Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas '92 -- Year of the Quiz Madame

Who survived two car accidents in which the car was totaled, but never received a scratch? 
A. Linda; B. Steve; C. Adam; D. Jennifer. E. None of the above.
Our winter project is sorting through miles of videotapes recorded at family events over the years. We're all digital now, so we had to dig up a VCR (remember those) and hook it up to an old TV to get our project started. What fun we are having.
Today we watched The Rolfsrud Family Christmas '92 and '93. In 1992 we had a Game Show, with questions asked about family members. Stan emceed, Kathleen asked the questions, and Steve Letnes provided sound effects on an organ. Virgil donated prizes from his knitting company.
The tape was edited in the camera by Hoi Tong and done very well. It would be a great basis for a future party. There were at least 30 family members present. Here's a sample question.
"Erling Rolfsrud was once honored as a North Dakota Hero. Seated at the banquet were others being honored as well. Who did Erling spend most of his time talking to:
A. Curt Carlson, world famous entreprenuer
B. Gretchen Carlson, Miss America
C. Lawrence Welk, the master of ceremonies
D. Olga Swensrud, the waitress
The question was asked of Dad's granddaughter, Shana Letnes. Everyone mentioned in the question was actually in attendance at the banquet. It was a big deal. But Shana, knowing her shy Norwegian granddad, guessed that Dad probably talked mostly to Olga, the waitress. She got a honk from the organist indicating an incorrect response.
So who did Dad spend most of his time talking to at the Heroes of North Dakota banquet in Minot that year? Well, Dad confirmed for everyone, Miss America, of course. (She plays a violin like Ole Bull, you know)
Dad had never heard of Curt Carlson before he met him at the banquet. Honest.
There were dozens more questions and great responses that memorable Christmas of '92.
(Dad died in 1994.) By the way, the answer to the first question above? Jennifer.