Denfeld H. S. - Part of "Red Plan"

The current Denfeld High School building on the corner of 44th Avenue West & 4th Street was 80 years old in 2006. The building first opened on September 8, 1926. The old Denfeld High School building on Central Avenue turned 90 years old in 2005. It first opened in the fall of 1915 and was located in what is now known as MacArthur-West Elementary. The high school that would become Denfeld was called the Duluth Industrial High School and was located in the old Irving School building. This high school began in 1905 with the ninth grade. This high school celebrated it's 100th year in 2005. The Irving School building which is now apartments, was 112 years old in 2006.

The Red Plan calls for renovating Denfeld, and making it one of two high schools in Duluth. The students at Central High would be split between Denfeld and Ordean in the Eastern part of town, (that is now a middle school).

I personally don’t know too much about Denfeld or its building, other than the history I just told you about. I know that recently it’s auditorium, which I hear is beautiful, was refurbished, and there is also a pipe organ, that makes for great musical venues.

My friend, Becca is a teacher there, and she could probably tell us more. She reads my posts, Becca, can you give us some more info on your school? Becca, what would your thoughts be if the “Blue” Plan were chosen and Denfeld would be closed? The "Blue Plan" calls for only one school, and that would be Central. The western part of town would not be happy to have Denfeld close. That part of town already lost a high school that was in Morgan Park (Morgan Park High School). They would argue that the eastern part of town never had to sacrifice a high school. But, the eastern part of town, has had to suffer the loss of many elementary schools, including the elementary school in my Woodland neighborhood.

Hoping to hear some comments on this school issue. Readers....????

East High School

East High School (also known as Duluth East) is the largest of three public secondary schools in Duluth, Minnesota. It educates students in grades nine through twelve. It first opened its doors in 1927 as a junior high school. In 1950, it became a senior high school to serve the growing student population. Situated in a residential neighborhood in eastern Duluth, Duluth East currently serves about 1,530 students.

The Red Plan calls for the current East High School building to become a middle school. The high school for the eastern part of town would be located at what is now Ordean Middle School, on 40th Ave. East.

Our children all graduated from East High School. Our oldest was not happy when she heard it may not remain a high school. Our boys aren’t as sentimental.

East has been crowded for many years. It was crowded when there were only 10-12 grades there, and became more crowded when they added the ninth graders.

Will This Central HS be Closed?

This was opened in 1971. It sits on top of the hill in a central area of Duluth, just off Mesaba and Central Entrance. The building has been refurbished a few times since 1971, and from what I understand, is still in good shape. There are many acres around it, so expansion would be possible in the future, if needed. It's got a fantastic view of the lake and the city, from high on top of the hill!

During the 1991-92 school year, the School Board tried to close Central, but with determination from the students of all the schools and the citizens of Duluth, the school board was convinced that Central should stay open both as a high school and as a community center. That was the last time consolidation of high schools in Duluth was really addressed.

Now, as I wrote about a few days ago, Central could be on the “chopping block” again. If the “Red Plan” gets approved by the school board, it means Central H. S. would be closed. Will the students and citizens of Duluth fight to keep it open as it did in ’91 and ’92?? We’ll see. Speaking of the “Red Plan”, there is a good article today on the editorial page of The Duluth News Tribune. (see my link) I urge you to log on to it and read it, it’s titled “Red Plan needs some work to bridge city’s east-west divide”.

In August, will the out of towners from the "Class of 1957" be told when they come to Duluth for their 50th class reunion, that there soon will not be a Central High School in Duluth??

Next post: Read about the possiblity of the East High School Alumni facing the same as the Central Alumini's.

Old Central High School

In August my husband's sister, who lives in California, and his cousin from Arizona will both be traveling to Duluth to attend their 50th Class Reunion from Duluth Central High School. They attended Central at what we now call "Old Central", it was and still is a beautiful building. I'm so thankful that when they closed it to open a "New Central" in 1971, that the building did not get torn down. This is an excerpt taken from the Central High School web site, about the orginal Central, written by Jason N. Shaw:

"For one hundred years Central High School has been a symbol of pride for both the citizens of Duluth and the students who attended the school.

Built in 1892 according to the plans of the architects Palmer and Hall, Duluth Central was considered "The Finest High School in the World." Built because of inadequate space in the old Washington Building, Central was famed not only for its grand clock tower, which could be seen for miles, but also for its wide halls, sweeping stairways with iron banisters, large chandeliers, and beautiful statuary. Most of these objects were removed in the 1920’s to make room for more students and further modernization. In 1923 classrooms replaced the central stairwell; in 1925 a cafeteria was added; in 1926 a north wing was added with greater gymnasium facilities; and finally, 1927 saw the building of East Junior High to take the pressure off of the other two schools. In 1939 the wood floors were replaced by concrete ones and built-in lockers were added. The first graduating class of 1894 numbered only thirty-two students. It was this class that put out the first yearbook and called it the "Tiger." The next year the name was changed to the "Zenith" and it has remained so to this day. The first school paper was called the "Junior Record" and was published by the juniors in 1894. It was the forerunner of the "Spectator" which came out in 1922-23.

Central High School remained pretty quiet for the next fifty, or so, years – until 1970. It was then that due to age and safety conditions the Duluth School Board decided it would have to build a new school to replace Central. They brought forth two bond issues, the second one was accepted and building was begun. In 1971 Duluth had a new school on top of the hill." (See my next post for a photo of it).

Old Central still sits in the heart of downtown Duluth. It is now used by the School District for their Administration offices. I understand there is an "Alumni Room" that can be visited by former students. The bell tower is still there also.

Valuable Early Detection Tool

DID YOU KNOW? Mammograms are the most valuable early detection method because they can identify breast cancer at an early stage, usually before physical symptoms develop.

IMPACT: Because of increased use of mammography and improved treatments, more breast cancers are detected early, and more women are surviving breast cancer.
TAKE ACTION: Spread the word about breast cancer early detection. Contact the American Cancer Society today at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find out more.

Why it's important: A mammogram is one of the best tools available for catching breast cancer early, when tumors are small and easier to treat successfully. That's why the American Cancer Society and many other organizations recommend regular mammograms for all women 40 and older. If the group of women not following this recommendation is getting larger, as these studies suggest, experts fear this will lead to more women being diagnosed with advanced disease that is harder to control. And ultimately that will translate into higher breast cancer death rates overall."That's the thing we worry about the most," says lead researcher Nancy Breen, PhD, of the National Cancer Institute. "Women who weren't diagnosed early because they didn't get their on-schedule mammogram might be diagnosed later with a later stage of cancer."

I just read yesterday a study has shown that mammography rates are going down in the US. In the latest one, researchers from the National Cancer Institute find that the trend is national and not restricted to just a few states. The decline raises troubling questions for those concerned with lowering the toll breast cancer takes in the US.

This morning at 8 am I had my annual Mammogram. Have you had yours? If not, make your appointment today!

Which Plan???

Duluth School District has been facing the fact that student enrollment numbers have been dwindling for years. For years, there is talk of what to do about this situation. Lots of talk, but no action, the school district seems to just put off the envitable year after year, and that envtiable is that consolidation is needed. Every small town and even large towns throughout the U.S. have been facing this for many years. Finally, in 2006 an
independent study was done for the district. From this study came three recommendations for the solving of this in three ways which were presented to the public a few months ago. There were meetings throughout the city to explain the three plans. From the three plans, emerges one that the school board is looking at the most. I’m not sure if it really is the one that the majority of people think is best – it is the “Red Plan”. I think it’s the plan that people are leaning toward because they realize that one school has to be eliminated.

So what do my Duluth readers think? Which plan do you think would be the best? Should Duluth have one school or two? I grew up a rural area, many small towns with high schools and elementary schools around. When I was in 8th grade, two of the towns went together and built one big school. Each small town was not happy about losing their high school, but financially it just wasn’t feasible, consolation was a must. In the 40 – 50 years since, we have seen many consolidations in many towns. Someone that grew up in Minneapolis mentioned that this has happened to most of the small areas of the cities, and while no one initially likes it, she said that they all got “over it”. She thinks Duluth should go to one high school and people should “just get over it”, like all the other small towns in the nation have done. I know the school district that I grew up in was not sorry that the new larger school was built.

The “red plan” calls for two high schools instead of the three we now have. Central in the middle of the city would be closed, and the two high schools would be one in the east end of town and one in the west end of town. Now, you Duluthians know that there is a big division already between “East and West” in our city. I am thinking that two schools located at each end, would make that division worse. Because it is not just a geographical division, it is an eco/social division. Economically, the east part of town is richer than the west, which won’t make for a diverse student body, which I think is important.

It will be interesting to watch what develops between these plans and which plan the school board will endorse.

The Red plan calls for Denfeld to stay a high school, and for East High School to become a middle school. The second high school would be at the Ordean Middle School building in the eastern part of town. This plan calls for the closing of Central High School, which was built new in 1971, the first year I lived here. It was built when the school board decided the old Central had to be replaced due to age and safety conditions. Not too long after though, "low and behold" the board fixed up the building and put their administration offices in it. Of course, you know how well that went over with those who didn’t want the new school built. Now, if they try to close this Central building, I think a fight might be coming, like the fight the board had in 1991 and ’92 when they tried to close the building. I’d hate to think of closing Denfeld, as money has just been spent re-doing their beautiful auditorium and organ.

During this week I will post some information on the history of each of these schools. One thing is for certain, due to smaller student populations, and the trend to continue at least through 2013, something has to be done. Duluth simply can’t afford three high schools any longer. I think we should look at social and justice issues for the students, as well as financial, and leave out the politics, when it comes to making the decision between the three plans.

Happy Birthday Dear Daughter!

Today is our daughter, Dawn's birthday. We visited her and her family last weekend, I took her birthday cake, and we celebrated. I did call her today and wished her a happy birthday. I would dearly love to post a photo of her here, but I know she would not be happy with me if I did, so I won't. If I had some of her baby photos scanned, I would do that, but I don't have any of them electronically. She was the most beautiful baby, and grew into a beauty of a woman, not only beauty wise. Those of you that know her, I think would agree. So I will just say in this post that "your Mom and Dad wish you a Happy Birthday and we are proud of the person you have become".!!! Happy Birthday Dawn!

Honoring a request

Bob's Auntie Mae and Auntie Helen (Part of the "Rich Sisters") (note this picture got distorted when I posted it, and can't seem to fix it, the real photo shows them to be very slim).

Mother in Law - Dolly (Bob's Mother)
Bob's Grandparents, Carmella and Frank (who I never had the opportunity to meet, but Bob tells me great stories about them).

We just came back from Calvary Cemetery. When Bob and I were first married, the first two years before we lived in Woodland, we would get in Bob’s uncle’s car, with Auntie Helen, and my Mother-in-law, and make a trip to what seemed like very far away (it was actually the other end of town, and remember Duluth is long). It was a beautiful drive up Woodland Avenue, to a cemetery named “Calvary”. At that time Woodland Avenue was completely lined with beautiful trees that were at that time probably 50 or more years old. One year when they widened the avenue, those trees came down. More were planted, and now after many years, we are finally starting to see some of that beauty once again. They brought along cemetery baskets that were planted with geraniums. We went to Bob’s Grandparents plots and Bob’s aunts. We also went to Bob’s brother and sister’s plots, which he never knew. They were born before him, and both passed away before they reached their 2nd birthdays, one from a heart condition and the other from pneumonia. My Mother in law, Dolly, always knew exactly where everyone was.

Now we live in that part of town, in Woodland, Calvary is within 5 minutes of our home. Dolly would come up to our house, and then together, we would go to Calvary, we had to visit all of the relatives graves, we followed Dolly's lead. In '79 we lost Auntie Rosie and Auntie Helen. In ’88 we lost Bob’s Uncle Tom, (Auntie Helen's husband). Pretty soon Dolly was the only sister left, and then the cousins, who most all were older than Bob, started passing away too. Dolly would always tell us that when she was gone, it would be our responsibility to take her place and do the same thing. We lost Dolly in 2003, so now we go to the cemetary each Memorial Day weekend, to honor her wish, but also I think we would do it, even if she hadn't requested it, because we would want to.

Sometimes I feel guilty that we don’t go there more often throughout the year, because we live so close. However, there is something that keeps running through my mind that my Mother always said. She was not one to go visit her Mother and Dad’s graves, except when I came home and wanted to go. The last time we went together, she told me that she does not go to their grave sites because she thinks of them in her hearts most everyday, and she didn’t feel she needed to go to their grave to remember them. She also said “they are not there; their spirit is in Heaven and in my heart, so why do I need to go to the grave site?” I pondered what she said, and had to agree with her.

I guess that’s why I don’t go up to Calvary throughout the year. But, to honor Dolly’s request, that we go there on Memorial Day to remember her family, Bob and I do go at least every Memorial Day weekend. We decorate and find all the graves from his family that are there and say a prayer by each one of them. We remember and honor them all.

Though I am not in PA this weekend, I am remembering my family members that I have lost. We also remember all those who fought for our country and honor them.

Let us all remember our departed loved ones, not just on this one weekend.

Future Vacation

As you know in April we vacationed in Florida. In the past our vacations were always to Pennsylvania to see my family, or Las Vegas to see Bob's sister. I kept telling Bob there were other places that I wanted to see, and it wasn't until he became good friends with Bill that he agreed that we should go somewhere other than Las Vegas (which he loves). I was so happy to go somewhere other than Vegas. I had always wanted to go to Florida. I have always wanted to go to the state of Arizona too. I have had relatives in Arizona all my life, and he also has a cousin that lives in Arizona. So, now he has agreed that next winter we will visit Arizona. His cousin is in Scottsdale, and my cousins are in Payson, which is in the northern part of the state. My Aunt and Uncle were from Tempe, however, they are both gone now. I never did make it to Tempe, but I have cousins there yet, so hoping to visit them. I need to find out from the cousins when the best month is to go there, and when it suits for us to visit them. SO, Arizona it will be - after our trip home to PA in the fall, of course!

What made me think of writing about Arizona is that one of my favorite photographers, Jonathan, (you've seen his photos posted here on my site) has just taken a vacation to Scottsdale, AZ. I noticed his photos of Scottsdale on his photo site. Here are two of his photos.
I note from the photos, that though I always thought AZ as being mostly "brown", that there is some green there too. From looking at his photos, I get a preview of what we will see there next winter.

Fridays

Today is Friday. Today the weather was gorgeous. Tomorrow it is to be cold and rainy, and tomorrow is Saturday, the weekend! Last Friday it was the same pattern. It seems so often, especially to those of us who are employed, that on Friday’s when we are working, the weather is so very beautiful, and then the weekend comes and it’s ugly, cold, or rainy or both. This especially often happens in the spring and summer and it seems to happen more here in the Northland than in other places.

It was so pretty this morning I really hated to go to work. I sure wished I could go outside and enjoy the weather. I did go out at lunch time and walked in the Rose Garden. The city park employees were busily taking down the burlap that wrapped all of the hedges. The roses are uncovered. There are still some bushes that need to be uncovered yet. The spring flowers are blooming, the trees are green and in bloom and Duluth has recovered from the “pre-spring” dullness and is beautiful once again. Summer is upon us, and we are all enjoying it!

Yes, summer in Duluth. It’s great!

Downtown Sheraton Opens Today

One of the hotels that has been under construction all through the winter (see photo above) opens today. The new downtown "Sheraton Hotel". After three years of planning and construction. This hotel is made of brick and glass and it is close to to our medical community and will offer special rates to hospital patients and their families. It will be connected by skywalk to SMDC Health System. It is the first new hotel to open in downtown and Canal Park in five years. The second new one "The Canal Park Lodge" in Canal Park is due to open next month. Read more about it on my News Tribune link found on this site.

Elegance

The weekend was great! We were in Hudson for our Grandchildren’s dance recital. Both Grandchildren were in the recital and each of them were in quite a few of the performances. Skylar had his solo he has been doing at competitions and will be doing at the national competition in Las Vegas in July. He also had a new solo in a new routine his group did to the song “I Love Paris”. It was very good, and one of our favorite routines. This is one that they will perform in their competitions for the upcoming “competition season”. Madelyn, Skylar and their Mother were kept very busy, as there was a recital on Friday night (which we attended) then also one Saturday afternoon and Saturday night! By the end of Saturday night they were pretty tired! We really enjoyed the recital, and even my husband, who isn't the type to like recitals, enjoyed it!

On Saturday we went to a wedding in Minneapolis of the son of good friends. Their son also was one of our youngest son’s best friends; they went to school together and played baseball together for many years. Scott was in the wedding. It was such a beautiful, elegant wedding. The most elegant wedding and reception that we have ever been to! The wedding ceremony was beautiful, with bouquets of summer flowers, and great music. The elegant reception was at a country club that the majority of us can never afford to be members of. It was really something, from the h’dorves, champagne, sea bass & filet mignon meal with all the trimmings, to dancing to a 12-piece band that took no breaks, to the cheeseburgers that showed up at 10:30 pm! It was definitely an affair to remember!

On Sunday we celebrated our daughter’s birthday. Her husband is a great cook (I’m sure I told you this before), he cooked her favorite meal and it was a great topping off to a fun weekend.

It rained all day on Saturday in Duluth. It was in the 70’s in Hudson and Minneapolis, beautiful, warm and sunny. On Sunday it got cooler in Hudson, it was 59 degrees when we left at 3 pm, and 39 degrees when we hit Duluth. Our son told us that there was white on the ground when he got up that morning! (and it wasn't white flowers from a tree either!) What a change!

What Would You Take?

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com
The Gunflint Trail Fire:
The Gunflint Trail residents are returning home today, after being evacuated from their homes because of the fire. Some do not have homes to return to. Read about it in this morning’s Duluth News Tribune. Sam Cook, our outdoor editor for the Tribune wrote an article called “What Would You Save?”. Click on the news site and then “Sam Cook”.

I know what I would want to save if I had to evacuate our home. Our photos! I am big on taking pictures, and having pictures, especially family pictures. My large painted photo of our family farm that I grew up on, that is above our fireplace mantel, would be the first thing I would grab, then the children’s 8 X 10 high school grad photos from our bookcase, the Grandchildren’s framed photos, and all the framed family photos that I have in our dining room. I would grab them fast. I am in the process of a project that I want to do over the next year or so. I am scanning the photos from the last 37 years and photos of growing up years, into a “flash drive” (sure it will take more than one). I just found out recently about these valuable little things. They hold a lot, and they are small. The one I started is sitting right at my desk in a basket. I could easily grab it. Photos, they are the most valuable of our possessions. I wouldn’t care about saving anything else, I could save my photos.

I asked my husband what he would want to take, his reply was “my shaving kit and a change of clothing”. Gee, we sure don’t think alike!

Make some comments on my blog telling me what you would grab as you were evacuating your home.

Dances and Weddings

I’m excited. I just finished packing. I’m taking a ½ day off work tomorrow for us to
travel to Hudson to see our daughter and her family. The Grandchildren have their dance recital tomorrow night. Both Madelyn and Skylar will be dancing. It will be fun to watch them. We will be standing in line an hour and a half early to get good seats in the auditorium, but we know it will be worth it. When our daughter was 5 years old she took dance lessons for a year. We had one dance recital to attend, and it was fun to watch her dance. I have posted a photo of her from her one dance recital. Dancing was not her passion, as it is her son's, so I wasn't able to convince her to continue taking lessons. I let her quit when she asked, but I'm glad that we gave her the opportunity to try it. The photo with the dark haired girl is her. The photo of the blonde haired girl is our Granddaughter, at her recital last May. And, then of course, there is Skylar with his trophy.

Did I tell you that at Skylar’s last competition he won first place with his solo and that this earned him the right to go to national competition in Las Vegas in July! He and his Mother will be going for him to compete for “top male dancer of the year” for his age bracket! We are all very proud of him. Considering he has only been dancing for a bit over a year, it’s astonishing how well he is doing. From Las Vegas he will be heading to New York City with two of his dance teachers for a dance instructor conference and training. The owner of the dance studio is going to hire him next fall as an instructor. I’m excited that he will get both a trip to Las Vegas and to New York City, at his young age. He really has a passion for dance! While they are in Las Vegas, we are going to have Madelyn with us here in Duluth. We are really looking forward to her visit.

On Saturday we will be attending a wedding in Minneapolis. Our youngest son’s best friend is getting married. Scott is in the wedding, and we are friends of the groom and his parents. It sounds like it’s going to be a very big, elegant wedding. So, that will be fun. David grew up in Duluth, and they will be living in Minneapolis. For a wedding gift I bought them a beautiful framed photo of the Aerial Lift Bridge at night, it is so pretty. I thought he would appreciate having a touch of Duluth in their home. So many of the young couples getting married now a days, already live together and often have homes, so it’s really hard to know what to get them that they don’t already have! My son didn’t seem to agree with me, but I’m going with my instinct and not on what he says. I think I am right in my thinking that it is a good wedding present. I gave one to another young man who settled in North Carolina, for their wedding, and their thank you note told how much they enjoyed having a touch of home on their North Carolina home. And, if the groom isn’t sentimental about growing up in Duluth now, some day he will be!

Rain and Smoke Free State

Two good things happened in the last few days. The first thing is that we received RAIN. Much needed rain that helped the Gunflint Trail and Boundary Waters fire that was raging. Late Monday afternoon we had large hail with our rain. It did a number on our son’s Honda Accord, and his car is at an age where it won’t pay to fix. Poor Rob, he’s had a lot of car problems these last few months. Bob’s car was saved, as it was parked under our big tree. My car was in the parking ramp downtown, as I was still at work. Thank goodness!

The second great thing that happened is that yesterday our Governor signed our “Freedom to Breathe Act”, making Minnesota the 20th state to ban smoking in bars and restaurants. The Governor called it a “proud and good day for Minnesota”. For many years, many counties in Minnesota have worked on or passed smoking bans. St. Louis County has been working on one, but now that the state has passed this, our county will not have to continue. It makes more sense for the whole state to have the ban, rather than piece meal county bans. The ban covers all workplaces, bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, clubs. The states who have this already have found that it has not hurt business. In other states with smoking bans the overall volume of restaurants and hospitality industry generally has increased. Duluth has had a smoking ban on all restaurants for a few years, and it is so nice to sit and eat dinner without smoke, and without going home and smelling like smoke. The most important thing about this law is that it will bring tremendous health benefits. It will protect those that work in bars and restaurants from secondhand smoke that harms their lungs and bodies. This law is about health. The law goes into effect on October 1st. This law was in the making for 8 years, for all those who have worked on this, it was a long eight years, a lot ot hard work. All who worked on this and who are responsible for this law, are celebrating this week! We who like to breathe without smoke around us, thank them! If you were part if it, if you urged your legislature to support it, thank you. I did my part and I am happy for a healthier Minnesota!

Mother's Day Remembrances

My Mother and below, my Grandmother G.

Grandma E.

Mother Pugliese, Dolly - with her Grandchildren

Remembering my Mother's and Grandmother's.

Not Just Another Day - Mother's Day, 2007

Mother’s Day today, and what a nice Mother’s Day it was for me. Yesterday, 11:30 am, our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter pulled into our driveway unexpectedly. They drove up from Hudson to surprise me for Mother’s Day. My husband knew they were coming, but I didn’t know. They wanted to surprise me. What a great surprise it was for me! This was the best Mother’s Day weekend I have had since my children have been grown.

I think Dawn knew how hard this weekend would be for me, with the loss of my Mother 2 years ago, on Mother’s Day morning, and my Mother-in-law being gone also. When you are raising your family, Mother’s Days are always focused on your Mother and your Mother-in-law. When both of them are gone, it really makes Mother’s Day different, because even though we are Mother’s, the focus we had for so many years is not there, except to have the memories, and to think how on Mother’s Day, our Mother is gone. The memories, of course, are good, but it also makes one sad, knowing they are not here. One thing that helps is if your children focus the day on their Mother (you). It’s nice to have your adult children recognize you on Mother’s Day, and remind you that you have been and are a good Mom. My daughter made my weekend extra special by traveling 150 miles to be with me, and my grown sons also made it nice for me too.

I was taken out to eat at a great restaurant last night, that I chose, (with husband of course), and they gave me a beautiful hanging geranium plant for our porch. They even stayed longer than usual today, by not heading back home till later this afternoon. Dawn and I worked out together this morning at the fitness center, and had a good time. Yesterday afternoon we did a little shopping, and visited with Scott’s girlfriend, Sarah. Early this morning, my granddaughter gave me a beautiful card and a hug and kiss. Their darling dog came with, (Coco) and she gave me lots of love and fun too. Our oldest son gave me a great card; I know he chose especially for me. And, he also gave me the DVD “The Prairie Home Companion”. He knew I had wanted to see the movie when it was in the theater, and I didn’t see it. I watched it this afternoon, and really enjoyed it. Our grandson was not able to come, but I talked to him on the phone and got good wishes from him. The weather was beautiful both days, with the rest of the leaves out on the trees, and everything green and pretty.

I was appalled when a friend told me that “Mother’s Day is just another day”. No, Mother’s Day is NOT just another day! It is a day to treasure and honor your Mother, your Mother in law and your Grandmothers, even if they are no longer with you. And, a day to let your children treasure and honor their Mother.

Yes, it was a great Mother’s Day weekend. It wasn’t just “another day”.

I’m remembering Dolly, my Mother and my Grandmothers, but with good memories, and not with tears. I honor them and treasure them. I also am thankful that I am a Mother and that I am a Mother to three great children and Grandmother to two neat grandchildren! I am truly thankful today, Mother's Day!

Thank you, my dear children for making my Mother's Day special.

Wind Shift

From 80 to 50! Yesterday I took a long walk at lunch time and it was over 80 degrees downtown here by the lake. In the evening it was still in the 80's. It was actually hot! But, what a difference today! The wind shifted. Here in Duluth the wind can shift and in a matter of minutes the temperature can drop 40 degrees. The temperature today at lunch is barely 50 degrees! At least it is still sunny. I will be walking the treadmill today at lunch time, instead of outside when I finish writing this. I would like walking in the cooler weather but the wind is going to blow the pollen around, and don't want to go through the itchy eyes and runny nose that I went through yesterday after walking outside!

We in Minnesota are hoping for some rain to ease the fire situations up north. There is a raging fire going on up in Northern Minnesota by the Gunflint Trail. Many thousands of acres burned and many people have lost their homes. I realize that Minnesota is not the only state affected by fires due to the dry weather, Florida and California, to name two, are having major problems. We hope for rain to ease the dryness.

Relationships

Yesterday was the two-year anniversary of my Mother’s passing. I spent a lot of the day thinking about her. Although, in these two years, probably a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of her. All of you, who have lost one or both of your parents, know exactly what I’m talking about. In April it was three years, for my Dad. I have been also spending a lot of time being thankful and very grateful for the parents that I had, and thankful that I had them each for a major part of my life.

In regard to relationships, this week has been a good week because I have re-connected with some old friends that I haven’t seen for a very long time. Our God-daughter, who I haven’t seen since her grade school years, and now she just finished her second year in college, was one that I saw and visited with on Sunday. Her family used to live in our neighborhood, but when she was about 3 years old, they moved away. You know how you can lose touch with friends when they leave your town. Her sister-in-law had a baby shower for her on Sunday. I drove 50 miles one way, so that I could attend. I knew I would see her Mother too, who I haven’t seen in many years. It was so wonderful to see both of them. I had a bonus though, I also was able to visit with our God-daughter’s two sisters, who I haven’t seen since they were little girls. It was nice that they remembered me, and they and Janel were both so friendly to me, and we reconnected so easily, it didn’t even seem like all these years had passed! I also saw photos of Janel’s brothers, who I haven’t seen since they were grown. Her brothers and both of her sisters each have 3 children a piece, it was so much fun to see their children. How neat that was!

It’s really something to be at a time in my life, where I am seeing the children of the little ones who lived down the street, that I watched running up and down the block! One of the boys has finished his second year of medical school, on track to be a Doctor! Wow! Janel’s Mother and I made a date to meet for lunch (she works downtown Duluth) next week, so she and I can catch up (a lot of changes in her life since I’ve seen her.) I told her she is to be sure to call me when her 10th Grandchild arrives! I plan to go visit Janel and their new little one, and to stay connected!

Tonight I am meeting another old friend for supper. She and I haven’t visited with each other in probably about 3 years. It will be so great to re-connect with her too. I am a “People person” so it’s important to me to keep in touch with all my friends.

Relationships, that’s what life is really about!

Roses Uncovered

What a beautiful day we had today! It was 59 degrees before 8 am, on my drive to work, at 6:15 tonight it was 84 degrees! We in our sub basement office heard that it was beautiful outside all day. Sometimes, it’s good not to have any windows, we don’t know what we are missing. This evening I went to the Rose Garden for a walk. The Lake was a beautiful blue and was so calm. No winds, like we had last week. The roses were all uncovered, and watered, the dirt around them all fresh. The Rose Garden is waking up for spring and the coming summer. Pretty soon it will look like this photo posted.

Grandchildren, Spring 2007

We were able to visit our daughter and family in Hudson, WI, before and after our vacation trip to Florida. The first Saturday we were there was our Grandson’s High School Prom. It was fun to see him all dressed up. Here is a photo of our handsome Grandson, Skylar. He is 17 going on 21. Also posting a photo of Madelyn and Coco. (no, she is not holding a stuffed dog, it is a real

dog!).

In two weeks we will be visiting them again to watch their dance recitals. We will go to the recital and then Sat. evening, a wedding. The groom is a good friend of our son Scott. Scott is in the Wedding Party, so I look forward to seeing our son "all dressed up". There is just something about seeing a man in a tuxedo!

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The Dogs

One afternoon we went to the “Dog Races”. I’ve often heard of dog racing in Florida. We went on the day that we could get in for 50 cents, and they offered hotdogs, popcorn, pop and beer for 50 cents. We ate lunch there, quite cheaply! It was interesting to watch the greyhound dogs get ready for the races with their handlers, and fun to watch them race. We sat down in the front rows, so we got a good view of them. Greyhounds are very elegant looking, with their long legs and they were fun to watch. I bet on a few races, always choosing a dog “to show”, not big money. One time I won $2.80 and another time $4.30. Bill told us that his brother in law a few weeks before, on his visit, won $1100 on a $2.00 bet. Bob told me when we left that with our lunch, popcorn, pop, and the chances we took, that we only spent $17.00. Not bad for an afternoon of entertainment and something new.

Cruisin'

One day in Florida we drove about an hour to Madera Island and the town of Treasure Island to take a cruise on a “Party Ship”. It was termed as a cruise out into the ocean, with entertainment and slot machines and gaming after reaching the international waters, where gaming was legal. We boarded the ship at 11 am. There was a buffet luncheon on board. I have posted photos of the shore as we were leaving it, going out into the ocean.

I am not a gambler, so I didn’t play. Bob didn’t play too much, and of course, none of them won anything. Mostly we all sat on the top deck of the ship and just relaxed. I enjoyed doing that. The first part of the trip was not too great for me because the day before I was out on the golf course, and that evening I suffered with spring allergies. I took Sudafed PE, which I have never taken before, at bedtime. When I was still stuffed up in the morning, I took another dose again, not realizing that it would have the effect of sleepiness. I guess I should have known better. Anyhow, I was so sleepy on the way to the boat, I could hardly stay awake. I was the same way until about the time the ship changed course and headed back to shore! Needless to say, I didn’t do much except sit on the top level of the ship and “relax”. No more Sudafed PE for me!

I was recovered in time to eat at a good seafood dinner at the "Friendly Fisherman" restaurant at the shore.

The Deer

This morning I was going to write more about our vacation, however my husband called me to the kitchen a little bit ago. There were three beautiful deer in our backyard. They were grazing on our grass. We stood and watched them for quite awhile, until one of them scampered off to the neighbors’ yard through our thicket into the neighbor’s yard, then the other two followed one by one, until they were out of our sight. Gee, they were pretty. Wouldn’t you know it, I didn’t have a camera on hand to take pictures! (We didn’t see any deer in Florida.)

One of the things I insisted on when we remodeled our kitchen 3 years ago was that my kitchen sink be moved to the other side of the room by the window that faced our pretty back yard. Two contractors who gave us bids tried to talk me out of that to save money. I’m glad I insisted, we really love being able to look out as we are doing things by the sink.

Bob told me the other day around lunch time he saw there were 6 deer grazing there. In the 36 years we’ve lived here, I don’t remember seeing deer in our back yard, probably because we never had a window overlooking our backyard! Glad we didn’t miss the deer this morning!

The Red Barn

After the four of us golfed last Wednesday, we went to the “Red Barn”. It was a very large complex of at least five buildings like our one building at our Farmer’s Market in Duluth.
Linda and Bill said that anything and everything could be found there. It was a large “flea market”, with hundreds of vendors selling, as Linda and Bill said “everything and anything”! Fortunately, we only spent a little over an hour there, so of course, we didn’t get through the whole place, and that saved us from spending too much money. Although, we did come away with a few things, it’s also the place where I bought my post cards, and Florida T-Shirts, like every good tourist does. I found some really cute things for our 6 year old Granddaughter. Little girls are much easier to buy for than 17 year old Grandsons. I was searching for just the “right thing” for him, but without any luck, I ended up buying him a Florida t-shirt, but a really nice one that he will actually wear. Here is a photo of one of things I purchased at the “Red Barn” for Madelyn. She loved it, and best of all, my daughter really, really loved it. I can’t believe I really chose something that my daughter loved. Wow! Made me wish I had purchased one for her (she wished I had too- I never buy clothing for my daughter, as I usually would not choose the right thing.)

The Red Barn was the only place that we shopped at, but it was a most interesting place. It was like the huge market place that is near Thomasville, PA, that I have visited when I was in Pennsylvania visiting my home.

Florida Golf

Bob and Bill golfed quite a few times while we were in Florida. They golfed together a lot last summer in Duluth, and Bob really looked forward to golfing in Florida with Bill. Bill’s wife is a golfer. I am not a golfer. Never touched a club, never have even been on a golf course. Linda wanted to golf one time with the guys, and Bill suggested that I “ride along” with them on the course, since they would be getting a golf cart. I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what the game of golf was like, and to see a beautiful golf course. So, I went along one morning for an 18 hole excursion. At first, I rode along in the golf cart. Then, after three holes, Bill suggested that I could drive the cart. I drove Bob around the course in the golf cart. It was fun. I enjoyed watching the three of them golf. It was interesting to see exactly why my husband likes the game, it was fun to watch him golf, and I really got a kick out of driving the golf cart around. The temperature was in the mid 80’s by the time we finished. I made sure I had my sun screen and hat on. I’ll have to check if our courses in Duluth allow a non golfer to “ride or walk along”, if so, you may see me on Enger Golf course. I may even try a few golf lessons some time!

Oranges

We saw orange and grapefruit trees when we were in Florida. We stopped at a fruit farm that had a store, and they gave samples of their Valencia Oranges which are in season now and their pink grapefruit. They were delicious! They had a shipping department, that fruit could be shipped, so of course, you know I just had to do that! My box of ½ Valencia oranges and ½ pink grapefruit are due to arrive on Friday, and I can’t wait! While I was filling out the form, my husband was hovering over my shoulder, and I asked him to go look around the store. The reason, you ask? Well, I wanted to ship some to our daughter and her family, and I knew with the prices, he would probably have said not to, but you know how us Mother’s are. We think of our kids! He came back as the cashier was ringing everything up, looked at the slip and said “oh, I see why you wanted me to go look around, us husbands aren’t so dumb, I figured something was up!” All three of us laughed! He really didn’t mind, I think sometimes us wives worry about stuff like that more than we should.

Sarasota is home to the Tropicana Corporation, where all our good Tropicana orange juice comes from.

Here are photos of the fruit store and orange groves. The farm gives tours, but we didn’t take time to do a tour. Besides, I am from a big fruit county in Pennsylvania, Adams County. We have lots of apple, peach and cherry orchards in Adams County. I’m sure an orange grove would be much the same as an apple orchard. Speaking of orchards, when we were growing up, two summers my Dad and us kids picked cherries for money. My Dad had two cousins in the fruit business, and we picked cherries at his cousin Johnny Masemer’s orchards. If I remember correctly, I think we got 30 cents a bucket. Johnny would periodically set off "cherry bombs" to scare the birds away from the trees. I especially remember those, and the ladders, the fun we had with the others who were picking in the trees next to us. We had so much fun, lots of good memories of our "cherry picking" days!

More Florida Living Photos

The Winds - Sarasota, FLA A retiree that I visited with at the pool. He and his wife have been in this home since early 70's
A photograph to show the newer additions in the Parks in Florida look exactly like houses! We saw many of these. The Clubhouse - where everyone gathers for lots of activities.

The pool at the Winds. There is also a hot tub. In the background note the Shuffleboard courts

and B B Q Pavailaions.

Florida Living - Dunedin

Photos of our visit with our Duluth neighbors who winter in Dunedin, FLA. Joe and Ruth have wintered there for the last 5 years. Each year they leave Duluth earlier and come back home later! We visited, lunched, and took a swim in their pool. Then we went to a nearby city park, walked a beautiful nature trail, saw an alligator, then went into Clearwater for "She Crab" soup in the evening (Joe wanted us to taste.) A great day! Thank you Ruth and Joe for showing Bill and us a great day!