Linda's Thoughts from Duluth

Visit to "Bentleyville - Tour of Lights"

2011-11-27T18:14:00.001-06:00

The 120 foot Christmas Tree is located in the center of the
fantasy Christmas Village of Bentleyville in Duluth, Minnesota

We visited "Bentleyville" Tour of Lights at Bayfront Festival Park, Bayfront, Duluth, MN on Wednesday evening. It was a perfect warm night to enjoy all the lighting displays without getting too cold! Our Granddaughter, and Sarah's niece, really enjoyed it! So did we!

for more information: http://www.bentleyvilleusa.org/

Black Friday - Not for Me!!

2011-11-27T17:53:00.000-06:00

No....I did not participate in Black Friday shopping. I didn't even shop during the day on Friday, or Saturday or today! I really think it's sad that the stores open earlier each year, and this year opened at midnight! It's sad that those that work these retail places have to work such hours. I'm afraid that next year, they will be open all day during Thanksgiving, as a few of the stores this year were. The hassle with the crowds is just too much for me. I looked at the ads, and didn't even see anything that I thought was a "good deal".

Our daughter in law and her Mother go out every Black Friday and I think they do it more for the "fun and the adrelein rush that they get. They went out at Midnight and shopped all night, coming back at 6:30 or 7 am. Our daughter and granddaughter went out about 11 am and shopped most of the day. There's a difference though, between the four of them and me. They all "enjoy shopping", or I should say they "Love shopping". I'm really not much of a shopper. Never have been... I never feel I have the money to really shop, and so it makes me more "nervous" than "happy". I don't get the high that some get.

I'm glad they enjoyed their night (and their day) I'm happy for all those that did shop, and I hope it helped our economy - I'm just happy I wasn't along!

Great Thanksgiving!

2011-11-27T17:36:00.000-06:00

THANKSGIVING 2011 - the best Thanksgiving gathering our family has had in many years. All of our children were together with us. We were only missing our Grandson and our Son-in-law because they both had to work. We gathered together at our son and daughter-in-law's home. Her side of the family was also there, and so we had a big gathering, which I always love. Reminded me of when I lived at home growing up, and when Bob's Mother and all his Aunts were with us in the younger days of our marriage. We even had a baby to enjoy, darling 8 month old baby girl. (Sarah and Scott's niece) Babies and children always add to the family gatherings. Sarah and her Mother made a most delicious meal, with many side dishes and not just turkey, but also ham. I personal favorite of the two is ham, so that was really great!

We counted our many blessings as a family. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful family! I hope your Thanksgiving meal and day was as good as ours!!!

My Maternal Great Grandfather

2011-11-19T19:12:00.001-06:00

This is the home of Jacob Wiley - where my

Maternal Grandmother grew up. She

married George B. Livingston and had

three children. Arthur, Gilbert, Romaine

(my Mother) and John.

My Grandma Elizabeth was widowed with three young children when my Mother was very young. So, I never knew my Grandfather Livingston, and I have seen very few photos of him. As you will read in my posts below, I received a great CD in the mail today, that was made by one of my Livingston cousins of old photos he gathered together from his Dad and from Grandma. It's so great to have these, and many of them I have never seen!

My Grandfather Livingston was killed when he stepped on a live electric wire accidentally, as he was helping his brother to get his car out of the ditch during a bad storm. Apparently wind brought wires down and they didn't know. I have posted a copy of what was in the newspaper, that was on the CD.
I guess he and his family were well known and loved because it says over 1500 were at the funeral. My Mother says she only remembers part of it, as she was so young.

The George on this picture was my Grandfather's Dad. Until her Grandfather died, my Mom and two brothers shown here (Gilbert, John and Arthur) lived on this farm. After he died, they had to move. Life was very hard for my Grandmother. She survived by cleaning houses for people. Uncle Gilbert told us kids recently that there were times when she didn't know where their next meal was coming from, and then some kind neighbor would bring them something. She always trusted in The Lord that they would be taken care of and they were. It made her faith very strong, and my Mother's and her brothers faith also.

The third from the left man is my Grandfather
George B. Livingston

The couple on the right is my Grandma and
Grandpa Livingston
He looks to be a very handsome man

I cropped from the photo above

In later years Grandma married Maurice, who was a local farmer who Grandma always knew. He became a widower...and the two of them got together and got married...I'm not sure when...but they were married before I was born. He is the one I knew as Grandpa, although we never called him Grandpa, we called him Maurice. Here is a cropped photo of them, taken at my wedding in 1969.
I loved Maurice...he was always quiet and never had much to say, but he would take me with him when he went to the pig pen and I would help feed the pigs, and things like that. He was a wonderful man.

My Grandma and I were very, very close. She did so much for me, and I spent so much time with her. My Mother and her were very close too. My Mother used to tell me that "my Mother is my best friend".
And this photo above is how I will always remember my Grandma Wiley-Livingston-Gochnauer
I loved her so much and she lives in my heart
always... look at her beautiful smile. She was
loved by so many. I know someday I will
be reunited with her and my Mother and all
those I loved that went before me!

The First Jacob Wiley Reunion

2011-11-19T18:30:00.001-06:00

This is a family photo of the Jacob Wiley Family, at their first reunion in the 50's. These are my Maternal Mother's Aunts and Uncles. My Grandma's brothers and sisters. The man seated in the middle of the front row is my Great Grandfather, Jacob Wiley. Grandma lived on the farm with him, the farm that they grew up on. Her brothers and sisters would often come up there and visit their Dad and their sister. Especially on Sundays when I was often with Grandma. Therefore, I got to know my Great Aunts and Uncles as well as I knew my Aunts and Uncles (and that was well). I was so delighted when about 5 years ago I found an 8 X 10 of this photo at the house when going through my Mother's photos. I brought it back and have it framed and hanging in my home.

I am the third oldest grandchild in the family, and we are in the front row, along with the younger cousins. Great Grandpa and my Grandma are holding the two youngest that were babies then. I was 10 years old when Great Grandpa died, so I remember him pretty well. His was the first funeral I ever attended, and everytime I smell carnations, I think of his funeral. I remember the smell like it was yesterday and I remember that each of us grandchildren were given a carnation in one of those plastic containers holding water.

The photo below here is the way those Great Aunts and Uncles looked while I was growing up, and I remember when this was taken at one of our reunions (which we had every year, at a local church grove). We attended the reunion every year, and I really believe these reunions along with reunions that my Mother's Dad's family has every year, and the one my Father's family had every year, is one of the reasons I grew up valuing my family and have continued to value and treasure the memories I have of not only cousins, not only Aunts and Uncles, but also Great Aunts, Uncles and second and third cousins!!

My Grandma is on the right in the front row

her brothers and sisters - one brother is missing - he

lived in California and wasn't there that day.

Photo taken the same day as the first photo - First Reunion

that is still being held annually every summer, after

all these years!

Getting to know all of these lovely people as I was growing up, is why family and

all family connections are very important to me!!!

Family Treasures

2011-11-19T18:04:00.000-06:00

What a treat I got today in our mail. My brother told me several months ago that one of our Arizona cousins did a CD of old family photos of our Mother's side that he had collected from his Dad. I asked him to burn a CD of it for me...and he said he would. FINALLY, today's mail brought me the CD. I spent a good 2 1/2 hours looking at over 500 old photos! How exciting it was for me! I don't know if my sister got one of these CD's, but I am posting two wedding photos of our parents here, that I have never seen, and I don't think any of us kids have ever seen. Most of my family follows me on facebook, which seems to be taking my time away from blogging...but not my sister. She is not on, and does not follow facebook, so Julie, these photos are for you. I know Mom never had these photos. (or I would have them!) One for sure was taken at Grandma's house. Julie, Mom always led me to believe that she only had a dress for her wedding...and she never said anything about a veil. They got married at the Parsonage, with no one there. That is all she ever told me about their weddin.....but look she did have a long wedding dress and a veil. Wow! She is so beautiful and Dad is so very handsome!!!

Great Vacation Week!

2011-10-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

I am so fortunate. I was able to take another full week off of work, the first week of October. I was having such a good week, and every evening thought I would write on my blog but never did. Last week I went back to work and didn't have a chance to write. So, here I am two weeks later.

I had a real good balance between relaxing, and getting some extra cleaning done around the house!!! The weather could not have been more perfect...the temps every day that week was between high 60's and high 70's and some days were sunny, even without a lot of sunshine the days were beautiful!!!! One morning I was up very early and by 8 am, I had the venetians blinds cleaned and the curtains from the living and dining room windows in the wash! Every day I did something "extra" around the house as far as cleaning goes, and still spent a few hours each day outside enjoying the great fall days! When I was out and about enjoying the beauty of the fall leaves and the beauty of our city, I took lots of pictures. I will be posting those in the next few weeks. If you follow me on Facebook, I already posted them in albums. I topped off my week of vacation by going to Hudson (WI) to visit our daughter and family on the weekend. On the way down, I visited for an hour or so, a friend who was in North Branch visiting her sister, from the Milwaukee area. Also spent extra time with my husband, in between his golfing. While he golfed I enjoyed the beauty outside also. We celebrated both of our Grandchildren's birthdays.

I can't believe that they are 22 and 11 already!!!

When I went back to work last week, I went back knowing my house was in good order, and that I had had a wonderful vacation and was ready to dig into my work week! I picked a good week to be away from the office too, because I really didn't miss anything, and it was one of our slower weeks, so I didn't come back with a big pile of work to be overwhelmed!

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

2011-10-01T21:28:00.001-05:00

These photos were taken when our niece Stacie visited us from PA in August.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the improvements since I hadn't visited the falls since our sons were younger. There are walking trails much improved and more signage and much easier to get right to the three falls.

Map is clickable

On Hwy 61 40 miles NE of Duluth/12 miles NE of Two Harbors

218-834-3855 (visitor center)

Gooseberry State Park in Minnesota invites the public to re-visit the recently completed trails, overlook plaza and highway/pedestrian bridge. from: http://www.northshorestateparks.com/gooseberry.htm

Split Rock Light House on Lake Superior - HWY 61

2011-10-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Historic Split Rock Lighthouse - this just made it on the National Historic List last week.

It is about 60 miles North of Duluth on Hwy. 61

and it was built before a road was there...to save ships from

crashing against the cliffs. The shipping companies that lost and had damage to their ships lobbied congress for this lighthouse to be built after there were 3 violet storms in November of 1905, killing 116 sailors on one ship and damaging 30 others.

The homes for the Caretakers of the Lighthouse

Above: The Fog house (for the Fog horn)

View from Lighthouse

Stacie and Linda at the Lighthouse - August 5, 2011

Background on the Lighthouse:

Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting.

- MN Historical Society web site

"The site ultimately selected for the lighthouse and fog signal was 2.5 miles (4.0 km) northeast of the Split Rock River, on Stony Point. There were no roads yet up the North Shore, so all construction materials were brought in by barge and hoisted up the cliff with a derrick and a steam-powered hoist. By midsummer 1910 work was complete on the lighthouse, foghorn building, and three houses for the lighthouse keepers.

The derrick remained the only way to bring supplies up the cliff until the lighthouse staff built a tramway in 1915-16. The station finally became accessible by a road, now Minnesota State Highway 61, completed in 1929. Five years later a crew from the Civilian Conservation Corps built a new access road and lighthouse tenders were provided with a truck to bring in supplies by land, so the tramway was dismantled." - from Wikipedia.org

ENGER PARK TOWER - GIFT TO DULUTH FROM NORWAY

2011-10-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken in August when my niece Stacie visited us.

Enger Tower and Enger Park were deteriorating over the years, and now the grounds have been improved to what they used to be 40 years ago, when I first came here...the tower has been restored to the beautiful tower that it was when the King and Queen of Norway first gifted it to our city! When my parents came to Duluth with my younger siblings the first summer I lived here, my Dad took the kids up to the top of the tower (as you see Stacie did in the photo above) and they still talk about how much fun that was for them as kids. We saw a lot of families there with kids and it's nice to know that it is now safe for them to climb to the top as it was when my brothers and sister went to the top! From the top of the tower you can imagine the views you see...just look at the view in the above photo that I took from the bottom of the tower! If you live in Duluth and you have not been to the tower lately, you should take some time and go up to it...you won't be sorry!!!

From Wikipedia.org

Enger Tower is an 80-foot (24 m), five-story bluestone observation tower atop Enger Hill in Duluth, MN. The tower is at an elevation of 451 feet (137 m) above Lake Superior, providing panoramic views of the Twin Ports. Each of the tower's levels has a lookout that is accessible by stairs. A green beacon mounted on top of the tower can be seen for many miles.

Dedicated by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway on June 15, 1939, the tower memorializes Bert Enger, a Norwegian immigrant who found success as a furniture seller and donated the land for Enger Park.

During the recent restoration, the area Rotary Clubs provided lights that shine on each side of the tower, so that it can be seen at night.

21st Century Public Schools - See them tomorrow - Duluth, MN

2011-09-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Duluth Public Schools have been busy the last few years, updating our school buildings, to make them more efficient and better for our students! Tomorrow there is an Open House, to visit the 5 schools that have opened for our students last week! I hope that all of those reading this and the following posts, will take the opportunity to take this chance to see what has been done!

Here is a list of the schools that are open for viewing: (Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Updated Denfeld High School - 401 North 44th Avenue West
Updated East High School - 301 North 40th Avenue East
New Laura MacArthur Elementary - 727 North Central Avenue
New Lester Park Elementary - 5300 Glenwood Street
New Piedmont Elementary - 2827 Chambersburg Avenue

Community Open House - Duluth's 21st Century Public Schools

2011-09-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

Above: Old Central H. S., downtown Duluth
Replaced by "New Central" (see photo, next post)
that was built on the hill in 1971, closed in 2011
This Old Central is still being used as an Administration
Building for the Duluth School District
The "New Central" closed after last year's school year,
Central students merged with Denfeld HS students
in western part of town (see photo, next post)

Ordean Middle School - this is a photo of the school before it was
expanded, remodeled and opened Sept. 8, 2011 as the "New" East High School
(see photo, next post)

just as remodeling was starting

See my next post about the schools that have been updated for the Duluth Students!

Open House tomorrow, Sept. 17, 2011 - 1 pm - 5 pm

New Schools in Duluth, MN

2011-09-16T22:25:00.002-05:00

Central High School Closed June, 2011

Built in 1971

You may remember maybe 2 years ago or so, when I blogged about our Duluth School District making plans to consolidate schools and remodel/and/or build new school buildings. After much work, input from outside consultant, input from school board members, etc., the district came up with three plans, that they asked the voters in Duluth to vote on. The board said they would strongly go with the outcome of that vote. The RED PLAN is what was decided on by the voters and the school board members. I really can't remember which year this was, but I do know that for a few years there has been construction toward completing this plan.

The plan involved closing one high school and going from 3 High Schools to 2, which really should have been done a long time ago, due to decreasing enrollments over the last 10 years...but politics were always involved...the schools were in three different parts of town...how to decide which one to close?? Anyhow, the plan chosen decided it would be Central H. S. I know if you followed me on facebook the last year or so, when I wasn't blogging, you saw me post about the closing of the school that is my husband's Alma Mater. Since our children grew up in our home here in Woodland neighborhood, our children graduated from East High School. Now, the East H S building is not really being retired, it will be remodeled to be the new Middle School, in the eastern part of town. The Middle School used to be housed at the farther eastern part of town, and was Ordean Middle School. (Our daughter's 6th grade class went to middle school there, because Woodland was too crowded) There will not be an Ordean Middle School anymore, as that building was remodeled to become the NEW East High School. The western part of town will retain their building and name, Denfeld H. S. The last two years a major remodel and addition was done on their building. Last school season, the Denfeld students moved to the Central HS building and went to school together in that building, to prepare the new Denfeld and prepare them to come together this school year...which they did on Sept. 8th (last week)!

The Middle School for the western part of town is presently being built on a hillside in West Duluth.
Are you still following me?? Well, that's the story on the middle and the high schools. Add to this plan,
three brand new elementary schools, in west, middle and eastern parts of the city: Laura MacArthur Elementary, Piedmont Elementary, and Lester Park Elementary. These schools have all retained their names. The eastern part of Duluth is losing one more elementary school, that closed that that was Rockridge. The central part of town is losing Nettleton Elementary, which was completely remodeled and added on to, back in the middle 70's as a magnet school. It was beautiful. Our two boys went to elementary school there, and we credit the staff there and the diversity of students for giving them a good start in life.

Updated Denfeld High School

The week I was on vacation last month, I drove out to the Denfeld H. S. to see the progress and what the school looked like with the addition. I'm posting those photos. I also took my niece up to the Central H.S. because there is such a beautiful view of the city from up there, and wanted her to see it. I took a photo or two there too. When our daughter was in town over Labor Day, we drove to the old Ordean Middle school site and looked at how they transformed that building for the new "East H. S."

This is the lovely view of the city and Lake Superior that the Duluth
High School students saw everyday!

Two photos of the front entrance of
New East High School, opened Sept. 8, 2011
(formerly Ordean Middle School- remodeled and
added on to for East H. S.)

Tomorrow there is an open house at all the buildings...I plan to go, and

will take photos

Our Prayer: ..."Be Near us in this Age of Terror and in these moments of Remembrance"

2011-09-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

This was the prayer that our congregation prayed together at our morning worship service at Hope United Methodist Church, Duluth, Minnesota. In remembrance of 10 year Anniversary of 9/11

"God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love, By your Spirit give rise in us sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations who work toward unity. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Litany of Remembering September 11

2011-09-11T15:40:00.002-05:00

This was our Litany we spoke together at our morning worship service at Hope United Methodist Church, Duluth, Minnesota. In remembrance of 10 year Anniversary of 9/11

Northland Community Observance and Ceremony - Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T15:37:00.001-05:00

The Arrowhead Chorale sang "This is My Song", the beautiful song to the tune of Finladia... about a song of all the nations...so beautiful and so appropriate. The other two choirs also very inspiring. The Red Cross volunteer spoke about her experiences of 5 weeks at Ground Zero right after 9/11. All the speakers were good, and so proud of the remarks that our Mayor Ness made, and the support that he always gives to every effort our community does!

September 11 - 9/11

2011-09-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

IN MEMORY OF ALL WE LOST, THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11- STATISTICS: Times of impact: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. 2819 dead from 115 different nations. 343 Fireman/paramedics, 23 NYPD, 37 Port Authority officers.

See Duluth Before Summer Ends!

2011-09-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

We have a Visitors Center at the top of Thompson Hill. This is the hill that you come to on I-35 when you coming North from the Twin Cities. The views on these photos, is what you see when you are driving into Duluth from the freeway. It is a breathtaking view, and everyone who lives here and leaves, just for a short time away or when returning to their hometown...it is a view that just about makes you weep from the beauty of it. These photos are in the summer. Can you imagine what the scene looks like in the winter with the snow and ice!! It's the view you know when you see it that you are "home" and you get butterflies in your stomach. So, Rob and I took Stacie up there so she could enjoy the views. One scene I didn't take, that you can see too, especially from Spirit Mountain, is the St. Louis River...also awesome to see. These photos don't even do the scenes justice! She enjoyed it. It made me remember, I need to go up there periodically to enjoy the views, not wait until visitors are in town!!! If you live in Duluth, you should too.

PS - It is already 71 degrees on the hill here in Woodland neighorbood...on Sept. 10th...so see Duluth in it's summer colors - before the leaves change. Then next month see Duluth in it's fall colors... also spectular!!

New Attractions at Spirit Mountain - Duluth, MN

2011-09-10T09:46:00.001-05:00

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN - New attractions at the Mountain

Alpine Coaster down the mountain

Rob and Stacie were there the first day that the "ZIP LINE" was open at Spirit Mountain! Since it was the first day, many were anxious to try it... they stood in line an hour and a half....for a 10 second ride down the mountain. They said the view was fantastic...the ride was too short though... it takes you down and brings you back up. The photo at the right is what the seat looked like. I decided that I didn't want to go...it was hot standing in line and I waited back in the lodge area that had A/C. After the Zip ride, they did the Alpine Coaster Ride, no wait in line for that...it's been open a year now...but still very popular. They both really enjoyed that more than the zip. It looked like they were having fun, and I wished I had tried it.

The top photo on the right, is just one of the beautiful views from Spirit Mountain. They are adding more things there for the future. They are working on a 9 hole minature golf course... they are looking at putting more things there for the family and for summer use. Of course, in the winter months there is skiing and snow boarding. It is a beautiful area...and it has been years since I had been there, since I am not a skier.

Above - a sign telling us that a Mini Golf Course would be coming soon.

Sept. 10th:

Mini golf course - Opened Sept. 9, 2011 - This is from an article about it in the Duluth News Tribune Newspaper:

Duluth architect David Salmela tries his hand Thursday at the nine-hole miniature golf course he designed for Spirit Mountain. It features numerous geometric shapes as obstacles and is fashioned from a sturdy paper-resin laminate called Richlite. He ended up with a score of 32. (Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com)

Snow Tubing will also be coming soon!

More on Spirit Mountain:

Spirit Mountain is a ski area in Duluth, Minnesota. The ski area was founded by The City of Duluth and was built in 1974. Supporters of Spirit Mountain were Mayor Ben Boo, Former Olympian George Hovland and Manley Goldfine. The city was currently led by Mayor Ben Boo during its creation and brought increased winter revenues to the city which were relatively nonexistent previously. The construction of I-35 stretching to Duluth was a major contributor of the initial success of the ski area. With a vertical elevation of approximately 700 feet (210 m), it is the second tallest ski hill in Minnesota.

A view from the top of Spirit Mountain, looking northward to the St. Louis Bay.

Spirit Mountain is known for having the largest terrain park in the Midwest. The park includes jumps ranging from 15 feet (4.6 m) to over 60 feet (18 m), a halfpipe, and numerous rails, boxes, and other "jibs".

Spirit Mountain is undergoing substantial investments in its infrastructure and attractions. In July 2010 they opened up an alpine coaster. In April 2011 they announced plans to add a zip line, miniature golf, and snow tubing. This is looked at as being a means to expand operations without cutting into the base operations of the ski area. Additionally they have specified numerous improvements to be made over the next ten years including chalet renovations, chair lift replacement, and a Grand Ave. chalet. - from Wikipedia.org

See Roses before they are gone - Rose Garden, Duluth, MN

2011-09-10T09:39:00.000-05:00

Opening of Leif Erickson Tunnel on I-35 (fhwa.dot.gov)

Of course, everyone must see our Rose Garden and Leif Erickson Park. This is one of my favorite places and I go here a lot during the summer, spring and fall! I know I have posted photos of the garden on this blog many times. Stacie was impressed, as are all visitors. I often talk with visitors when I'm there and there are people from other countries, as well as many from Minnesota and Duluth! The top photo of the pavilion is often the scene for wedding photos, and also for weddings!! This Rose Garden was completely moved during the construction of I-35 Interstate Hwy through Duluth, along the Lake...so it would be preserved and not lost. There is a Rose Garden Society that takes very good care of these roses and grounds. It truly is one of our best assets...and shouldn't be missed!!! By the way...our LakeWalk runs from Canal Park the whole way along the water to 26th Ave. East...and goes right by this garden and park.

More on Leif Erickson Park and The Rose Garden:

This beautiful park, along the shores of Lake Superior off London Road, is the site of a full-scale replica of a wooden Viking ship reminiscent of the type used by Norse sailors hundreds of years ago. A spectacular extension of Leif Erikson Park, Duluth's Rose Garden offers a beautiful arrangement of more than 3,000 rose bushes and other floral delights. There's also a fountain, a marble gazebo, an herb garden and plenty of benches overlooking the lake. Direct access to the Lakewalk. - from wikipedia.org

Besides being one of the midwest's few formal English style Rose Gardens, the park is architecturally significant for being constructed over Duluth's I-35 expressway. As you stroll around the beautiful park, little do you know that below your feet trucks and cars are streaming along!

The Baby Boomers - "Remember where I Was When...."

2011-09-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

Today I stopped at my favorite Caribou Coffee Shop, and for those who drink Caribou coffee you know that they have a question everyday, that if it's answered correctly they take 10 cents off your drink, not a lot, I know- but it's fun to try to answer correctly! Anyhow, today the question was "What significant event happened for America on July 20, 1969. Well, of course, I was able to answer that right away! I told the girls working (all college age) "do you know why I know that? It's because I was sitting in the living room of my Grandmother's house, with my family watching her color TV (we didn't have color).
We sat there with excitement watching the whole thing and saw Neil Armstrong take his first step, and make his famous statement! My Uncle from Arizona, was at Grandma's visiting and I remember him telling our younger siblings that this was a big event and they would remember it always no matter how old they got....(I was almost an adult then, so of course I knew the importance of this moment). The girls at Caribou weren't around in1969, but they could relate. One of them told me she remembers the day and exactly what she was doing when the Challenger exploded, and she told me the generation younger than her would say "it did what?", that generation not being there.

That got me to thinking how each generation has it's impactful events that are remembered and know exactly what they were doing at the time! Us babyboomer generation...our parents would tell us about "the day and moment they heard that Pearl Harbor was bombed". Our Grandparents generation would tell us about remembering the day that Charles Lindberg went round the world in a plane, and then about how their baby got kidnapped. Our children will remember what they were doing and the day that 9-11
happened, which is already 10 years ago...oh my seems like yesterday sometimes!

I do think that us baby boomers really had the most things happen during our growing up years, especially during our adolescent and teen years, traumatic things, and things that shaped the future of our world. The first significant thing that we remember, the exact day, time, what we were doing and our feelings was the day JFK was shot. That was so traumatic for us! But, that was just the start...look what followed... his brother Bobby being killed, and Martin Luther King, for awhile there it seemed like it wouldn't end. Then we lived through Vietnam, seeing our male peers being drafted, or enlisting before they would be drafted. We saw the advent of "the pill". There was Woodstock and the culture that went with that. We watched all the things that happened down south of us, as they were happening on the civil rights fights...then finally a civil rights bill, which then really changed our country...especially the south. Schools integrated, etc. Read the book "The Help" and see the movie that has been made from it, and see the progress that was made after the civil rights bill! Some of the younger generation upon seeing the movie, said they didn't even realize that there were separate bathrooms, separate water fountains, etc. But, my generation knew it.

The generation of the 20 and 30 year olds, 9-11 is probably what will be their biggest impact. The generation of teens and younger, today - wonder what their significant memories will be?

Photo of the Day - National Geographic

2011-09-08T12:42:00.001-05:00

This photo made the "Photo of the Day" in National Geographic's website. It is just off the shoreline of Canal Park, here in Duluth, Minnesota! The photo on their site is much larger and easier to see the children jumping off into the cold, cold water of Lake Superior...probably on one of our hot days on this hotter summer than usual here.

September 7, 2011

Swimmers, Lake Superior, Minnesota

Photograph by Nick Otto, My Shot

This Month in Photo of the Day: Your Photos With Tips From Photographer Catherine Karnow

I love all the empty space around the swimming platform. It shows how the lake is both huge and peaceful. The figures of the people become very small, and what makes the shot is the person jumping from the platform and appearing especially tiny surrounded by all that water.

Playfront Park - Duluth, MN

2011-09-07T00:12:00.000-05:00

25 years ago or so....The Junior League of Duluth raised money to put a playground for children at the Bayfront. Children of all ages and from all over enjoyed this playground that was named "Playfront".
Our two younger children, along with our Grandson, a toddler in the late 80's and early 90's, had lots of fun playing there. The original was made of wood, and was very sturdy for a long time, but after 25 years it started showing it's age, and of course by then, more modern and perhaps safer, playground equipment was available. The Junior League once again, graciously raised almost $250,000 to provide a new Playfront for the children. A year ago, July the Junior League members, along with Northland volunteers spent a number of weeks in construction the new attraction. They included equipment, not just for small children, but also older kids to provide them with lots of body exercise. It was opened in early August, 2010.

Our Grandson has fond memories of Playfront and playing there. In fact, before the old one was taken down, he came up to climb on it one more time and to reminicse the fun he had.

On Sunday of this past weekend, our 11 year old Granddaughter enjoyed the new one. I have posted photos of the playground.

One thing I particularly noticed, that is so neat. Upon walking to it, you think it has black stones on the ground, but it is actually cut up small pieces of rubber tires! So that when the children fall down, they are not hurt...how clever is that!!!

Just one more neat thing that our Northland children can take advantage of, as well as our tourist families! Thank you Duluth Junior League and volunteers!!!

Great Weekend

2011-09-06T23:11:00.001-05:00

What a lovely weekend our family had. At the spur of the moment, our daughter and her family decided on Saturday morning to drive up to Duluth. Her husband is a hunter, and he wanted to get his deer stand put up on the property where he and his friends hunt. They knew the weather was to be better up here than in Hudson too (unusual!) It was such a lovely surprise. We were so happy to see them and spend two days with them. It gave Dawn an opportunity too, to visit with her brothers and sister-in-law.

I can't believe how our Granddaughter, Madelyn is growing up so fast. Lately, everytime I see her, she looks older. When I first saw her on Saturday, I noticed that she is no longer a little girl. She is now a pre-teen! She started Middle School last week, and she looks the part. Before we know it, she will be all grown up, like her brother Skylar!

The weather was so beautiful....sunny and 70's! Dawn and Maddy, however, did wish it were a bit warmer, but I was in heaven.

They went back home yesterday morning. After they left, I tore apart our bedroom closet and cleaned it out, and put summer clothing away and got fall and winter clothing out. It made me feel like I got something around the house accomplished on my long weekend! Then, of course, it was back to the job this morning! It was a good work day though, as we realized it was Tuesday and not Monday...short week...yeah!!

Can't Figure it Out...

2011-08-31T17:34:00.000-05:00

When I wrote posts about our niece visiting from Pennsylvania...I wrote 6 posts and added photos of where we visited in the area on those posts, like the ones that you see currently on my blog. For two weeks I have been trying to figure out WHY those 6 posts do not show up....they were about Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry State Park, Enger Tower, Views "from the top", and the Rose Garden. I have tried everything, I've read the help directions, etc. and just don't know what I did wrong. Now if I search for those, or go into my edit list it shows they are "published", and if I click on one from there, it takes me to it. So, apparently they are "somewhere"...just can't seem to see them on the front end of my blog? Any bloggers out there have any ideas for me why this happened? Thanks!

If I can't get them to show up, I will re-post them on a new page and they will appear at top... but don't want to do it right now, I'm afraid the ones I have showing will "drop off"...so I'll wait awhile till I think those that read my blog will have read the ones there.

Must Be the End of August....

2011-08-31T17:18:00.000-05:00

How quickly the weather can change in Duluth, especially in August. It seems that the beginning of August is when we finally feel summer temps here, in the high 70 and 80's. Then by the last week of August, it cools off and starts feeling like fall in the air. That's the way the last few days have felt. And, we had rain last night, not a hard rain, just a nice rain. So today we had fog, both downtown and over the hill. And, it feels just like fall!

Lake Walk - Lake Superior, Duluth, MN

2011-08-28T19:06:00.004-05:00

The weather here has been perfect for walks. I love to walk on our Lakewalk, but don't do it as often as I should. Yesterday I took advantage of the good weather and took a walk. This time I walked from the Eastern part of the Lakewalk instead of the part by Canal Park. And, no I did not walk the whole thing. I'm just too out of shape to be able to do that. However, when Stacie was here, I dropped her off at the eastern part and she ran the whole thing. By the time I drove down to Canal Park and parked, she was done with the run. I think it's 2 1/2 or 3 miles. On my lunch breaks sometime I go to the Rose Garden and walk... no matter what part of the walk you do, it all runs by Lake Superior, and it's beautiful! A lot of people bike it too. I believe the tourists have embraced it so much more than the locals. Once again, people that live here take things like the Lakewalk for granted, and think it is there...I can always do/or see it... there's always tomorrow...then the time goes by and they just don't get to it. I was talking to someone the other day, who said she'd never been to Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, or even

Enger Tower (which is right here in town)!!! So much beauty here, so much to see and appreciate!

Beautiful Duluth Days/Hurricane Irene in the East

2011-08-28T18:45:00.003-05:00

The last few days have really been what I term as "Perfect Duluth Days"....low humidity, sunny and the temperatures in the 70's!! I have to say with our perfect days we are having, I keep thinking of the weather that the East Coast and Eastern states have been getting with Hurricane Irene. I feel so much for what they are going through. I have been watching the weather channel almost constantly the last two days. Yesterday, I called my siblings and asked if they were ready for the storm. My brother told me that they brought everything in from the deck that they could, and tied down all that couldn't be moved. We have family also in Maryland and South Carolina, Virginia and good friends in New Jersey. Most of them are on facebook with me, so I have been hearing that the worst that has happened is being out of power for a time, but they were prepared for that. I talked to my sister this afternoon, they got a lot of rain and wind and lost power, but no damage, thank goodness.

I remember the summer of 1972, one of the hurricanes created a lot of damage from wind and rain in our area there in Adams and York Counties. I can't remember which hurricane that was, maybe "Hazel". The reason I remember it so well from here in Duluth, is that my brother was getting married and I so wanted to be in PA for his wedding, but we could not afford a plane ticket and hubby didn't want to make the drive. I have to thank my Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Dick from Carlise, PA. They drove out to Duluth and visited and then took our daughter, who was under 2 at the time, and me back home so that I could attend the wedding. Then, another Aunt and Uncle said they would drive us back to MN. Talk about wonderful aunts and uncles...I have them!!!! Well, we made it home for the wedding, but Uncle Bill, who was an engineer for a paper plant, was not able to leave work to drive us back, because of the damage there had been from the hurricane. So, that's why I remember!! So, how did we get back to Duluth, you ask?

My dear parents paid for a one way plane ticket back. My parents did so much for me all my life, this was just one more example. (Back in those days not everyone had major credit cards, and we did not have one...so I couldn't slap in on a credit card)... now a days, that is what I do, ha ha.

Back to Blogging - Where has the Year Gone????

2011-08-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

Oh my - I've been meaning to get back to my blogging. I knew I hadn't blogged for quite a while, but never thought it was a year! I see my last post was August 20, 2010..and today it is August 21, 2011! A whole year! I guess I have spent this past year on Facebook! My sister wants me to get back to blogging, as that was how she kept up with my doings here in Minnesota...from her home in PA. She does not want to do Facebook. I know a lot of people have "resisted" Facebook, but a lot of my PA relatives friends are on Facebook, and it's been really great keeping up with them. They don't call or write, but they will "facebook" me! Guess that's why I've been spending the time on that instead of my blog. But, I enjoy writing...so I am going to come back to my blog.

UPDATE from Linda in Duluth

2011-08-26T23:55:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure if this past year was any busier than other years, or if I'm just getting older and can't keep up to doing in the evenings and weekends what I used to do.. I am sure it is the latter. I'm exhausted after an 8 hour day of work and come home and I don't have the energy to do much at all...and it's getting worse! Weekends, I have to say, haven't been as productive as they used to be either! Yeah, I am getting old. In my mind I'm not older, but physically, I am!

I can't say that you have missed anything big that went on in my or my family's life since August, 2010. Looking back, I can only say that I'm still working full time for The American Cancer Society. I am 2 days and one month away from being a year older, and closer to Social Security, and maybe, with any luck, retirement...though in this economy, I'm not sure of that. Fortunately, our family has all been blessed with good health, for which I'm very thankful. My husband is still enjoying his retirement of 5 years so far. (5 yrs., unbelievable!) I try not to be jealous, but some days I admit that I am. Our Grandson will be 22 in October, and our Grand- daughter will be 11 on Tuesday. Our daughter had her 40th Birthday a year ago, and our boys are adults, ages 32 and 29. The 29 year old, Scott, celebrated 2 years of marriage to his Sarah in April of this year. Rob still works as a Pharmacy Technican, but he has taken up a passion for cooking and finds it to be how he relaxes...and his Dad and I are the beneficiaries of that passion!

I was blessed to be able to travel back to my home, Pennsylvania in April. I spent a week there and had a wonderful time. Of course, it's hard not to have my parents there, as we have lost both of them, and a brother, but there are still 3 brothers and a sister and sister in laws and brother in law...and lots of others in our large Ebersole family for me to visit!!! And, I find each time I go home, that neices and nephews are starting to have their own families...does that age me or what! My brother, Steve and his wife are both retired now, so they invited me to stay with them. That was fun being able to spend more time with both of them.

Spring and most of the summer went by pretty quietly until the first week of this month...a real boost in my spirits, which I really needed, as I had no boost since April in PA. Our niece, Stacie, the oldest daughter of the brother that we lost to cancer at age 52, came to visit us!!! That was wonderful...I will do some posts about that visit and post pictures. I absolutely loved showing her around our beautiful city and area!! And, she was such a delight to be with!!

I see in my last post that we had a heat wave here last summer too... we had even more of a heat wave the end of July and first 2 weeks of this month. This past week we have had temps in the 70's and it's been great. Really enjoying the cooler weather, especially when it is accompanied by SUN!

So, that's the update for now....will post regularly now...so Julie, you can keep up with your sister!!! Love you Julie...you are the best sister ever!!!!

Stacie's Visit to Duluth, MN - August, 2011

2011-08-26T23:51:00.001-05:00

Our niece from York, Pennsylvania came to Minnesota to visit us the first week of this month. She flew into Minneapolis and visited with our daughter (her cousin) and her family in Hudson, WI for 2 days, then came up to Duluth. Stacie was here with her Mother and my parents back in the early 70's when she was about a year and a half old. Of course, she doesn't remember that...ha ha.

She is a school teacher, so has the summers off. When I go back to PA to visit all my family and friends there, I always encourage everyone to come out and visit our beautiful area! It's been many years since we have hosted anyone here, so I was so delighted when she told me in early 2011 that she would be out to see us!

I took her all over Duluth and the North Shore and showed her everything. We also went shopping

at the shops at Canal Park, downtown, and our Mall (though our mall is nothing compared to the malls in the York area!) She was impressed though with the Mall of America in Bloomington! We did a lot of eating out at our great restaurants...and we all had a great time. My posts below this are of the different places that we went to. It was great fun!1

There was a 5 K Run at our Lake Superior Zoo...Stacie does running, so she participated in this and was happy with her time.

Relaxing on our porch

We went to see a show at the Teatro Zuccone one of our new theatres for live performances. My friends were in the show "The Wild Party", and one of them directed it. It was a fun evening.

Enjoying the intermission....

This is in downtown Duluth in the old Historic section of town, across from Old Hotel Duluth, that is now Greysolon Plaza.

some more photos of our fun times in following posts

Our Niece Stacie's Visit to Duluth

2011-08-26T23:50:00.001-05:00

I will have to say that a highlight of 2011, will have to be the visit from our niece from Pennsylvania. Stacie is the oldest daughter of my brother, Jerry. We lost Jerry to cancer in 2003 and he is missed very much by all of us. The other highlight of 2011, of course was my visit home to PA and my family and friends there that I made in April. When I am home I always encourage everyone to come and see us in Minnesota (and our daughter, in Hudson, WI). It has been a very, very long time since anyone has come to see us from PA. My brother Steve and his wife, Donna came to Hudson last summer (the highlight of 2010) and visited there, our family went down and spent part of the week with them at her house. That is because Steve and Donna were in Duluth, but never down by Dawn's area. Dawn wanted to host them and we had a wonderful time.

I told Stacie to fly into Mpls airport, so that she could spend some time with Dawn and family and then we had her up here for 5 days. So, she was able to spend time and see both of our areas. She came the first week of this month, and I was able to take the whole week off work to be with her. The weather was hot when she arrived, so Dawn and Bob took her boating on the St. Croix River. Also, a trip to The Mall of America. She loved the boating and the shopping!

I loved being able to show her around our beautiful Duluth, North Shore and area. I love being a "tour guide", her visit and our time together was just the energizing that I needed. I was feeling down for some reason, all summer... pretty much sticking to home on weekends and going no where.. and I really did need some pepping up. Thank you, Stacie for coming!!!!

I took SO many pictures of our adventures that week... of the beauty of the area...and to record the fun we had. Since I have so many photos to share with you...I will have a post for each area we visited. I hope you will enjoy the photos and think of the joy we had as you read the posts and look at the photos!

More Fun - Stacie's Visit to Duluth

2011-08-26T23:46:00.001-05:00

photo at left: Bob, Stacie, Rob and Linda out to eat!

Lunch at Va Bene - downtown Duluth - wonderful Italian Food and seating on the deck overlooking Lake Superior!

Stacie loves to buy shoes - so I took her here...they do not have this back east.

Our Mall...sorry to say not much to show off compared to the Malls back east!

Out to lunch!

Look at the rest of my posts about our adventures and photos.. Duluth Harbor and Canal Park sites, Historic Glensheen, Enger Park and Tower, scenes up the North Shore and much more!

SHARE THE BEAUTY OF DULUTH!!

2011-08-26T23:44:00.000-05:00

Our niece from Pennsylvania visited us the first week of this month (August). It has been a long time since we have had company from my family and friends in PA. I was on cloud nine that week...I took a week vacation, so I could show Stacie everything!!! My posts from now on, for a while will show photos of the places I took her. So, those who have never seen Duluth or Northern MN will want to come up here and visit us!!! I am proud of Duluth and want to share!!!

I love showing off our city, our Lake Superior, all of our sights, and our North Shore.

I love being a "tour guide", it energizes me and reminds me of the beautiful things our area has to offer to not just the tourists, but to the people who live here. It's sad, that so many people who live here never go to see the tourist spots, never see what's new, and take our area for granted! It peeves me even more, when I hear Duluthian's complain about the "tourists" that is just plain awful. They should become a "tourist" so they would know what people see when they visit here, if they did, and they saw all the shopping visitors do in our shops, and the restaurant and hotel business...they would get quiet and never complain again!!! I talked to several visitors, who told me that they come to Duluth each summer because they love it so!!! We shopped at all the shops in Canal Park on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and there were so many people shopping, spending money, helping our economy...if there were that many on off days such as Monday and Tuesday, think of how many there are on weekends!! Everyone that lives here needs to smile, welcome and chat with our tourist and visitors. Make them feel at home, let them know we are happy to share our beautiful Lake and city and North Shore!!!

Since it has been a few years since I have shown Duluth off, there were places I hadn't checked out lately either, and I found so many improvements, our city's visitors/convention bureau and "Visit Duluth" organization are doing a great job in promoting and in keeping our visitor sites in good shape. I was really surprised at the Enger Tower area, that has been under restoration for the last year or so... it is really beautiful! I know that our Mayor has a priority to restore Skyline Drive that has fallen into disrepair lately...and after driving it, it certainly does need it...thank goodness that will be addressed and fixed!

So many things to be proud of in our city.... share the beauty, share the enthusiasm and encourage visitors.... and let the visitors know how much you love the area you live in!!!

More Shopping on Canal Park Drive

2011-08-26T23:36:00.002-05:00

The shops on Canal Park Drive....

"Grandma's Saloon and Deli Restaurant" Yum, yum...best Chicken Wild Rice soup

& onion rings!

"Little Angie's Mexican Cantina"
"The Blue Heron"

Canal Park Shopping with Stacie and Lake Walk

2011-08-26T23:31:00.002-05:00

If you are planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area up north, you need to check out this shop! Their bags last forever!

Ask Stacie how she liked her chocolate carmel apple!
Minnesota Slip Bridge - connecting Canal Park with The Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center Complex

Lots of shops to browse and shop in. A nice variety too.

Aerial Lift Bridge and Canal, Duluth, MN

2011-08-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

Bridge and Canal at Sundown

The Bridge Lifted for boats/sail boats and ships to go under....
Stacie at the Canal & Bridge
Irving Ore Ship - retired and docked for tours

Vista Cruise of the Twin Ports Harbor

2011-08-26T23:26:00.003-05:00

See the Twin Ports Harbor Duluth/Superior on the Vista Fleet Cruise
This is a guided tour. This is a must for everyone who visits Duluth for the first time.

ADuluth/Superior Harbor cruise... on one of the Vista Fleet sightseeing boats. (shown above) This guided tour will take the visitor under the Aerial Lift bridge, into Lake Superior and then back to the harbor to see the workings of our Duluth/Superior Port. They will see and be told about the ore and grain boats that take on loads of ore and grain and make their way to the St. Lawrence Seaway. You will see up close the ore docks, grain elevators and ships that are in the harbor taking on their loads. You will not understand what the ports do or the importance of them, and the history of them, unless you are out there by the sites and listening to the very competent tour guides. Stacie really enjoyed this tour, and I enjoyed seeing it again after so many years. Whenever I take someone on this tour, I learn more! When I first came here 42 years ago I did not understand the port until that July when my parents came to visit and I took them and my siblings on this boat cruise. These photos were taken from the boat cruise.

Historic Glensheen Estate - Duluth, MN

2011-08-22T22:35:00.009-05:00

Stacie and I toured Glensheen. I have been there many times, as I show this to everyone who
visits us. It is a guided tour, and I learn more each

time and am always at awe at the beauty of this home!

The Street side of Glensheen Mansion

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

THE LAKESIDE VIEW OF THE ESTATE:

The estate sits on the shore of Lake Superior

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND GARDENS

A hallmark of extraordinary design. A businessman’s enduring legacy. A showcase of diverse interior styles. But at its very heart, a family home. Welcome to Glensheen, the historic Congdon estate. Along the shore of Lake Superior, a 7.6-acre expanse of wooded land enfolds the 39-room Jacobean Revival mansion that is Minnesota’s premier historic site. The interiors of the mansion have endured, boasting nearly all of the same furnishings and décor that graced the rooms when estate was completed in 1908. Even the formal gardens and naturalistic landscape retain much of their original design. Here, visitors are given a fascinating look at life in an affluent family home from the turn of the last century.

Glensheen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Partner Place of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

- From d.mn.edu/glen/

Built between 1905 - 1908 - this was the home of Chester and Clara Congdon. In 1968, the estate was given to the University of Minnesota Duluth, which operates Glensheen to this day. At the time, Elisabeth Congdon (youngest daughter of Chester Congdon) was given a life estate, allowing her to occupy Glensheen until her death. It opened to the public in 1979. For years, the third floor and attic were closed to the public due to safety concerns over limited access. However, in 1992, both areas were opened to small group tours. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. - from Wikipedia.org

Split Rock Light House

2011-08-22T18:29:00.006-05:00

Historic Split Rock Lighthouse - this just made it on the National Historic List last week. It is about 60 miles North of Duluth on Hwy. 61

and it was built before a road was there...to save ships from

The homes for the Caretakers of the Lighthouse
Above: The Fog house (for the Fog horn)

View from Lighthouse
Stacie and Linda at the Lighthouse

Background on the Lighthouse:

Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting.

- MN Historical Society web site

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

2011-08-22T18:20:00.002-05:00

Visitor's Center at the Park

Stacie's Visit to Duluth, MN

2011-08-21T20:08:00.002-05:00

O.K. I have to quit for the evening now...with my posts and photos of Stacie's visit with us. I will do more this week...so watch for photos from more of our travels.... Glensheen, more of Duluth, and The North Shore (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Light House, etc.)

This is a photo of two cousins enjoying time together...our Rob with his cousin, Stacie. Rob took three days of vacation so that he could spend time with her.

ENGER PARK TOWER - GIFT to us from NORWAY

2011-08-21T19:56:00.004-05:00

From Wikipedia.org

During the recent restoration, the area Rotary Clubs provided lights that shine on each side of the tower, so that it can be seen at night.

More - Enger Park Photos

2011-08-21T19:52:00.001-05:00

The Rose Garden/Leif Erickson Park - Duluth, MN

2011-08-21T19:39:00.005-05:00

Opening of Leif Erickson Tunnel on I-35 (fhwa.dot.gov)

Of course, everyone must see our Rose Garden and Leif Erickson Park. This is one of my favorite places and I go here a lot during the summer, spring and fall! I know I have posted photos of the garden on this blog many times. Stacie was impressed, as are all visitors. I often talk with visitors when I'm there and there are people from other countries, as well as many from Minnesota and Duluth! The top photo of the pavilion is often the scene for wedding photos, and also for weddings!! This Rose Garden was completely moved during the construction of I-35 Interstate Hwy through Duluth, along the Lake...so it would be preserved and not lost. There is a Rose Garden Society that takes very good care of these roses and grounds. It truly is one of our best assets...and shouldn't be missed!!! By the way...our LakeWalk runs from Canal Park the whole way along the water to 26th Ave. East...and goes right by this garden and park.

More on Leif Erickson Park and The Rose Garden:

Views from the TOP!

2011-08-21T19:26:00.006-05:00

Spirit Mountain - Duluth, MN

2011-08-21T19:11:00.005-05:00

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN >>view from mountain

Alpine Coaster down the mountain

More on Spirit Mountain:

A view from the top of Spirit Mountain, looking northward to the St. Louis Bay.

Vista Cruise of the Harbor

2011-08-21T18:07:00.007-05:00

See the Harbor on the Vista Fleet Cruise

A "must see" for the first time visitor to Duluth is our Duluth/Superior Harbor cruise... on one of the Vista Fleet sightseeing boats. (shown above) This guided tour will take the visitor under the Aerial Lift bridge, into Lake Superior and then back to the harbor to see the workings of our Duluth/Superior Port. They will see and be told about the ore and grain boats that take on loads of ore and grain and make their way to the St. Lawrence Seaway. You will see up close the ore docks, grain elevators and ships that are in the harbor taking on their loads. You will not understand what the ports do or the importance of them, and the history of them, unless you are out there by the sites and listening to the very competent tour guides. Stacie really enjoyed this tour, and I enjoyed seeing it again after so many years. Whenever I take someone on this tour, I learn more! When I first came here 42 years ago I did not understand the port until that July when my parents came to visit and I took them and my siblings on this boat cruise. These photos were taken from the boat cruise.

Shouldn't Complain

2010-07-06T06:31:00.002-05:00

I feel very guilty for complaining about our heat wave here in Duluth, last night I heard on the news how bad the heat wave in the East coast and NE area, where most of my family live, has been! I feel badly for you and and those readers who are from other parts of the US who are also having unusual heat waves. (But, remember, a lot of you have air condition in your homes!) Not many of us here in Duluth do!

Well, I'm off to work to the air conditioned office (thank goodness!) Some days, though it doesn't seem cool enough.

Enjoyed my Day Off!

2010-07-05T20:34:00.002-05:00

Quiet 4th of July..... and I liked it that way! Saturday and yesterday were so hot and muggy here in Duluth, that without an air conditioned home, I just couldn't move... the humidity really bothers me. You'd never know I grew up in this stuff back in SE Pennsylvania! But, I've been here 40 years, so like most native Duluthians, I can't handle it. Back in PA so many people now have air or central air in their homes (not when I was young...but now most people do)...but here in the Northland, we usually only get this heat in humidity for a week or two, usually in July. Not enough to warrant spending money to get central air installed. (Unless you have to buy a new furnace, they say it doesn't cost that much more to get the air then)...but we can't afford a new furnace, so am certainly not hoping for that. It really was too hot for me to go outside, and I know as beautiful as it looked, I really should have gone out, and I do feel guilty about that. I stayed in with our ceiling fan on in the living room, and our fan in the bedroom! I tried sitting out on the deck to read last evening, but the mosquitoes came out...and they love me! So, back in I came. We don't go down to bayfront to watch the fireworks, since the kids have grown up. If we had the Grandchildren here in town, I know we would. Watching the kids watch the fireworks, is what is fun about them! Duluth does put on a wonderful fireworks display, and I heard they did so again this year. I did get my Fourth of July spirit though, by watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy", and last evening I spent three hours watching about The Battle of Gettysburg" on the "Military" channel, that I found by accident. It was from a different prospective and very interesting. Also, an hour about President Lincoln and his Gettysburg Address. (Which I memorized in 5th grade, and can still recite!). I also watched "John Adams" series on cable, about our country's beginning. Very good.

So, I got nothing done, on Sat. or yesterday, except to go to church (we all sweltered), and on Sat. I went to the grocery store, and didn't mind it one bit, spent quite a bit of time there, in their air condition.....took my time and cooled off nicely. But...I got a lot of rest and relaxation.

Today, the humidity was better, and because I was rested up for two days... I was ambitious! Haven't felt as energeric as today, in a long time! I got a lot accomplished! I did laundry while Bob was golfing (he usually does laundry), and I cooked for meals for the rest of the week, made us a good supper, cleaned the kitchen, refrig., bathroom, and hit areas I don't usually hit. I even feel good enough to write a post on my neglected blog, at 8:45 pm!

I think I will feel refreshed and good about going back to work tomorrow...and it will only be a 4 day week. I can only hope that I will feel this ambitious next Saturday!!

Hope your 4th was a good one!

Help Toward the Cancer Cause

2010-07-04T19:30:00.005-05:00

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - 19th Annual Duluth Community RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT

WHAT: The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It has been described as a “huge compassionate support group” – a place where friends, family and loved ones join to celebrate survivorship and to honor those who have lost the battle. Relay For Life involves teams of 5-15 people who take turns walking or running around a track all night long. A party-like atmosphere prevails as team members camp out on the surrounding grounds for the duration of the event to enjoy music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is raised through donations received by team members prior to the event , secured from family, friends, companies or corporations, and/or team fundraisers.

WHEN: July 16th and July 17th 2010 -- 6:00 P.M. – 6:00 A.M. - Fun and entertainment throughout the night, while team members walk the track.

WHERE: College of St. Scholastica, Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN - In front of Science Building (construction there will be all completed).

WHO: Everyone is welcome! All interested in the cause join teams of individuals representing clubs, corporations, organizations, neighborhoods and families at this fun, community-oriented event.

HISTORY: Relay For Life was the idea of Gordon Klatt, M.D. In 1985, Dr. Klatt ran and walked for 24-hours on a track in Tacoma, Washington, traveling about 81 miles and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. From there, Relay For Life was born and is now held nationwide. Over $20 million was raised at 372 Relay For Life events held in the Midwest Division alone in 2000-2001. The region that is represented by our Northern Lights Team through the Duluth Office, have 30 relay events between April and the end of August, the Duluth event is one of these, along with the Relay in Superior, WI, across the bridge, held Friday, July 9th.

WHY: The money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy, and service – locally, statewide and nationally, to help everyone celebrate MORE BIRTHDAYS. The American Cancer Society is the "Official Sponsor of Birthdays"!!

BENEFITS: Great community exposure. Opportunity to be a community leader. Terrific group outing. Raise money for a good cause. From the opening lap, led by the cancer survivors, to the emotional candle-lighting ceremony, through the triumphant final lap, Relay For Life is something participants will always remember!

HIGHLIGHTS: SURVIVORS VICTORY LAP: Cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take a victory lap and be cheered on by fellow participants. This is a true celebration of their courageous battle.

LUMINARIA CEREMONY: A candlelight ceremony that pays tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. Luminaries are purchased in honor of those who have survived their battle with cancer, for those still fighting, and in memory of those who have courageously battled this disease, but lost. The Luminarias are kept burning throughout the night to represent the healing power of community and the importance of funding to find a cure.

It's not to late to participate. We are still looking for teams of 5-15 people to walk that evening. It is not a “race” and you don’t need to run, you don’t even need to walk all night, that’s why you have team members, to take turns. If you are interested in joining this good cause by getting a team together, call me at the local ACS office in Duluth. You may also join our "Crazy With Hope" team, from Hope United Methodist Church.

You may also click on my web site link on the left for the site on line. You may register or donate from there also. Click on "CRAZY WITH HOPE" team and my name, if you wish to donate on my behalf for the team. Thank you.

See event on line – register, donate: www.acsevents.org/relay/duluth/mn (or on my facebook profile page)

Fourth of July, 2010

2010-07-04T19:18:00.002-05:00

Yankee Doodle Dandy!

2010-07-04T19:03:00.006-05:00

Happy Fourth of July! Happy Birthday to our great country!

We just finished watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy", 1942 movie about George M. Cohen's life. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor" for his War World I songs that he wrote, "Over There", and "Grand Old Flag" and his other patrionic songs and plays that he wrote, which contributed encouragement and patronism to the soliders and country through our wars. Great movie!

I used to watch this movie when I was growing up, and now, as a adult, everytime that it comes on I watch it again, and my husband too! We weren't even born when this movie was made, but we both still love watching it!

When growing up, I didn't know much about George M. Cohen, other than what I saw in the movie. Vaudeville was over and living in the country, I sure wasn't in tune to any broadway shows! But, today I looked up on the internet (in childhood we would have looked him up in our World Book Encylopedia). I read about his life, and it was good to fill in things that the movie didn't have.

So, I have posted a photo of him from "google images". Doesn't exactly look like James Cagney, but I'm sure he would have agreed that James Cagney did a good job portraying him.

Happy Birthday to our USA!!!

Hard to Believe- Mother of GROWN Children

2010-05-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that I am now a Mother of adult children! I hope that I have been even half the Mother to them that my Mother was to me. I know that I love my children as my Mother loved us. I also know that I let them know how much I love them. And, they let me know that they love me. I'm so thankful for that.

It was wonderful that our daughter sent me a lovely bouquet of flowers to my work place on Friday. I brought them home and have been enjoying them all weekend.

Our middle child, who likes to cook, offered to make me a special meal today of anything that I requested. I asked for his Manicotti, and he made the the very best he has ever made...it was so delicious! He cooked everything from scratch, using fresh herbs, tomatoes, nothing canned. He used 5 different cheeses and italian sausage for the filling and a delicious fresh meat sauce! I saved some to freeze to take to our daughter and saved some for our youngest son. It was the best Mother's Day present that Rob ever gave me! (Oh, yes...he shopped for and paid for all the ingredients too!)

Speaking of our youngest, I didn't get to see him today, but he did call and wish me a Happy Mother's Day.

And, our daughter called, and I had a really nice visit via telephone with her. I wished her a Happy Mothers Day too, as she is a Mother too!!

Considering how I miss my Mother, my Mother in Law, and my Grandmothers... I really did have a good Mother's Day!! Thank you Dawn, Rob and Scott. I love my kids so much, and have such good memories of them growing up!

Miss My Mother

2010-05-09T19:39:00.003-05:00

My Mother passed away 5 years ago on Mother's Day Morning. It makes Mother's Day even harder for me and my siblings, because we know it was Mother's Day that we lost her. My Mother always told me that her Mother was her best friend, and now I know that that even though she and I were states away from each other, we talked on the phone a lot. The days before the phone rates were reasonable, we wrote each other regularly. I had a letter from her every week. She was my best friend too. I know that she was my sisters best friend, who lived right next to her and Dad. So, I know how my sister feels even more lost without her, and I know she is still grieving Mom and Dad, as if their passing was just this year! Our Mother was very instrumental in all 5 of my siblings and my life...and we all miss her so much!

In memory of Romaine Elizabeth, we love you and miss you!

Snow May 7, 2010 - Duluth, MN

2010-05-08T15:12:00.003-05:00

Here's some photos to show how beautiful it was here yesterday!

Beautiful Snow in May - Duluth, MN

2010-05-08T14:54:00.004-05:00

We had snow yesterday! Maybe 3 inches over the hill where we live, on May 7th! Duluth made the national news! They said it hasn't happened in history here...that's not true. I remember snow in May before. Someone yesterday he specifically remembered getting a substanial amount of snow in May of 1995...that's not that long ago!

The good news: It's 3 pm on May 8th. Our snow is gone! We see the green again, both on the trees and in the yards! So, snow in May is certainly bearable for us here in the Northland!

It was so very beautiful driving home from work yesterday. With everything except the road, covered with snow, the roads were just wet. I had to stop and take a few photos...I am posting them here for you to enjoy also.

"St. John's BIBLE"

2010-05-02T19:05:00.006-05:00

My post below told you about the exhibit at the Science Museum that I saw on Tuesday of The Dead Sea Scrolls, AND the pages of the "Illuminated St. John's Bible". In case you have not heard of this (I hadn't) here is some information. It is one of the first completely handwritten Bibles since the invention of the printing press. St. John's University here in Southeastern Minnesota (Collegeville), commissioned this work (see the info below that I took from the Wikipedia) and you can go on the official web site and see and read more. The exhibit showed the orginial pages that are finished so far, in calligraphy and beautiful artwork, all done with quills, like in ancient days! The project is to be finished in 2011. The pages are truly works of art and very beautiful!

"At the dawn of the twenty-first century, Saint John's Abbey and University seek to ignite the spiritual imagination of believers throughout the world by commissioning a work of art that illuminates the Word of God for a new millennium."- Mission Statement of The Saint John's Bible Commission.

Beginning in 1970, master calligrapher Donald Jackson expressed in media interviews his lifetime dream of creating an illuminated Bible. Following a Saint John's-sponsored calligraphy presentation at the Newberry Library in Chicago in 1995, Jackson discussed a hand-written Bible with Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, former executive director of the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Between 1996 and 1997, Saint John's explored the feasibility of the Bible project, Jackson created first samples, and theologians developed the illumination schema. The Saint John’s Bible was officially commissioned in 1998 and funding opportunities were launched. The public was introduced to the project in 1999 and it is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

The Saint John's Bible is seven volumes and two feet tall by three feet wide when open. The Bible is made of vellum, with 160 illuminations, and has cost $4 million to produce. The version of the Bible is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

From Wikipedia

The official website: http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/

The Dead Sea Scrolls

2010-05-02T18:54:00.005-05:00

These scrolls over 2,000 years ago were found hidden in caves in The Dead Sea, near The Holy Land, where Jesus walked. Many were found in jars as the photo below.

Last Tuesday, I took a day of vacation from my job to join a group of women from Hope and area churches, to travel to The Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul (MN) to see their exhibit of "The Dead Sea Scrolls" and "St. John's Illuminated Bible". It was well worth taking a day off, the exhibits were great, and very interesting! There was a lot of history and background given to help understand how, where, and also the impact of finding the scrolls! The first ones were found the year I was born. After that, they went back to the caves and found more, over a period of time throughout the 50's and early 60's. It is just amazing how those findings could be translated and prove the writings of the Bible!

Pages from The St. John's Illuminated Bible, were also on display. (see my post on it). We were in there over 2 hours, and didn't even realize two hours had passed when we came out from the exhibit hall!

I have to add too, that being on a bus with a group of fun loving ladies, made the 2 1/2 hour trip of going and coming, lots of fun too!! Thanks to Pastor Laurie from Hope UMC for coordinating this trip.

I'm so thankful that my eye was better, so I didn't have to miss a worthwhile day. It made up for the weekend before!

Much Better This Weekend!

2010-05-02T18:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I certainly did have a better weekend than I did last weekend. Last Friday evening I accidentally got some cleaning solution in my left eye. Ouch, did that ever hurt! I went to Urgent Care at my favorite hospital. The Doc looked at the cornea and said it looked fine, and even though I was in terrible pain, he did not send me home with any medicine, told me just to take ibupron. Well, it didn't get better, and I went to bed early, so that I would not feel the pain. 3 AM, woke up with worse pain, and a worst looking eye, red and swollen! Went back to UC and after waiting many hours to be seen,and being very miserable, find out that NOW there is a burn on my cornea. So back home with two eye drop medications, to be taken every 2 hours. Went back to bed. Got up only to take the eye drops.... the only way I could handle the pain was to sleep! So, I also slept away the whole day on Sunday. What a waste of a weekend! And, eye pain is one of the worst pains ever! Thankfully, the meds worked, I was able to go to work on Monday...though I had to explain to everyone that I did not have "Pink Eye," which is contagious, and still did my eye drops every two hours. I was worried that it wouldn't be better for a trip I was taking the next day to St. Paul with a group to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Science Musuem. The Doctor told me that "eyes heal fast", he was right. I was able to take the trip the next day and see all the exhibits at the museum!

May is Here!!

2010-05-02T18:25:00.002-05:00

I bet you are like me, you can't believe the month of May is here already!! I must say that this past winter in the Northland here was not very bad, and it passed by pretty fast, faster than usual! Of course, having spring come here earlier than it has in probably 40 years, has really helped! We've had some very nice days, and in March we had rain instead of snow, and our green and leaves on our trees came out in April! Yes, we have actually had a spring here! Very nice!

How Do You Measure a Year?

2010-04-23T06:43:00.003-05:00

"Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

..... How about love? How about love? How about love?

Measure in love

Seasons of love, Seasons of love....

......Remember the love (Oh you got to, got to)

Remember the love (Remember the love)

Seasons of love (Measure measure your live in love)

Seasons of love

- "Seasons of Love" from the show "RENT"

Seasons of Love

2010-04-23T06:31:00.004-05:00

I saw the Duluth Playhouse production of the former broadway show from the '90's, this week. One of my co/workers and her fiancee had major roles in the play. The show was so well done, the cast was so talented, such great voices and acting. My co/worker and friend, when she heard I was going to the show said "Oh, Linda don't hate me after", she was referring to the part she was playing. "My goodness", I told her, "how could I ever hate you"!! She is the sweetest girl ever, I love her dearly, and of course, as I told her "you are an actress...you are only acting the part, Iknow that". She thanked me, saying not everyone does. Yesterday she told me that her Mother will not be seeing the show, that her Mother "wouldn't be able to handle it". Too bad, for her Mother, missing out on seeing her daughter as a good actress, with a great voice! I would be so proud!

Silent Movie

2010-04-10T13:25:00.002-05:00

Early this morning I watched a movie from the cable station. It was a silent movie from 1928. I really have never watched a whole silent movie before. It was interesting. It was "The Passion of Joan of Arc". It was about her trial and of course ended with her at the stake. I must say, the men in the movie had to be the ugliest men I've ever seen. The actress who played Joan, however, was a great actress! She was a stage actress, and this was the only movie she was ever in. The commentator before the movie said that the director was very hard on the actress during the filming, made her kneel on hard stone floor for hours and things like that, for getting the suffering effects he wanted, during torturing scenes, etc.

SPRING in Hudson

2010-04-08T20:47:00.003-05:00

The St. Croix River - 2 blocks from Dawn & Bob's Home - the ice is gone from the river
Their back yard. The grass is green!
Green Grass
BUDS!
Read below about my visit with family in Hudson, WI. Spring comes there a bit sooner, even though we are having an early spring here in Duluth. I am posting some photos, to show the green grass the the buds on one of the bushes in their yard.

Visit with Grandson

2010-04-08T20:35:00.003-05:00

Tuesday and last evening I was in Hudson, WI visiting our daughter and her family. (See more about my Wednesday in the post below). It was much warmer down there, as usual and it was nice to see GREEN grass there. Their leaves aren't out yet, but one of her bushes had buds on already. I am posting some photos here.

On my way back to Dawn's from my meeting last evening, I stopped at the dance studio where our Grandson Skylar was teaching dance. I timed it well, between his classes, and was able to spend about 15 minutes with him. He and I are very close, so he is always so happy to see his Grandma, and of course, I feel the same way. He is the sweetest Grandson a Grandma could have! He is 20 now, and hasn't really felt the need, or felt that he was "ready" to go to college. But, he told me last evening that he is now seriously thinking of going to school, to at least get a 2 year degree. He said he now sees that he really needs to do that, to get ahead in life. Well, you know, Grandma was happy to hear that! I love him so much though, that whatever he does, is fine with me. I only want him to be happy, but it is nice to think that he is doing some maturing. (note- this photo of him is about 2 years old)...

How Motivating!!

2010-04-08T20:13:00.002-05:00

Another friend e mailed and asked me if I wasn't going to be blogging anymore... no, Diane, don't quit looking. I'm here!

Tuesday evening I visited our daughter Dawn, and her family in Hudson, WI. I had a work meeting to attend on Wednesday, so it's the perfect opportunity for me to visit family, as the Mendota Hghts. office is only about 30 min. drive from her house. The meeting was until 7 pm, so I stayed over last night and drove home this morning. It was our semi-annual regional meeting, where the Minnesota region staff get together, for training, information, etc. It's always nice to see the co/workers from all over the state that you often only see at these meetings. All the other staff stayed overnight and had more training today. Us "Administrative Support" staff only needed to be there yesterday. So, I had a quiet day at the office. (Got a lot done, no interruptions...ha ha). One of the speakers yesterday was a motivational speaker who talked about the importance of "First Impressions" and how to make a good "first impression"! He reminded us (I'm sure you've all heard this before), that when someone meets you for the first time, they only take 30 seconds to have an impression of you that usually "sticks", so you want it to be a good one! He was very good. He grew up in Poland, under the Communist regime. He escaped to Austria when he was 17, and he lived in a camp until he got political assylum to come to America when he was 23 years old. Needless to say, he loves America and his story was quite interesting. He told how "making a good first impression", helped him through many rough times in his life. (He's in his 40's now).

We also heard from our CEO, Jeri Allen. She is a great speaker, and never fails to impress us, motivate us and give us good tips! When we hear her, we are reminded why she is our C.E.O. She is a special person! So, it was a worthwhile meeting!

Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday at Hope UMC

2010-04-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

EASTER SUNDAY, 2010 Duluth, MN

2010-04-04T16:13:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I haven't written since the beginning of December. Here is is April already! Well, winter has passed fast here in Duluth, MN and it wasn't our usual long, hard winter. In fact, no snow storms in March, all of our snow on the ground gone by the middle of March, and nice, warm, spring days in March...wow.... 2010 weather has been kind to us so far! I think this is the earliest spring I've seen in the 40 years I've lived here! Today has been cooler (40's), but it is very sunny, so it is very spring like!

Here are some photos from our church, HOPE UMC this Easter Sunday morning. We had an 8 am service and a 10 am service with breakfast in between put on by our men and youth! Our Pastor Laurie had two wonderful messages, good services and great music! A real highlight that we won't soon forget was our final song where the choir invited anyone in the congregation who wished to sing with them to come up and sing the "Hallelujah! Chorus", from Handel's Messiah. It was so wonderful to sing it again, and to have so many of us up front singing it, how inspirational!!! Then our wonderful organist, Jody Franklin, topped it all off with the Postlude "Toccata from Symphony V"....what a Sunday!

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, Indeed! Hallelujah!!!!

Festival of the Trees

2009-12-06T18:13:00.003-06:00

Another tradition that happens on Thanksgiving weekend... The Junior League's "Festival of the Trees". This is a fundraiser for the Junior League and it has hundreds of vendors, with crafts, decorated trees for sale, and an auction. It keeps getting bigger each year, and this year it was held at the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Center), and there were two floors and lots to look at. I didn't go on Saturday, as there are so many people on the first day. It's held both Sat. and Sunday. So I dropped down there for a time on Sunday, to browse through the tables. I didn't buy a lot, but I did get a few small items, and of course some of the famous "Homemade Jr. League Toffee". Here are some photos.

The Season is Coming

2009-12-06T17:50:00.004-06:00

I am a week late posting the "1st Advent Sunday" post, and even later posting about the concert that has become a tradition to our daughter and me to attend the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. The Lori Line Holiday Concert", pianist Lori Line brings her pop orchestra to Duluth DECC every Friday after Thanksgiving. This was her 15th year. She has been touring for 17 years. It's a great way to get into the Holiday Spirit.

This year, Dawn was not able to come up for the concert. I wasn't going to go, so didn't buy my ticket for the front rows, as soon as they went on sale in August. When the date got closer my husband suggested I should go, as I would miss it if I didn't. I told him I felt that if I went, I needed to share her with someone, maybe someone who has never been to her concert. I thought of many of my friends that I haven't seen for awhile, thinking this would be a good opportunity to get together with an old friend. After calling around on Thanksgiving week, I found an old friend that went with me. She never saw Lori Line, and she was thrilled with the concert, she really enjoyed it. We enjoyed being together, and I enjoyed sharing Lori with an old friend. What a lovely evening!! I am so glad I went, and so glad I was able to share it with an old friend!

PS... oh, I just now noticed that on Nov 27th I did already write about this...oh well, that was before the concert....

First Sunday in Advent

2009-12-06T17:38:00.004-06:00

Boxes, tissue paper, tape, ribbons, tags.... is everything all ready now for the season of giving?

Wrap us in your love, O God.

Lights, wreathes, trees, lawn ornaments, window candles.....is everything all ready

now for the season of celebration?

Light our way in the darkness, O God.

Schedules, Parties, Gatherings, Visits.... is everything all ready now for the time of gathering?

Guide and direct our lives and steps, O God.

What is there left to do?

Place our hope in your presence and love, O God.

But all the stuff we have to do....what happens to all of that?

Don't be frantic. Place your hope in God. Place your hope in God. Slow down. Listen. Behold! God is with you!

Where is God?

Here, right here, right now, beside you, before you, behind you - with you always.

You don't have to fear

Thank God.

Advent

2009-12-06T17:15:00.004-06:00

This was the Second Sunday in Advent. For us Christians, this is the time of year that we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is the "reason for the season". As our message from the pastor at our church gave us this morning, "we prepare for 'another run' at trying to be what God wants us to be." We keep getting chances to be what God wants, due to the GRACE that God gives us through Jesus Christ. For example: Wash ourselves of the old grudges that you may hold for others. Things like grudges tarnish our souls. God helps us to get rid of the grime in our souls. Our scripture this morning was from Malachi 3:1-4, if you'd like to read more.

"We have prepared our homes and our gifts, Lord, but we need help in preparing our spirits to receive your message of Peace. Free us from the stresses and strains of this time, and place your peace which passes all our understanding in or heart. For we ask this in Jesus' name. AMEN

Thanksgiving Friday Tradition

2009-11-27T17:47:00.002-06:00

According to this title, I know you are thinking I will write about shopping on "Black Friday". No, I am not. For 6 years my daughter and I have had a Friday after Thanksgiving "tradition"of going to the pianist, Lori Line's Christmas concert at the D.E.C.C. It has always been a fun way to start the holidays with my daughter, here in Duluth, putting us both in the Christmas spirit. Last year we took my Granddaughter with us. It was great.

This year, Dawn and her family were not able to come up for Thanksgiving or the weekend. As this week came closer, my husband commented to me that "you will really miss not attending Lori Line's concert". He suggested I go myself. (He is not interested, plus there's football on TV tonight you know). I decided I would go if I could find someone to take along that I could share the joy with. I found someone, and purchased the tickets the other day. So, tonight my friend, who I haven't seen in a very long time, and I will be enjoying Lori Line's Christmas music! I can't wait!! I'm all ready to go!

Hunting

2009-11-15T15:55:00.003-06:00

When I was looking for photos to post, I came across this one, another photo that my Aunt gave me. I believe it was taken in the early 50's. All of the men in my Dad's family were hunters of game, pheasant, rabbits, squirrels and of course, deer. Even the Brother in Laws, who grew up in the city, became hunters. There was a lot more small game back then on the farms, than there is now. I thought of this photo today, since this weekend is the first weekend of Deer Hunting here in Minnesota. My husband is not a hunter. He grew up in the city, but never had any friends here that hunted, so he never took it up. When I hear some wives complain about their husbands hunting, maybe I'm glad. But then again, one of my friends tells how when her husband goes out of town to hunt, she usually gets a new piece of furniture for the house! My Mother was never thrilled with hunting season because all of the relatives and friends from the city would come and hunt with Dad. She always made large meals to feed them too. I know that my Grandma Della, that I post about on this blog did a lot of cooking for hunters too. She really enjoyed cooking for them, even if she let on she didn't...ha ha...she and Grandma both enjoyed cooking for their loved ones!!!

I liked hunting season, because then I saw Uncles and Dad's friends, and I enjoyed helping Mom in the kitchen and sitting around the dinner table listening to them tell stories and talk.

In this photo my Dad on the right with the hunting dog. The other two are my Uncles...(his Brother in Law's who both grew up in the city). They look like a "motley crew" don't they!

This was taken at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Dad's Farm

2009-11-15T15:43:00.002-06:00

This is the home I grew up in. This farm was just down the road from the farm that my Dad grew up on. This was taken in 1953 by one of my aunts, and she gave me a copy. My Grandma helped my Dad to buy this farm by co/signing for him at the bank. He bought it around 1945 or so, before he and my Mother married. He farmed both this farm and his parents farm, as his Dad worked a job in the city. My Mother went to Harrisburg Hospital Nursing School while Dad farmed. After graduating nursing school, they got married.

The farm has stayed in the family. My second to the youngest brother and his family now live there. My sister bought a piece of the land and lives by the farm too.

Grandma's Journal - Youngest Grandchildren visit

2009-11-15T14:24:00.003-06:00

This journal entry was written in December, 1991 when her youngest son, Samuel's family visited. Alyson and Jessica were Grandma's two youngest Grandchildren, and my youngest cousins. They each wrote something in Grandma's journal, as the children and Grandchildren often did. I don't think they would mind if I quoted here what they wrote to their Grandmother:

"Every time I pass a church

I always pay a visit

So when at last

I'm carried in

The Lord won't say

Who is it?'

--- Love, Alyson

"Sweet is the Grandma who reads these lines,

May her sweetness all be mine"

--- Love, Jessica

Then their Mother wrote:

"We just ran out of our literary knowledge". - Peggy and Sam

Grandma's Journal - Meals

2009-11-15T14:10:00.004-06:00

This is a photo of the farm house that Grandma and Grandpa raised their 7 children in. This photo was taken after they didn't live there anymore. My Aunt and Uncle bought the farm after they retired, and they fixed it up quit a bit. I took this on one of my trips home, when I realized that I didn't have any photos of the house. When Grandma and Grandpa lived there, there was a hedge around the yard, by the road.

November, 1991

"I just had a good dinner I always appreciate the good meals here, because I always made good meals for my family In the summers I had lots of cantaloupes, cucumbers, watermelon. Herbert was a good farmer and we had a big, good garden and a big patch. He had a motor and cultivator that worked the ground. I canned and froze and got ready for the winter. That was good eating. The family did come around to eat, after they were grown. I liked to feed them. I miss them so very much. I have a good window to look out, and some may be around later today. "

December 24, 1991

"A very nice clear morning. I just had a good dinner. Potatoes, meat, bread, pie and fruit. A nice meal. I had big meals to make back when I was on the farm. Lots of visitors, workmen, neighbors, friends. I have a nice big place here, a big bedroom, phone and a good chair Bill brought in for me. My window is full of photos of the little ones."

Grandma's Journal - A Sunday

2009-11-15T13:59:00.003-06:00

Sunday, November 3, 1991

"A nice clear, cool morning. I just had a very good dinner. Their meals here are just right. Prepared and tasty. I have a nice, pleasant room to live in and to sleep in. I look for my family to come to see me. They do come. The little ones are so dear and cute. I have a lot of them. You see I have 7 children, Sylvia, Grace, Sara and Jane and 4 boys, Gerald, Fred, and Samuel. A nice good family. They grew up and went to school and college and now they have families that come to see me. This Brethren Home is a good home for the aged. They are good to us. Herbert, my husband, died here. He was a good Husband and Father, worked very hard. I can say this home is a wonderful good home. Everyone is nice to us who live here. I have good neighbors. "

(Here is a photo of my brother and my Dad visiting Grandma in the nursing home. My Dad was Grandma's oldest. I am the oldest Grandchild)

Grandma's Journal - School Days

2009-11-15T13:39:00.004-06:00

From Grandma Della's Journal: November 10, 1991

"Good Morning - A bright sunny day. It is now 10 am. What do I have to write about in this nice new book. Mr. Joseph, a cousin and good friend gave me these books to write in. I like to write and tell all I know about our school and Two Churches, all side by side only a road in between them. My Brother in Law and my sister Sara taught us there at the two churches. They were good teachers. The two churches were two separate church buildings. One a Lutheran and the other a Reformed church. I didn't go to the churches, they were also a school, where we went everyday. Some of our parents and friends were teachers, like my sister Dora Smith and sister Sara Powers and brother in laws, Smith and Powers. They were all real good country teachers. And I went to school with them. I got along fine with them. I was a county champion speller. I studied hard, and went regularly to school."

We had good teachers and had lots of good times. Now I can write about what good times we had, playing ball, Friday evenings, and we had programs singing and reciting and invited the parents to come and listen to us sing and recite.

I liked spelling and was one of the county's best spellers. Now I can still spell. All those big words we used to have, I used to study hard. I believe I can spell them yet, but I am not so sure. I will not try today.

Grandma's Doll

2009-11-15T13:31:00.002-06:00

From my Grandma Della's journal: (She was 91 when she wrote this) on November 1, 1991

My Doll

"On day I went to Grandma's,

and forgot to take my doll

I could not play without one

I had no fun at all,

So Grandma made a dollie -

just like the one you know -

she had when she was little

so many years ago.

She took a nice clean corn cob

And made the face with ink -

The undershirt had lace on-

The dress was made of pink.

You couldn't fasten arms on,

So Grandma made a shawl,

and pinned it round so nicely,

you wouldn't know at all.

The hair was made of corn silk -

A pretty color brown.

I think my corn cob dolly -

Is the nicest dollie in the town.

Buddy Holly Played in Duluth

2009-11-03T20:51:00.002-06:00

We just finished watching the 1978 movie "The Buddy Holly Story" on one of the cable stations. It was so good to hear Buddy Holly's music again. My husband and I saw the movie in the theater when it was out in 1978. We were commenting that we can't believe that was over 40 years ago.... then think how long it's been since 1959 when Buddy died in the plane crash!

I remember him when I was growing up. There is a connection between Duluth and Buddy Holly. He, along with Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper, played here at the armory, the night before he was in Clear Lake, IA. The 1959 Winter Dance Party Show. Bob Dylan has told how he was there that night in Duluth to see Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan was only 16 or 17. From Duluth, they went to Clear Lake, and of course you remember they chartered a plane to go to their next stop and it crashed. We lost all that were on the plane.

Yes, it was good to hear his songs again, but sad to remember that he died too young.

Grandmothers

2009-11-01T17:31:00.004-06:00

Here is a very special photo that I took on my brownie camera, January, 1968 at Grandma E's house, after one of her big meals she had for the whole family. She invited my other Grandma to come too, and so it was a good chance to take a photo of both of them. Grandma Della is the one with the apron.

Speaking of Saints....

2009-11-01T17:11:00.002-06:00

Speaking of Saints - I regard both of my Grandmothers as "Saints". They were both strong in their faith and role models for each of their children and grandchildren. My Dad's Mother was the role model that I know my Dad took after. And, so too, my Mother's Mother passed so much on to not only my Mother, but also to me. She took us kids to Sunday School on Sunday's that my parents didn't get there. I was influenced by the things that they would both read. I know how much time both of them did in prayer and reflecting. I know they prayed for their children and their grandchildren

My paternal Grandmother spent almost 10 years in a nursing home. She wrote in her "journal" everyday. Her daughters kept her supplied with writing notebooks. They kept every one of them, and I was fortunate enough to be given quite a few of them. When I first brought them back to MN with me, I sat down and read through everyone of them. I come across them, whenever I am "cleaning" and trying to sort through all my things, and I have to find a special place to put them, so they don't get misplaced, or so someone doesn't throw them out when I am gone. I often thought I would like to write them all up and do a book, and in the 80's I actually started working on that, but then I found myself back in the employed world, and it went by the wayside. I still want to do it, just as I want to make family photo books. (Oh, I wish I could retire...think of the time I'd have then to do both of these things!)

So, now I just came across the journals again last week. I've been looking through them again.

One of them starts on November 1, 1991. Today is November 1st, and in my last post I talked about remembering all the saints. This morning I kept thinking of both of my Grandmothers, all that they did for their church, and for their family, and how much they loved God.

I thought it would be fun to put some of her writing into my posts, some of my readers might like to read about her, as you might all be tired of reading about me and my family. I'd like to have all of you know more about my Grandma Ebersole. So, the next post will be from her journal, written on November 1, 1991. She passed away in April, 1992 - so this will be from the last journal that she wrote.

From the Journal of.....

2009-11-01T17:00:00.004-06:00

My Dad's Mother, my paternal Grandmother, Della spent almost 10 years in a nursing home. Her heart was very weak, and when she was moved there after a heart attack and being told that she didn't have long to live, she lived for almost 10 years. She was a woman of faith, and I believe that God gave her more years, so that she could be around for all of us to learn from her. Every time I went home to PA for a visit, I spent time with her, and it was always inspirational to me. I was home in the fall of 91, and I think I must have had a feeling, because I went to see her quite a few times and spent more time with her at the visits. So, when she passed away that spring, I was so thankful that I had spent so much time with her on the last visit.

Here is her journal entry from November 1, 1991:

"I was to church services this morning We have a good pastor here. He is a good speaker, and pleasant. I wish some one would come to see me today. Some of my family - where are all of them? I will forget about them - never - I love them all very much. My seven children and in-laws, make 14, so that makes a table full for dinner. I used to make it often. I liked to get them all together and that was my way. I am here a good many years. I was sick and came here to get well. I am here in a nice room with a good roommate. She goes out often. I like my room and stay here most times. My children come to see me."

From my Grandmother Della's journal.....

All Saints Day

2009-11-01T16:33:00.001-06:00

This morning was our Hope UMC's observance of "All Saints" Sunday. On this day we remember those loved ones and "saints" of our church who have gone before us. We remember all, but most especially on this day we honor in memory those that we have lost from our church family from last November through today. I liked the poem that was printed in our bulletin, and have copied it here. I was hoping it would be larger. Hope you can read it. We remembered 4 from Hope, who we all miss very much. Family members of each, came to the front and lit candles in memory/honor of each of them. We also remembered in our hearts those that have gone from our church and personal families through the years.

Remembering

"All the saints, who from their labors rest"

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-31T20:40:00.003-05:00

Before October is over, I just must mention that this month was Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please remember not just in October, but all year long. Remember to get your mammogram and encourage those you love to get their annual mammogram. During this month, many e mails come across about breast cancer, but the absolute best one I have ever seen, is the one that only shows this picture that I have posted. It really gets the point across. Remember too, to support your American Cancer Society, for their research into this and all other cancers. American Cancer Society is responsible for pressing the insurance companies to cover mammograms, and we are working to be sure that other preventative screenings will be covered also. Thank you!

Day Brightener on a Dreary Day

2009-10-31T20:27:00.004-05:00

Coming home from work yesterday, it was after 5:00 pm, the day had been rainy and dark and gloomy. Driving along Lake Superior, I noticed the neatest sight, that I got off the freeway and drove closer to the lake and took pictures. There was a rainbow, but apparently the clouds covered all of it but the very bottom part...and it was right over a ship that was going out into the lake from the harbor. By the time I got down to take the picture, the ship had gotten farther out, so it wasn't as close, and the rainbow wasn't as bright as when I first saw it. But, I was able to get a photo. I think you will be able to see the partial rainbow. You can also see how dark and dreary the day was by this photo. But, seeing that rainbow on such a day really did brighten my day and my heart!!! Can you see the rainbow??

Fall Ritual - Carpenter's St. Croix Valley Nature Center

2009-10-31T20:10:00.004-05:00

When I was growing up in Adams County, PA - a fruit capital, my Mother would make trips to the local orchards for cherries, and peaches in the summer, and apples and pears in the fall. She did a lot of canning and freezing. And in the fall, she made apple crisp, apple pie and applesauce from all of the apples purchased at the orchards. I missed all of them when I came to Duluth. I do know that many people from here go to WI for apples, and especially Bayfield which isn't too far from us here. But, I never really went. Bayfield has an apple festival that many from this area go to every fall, just like the apple festival that I always went to in Adams County!

As you know, our daughter and her family live in Hudson, WI. A few years ago she starting going in the fall to a place in Prescott, MN, a pleasant and beautiful drive not far from Hudson. The beginning of October I was visiting them, and she and I went to the orchard to get our apples. It's actually the Carpenter's St. Croix Valley Nature Center, and is located along the St. Croix River. The posted photos come from there. They also had raspberries and pumpkins. It was good to see they make "Apple Butter" also.

Hope Memorial Garden Dedicated

2009-10-31T19:53:00.004-05:00

Earlier this month, we at Hope UMC dedicated our new Memorial Garden. We worked on this for about a year, and many dedicated people put in the plants, did a lot of work over the spring and summer and the result is a lovely, peaceful garden. I wish we could have dedicated it in the summer when everything was green and the flowers were blooming. We were waiting though, for the benches, chairs and all the pavers to arrive. People bought paver bricks in memory or honor, to help defray the expenses. The benches and chairs were also donated. The fount, is a baptismal fount that came from Woodland UMC, which merged with University UMC to become our present HOPE UMC. I am posting some photos.

First Snow in Duluth 10.09

2009-10-31T19:46:00.003-05:00

We already had some snow this month - too early to suit most of us. Note the top photo, this family getting ready to go south for the winter, didn't make it out of town before the snow!

Winter is Here

2009-10-31T19:39:00.002-05:00

I have taken some photos this month of the changing of the seasons. I will post them to see what October has looked like in Duluth, MN. Here they are.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T19:28:00.003-05:00

I just realized it's been over a month since I have written! As I have said before, where, oh where, has this month gone! My last post said that Autumn was coming, now I have to say that autumn has come and gone. The leaves are just about all off the trees, we've had a month of rainy, cold and not so nice days, with a nice one mixed in here and there!

It's Halloween. My son and husband and I have been passing out candy, to the little ones, and now the bigger ones are coming. The son has now left for a Halloween party and I'm leaving the door answering now to Bob. I think we are soon going to run out of candy, and we had a lot. We get a lot of kids in our neighborhood, many of then come in from out in the country. Our street doesn't have many little ones anymore.

I have posted a few photos of those who decorated their homes for the Halloween season. One is down the street from us, and the one with the cemetery is from another neighborhood. I couldn't resist taking a photo. You will note there is not a photo of our house decorated. I didn't even get our pumpkin and halloween decorations out. I own many, just didn't drag them up from the basement, and now tomorrow is November!

Hope you have all had a nice October and a fun halloween!

EXTREME MAKEOVER has season debut in Superior, WI- tonight

2009-09-27T17:38:00.005-05:00

The show "Extreme Makeover" is making it's season debut tonight on ABC at 6 pm, Central time.

The home that was made over was a family in rural Northwest Wisconsin, just outside of Superior, WI. Superior is just across the bridge from Duluth. The film crew spent a week there and with the help of many, many volunteers, and a local construction company, a home was completely transformed! Check it out tonight, or online at:

Autumn is Coming

2009-09-27T17:28:00.002-05:00

Well, where has September gone? It's almost over! My birthday falls on the first day of Autumn, and on that day, all last week, and most of September has not felt like fall here in Minnesota's Northland! But, this weekend all of a sudden it feels like fall! It's been a nice weekend, and I don't mind the 60's temps at all, but the air has the fall crispness to it, and this afternoon, after a rain shower, the breeze blowing was definitely fall in Duluth! The cooler weather is to be here this coming week now. We absolutely cannot complain here in the Northland, because September was the most beautiful weather month we have ever had, it was even warmer than July and August on a lot of the days! It has been a great month!

Family Reunions

2009-09-07T19:39:00.003-05:00

I called each of my siblings today in Pennsylvania. They must have all been out having lots of fun on Labor Day, because none of them were home! I am starting to feel homesick, since I haven't been home since last November. I am planning to fly home on Christmas Day, because my niece, Lisa is getting married on the 26th. I wanted to get home this past spring or early summer, but it didn't happen, so now it will have been a long stretch from Nov. '08 to Dec.'09. I've been searching for reasonable airfares, but haven't found any, and since I will be flying over the holidays, I'm thinking I shouldn't wait too long to buy my ticket, although my son-in-law, pilot, says fares will soon be going down.

Recently I received a letter from a second cousin on my Mother's side, that I haven't seen in probably 40 years! It was so so good to hear from him! Every second Sunday in August, my Mother's relatives on her Dad's side, have a reunion picnic in a beautiful park, always same place and always the same Sunday, so that people can always have it on their calendar. When Leon and I were young, there were always a lot of people at this gathering. Two years ago, two of my brothers and my sister, went for the first time in a long while. I'm not sure if they went this year, (I keep forgetting to ask them), but Leon wrote that the attendance was small, and it gets smaller every year. He said they talk each year about whether they should keep it going.This is what I wrote back to him about it today:"Concerning the Reunion... you must encourage those that attend, to keep it going because I

believe that the younger generation that aren't interested now, will some day, when they are

older, be interested. I don't know if any of my brothers or my sister were there this year,

but they were there last year, and they are starting to become more interested in reunions and

keeping connections more than they used to be. Our Mother's family (on her Mother's side) is

going through this, and I notice that once of my second cousins about 10 younger than me has

taken over the secretary position from my Uncle, so there is hope there! They keep plugging away,

and celebrated 50 years of getting together, a few years ago.

On My Dad's side - they used to have a reunion until his Aunts and Uncles all were gone, and none

of his brothers or sisters or cousins would step up to the plate and help, so it eventually fizzled

out...so so sad. So, please keep it going, if only for those that come and enjoy it now.

I am very family oriented, and it has a lot to do with all the reunions that I attended with my

parents each summer! I got to know my great aunts and uncles, my first,second and third cousins,

us kids had so much fun and such great memories.

Just think, most of our children's generation have not grown up with family reunions, like I did, and they

are missing so much. If your family still is one that gets together each year for a big reunion, of more

than your immediate family, please encourage them to keep it going, even if the attendance wanes for a few

years! Those once a year connections are important!

"Claim the Love" of family!

Labor Day, 2009

2009-09-07T19:25:00.002-05:00

I celebrated Labor Day by not "laboring". I wrote some notes to people I have been wanting to say hello to, I sent some e mails, and I connected with some on Facebook. Then I felt guilty that I didn't really accomplish any cleaning in the house on my three day weekend, so I spent the last two hours working in the kitchen, got all the kitchen counters cleaned and the stove and refrigerator (not inside of them) cleaned, the type of cleaning that you don't do much of when you are working full time. Now I feel I can go back to work tomorrow, with the knowledge that I did get something done at home.

We sure did have beautiful weather in Duluth this weekend. It couldn't have been better!

Well, back to laboring tomorrow!

Law of Love - No Judgement

2009-09-06T18:20:00.002-05:00

Another good message at Hope United Methodist Church this morning. I don't think Pastor Boche would mind if I paraphrased her message. The message was proceeded by the following "Call to Worship" a message all of us at Hope UMC want to convey to everyone:

If your clothes are fine and you have lots of gold rings, you're welcome here.

If your clothes are dirty and you don't have a place to sleep, you're welcome here.

If you're feeling alone and you have no one to call a friend, you're welcome here.

If your soul aches and you need a healing balm, you're welcome here.

If you're filled with anxiety and are seeking peace, you're welcome here.

Come into this place to give thanksgiving, to be renewed and to remember the

One who knows each of us by name.

You are welcome here!

Pastor Boche spoke about the "Law of Love". Jesus told us that the two most important things we should do as Christians is to "Love God" and to "Love your neighbor as yourself". Those two rules are the 10 commandments from the Old Testament, all rolled together. Love God, and love others. Jesus was saying, and James in his letter to the church, was saying that if we are Christians, they will know us by our love. If we love as Christ did, then there will be no judgement of others. We are all part of God's family, on equal footing with God. James says if we have faith, then we will show that faith by action and by the love we show others. (New Testament James 2:1-17.)

They will know we are Christians by our Love. The "Law of Love". Claim the Love.

NEW EYES

2009-09-06T18:04:00.005-05:00

This morning's opening prayer at Hope UMC was from a poem that I would like to share:

"New Eyes" by John van de Laar

There is so much we miss as we look through our eyes trained to see only the familiar, the expected, the safe.

Thank you, God that you don't see this way; you look at each of us, woman and man, old and young, rich and poor, and you love what you see.

Even in the shadows of our shame and separation from you, even in the cold valleys of our grief and regret, You see us -- not just as we are, but as we can be -- as you made us to be.

You see the glory and the giftedness, the possibility, the nobility and the divine likeness which you placed there.

Thank you for how you see us, God. Please give us new eyes to see ourselves and others the way you do. Amen.

"Love your neighbor as yourself" (and look at others as God sees them - with love)

The End of An Era

2009-08-31T20:55:00.003-05:00

Do any of you feel as sad as I have been feeling this past week, with the passing of our last Kennedy brother? It brought all the memories back of when we lost JFK and Robert Kennedy. And, of course, for us baby boomers Martin Luther King is with those feelings also. And, the Kennedy sister, Eunice also passed away recently. She sure did contribute a lot in her life. Think of all Senator Kennedy did for getting legislature passed that contributed for the better. He really didn't need to become President, I think he did a lot more as Senator. I thought it was a real tribute to him, that our President Obama gave his eulogy. The first that has ever been done.

Teddy will be remembered well, along with his brothers.

I was able to see/visit JFK's grave site the spring of '64 in Arlington, when the eternal flame was very new to the gravesite. There was only ground around it, no plaque, stones or anything. The photo I am posting is what it looks like today. I look forward to visiting Arlington again some day, to see all three Kennedys.