Last piece, last day . . .

Ta Da!

It's New Year's Eve and a great time to do the Thomas-the-Train not-so-easy 100-piece glow-in-the-dark Christmas Puzzle. Emily put in the last piece today before heading home. It's been a Good Year. 

Happy New Year!

Mary Lou's Birthday -- June 26, 1988

Today's tape, among many other things, featured Kathleen's sister's birthday celebration in 1988. As we listened to the happy and bright conversation among family members, we fondly remembered the celebrants who have since passed: Kathleen's Mother Florence, her Auntie Bubbles and her brother-in-law David. The tape is now 22 years old, but was as clear as ever and we'll continue to treasure it.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast of Florida. . .

The Des Moines, Iowa, Underwoods are in Florida spending some vacay time with the parents/grandparents (Stan's sister, Becky). Looks like they're having a great time. We got this note today.

Becky writes: The Underwoods took Becky and Al to The Crow's Nest for dinner. The upper floor dining area offers a view of Dona Bay, Snake Island, and the intracoastal waterway--lots of sparkling lights at night. The best part? We were seated at a corner window, far from the crowd where we enjoyed a wide-open view of small ships passing in the night.

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.

The Year in Review

We notice (and remember) how this week media fills space and time with The Year in Review, by rehashing old stories from the previous 12 months. Fortunately, you can do you own year in review here, just type in the subject that interests you (your name, for example) in the search box on the top left corner of this blog, and you'll get your own custom-made year in review.
Better Living Through Software.

Katie misses two

It was down to the wire today, the car was warming in the driveway for the possible Canterbury dash to claim the cash before the deadline -- but Miami and Jacksonville let Katie down at the very last minute, giving opponents whisker-thin wins after holding them off for almost four quarters. So our prognosticator picked five out of seven games correctly today.
A frustrated Katie says she's not going to do this anymore, it is just too stressful. But wait and see, she'll be sharpening her pencil again next week!
And she did beat Birdie!

Here they are: Katie's picks!

Here are Katie's picks for the winners of the seven NFL games starting at noon today. There's a $500 pot at the Perfect Pick desk at Canterbury Park. Look out!
Projected winners are in red:
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New York Jets at Chicago Bears
New England at Buffalo
Baltimore at Cleveland
San Francisco at St. Louis
Tennessee at Kansas City
Detroit at Miami
Washington at Jacksonville
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With the stakes this high, Birdie decided to jump into the race as well. Here are Birdie's picks.

New York Jets at Chicago Bears

New England at Buffalo

Baltimore at Cleveland

San Francisco at St. Louis

Tennessee at Kansas City

Detroit at Miami

Washington at Jacksonville

Christmas Storys

Our neighbor, Tom Story, reminded Santa that he's been bouncing Tom's grandchildren on his knee for nine years now. The 13-year-olds were four when they got their first visit. Teens Jane and Andrew are still good sports and took their turns last night.  Newcomer Lucy, seven months, was all smiles too and got along great with Santa. Her grandma emailed this family photo and note:

I guess you are resting up today after your rounds last evening. Thank you for including our house on your route. You are part of our tradition. Here are a couple photos that I took.
Sandy

She knows. . .

Santa was making the usual rounds in the neighborhood tonight and Emily caught some of the action. She'd already opened her gifts with the rest of her family when the jolly elf came tromping down the stairs for a cameo appearance before heading outside. She wasn't quite certain at first, but then she knew. Old Grandpa Claus.