Get well wishes to Charlie

Get well wishes ... glad to hear your voice last night! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Love and hugs from the Marjanens!

Back to work....

I'm back to work after 6 weeks off. Sure doesn't seem like it has been that long. Miss Heidi is in daycare and I'm refraining from calling to see how she is doing. Janet (day care provider) has my number and will call if needed. If I call and hear her crying, I may give my notice at work. Day number 2 will be better!!!

I'm getting a new work computer tomorrow, so after that is done, will get some pictures posted. I have to clean everything off my computer before they come and take it away and bring me a new one. Hope to have it in tomorrow and post pictures soon! Hope things are going well for everyone.

Heather

Things could be worse....

A Mother passing by her son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Mom' With the worst premonition she opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Mom:
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it's not only the passion...Mom she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Mom. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love, Your Son Paul

P.S. Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at Dustin's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you.Call me when it's safe to come home.

begging for help

I have been doing a few video's for my brother-in-law Ben Forstie. He really likes the videos that I have done for him and he wants more videos on his website. The problem is we do not know what else to show. He has been getting a lot of calls about the videos and the folks like them. The longer you can keep some one on your site the better he figures. Works for me because the more videos he does the more I get paid. I was thinking that I would put a link on here to his web site so you could see the videos that I have done and than if you have an idea that would show case his paint we could try it. Examples: golf course applying it, banks fixing up houses to sell them. Here is his site. http://www.ezgreengrasspaint.com/

April 11th

We were fortunate to have visitors Easter weekend! Laurie and Tristan joined us Thursday night through Saturday; Randy came for Saturday and Sunday; Jen came Sunday along with Ellen and George, a guy from Togo; and as Mother already commented, she was here from Thursday through Tuesday. We enjoyed everyone's company very much!

Debbie brought Tristan and the little girls outside on Saturday for an Easter egg hunt - along with my camera. I'm not sure which they enjoyed more, finding the eggs or eating the jelly beans inside. (Ma and I went to join some women at PF Chang for a Chinese lunch.)

The weather held out perfectly all weekend. Note tho, my AZ kin, that we could use the lawn painting service... It will green up in 2-3 weeks. Until then, we will enjoy the warming sun and be content with less than picturesque scenery.

In the evening, after the guys were back from clean up day at Stoney, we grilled our first burgers of the season per Debbie's birthday request. Steven had made her a yummy chocolate cake that we had for dessert.

During our supper, the "bat man" came. Thankfully we didn't have a major infestation - no colony had been established yet. They sealed off the couple suspect areas they found and put in a permanent bat door that lets any stragglers out, but no visitors in. Hopefully that is the final chapter in our bat story.

Hapy Birthday

Charlie, wishing you all the best not only on your birthday, but the whole year through!!!

Mom, the year Charlie was born, how early did you do your taxes? I wonder if having a child on tax day is a justifiable excuse for not getting taxes done in time :)

Heather

Happy Birthday Frans!

Sorry this is a day late, but wasn't near the computer yesterday! Hope you had a wonderful day!
~j~

Marjanen update

Saturday we made a delicacy my mouth has been watering for. Turtle cookies. Yummy. :)

Then we watched the boys play hockey last night. Amazing difference from the beginning of the season until now. Quite fun. Jari has not been playing ... but these 2 guys of mine are getting good!

In other updates:

Spring is coming. The temp reaches some nice readings in the afternoons. Snow is melting, ice is melting ... just not ready to take the plow off the 4-wheeler quite yet. Last year we had a massive snow dumping on April 25th. No more snow by May 1st and we'll consider it over for the year!

Jari has been working on starting a few businesses and working from home. He was laid off from the North Slope job in November and has been home since. Took a little jaunt to Florida/Arizona several weeks ago to move his aunt's things. Other than that ... he's been working around the house, doing odd jobs when he has them, and playing house dad. I'm still working 40 hours a week at the local hospital which almost pays the bills.

Blayde is working at the newspaper as a Manager. We submitted his application today for financial aid and will see what happens in the next week. He aims to start school June 15th and continue working full time.

Alyx is working at an Assisted Living facility and enjoying it. Between work and school, she doesn't have too many hours left. She's heading for AZ/MN for several months this summer and looking forward to seeing everyone.

Brock is working at catching up with school work. The ever present roller coaster grade ride ... but he's working hard. :) He's hoping to have his drivers license in July when he turns 16 and then hopefully a job to pay for the cost of car insurance.

Anna spends her time hanging out with friends as much as she can when she isn't in school. It is always a treat to grab the camera after she's had it for a while and see what goodies she's been snapping pictures of.

Tia ... the youngest of our brood is fast approaching the teen number years. She can be a bit scatterred all over the place. Interests change day to day. :)

The house project moves along as money rolls in. The laundry room is nearly done. Am ready to start adding some fun things in there. Will show you pictures when that happens. Soon we'll be working on the yard and the house will be left for next winter again.

Other than Alyx's travels this summer, our plans don't include a trip to MN right now. If anyone is interested in visiting here ... check out Sun Country Airlines right now. They have tickets at $198 one way. Not a bad deal. I think you need to travel by 6/15. The guest cabin is empty. And I mean empty. Only a clock on the wall and a shower curtain on the shower at the moment. Blayde is moving out there shortly, but we'll displace him for a bit if you come to visit. Hopefully Mt Redoubt doesn't mess up too many travel plans. It blew again yesterday morning, sending ash to 50,000 feet above sea level. Apparently we had ash in the neighborhood last weekend, I just didn't see it!

Random photos from Randalls

Can't say that there is much new here, but life is full of simple moments. Here are a couple random pictures from the past couple days.

The kids enjoyed the community Easter egg hunt... As you can see, they have several activities for the kids. Laura even won a $10 gift certificate to a community ed event.

Debbie and Steven are part of a choir that includes young people from 3 area congregations. They held a beautiful Easter program last evening. It was a fundraiser event with procedes going toward the purchase of new song books for Stony and Hasscib. (Can't find them in this little picture? Debbie is middle row, second from left; Steven is top row, third from right.) The kids manage and direct the choir on their own. They develope their own parts, etc. In addition to singing they have an instrumental component which they also self direct. For the fundraiser portion of the event they put together a festive, candle lit evening coffee. Again, they did it on their own from the planning to the baking to the serving and clean-up. Lots of talent and energy!

Ah, yes. Spring will come. The sun will shine. Flowers will grow. We will plant grass. For now, we will be content with styro cup reminders while we brush a fresh dusting of snow off the car.

John doesn't like letting his hair grow too long. This was wayyy toooo long. He convinced me to let him cut it himself :)

Denise decided to help him out a bit... He actually did a pretty decent job :)

MORE Q & A

Elizabeth, you're going to Hawaii? Get a sunburn for me will you? Frans and Jenny, how are you and chitlens doing? How's school? Love the pictures that you post by the way, even if they sometimes confuse me. Lauri, how are you doing? How's Tristan? Sometime soon I hope that we can take some time off from remodeling and come up there to see you all, hopefully before T graduates anyway. Heather, how's motherhood? Can't wait to see the little bundle even if Charlie doesn't think she's cute! Ivan, how's the remodeling project going? Oh, wait a minute, that's me. Jen, how's decorating going? Liking the new pad? Ta ta for now. #9

Happy Birthday to Becky and Shawn

Happy Birthday to you both. Becky may you be happy with what the year has in store.
Shawn, enjoy being a new daddy and taking care of the ever increasing herd at Admiral
Acres.

At this time I also wish Elizabeth an enjoyable trip to Hawaii to the writers' workshop.
Like I keep saying, I think you should write a book about your life experiences.

Love, dk and rk

WUUZZZZ UPPP!

Hey all, just thought I'd see if anyone is still reading this. Anita, how are the projects going? How is the ash treating you? Becky, how is the job search going? How is Wayne's job holding up? Charlie, how did the card come out? How is business doing? Dave, how does this year look for the sod farm? Jody, how is it going at Air Traffic? Elizabeth, how is your crazy busy life? I'm out of time gotta go to work. Will ask more questions later. #9

The girls wanted to get to Alaska so We thought we would put them there one way or the other.

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