Christmas in Dundas (near Northfield)

Front row, Kathleen, Maxwell, Jennifer; Back row, Stan, Marcelline, Jody, Jim; Melissa and Emily are in Mexico.

Jennifer hosted a wonderful gathering of Christmas cheer at her home in Dundas. So much to be happy about.

Beside the warm waters. . .

Photo by Melissa Blethen

Toweling down for the day, Emily will enjoy the warm waters of the beach at Mazatlan for two more weeks. The water is surprisingly warm, they note, never have they had such an enjoyable time in mid-winter. Our granddaughter,12, is vacationing there with her mother. Meanwhile, the parents babysit their cat in Eden Prairie.

Annual Letter

This will have to do for the old-fashioned Christmas letter (we don’t own a printer any more), you know, the annual brag sheet we used to mail out with all the year’s accomplishments of the girls and of our future plans on paper, with only the good parts showing. Let’s do it again this way for fun, now that social media has all but disappeared the more traditional greetings.

They’re adults now with lives of their own, but it’s still fun to tell about the girls and us, in the very best light, in this season of joy and happiness.

Of course on the top of the list is the respite our daughter has received from the growing tumors so devastating for the last three years. She volunteered for a study to find possible cures for her type of breast cancer, and in short order the tumors disappeared, became undetectable. She is still in the study with its draconian treatments before FDA approval, but has enough good days to host a Christmas gathering for us in her rehabbed Dundas home. We continue in our hopes for her continued recovery.

Our Grandson graduated from the University of Minnesota (like Mom and Pop) and immediately snagged a position at a major firm in Minneapolis as a software developer. We try to understand what it is he does, but are impressed by the five layers of security he must daily pass to get to his desk (do they still have them?) and his enthusiasm for his team of co-workers and the company. Nearby, his father continues to toil at Seagate, managing whatever it is for that International firm. His mother continues in her Bodywork and related pursuits, bringing health and healing to people.

Our eldest runs her own daycare and side business, and as a single Mom raises her 12-year old, who is fast becoming a beautiful, balanced young adult. Too fast, of course, for Grandma and Grandpa. She enjoys astronomy, pitching a softball and shopping with an indulgent Grandfather, baking cookies and such with Grandmother. Plays violin and seems constantly involved with her school iPad doing homework, but who really knows? Mother and daughter are presently in Mazatlan, enjoying the sun and their large nearby “adopted” family they help support.

Emily in Mazatlan

Grandma and Grandpa think they’re done moving for a while, after moving from Shakopee to St. Paul back to Eden Prairie. We love our present “Leaping Deer Lane” location near the Eden Prairie shopping center and “all roads” which lead to many nearby family and friends. We’re on a three-year lease and will look to buy in the neighborhood, we think, when that expires.

We sold the condominium in the Chicago Midtown Exchange after Kathleen’s brother moved to a St. Paul home for a more comfortable situation. Stan’s Hotel California beckons, and we’ll get there soon, despite the earthquakes, fires, mudslides and traffic. His stroke symptoms continue to subside, and at the behest of his youngest, has adopted a vegan diet. Kathleen enjoys her gaming pursuits with friends and reading Grisham, Patterson and Sanford. She’ll enjoy Michele Obama’s new book coming from Santa.

For these reasons and others we consider ourselves blessed during this season of joy and light. We hope your own celebrations and traditions are similarly marked by memories of the happiness of loved ones and by the gifts of the present.

Merry Christmas!

Early Christmas 2018

Grandma got some great pictures of the gathering. From left, Jennifer, Emily, Stan, Melissa, Marcy and Max. Maybe someone will send one with Kathleen in it.

Melissa and Emily are heading to Mazatlan for Christmas and New Year's with their adopted family there, so we had a brunch and early opening in Eden Prairie just for the two of them. Favorite gifts were a mini-fanny pack -- so you won't have the embarrassment of wearing a full-size one -- and a secret Spam can valuables bank, where no one would suspect you had hidden your money.
A great first impression for a first date, Max volunteered. "You could say 'Here, I've got the bill. I have a bank in my little fanny pack.' Then you could take out the Spam bank and open it and pay the check!" He had us in stitches. Great pre-Christmas gathering.

Shortly after my plea for a Christmas picture with Kathleen in it,  this arrived. Thanks to Jennifer who knows how
to operate the timer on her phone camera!

Spritzes

They are Melissa's favorite Christmas cookie. She and daughter Emily will spend Christmas season in Mazatalan, Mexico, so we're having an early opening just for them on Sunday. Naturally the special cookie will be there too.  Spritz away, Grandma.

Christmas 1988

Thirty years ago, our sister Becky alighted upon our Eden Prairie home with her crew from Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas Book. We’ve never forgotten the fun of watching them assemble display after display for inclusion in it. And when the photo shoot was over, they left behind a marvelous Christmas Tree, and poinsettias and other holiday stuff. Never have we had such a magnificently designed holiday season. Here’s some snapshots of the idea book we cherish to this day.

Thanksgiving 2018

So much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving Day and this picture shows just a part of it. We had almost a dozen, with grandson Maxwell at his Aunt's and Marcy in California. But making up for that was Melissa's special guests from Indiana, Diane's mother and sister. And Hoi, Marcy's ex, was here too, and had a wonderful time. Jennifer's boyfriend Jim, who took this picture, is now a vegetarian but not only carved our turkey, but excused himself to attend another family gathering, and carve a second turkey! Kathleen did a super job putting it all together, with some help, but said this may be her last turkey, and she might be relying more on her competent daughters in the future. In the photo above, Peggy, Linda, Emily, look-a-like aunt Jennifer, Stan, Hoi, Melissa, Diane and Kathleen.

Look who we ran into today downtown!

From left, fun-seekers Stan, Mitch, Breck and Kathleen

We had just parked in the ramp downtown and gone into the elevator when we were joined out of the blue by someone familiar. It was Breck and Mitch, our niece and her husband. Hugs all around while our friends, Stacy and Kitty, were left to wonder just who this is. We all had tickets to "The Book of Mormon," a sold-out musical at the Orpheum Theater. We walked through bitter cold, then had a nice chat in the lobby. The musical was hilarious, has had nine Tony awards, and irreverent as well, even crossing our red line from time to time. Thoroughly enjoyed it, although our friends were a bit jet-lagged from a trip to Israel.

Cuppa tea in the Hobbit Hole

You couldn't stand up, which makes sense. Hobbits are not as tall as we are.

Aunt Marcy led us to this magic place

We explored an honest-to-goodness hobbit hole this afternoon, dug out in the back yard of a fairy house somewhere in Edina. They're friends of Marcy's and we used the occasion to transfer Emily from Auntie to Grandpa today, while Mom did some errands. We had a hobbit once, only thing is, you couldn't get inside. This was a lot more fun.

Watch the first step. Entrance to the hole.

What?

You'll have to forgive us. We can't help it. Please try to understand. Jennifer's clear scan on Monday brought out so many feelings of joy we looked for ways to express them, and why not? Joy to the World! The season of happiness came a little early for us, that's all. Just when we thought the season might be dark for us, the lights came on! So the tree came out and the decorations too. Hope all our new neighbors get it, we'll be happy to tell anyone the reason for rushing the season.
And Jennifer will host the family Christmas at her place this year!

Stunning news on Jennifer!

Three and one-half years ago our youngest (47) told us she had stage four metastatic breast cancer. The cancer had spread and she had a two to six year estimate of her mortality. We were devastated.

So began her fight.  International in scope, it involved the conventional chemotherapy regimens and mastectomy, but she was encouraged to try other things, and she did, including special diets, native lodges, Eastern treatments and so on. An exploratory trip to Mexico was started, then aborted. Since the beginning, her friend, Kate, gave her incredible support. Her boyfriend took over that role a year ago, and the rest of us did what we could.

This summer we had run out of solutions to try, the painful tumors were affecting arm movements, medications were exhausting her, and we resigned ourselves to accept whatever came next, always hoping for the best.

Then Jennifer learned of a cancer study looking for volunteers. A trial necessary before any FDA approval. Although she said no to some other studies in the past, this one sounded different, more in line with her values. Instead of just injections of a chemical that would hopefully kill the cancer, this compound is a one, two, punch. Yes, it contains chemotherapy but it also contains immunothererapy, which shows your own immune system that your cancer cells are something to get rid of. 

Having embraced the natural world most of her life it sounded appealing to Jennifer to teach her own body what to do, so she signed up.

With Jennifer wearing a shirt reading “Lab Rat” that she had printed at a T-shirt shop, she bravely began the trial on September 24, getting her first dose of the experimental cocktail. Nausea, exhaustion, fatigue, pain.

It was less than a month before we got the first positive news. The pain and swelling in her arm was subsiding. She could feel the bulges from the ping pong ball and large marble-size tumors shrinking. She didn’t need the arm wrap. The tumors were smaller, much smaller! We were ecstatic, but tried to remain cautiously optimistic.

Today we had a meeting with her oncologist and a representative from the study, and also a reading from a CT Scan. We expected even more positive news. But this?

Jennifer’s latest CT Scan results show NO detectable tumors. Gone. Vanished! 

There were tears of joy of course, and we thought about how all our lives would change. We texted, we smiled, we laughed for joy, we told the man waiting by the elevators what had happened, such great news bursting our reserved demeanor. It was all I could do to not make an announcement in the waiting room, but then remembering the many people there who may face different outcomes and problems, I zipped it.

But I want you to know how joyful we are! 

Has anyone seen our daughter's tumors? They're missing. They can't be found anywhere. She's had them for years. Whereabouts unknown.

We're so happy we get silly.

Jennifer will continue in the study, receiving regular infusions, all cost-free of course, she’s a test subject. Just because you can’t see the tumors on a CT scan doesn’t mean there isn’t something microscopic still in there. The infusions continue indefinitely. Right now she is the star of the show, the oncologist is stunned. They’ve never had this outcome before, at their office, Jennifer is the only patient taking this drug in this situation.

Jennifer is a true pioneer and our hero. It’s the same technology that miraculously cured Jimmy Carter of a different, unrelated cancer. This is a new adaptation and they’ll be surveying her for the rest of her life.

We’re thinking it will be a long one.

Original characters

Spent Sunday afternoon with Granddaughter Emily and the unique characters she has created on her iPad using some graphic software. When I first saw them, I assumed she'd copied and pasted them from some Japanese animation. Not true. Our 12-year-old showed me how she built them and colored them in from scratch, layering them, and using tools to enhance her creativity.  The characters all have names and personalities she has created. Stunning. And that's not just a proud grandparent speaking, although Grandma and Grandpa and everyone is very much so.
She has acrylic paints too and when she mentioned that she was low on red, you can be sure Grandpa rushed out today to Michael's to get some with her. She has been exposed to Photoshop but finds it a bit complex and challenging at her age. When she's ready. . .

Copyright 2018 Emily Ethen

Meet Titania, Infinity, Indiglo, Dementia, and four others in Emily's cast of
characters. They're gender neutral so far and are still developing personalities.
Some of them have borrowed Emily's clothes.

Crossing the Mississippi headwaters in 1955

From left, Solveig, Stephen, Stanley, Rebecca, Beverly, Virgil, Linda. At Itasca State Park, Dad took the photo. Haircuts by Mom.

Urban planning

We didn't get up North to see the leaf changes. I am sure they are gorgeous; there are woods around here too and we enjoy them. Today's walk provided a striking alternative to natural selection. Here's the pleasing result of urban planning on our nearby Rolling Hills Road. Very nice.

The three-legged pig

Friends munched on pork sandwiches and thought about getting pork chops at the bonfire Saturday night so I figured it was the perfect time to tell a joke that my daughter, Jennifer, had told me not long ago. I began retelling it, then realized I didn’t remember all of it. My friends were soon amused though, not by the joke, but by my struggles.

In an effort to recoup some dignity, I consulted my source, and offer this now, to complete the record.

----------------

A man walks into a bar with a three-legged pig.

“I’ll have a beer,” he says. “And one for my pig.”

“Well,” says the bartender, “You can have a beer but we don’t serve pigs here.”

“Oh, but this is a special pig. He saved my life. I was pinned under my tractor and he jumped into the seat, put it in reverse and backed it off of me. He saved my life, and he saved my family too. They were in a burning house, he found a hose then ran inside and got everyone out. If it wasn’t for him, they were goners. He saved all of their lives.”

“Well alright,” says the bartender. “I will serve your pig a beer. But first you have to tell me one thing,” he said, looking at the pig. “Why does he only have three legs?”

“Oh that,” says the man. “This is a very special pig. A pig like that you just don’t eat all at once.”

Bonfire last night at Waconia winery

Nightfall brought on a glorious bonfire last night at the Schram Vineyards, winery and brewery.

From left, Stacy, Kitty, Kathleen, Stan

We added years to our lifespan last night with fits of laughter, but then we gave them all back to the bacchanalian delights at the annual Schram Vineyards and Brewery festival on the rolling hills near Waconia. It was a crisp fall night, one band (too loud for old folks) played inside near the wine bottles and the beer taps, another played outside near the wine bottles and the beer taps.

Food trucks offered portable pizza, pulled pork and more. So Stan tried to tell a funny story about the talented three-legged pig who got served in a bar. He forgot all the critical details, but got laughs anyway.
It was cold enough to keep your beer or wine properly chilled, so when they torched a massive bonfire, tended by a friendly stalwart from the Chanhassen fire department, it drew the crowd closer. (The fireman is the youngest son of Kitty, who, along with new husband Stacy, were our hosts for the night.)

Nearby, grapes hung unpicked in the hillside vineyard, moldy victims of the vagaries of Minnesota climate and testament to the difficulties of making wine locally.
Nevertheless, last night the winery introduced a vintage, appropriately named “Bonfire.” A Big Red American Blend, we bought a bottle and, while drinking it, read the label that promised it would start off good times and great traditions.
They were right.

Now that's service

When he was running out of gas in his two-toned blue and white Edsel station wagon, (seats 9 with 3 in the front, no safety belts) Dad would almost always pull into the APCO station on Broadway in Alexandria to fill ‘er up with Ethyl. Mr. Fahlberg would bounce out of the clean windowed station and cheerfully greet him by name through the driver window. You didn’t have to fill, of course, you could just ask for $5 worth, or ten gallons, or even an embarrassing $1 jolt just to get you home so somebody else could fill it later.

While the gasoline was running into the tank, Mr. Fahlberg was busy squirting light blue fluid on the windows and rubbing them down with worn-out red rags. He’d ask if you’d like the oil checked, and if you did, the hood came up and the dipstick came out, got wiped, re-inserted and checked. He’d bring it around to show you that, upon close examination, you were down a quart and then you’d have to remember what weight of oil you were currently using, and he’d go fetch a can and put it in for you.

He’d check your tire pressure too if you asked, pulling the gauge easily from his chest pocket.

You didn't need to go inside the station to pay; what was the point, there were just wiper blades, tires, oil cans, free maps, a desk and cash register. Everything had to do with servicing autos. Maybe a Ford penny candy dispenser with colorful gumballs.

At 10 below zero with the wind whipping, you just stayed in the car and spoke through a crack in the driver window.

Finished with the fill, Mr. Fahlberg would announce the cost (gas averaged 32 cents a gallon in 1960, sometimes a dime during a gas war) and make your change, running back to the station to get it, or dispensing it from the little change-maker strapped around his waist. Tipping just wasn’t done, restaurants only. We didn't know about credit cards; they would take a local check within limits. Transaction complete, he would thank us for our business and ask us to come again.

I mention all this now, because I realized today that most Americans have no idea what full service is like. And Making America Great Again would just have to include gas stations.

Look who's here!

Andrew finally dropped by to check out the new digs. He's been working day and night on a house near here in Chanhassen, trying to get it ready for renters. But he hadn't stopped by yet for an inspection tour of Leaping Deer Lane.

He did yesterday.
He approves. Says it's much more suitable for us than our place in St. Paul. Bigger, better. Didn't like that St. Paul place at all, he didn't get it, reminded him of an apartment in college days.
UFF DA.That's kind of rough, Andrew.
Anyway, the new place meets his standards and hopefully he and Mrs. Colombo will make it here often. We like it here too.

Fall montage

Walking briskly today, cool damp, prescient. Ducks gather, leaves ready to turn, awaiting the signals, many unknown to us.

Maxwell's 24th

A dozen friends and family gathered this morning for brunch at the Lowbrow on Nicollet near 43rd in Minneapolis to celebrate the 24th birthday of Maxwell Tong, our grandson and software developer at a world-famous micro-grid firm (We're so proud of his new job we had to slip that in). Aunts and friends, et al, were there, hoping the best in the years to come. Gifts were opened and well-wishes read. There's more party this afternoon. When you're young you're good for a full day.

Welcome to Kathleen's coffee table

They’ve been re-siding all the fronts of the homes in our new neighborhood, working hard on it since the end of August when we arrived. Replacing tired stucco facia with brand-new shakes and planks. About 20 done, 30 houses to go. This chilly September Saturday, Kathleen decided to treat the dozen or so work crew to coffee and rolls (she’s a compulsive feeder) and one by two they filtered into the garage all morning to enjoy the treats. It was great fun and so politely appreciated. This workman signaled his approval to the gesture with a gesture, and chose a couple of his favorite snack, cinnamon rolls. “Take as many as you want,” she said. “we’ll make more!”

Gracias!

Now if only bunches of kids will show up for trick or treats in our new neighborhood, Kathleen will be thrilled. She can't help it.

38 years - and still counting - today

Thirty-eight years ago today, this couple married on the shores of Lake Ann in Chanhassen. (Those so inclined can look up the wedding story in the search box above.) Today we celebrated the occasion with a closing, selling the Midtown condominium on Lake Street, after Kathleen's brother had Daniel moved to new quarters at the Highland Chauteau this summer. He lived in the condo for 12 years, and enjoyed, among other things, easy year round access to the Global Market and the accessible amenities of the attached Abbott/Northwestern hospital and cafeteria.
Deal done, it's time for a nap. Celebrate later.
Thirty eight years ago there was a 3-day party.

It's wild in Eden Prairie

Enjoyed lunch at the People’s Organic with Pat Minelli, retired editor of the Shakopee Valley News, today. Upon arrival, we noticed a turkey feeding on the boulevard, dangerously close to the highway . . . and Thanksgiving. Inside, Stan selected a vegan delight for himself and Pat chose a turkey burger, giving rise to speculation that the appearance of the unusual wildlife may have subliminaly influenced his luncheon decision.

Regular readers of this blog may recognize Pat. He's from the Iron Range and uses the pseudonym "The Ranger" when commenting.

Free loveseat and matching chair

Come and get them! Contact Stan. We're selling condo. Everything must go. Free to readers of this blog. First come. Hurry!

Army blankets and more. . .

 

If you’ve ever served in the Armed Forces, you slept under one of their blankets. Founded in 1865, the Faribault Woolen Mill Co has had contracts with the government to keep soldiers warm under their woolen blankets. We’ve driven past for years saying “we ought to look in there some time.” Today we did. Displayed in the company store was a panoply of items, some historic, some kitsch. It was a fun stop on a beautiful day. There are tours available. . . but that might be taking it a little far.

First Day of School

When they ring the bell, you go to another class at our granddaughter's new school. Exciting day for Emily. We remember other first days too.

They still write about him

Here's a story about my Dad that appeared in today's Fargo Forum. He died in 1994. They still remember him in North Dakota. A nice thought.

http://www.inforum.com/community/history/4490193-eriksmoen-picking-erling-rolfsruds-baton

This is the Minnesota State Fair 2018

Don't you just want to be part of this? Perfect weather brought out the mob on the first day.

We got it out of the way right away. You know how you always see somebody you know at the State Fair? Well Tom and Sandy, our old neighbors from Shakopee, were on our bus today. Other than that, pretty ordinary.

Highlight was being up close and personal with Kathleen’s favorite weatherman and anchor, Belinda and Julie from Kare 11 interviewing a dog, and then the traditional ride to Machinery Hill on the sky tram, and walking back to the art barn and stopping to see the homemade cookies and cakes. Kathleen did not say she would enter next year, as she usually does when she sees the samples that don’t seem to look as good as hers. :) It was hard finding vegan food for Stan, stopped at French Meadow to sample their Earth Wings, lines too long, patience short, and opted for the fresh french fries. Bus ride home was smooth. Another year gone, another State Fair. Kathleen’s still there last we checked.

So much to see.

Discovery

Two blocks from the bustling Eden Prairie Shopping Center, this woodsy trail leads past a sweet pond and wetland hidden from street view. Much to explore and Birdie is ready. We've made good progress moving into our new home on Leaping Deer Lane. Still no deer. Pet Smart Hospital is a block away and Birdie almost was a candidate, eating a whole bag of aluminum-wrapped doggie supplements. No problem, just evidence of tin foil in her whatever.
Below is a shot of our moving crew, Bob, Rick and Matt, sent along by Jennifer. Guests last night at the new digs were Melissa and Emily, who live just down the road. (Can I get a ride home from my violin lesson?) They approve of the new place and so do we.