Tammy Fellin (Bernie and Maudie's daughter) sent me this e-mail. It is too good not to share:
"Aunt Sue –
It’s great to hear from you. I hope things are going well. I’ve been meaning to check in with you all to see how things are. I’ve been busy with school and work, so haven’t really done much else. Dick and I are going down to Monterey for a couple of days over Labor Day weekend, then will be visiting his uncles in Santa Rosa before coming home. I’m looking forward to having a few days off, and most especially a few days with him. He was in Olympia last weekend, and helped me finish building a fence around my new dog run. Though I had it about 80% finished before he showed up (having built the gate and trellis, moved other fences and hauled out 5 truckloads of dirt), he described it as a “major undertaking” to nail a few boards in place. It is exactly the sort of project I would have called home to talk with Dad about, so that made it hard, but Mom asked me if he finally got his hands dirty! The answer was yes, and the dogs now can enjoy a new run!
Mom is in Hawaii right now! I talked with them yesterday. You know they’re piled in a one-bedroom condo – all 6 of them! They had two roll a way beds brought up and someone is sleeping on the lanai. But, they were having a great time! Mom said it was hot, but she was in air conditioning so it really wasn’t too bad. They hadn’t been in the water yet (having arrived on Friday and this was yesterday when I spoke with them), but they were thinking of heading down to the lagoon after dinner last night.
Love, Tammy"
Sounds like Bernie and Maudie taught this daughter a thing or two, too! The sense of humor surely comes from both parents.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Brother Joe sent us this interesting e-mail today:
TO: All concerned
This morning, I made a fast trip to the Marshfield, MO Library. They have the Marshfield Mail on microfilm and I looked over the Jan thru July and found the following which I will type and also send a copy of the actual item later. It is very poor in quality and may be difficult for you to read. Here it comes, from the Marshfield Mail, July 31, 1947
"Wins 'Boots and Wings'
As Paratrooper
NOTE: Next is a picture of poor quality which I will send later, probably tonight.
Pvt. Bernie D. Fellin, son of
Mrs. Marie Fellin, of Marshfield
has earned the right to wear the
"Boots and Wings" of the United
States Army Airborne Troops.He
has completed six weeks of com-
bined Parachute and Glider train
-ing at the Infantry School, Fort
Benning. Ga. during which time
he made seven parachute jumps,
the last two being tactical, one at
night and the other at the break
of dawn. In the glider course,
several special glider flights were
made to orient him on glider war-
fare.
The modern war science has
been augmented with airborne
war methods, as developed in
World War II and the prowess of
the American Airborne Trooper
has been recognized throughout
the world both in the fields of
ability and action against the
enemy."
If you do the arithmetic, this young Bernie Fellin was 19 years old and had recently lost his father. No lack of courage here! We learned when we went to Bernie and Maudie's 55th wedding anniversary that he went on to Officers' Candidate School, finishing first in his class (of 500?). No lack of brains either!
TO: All concerned
This morning, I made a fast trip to the Marshfield, MO Library. They have the Marshfield Mail on microfilm and I looked over the Jan thru July and found the following which I will type and also send a copy of the actual item later. It is very poor in quality and may be difficult for you to read. Here it comes, from the Marshfield Mail, July 31, 1947
"Wins 'Boots and Wings'
As Paratrooper
NOTE: Next is a picture of poor quality which I will send later, probably tonight.
Pvt. Bernie D. Fellin, son of
Mrs. Marie Fellin, of Marshfield
has earned the right to wear the
"Boots and Wings" of the United
States Army Airborne Troops.He
has completed six weeks of com-
bined Parachute and Glider train
-ing at the Infantry School, Fort
Benning. Ga. during which time
he made seven parachute jumps,
the last two being tactical, one at
night and the other at the break
of dawn. In the glider course,
several special glider flights were
made to orient him on glider war-
fare.
The modern war science has
been augmented with airborne
war methods, as developed in
World War II and the prowess of
the American Airborne Trooper
has been recognized throughout
the world both in the fields of
ability and action against the
enemy."
If you do the arithmetic, this young Bernie Fellin was 19 years old and had recently lost his father. No lack of courage here! We learned when we went to Bernie and Maudie's 55th wedding anniversary that he went on to Officers' Candidate School, finishing first in his class (of 500?). No lack of brains either!
Rose spent a long day on Monday for a faculty orientation for a class she will be teaching this fall through the Aquinas Institute of Theology. It is a class on the fundamentals of Jungian Psychology (her specialty), and she is happy to have this opportunity. This is shaping up to be a very busy Fall for reasons of classes, surgeries, along with the usual press of life. Shirley will also be teaching a class and will be having the shoulder surgery that she had to postpone earlier because she was so ill.
Rose took me to the neurologist this morning to discuss the 'hole in my head' surgery. He had reviewed all my records, discussed my condition with neurosurgeons at Barnes, weighed the pros and cons of the procedure, and came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial. The procedure involves putting electrodes through a hole in my head directly on the brain to detect exactly where the seizures originate. If they originate on only one side, they will somehow fix it. If they find it's on both sides, they can't fix it. Either way, I will have to continue to take some medication. He said it is normally not a risky operation; the main risk would be the possibility of infection.
He left the final decision up to me. Rose and I had already discussed what I should do before our consultation with this neurologist and agreed that I should have the procedure. Without hesitation I opted to have it. I asked if it would be before Labor Day and he replied "I hope so".
This doctor was movie star handsome and much younger than the dermatologist we saw last week. He took the place of my neurologist who had left Barnes and he asked me if he had seen me when I was in the hospital before. I'm sure he hadn't because I wouldn't have forgotten him.
Margaret says they are getting lots of tomatoes from their garden and we'd best hurry out to get some before Norm gives them all away.
Brayden started his first day of Pre-K today. His other grandmother took him and it took her 30 minutes to leave. She called Scott crying herself. Shirley didn't make us feel any better. She used to teach first grade and sometimes had to carry the kids in crying, kicking, and screaming.
Rose took me to the neurologist this morning to discuss the 'hole in my head' surgery. He had reviewed all my records, discussed my condition with neurosurgeons at Barnes, weighed the pros and cons of the procedure, and came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial. The procedure involves putting electrodes through a hole in my head directly on the brain to detect exactly where the seizures originate. If they originate on only one side, they will somehow fix it. If they find it's on both sides, they can't fix it. Either way, I will have to continue to take some medication. He said it is normally not a risky operation; the main risk would be the possibility of infection.
He left the final decision up to me. Rose and I had already discussed what I should do before our consultation with this neurologist and agreed that I should have the procedure. Without hesitation I opted to have it. I asked if it would be before Labor Day and he replied "I hope so".
This doctor was movie star handsome and much younger than the dermatologist we saw last week. He took the place of my neurologist who had left Barnes and he asked me if he had seen me when I was in the hospital before. I'm sure he hadn't because I wouldn't have forgotten him.
Margaret says they are getting lots of tomatoes from their garden and we'd best hurry out to get some before Norm gives them all away.
Brayden started his first day of Pre-K today. His other grandmother took him and it took her 30 minutes to leave. She called Scott crying herself. Shirley didn't make us feel any better. She used to teach first grade and sometimes had to carry the kids in crying, kicking, and screaming.
Monday, August 20, 2007
I had my regular IVIG treatment on Monday and got home on Tuesday. Everything went smoothly and it was just boring since I couldn't move far from my room because of the IV.
Rose and I had appointments with a dermatologist on Thursday. We used to think when we were younger that if a doctor was younger than we were, he or she couldn't possibly be competent. We have come full circle. This dermatologist was older than we are and was NOT very competent. He pronounced Rose fine and told her to use sun screen. He looked at one of my four spots and sent me across the hall to a dermatology surgeon. The spot the old guy was concerned about is probably fine but one of the other spots on my face is questionable. Chris took me to this appointment but left the room when they got out the needle to deaden my nose for the biopsies. Results of the two biopsies won't be back for 5 to 7 days. Rose needs to see a younger doctor.
Goldman and I headed for the lake as soon as he got out of class Friday. Doug, Suzanne, Josie, and Luke got there later that evening. The lake was quiet with very few boats and waverunners in our cove. The old fellow {he may be younger than me} who works on my boat and refoamed my swimdock recognizes my voice. I'm not sure that's a good sign. He did tell me not to pay until I'm sure things are fixed right. Doug did some fishing and now has enough fish in the freezer for a Labor Day fish fry. Suzanne thought up projects for Doug to tackle in the future. These projects do not leave much time for fishing. Goldman and Doug took Luke to the bumper cars. Luke has wanted to do that 'all his life'. He's 7!!!
I talked to Joe for a bit on line while ago. The area had lots of rain but he didn't have any flooding. He had had an email from Mike Madden who had been in California but Joe didn't elaborate. Maybe it was something to do with the wine making process. Mike, we need to hear from you.
Rose and Shirley are still on their personal weight watcher diet. Shirley says she has probably lost about 40 pounds - 2 or 3 pounds at a time - but gains it back the same way - 2 or 3 pounds at a time. For all her effort, she says she's not getting very far. They both have lost some and are still losing and are looking good. Rose is in an all day meeting at St. Louis Univ. and Shirley couldn't see clients because she has a personal commitment - the Chicago/Cubs game.
Shirley has an appointment in the morning about her shoulder. The appointment is at 7:30 and Shirley is not a morning person but suffers so that she is hoping this doctor can give her some relief so she was willing to take this early appointment.
Rose and I had appointments with a dermatologist on Thursday. We used to think when we were younger that if a doctor was younger than we were, he or she couldn't possibly be competent. We have come full circle. This dermatologist was older than we are and was NOT very competent. He pronounced Rose fine and told her to use sun screen. He looked at one of my four spots and sent me across the hall to a dermatology surgeon. The spot the old guy was concerned about is probably fine but one of the other spots on my face is questionable. Chris took me to this appointment but left the room when they got out the needle to deaden my nose for the biopsies. Results of the two biopsies won't be back for 5 to 7 days. Rose needs to see a younger doctor.
Goldman and I headed for the lake as soon as he got out of class Friday. Doug, Suzanne, Josie, and Luke got there later that evening. The lake was quiet with very few boats and waverunners in our cove. The old fellow {he may be younger than me} who works on my boat and refoamed my swimdock recognizes my voice. I'm not sure that's a good sign. He did tell me not to pay until I'm sure things are fixed right. Doug did some fishing and now has enough fish in the freezer for a Labor Day fish fry. Suzanne thought up projects for Doug to tackle in the future. These projects do not leave much time for fishing. Goldman and Doug took Luke to the bumper cars. Luke has wanted to do that 'all his life'. He's 7!!!
I talked to Joe for a bit on line while ago. The area had lots of rain but he didn't have any flooding. He had had an email from Mike Madden who had been in California but Joe didn't elaborate. Maybe it was something to do with the wine making process. Mike, we need to hear from you.
Rose and Shirley are still on their personal weight watcher diet. Shirley says she has probably lost about 40 pounds - 2 or 3 pounds at a time - but gains it back the same way - 2 or 3 pounds at a time. For all her effort, she says she's not getting very far. They both have lost some and are still losing and are looking good. Rose is in an all day meeting at St. Louis Univ. and Shirley couldn't see clients because she has a personal commitment - the Chicago/Cubs game.
Shirley has an appointment in the morning about her shoulder. The appointment is at 7:30 and Shirley is not a morning person but suffers so that she is hoping this doctor can give her some relief so she was willing to take this early appointment.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
August 15, 2007
Biggest news here is the record breaking heat. Yesterday it was 103 breaking the 102
degree record for this date set in l936. I think it has tied the record on other dates. Cooler
weather, possibly some rain, is forecast for later in the week. Looks like San Antonio, TX
and the TX gulf coast are getting lots of rain! This may indirectly affect our weather.
Our grand daughter Lydia and I rode the Branson Scenic Railways excursion train yester-
day morning. It leaves the Branson depot at 9:00, 11:30 and about 2:30. We caught the
early train which went north and returned. The dispatcher controls which direction the
train goes and they rarely know which way they are going until about boarding time. The
train goes through two tunnels if it goes south and one tunnel if it goes north. The round
trip takes about 1- ½ hrs. with top speed of 30- MPH. The scenery is beautiful and even
more so in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. We rode in one of the three
dome cars. All cars are air conditioned and well maintained. After the train ride, we
watched an empty coal train pass by the depot, then we dined at Joe’s Crab Shack, a nice
restaurant overlooking Lake Taneycomo.
We also visited the strip and took in the TITANIC. It is worth ones time. Your ticket has a name/occupation of one of the original crew, Lydia was a servant. I am not sure if she
survived or not? I was a Captain and went down with the ship.
The expected summer heat has kept a lot of us indoors and in my case, more time spent on researching the family genealogy. I have learned that identity theft is not a new crime. In researching grandfather David Harve MADDEN’s surname, I ordered some material from
the National Archives, in Washington, D.C. They sent me a three lb. envelope containing
187 pages of documents concerning a Civil War Veteran, James B. MADDEN, who was
wounded. The documents are mostly depositions taken by the Bureau of Pensions. He
drowned in the Missouri River about l867 or 68? (a civilian) About 30 years later a pen-
sion request was filed in AR. It appears the applicant was about 5ft 6 inches tall whereas
James B. MADDEN was 6ft 2 or 3 inches tall, slim and dark complexioned. The discrepancies caused the Bureau of Pensions to decide it was a fraudulent claim. In the meantime, the
applicant died and is buried in Harrisburg, AR. He apparently ran a tavern across the river
from Jefferson City and knew James B. MADDEN quite well. Nothing indicated (to me)
that he is our ancestor but folklore is that one of the three MADDEN bros. drowned on an
unknown river? Any comments
Biggest news here is the record breaking heat. Yesterday it was 103 breaking the 102
degree record for this date set in l936. I think it has tied the record on other dates. Cooler
weather, possibly some rain, is forecast for later in the week. Looks like San Antonio, TX
and the TX gulf coast are getting lots of rain! This may indirectly affect our weather.
Our grand daughter Lydia and I rode the Branson Scenic Railways excursion train yester-
day morning. It leaves the Branson depot at 9:00, 11:30 and about 2:30. We caught the
early train which went north and returned. The dispatcher controls which direction the
train goes and they rarely know which way they are going until about boarding time. The
train goes through two tunnels if it goes south and one tunnel if it goes north. The round
trip takes about 1- ½ hrs. with top speed of 30- MPH. The scenery is beautiful and even
more so in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. We rode in one of the three
dome cars. All cars are air conditioned and well maintained. After the train ride, we
watched an empty coal train pass by the depot, then we dined at Joe’s Crab Shack, a nice
restaurant overlooking Lake Taneycomo.
We also visited the strip and took in the TITANIC. It is worth ones time. Your ticket has a name/occupation of one of the original crew, Lydia was a servant. I am not sure if she
survived or not? I was a Captain and went down with the ship.
The expected summer heat has kept a lot of us indoors and in my case, more time spent on researching the family genealogy. I have learned that identity theft is not a new crime. In researching grandfather David Harve MADDEN’s surname, I ordered some material from
the National Archives, in Washington, D.C. They sent me a three lb. envelope containing
187 pages of documents concerning a Civil War Veteran, James B. MADDEN, who was
wounded. The documents are mostly depositions taken by the Bureau of Pensions. He
drowned in the Missouri River about l867 or 68? (a civilian) About 30 years later a pen-
sion request was filed in AR. It appears the applicant was about 5ft 6 inches tall whereas
James B. MADDEN was 6ft 2 or 3 inches tall, slim and dark complexioned. The discrepancies caused the Bureau of Pensions to decide it was a fraudulent claim. In the meantime, the
applicant died and is buried in Harrisburg, AR. He apparently ran a tavern across the river
from Jefferson City and knew James B. MADDEN quite well. Nothing indicated (to me)
that he is our ancestor but folklore is that one of the three MADDEN bros. drowned on an
unknown river? Any comments
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thank you, Brother Joe, for your post giving us all the news from the Royal Switchgear Celebration of 20 years. We appreciate your input. Write early and write often, please.
I want to alert our Dear Readers to the fact that Sue went into Barnes-Jewish Hospital early this morning for her regular IVIG treatment. She has her cell phone (314) 452-3685 and would appreciate check-in calls as the hours there are very boring. If all goes as scheduled she will be released tomorrow.
I want to alert our Dear Readers to the fact that Sue went into Barnes-Jewish Hospital early this morning for her regular IVIG treatment. She has her cell phone (314) 452-3685 and would appreciate check-in calls as the hours there are very boring. If all goes as scheduled she will be released tomorrow.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
20 year celebration for Royal Switchgear, Birmingham, AL Aug 04, 2007
This was a gala event hosted by Royal Switchgear and emceed by its President,
Donald R. Felin, with assistance from his staff. It was held at the Embassy Suites, in Birmingham and well attended. The attendees included Donald Felin and wife Jennifer, daughters Julie and Jennifer, Plattsburg, MO. Don's brothers, John (Pete) Idaho Falls, ID and Joe, Springfield, MO. plus the employees of Royal Switchgear, suppliers and spouses. Much good things were heard about this excellent and well managed company.
The entire evening went quickly and a good time was enjoyed by all! One of the big winners was the employee that won the huge TV set. Everyone had ample amounts of excellent food and beverages. We all thank Don, Vita and the Company for this event.
Donald, Pete and I also visited the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Saturday afternoon. It has literally hundreds of motorcycles on display in the museum plus an adjacent race track. No races were being held but there were probably 8-12 Porche automobiles moving around the track at a relatively high speed. These cars can be driven by the visitors (funds permitting).
Pete flew to Birmingham and I drove. It is about a 10 hour drive from Springfield, MO. I took a short detour through Doniphan, MO, reportedly home territory for our grandfather, David Harve Madden. It is beautiful County and in the Eleven Point Scenic waterways system.
My good fortune was needing gas in W. Memphis, AR. Reg gas $2.46 per gallon.
Meanwhile, back home, the two LL's added Lydia's mom, making it the Big Three
and went to see the American Idol in St. Louis Thurs. night. Schools start here
in a few days so their vacation time is about over.
Springfield Cardinals are in town tonight playing the Corpus Christi Hooks but it is all on TV.
Saves me a few bucks and also I can enjoy it in air conditioned comfort. (at home)
Hello to all, Joe
This was a gala event hosted by Royal Switchgear and emceed by its President,
Donald R. Felin, with assistance from his staff. It was held at the Embassy Suites, in Birmingham and well attended. The attendees included Donald Felin and wife Jennifer, daughters Julie and Jennifer, Plattsburg, MO. Don's brothers, John (Pete) Idaho Falls, ID and Joe, Springfield, MO. plus the employees of Royal Switchgear, suppliers and spouses. Much good things were heard about this excellent and well managed company.
The entire evening went quickly and a good time was enjoyed by all! One of the big winners was the employee that won the huge TV set. Everyone had ample amounts of excellent food and beverages. We all thank Don, Vita and the Company for this event.
Donald, Pete and I also visited the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Saturday afternoon. It has literally hundreds of motorcycles on display in the museum plus an adjacent race track. No races were being held but there were probably 8-12 Porche automobiles moving around the track at a relatively high speed. These cars can be driven by the visitors (funds permitting).
Pete flew to Birmingham and I drove. It is about a 10 hour drive from Springfield, MO. I took a short detour through Doniphan, MO, reportedly home territory for our grandfather, David Harve Madden. It is beautiful County and in the Eleven Point Scenic waterways system.
My good fortune was needing gas in W. Memphis, AR. Reg gas $2.46 per gallon.
Meanwhile, back home, the two LL's added Lydia's mom, making it the Big Three
and went to see the American Idol in St. Louis Thurs. night. Schools start here
in a few days so their vacation time is about over.
Springfield Cardinals are in town tonight playing the Corpus Christi Hooks but it is all on TV.
Saves me a few bucks and also I can enjoy it in air conditioned comfort. (at home)
Hello to all, Joe
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Just a short entry to relate the events of the last couple days - some of which are vague to me. At bedtime on Tuesday I accidentally took 9 high powered antiseizure tablets instead of my regular bedtime medication. Both kinds look alike and I swallowed the wrong ones before I realized what I had done. One half of one of these pills puts me to sleep for at least 8 hours. Rose, Shirley, and I debated few minutes and decided we should call poison control. A nurse at Poison Control told us to go immediately to the emergebcy room. We went to St. Mary's which is the nearest one. I still had my wits about me up until this point, but soon lost them.
They made me take some nasty stuff, put me on IV's, hooked me up on a various monitors, and strapped me to the bed. I really don't remember much about Tuesday night or Wednesday day. Rose, of course, was in and out all day. She had stayed Tuesday night till they got me settled in - which took a good while. Chris was there during the day and I vaguely knew it. My roommate said I kept wanting to watch "Jeopardy" and the ballgame. She tried to find them, but couldn't convince me they weren't on. [Now I think I must have been IN jeopardy.]
Chris ran into Karen Wednesday morning, and they had lunch together. I guess Karen and Mark's wedding plans are going smoothly for a December occasion. Drew, we expected you at the lake a couple weeks ago. The invitation still stands. Come anytime.
The hospital employees kept me awake most of last night, so I had to come home to rest. I don't know if it's a family trait, but I have 'tiny veins'. My arms are bruised from my elbows on down. They had a terrible time getting the IV's in.
But, dear readers, I'm back home and as back to normal as I do get.
They made me take some nasty stuff, put me on IV's, hooked me up on a various monitors, and strapped me to the bed. I really don't remember much about Tuesday night or Wednesday day. Rose, of course, was in and out all day. She had stayed Tuesday night till they got me settled in - which took a good while. Chris was there during the day and I vaguely knew it. My roommate said I kept wanting to watch "Jeopardy" and the ballgame. She tried to find them, but couldn't convince me they weren't on. [Now I think I must have been IN jeopardy.]
Chris ran into Karen Wednesday morning, and they had lunch together. I guess Karen and Mark's wedding plans are going smoothly for a December occasion. Drew, we expected you at the lake a couple weeks ago. The invitation still stands. Come anytime.
The hospital employees kept me awake most of last night, so I had to come home to rest. I don't know if it's a family trait, but I have 'tiny veins'. My arms are bruised from my elbows on down. They had a terrible time getting the IV's in.
But, dear readers, I'm back home and as back to normal as I do get.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
I'm back home after our annual 'kids' week at the lake. Most of these 'kids' are approaching middle age but they still enjoy the same things they've always enjoyed. Goldman, Maddog, Scott, Ding, Groves, Doug, Lynch who's Maddog's brother, and a newcomer, Schwanner, were the guys who showed up, and Shelly and I were the only women there. The guys spread a load of peat gravel between the house and the new concrete driveway. I asked Scott "How much?" He replied "How much gravel or how much did it cost?" I meant both. After they completed this chore they jumped in the lake. It was the first time Goldman had been in the water in two years. They were HOT.
They were pretty good cooks but left something to be desired in cleanup. Scott did most of the breakfasts and never cooked too much bacon. Maddog did the vegetables - which consisted of fried potatoes if I hadn't complained about the menu. Cooks were spared cleanup, but there always seemed to be a skillet soaking. They didn't allow Ding to make his medium rare French toast again.
IF they put a roll of paper towels or toilet tissue on the roller, they put it on backward. I was never able to convince them that there was a right way and a wrong way. They couldn't see that it matters. Maybe they have a point. Schwanner and Groves had worked with Scott in Columbia and followed him to Louisville. Schwanner is a heavyset guy who says he stays heavy because fat guys are less likely to get kidnapped. He loved the lake, the lakehouse, and the waverunner and plans to come back Labor Day. These men - I have been referring to them as my harem - took special care of me last week and never made me feel like a drag on them. Thank you, guys and Shelly, for all your help, love and attention.
Rose got home from Chicago today. She went up Sunday so it was a short trip. Shirley is about recovered from her bout of bronchitis. Her doctor gave her 4 prescriptions so she should be on the mend.
They were pretty good cooks but left something to be desired in cleanup. Scott did most of the breakfasts and never cooked too much bacon. Maddog did the vegetables - which consisted of fried potatoes if I hadn't complained about the menu. Cooks were spared cleanup, but there always seemed to be a skillet soaking. They didn't allow Ding to make his medium rare French toast again.
IF they put a roll of paper towels or toilet tissue on the roller, they put it on backward. I was never able to convince them that there was a right way and a wrong way. They couldn't see that it matters. Maybe they have a point. Schwanner and Groves had worked with Scott in Columbia and followed him to Louisville. Schwanner is a heavyset guy who says he stays heavy because fat guys are less likely to get kidnapped. He loved the lake, the lakehouse, and the waverunner and plans to come back Labor Day. These men - I have been referring to them as my harem - took special care of me last week and never made me feel like a drag on them. Thank you, guys and Shelly, for all your help, love and attention.
Rose got home from Chicago today. She went up Sunday so it was a short trip. Shirley is about recovered from her bout of bronchitis. Her doctor gave her 4 prescriptions so she should be on the mend.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Hi Family! Finally getting an update to the blog. So much of the summer has come and gone already without hearing much from our branch of the family. This summer sort of came to a screeching halt after Dad passed away. We have all been trying to ger busy and are learning how to go on without him. Not an easy task.
Glenn, Cyndi, Kyle, Doug, Cecile, and I spent our traditional weekend at the beach in July. (Although Dave and Jake had to miss because they were at Boy Scout Camp that week.) We usually do this as part of Aunt Camp week, but I am finding the big nephews are getting too busy so it's harder to make it happen. I'm on to the next generation of boys now. The kids are getting younger and their auntie is not. Hmmm. Wonder how much fun this is going to be for them!?
Tammy and Dick came through Portland a couple of weekends ago on their way to visit Dick's daughter for her birthday. It was so nice to have them all to myself for a few hours. (Mom said, "Hey, how do you rate?") Tammy had left her car here and when they drove the additional two hours south together in Dick's car. My friend Cheryl and I were on a mission that Saturday to clean my garage!! Good thing Tammy left her keys - I put all kinds of stuff in her car -I mean treasures that she would love to have! My garage is now so nice and clean - I could have a party in it!
I was in a friend's wedding this past weekend. I felt kind of old to be a bridesmaid but wouldn't have missed it for the world! It was a blast. I had an updo and a beautiful dress. I was the only one of the three bridesmaids with blonde hair and the hair dresser put glitter in my hair. When the sun shined on it everyone was jealous because it looked like a halo! (I thought it looked very natural...) I'll have to post a picture when I get one from my friend. I could have danced all night - but had to get home to get the 64 bobby pins and glitter out of my hair and try to catch about 4 hours of sleep before pulling an early morning shift. Needless to say - I resembled a pumpkin the next day. It was well worth it. No eligible men at the wedding, though. It was small, but elegant and was mostly family. I have known all her brothers for years, so they are like my brothers. (sigh - all dressed up and no one to notice! I didn't even catch the bouquet!) I have it from a reliable source that there are influential people out there praying for a husband for me - so I can't help but have my radar on...
Speaking of newlyweds...Anna and Dan entertained Dan's family in Spokane this week. They went for a cruise on Coeur d'Alene Lake and spent time dining and at the Casino. Tammy headed over to meet them and to spend time with Mom. I hope to get some pics of their weekend and post them later.
Big news! Mom and I are joining Cyndi and her family in Hawaii for 6 days!! Whoo Hoo!! I can't wait! Cyndi got a bonus from her work for a week at a resort on Oahu and extended the invitaion to Mom and me. We go the last week in August. I'm working on the freckle count and already have my snorkeling gear packed. Mom will fly to Portland and then on with me to meet the Langstons in Honolulu. They fly from Seattle and we all arrive within 5 minutes of each other! Good thing Verizon works there - we will meet up and head to the resort together for the week. Watch for pics of Mom and I by the pool with little umbrella drinks. Good times.
Gotta run off to work...Hope all is well with everyone. More news later!
Love
Sandi2L
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
This is Joe Felin with limited news from Springfield, MO.
Sean MADDEN today verified some earlier information re his mom now living in Bolivar, MO. He said she seems to be happy and getting along OK.
Sean had been to the Windy City, on behalf of his employer Smillies Grocery. He attended a food market convention held at McCormick Place, which is on the shore of Lake Michigan. Hope he does not come down with the gout, after all the rich food he probably ate in the Windy City.
Sean said his brother Brian was in Indianapolis, IN and hoping to get a load to Springfield so he so he could take off a few days. His other brother Mike is busy between the grape vineyard he is deceloping and his full time job in K.C. KS. Sean has suggested Mike hurry up the process and get the wine flowing!
My comment to Sean was maybe Mike should grow a big watermelon patch while the grape vines are developing.
Lisa, Lydia and group are due back from Costa Rica this coming Monday, Aug 6th, ion the evening.
Sean MADDEN today verified some earlier information re his mom now living in Bolivar, MO. He said she seems to be happy and getting along OK.
Sean had been to the Windy City, on behalf of his employer Smillies Grocery. He attended a food market convention held at McCormick Place, which is on the shore of Lake Michigan. Hope he does not come down with the gout, after all the rich food he probably ate in the Windy City.
Sean said his brother Brian was in Indianapolis, IN and hoping to get a load to Springfield so he so he could take off a few days. His other brother Mike is busy between the grape vineyard he is deceloping and his full time job in K.C. KS. Sean has suggested Mike hurry up the process and get the wine flowing!
My comment to Sean was maybe Mike should grow a big watermelon patch while the grape vines are developing.
Lisa, Lydia and group are due back from Costa Rica this coming Monday, Aug 6th, ion the evening.
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