Monday November 30, 09

It has been some time since I have updated our Blog.

There are many reasons, always reasons and probably no one is interested in reasons or excuses. 

We are back in touch and hope you will still tune in for what we hope will be a newsy account of our and ours lives in the upper Midwest of Minneapolis.

Some explanation may be in order for my tardiness in posting our BLOG.

First of all, a computer bug that seems to pot up occasionally mostly because of my ineptitude 

computer skills. 

Secondly, at our age and especially mine, memories fade rather quickly. 

With both skills and memories fading anything that is left for a time seems to disappear quicker than I can snap my fingers. With help from the Apple Store and Daughter-in-law, Gina,

I think and hope I am back in communication with all of you that are interested in the lives and times of Jim and Doris. 

So here goes! Only you, are readers can encourage the continuos publishing of this blog. Please let us know.

November has come and gone and there has not been much excitement in our lives. Most of 2009 was news about Doris as well as my health issues. After a time it seemed this was consuming our lives and the reporting of such as they occured.   After a while it seemed to me that this was becoming a crying towel and I abruptly stopped with the medical reports.                 

The wether here during October and November has been unseasonably warm dry and also wet at times. This was enjoyable as usually October is the beginning of a long winter. Snow is always expected in November and tis year there was none to speak of. A few northern communities  experienced a touch of short lasting snow, but here in the metro there was none. We are still hoping but it is not winter without snow. Now that December has arrived (along withe the crazy shoppers and aggressive merchants the holidays are being pushed upon us with the speed of Superman. Doris and I decline to be involved in this crazy activity. 

Thanksgiving was again hosted be Son Jim and wife Gina in Chaska. A southern berb. The day before the big turkey day Jim's furnace died and was note repairable. We were all told to dress warm, and most did, however it turned out to be a rather warm, sunny day.  As of this writing they do not have a firm date for the replacement of furnace.  we are all saying prayers for them and warm weather untill----------------.

Son Tom, the RV repairman has left for his winter feeding grounds. There is not much RV repair issues in our cold climate. All of the winter travelers have left and those who do not leave have winterized and stored the coaches till spring.  In order to keep house and home solvent he follows the RVers to Florida and does quite well. He returns home for Christmas and then back to the grind in Florida.  (does he know something the rest of us don't)

Business at Eide Saw Service is still below normal and the guys in the shop are working only 32 hours a week. All are still aboard and we are hoping for some sort of the end of recession and the up-kick in the economy. We are hoping all of you are safe in your own worlds.

In all the winters Doris and I traveled to Arizona, we always were involved in exciting happenings. This gave us an opportunity to write about the places and people we visited. Now since we are happy to be home during the winter months are lives are quite normal and not much excitement occurs in our lives. It is also for me to keep tract of who reads this and those who have not confused their lives with the web. I have to admit that in spite of my personal difficulties with this machine I would miss it if were not available.    

Sign in cemetery;

Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves!

Laws 

When you try to prove to someone that a machine will not work, it will. 

As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. 

 40 years ago:  Heinz Ketchup 33 cents

                           10 lb Pillsbury flour 4.99

                           1 lb bannas   13 cents

                           1 dz eggs  45 cents

                           1 lb butter  69 cents

        and the world still turns and we all seem to survive.

Remember to be good to yourselves, stay well and keep in touch with

JIM and Doris

 

Sunday, October 11, 09

Minneapolis

Good Morning,

Another week has flown by and once again it's time to update the adventiures of Doris and Jim.

It has been an exciting week here in the Upper midwest. We have had guests, son Jays in-laws, Dan and Nancy Hickson have stopped to visit on their annual trek from New York to Arizona. They arrived last sunday and will leave on wednesday of this week. They are driving a large pick-up and towing a 52 foot fifth-wheel trailer. You live in the front half and carry your fun vehicle in the back. It's a big outfit to drive down the road, but they enjoy.

Jane agreed to let them park in the Eide Saw parking lot. It is secure and safe. There is electricity but no sewer hook-up, dump station or Tv hook ups. The price is right and it is comfortable. 

We had our first dusting of snow Friday and of course the driving lessons on slippery entrances and exits were a disaster. Many wrecks and one fatality locally. it'd always a wonder why people have to learn every year that you can't drive normally on icy interchanges.

While here Dan and I have been spending days together, many lunches and lots of card games in the evening with the ladies. We will miss them when they leave on Wednesday next. Nancy will again as last week travel with Doris to Mystic Lake Casino and try to become big winners.  Dan and I will spend the time at the shop visiting and running errands for Jane. We will mis them when they leave as the are a fun couple to have around. 

The sport teams in Minnesota are two out of three. The Minnesota Gophers beat Purdue, lost to Wisconsin. 

The Twins beat Detroit to win the division and lost to the NY Yankees twice. They will play tonight and see if they can win at least one game from the Monsters of the Midway. 

Bret Farve (in Purple) led the Vikings to a win today over the St louis Cardinals and have finally been led to victory by Green Bay's former star. It seems strange but it's nice to be on the winning side. 

Doris Wrist is healing slowly, almost to slow for Dr. Adams. The good Doctor is concern and more surgery may be on the docket if things don't change. Watch for an update on the wrist.

 

My wife asked "whatcha doin to-day"?  

I said "nothin"

She said "you did that yesterday." 

I said, "I wasn't finished"

We havent won the lottery but keep on trying. 

We are feeling good , enjoying life and each other. 

Doris will return to Kenwood School the week of the 18th. 

Jim still makes sawdust, runs errands for Jane and tries to nap for a while each afternoon. 

There is always a jig-saw puzzle on the table to keep our eyes sharp and brain working.

We always happy to hear from you or stop for a visit or a meal or both. 

Remember to keep on keeping on.

Jim and Doris

Monday, October 5, 2009

Today Doris and I are happy to have Dan and Nancy Hinkson visiting our son Jay and his wife Gina. Dan and Nancy are on their annual trek to Arizona for the winter months. They hail from the great state of New York and stop to visit with Daughter Gina, their grandson Dylan and the triplet girls, Emma, Alyssa and Laura, as well as doris and Jim. We have become great friends-of-Dan and Nancy, after spending several winters in Arizona near them. A lot of cars in the evening and many trips through the desert in Dans Jeep.

 

This year the girls joined Dylan at the corner catching the school bus. Dylan has graduated to first grade and is very proud of his own desk. The girls are following up in their first year of formal education, Kindergarten. It is an exciting time for the family and a big change for all of them. Gina has a little time for herself while the children are in school and the children are experiencing their first years of formal education. 

Sports has been the focus of our leisure hours this past week. The Minnesota Twins have advanced from 7 games behind the league leading Detroit Tigers to tie them for a division champion ship on Tuesday the 6th. The Twins have become big league players and we Minnesotans are proud. If they win they will face off with the NY Yankees for the World Championship. Beating NY, four out of seven games is a forminidable task, but who knows. One game at a time. No matter what the outcome, it has been a fun baseball season in Minnesota.

The second sports event, The Minnesota Gophers are now at home in their new TCF Bank Stadium. This is one of the elite venues in the country. Now that they have this great facility they will need to improve over many years of mediocre play in the Big 10 Conference. I must report that on Saturday last, they lost to the Wisconsin Badgers in a great game. They played hard, never gave up but lost to a more talented and larger team. It was a great see-saw battle that was exciting.

 With the above descriptions of sporting events, it must be apparent that we are now in the fall of the year. The leaves have turned to red, yellow and gold and are falling and and covering the not so green grass. It has been unseasonably warm and Doris and I appreciate the cool Minnesota breeze. 

Doris will soon return to her volunteer position of a teachers assistant at Kenwood School. She is becoming more stable on her feet and her wrist seems to be healing. There are some concerns from Dr. Adams that the healing process is taking longer than the she would like. Some additional surgery may be needed. Keep-tuned for an update.

Jim is busy at Eide Saw and Tool, making saw dust. He keeps busy with little projects, such as boxes, even some cremains containers and small furniture projects, furniture repair and refinishing.  

I have built some sliding shelves in our kitchen to make life a bit easier for Doris. She no longer has to reach way back in our small pantry, to re-cover some grocery item or grab the step stool to gain some altitude to gather items and put together her great meals. 

Some of the kids say I have created a monster. 

Jay and I have already built 3 of them for Gina's pot's and pan's.

Doris tells everyone that "that this activity keeps him out of the bars".

I have not been regular of late with this blog. It seems that the more we age the easier it becomes to put things off, and soon, the time has escaped. In the future I shall try and be prompt.

Our RV and Saw Association friends from Truckee, CA were traveling East to visit this week. While traveling from California toward Minnesota they suffered some problems with the air-brakes on their coach. They had some parts shipped to them while near Salt Lake. The parts arrived  but did not solve the problem. Some additional parts were installed, to no avail. They called and cancelled their visit and have turned and headed back to Truckee. We will miss their visit. 

An elderly woman called 911 on her cell phone to report someone had broken into her car and stole the steering wheel, the stereo, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!

"stay calm" was the reply, an officer is on his way"

A few minutes later the officer arrived, investigated and radio's in "disregard", she got in the back seat"

Thanks for tuning in, we appreciate.

Keep in touch,

Jim and Doris 

 

Sunday September 13, 09

First on my list, just  in case you are wondering about my incorrect dates!  I have been looking at an August calander. Doris finally got me straigtened out. 

It was a grand week here in the upper mid-west. Temps were great and it seems like summer was  never pushed aside from the fall season. Both of us are enjoying. 

Football:

The Minnesota Gophers played their first ever game in the new TCF Stadium on campus. It has been something like 25 years or so since they have played on campus. The U of M decided to move to the Twins dome when it was completed and U of M football was never the same. 

This event was a great motivator and all students, alumi, fans, and the Minnesota public are excited. We can see the great new scoreboard from are dining area window on our 14th floor apartment.. We of course can't read it as it's to far away. The Golden Gophers won (of course) and it is an exciting time for college fottball in Minnesota.

Bret Favre led the Vikings to victory to-day asisted by Adrian Peterson who made himself popular by being the big scorer. look out Black and blue division!

The Minnesota Twins are once again out of any kind of pre season run. We did enjoy watching them and had hoped they would come alive and be able to appear in the play off's. Wait till next year!

It was birthday week for a couple of my close freinds. Gordy, My fishy pal turned 85, Harry, our freind from Card playing days and visits to AZ turned 91. I also receiver an invitation to Cousin Don Battenberg birthday celebration on October 24 in Johnson Creek, Wi. I think we will pass on that one, long drive for a short stay.

Doris is looking forward to getting back to her kid's at Kenwood School. She will wait wait for a few weeks yet so the teachers can identify the students that need Doris help three days a week. 

I am glad she still has the get up and go to get there early mornings, keeps her healthy and she has become a great asset at school.

Last Sunday, Jim and wife Gina were over for dinner. It was a digaceful flop. We had pot roast and it was like rubber. This week I dialed up "cooks.com" and found a recipe for Ynkee Pot roast and a few others. Followed directions to the letter and to-day we enjoyed a great meal. just like mother would have prepared.  We will invite Jim and Gina for a guaranteed pot roast dinner in the near future. 

The constuction that amost surronded our block is almost complete. They have been painting the sign post and in October will plant trees. It is nice to be able to get back to the old path to and from Eide Saw without a new detour almost daily.

The tomato's are still turing red and all are enjoying them. They are'nt large, but gosh they are good. The only thing that bothers us is what we will do when ther gone. I never could get to enjoy grocery store tomatos.

President Obama stoped in Minneapolis last Saturday AM. I have never seen such a long line of people in my life. (except when I had to stand in line in the Army) There were 15,000 free seats offered for the occasion and the Target Center was filled to overflowing. Doris and I have no comments on politics, but did enjoy the enthusiasm it brought to the home folks.

The condo association has decided to install new heating and cooling units in all of the units (apartments) in the building. New condensors for the cooling and new heating units. The heat and cooling is purchased from the Electric and gas utilities in downtown Minneapolis. It is pumped underground to large buildings such as ours and it makes for efficeint operations.  The new units just push the cool or hot around and is controlled by our personal thermostat. It works out great.

The Triplet girls began Kindergarten last monday. They boarded the bus and were delivered safely to the nearby school. They are all in the same class and enjpying it. One of them has a problem with wetting and the parents are trying to cure this. 

I have been busy in my shop building small furniture products for anyone who needs or wants. It keeps me busy and out of the Bar's.

Information to those of you whom I mail this to.

Each week as I type these blogs, they are stored in the computer one at a time, sort of on top of one another. When I print this today it will probably pick up the begining of last weeks blog. 

This may be confusing to those who don't have acomputer, but thats the way it is. 

For those who receive this by mail, remember to stop reading when you see last weeks date appear. And dont pay attention when the pages are listed as an example, page 2 or 3 of 35.

Remember that We are thinking of you and we at least send you this blog occasionally.

Remember to keep in touch, we enjoy hearing from you.

Jim and Doris

September 7, 09

Labor Day

Hi to all,

Last week was the first week end I did not manage to get our blog published. I cant say why, I just did not get it done.  This is not an excuse, Just letting you know we are well and happy and awful busy!

To-day is the last day of the Famous Minnesota State Fair. Doris and I did make it this year. We met with son Jim and Daughter-in-law Gina. It was a fabulous day wether wise and we enjoyed. The fair grounds cover about 85 acres between Minneapolis and St Paul. Good shoes and some planning ahead make for a wonderful day of people watching, music, food, vendors of all sorts, animals, including a birthing building, rides, politicians, and friends.

We always take the fair bus that Minneapolis' transit people provide. From downtown where we live it cost's 75 cents one way during off busy ride times. This is a bargain and saves much time and consternation trying to find a place to park and then remembering where you parked. 

We really do enjoy this annual event and can't remembering ever missed it. I am feeling my age after 4 or 5 hours of walking around this former farm land and I don't last as long as Doris. Doris spends most of her day listening to the loud (isn't most of it loud these days?) music. I do not enjoy that,  My time is spent looking around at all the sales pitches for everything imaginable. After the many years we have attended we have become State Fair friends with some of the exhibitors and I make the rounds letting all know I am still vertical. It is always a fun day. I don't last as long as Doris so I hop a bus before the fare changes to a couple of bucks and get home and relax before Doris arrives after the State fair talent contest held each evening. Come visit during the fair sometime and we will escort you to a great day of surprises in St Paul.

I must report on my bumper crop of tomatoes. I never dreamed we would have as many to share with neighbors and friends. It seems each day I fill a grocery store plastic bag 1/2 to 3/4 full. Everyone seems to enjoy. Next year I may put in few more plants. We shall see.

The summer is coming to an end. This does not mean it will be cold tomorrow, only that school starts, swimming pools are being drained and packed for the Minnesota winter. Our triplet granddaughters have been using and enjoying our Condominium pool and will miss it on these warm fall week days when they usually show up at Grandmas for treats and a swim. 

They will start kindergarten tomorrow and are excited. All 3 will be in the same class and this will be an experience for them as well as Mom and the teacher. Dylan, their older brother will begin his formal education in first grade this year. He is excited and announced that he will have his own desk this year. We will keep you informed of the trial and tribulations of their progress.

I went fishing for the-first time this year last Tuesday. I was assured by my friend Gordy that all was well with the pontoon we rent. After are drive to the lake, our breakfast at the 1865 restaurant, buying our live bait, unloading the car into the pontoon and starting down our normal water path trolling for walleye and jumbo perch. We hadn't gone only a couple hundred yards when the motor quit. We tried to start it , however the battery was almost dead. Upon leaving the dock the motor started ok. It showed no signs of weakness. We were surprised that it wouldn't crank the engine after we left the dock. There we sat. No motor and far enough out to make it impossibles to get back minus a motor. Poor old Jim has been on that lake hundreds of times and never has found himself in that position before. To far to swim, to far to jump over the side and walk on the bottom pulling the pontoon with a shoulder rope. What did we do?

First we did what any good fisherman would do. 

We dropped anchor and began fishing.

The wind began to get a bit stronger and the anchor was begging to slip and we were headed for shore. I whipped out my cell-phone and thought about calling for help. Only then did we realize we didn't have Dickies (the owner of the pontoon) cell phone number. I then had a sandwich and though about what to do. It was warm not cold, we were dry not wet, we had food and water. The only problem was how we were to get off the lake. This time of the year there aren't 

many fisherpersons on the lake. This was evidenced as we could see absolutely no one. After a bit of thought  I called Daughter Jane. I told her of the predicament and needed help to avoid a long swim. Remember I'm 82 and Gordy is 85. Swimming or abandoning the pontoon was not an option. Jane, the sweetheart that she is located Dikie (the owner) and called him. Last Tuesday was the bear hunting opening season and Dikie was in his woods checking hunters who had or didn't have permission to hunt. He in turn contacted  someone at the lake and after a few hours a boat with to fellows appeared. They brought a new battery, hooked it up and the motor started like a dream. At that point I had enough fishing for that day. We arrived home safe and sound and the whole experience gave me a lot to write about in my blog that I hope brought some chuckles from all of you out there. 

The mother of three unruly children was asked whether or not she would have children if she had it to do over again. "yes" she replied, but not the same ones.

Thanks for tuning us in.

Keep in touch

Jim and Doris.

Sunday August 23, 09

Minneapolis, MN

I shall not comment on the Locerbie, Scotland Pan Am convicted bomber, being turned loose by the Scot's.

I shall not comment on No. 4 wearing purple. (in respect for our Wisconsin cousins and friends)

With that out of the way I will continue with my usual updates on the activities of Jim and Doris this last week.

It has been a great week weather wize in Minnesota. We are no longer in a negative position on our rain fall. Everthing is green again. The lakes and rivers are still a bit lower than normal soon going into the fall season. The temperatures have been warm and on some days a bit cool for August. We are enjoying. 

The tomato crop has exploded and we are supplying any and all who love those ripened on the vine Love Apples. I had more success this year. New soil, reguar doses of the right kind of fertilizer plenty of water and tender loving care. Wish you were here to share the bounty with us.

This week "The Great Minnesota Get Together", The State Fair begins its anual run through Labor Day. We have not missed this experience since moving here from Wisconsin. It is an experience like no others. It is the most popular annual event in Minnesota and especially in Minneapolis and St Paul.  We will let you know whats up at the fair in next weeks posting.

Doris is required to attend therapy sesions each week. The therapists are great and are making sure the recovery is complete and use of the wrist will back to normal soon. 

There are a few signs in the Twin Cities that the poor economy is beging to turn. There are some job openings, some workers are being called back and the Real estate market is not as stagnate as it was a short time ago. This does not mean everything is rosey, cause it is'nt. There are still many folks down and many foreclosers,  but all in all it's better than it was a while back. Eide Saw stil has the crew on a short week but they are anxious to return to 40 hours soon. 

I, as usual keep busy in my shop crafting what ever excites me. Lately it has been Amish and stlye small tables and entrance benches. A place to sit when you come in to the house, sit and take off your shoes and relax for a few minutes before hugging your wife.

We have been cooking on our gas grill, on our balcony during this summer. We cooked outside a lot when we were camping but sort of got out of the habit for a spell. 

It works great, the only problem is clean up. It's difficult to slop water and whatever on a balcony where it will run over the edge and down on your neighbor's below.  

We are learning and enjoying. Always trying somthing new. 

Our newest Grandchildren, the triplet girls will be starting kindergarten in a week or two. They are excited as well as Gina, their Mom. We do not know of the class room arangements for the girls. Will they be toghther or will they be separated? Is there 3 kinder classroms, two, or just one. Interesting questions and it will be fun to hear how they take to riding the bus and being in school and maybe separated for the first time. It will be interesting as we remember some of the trials and tribulations with our triplet boys. 

With all the crazy things going on in this world it's hard to keep smileing and keeping your ducks in a row, thats why a bit of humor does one much good. 

SO,

In case you weren't feeling old enough today...........

The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1990-1991.

They are to young to remember the shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

CD's were introduced two years before they were born.

They have always had an answering macine.

They have always had cable.

Jay Leno was always on "The Tonight Show".

Pop corn has always been microwaved.

and last but not least, 

They have never heard: "Where's the Beef".

Thanks for tuning in.

keep in touch

Jim and Doris

Sunday August 16, 2009

Tiger Woods lost the PGA at Hazeltine Golf Course, near Minneapolis an hour or so ago. 

It is always good to see young people coming up to take on the champions. 

I am not a golf player or golf fanatic. I caddy'ed when a young lad and never did pick up the golf bug. 

In those days before and at the beginning of WW2 the caddy's at the Kenosha Country club, in Wisconsin earned .80 cents to carry a bag of golf clubs for 18 holes. If you were fortunate enough to keep in sight the golfers golf ball, stand by it and wait until he approached for his next shot and make sure you were there when he needed a club, you might get a twenty cent tip. This made a days work on the coarse a buck. A big days pay back then. Sometimes the golfers would play 9 holes in the morning and stop for lunch and play the balance of 9 holes after lunch. Other times they would play all 18 at the same time. You never knew until the golfers decided. We had to hitch hike to the golf coarse and hitch hike back home after the days work. Sometimes you would sit all day waiting for a caddy job without getting one. Just hanging around the caddy shack waiting all day for nothing. A 16 oz pepsi was a nickel and we carried our lunch. I guess thats why I never became interested in playing the game. I did manage to collect a small set of wooden shaft clubs in a golf bag some where along my career as a caddy. Sometime during my Army career my parents got rid of them. They would have been a great collectors item today. I guess even if I had been home I probably would not have keep them. It's like all the old cars we drove and should have kept as collectables. 

Doris had some additional therapy on her wrist this past week. More to come. She experiences some numbness occasionally and now has the choice of more surgery to correct the cause.

We shall wait for her to make a decision as to what to do. 

Our tomatoes are starting to turn red in mass and we will be sharing them with friends. There are more than we can ever eat. Canning is out of the question. Mainly because of Doris wrist problem and the shortage of storage in a Condo. When our 8 children were all home and growing we always had shelves full of fruit and vegetables stored in the cellar for the coming winter months. 

Times have changed!

Dear Abby, I was married to Bill for three months and I didn't know he drank until one night he came home sober!

Thanks for tuning us in,

We appreciate.

Keep in touch.

Jim and Doris

Sunday August 9, 09

All of us here in the Upper Midwest have been waiting for rain. We are about 5 inches short of that wonderful liquid that keeps everthing alive, well and green. Without water my tomatoes could not survive very long.  Last week we had a few of those wonderful (love apples) between to slices of toasted bread with some smoked bacon and a touch of Americas Kraft Mayo. Doris' favorite. There are many green tomatoes waiting to turn that beautiful red color while on the vine. Thats the best, when they are vine ripened outside in the sun. Wish you were here for one of Doris' home grown delights.

Last evening looking out over our 14 floor balcony to the North and West, I could see the black storm clouds and the lightning  beginning to gather strength. There was a lot of wind outside the downtown area.  I had to take my flag down before the wind damaged it, blowing against the bricks. I cannot remember a severe wind storm in this urban area. Maybe it's the big buildings that discourage the wind from forming into tornadoes or maybe were just lucky. 

Some of the suburbs did suffer a bit from tree limbs trees blowing down on roofs and cars but no serious injuries. An added advantage to downtown living!

A few weeks ago, after I gathered enough courage, I posted a new picture of myself on this blog.

I thought someone would notice! I have had many of you advising me of the lousy first attempt, a picture taken from this computer.  Any way, as of this date I have not had any comments about the newer version of myself. The tee I am wearing was a gift from our good freinds Nancy and Larry Broers. We have known them from our travels in the RV. They have this great farm, where Larry was born (a few years ago is all that needs to said about that) and farmed all his life until now. This was always a wonderful place to stop, visit and rest on our way home from Arizona and other points. Any way, Nancy thought I should have this shirt that states loudly with it's black letters and yellow background that

                             "THIS IS WHAT A COOL 80 YEAR OLD LOOKS LIKE!" 

I wear it on special occasions! I should have worn it to the Carlson Get Together, but forgot.

Larry and Nancy have retired from the farm and have built a large wonderful log home on a small Minnesota lake  near Pine River, Minnesota. The home is really great and they are happy as clams to be away from all the Iowa corn and soybeans. A larger home than Maryln's  but on less land. Anyway, thats the story of the yellow tee. Arent you glad you found that out!

We are looking forward in a few weeks to "The Great Minneasota Get Together" the Minnesota State Fair. Doris and I have made a tradition out of this event and almost never miss a few days of walking, sitting, eating, listening to all the free music, looking, and even resting on occasion during this event. We travel to and from the fair on the wonderful bus system that Minneapolis has grown over the years, for 50 cents, seniors can travel to and from the fair and be delivered right to the main gate. The trip home is just as easy with buses leaving about every twenty minutes.  It sure beats driving in all the traffic and trying to find a place to park the car and walk a long ways before getting to the gate. Come join us sometime!

Doris is still traveling to the Hand Therapy Clinic and a few check ups with her former cadre of MD's. It is begining to come to an end is no longer the pani in the r--r that it once was. 

I have finished my knee therapy a bit sooner that than expected because of the progress I have made. 

This reminds me of  "The Smart Foot"!

1. While siiting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.

2. Now, while your doing this, draw the number six "6" in the air with your right hand.

    Your foot will change direction!  and there is nothing you can do about it.

Thanks for tuning in this week.

Jim and Doris

Sunday August 2, 09

Doris and I returned from Madison, Wi on a Saturday afternoon of fun and visiting with most of the Carlson connected relatives. I am not sure how many of us were in attendance but it was a large group.

Doris and I are always glad to see all that show up for these affairs. I not sure when it all started but most of the direct descendants of Alvin and Otilda learned of them as soon as they learned to talk and walk. It was kind of born in them. The rest of us, the husbands and wives of the directs, always made sure we made an appearance at one of these family gatherings for the first time after the wedding. There were no ifs', ands or buts, if you married into the Carlson Family you were expected (required might be a better word) to attend. 

At first if was kind of scary and freaky for me. Here I was, a 22 year old dumb kid from out of town who had just acquired a new wife and was now required to meet the whole of this large  family of 12 children at a picnic some where I had never heard of or even cared about. After all, I was just used to being married and getting to know Ma and Pa Carlson.  It took me a couple years to meet em all! It's pretty obvious that everything went as planed. I eventually became one of the Carlson's (by default). I have an enormous amout of empathy for these new folks, male or female, young or old who feel they are being dragged to this annual event and probably would rater die than give in. I know how they feel.

It has been a long time since I was threatened as to what might happen if I did not escort their youngest daughter Doris to my first experience at meeting this large bunch (mostly Norwegians) of what I now know were great people that I learned to love, look forward to visiting, and eventually taught me to play and join in the euchre card games. 

I now look forward to seeing all of the family at least once a year at the home of a volunteer that offered their home for this annual get together. I have been heard to say that this is the last time we will attend because of the long distance drive. Then when the time draws near, I wilt like dead dandelion and anxiously wait for directions and times for the annual ritual.

For those that missed this one at Marilyn's hide-out in the Baraboo River Hill Country of Wisconsin all I can say is, what a beautiful home in a beautiful setting. Located on 40 acres of woodland (that by law cannot be disturbed) and a small field where deer and turkeys feed regularly. They can be seen from the back windows while relaxing and realizing what a great place this is. It would be worth your while to visit Marilyn and see what a jewel her home is. Thanks Marilyn for letting us share. Be sure to get good directions or you will never find it. This is the only place that-my GPS could not find. I was forced to purchase a road map ($6.87) from a gas station. I must have GIVEN AWAY thousands of those when I ran a gas station. Alas, I still could not find Klien Road.  Doris and I were, saved by Richard and Suzy Judd and his  car full who recognized my car and Minnesota license plate while I was stopped at a wide spot in the road trying to decide if I should turn right or left on one on Wisconsin's lonely County Trunk Roads. Doris was relieved as she believed we would never return to our urban home in Minneapolis. It was a great time! Thanks to Marilyn and all who provided food and drink.

Comments from the year 1955:

"if cigaretts keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. 20 cents a pack is ridiculous."

"if they think I'm going to pay 30 cents for a hair cut, forget it!"

Thanks for tuning in.

Jim and Doris

Dont be afraid to drop us a line. We get lonesome up here in the wilderness!

Wednesday, July 21, 09

Where has the time gone?

This is the first time I have been delinquent in publishing our weekly "BLOG".

Sunday evening, the usual time for me to sit down and relive the past weeks events of the Doris and Jim story. 

Son Jim and his bride Gina came for Sunday dinner and an afternoon of cards. After sitting at the table trying to keep ahead of the ladies, my back began to bother me. I decided to let the blogging go rather than suffer. On monday we were to meet with some friends from our former RV group in Turtle Lake Wi for dinner and a evening of gambling.  A short stop in 

Lindstrom, MN  to visit friends Shirley and Farrell Bergner and enjoy some of Shirley's desert made the trip to Turtle Lake shorter. 

We met our friends, Carl and Audrey Peterson, Luck, Wi who surprised us with Marlys Kaye, visiting from Arizona. Marlys is also a former RV'er from the group. Ed Stack and Carolyn Anderson from Wilson and Menominie, WI, long time RV'ers and Northland Travelers group members were there. We were able to find one another in the casino and enjoyed dinner and conversation and exchanged news from other group members who are spread far and wide. 

I am not sure of the gambling success of these great friends who had traveled various distances for an evening of renewal, hugs, food and catching up at the money grabbing machine store.       I can report on my usual unsuccessful attempt at beating those awful addicting monsters that most people seem to love. I inserted a five dollar bill into the hungry devil, pushed a button that I believed would guarantee me a winner and immediately lost $4.50 before I knew what had occurred. I punched  again and again until my recorded balance was .07 cents. I gave this amount to Ed as he traveled the furthest. End of gambling for Jim!  

After a long hunt back and forth through isles of  the shiny brightly lit machines I found Doris (it takes along time to find Doris at a casino)  doing better than I had, putting her money into a penny machine. She was receiving  great coaching lessons from a lady sitting next her. She did win a few bucks. She did not offer her loser room mate the return of his five bucks.

All in all it was a great afternoon and evening with friends. We will anxiously look forward to the next time. 

Walking: 

Walking can add minutes to your life. 

This enables you at 85 years,  to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month!

Grandpa stated walking at age 60.

Now he's 97 and we don't know where he is.

Thanks for tuning us in.

Jim and Doris

 

Sunday

July 12, 09

We, here in the Land of Sky Blue Waters are enjoying July weather! 

How about you?

Wish you were here.

This is the week previous to the famous Minneapolis Aquatenial. 

"The Best 10 Day's of summer" so they say!

It is also Doris' favorite time of the summer. She is an active Aquatennial Volunteer and is busy selling Skipper Pins to everyone she can. The pins cost 5 bucks and support the festival. She is getting close to her 09 goal of 400 sales. We shall see!

It has been difficult for her this year. The broken wrist and the problem foot has taken it's toll but she continues on, using her Caddillac walker.  She does keep on keeping on. She has what she considers HER customers, that year after year, look forward to her visit to buy the souvenir pins. Her all time high a few years ago was about 2, 500. Each year the prices rises and it becomes more difficult to get people to buy, especially in this times of our funky economy. Doris also volunteered to work at the bowling tournament and some other activities over the 10 day run. 

I, myself, just sit back and act as her driver for her busy schedule during Aquatennial. 

The tomatoes are growing (fruit/Vegetable, you tell me which) and there should be a good crop. Last year they suffered some crazy diseases and many were not edible. I have taken steps to see that this will not repeat in 09. I received some great help from the U of M. 

The economy has finally caught up to the gang at Eide Saw. Beginning tomorrow each person will take a work day off. This was a tough decision for Daughter Jane, (I was never faced with anything like this in my career). No-one likes to have their pay-day shortened. It isn't only that business has slowed, but the customers have been slower in paying up. It-makes it tough all around. 

I continue running errands and do what I can to conserve. I like to think I help now and then. 

It will get better, it always does and all this will be behind. 

Humor at this time seems appropriate.

Committee: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

Dust: Mud with the juice squeezed out.

Gossip: A person who will never tell a lie if the truth will do more damage.

Mosquito: An insect that makes flies look good.

And remember, the handle on your recliner does not qualify as an exercise machine.

Thanks for looking in at our week, we appreciate.

Keep in touch.

Jim and Doris

Monday, July 6, 09

Minneapolis

It  seems like spring has finally arrived and we find ourselves with almost a week of July gone. My, how the time does fly.

The 4th of July Minneapolis Fireworks display was as usual fantastic. Living near the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis gives us an opportunity to view of these gigantic ariel displays from an eqsy chair. We look out our north window from our dining area and can see the river and the fireworks from our 14th floor home. These spectacular rockets are fired from the Stone Arch bridge that was built by James J. Hill , the railroad magnet of the "Great Northern Railroad". The Depot is gone but the bridge has been turned into a public walkway crossing the river just as the giant steam engines did so many years ago.  It is just below "St Anthony Falls" the only falls on the Mississsippi. The falls and the railroad is what made Minneapolis world famous as the flour milling capitol of the country.

Doris especially enjoys this entertainment that celebrates the birth of our country. 

I remember the 4th as a young boy living in Milwaukee. Fire works were legal back then and I saved as much pennys as I could to buy fire crackers at almost any neighborhood  store. 

It did'nt take very long to burn up my supply, Probably 5 or 10 minutes, then I would sit long faced as it seemed like I was the only one who burned their supply in the early morning hours. Fire crackers in those days were going off everywhere. In the parks, the neighborhoods, in alleys and anywhere else you happend to be. For a young lad, it was an exciting day. 

After allmost every one was out of fire power we would cruise the gutters that were full of exploded crackes and for for duds (unexploded crackers). We would break the duds in half to expose the powder and light it with our punks (a slow burning fire on a stick). When they started to burn we would stamp on them with the heel of our shoe and they would bang just like they were intended to perform. At night almost everyone had a supply of rockets and you could sit in your yard and watch them shoot into the air. 

It was an exciting time. I can understand why all that was outlawed as many kids and adults alike were seriously hurt and burned each 4th of July.

Sometime I will write about our tricks with carbide, the kind miners used in their lamps to work in the dark and dynamite caps.

Hope you all had a happy 4th.

Doris' broken wrist is healing nicely. She is into the therapy mode and the splints will be removed on the 17th. 

Not to be outdone I have begun therapy for my sore knees. I have been doing some daily exercises to strengthen my knee joints (which are not worn, just weak) hip and walking. It all seems to be working as the soreness in the knees is disapearing. I am also riding the bike in our exercise room on a daily basis. The first sessions were a killer but each day it became easier and the time I pumped became longer and longer. I also realized it was great for my lungs andI  can now walk almost as far as I used to. I can rember the army days when we would walk 20 miles like it was nothing. (after a lot of bitching)

Doris and I are looking forward to the Carlson Family reunion August 1st. Last year after attending we decided it would be our last, but here we go again in 09. 

In addition to seeing all the Carlson Clan we also visit the Madison area Battenberg relations (cousins) and some close freinds. A lot of our close friends in Madison are now gone so our trip is becoming less and less hectic. We used to schedule visits, now we struggle to fill the days we are there. 

The tomatos are growing like crazy and there are many green tomatos growing larger and soon will be turning red. I  check daily to make sure the water in the lower tanks are kept full. I  also keep tying up the branches and cutting back the suckers. Tomato are a vine and they will grow out of control if allowed. I watch them daily and always tying and trimming. 

Eide Saw Service is still operating 5 days a week 8 hours a day. The economic diaster we are all facing is beginning to take its toll as more and more of the customers are slowing down or quitting. I imagine it will also affect our business in a day to come.  We are always hoping for the best and are keepin g on and on. Collection have also slowed and you must be vigilant with your customers and your vendors as all are facing the same problems. 

Time now for a bit of humor.

It is always good for the soul!

A tour bus driver is driving a bus load of seniors down a highway when he is tapped on his shoulder by a little old lady. 

She offers him a handful of peanuts, which he gratefully munches up. 

After about ten minutes she taps him on the shoulder again and hands him another handful of peanuts. 

Driver: Why dont you eat the peanuts yourself? 

Old Lady: We can't chew them because we've no teeth!

Driver: Why do you buy them.

Lady: We love the chocolate on them! === 

Thanks for tuning in to our blog.

Have a great week.

Jim and Doris

 

Sunday June 28th, 09

Hot! 

That is how the weather has been in Minneapolis over the last couple of weeks.

Today is "Gay Rights Day" it is sunny with a nice breeze for the annual parade down Hennepin Avenue. These folks also have a large celebration at Loring Park, at the edge of downtown. 

Minneapolis is famous for its park system and now with the newly completed Grand Rounds around the lakes for bikers, joggers and hikers, we Minneapolitans are becoming famous for our outdoor activities.

The tomatos are doing just great. My only task is keeping the water tanks filled during these hot days and trimming the suckers so more tomatos will appear. We do have quite a few small green ones appearing and are checking the progress each day.  

Doris has been busy with one of her favorite summertime civic activities. She is a whiz at selling "Auquatenial Skipper Pins" for the Minneapolis Great Get Together each July. The sale of these pins, with there flashing lights helps to fund 10 days of outdoor summer days each July. She loves to sell them and over the years has developed many customers who wait for her to call on them. She always outsells every one else who sells these pins and helps to raise the money that the celebration depends on.  Don't get to close to Doris at this time of the year, you too might be wearing one of these flashing pins. This year of course she is accomplishing this task with her right arm in a sling and pushing her Cadillac walker all over the area. I don't need to tell you that she is doing well.

With the wedding over last week, Jane is breathing a bit easier. This was her first daughters first wedding and she gave it about 200 per-cent. She is now getting back to normal. 

Business remains steady at Jane's Eide Saw and Tool Company. She does a great job, especially in these times of economic uncertainty. 

I have not been very busy in my shop as of late. This is mostly due to hot weather, a thickness planer breakdown and the frustation of the inability to connect to the internet. Some of us were born in the wrong generation to become adept at these machines that seem to be taking over our lives and causing financial problems with the newspaper industy. It seem as if you don't have an e-mail address folks wonder about you. I sometimes would like to just shut it down and walk away, however it seems like a monster has been created and you cant quit. 

I enjoy communicating with everyone and a computer does solve many problems that I would have if If if if and it goes on and on and on.

Michael Jackson's untimely death is an example of how e-mails have taken over our past communication avenues. Again Doris and I are from the wrong era to have enjoyed this popular entertainer. 

Two silkworms had a race. They ended up in a tie!

Little Suzy goes home from school and tells her Mom that the boys keep asking her to do cartwheels because she is good at them.

Mom said you should say NO. They only want to look at your panties.

Suzy said, I know they do, thats why I hide them in my back pack.

Jim and Doris

Minneapolis, MN

Sunday June 21, 09

Summer always comes. 

Sometimes early sometimes late sometimes it seems as though it never will, but it always does. 

Savour it!

This week was busy. Doris to the casino on Tuesday. Gina, Jim Jr's wife picked her up at home and transported her to the bingo table. She did win $80.00 big ones. She was able to get along well with her Cadillac Walker and even took the bus home. What a gal.

Yesterday was eventful. Dawn Burmaster, Janes oldest child, married in Brainerd, MN. Her first marriage. She and Dave Eckendrode, his second marriage,  both have childrern, some of them still at home, others out of the nest. Dave is an auto mechanic. Dont anticipate havinghim work on our car as it is quite a trip to get the oil changed. It was a fun wedding about 175 miles North of Minneapolis. Up early and to bed late. 

Doris, as usual is out and about at her favorite time of the summer selling Auquatennial Skipper Pins. Even with splits on her arm she outsells all others year in and year out. The Aqutennial people love her and she loves the challenge. 

We have finally entered into a period of rain. Not a lot but quite often. The landscape is turning green once again and the farmland looks much better in our corn and bean growing area. 

The lakes are still low and that affects the fishing. I havent been out as yet this season. Pontoons on Lake Mille Lacs and hard to rent due to the poor economy. Many of the providers are out of business or are not doing much due to both the economy and the low water. We are all appreciating the rain fall, however it takes a lot of rain to fill a big lake. An inch is not even noticible. 

It is approaching the Carlson Family Reunion time with Doris' clan in Madison. We are waiting for the date and location of this years fun time. 

Doris' 65th Central High School graduation class is also scheduled. It's hard to realize, she and I have been out of school for all these years. I did not graduate with my class in Kenosha, as I opted to join Uncle Sam's army in 1945. Mistake? I don't think so but will never know. I never have had any contact with any of those I palled around with then. I wonder about some of them who I was close to but that's as far as it has gone.  I did attend The Uof W for a couple of semesters and met my Bride, Doris. That was and is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I am not sure if Doris wants to attend this reunion. She has lost most of her close freinds over the past years and is somewhat affraid as she realizes it will not be the same. We shall see.

Pun! She was only a whiskey maker, but I love her still!

Sign: At a Tire Shop: "Invite us to your next blowout"

All of the Battenberg's here in the uper Mid-West are fine and dandy. The saw business is surviving the current economy and holding its own. We hope the same is true for all of you out there. 

Thanks for tuning in again this week. 

Jim and Doris

e-mail jimbattenberg@usinternet.com

Sunday 

Minneapolis

Flag Day, June, 14, 2009

Doris and I are hoping all of you out there are flying your flag on this special day.

We fly ours each day except during inclement weather. 

We believe it's the thing to do in all the world is providing.

Doris began her second week home from the rehab center and is doing great. Loosing the normal use of her right arm hampers her a bit, but the strong Norwegian heritage does help. She is tough and keeps on keeping on.

Our upper Midwest weather has finally turned to spring.  We do need rain here. The lakes and rivers are quite low as well as the green parts of the country. I havent heard anything disaterous about farm crops as yet. Probably because the weather has been cool as well as dry. We are promised a great week of spring weather with some rain mixed in. We shall see!

Our week was busy. I was especially busy as I am now Doris' right hand man. I am learning how to plan meals, shop for groceries, clean (well partially) and all the other duties Doris has been providing for me all these 60 plus years. I am glad I'm able to rise to the ocassion.

Next week end we will travel to Brainerd MN. Our grandaughter Dawn, Jane's eldest child will be married to Dave Eckenrode. They will and are settled in Sabeka, MN. Jane of course is busy as a bee. This is her first shot at becomming - Mother of the Bride -  and head wedding planner. 

Both Dave and Dawn have children. We shall welcome our second blended family to the clan. Jim and Gina also provided us with a blended family. Jennifer, Julie, GiGi and Jon.

It should be a fun trip. Doris and I will ride with Jim and Gina. Jay and his brood will travel to Brainerd with their travel Trailer. They will be camping at a church campground nearby and all the little Battenberg's are excited. We, will attend the wedding and return home the same night.

We hope with all the bad economy, all of our freinds and our families are surviving. It's hard for me to imagine the threat of loosing ones job, home, saving in this time of our lives. I gues Doris and I were fortunate to be born just ahead of the so-called Great Depression. Many lost everything, however I don't think there were as many White Collar Crooks as there is now.

THE BEST WAY TO FIX THE ECONOMY

"Patriotic Retirement"

  There are about 40 million people over 40 in the wok force.

  Pay each of them 1 $million severance with the following stipulations.

    1. They leave the work force immediatley.                              40 million job openings

    2. They buy new American cars. (40 million cars are sold)  Auto industry saved

    3. They either buy a new home or pay off their mortgage.   Housing crisis fixed

How easy can it Be!

I have had some issues with my internet provider and or the Apple Store or myself. Each one of them blames the other. 

I worked overtime this last week updating and learning to be more careful. 

I hope things work better. Please let me know of any problems so I can work on them.

 (I did'nt say Fix)

With the all the threats of the news papers going down the tube I need to get better at this medium. 

Jim and Doris

Monday, June 8,2009

Hi to all!

There is good news today. On Saturday morning past, Doris was released from the Re-Hab Center at Uof M Riverside.

We are happy to be home and together again.

She is doing well and getting around the building with her Caddilac walker. The re-hab people have installed a right hand shelf on it to accomodate her right arm cast. She steers and breaks with her left arm and hand. I will install a basket on the front tomorrow so she can carry mail and other necesarry's. I wonder if she needs a rear view mirror and a horn?

I am enjoying having her home and I do not miss the daily trip to the hospital. 

We are both somewhat housebound. Doris because she is recovering from the trauma, surgery and loss of her right hand, and I from the change in my lifestyle. It surprising to learn how much one misses the use of an arm, especially the domanant arm. We are both learning. 

Well needed rain finnaly arrived in our part of the world. Our tomatoes enjoyed and even though they were never deprived they are enjoying the gift from above.  The buds are forming and I am hoping for bees to help polinate. 

From my condo neighbor, "Alice Thompson":

"At 5 minutes, 6 seconds, after 4a.m. on the 7th of August, 2009 of this year, the time and date will be 04-05-06-07-08-09. This will not happen again until 3009" Mark your calendars and impress your teachers, students, relatives, friends and  neighbors. 

I apologize for the typo in Doris' hospital phone number. Show's I'm only human. No need to print a correction as she is home at 612-332-9965.

Thanks for tuning in, I appreciate.

Jim and Doris

Sunday, May 31, 09

Help! Help!, I've fallen and can't get up!

How many times have you seen this commercial on TV and kind of laughed it off?

Last Tuesday Doris and I traveled to Spring Valley WI, to a reviewal of a dear RV friend of ours. We found the funeral home and visited with Pat Andersons family and saw many of our RV friends. We went to the reviewal on Tuesday as Doris had and appointment for an MRI on the day of the funeral. Her siatic nerve, we believe has been giving her trouble and we are trying to track down the cause of her discomfort.

We left the funeral parlor for home late afternoon, stoped in Hudson for dinner and arrived home safe and sound. We drove into the garage, and I let Doris out so she could hurry to the bathroom. I parked the car and leisurley stopped to pick up our mail and then up to 1417. Doris was nowhere in sight and I didn't worry as I knew she was in the bathroom. During the afternoon reviewal, my hearing aid batteries gave out so I was not at my best in the hearing department. Shortly, I thought I heard Doris calling me. Sure enough she was in trouble. She had fallen and was calling for help to this deaf guy she married. She had fallen (because of the siatic nerve) on her way into the bathroom. I had to get a neighbor to help me pick her up. In an instant I knew she had broken her wrist. It was twisted in an awful angle and she was in pain. I took her to the emergency hospital, found a wheel chair and pushed in. As soon as the MD on duty saw her wrist he said " she needs to get in right now".

Turns out she broke both bones in her right wrist. Yes, she is right handed. They set the wrist and admitted her to the hospital so they could surgically repair the wrist the next morning. After three and a half hours on Wednesday, they had it repaired and in a splint. She spend the next few days recovering from the surgery medications and Saturday the 30th she was moved to the re-hab building where she will remain for a spell. They have provided her with a sort of shelf on her walker for her right arm and she will have to learn to steer the walker with her left. Until she can handle this aperatus she shall remain a prisoner. 

I am of course religated to a right handed nurse's position to do the necesarry's. Most thngs I can handle, however there are some things men were never expected to do unless there was a period of expert training. We shall see what we shall see and I will dutifuly report on the progress of the patient and the trial and tribulations of the care giver regulary.

This week, Medical Humor!

Proctologist: To expidite your visit, please back in.'

Plastic Surgeon: May we please pick your nose?'

Thanks for tuning in!

Jim and Doris

P.S. 

Her Phone number is 612-273-2810

She would love to hear from you.

 

Memorial Day, 2009

When I was a boy this was a popular holiday. Most families took the Street Car or walked to a park, pulling a coaster wagon holding our lunch and lemonaide and any small children.   The parks where the place wher neighborhood memorial celebrations  were conducted. There were not many cars in those bleak days of the Great Depression, and families did most things together. Everyone packed a big lunch and a large jar of  lemonaide  (usually warm when we drank it). About the only thing you could buy at the park was ice cream bars called "Soldier Boys" named for the former First WW unemployed Army veterans that peddled 3 wheel bicycles with a cold box in front full of ice cream bars and dry ice.                                                You could buy one for a nickel, if you had one. We lived in Milwaukee, WI and Humbolt Park was always our families destination for the day. As I remember, our family of four did not miss many of these family days at the park. Most folks of that era always did things as a family in those days. 

This year Doris and I just relaxed and enjoyed the Twins beating the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Last weeks weather in Minneapolis was fantastic. We were all hoping for sping warmth and it arrived. No rain and at this time and we would be thankful for a good old fashioned all day soft (soaker) rain. 

Doris worked at school one day last week and all at Kenwood Elementary are counting down the last days before summer vacation in early June. 

As usual, Tuesday was Casino Bingo and as usual, Doris did not win anything spectacular. She did enjoy and all of her Bingo friends were happy to see her when she boarded the "Bingo Bus"

Every one of our childrens families are busy doing something special this holiday week end. 

The weather could not have been better and they are all enjoying the 3 day week end. 

I, have been busy at my shop. Jay and Gina and Jim and Gina needed entrance benches for their homes. Dad responded and they now have a place to sit when changing from outdoor wear to slippers or vice versa. Jay and Gina used theirs for a "Triplet Seat" at the dining table. Doris and I have not experienced that event as yet but we will soon.

The tomato project is progressing. 

Last week I broke down a purchased some larger tomato palnts at Home Depot. I moved my "started from seed plants" to the end of the beds and set the new larger plants in the center. After looking things over after the new arrangement, I could'nt help but notice that the plants I bought from HD were not much larger than the the plants that I have nursed from seed since early March. We shall see!

Last week we were invited to attend Gavin's first ever piano recital at Gustavus, in St Peter. It was great watching an listening to all those who participated. Some of the teachers also participated and we really enjoyed. It was a beautiful day and evening for the trip down to St Peter and back. Thanks to the Dobosenski's for inviting us, we enjoyed. 

Podiatrist Sign: 

Time Wounds all Heels

A woman went to the emergency room. After about 3 minutes the doctor told her she was pregnant. She burst out of the room and went screaming down the corridor. AnotherDoctor stopped her and asked what was wrong. After finding out, he marched to the first doctors office and said what is wrong with you telling a 63 old woman she's pregnant? 

The first doctor then asked the second, does she still have the the hicups.

Have a great week,

Jim and Doris

Good Sunday Morning to All!

Doris and I are hoping  all have enjoyed a great week wher ever you might be.

We, here in Minnesota had a great spring week. 

A few days of wind, a bit of rain (we needed that) and warm spring temps.

It is nice to be free of the jacket's and gloves after a long winter.

I will no longer reporting on the medical condition of this writer and his wife. ( it gets depressing ) We would be happy if our med's disapeared,  but they haven't. (who really cares anyway)  If you really think you need to know, call 612-332-9965, we will give you a first hand report.

It is our decision to report on only newsy items of the past week in this blog. 

Doing a blog on a weekly basis is like writing in a diary, once you start, it is important to keep up. 

Our medical report for the past week is __________________.

The tomatos have finally begin to look like tomatos. I set them a bit early and they did suffer from chilly weather. Last week's warm'th did spike them to begin to grow a bit. I did threaten them and now they know that I will replace them in a week or so if they don't get that git-up and-go. Will keep you posted!

This week we had lunch with son  Jeff and his bride Bridget. We met them at Elsies, workingmans restaurant, where I have eaten many lunches over the past 32 years.  We retrieved the Government Bonds from the safety box  for Grandson Michael. We have been furnishing Government Bonds for all of our Grandchildrens birthday's and Christmast gifts. We decided a long time ago that future money would be appreciated long after the toys usually given have long been forgotten. It's always exciting to hear what their plans are for these bonds. Michael and his wife Mandy are in the process of purchasing a home in Sacramento, CA. Michael has decided on a career with the Air Force. We think he made a good decision.  

The Dodge City look (gravel and big truuks of all varieties) around our building is improving each week. It is still difficult to get into our underground garage. The drive to the front of the building should be finished be the end of this week. We always, somehow get into our spot under the building. Streets are being completely replaced as well as side walks, trees and shrubery. All is scheduled to be finished before the year ends. 

The new Twins (Target Field) stadium is growing each day and if you know some one important a tour is available. I dont' know any one that important. I do know that the cheap seats as well as the others are more expense that I am willing to part with as long as we can find the rigt channel, sit back in our chairs and fall asleep while watching.

More Signs:

Plumber: Don't Sleep with a Drip. Call Your Plumer today!

Electrician: Let us Remove your Shorts!

Have a great week, enjoy the spring, and be good to each other.

Jim and Doris.

Mothers Day

Sunday May, 10, 2009

Hi to all,

It's Mothers Day, congratulations to all you wonderful, unselfish, inovative, inventors, motivators, judges, entertainers, rangers, drivers, chefs, bookeepers, problem solvers, motivators, nurses, therapists, lovers, home makers and the list goes on and on and on  and on.

We hope all of you had a wonderful day and were treated like a Queen. We all love and cherish you, now and forever.

It was a rather springlike week here in Minneapolis last week. We just began getteing used the the spring warmth when the wind blew some cold air.  Next week the forecast is for high 60's and not much rain. We need the rain so we are hoping for an all day soft warm rain. Wish us luck.

Tomatos are in their summerhome. Cold temp's are keeping them from spreeding their leaves and growing like any good tomato plant should. Warm weather would sure help. 

Last week was normal for us. No Doctors, no aches or pains, no crisis, a warm place to live and many great friends. Doris did not get back to Kenwood last week but will return this week. Her Kenwood Kids miss her and she misses them. 

The fishing season open last Saturday on a cold and blustery Minnesota day. 

I have never fished on what Minnesotans call "The Opener". The Minnesota Governor always fishes first class on some great lake where you cant help but catch the big ones. He always atracts much attention and nobody really cares except the resort owner who was chosen for the annual affair of cameras, other fisherman and the politicians. The governor with his entourage hardly ever catches anf fish and is embassed by the small bait fish he usally catches. 

The marinas, bait shops, sport fishing shops and restaurants with their new gadgets and gear that are guaranteed to catch fish always wish for a large crowd. They also hope for a good day at the cash register. 

Many of the folks that fish on "the opener" never get back to the lake to fish again. They just like to say "yeah, I fished that lake on the opener".  A bit like the golfers that go out on the first day the coarse is open and never take the clubs out of their car trunks again, or the folks who must attend the Twins first game of the season and never return till the following year. 

After all these folks are finished it is time for Jimto go fishing. No crowds at the marina, bait shops and the lake to ourselves. 

If you remember the piano we donated to our Grand Children I have great news. 

The first recital is on May 21 at Gustavus Adophous in St Peter. Doris and I will be in attendance to hear hm play. We are thankful for him to be able to get music out of what at one time though I could'nd live with out. It was never hardly ever played except once in a while at party's. 

Hearing:

At a revival meeting, the charismatic Evangilist asked people who had a need come forward. 

He asked the first person to arrive, 

"what is your need brother"?

"my hearing" he answered.

The evangilist spit on his finger , put it into the guy's ear, invoked the Lord , and asked, 

hows your hearing now?

"I don't know, It's not until next Tuesday".

Remember to keep on keeping on!

Jim and Doris

Sunday May 3, 2006

It's a beautiful day in Minneapolis.

I have just returned from transplanting the tomato plantsfrom our Window tomato nursery into planter boxes at Eide saw, their home for the summer. We are hoping for a good crop this year with the experience of last year behind us. 

I have rigged up a better sytem to support the plants as they grow and begin to bear the load of tomatoes. We also learned to be careful about the kind of fertilizer we will use.  Last year we had a good crop , however many good sized tomatoes were tossed due to "Blosom End Disease".

It has been a good week healthwize, The catheter has been removewd with no after affect or problems and Doris is almost back to her normal self. 

We are thankful.

She and I have appointments with the Knee MD in a couple of weeks. Nothing serious, just aging of the knee bones and the brain. We need to know if we should rewst the knees more, excersize them more or in a better way or just be careful of those long up and down stairs. 

Stay tuned for more Knee Knews.

Brother John, is presently recovering from his third or fourt try at repair his stiff knee. He is in good care at the Mayo in Phoenix. The complicated surgery laster 9 hours and his wife Lynn report success, although they wont know for a while. 

We are hoping this will get him back on two feet and two knees. He has had much trouble since injuring the knee by helping a freind to move who baked into him. 

Grandaughter Dawn, was the guest today at Brother Craig's home for a bridal shower today. Grandmother Doris has just returned home. Sat right down in her chair and promply fell asleep. I guess the shower was a success but failed to get the details.

Had lunch last Wednesday with Jill, Jeff and his wife Bridget. We had a great visit. All are still working, some reduced pay and hours but still working during this uncertain time. 

Had a call yesterday from Nancy and Larry Browers, our RV club freinds and former farmers. They have returned to the farm in Mason City and re planing on the summer at Pine River in their new log home.Was nice to hear from them. Them. 

Hope all of you out there are A-OK. 

Thanks for your calls and letters, we do appreciate.

Sign on a church billbord:

"7 days without God makes one weak"

 

Jim and Doris

Sunday April 26, 09

Minneapolis

This week 's great news: Doris is up and around again. The catheter is still with her and we are promoised on Thursday next it will be history.

She is feeling good again and has her appetite back. 

She is planning a trip to Barstow to visit sistr Ruby. Each year Doris and Ruby get together to visit, travel to Laughlin, NV, play the machines and just have a ball. Ruby dislikes traveling and Doris still travek with a smile. 

Last weeks weather was cold and windy. Today we had a nice rain, cold and dreary, however we are appreciative of the moisture from above. Minnesota lakes are estreemly low, and have been for the last few years. Makes it tough on fishing and all of the water sports. 

The tomato plants are begining to crowd the window table but it is not warm enough to put out into the Minnesota early spring. I will move them to shop and hope they will survive amongst all the saw blades wood chips and saw dust until Mothr nature decides it is time to turn up the heat.

The road construction is under way around our 14th floor home. It's kind of like "Little House on the Prairie". Streets are torn up, filed with gravel, temporary no left turn, no thru traffic, do not enter and orange plastic barrels by the hundreds suround us. The construction will be with us for the balance of this year.  

Grandaughters Julie and Jenny, Jim Jr,s children, were here for a short visit from their home in Alabama. We talk with them quite often but don't see them very often. It was a great visit and we realy appreciated the time we had with then. They left this morning on a not to early flight and will be home and began to get resettled by early evening. 

Our very best and thanks to all who have helped Doris on her medical adventures this year. She has agreed to get back to her old self and routine. 

Sign's:

 Muffler Shop

"No Appointment Necesarry, We Can Hear You Comming!"

 Taxidermist

"We Really Know Our Stuff"

Thanks for checking our blog. 

Please let us her from you!

Jim and Doris

Monday April 21, 09

Good Morning to all.

Spring seems to abound in Mpls. We have had a week of warmer weather and a bit of rain to make the grass wake up and begin to turn GREEN.

Doris' Tuesday (in one day out the next) turned into another short week of  hospitalization that lasted until late Saturday afternoon. 

She is now under the care of nurse JIM and with the additional great help and dedication, from Connie who resides with her husband Lloyd on the 17th floor. 

Connie has become adept of helping me take care of Doris and the ever present catheter that seems to follow her home after each hospital stay. 

Doris has been promised, that on Thursday of this week, upon her arrival at U of M Fairview it will be removed. AMEM!

She will not be returning to Kenwood School for at least another week and then Summer Vacations will not be far behind.

The tomato plants are begining to take over to table and the sunniest window in our 17 floor home. I am anxiously awaiting  warmer weather so the little fellas can be placed in their own special garden (thanks to Daughter Jane) in the parking lot at Eide Saw Company. 

Last year they did well and this year after some re-education of my gardening skills we are hoping for an even better year of productivity.

The prostrate cancer that Jim was treated for for the last couple of years, has been sucessful. The enemy has proven that these pirates at least, have given up. 

My next check up with the good Dr. Moore is on July 17, 09.  

Thanks to all for your notes and your interest. 

Doris and I do appreciate.

SIGN's

In a veteranarians office: 

Be back in five minutes. 

Sit! Stay!

At a radiatior shop:

Best place in town to take a leak!

Have a great Spring week.

Jim and Doris

April 13, 2009

It's the day after Easter. 

It's also the day before Doris trip to Fairview Riverside for a little repair and adjustment. 

Easter Sunday was spent at Jim Jr and Gina's in Chaska. Actually they live in Johnathon, a sort of suberb in a suberb.

All enjoyed the traditional easter ham and roast turkey. The  most fun was enjoying the Jay and Gina Battenberg triplets and their older brother Dylan. These kids are growing like weeds. It was a fun day for Doris and I as we did'nt have to do much other than show up.

Jim and Gina's friends Sharon Sandvik and her daughter drove from Duluth to join in on the great food and family celebration. 

After all the food, conversation and fun with the kids it was back home with fond memories. 

Doris trip to Fairview is supposed to last a day or two and then back home with nurse Jim in attendance. We are hoping this prognosis is correct and her recovery is speedy. 

Please check this blog for updates on her surgery and recovery at;

HTTP//:eidesawman.blogstop.com

Horay for the U.S.Navy, score a big TEN.   Pirates a large ZERO !!!!!! and a lesson in diplomacy!

On the light side !!!

Old is when ... an all nighter' means not getting up to use the bathroom.

Old is when you are not sure this is a joke?

Jim and Doris 

Sunday April 5, 09

Time flies when your having fun.

Projects:

At this time in my life, I have several projects going. It's kind of hard to keep track of them all. I seem to get involved easily, however it keeps me out of the bars and on the straight and narrow. 

First, Son Jay and his bride Gina needed a place for the girls to sit at the table.

Room was a large consideration. I dug out a plan for a bench that solved the problem. A bench type that seats the three of them together and storage underneeth for Gina,s extra table cloths, napkins and etc. During construction I had to converse with Jay abut construction question and of coarse the finish on the project. At this writing all is settled and Monday I will put the pieces together. I don't know if Gina or I will apply the varnish. I have room, Gina does not have a lot of room and four kids prowling around might be a problem. We shall see. I hope to get it delivered before this new week is over. 

I have been refinishing a couple of table leaves for Doris' puzzle table. Seems as though the puzzle's keep getting larger and it requires much room for the completed puzzle and all the pieces that surround it. I am just about finished with that project. Drying time was a bit slow during this last wet, cold and drizzly week. It will be finished this week for sure. 

Health;

Doris' s bladder surgery is schedued for April 14th at U of W Riverside Hospital. She has all the necesarry paper work completed and she is ready to go. 

The last surgery was into the many thousands of dollars and I don't know how much this will cost. The thing I do know and am thankful for is our wonderful Minnesota U-Care Health insurance. All is covered after a $100.00 deductable. 

I have a follow-up on my prostate cancer in a couple of weeks. I must have blood drawn this comming week which will tell the tale of the success or failure of those radio-active seeds that were implanted last spring. I feel great so am confident about the upcommong exam and consultation. 

Green Thumb:

My tomato plants are growing in the living room on the 14th floor atop a table near the sunniest window in the place. I hope my timing is OK.  I or my bride wound not like to have those vines crawling all over the place. 

I will be glad when it warms and I can get them transfered to my growing area at Eide Saw. 

Neighborhood Driving Patterns:

The contractors are busy readying Maquette Avenue and 2nd  Street for the new concrete road way. The whole project will not be completed till late in 2010. The streets will be driveable before the end of this year but sidewalks, new lighting, bus stops etc will not till 2010.

Spring Break:

Doris and Kenwood School will be on spring brak this comming week. I don't know how she will fill her time. Tuesday of course is Bingo day, and I must say it has been a while since the numbers called have benefited her. She keeps on keeping on!  She is anticipating her annual trip to visit sister Ruby in Barstow, California. 

Easter:

We will again, as last year, spend Easter with our family and some added friends in Chaska, Mn at Son Jim and Gina's home. Most all of us will be there and we are hoping for nice weather. With all the kids produced in our prolific family warm weather changes family gatherings for the better. 

We have been informed by the condo board of directors that the heat, supplied from the city utilities and piped to most buildings in the downtown area, will cease to warm us after April 8th. This always causes controversies as some like it hot while others are trying to conserve on the condominium gas bill. The same thing happens in the faall when the air conditioning is turned on and off. This is a large building that houses many folks. It is hard to satisfy all. 

Thanks for tuning us in again this week. I enjoy writing this and hope it is enjoyed by all. 

I am looking forward to edit the picture of himself on the first page. Have had many comments (mostly bad) about it. As soon as I learn how I will edit and a new picture will be inserted.

With that I think it is time to end this and leave you with a smile. (I hope)

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology class by saying "everyone who thinks they are stupid, stand up".

Little Johnny stood up. 

The teacher asked, "Do you think you are stupid, Johnny"? 

Johnny answered, "No Ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself".

Have a good week, and pay attention to the good news of the day!

Jim and Doris

 

 

 

Monday March 30, 09

Good Afternoon,

Yes it is Monday. This is the first time I have'nt updated our blog on Sunday. 

We had a quiet week end. Doris was a bit under the weather so it was a R & R week end. Today, Monday, she is back on her feet, doing the things she is famous for, washing clothes and a couple batches from the famous Cookie Baker.

Spring must be here. 

 Number 1. Snow is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Yes its basketball Tournament time.

 Number 2. The construction on the streets on each side of our building has begun in earnest this moring. It has been shut down since last October. This is good news for us. Living beside two streets makes it hard to get into our building.  Ah Yes !  Progress.

Jim is busy at his wood shop at Eide Saw Service. Daughter Jane is kind enough to let him keep busy. He returns the favor by running errands and some same repairs that are always needed in a place of business.

Doris is happy to be back at Kenwood School, coaching the kids that need that extra boost to get them through the elementary grades. She loves it, even brings work home for the next day's challenge. 

Tuesdays are her favorite of course, playing Bingo at Mystic Lake Casino. She has not been a big winner as of late, only small amounts of the dollars she spends. She loves it so who cares!

Fishing is over until "ice out" I am in no rush to get out there as it can be really cold on Lake Mille lacs in early spring. You must wear long johns if you want to tough it out for a day on the lake in Minnesota in the spring. 

Our neighbors in North Dakota as well as the Minnesotans across from them on the Red River are having their usual flooding problems again this spring. It's a bit worse this year as the snow cover was especially deep in 2008 and 2009.  I am happy that Doris and  I chose to be away from any chance of flood water during our life together. We did have our garage flood, from a gully washer that the sewer system could not handle one early summer day in a home we owned. It wasn't serious but I realized that it is impossible to stop water when its rushing at you at break neck speed. 

It's tax time (a chore I hate with a passion and I am sure I am not alone) and as usual I am one of those late guys. I dont know why I do it, but each year the chore seems greater than it was last year. I have an appointment with the accountant and tax preparer tomorrow. It's not cause I have to pay tax, I am happy to do that. I only think there must be a better way to get it done simply and fairly for all of us. 

President Obama has his problems trying to get everything back on track. Seems to me an impossible task. I am not smart enough and  admit I dont know what should be done. I do know that as dumb as the auto manufactures are we need to save them. I remember well, WWll and the tremendous effort put forth by all those people to save us from defeat early in the war by converting from automobiles and parts, to producing all of the machines it took to defeat the European war mongers. 

I believe we still need a autombile industry in this country.

Definitions: 

ADULT:        a person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

CHICKENS: a bird you eat before it is born and after it is dead.

Also, be reminded that the handle on your recliner does not qualify as an excersize machine.

Jim and Doris

Sunday Evening 

March 29, 06

Hi to All,

A great weather week end in Minneapolis.

Saturday was warm and sunny followed by Sunday which was a bit cooler and with less sun and a bit more chili wind. 

It was warm most of last week. I had the large overhead door raised in my shop. Ocassionally it was a bit chilli if you were not keeping busy. All in all it feels like early spring and we are enjoying it.

I went ice fishing last Tuesday while Doris went to the casino to try her luck at the bingo tables. 

A large smile on her face when arriving home told me that she had won. 

$250.00 was the payout for her hard work in checking those bingo numbers.

 

My ice fishing trip to Lake Mille Lacs, was the last for this season. 

The ice is still 4 feet thick and safe, however the snow on top was melting and the ice was covered with melted snow. You are able to drive anywhere on the lake as there is no snow cover, just lots of slush and water. 

I will wait until ice out and the pontoon is in the water before going fishing again. 

Doris is still waiting for a date for her blader surgery. She is feeling great except for the ocasional dicomfort of the out of place bladder. We are looking forward to getting this behind us before summer. 

Business at Eide saw  is slower than normal as more small business's suffer from this terrible enconomy. The company however has enough diversified customers to keep the crew going. 

It is everyones hope that businees's of all kinds will begin to adjust upward and become stonger because of this economy. It always has and it will again. 

The snow cover is gone completely and some of the road work is begining. There is construction on both sides of our building that began last August and lasted till freeze up. We will be happy when it is finished in 2010. 

Work on the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium in Downtown Minneapolis is moving along and baseball, as it should be, will once again be played outside in real grass in the 2010 season. Baseball fans are excited about this new facility. 

I am looking forward to revamping our Blog when my instructor grandson is available. He and his wife Gigi have two lively boys and they keep Mom and Dad on the hop continually. I can relate as I remember well when our children were young and exciting kids. 

Jim's Humor!

"People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church".

"anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new"

 Albert Einstein

Have a great week and enjoy the spring.

JIM and DORIS

P.S. Tomato plants are 3 inches high. Are developing the second set of leaves.

Sunday March 22, 09

Good Morning and Hi to All,

Another week has passed and there were no startling events in our lives.

We have become used to daylight savings and what a day brightner it is for Doris and I. Each morning the sun is shines in our window instead of the dark winter and the cold we faced during the winter months. 

Spring cannot be far behind. 

The weather in Minneapolis has been a breeze this past week with only a light jacket necesary to avoid a shiver or two in the early morning chill

Doris paid a visit to Dr. Anderson concerning her bladder. ( it seems that there is always an MD in her weekly life thesee days). I only discuss this because our lives have changed with our age. Seems there is always something that needs attention from our freinds in the medical field. Yes, lately, as we see them so often, they have indeede become friends. 

I may be repeating some of this senario, and if I do please forgive and just skip ahead. 

When Doris was being discharged from U of M hospital she was unable to urinate. The rule is, no discharge if you cannot perform this simple exercise! 

They finally let me take her home, (with a catheter). This of course signaled another problem, her bladder. 

She now needs some sort of surgery to keep the bladder from dropping and keeping her from urinating normaly. 

Surgery for this (we have been told) is not difficult and only a short recovery is expected. 

As of this time ther is no schedule to correct the problem.  Will let you know when we find out.

I have a hard time understanding all of her health problems. 

This is the same lady who never took a drink in her lifetime. 

My tomato seeds that I carefully selected and plante with a tweezer,  have developed into small two leafed stems growing out of the peat pots. They are enjoying life in the only window we have that traps some welcome sunlight. I  watch over them like a mother hen and am waiting patiently for the day when I can transfer them to my garden plot at Eide Saw, compliments of Daughter Jane. I will keep you posted on the progress of these young plants as the mature and produce those wonderful Love Apples.

The jig saw puzzles Doris and I  (visitors and passer's by who drop in a piece or two) have been working on in short periods have been solved. They are then displayed for all to see. then taken apart with all pieces transfered to plastic bags, sealed and placed in their original boxes and for another time. Some new chalenge's are on order but as yet have not arrived. I assume with the spring weather soon to poke it's head northward, the puzzles will play second fiddle to long awaited warm weather outside activities.

I do not comment on bad news. 

There is a lot of good news around if you just look.  

My good news for the day is, Eide Saw is  busy. Not quite as busy as they have been in the past of course,  but busy enough. No layoffs or short hours have occured or are anticipated. Business is a bit slower than Jane would like it but she is thankful for all the loyal customers that have been developed over all these years. Remember, Gearge Eide the founder, began in 1927 during the dark days of the big depresson, was succesful and passed it on to his family who were kind enough to gamble on me.  I have passed in on to Daughter Jane and she is doing great. 

This Tuesday it is supposed to be 60 degrees. The ice on Lake Mille Lacs is still about 4 feet thick. When we lived in Wisconsin we fished without the benefit of gas powered ice augers. We chiseled holes thru the ice with ice chisels about 5 or 6 ft long that we had to carry out on the ice with all the rest of our gear.   The fish holes started out about 10 to 12 inches wide at the top. By the time we were through the ice you could just about get a fish the small opening at the bottom. The holes were always funnel shaped.  the thicker the ice the more work it took. I cant imagine doing that through 4 feet of ice. I guess I'm getting soft.

Sign on a porta-potty truck;  

"We're # 1 in the # 2 business"

It's nice to hear from those of you who take your time and let us hear from you.  

Thanks.

Have a great week!

JIM AND DORIS