It's a Cool Tuesday in Minnesota

Now more than ever ... People Need the Lord!

Good Evening, Readers!  Nancy and Roger are off to Alexandria and I decided to put my fingers on the keyboard and chat with you awhile!

What a nice day it's been.  I awoke with a cool crisp breeze blowing through my window ... at first, I thought I was back in Texas experiencing a deep Fall morning!  NOT!  I grabbed my Bible and Study of John and enjoyed some time snuggled under the warm covers.  I always do better when I start my day with study and prayer.  I like it when the Lord keeps my best interests at heart and I think He likes it when I keep His best interests at heart.  Now that I've grown older (and hopefully, wiser!) I am less stressed by the franticness of life and more in tune with keeping life simple!

I just read the news on MSN and it's downright crazy and depressing!  You know, hoping for a national revival is no excuse for not seeking personal revival.  If each of us would take responsibility for our own choices in making this world rather crazy maybe we could make some progress.  There is way too much  finger pointing and blaming going on in our government and our people.  Roger and Nancy listen to Fox news -- I get so tired of listening to the bickering rather than hearing about those we elected coming together and doing something for the good of our country.  I drove to Alexandria today and was thinking about ways that I could contribute to my country's betterment.  I have some things to discuss with Michael when I go back to Texas.  I'm sure we are all thinking the same thing...  All our liberal actions and thinking have gotten us into some very hot water!  I know religion and politics are supposed to be touchy subjects but hey (!) isn't it time we did start communicating amongst ourselves???

My childhood friend, Judy A, and I met in Alexandria today at Perkins for lunch.  It was so amazing to me that I remembered some things about our childhood and she remembered other things.  Funny how we seldom remember things exactly the way they were.  Guess that's probably because we all experience life differently.  She told me how wonderful she thought I was ... I sat there ... I think rather dumbfounded because others seemed to see me differently than I saw myself as a child.  Judy reads my blogs so, Judy ... thanks for a great time of reminiscing!  It is to Judy's home that I went to at 7am in the morning and got everyone up ...oh goodness, what a patient mother Judy had!!

After I left Judy, I decided to take a trip around downtown Alexandria and do a little shopping.  Actually, I had a wonderful time chatting with store owners and taking photos.  I always ask permission before I take photos and, of course, people are curious about who I am, where I am from and why I want to take pictures.  Good ice breaker!  Sometimes clerks are crabby but most enjoy talking with me.  I found some really great Scandinavian shops and purchased a wonderful 2011 bell to take home.  "Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings!" (from It's A Wonderful Life)  It will be a wonderful reminder of my trip here.

When my mother and I shopped in Alexandria, we ALWAYS stopped in at the Traveler's Inn for pie.  It's still there!  Herberger's is no longer downtown but when I went into a gift shop I recognized the footprint from long ago.  I covered both sides of the Main Street and was quite tired by the time I limped to the car!  I felt quite happy with my purchases ... I am a giver and love to shop for those I love.  I must find special things for them from my travels!!

There were quite a few antique shops and unique stores to catch my attention.  I was really amazed at how welcoming the downtown area was and may go back for another look see before I head home.  I am a bargain shopper and found some Yellow Box flip flops ... $6 a pair.  Can't beat that!!  The shops here are quite different than the shops in downtown McKinney and in the Dallas area so I was in "Pig Heaven"!

Before I left Alexandria, I HAD to find Big Ole and pay a call on him.  He used to be outside the museum but was moved to a park.  I found him!  Gosh, he was bigger than I remembered him to be.  I do want to make a point of touring the museum before I head back to Texas.  I love history and find myself having such a great time rediscovering my old stomping grounds!

There are so many lakes around here, it's hard to keep track of all the names.  Whenever I see a new one, I just have to stop; climb out of the car; drink in the smells, sites, sounds; and, of course, take a photo.  I walked along the lake next to Ole and felt so invigorated by the water washing up on the shore and the coolness of the breezes around me.  I sat down on the shore and was almost hypnotized by the serenity of my surroundings.



G'dtr Madison
Dtr Jane

I looked at my watch and decided I would head back to Glenwood.  Just as I got into the car, my daughter, Jane, called.  I just love talking with her.  I told her about my adventures and she told me about her day.  Oh gosh, I miss her so much ... maybe she will move to Minnesota before too many years pass!  We so enjoy spending time together and somehow, life just seems better when we're with each other.  I am one lucky mom!!

I ventured into Glenwood and stopped at Tom's Grocery to pick up some breakfast bars.  Again, it was quite different than I am used to so I had to wheel my cart up and down each aisle!!  Then, heading on to my brother's farm, I passed my grandmother's old home.  Of course, I had to stop and take a photo.  Whoever bought the house has fixed it up nicely but the water damage has taken it's toll.  So sad...  There must be something that the city could do to drain the street and area behind the homes.

It's been quite a day ... I get up and sort of have an idea of what I want to do.  Then, life happens and things get more interesting than I ever could have planned!

I wish you sweet dreams and the gift of a new tomorrow! 

The wall of friendship ... Glenwood High School
I used to sit on this wall every day after school
to wave goodbye to my friends who rode the bus!
Ah, what wonderful memories!!

   
     

   

It's a Beautiful Monday in Minnesota!

Good Morning, Readers!  I hope this morning finds you in good spirits.  Oh goodness, I just looked outside the patio door and it's been raining.  Just what they need here ... more rain.  I wonder if I can grab one of those rain clouds or two and haul them back to Texas with me??  No rain in sight there ... they are struggling -- the land, man, and beast!

Since I decided to leave Texas for Minnesota, life has been filled with adventures at every turn.  I knew it was important for me to come back to the place where I was born and grew up.  Little did I know how important this trip would be.  When you get to be 64 years old you seize every opportunity to "go and grow."

Yesterday, we were back at work cleaning up the many trees that were down.  I walked over to see what Roger was doing and lo and behold there was a little pine tree that had been protected by the huge branches that had fallen around it.  I stood there then ran into the house to get my camera.  I thought about the storms of life and how God protects us ... this was visual proof!! 

Another strange thing happened to me yesterday while we were dealing with the downed trees.  All of a sudden I could hear my mother saying, "There will be blood shed in the wood shed if you don't behave."  Then, I could see an old shed on a farm next to the garage with a strap in it ... there was also an animal hanging in there.  I wonder what the story is behind that?? Having PTSD, certain smells and sights will bring back parts of memories that have been hidden away.  I used to react to these as a small child would.  Now, I take a deep breath  and remind myself that I am an adult and can handle the snapshots from my past.  That is a good feeling!  I cannot change my yesterdays; however, I am responsible for my recovery!



Trisha P, Me, Nancy T, Toni K in back
Kind Spirits...Good Energy!

I have learned so much about myself ... I don't do well surrounded by negativeness, passive aggressiveness, and an absence of love and acceptance.  You know, when we're in "something" for a long time even if it's not good, we tend to remain thinking there's nothing else.  THAT'S NOT TRUE!!  There is a whole wide world full of positive loving people out there.  People ready to give hugs freely.  At my Aunt Helen's Celebration of Life Service, there was an aura of love surrounding all of us.  As I have shared before, my son told me to go to Minnesota and come back with a smile that would need to be surgically removed.  Well, I find myself smiling and smiling and smiling.  The only thing that would be better would have been sharing this trip with my children and grandchildren.

Lily is still in the VW Hospital in Fargo, ND.  The adjuster has not been out to see her so I wait...  Looking back, it was certainly a stupid thing to do ... running into the sand piled on the gravel road.  What was I thinking?!  Aughhh!!  More lessons learned about driving in the country on gravel roads.  I know my son is shaking his head.  There are times when he thinks that he should take my car keys away.  I keep them hidden.  he he



My Florida Family
Jane, Corgi Cricket, Katrina,
 Madison, Tim, Corgi Teddy

 I was supposed to go to Florida to visit daughter, Jane, and family when I returned to Texas from Minnesota.  Kat is doing so well in gymnastics and Madison is back on the competition cheerleading team.  Both are strong athletes.  I look forward to watching them practice and compete.  I don't like being a long distance grandma and cherish every moment I get to spend with them.



Boys love to have fun!

My little grandsons are back in t-ball and baseball.  Hard to believe Zachary will soon be 8 and Nicholas 6.  First thing on the agenda when I get back will be to head for the baseball park!  My youngest grandchild starts kindergarten this year.  Yikes!  Time sure flies...  What a gift it is to spend time with these little rascals ... never a dull moment!  Hopefully, we can have a sleepover at Grandma's house when I get back...



The quiet after the storm..

 The storm that this county suffered on August 1, 2011 was a strong reminder about what is really important in life.  It's not about the material things because those can be wiped away in a matter of minutes ... it's about our relationships.  Roger, Nancy and I were so happy to be safe ... yes, trees and debris were all around us but we had each other.  I truly believe that all calamity is Father filtered and is a way that God gets our attention.  Wise is the man (or woman) who sees, listens and learns!

I was reading in Ezekiel 33-36 this morning.  In 33:6 it says: "But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm and warn the people, he is responsible for their deaths.  They will die in their sins, but I will charge the watchman with their deaths.  In 33:9 he continues:  "But if you warn him to repent and he doesn't, he will die in his sin, and you will not be responsible."  I've been accused of being rather outspoken at times with my children and their spouses and my grandchildren.  Somehow, I know that as a parent and grandparent, it is my responsibility to share my trials and warn them about what can happen in continuing down the path of well, let's just say, destruction.  God does NOT want us to enable.  What God is saying to us is that it is only our responsibility to warn ... not nag ... not condemn ... not judge.  Hmmm...

I think I will get dressed and have "Liberty" take me out to explore.  I need to get more postcards, batteries for my camera, and pick up some of my favorite peanut bars.  I have made some plans for tonight and tomorrow so stay tuned. I want to leave you with a anonymous quote that I read today..

I have enjoyed life a lot more

by saying yes than by saying no I can't!

P. S.  In a time when our country is reeling from the decisions made by those WE ELECTED, let's all get on our knees and ask for wisdom as we move forward.  This is an amazing country we live in ... let's NOT lose it to stupidness!!!  Come on, sing with me...

   

The Gift of Aunt Helen

Good Morning, Readers!  This is the day the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it!  Here I am in Glenwood, MN having breakfast with two of my favorite people, niece Toni, and sister-in-law, Nancy!  Please join us...  It won't be long and we will all be outside working at clean-up ... Toni and Roger at chainsaws, Nancy and I at pick up and dump!  We are family!!

Yesterday was probably one of the most emotionally touching days of my life.  I attended the Celebration of Life Service for my Aunt Helen Schluter at the Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery.  The cemetery land had been donated by my great grandfather, Knute Torguson and as I walked through the grounds, there before me was my heritage ... settlers that founded this little city.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you. ~~John 14:1-2

Helen's ceremony was short but oh so touching.  Her children spoke giving warm thoughts of their mother ... we cried and laughed and felt her presence.  Thirteen cousins were in attendance plus spouses and some of their children.  Some I hadn't seen for 40+ years.  It was so wonderful to reconnect, to hug, and to hopefully make each other more a part of each other's lives.  Cousin Gary ... Nancy T and I want to come see you and drive your cars around the Minneapolis lakes!!

2/1904 Wedding-Carl & Maggie Pederson

As cousins, we are all so different yet we are of the same blood ... the blood of Carl and Margaret Pederson.  One thing Nancy T shared was then when Aunt Helen was passing, she said, "Oh, I see my sisters!"  There is a Heaven! Don't you know those ladies are having quite a party!  The five daughters  of Carl and Margaret all lived on into their 90's ... several got quite close to 100.  They were lively women ... hard workers ... God fearing ... family oriented.  Except for Alida who remained unmarried, all married some pretty awesome guys.  Ah yes ... family!




The oldest cousin, Bob S and Dorothy (Me!)



After the service, we all drove to Peter's Sunset Beach Resort for a fabulous lunch ... chicken salad, fruit, nut bread and yes (!) strawberry shortcake.  Whenever we went to Aunt Helen's home, we got served STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE!!  How fitting we should have it to celebrate her life.  Grandmother Maggie taught all her children and grandchildren the Norwegian table prayer.  We all said the prayer before eating ... more family memories!

Let us gather for food and drink
to celebrate the life of our dear Aunt Helen!

13 Cousins ... We were only missing 4
Amazing!

Because Aunt Helen was just a couple years older than my father, they were quite close.  She would call my father in times of trial and he would be there for her.  Family ... for better or worse.  My father's family was very close-knit.  As cousins, we remembered Christmas's at Grandmother and Alida's home ... we remembered the hand-made gifts given to us and how special we felt.  Togetherness was important ... no grandeur just old fashioned love!  The family was not rich in monetary terms but we were rich in togetherness.  I miss that.  I miss having my family gather at my home to celebrate the holidays and birthdays.  It's good to remember ... a precious gift!!





Jim M and Nancy T

 My cousins, Nancy and Jim, were very instrumental in my life for many different reasons and my interaction with them helped make me who I am today.  For a period of time, Helen was a single mother and they were at my mother and father's home quite often.  They both shared with me the love they had for my parents.  I was a little sad because Nancy shared a part of my mother that I never was able to.  I had a choice though ... I chose to be grateful that Nancy had that close relationship with my mother and that Jim had that special relationship with my father.



Clinton W...deep in thought...wonder what he
was thinking?!

Guess who was at the celebration service?  Clinton Wheeler ... the son of my grandmother's sister Clara.  Clinton gave me my first haircut as a baby!!  He remembered that too!  Another gift of a special someone in my life!!  It is Clinton's family who donated the Knut Torguson log home to the historical society.  Thank you Clint!!



Cousin Phil R ... Same age as me!






I was the last to leave the gathering ... it was so tough to say good-bye to those that I wondered if I would ever see again.  Camera in hand, I took many photos and know that I will be gazing at them many times in the days, months, and years to come!





Carla, Paula, Chris

The night before the Celebration Service, Roger, Nancy P and I were invited to Waters Edge in Starbuck, MN for supper.  Hey folks...Walleye to die for!!  I had the opportunity to visit and get to know Nancy T's three children ... Paula, Chris, and Carla.  Oh goodness, we had so much fun.  They are such a blessing to their mom, Nancy T, and I absolutely loved their spirit.  Carla is a singer and I was hoping that Torgy's (by the lake) would have live music so she could have strutted her stuff...  Maybe I will venture to Wisconsin to continue our relationship that was seeded!



Cousin Karolyn L ... What a gal!!

 I wish I had room to post all the photos I took yesterday ... I must admit, my family is one good lookin' bunch!  We came together with a common purpose ... to honor my Aunt Helen.  Yet, I think there was another urgency ... a time for us to reconnect and reminisce about our growing up years.  There was no pretense ... just a common love for one another.  If I heard "Do you remember when..." once, I heard it a hundred times.  I never got tired of listening to the stories ... we weren't a goodie two shoes family ... we all had our ups and downs ... shadows of darkness ... and showers of light!  We were REAL with one another!  Yea!!!




Cousin Gary R, Sis in Law Nancy P,
Brother Roger P, Niece Toni

I left the gathering feeling full of love and a sense of knowing exactly where I came from and where I needed to go in life.  To live life to the fullest means seizing the moment ... treading on waters whether they be still or wavy.  I am excited about life and each moment that unfolds.  Oh, I can plan but, really, I just never know where that next smile is going to come from.  God has a plan for me and I know that He has my best interests at heart.  With each trial and pruning, I have come forth a better person.  There's no time for grudges, feeling sorry for myself ... there's a whole beautiful world out there all for the taking!!

Before heading for the farm, I had to stop at the Heritage Society and take a photo of my grandmother's wedding dress.  How beautiful it was ... a perfect dress for the matriarch of a pretty awesome family!!  Her dress is the one on the left in the photo.  Isn't it amazing that I have so much heritage here ripe for the picking!!  I've prayed so often that I would know where I came from ... the Internet is wonderful BUT being here and actually touching and seeing is worth a million bucks!!

This trip has been so good for me ... it has opened a whole new world of friendships and knowledge.  Yes, you can go home ... no, things aren't the same ... yes, history and the legacies we leave to remain for generations to come.  I am fortunate ... I come from a long lineage of Christian trail blazers!!

Remembering Aunt Helen ...



Happy Days ...
 Aunt Helen & Uncle Erv





Aunt Helen, Brother Roger, Me!










Family is important ... we must tell our children and grandchildren what we stand for ...  I declare this LEAVE A LEGACY DAY!!  Through my blogs my family knows me ... the REAL me.  They will know where I've been, how I've grown and how very much I love them!!  Life is not giving in or giving up ... it's about dusting off our knees when we fall and getting up ... again and again!  It's about spending time with the Lord and having a solid foundation ... it's about giving more than you take and looking up rather than down ... it's about standing tall and speaking truth ... it's about allowing each person the freedom to live their own life even when we know they're going in the wrong direction (that's a tough one!) ... it's about being REAL and allowing the world to see us as imperfect and struggling when we would just as soon hide.  Stand in the light my readers ... stand in the light...


   

My brother's family:  Erik K, Toni K, Roger P, Nancy P, Trisha P, Justin P
who have welcomed me "home" and given me lots of hospitality & love!

I end my blog saying so long to My Aunt Helen ... dust to dust ... Yet, I know we will meet again in Heaven.  Rest in peace!!


  

Storms of Life

Good Morning, Readers!  It's a sun filled day in Minnesota ... the air is crisp and cool right now but it will be warm/hot this afternoon.  My brother's home doesn't have air conditioning but the fans make life comfortable.  I hear it's REALLY HOT in Texas ... it's been so many days above 100 degrees that now they are all looking forward to breaking all time records.  What do I always say??  When life deals you lemons make lemonade!!

I woke up to a wicked storm here on Monday, August 1.  Roger, Nancy, and I stood in the window watching the wind whip the trees to the ground.  The storm didn't last real long; however, when we ventured outside the damage was beyond belief - they received over 4 inches of rain in one hour!  The driveway to the farm was blocked, power was out and we had no water.  Luckily, Roger has a Bobcat and as soon as the rain let up, he was out clearing the trees off the driveway and cutting up trees that were down.  It's going to take a long time to clean everything up yet we were all grateful that the storm left the house standing and we were safe.  Looking back, I felt no fear ... there was a calmness as we stood at the windows watching the turmoil outside.  We were in awe at the viciousness of Mother Nature ... a storm unlike anything I have ever experienced before.

I had been planning on going to Perham, MN on Monday to visit my long time friend, Pam.  Plans had to be delayed to the next day.  My help was needed here.  As soon as Roger got things under control, we decided to go to Alexandria to get his chains for the saw sharpened.  I had asked to take them out to dinner so we did that as well.  It was a day of connecting ... a day of sharing a load ... a day of sadness when we looked at the damage yet a day of gladness knowing that we were okay.

Since we were without power, we were also without water.  Talk about an immediate life change.  We were faced with living just the way the settlers were when they came to this area.  Nancy had enough water to fill a bucket for washing and had another for rinsing.  We could use the toilet; however, we had to use water from outside to flush it.  I had some wipes that I keep in the car and used those to wash my hands and face.  We were fortunate that we could go to a restaurant to eat a good meal.  My clothes were mud caked and I wondered how the settlers got their clothes clean!




Sky over Lake Minnewaska - The quiet before the storm...

I kept thinking ... "Lord, you have seen me through the storms in my life before and I trust that you will protect and provide for me (and my family) now."  My faith tells me to be still and know that He is in control.  Yes, He is!!


The little town of Glenwood was hit hard as well.  My grandmother's home was surrounded by water, my  friend Elaine's home had many toppled trees, and the town in general looked like a war zone. What looked like paradise on Sunday became a tangled mass of trees and damage on Monday.  We just never know do we??

I did venture up to Perham on Tuesday to visit Pam.  As I turned on to County Road 15, a road grater was evening out the gravel road.  There wasn't enough room to continue on the right side of the road and just as I decided to go on the left side, the grater moved into that lane.  I hit the pile of sand!  Poor Lily, she shook and rattled as we hit!  We pulled out into the right side and I felt a sigh of relief when none of my warning lights came on - I didn't have air conditioning but figured I could get that looked at later.  I drove to Perham and once I was there assessed the situation.  The underboard had been damaged and was dragging, a pipe was broken ... there was grass and gravel in every crevice.  I called Michael and asked what he thought I should do.  In the end, Lily got towed to Fargo, ND and I rode with the driver.  He was a nice young man about my son's age and had two boys seven and five.  The oldest boy's name was Zachary the same as my son's oldest boy.  We had a nice chat and the miles seemed to whiz by.  I experienced another storm of a different sort but I felt fortunate that help was around the corner!  To make a long story short, I really did a number on the underside of Lily and she is now in the Volkswagen Hospital for repairs.  I got a Jeep Liberty to drive and will go back to Fargo when she is well and set to go!

My visit with Pam was wonderful.  She divides her time between California and Minnesota and has a beautiful condo in Perham (near her daughter).  We looked at high school pictures and talked about our lives from grade school to now.  We haven't been good about keeping in touch but it was like we had never been apart.  Old friendships run deep!  We had lunch at a local cafe which features homemade soups and sandwiches of all kinds.  Yummy!  Later that evening, we drove to the golf course and had dinner at the clubhouse.  Walleye for me ... what a treat!!  Since I hadn't had a shower in a couple days, I relished a bubble bath as well as the coolness from the heat.  My friends are looking at renting a lake house next year for a week ... God willing, I WILL be there!  Pam was on her way back to California yesterday ... I will miss my friend!

I motored back to Glenwood in "Liberty" the Jeep ... it reminded me of a time when I bought a Jeep.  I kept it for less than one day and took it back to the dealership pleading with them to allow me to return it.  I had taken it out on the freeway and nearly got shook to death.  Another memory that was awakened by an interruption in life.  "Liberty" gave me a comfortable ride and, I must admit, it was nice to be up higher on the road.  I give the Jeep Liberty good scores!!


I arrived in Glenwood on Wednesday early evening and headed for the farm.  Roger and Nancy had been working at their 8-5 jobs then working in the yard when they got home.  I was amazed at how much they had cleared.  I got assigned to drive the 4-wheeler with the trailer on the back.  We loaded branches then I hauled them to a pile on the edge of a tree line and dumped them.  I must admit, I enjoyed driving.  The muscles in my upper arms got a work out -- no power steering!  Nancy's garden escaped major damage which was a blessing.  If we would count the amount of work left to be done, it would be depressing ... we are focusing on what is being done each day and stay focused and positive.  I like that about my family ... we are positive forward thinking people!!



Sometimes the road to love
 is covered with gravel!

 I've brought you up to date on my adventures ... I am invigorated and refreshed at having the opportunity to really get to reconnect with family and friends.  I've always had a good excuse about why I couldn't make the trip up here from Texas ... now, I realize that I needed to make the time.  How about you?  Are you waiting for that "right" time?

I continue on in my Daily Walk Bible Reading.  I know when we face trials and tribulations we ask everyone around us what they would do.  I find that it's best to open my Bible and ask God what is best.  My reading today was Ezekiel 29-32.  The justice and mercy of God are either good news or bad news, depending on which you are in line for.  He promises to raise up those who are humble and repentant (that's mercy and grace).  He promises to bring down those who are proud and arrogant (that's justice 1 Peter 5:5-6).  Reading Ezekiel I was really awed at how God poured judgement on Egypt.  Egypt would not be destroyed ... it would, however, be reduced to the lowliest of nations.  I wonder if that it where the United States is headed.  AMERICA WAKE UP!!!

I wish you great adventures this day!  As for me, I will be praying for each of you knowing that God will answer my prayers!  I declare this reconnect with a family member/friend day!!!!

Thanks for your hospitality Waterama weekend, Elaine
You're the best!!

   

A Moment In Time Remembering...

Good Afternoon Readers from the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes!  There was a wicked storm that passed through Pope County Minnesota last Monday leaving my brother's farm without electricity and water for three days.  Talk about going back to pioneer days!  There's so much we take for granted!  I am washing clothes today and saying a prayer of thanks for a working washer and dryer!!

Elaine & I

Last weekend, I spent a good deal of time with some friends that I grew up with (kindergarten through college).  Some of us haven't been in contact for many many years yet it was like we were never apart.  We have vowed to keep in touch and, you know, I think we will.  We are able to open ourselves up, sharing the deepest parts of our lives without judgement ... life is to be lived and all of us have certainly done that.  My roots run deep and for that, I am so very grateful!!  One of my dear friends, Elaine, is living in a condo that was developed in the elementary school we attended.  As I opened the door to the school, I remembered which rooms I entered as a grade school student.  Same beautiful granite floors ... tall windows...  Ah yes...

My trip "Up North" has been a good one.  I want to hug my brother and sister in law every day ... they've been so welcoming.  Nancy has renewed my love of cross stitch and we watch Primeval each evening.  I will miss them sooo much when I leave.  We are so different ... yet, it is in our differences that we are enriched!


My father was born in the house above.
 It was the home of my
grandmother's sister, Bessie Kaldahl 

I mentioned in a previous blog about going to the Historical society to research my father's side of the family ... the Pedersons and the Torgusons.  I was so proud to dig into their lives and I felt that warmness of knowing why my heart is the way it is...




The following was written in the Glenwood Herald on February 12, 1904:

"Popular Young People of Glenwood Joined in Bonds of Holy Wedlock

At the Lutheran Church on last Monday afternoon, Rev. Lee solemnized the marriage of Carl Pederson and Miss Maggie Torguson.  The bride was attired in a dress of cream silk with the usual ornaments.  The groom wore the conventional black, as did also his attendants -- Ole Torguson, Bert Brosvig and Henry Aslagson.  The bridesmaids Alma Pederson, Emma Hagen and Tina Torguson were all dressed in white with the customary floral ornaments.

A wedding reception was given in the evening at the town hall to which were invited a large number of the relatives and friends of the contracting parties.  Although the evening was bitterly cold, no great difficulty was experienced in the matter of keeping comfortable when Martin Edberg, Anton Bomsaas and Miss Alice Thompson had their respective musical instruments properly thawed out, tuned and  put in operation.

Truly, this three-piece orchestra can furnish most excellent music and everybody was kept busy at dancing until after the mid-night hour with the exception of the time taken up in serving a substantial lunch with hot coffee accompaniment.  This happy young twain are members of two of the oldest and most popular families of this immediate vicinity -- the groom being the second oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Pederson of Minnewaska and the bride, the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Knut Torguson of Glenwood Township.  Both these young people are held in the highest esteem by their many friends as was plainly evident by the large array of handsome wedding presents bestowed upon the bride.

It is expected that Mr. Pederson will have charge of his father's handsome farm, where they will make their home at least for a time if not permanently.

That their married life may be complete with blessings is the warmest hope of their multitude of friends."   

When I get back to Texas, I'm going to see if I can clean up some of the photos of my grandparents wedding.  Oh gosh, my grandfather was a handsome, dark haired gentleman and my grandmother beautiful with lighter hair.  They shared their Norwegian Lutheran faith and a love that lasted through the ups and downs of their lifetime together.


Carl Pederson & his children
Helen, Lorna, Ernest

With each article I read about my great grandparents, grandparents, and entire family, I understood why my grandmother would tell her grandchildren that our name was an important one.  The obituary of my grandfather Carl stated that "his life was an example of goodness and kindness to friends and family.  ...he did his part as a citizen and community builder and the memory of his life and good deeds will be a benediction in the years to come."  Articles spoke of my family as being church going and of strong faith.  This legacy became my foundation and I have been blessed!

I think it's important to know where we come from and the "stuff" we are made of.  In all the craziness in my life, deep down inside I knew that I wasn't junk.  Sometimes we have to go deeper than just looking at our own lives.  If we dig deeper and find stuff that isn't so good ... well then, it's time to clean up our lives and start making something of ourselves that our children and grandchildren can be proud of!  When we turn eighteen, we are responsible for our own choices and the consequences that go along with them.

I was reading in my Daily Walk Bible today and I thought about my life ... when I stumbled and fell because of wrong choices or actions in which direction was I tempted to point the finger of blame?  Outward at others? Upward at God? Inward at myself?  I often times stood before a mirror as I talked to God about being accountable for my actions.  It reminded me that the responsibility lies, not with my parents or my peers but WITH ME!!  We are not responsible for someone else's life ... just our own.  When we get to Heaven, Jesus will ask me about what kind of person I was ... the focus??  Just me!!

Lake Minnewaska from
Mount Lookout

It is within my faith that I find contentment, strength, protection and provision.  Months ago I knew I needed to make this journey to Minnesota.  With each snag, I continued making plans.  Did I have some knots in my tummy when I turned the key in Lily?  You bet ... I prayed that the Lord would watch over us and He did.  When I rounded the hill and looked at the beauty of the land of my roots, I had tears in my eyes.  Each day that passes, I find myself more and more at peace.
  
How much do you know about your roots?  Are you able to search honestly or are you embarrassed?  With each rock I have turned over, I have found my heritage to be "what it is."  I laughed because in one of the letters my mother received from her sister, she relayed the message that one of our ancestors came over on the Mayflower and was possibly the first man hung on American soil!

May you be blessed this day and may you discover that your roots run deep!  From the looks of these skis on display in Glenwood, it looks like my Great Grandfather Knut Torguson was quite a athlete!!  Let's chat tomorrow!!