Mt Redoubt is spewing ash ...

For those of you who don't know ... Jari was on a flight home from Phoenix last evening ... scheduled to land in Anchorage at 12:55 a.m. His flight was rerouted to Seattle where he spent the rest of the night. Today he made it home ... we're thrilled. Looking at the volcano observatory sight just now ... good thing he did. :)

This first photo I believe was taken last week of the mountain.

This one here is less than an hour old with the newest eruption. The plume reaching 60,000 above sea level ... and ash reported in Wasilla. Last nights ash ended up in Talkeetna and Willow. Wasilla is getting a little closer. Carol Ruonavaara Johnson was telling me today how she remembers taking ash off the car in the yard when she was young. Remembers all the hoopla about Mt St Helens ash. Should I see any on my car ... I'll save some for you. If anyone needs substitute coal for Christmas stockings. :)

I do have a running blog going on at livingthealaskadream.blogspot.com. Feel free to drop in and visit. I love to see signatures of writers too. (hint)

-a

pics of Heidi

Was able to hear stories from her while she was alert!
Finally got to meet Daniel when he and Michelle went to the Range

Velma and Theresa stopped in and was neat to visit with them. Lots of laughs were shared while sitting around the table having coffee! Nothing like two elderly ladies being young at heart!

It was so neat to be able to spend a couple days with the baby and her parents! And to visit with those that came to meet the little bundle! Becky and all kiddos, Randy, Dave Lindula, Velma and Theresa, Michelle and Daniel, Gary, Laurie and Tristan, Mom and Isa (hope I didn't forget anyone); lots of visiting took place. Now I can't wait to be able to see her again in a week when I bring Amber and Nolan up there to meet her!

And I was able to stay there to see Heidi meet her grandparents for the first time!

Always needing to get a picture of the feet before they are off and running!

I found a horse running loose. Does any one know who's it is.

Fun weekend!

On the way up ... 6 sleds ... 6 couples

Yours truly and her dear husband. Without him, there is a very good chance I'd never go up this mountain! He did rescue me once on Saturday ... picked me up from the pine tree restroom ... and dumped me once!
On the top of the ridge. Am quite positive I'll never see this in the summertime!

Mark Huhta playing ... what a backdrop!

Looking out at the Cook Inlet.
A man + a mountain + good snow + a sled = grins galore!

A new thing for me this weekend ... went out snowmachining with 5 other couples on Saturday. What a fun time. The weather was absolutely glorious! Just sharing a few pictures with you. We live about 3 miles out of Palmer. So, the 3 miles back to Palmer, about 13 miles out of Palmer to Sutton (not quite to Kuoppala Rd) and up the road a little bit. Climb on machines and head up some hills ... and on to a beautiful place to play!

Glad my dear hubby enjoyed his day. At midnight he flew to Florida to help move Martta's things back to Arizona. It is warm and humid in Florida this morning (what we considered cool several years ago), he & Juha were leaving Fort Worth this morning in a U-Haul to begin the 2600 mile putt-putt trip back to Prescott. We have 7 degrees here this morning ... and I'm already missing his fire building skills. :( (I'd rather blog and bebo at this hour than build a fire.)

Yesterday we had a wedding reception for Kevin & Renae. Was really nice and turned out well. No pictures, sorry. My camera is in Florida. I gave it up for a week. Note the "MY" camera. I think I took it over.

Have a great week all! 'Tis Monday, kids really enjoyed spring break, and next weekend promises to be another busy one!

Heidi Juliane

Sorry my cell phone doesn't take the best photos, but thought you'd like to see the little cutie. The first pic is Heather giving lessons on how to suck up the kuoppala-double-chin - baby is catching on quite nicely.

e.

Happy Birthday, Anita

Happy Birthday Anita. Just think, about 5 days from now, 44 years ago we brought home our
first baby with a bow in her hair put by the nurses. The nurses in the nursery said, "See you
next year!" If Heidi Juliana would have waited a bit you could have shared a birthday. mom

We are back

Trip to AZ went fine. Stopped at a gallary of "also rans"; those who lost presidential elections.
Snow in Flagstaff. Went straight to the church and got there 1/2 hr. before Seniors' Camp started. On Friday we went to a candy factory in Glendade. My regret was that didn't think of
taking picture with phone of a 400# choc. heart and then send it on Sat., Valentine's Day. Have
found out that I can't send photos to AK, even if it is one of the 50 states.

Enjoyed our stay at the Kuoppala residence. Ken and Betty and Paul, Kendra and children came
one evening. Pa learned where to bring the girls for school and pick them up as we would be kid
sitting while they went to AK. Debbie was there for about a week and the girls loved her to
death! Went to the Zoo on presidents' day. Got pictures to add to the books some got for
Christmas.

Kendra came and picked up the girls on Sat. and after cleaning up the house a bit, we headed out, first to an orange orchard. Then to the ostrich farm. Spent one night on the road before
arriving at the other Kuoppalas.

Started coughing somewhere along the way. They were sure it was from all the pollen in the
air. Elsie bought some steaks, etc. and Willie did the grilling at their new home in Carthage.
Somewhere in my notes I have how many square feet but don't feel like looking it up now.

We left last Sunday morning, driving as far as Cameron, MO. When we stopped, Pa couldn't
get me to stand. Eventually did as I walked into the motel on my own power. Decided to go to
the ER. They did blood work and x-ray. Pneumonia. Pa felt that if we had waited for morning to go to the ER, he would have had to call an ambulance that I would have been so much worse
and wouldn't have been able to stand at all.

This morning we had a new baby granddaughter. Cute name. I'm coughing. Really tired.
Blizzard here today. They plowed the lots and shoveled the sidewalk but it's blown in, half full
anyway. Eye exam tomorrow. Continue going through the tub of mail. Will get out Newsletter
when I feel better. Some don't read it anyway. Enjoyed reading the Kuoppala blog. Should
sent out a card to Jim and Jan Takala. Talked with Jan at Heather's baby shower. Said we'd
bring Ed some donuts. Didn't get done. dk

alaska

These are just a couple of pictures of the mountains that we took when we were up in Alaska last weekend. Anita and Jari, if you could look at these and tell me if you like any one of them, witch  would be your favorite.  When you are looking at them, think of them on canvas. some of them are more square and some are more rectangle.

project update

A while ago I promised to update you all on the progress on our remodeling project so here goes. We finally, after some dissapointments managed to pass electrical rough in inspection and then we were able to get framing inspection which was no problem at all compared to electrical(no suprise considering that I've done that part of the work for a long time). Now we are free to insulate the walls properly and put up the poly which we'll have to have inspected before we can sheetrock. Which means that we can't insulate the attic properly yet as I'll have to put sheetrock on the ceiling before blowing in insulation. I've slowed down considerably(no longer working on it for 5 hours before going to work for another 8 or 10), just going at a much more sustainable pace. We plan on going to the parade of homes this Saturday to see if we can find any more ideas that would be nice to incorporate while we're still able to easily do it. I'm hoping I can convince Missi that a small sink in the island would be nice. We'll see how it goes. Missi is thrilled that we were able to move our bedroom into the master bedroom as it is much bigger than the study where we have been since we slept in the living room. She said it's nice to have "an adult bedroom". More to follow when we have something new.

Ivan

Jades Project

Hi this is Jade, I am doing a science fair project, this is what it is and how it works
It is a Flashlight that turns on with an Electromagnet.

First there is a switch that turns on and off the project, the wire that is connected to the switch leads to 12 D batteries, at the other end of the batteries there is another wire that leads to the electromagnet and back to the switch. The more wraps you have the more batteries you would need, the less wraps you have the less batteries you would need, the wire goes around about 400 to 500 times. The electromagnet is made of half a pen and electrical wire wrapped around it. The electricity keeps going around in circles in the solenoid and creates a magnetic feild, that field pulls the secondary switch.

There is a wire that is connected to the electromagnet and it goes to two different batteries and takes electricity and goes to the flashlight wire that leads to the light bulb. The light bulb has a thin wire in it called a filament, that thin wire gets so hot it makes a glow, the glow reflects off of aluminum foil and makes it brighter.

I have 12 D batteries in the solenoid because it is just about the right amount. If you have more batteries it could burn up the wire and the electromagnet would be junk, if you had less it would not have enough electricity to pull the switch.

When one door closes, another opens...

My task, is to find the door that will open. My position is eliminated as of March 6th. While the last couple years have been difficult ones, the organization has been a big part of my life for almost 22 years. I feel like part of me has been severed. Yet, there are many positive things to focus on. Wayne's job is going well; I have a 180 day bridge period during which if I can get into another position there, I maintain my seniority; I recieved an 8 wk severence package and have about 6 hours of accumulated PTO time that will be paid out; and many managers and directors are going to keep their eye, ears, and minds open on my behalf. Then, as I would guess Jodi found, when one door closes, another opens.

The reality is that while there is much to be positive about, my eyes have been "leaking" and occaisionally the dam bursts; nights have been full of tossing and turning. I expect that next Thursday will be the worst as I walk out for the last time. Then, I will appreciate being home with the kids more and will wonder how I will find time to start working again :).

-b

Jen's life in February

my new living room!

new kitchen/dining room

Quincy Wuollet (Riitta's boy, Amber's brother)

Teena Wuollet (Amber's sister)

A morning of fun had come to an end

The Wintergreen Dogsledding Lodge in Ely

Here are a couple pictures that were taken in Ely. Elizabeth and I went dogsledding, on her birthday, and had a blast! The weather was absolutely gorgeous, the guides were fun, and just being able to spend time with Elizabeth was in one word "awesome"!

The following weekend, I was able to go to Minneapolis for a discussion. I was telling Elizabeth before that I want to experience something new once a month. There are so many things I want to do and try, many of which cost zilch. I told her that January was the baby shower for Heather and that was a first! Last weekend I finally made it over to Curt and Wendy Simonson's for dinner and visiting. Another first. Have been meaning to get over there for a long time, and finally did so. From there I went over to Riitta's for the night. Teena, Levi and Quincy put on a skit for me. Very funny! And then yesterday, I decided I should probably take advantage of the larger kitchen and do some thing in it! Chicken from Heather and Shawn was cooked up, cut up, and now in the freezer ready for chicken alfredo pizza and a casserole. Bananas are in the banana bread and muffins. Need to decide if I am making something to use up my chocolate chips that have been in the freezer for awhile, or if I am baking something else!

What to do in March? Can't use the baby excuse, though seeing Heather and Shawn's baby would really be a first, but. . . Possibly check out Wanamingo and see what the town has to offer. There is a trail just a mile or so from my place. . .Go and walk it? Or will something else come up that is even more fun? Will let you know at the end of the month what I decided on!

Another first that I did in February, was to move in to a two-bedroom apartment. The mailing address stays the same. Now the fun has started working on projects that were started years ago and getting them completed! To have an extra room where my library can be, crafts can be worked on and stored is so nice. With the apartment so empty, since I moved in from an efficiency, there are somethings that I really want to get. Good thing garage sales will soon be starting! Another really neat thing about moving, is that Mom and Isa were able to come down, before they left on their trip, to help carry the big stuff up. It was great that they were able to see where I will be living. Now I will just need to have them over for a meal so they can see what the place looks like all put together. Next month, I should have the craft room put together, the way I want it, and will post pictures of it.

Hope all is well with everyone and know that if you ever want to take a drive, you more than welcomed to come on in!

Obituary

SERVICES: Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Faith United Lutheran Church in Iron. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Faith United Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Edwin John Takala, 91, farmer, agricultural teacher and humorist, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at his farm home in Iron. Ed was known for his wit, Finnish stamina (sisu) and lasting community contributions. Ed was born on May 13, 1917, to John and Hanna (Hakola) Takala. He attended a two-room school house and in 1934, graduating from Cherry High School. Ed continued his education at the Eveleth Junior College, completing his degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota in 1938.From 1938-1940 he served as vocational agricultural instructor at the Alango High School. He married Frances Stanich and they had a daughter, Mary. They were later divorced.

Ed served in World War II from 1943-1946 as United States Army Staff Sergeant in the 50th Armored Infantry, 6th Armored Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Campaign Medal for Rhineland-Central Europe, and the Victory Medal in the European Theatre of Operations.Upon his return from World War II, Ed resumed teaching as a vocational agricultural instructor in Embarrass from 1946-1970, reviving the Embarrass Community Fair which continues to this day.

Ed married county public health nurse Madeline Niemela in 1950. They raised four children — James, Sally, Matthew and Theodore.While teaching, he operated the home farm, assisting and encouraging his children in 4-H and FFA projects as well as church, sports and school activities.After the Embarrass school consolidated with Babbitt, he advocated for creation of ISD 710 (2142) which preserved the remaining county schools. After Embarrass closed, Ed taught at Cherry High School from 1970-1971, continuing as Veteran’s Agricultural Instructor until 1979, when he retired to his farm.He initiated the St. Louis Valley/Livestock Association and revived Cherry Area Fair adding a Rodeo which ran for over fifteen years.

Ed was active as an FFA adviser and 4-H leader, serving 25 years as the sheep barn superintendent at the St. Louis County Fair.He was a member of Faith United Lutheran Church and served on its council. Ed belonged to a number of organizations and often served as president. Some of these included VFW, Toastmasters International, Knights of Kaleva, Iron Range Historical Society, Iron Senior Citizens, NAFEC, ASC, FHA, and the Cherry Co-op Store. He was a member of the Arrowhead Development Committee and MEA Legislative Council.

Ed enjoyed writing as a hobby and self-published humorous limericks, as well as his autobiography which was also published in Finland. He compiled and edited the Clinton Township Anthology for its centennial celebration. Ed, then 75, also did a tandem sky dive for the event.

Survivors include children and spouses, Mary Nisenbaum of Oakland, Calif., James (Janette) Takala of Iron, Sally Takala (Bruce Boyce) of Waseca, Minn., Matthew (Connie) Takala of Pine City, Minn., Theodore Takala (Teresa Ries) of St. Cloud, Minn.; grandchildren, Samantha (Aaron) Polk II of Las Vegas, Nev., Benjamin and Adam Nisenbaum of Piedmont, Calif., Lindsay (Jake) Grass of Pine City, Minn., John Takala of Iron, Rudy Takala of Pine City, Minn., Bryan and Jay Takala Boyce of Waseca, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Aaron Polk III and Preston Polk; numerous nieces and nephews.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Sylvia in child hood, Arthur Takala, Signe Peterson, William Takala and Mildred Carlson; wife, Madeline; an infant daughter; and son-in-law, Joel Nisenbaum; nephews, John Takala, Phillip Peterson, Arthur Peterson and Floyd Carlson.

Aching and Fevering in Alaska

Life at our house. This was last evening's trip to Target. I can tell you that I much prefer the other departments at Target compared to these. :)

Kids have been sick around here. Jari isn't feeling so good either. Sore throat, headache and fevers have been the order of the day. Brock started on Sunday, Anna on Tuesday evening, Alyx yesterday, Tia off and on, Jari the last couple. Brock & Anna have a hold on the fever department. Took them to the clinic yesterday and said I wanted strep swabs done. That is going around too. We never get strep in our house ... once in 23 years I think. Those were negative. Alyx wasn't really too sick, but was going to work around the corner and I figured that she may as well come in with us. Should have brought Tia too. Negative on strep. Then the doctor suggested the flu swab because Brock has been running this fever for days ... and it over the even 102 mark. My kids have never had the flu shot. I refuse it at work. Maybe I just changed my mind. Brock tested positive for Influenza B. It was so nice of him to "offer" up his nostril ... especially since the medication won't help him. He's been sick too long. Anna started on Tamiflu last night. Has anyone purchased that stuff? Total of 10 pills, 1 pill two times daily at a COPAY price of $84. Let's hope it works. Jari is going in this morning and taking Tia with him. We have a few days to kick these nasties. Now my question is answered. Why did I put off purchasing tickets to Phoenix? Our flights would have been leaving tonite. And none of us would have been going. That's why!

In other goodies ...

The kids are all keeping busy with work and/or school. All is either going well or muddling along in those departments ... depending on which child it is.

Jari is now licensed and insured ... in business on his own again. Economy is slowing everywhere ... someplaces at a standstill I think. He is licensed to do home repairs. We're hoping he gets nice and busy! In the meantime ... he can practice in the basement. :) Moved all the sewer lines last week ONE DAY. The heat ducting is nearly all moved. Next comes the water lines and electrical. This, by the way, is all happening in the unfinished part of the basement. I'll try take pictures so you can see it. The end result will be a laundry room flipped to the other side of the wall and into the unused portion of the basement. It will be sizable ... and so will the storage. Then we will start making a bedroom out of the present laundry room. We have many projects and ideas around here. :)

I am working today and then off of work until March 3rd. In there we have oodles of dentist appointments .... I want to get some little things done around here (towel hooks hung up for one) and spend some time having fun!

Tata for now.

new post card design

Hi charlie, I was just messing around, and this is what I came up with.  Not saying you have to like it, but I think it is a little "classier" looking.  what do you think?  

Howdy!

Whats new in my life? Not much! I should prolly be bald from pulling out my hair, but thats about it!

But, since I'm on here... Ya'll do me a favor!

Take a look at http://www.commandotrailers.com/justsomepics.html

At the very bottom of the page, is a front and back view of a postcard that we are sending out to all of the garbage haulers in MN. I've had a couple of comments about getting rid of the red border, but I need it for an attention grabber to make sure its looked at before it gets pitched in the trash.

Give me some Critique! It could be better... but how? EVERYTHING can be better! The printed quality is much better than the web quality...

Charlie

Rats, bats, and other pests

We enjoyed Jen's posts about her friendly (?) visitors.

I think I posted about Susan's repeated requests for a rat. The requests started long before Christmas ("All I want for Christmas is a rat...") and still continue. Each night I come home from work, there is an adorable note on the table for me about the events of the evening. The note always includes information about a rat needing a home.

Well, now we have another critter story.... Saturday morning, I sent John to bring the garbage out. When he put on his boot from the front entry, he felt a "sock" in his boot, so reached in to pull it out. Instead of a sock, it was a bat! It bit his finger. After putting the bat in a bucket, we headed to the doctor where they started rabies shots. He got a tetanus shot in one arm, rabies vaccine in the other. Rabies immune globulin in his finger (until it looked like a sausage) and another big dose in each butt cheek. We are waiting for tests results on the bat to know if he has to complete the vaccine series. ....Just got a call from the Dept of Health. The bat is missing. Great. I am sure they will track it down, but now the testing has been delayed. If they can find it soon, they will still be able to do the first quick test before the window of opportunity for his second dose closes. Otherwise, I guess he has to have the seond one regardless.

It was sort of fun to witness the reactions of the receptionists and staff in the various places we encountered with the live, potentially rabid bat on Saturday :) A bit different at the intake place at the U. To them, a rabid bat is just part of everyday life!

I don't recall if I told you our bat story from Christmas, but won't get into it here. I don't have a picture of the bat that bit John, unless it was the same. If so, this is it :)
-b

Takala's

Ed Takala died last Thursday.
Funeral is next Monday at 11AM at Faith United.
Visitation is Sunday night.

Hello, is anyone out there?

This sure has been quiet for a while. Where is everyone?
Anita - how is life going in AK?
Becky - what is new with you and the family?
Charlie - what is happening in your life?
David & Jody - How is work going, how is life?
Liz - how is your very busy life going?
Frans & Jenny - what is new in AZ?
Gary - I know he doesn't get on here.
Laurie - what is new?
Ivan & Missi - how is the house coming along? It would be nice to hear an update on the progress, next steps, etc.
Jen - How is the new apartment?
Mom and Isa are on the trip, so likely won't be hearing from them until they get back.

Here, life is going great.

Last weekend, Shawn and I went to a livestock association dinner and had a lot of fun. Jen came up that night and her and Shawn stayed up too late chatting :)

This past weekend:
Friday night we went to Cow/Calf Days in Grand Rapids (oh how my life has changed). It was very informative and I'm not even joking or being snide.

Saturday, we were off again but this time to Trego WI and bought a boar pig. We are keeping 3 sows and plan to raise our own little piglets - sell some of them and butcher some of them each year. It is getting harder to find pigs for sale.

Sunday - we had Steve and Patty Haataja for services - so meal prep, visiting, ....

Monday was a holiday for me, so I got to bake. I did some pulla, chocolate chip cookies, Isa's doughnuts (but had to be fried in pig lard), bread... and then called it a day. I'm hoping to keep food in the freezer. After baby comes, it will be nice to just grab doughnuts, cookies, pulla, or whatever else out of the freezer when people come over, rather than trying to make something to go with coffee. I'm not sure if that is called nesting, planning ahead, or avoiding work later that I could get done much easier today. I'm sure people wouldn't expect coffee and goodies, but I felt so guilty the other day when Velma came over and all I had for her was tea (she didn't want coffee) and nothing to go with it! This way, Shawn can make coffee and pull out goodies while I be lazy (oh wait, I think it's called recuperate) :)

Anyway, down to less then a month to the due date. We made it through another weekend and now my doctor says she will be around, so whenever baby comes, it's okay. I see her tonight and then we start with weekly ultrasounds and fetal monitoring as well as seeing her each week. It will be fun to have an ultrsound to get an idea of how big this baby is. The down side is the trip to Hibbing every week, but will get to know the maternity floor good by the time baby comes!

It would be great to hear from everyone on how life is going!
Heather

A few of my favorite things.....

Actually just one of my new favorite things: Craigslist. For those of you who haven't shopped or sold on it, try it out.

I was looking on it the other week and saw that someone wanted a pygmy billy goat. Great, I had 2 to sell. Contacted him and he came to pick one up (and I got him to buy another pygmy goat that was due to kid any day). He drove from South of Hinkley!

We decided to sell all of our layer hens and get new ones. Basically, they had all quit laying or had really cut back. Rather than trying to feed them all and not get any eggs (they need to earn their keep), we decided to get rid of them. Shawn was going to take them out back and eliminate them, but agreed to me posting them on Craigslist. We sold them. Now our new ones should be in the end of this week. The person who came to buy them was from Mora!

Another ad was looking for a baby pygmy, angora, or fainting goat. Well, I had a little pygmy baby born on 12/27. She went out the door yesterday to an individul from International Falls!

I have another posting on Craigslist to sell the rest of my pygmy goats and am hoping that the people I've been corresponding with will want them.

I think I found a new hobby of selling things, but am going to run out of things to sell before too long!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

It's about 20 minutes to midnight so not too early to wish a happy birthday. Hope your dog
sledding with Jen went well. Have a great day and a great year. Love, Mom and Isä

Redoubt

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

This might give you a better idea of how close we actually are. The drive may be a 5 hour one, only because you can't fly over water. As the crow flies we're not far.

Imagine, tho', that air traffic would be suspended. Last fall when Ronda was here visiting, a volcano in the Aleutians suspended air traffic. This one has the potential to be very challenging.

What a learning experience for all of us.

Mt Redoubt as seen last June

Our view of Mt Redoubt last June viewed from Clam Gulch. A bit more peaceful that day than it is today.

Anita and all, how far are you from Mt Redoubt? Do you expect any ash fallout in your area?

Happy Birthday Wayne!

Thinking of you today and wishing you the very best on your birthday!

Something new to add to Favorites

I find that I am posting pictures in a few places. Blogger is sort of a pain to post on, but I like that you can write alongside the photos. Makes it a nice way to share your stories. Bebo, on the other hand, makes adding photos a snap. So, a while ago I started playing around with starting my own Blogspot where I can post our lives up here in the way that I would like to. I'll still be here, I'll still be on Bebo ... but if you want to come visit me at my other place, here's the address!

livingthealaskadream.blogspot.com

I made the posting open ... can someone try post on there for me and see if it works, is a pain, or just not worth it?

-a

Breakfast Back Home

i'm in another writing class and have an assignment coming due and figure maybe you can help.

i'm wondering what comes to mind when you think of breakfast on school mornings as a kid. here are some things to get us started:

the "mmm, mmm, good" bowl (from cheerios?)
oatmeal with brown sugar and a lump of butter
half a glass of orange juice
king vitamin cereal
bouncing cross-legged outside the bathroom door waiting my turn
ivan sleeping by the stove
water heating on the upside-down milk crate on top of the woodstove
"kids say the darndest things" on the radio
wake-up lists on the table
watching out the window for the bus coming from warwas' direction
phenobarbital (was that in the mornings?) for some
cod liver oil pill
chewable vit c
mom in pj's; isa in a welding hat liner (and clothes, too, of course)
isa's lunch pail and thermos
becky doing chores
milk cooling in the sink with cream rising to the top

anybody want to play? post some memorable items/words in the comments section - i'll use them in my story and post whatever it is i come up with in a couple of days.

thanks
e.

Happy Birthday Denise

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Denise,
Happy Birthday to you.

Heather

Tiny Tim (my new friend) enjoys crafting as much as I do!

It's been a great joy to visit with him and see him play. Am really surprised how willing he is to allow me to take pictures! For several shots he would just sit there, sometimes looking at me, sometimes away... sometimes with his front legs up and sometimes down. He even attempted to get up on my couch with me! I had a can of coke that I set on the floor, so I could use both hands with the camera and he even attempted to climb on that!

Though it has been quite exciting, I am hoping that by tomorrow morning I can say a final farewell to him. He appears to be REALLY hungry, so hopefully he will enjoy the peanut butter that will be served just for him. As he enjoys his meal, may he know that though I have enjoyed his company, I really enjoy living alone.

But wanted to share some pictures of my friend, before he leaves me!
~jen~

Happy Birthday Jari

Warm greetings from a cold Brainerd. We have -11° now but was colder earlier. Hope you are
enjoying your special day. Don't know if you are home or further up north. Wherever it may be,
enjoy your 45th!

Reino has been looking at the routing to Alaska for June. Since we have to take a ferry to Juneau to get the state capitol, I think we'll do that after leaving Palmer and then take a ferry
from Juneau to Bellingham, Washington. Then head to summer services at Rainier High School.
Made motel reservations for July 2, 3 and 4. No KOA campgrounds near Rainier and the one
listed in the Voice has minimal showers. Don't want to shower at the service site!

Date to head out in June is not complete yet. Will advise when we know.
Love from your mother-in-law!

Happy Birthday Missi

Happy Birthday to you. Your name has a question mark after it on my calendar. Didn't know
Jody's age for years either! I hope your keeping warm. It's a -18 here and will probably dip
more at sunrise. We are lucky; don't have to go out. Love, Diane

football

go cards.

Thank you to Randalls

Enjoyed our stay at your home during New Years. Here it is the 9th already. I was fine at your
place but as you all know, Isä wasn't. Then got home and I got a cold, ran a temp. on Wed.,
no temp now but coughing and just not feeling that well. Tomorrow is Ken and Pirjo's 40th
anniversary. Many of their children who were going to come have sick kids so can't make it.
Then about 10 to 4 we'll leave for the Clinton Bldg. where the fire department is having a dinner
catered by Francine again. Straight home. I'll sleep en route, I'm sure. Thanks again. Love, Mom

Penguins

Every morning Anna walks out of her room swaddled in her blanket ... then heads to the bathroom to take a shower.

This morning she walked out and said something I thought sounded like "penguins". She was wrapped tightly in her blanket. I said, "huh?" She again said, "penguins". And this time I really heard what I thought I heard the first time. She followed that with, "penguins could live in my room".

I think we need to do some serious insulating in the basement before next winter rolls around!

This is looking down the hill over the top of the house. The wood stove heats as much as it can, but it is not big enough to keep wood going all night long.

Happy Birthday Ivan

Happy Birthday Ivan. Lots of time has passed since you were 21 1/4" and 8 # 3 1/2 oz.
Going for well care baby visits you were always off the graph and just kept on going. Remember
when Sheila flew home after Shane died and we were all at Lindulas. She asked you who you
were! You had changed some!! Hope all goes well in the next year. Will wait to hear what
happens with the house. Love, Mom and Isä

Time in Alaska

Hello Everyone!

Thought I would put a few pictures of my trip to Alaska for all to see. As you know, I was able to go to Anita and Jari's Christmas Eve and stay until New Year's Eve. Time was spent relaxing and visiting, reading a book, listening to the beautiful music that was played and sung, sight seeing, and learning how to play Settlers and playing other games. I am still amazed with the beauty that Anita, Jari and family are able to surround themselves with! From just down there to road, to Hatchers to the boat in "nowhere" (Anita can explain), beauty is every where! Amber took me to the iditarod headquarters and now I am anxiously awaiting for February 8th, when I am able to go back to Ely for another fun day of dogsledding! In the past 23 years, I have only been able to share Christmas with Anita twice! When Blayde was a baby and then in 1994 and now this year I was able to again! With so much fun, the week flew by to quickly. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I had to get know their kids all over again and to spend the time that I had with them. To think that the last time I was at their house is when Anita graduated with her RN degree! I simply cannot allow that much time to pass again!

To the Marjanen's: thank you so much for everything!

~jen~

More Babies

I had 2 goats that were due to have babies. One of them cried so much, that Shawn couldn't stand it and told me to get it out of the garage. The other one, successfully had her babies in the garage.

New Year's morning, Shawn goes out to do chores and comes running in with 2 "kids" under his arm. It seems, Mom - who had been put back out in the pasture - had her babies and didn't really take care of them. Long story short - had to warm them up and get them back to life!


We ran water in the sink to thaw them out and begin warming them, wrapped them in towels, and put heating pads on them.

They have made is so far. Both continue to live in the kitchen at the moment, until I feel comfortable trying to transition them out with Mom. The black one runs all over the place but the white one is easy to find. He has a hard time keeping his back legs functioning on the tile and sort of flops over and lays there crying for help. Yesterday, a lot of physical therapy and this morning, the white one could move around on the towel. Hopefully, Shawn is home caring for them now and I'm on my way home to do more Kid duty. Shawn figures it is good practice for me - getting up during the night to do "feedings". If this is a test, he has failed miserably as he just went back to bed after making sure I got up :L

They are so cute, I suggested we potty train them and keep them as inside pets. Don't worry, when you come over, they most likely won't be living in the house. I can't get an inside dog approved, let alone 2 goats :)

How did everyone's New Year celebrations go? I was able to keep Shawn and Randy both awake until midnight, but Randy left as soon as he could and Shawn escaped to bed. I do remember days of all nighters, but seems a life time ago!