December 28, 2008

To all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

Christmas 2008 has come and gone. Doris and I celebrated our 82 christmas with our large family and some of their friends. 

The great Holiday of Holidays was celebrated at son Jay's In Brooklyn Center, not to far from downtown Minneapolis. This made it easy for Doris and I. Driving at night is not a preferable activity for JIM any more. 

We are sure all of you had a fun Christmas where ever you were. 

Many of you were in our thoughts over the holiday. We were fortunate to have many phone calls from aqaintenes around the country. These phone calls are like living cards from freinds we dont see often or hardly ever any more. 

The time is getting close to January 8. This is when Doris surgery is scheduled. We are confident all will go well.  There is a great surgical team on board. She will be at the University of Minnesota where most of the pre-op tests have been taking place.

When available an address and phone number will be posted here.

Another year has passed and many national as well as international events have occured. 

Democrates served up a women candidate and a black candidate. A choice never presented before. 

Republicans served up a women candiadate for VP, not a first but it didn't do much for that campign except cause much conversation and probably much consternation.

We are certain, begining after all the excitement of January 20 many things will change for the better.

We have had some snow this winter so far, however over the holidays the temperature jumped up and all the snow is gone except where it was plowed or blown into giant piles.

Christmas gift suggestions: 

to your enemy, forgivness.

to an opponent: tolerance.

to a freind: your heart.

to a customer: service.

to a chld: a good example.

to yourself: respect.

Doris and I do not celebrate the new years arrival any more. I don't think we ever did celebrate very much. Maybe cards and some welcome kisses from the ladies and then, well probably nothing else.

I have begun to feel like myself again after the radioactive seed injection in the prostrate. We will not know if there has been improvment for a couple of weeks. That is good as I will be able to take care of my bride during her recovery. 

I am trying to learn how to paste pictures in this vehicle. After the holidays and while doris is recovering I will try to find time for a bit more education. 

Add in newspapper: Illiterate? Write for free help.

Thanks for reading.

Please keep in touchwe love hearing from you.

Jim and Doris

Your comments are appreciated.

 

It is only 3 more days till Christmas 2008 and only 2 more days till Jim's 82nd birthday. WOW!

I can remember as a child at this special time of the year, the great anticipation due to my special double holiday. I always suspected that I always received a birthday that was originally planned as a Christmas present. Remember, I said suspected. I'm sure Mom and Dad always had a birthday present for poor old Jim. Try not to be born around Christmas is my best advice. 

George Burns said and I quote

 "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city"

Yesterday was snowy. It began about 6 AM and continued till around 6 or 7 in the evening. Doris and I did not have to go any where so it was an inside looking out at those not as fortunate. Many fender benders but no serious injury's.

last week was busy as usual. Jim had to visit Dr. Moore. The prostate procedure of 10/15 did not seem to be helping. In fact, I was just plain uncomfortable. The good Doctor, looked me over, prescribed a few more medications and as of this date everything has began working again, as it always has. 

Doris is preparing for her surgical experience on January 9. I don't know how you prepare for that, but she seems to be doing great (as usual). She is in the kitchen constantly baking her great Christmas goodies for all to enjoy. 

I do not comment on bad news. So you will have to look else where. 

Eide Saw is as busy as ever in their new quarters. Business is great, collections are great, all of the Eide Saw family is great and are looking forward to this week when the annual Christmas goodies are there to be sampled by all. Doris and Jane work very hard each year to bake for the gang. The company is fortunate to have all of the long term employee's that are with us. January 1 marks the 32nd year it has been in the Battenberg family and the 82nd year since George began his saw sharpening business in the wharehouse district of Minneapolis. We are proud and thankful to have been able to own it and build on it far beyond what George or Glen could have ever imagined.

This year as in past year we will celebrate at son Jay's and Gina's home. They have large spaces to accommodate all that al able to come together for this very special Holiday. 

I have been asked to prepare the large turkey for the Wednesday evening get together and the Christmas day buffet. There are just to many of us to sit together in anyones home as we once did. 

All of the Grandchildren are excited and having a tough time waiting for the exciting moment when Mom and dad say OK, open your presents. 

On Christmas day these kids distribute presents from under the tree to the rest of the family. 

Most of the Battenberg's are in attendance, however due the the large and diverse group, we are not able to spend the day with all of them. We are thankful for all our family and those that can be together with us.

I traveled to the grocery store this AM. (Mom had to have cranberries) Roads are snow packed but safe to drive on (IF) you drive slower and safely. 

I was surprised this week with several phone calls from special people from our past. 

Some of them long time friends, some who were business associates, and some who we have lost track of for one reason or another. Many thanks to all who think of us at this special time of the year with cards those who have called to say Merry Christmas. 

Be sure to check later on Doris as I will dutifully post her progress right here as often as needed.

I need to again thank, Matt and Gigi for the opportunity of having this blog. 

Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year. 

JIM and DORIS

Sunday December 14

Happy Holidays to all!

In the small farming community of Blanchardville, WI, on December 15, 1926 a lovely baby girl was born to Alvin and Otilda Carlson. The baby was named, Doris Elaine, the 11th child of what would be 12 children. 

As a small child the family moved to Madison, Wi. We have never been able to find out how the family moved 2 adults and 12 children about 75 miles around 1929 or 1930. 

We will never know as Doris has only 1 remaining sister, Ruby living in Barstow, California. All Ruby can remember about the move is that she wet herself during the trip.

I met Doris after WW ll when I was a student at the U of W in Madison. 

We were 20 years old and very much in love when we married 2 years later. 

Doris will celebrate her 82nd birthday on Monday December 15. Together we will celebrate our marriage of 60 years on March 5.  A lot of folks said it wouldn't last. (but it did)

I  refuse to dwell on the unpleasant and negative news that is being pounded in our ears at this time of the year. 

I will tell you,  I am proud that our Company, Eide Saw and Tool Service is busy working hard to get orders out in time. All of our loyal employees are busy as always and there is no back up plan or plans to survive. Eide Saw thinks positive.

Thanks to Matt and Gigi Dobosenski of St Peter, MN I am now beginning to enjoy the BLOG. I hope it brings a smile or two to you, the reader. 

                                                 sign on a Plumbers Truck

                                                                "We repair what your husband fixed"

Keep in touch, we love to hear from you!

On this day 67 years ago I was a young lad , 14 years of age in Kenosha, WI.

I attended church with my family, had our usual Sunday dinner and attended a Sunday movie with some friends.

Upon leaving the Theatre there was all kinds of commotions in the streets. 

Every one was yelling that the Jap's had bombed Pearl harbor.

I had never heard of Pearl Harbor.

I would never forget Pearl Harbor.

I was sad that I could not join up. 

My Father was happy that I could not.

I finally reached age 18 and was drafted, only to be discharged before I could be sent overseas. 

It all changed my life as I had known it.

Last week we again were busy with Doris Pre Op exams. This time it was an ultra sound to check a suspicion the there might be cancer in one of her kidneys. It was, I am happy to say, negative.

Doris is through with school for the holidays. I am not sure when she will be able to return to her Kenwood Kid's. 

Snow today but not measurable. 

Vikings beat Detroit and still maintain a hold on first place in the Black and Blue Division as it was once called.

Have a merry Christmas and hunt for good news around you and yours.

Jim and Doris

November 27th, 

Thanksgiving Day Evening

Doris and I hope all had a great day with your families and loved ones.

The past (short week) at our house was uneventful. Doris spent Tuesday at the casino and the rest of the week around our house. There was no school all week due to some teacher meetings. This provided Doris with a full week to herself. This was great except she was a winner at the bingo tables. ($150.00)

I just did my usual thing at Eide Saw, running somme errands and making my daily Post Office Run.

We had a wonderful day and meal at son Jim's and Gina's home. A large group was in attendance as usual and all had their fill at the Thanksgiving table.

Doris provided her favorite cranberry relish and pumpkin and pecan pies.

Many pictures were taken and all looked through the many advertisements for tomorrows Black Friday. The merchants are hoping for crowds with money in their hands looking for bargains.

The Senatorial race in Minnesota is still in limbo as all of the millions of votes are hand counted,.  Much controversy. I suspect we shall see some stricter rules in future elections. 

Tomorrow we shall take our usual trip to breakfast and Macy's Department store for the annual Christmas spectacular. This has been going on long before since the Battenbergs arrived in Minnesota and will probably last many more years. 

The weather is still mild, no snow and no severe cold.

The streets around our building have finally opened for the winter. They will again be shut down in the spring to finish the extensive work that was begun in August. 

Be good to one another and keep in touch.

I must take this time to thank Matt, our grandson, for clearing the problems I keep creating in this computer world.  I will keep trying to understand and refuse to give up in spite of my frustrations.

Jim and Doris

Monday November 17

We awoke to a chili but clear morning. Winter has arrived in Minneapolis. Jacket, Cap and gloves are required if you are walking.

The Vikings and The Minnesota Gophers together suffered losses on Saturday and Sunday. Some go into mourning, I just try to enjoy the games one by one and not get excited.

Veterans day has passed for another year. When we were growing, it was called Armistice Day. The 11 hour of the 11 day on the 11 month. Times change. This was always a big day as school children back then. There was always an assembly with flags and singing World War 1 songs.

Doris' appointments are beginning to appear for her up coming surgery. Physical exam, Cat-scan and flu shot on the docket for this week and next.  Keeps us hopping.

The recount is causing much news here. The Senatorial race is in question. Only 215 votes separate the two contenders. We are promised the recount will be over be fore Christmas.

We will spend Thanksgiving at son Jim and Wife Gina's home again this year. We are glad to be able to attend. We miss being the host's but it is nice that the siblings have been taking over.

I am still learning about Blogs. A couple weeks ago I didn't know what a blog was, now I have one. 

Let us hear from you and about yours. 

A happy Thanksgiving to all.

Jim and Doris

 

 

Yesterday was Veterans Day! The weather was wet and cold and even some icy roads in the Minneapolis Area.  I didn't put the flag out because of the wet and windy conditions.

It has been a busy week. Doris had an appointment with the cancer man on Monday. He informed us of his long time suspicion that Doris' Pancrease is cancerous. 

After much information she, and she alone has made the decision to have surgery. She has confidence in the surgeon and his prognosis. Surgery is planned for early January.

Winter is here in Minnesota. All need jackets and gloves. Doris began her volunteer work again to day at Kenwood School. She loves that place and they all love her.

I spent yesterday at the Apple Store gaining some knowledge about this computer. Apple does a great job of working with people such as I, who were not born until after the computer take over.

Please let us know how you are, and keep in touch.

JIM

My first blog ! They will get better as I learn.

Hi,

My instructor just left so I am going to try and write my own blog.

Cold day today, mid 30s.

Matt and Gina stopped to visit with their two boys, Garick and Gavin and Mom GiGi.

Was a great surprise and pleasant mid morning to early afternoon visit.

Matt the computer guru of the family said that I needed a blog. So, now I have a blog.

Hope some of you take time to dial up and keep tabs on Doris and I. 

I promise to try and keep up on a regular basis. 

hope all are well and happy.

Hello World

Since this is the first post for my new blog, that just seemed to be the most appropriate title.

 

 More interesting things to come as I learn how to do this (just wait until I get a post about the tomatoes and some pictures to share).