 1995 & 2011.  Interesting, how much the same the lists were and yet how different as well.  Today, I wrote down 25 and wanted to keep on going.  Gone are the days of livin' fancy, gone is the healthy body I once knew, gone are many of the material things I had been grateful for ... in their place, I realize how much I have been blessed that has enriched my heart.  Maybe that is maturity?  I have come to depend on the Lord for my protection and provision ... day by day I have enough and then some!

I have gone through some strange times the past few years.  Often times, I have felt like I have been walking in a desert going through the motions of life with a sort of lost feeling.  I think many people go through this when they finally decide to "retire" from their 8 to 5 jobs.  I've always been a healthy financial contributor to my family and I must admit, I miss that nice paycheck and all the perks that go along with working outside the home.

Having a broken ankle and other various and sundry emergencies drained my cushion in the bank and I was saddened to find my trip to Minnesota in financial jeopardy as well as my physically being unable to drive.  I prayed about it and continued planning for a positive result.  A couple weeks ago, Michael called me and told me that a letter had arrived for me from Metlife Insurance regarding a life insurance policy that my former husband had.  I followed the directions on the letter getting a certified death certificate and telephoned them to make sure they didn't make a mistake.  No mistake ... all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I was blessed with just enough money to make my trip.  I was so humbled ... and, so grateful.  The Lord got my attention on this one!

Tomorrow I will get into Lily and complete my drive to Minnesota.  By this time tomorrow night, I will be hugging the tar out of my brother and sister in law.  My slate is full of things that I want to do but I am open to staying as spontaneous as possible.  You just never when a wonderful memory making moment will arise!

Good night readers!  I pray that your sleep would be restful and I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you!  Instead of counting sheep, count your many blessings!!

 

 

Now the day is over....

Good Evening Readers!  I was outside early this morning to water and it strangely felt like a Fall morning.  It's been so dry and hot here that the big Elm tree in the backyard has been losing it's leaves.  They were floating to the ground, some landing on my head and shoulders.  I sat down and thought, "What a beautiful moment in time!"

My broken ankle has been hurting like the dickens ... I am hoping that means that it is healing.  I have been faithful to wear my boot during the day and wrapping it at night to keep it stabilized.  Since I am at the little casa without a car, I was excited to have Beverly and Don invite me to go with them to the public library here in town.  I signed up for a library card and made my way up and down the aisles.  I was in total awe of the building itself ... it was like taking a walk back in time to the library in the city where I grew up.  Lupe (our contractor for the little casa) did the wood floors in the library and they are beautiful ... I had to bend over and touch them they were so inviting.  There were big overstuffed wing chairs for readers to relax in while reading ... the whirrrrr of the fans was the only sound other than the turn of the pages of books.  I thank God every day for my eyes ... that I am able to read, see the brightness of colors and celebrate all there is to see in my lifetime!!

My cousin, Barbara, has been reading books written by Gilbert L. Morris.  I decided to look to see what was available at the library and was pleased to see several rows of his works.  I selected four books entitled The Chronicles of the Golden Frontier.  The books cover a time span of about fifty years from the gold rush in California in 1849 until 1899.  I devoured the four books in two days, reading while I cooked, reading while I took a bubble bath...  Mr. Morris is a wonderful Christian writer and told of the struggles of the people during that time.  So many folks left good paying jobs, taking their families west to find riches ... gold and silver.  Oddly enough, those that found riches often lost them as fast as they were found and their families became destitute.  Others that traveled west built solid lives enduring hard times and growing in wisdom.  I have always heard, "If you want to know the future, study the past."  I truly believe that.  I thoroughly enjoyed following the development of the main characters: Jason, Jennifer, Abby, Grant, Abe and Lita ... their triumphs, sorrows, and mostly, the faith they found and lived.  I learned about life in a time when there were no telephones, electricity, travel was by train or horseback and communication was by letter or face to face.  With each page turned I became more curious about life in general.

It seems like my days are longer since I haven't been able to be out and about as much as I would like.  I am glad that I have a love of the written word and am able to travel the globe, meet new friends, and learn through the pages of books, magazines, etc.  Tomorrow, I am going to the PAWS shelter to see what I can do to assist there.  My worry is that I would find another pet or two to bring home ... I am really an old softy in the pet arena!

In my Daily Walk Bible I have been muddling through Jeremiah ... I find it hard to concentrate yet, there is wealth in it's chapters and it has been my goal to read and gain as much wisdom as I can from the message.  I was thinking about sin this morning ... We have become so desensitized in our modern times.  Sins that were, at one time, considered unthinkable are first tolerated, then condoned, and, in the end, openly endorsed.  At the end of my day, I always review my thoughts and actions.  I make a list of my daily lapses and the "little sins" in my life that ought to bother me.  Funny (or not so funny), there are times when I tend to justify my little lapses.  In taking inventory, I keep sensitive to my faults that need addressing.  It is so easy to say ... "Well, so and so thinks this is okay for the Christian ... so and so thinks that times have changed and we must accept modern day thinking."  Well, the Bible tells us to take all thoughts captive listening to God's word.  There is danger in substituting Bible reading for Christian author reading.  Satan has a way of using seemingly Christian writers to endorse his wicked way of thinking.  How do you cook a goose?  Well, you put the goose in a pot of cool water then turn up the heat a little at a time.  The goose will not leave the pot of water if it is heated gradually."  I've learned that I need to be careful of who I am listening to...

My friend Beverly gets quite worked up over the hymns played in the bell tower of the courthouse on the square.  I had asked her if we had a Chamber of Commerce here and she replied, "Are you going to go tell them to stop playing those hymns?  You know, separation of church and state?"  I'm not sure where it came from but I looked up and remembered the verse I had read in Jeremiah 15:19 "...You are to influence them, not let them influence you!"  Without hesitation, I replied, "Well, I happen to love being downtown and hearing the bells play a hymn ... I would tell them to keep on playing!"  She looked at me rather strangely and lowered her eyes.  I need not be judgemental of others; however, I have a responsibility to speak up so that others know where I stand.  If they don't know that about me, I stand for nothing.

Hmmm, I've grown a lot in my 64 years.  Up until a few years ago, I was more mouse-like in sharing my thoughts.  When I came up against someone who had a stronger personality, I often times retreated into a quiet corner.  Not so much now ... I still rub some folks the wrong way but that's okay.  I am more afraid of offending my maker than I am of offending someone of this world.

One of my favorite shows is on TV tonight ... So You Think You Can Dance.  I am in awe at how strong and graceful the dancers are.  I don't have a favorite ... any one of them could win now and I would be happy.  I am sure each of them has put in their 10,000 hours of practice!!

Beverly and I went to Burleson today.  It was so sad to see the sunflower crops burned to a crisp and what was once fields of flowers looking like the grass in midwinter.  We did enjoy the trip though and managed to scarf up some bargains and enjoy a feast of  Tex-Mex.  My two dogren eagerly welcomed me home and made sure I knew it was time to fill their bowls!

It is my hope and prayer that you had a wonderful day today.  Always remember of much you are loved and prayed for!

Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh,
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky....

  

Families Are About Encouragement

Good Morning, Readers!  I've left the front door open so come on in.  Temperatures are rising and I think we'd be more comfortable inside!  It's been a while since we've gotten together for a chat.  Sometimes the days run into one another once retirement hits.  I think I need to investigate doing some volunteer work and getting on more of a schedule.  It's not my idea of leading a productive life to be sedentary.  Friend, Beverly, is trying to get me involved in Paw Pals (a dog/cat rescue).  I'm afraid I would end up with a house full of needy dogs!  It is expensive to take good care of Toby and Sadie and I feel a big responsibility to do that.  Maybe I will go one time and see if I can handle the pullings on my heart strings to adopt when I see a need.



The 4th of July holiday was wonderful.  We are fortunate to have lovely neighbors who have become good friends.  They have opened their hearts and home to us and we have done the same.  After two wonderful evenings of good conversation and company we attended the fireworks at Lake Whitney.  I laughed at all the pickup trucks motoring towards the marina ... that's Central Texas for you!  Cowboy hats, boots and pickup trucks...  We were going to the neighborhood parade on the 4th but my ankle gave out and we decided to head back to North Texas a little early.

When I was taken by ambulance to the Hill County Regional Hospital the end of May, my ankle was x-rayed and they told me I had a stage 3 sprain but that it wasn't broken.  Welllll....it had just never gotten better so yesterday I went in to see Dr. Crates, my orthopedic foot doctor.  Guess what?  Not only did I break my ankle but also tore ligaments.  He couldn't believe I had been walking around in a pair of flip flops without being in pain.  To make a long story short, I am in a boot ... I am hoping for a quick heal so that I can be off to Minnesota the end of the month.  It's my right ankle so driving is out of the question for awhile.  I may need to have to convince hubby to make the trip with me!

Encouragement!

I've continued my Daily Walk Bible reading as well as doing a Beth Moore personal study on the disciple John.  It's a wonderful way to start my day and gives me encouragement to not only begin my day afresh but also to strive to be more positive and uplifting to others.  Several times I've been convicted of being too "by the book" and "idealistic" so I've had to take those charges to heart and examine my motives.  Ever hear yourself make these or similar statements?  "Is that the best you can do?  I had hoped for more from you..."  "TV dinners ... again?"  "When you cleaned the bathroom, you missed a spot."  I've made all of these statements and more...  All these statements are those of being a discourager.  They are perfect ways to leave a people disheartened,  discouraged, and depressed.  As I have matured in my faith, I have come to realize that it is more important for me to encourage.  Why look at the 10% someone did wrong if 90% was done right.  Our lives are like that too.  Are you holding a grudge against someone who did you wrong once but went our of their way to be an encourager and loving most of the time?  Hmmm...  

Listening to Maddy & Kat is fun!

Most people would consider me a not only a good listener but a great listener.  I have been trained to be a comforter, an encourager ... someone who can offer hope.  When I think about the training I've had, the "want to" was already in my heart and the areas where I had rough edges were merely sanded and refined.  Growing up, I was afraid to fail because my B's needed to be A's ... there was always something wrong with the way I was and how I viewed life.  Rather than trying harder and excelling, I took the easy road, got A's, and did not push the envelope.  I was a good kid ... to fail meant receiving verbal lashings so I made sure I took easy enough classes to excel.  I became afraid to try anything that I just might not be top dog at.  When my own children were born, I decided to accept them as they were encouraging them to be the best "they" could be.  Every time a school counselor told me they weren't capable of college or doing certain things, I kept my mouth shut and never said a word to my children.  What happened?  My daughter, Jane, went on to college earning a pharmacist's degree ... she excels in her work and is a kind, loving parent and wife.  My son, Tommy, chose the route of the party versus learning.  It took him awhile to fail, get up and try again, fail, get up and try again and FINALLY, he is not only on the right track, he is excelling as a husband, father, and employee.  I am so very proud of both of my children.  They rock!!  Through thick and thin, I loved them, thought the best of them and knew they would find their way in this world.  I guess by some standards you could consider me a lazy parent ... I choose to believe that I was an encouraging parent helping them to believe that "they" could be all they wanted to be.  But then ... maybe I went too far in the opposite direction of my own upbringing.  Who really knows ... All I know is that most of us just do the best we can and our motives are to be encouragers!!!

I am a Sagittarian ... a free spirited person who excels in following my dreams.  I hate being closed in or being around negative people (different than people who are going through hard times).  I love to learn and grow and put my arms around those traveling on the road of life.  I get excited about life itself ... I love welcoming new people into my world and find that as they share their lives with me, I can share m.ine with them resulting in us being better people.  My God keeps me on track and I want to be more like Him allowing His light to show through me.  My Christian beliefs keep me grounded and I want to be continually maturing and growing.  I am not afraid to admit my frailities, faults and fumbles because they made me develop into the woman I am today.

I am sure you have heard this saying ... "Change occurs when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing."  It's sad but oh so very true!  On my journey through life, I have found pain, toil, redemption and growth over and over again.  I'd like to say that I learned from my original pain but that did not come until years later.  My refinement has taken a lifetime!

Each time I write a blog, I pray that out there someone will read it and identify with my story.  To those people, I want to say, "Go for it!"  Be everything you were created to be ... we were not called to be victims but overcomers!  Smile and the world smiles with you!  Fly with the eagles instead of groveling with the turkeys!  You can live a life of peace and joy ... yes you can.  I am a perfect example and although there are ups and downs in my life, I can have peace and am enjoying the ride!

I pray that all of you will have a wonderful "TGIFriday!!  As for me, I am doing what I can dragging this heavy boot on my right foot.  I was lopsided and had to put a high heeled shoe on my left foot.  Now ain't that fancy!! 





  

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

Hi  everyone!  Let me tell you ... I'm not usually a weather complainer but boy howdy, this over 100 degree heat is really sapping me.  For the first time in a long time, I had to use my Vitamin B12 nose spray.  It's easier than getting the shots and helps a lot.  My get up has got up and gone!

Beverly drew me out of the house yesterday to join her as she did errands and grocery shopped.  About 30 minutes into our trip, we looked at each other and said, "Time to head home to cool off."  It makes me wonder how the first settlers survived without air conditioning or even a fan!  We are so spoiled today with our modern conveniences.  I need to quit complaining!!

205 North Franklin

Technology is moving at warp speed and our appliances and modern day conveniences get more and more streamlined.  I was thinking back to my own childhood remembering how my mother and father lived from day to day.  The house I spent my early childhood days in was very old and just had the basics.  My mother and father invited their brothers and sisters to assist in the remodeling which consisted of painting and wallpapering.  The floors were painted wood that eventually were covered by carpet.  The cellar beneath the house had a part cement part dirt floor.  There was a coal bin on one side that was later was turned into the place where fuel oil was stored for heat.



This is a familiar sight!

Everyday life was pretty simple yet quite complex as well.  My father worked Monday through Friday and then helped my mother with laundry and cleaning.  He continued that pattern until the day he died.  Laundry was done on a wringer washer then clothes were hung outside to dry in Summer and on lines in the cellar in Winter.  There was also a large tub down in the cellar with a scrub board on it where my mother washed my father's work clothes.  Wash water was used over and over until it was quite dirty.  I must say, my clothes were always sparkly clean and sheets always smelled so good.  My parents lives were quite regimented with the extra time tasks took yet they always seemed to have time to visit with family and friends.  Maybe because we didn't have a TV until I was in grade school and recreation consisted of spending time with others.  Relationships were highly valued.

I remember when my farm grandmother got a bathroom put in ... oh gosh, what a day that was.  Everyone came from miles around to see their new bathtub, toilet, and sink.  It was in the 1950's ... funny to think now that a new bathroom could take center stage in the grand scheme of life!!  I know for me, it sure was nice not to have to wake my cousin, Sandy, up to walk with me to the outhouse in the woods!!  Now, that was scary!!  I also remember the water pump by the kitchen sink.  Running water from a tap also was a modern day marvel!!  Now we don't take going to the bathroom as a big deal ... it sure was for my grandparents and parents and even some of my cousins.  This Campbell's Soup ad features a stove, sink, and water pump similar to my farm grandmother's kitchen.



Kitchen-little casa

When we remodeled the little casa I made sure that I had a dishwasher.  When I was growing up, washing dishes was a social event for the women ... especially after large family get-togethers!  They would take turns washing and drying and would discuss recipes, their joys, and the happenings of everyday life.  It was not a chore for them.  In fact, they would say that the hot water helped their arthritis!  When I close my eyes, I can still remember the sounds of laughter coming from the kitchen of various relatives' homes.  Funny...of course, those dishtowels had to be snowy white and embroidered with different kitchen themes!  As children, we played together ... mostly outside no matter what the weather was.  Our imaginations would run wild as we romped through the fields and barn and played blocks at Bestemor's home.  In town, we would go bowling (yes, the pins were set by hand) and to the movies (which was a special treat).  My cousins were really fun to be around and I cherished the times we got together.



What a treat store bought paper dolls were!

I was a precocious little rascal and my mother had a difficult time keeping me corralled.  My father went to the sand pit and got a load of sand and dumped it under a tree in the back yard.  I would play there with my dishes but my attention span there was very limited.  I didn't like sitting in one place for very long and liked being on the go.  I am like that now.  Even when we finally did get a TV, I preferred being outside or busy with my paper dolls and dolls.  Each Christmas my brother and I got a few new toys ... a doll for me ... some kind of ball for him.  Birthdays always meant a special cake and relatives gathering.  Gifts were often handmade and books were considered a luxury.  My cousins and I used the Sears catalog to cut out people and items for the homes our people lived in.  We spent hours in our make believe worlds.

360 2nd St NE 7/1/2011 on Realtor.Com 

When I made the transition to Junior High, my family moved to a new house ... one that was built specifically for my family.  We thought we were in pig heaven!  My mother got a new washer and, in later years, a new dryer.  The basement had a tile floor and became a play room that was cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter.  Although the house had beautiful wood floors, my parents covered the living room, dining room and hallway with carpet.  They got new furniture (which my mother still had when she passed away) and passed on their old furniture to relatives in need.  At this stage of my life I understand why this house was so important to my parents ... they grew up barely getting by with the necessities of life and now they could enjoy draft free living.  My father loved mowing the lawn and with each new lawnmower that came out, he upgraded until he got his riding mower.  He would come home from work and immediately go outside to mow at least three times a week.  Our lawn was always lush and green!  Like me, my father could never just sit ... he always had to have a project going.  The picture is of the house as it looks today ... when I lived there, it was painted yellow.

Each year in the Summer, my father and mother would can fruits and vegetables.  They purchased a freezer in the late 1950's which they kept stocked with chickens, beef, and delicacies like ice cream.  We had a room in the basement where food items were kept.  I used to look forward to the Winter to taste the applesauce and fruit that had been put away.  My parent's had a garden for years where they grew vegetables.  Other than milk and a few other essentials, my family was pretty self supporting as far as food.  When I visited my farm grandmother, whatever was in season was on the table.  Meals were at 7am, noon, and 6pm with snacks served mid morning, mid afternoon and before bed.  Funny that we didn't weigh a ton but we didn't.  In fact, we were all pretty healthy!

Lakeside Ballroom

Entertainment consisted of visiting with family and friends, picnics, dancing at the Lakeside Ballroom, swimming in Lake Minnewaska or Battle Lake, skiing, biking, concerts, plays, and school activities ... band, choir, Girl Scouts.  Every holiday was special and events were held at either my home or at the homes of relatives.  My Aunts and Uncles were good hosts making each person feel welcome.  Summertime events were particularly memorable with watermelon feeds compliments of Uncle Ern, lakeside parties compliments of Aunt Helen and Uncle Erv, picnics organized by Bestemor and Aunt Alida, Waterama hosted by my family, 4th of July fireworks hosted by the city, outdoor concerts and parades, and many other events.  I laugh because it was something special to drive around the lake at least a couple times a week ending at the Dairy Queen.  When visiting my mom, I would say, "Mom what should we do tonight?"  She would always say ... "Let's go for a ride..."

Thanks for joining me today on my ride to the past ... what special times I have in my bag of memories.  I am grateful for my family, extended family and friends who made growing up in the little town of Glenwood, Minnesota special.  I knew who I was and where I belonged.  It made by heart sing and still makes me smile broadly!!

I pray that all of my Readers have the joy of special moments enjoyed growing up.  It's time to finish up my projects assigned to today...  God bless you and keep you safe!!  Chat with you soon...

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent

about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.