Today my friend, Sharon, died.

Sharon, in her newly remodeled kitchen/dining room

Today my dear, dear friend, Sharon, passed away. She is the closest person to a saint I have ever known. I became acquainted with her when I started working at Bethany House. Actually, her parents were one of the founders of Bethany International.

Over the years, we did many things together, including founding our little Red Hat group. When we first started, we (six of us) took turns hosting a monthly dinner in our homes. It was always fun getting together and sewing on a little project after eating dinner. We joked about the afghan Sharon was crocheting — wondering when it would ever be completed.

Sharon played the piano beautifully. One time when we had the Red Hat supper at my home, I asked Sharon to play the piano while we sang. It was so much fun!

About six years ago, or maybe more, Sharon got the news she had breast cancer. But she was brave and went through chemo therapy and radiation without missing a day at work. During this time, Ron, her husband, contracted leukemia. She stood by his side while he fought that, but eventually he died.

It became more important to me to be a friend to Sharon after Ron's passing. I went to her office to visit, and we always went on break together. She, our friend, Nancy, and I formed a little birthday club and went out to eat at each of our respective birthdays. Those were special times.

Sharon (center) with daughters Jennifer (left) and Rebecca (right), at the American Swedish Institute

Last November, Sharon and her two daughters and I went to tour the American Swedish Institute to see the house all decorated for Christmas. We had a lovely time! Afterwards, we drove a few blocks so Sharon could show me the house in which she lived when she was little. I did two blog entries on this day. You can read them here and here. Shortly after that, she got the news that the cancer had returned. She fought hard to beat it, God bless her.

This news has hit me hard. I loved Sharon very much.

I've got a cold . . .

It has been quite some time since I have had a cold, but twelve days ago I was hit, and hit hard. It began as a sore throat, so I dismissed it for allergies. But by day two, it was a full blown cold – coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Consequently, I have not had much energy to do much. I missed one afternoon of work, and choir rehearsal, and have taken many naps (this is unusual for me), and sucked on a few dozen cough drops. I have disinfected my common work area every day when my shift finished. I really hope I haven't spread this to anyone else. Today I think I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. At least, I hope so.

Garden Flowers

After taking Aurelia and Felix home from their overnight at my house, I went shopping for plants for my outside garden. This year I chose hot pink geraniums, a gorgeous green/hot pink coleus, white New Guinea impatiens, and light pink impatiens in a bag. I also potted the pansy plant given to me at our knitting club's spring Swedish tea. The final piece is the red and white polka dot tea pot on a stand which I bought at our local farmer's market a couple of years ago.

Tornadoes in Minneapolis 50 Years Ago Today

Fifty years ago today I was working the 2nd shift in downtown Minneapolis at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in the McKnight Building—on the 2nd floor - facing west. I was in the Accounting Department and was a computer operator on an IBM 1401. [If Uncle Allan was reading this, he would know exactly to what I am referring.] Our office windows were large - nearly floor to ceiling. Shortly after I had returned from having dinner in the cafeteria, I noticed the sky was an eerie yellow/green color.  The clouds were rolling as though they had a lot of wind in them.

Technically, we should have been standing a long distance from the windows, but our supervisor was of a curious nature and he would be announcing, "Wow! Look at it now!" Everyone wanted to see what he was seeing, so we gathered around the windows. Suddenly, we witnessed the 2 story high windows on the bank building diagonally across the street from us blow out due to the pressure. There was glass everywhere.  We continued to work until our shift ended at 12:30 am. I didn't learn until I got home that night about the tornadoes in Fridley.

I have since learned there were six tornadoes in the area that night. Here is a breakdown:

Tornado One: Touchdown at 6:08 pm near Cologne, MN ...on the ground for 13 miles before it dissipated near Minnetrista in the Lake Minnetonka area.. It was a large F4 tornado. ....3 killed and 175 injured
Tornado Two: Touchdown at 6:27 pm near Chanhassen, MN ...on the ground for 7 miles before it dissipated near Deephaven in the Lake Minnetonka area.. It was a large F4 tornado. No deaths or injuries.
Tornado Three: Touchdown at 6:43 pm near New Auburn, MN ...on the ground for 16 miles before it dissipated just west of Lester Prairie....It was a large F3 tornado. ....no deaths or injuries.
Tornado Four: Touchdown at 6:43 pm near Green Isle, MN ...on the ground for 11 miles before it dissipated near Waconia.. It was a large F2 tornado. ....1 killed and 175 injured.
Tornado Five: Touchdown at 7:06 pm in the southwest corner of Fridley ...on the ground for 7 miles before it dissipated near Lake Laddie in Blaine.. It was a large F4 tornado. ....3 killed and 175 injured.
Tornado Six: Touchdown at 8:14 pm near Golden Valley, MN ...on the ground for 18 miles as it ripped across portions of North Minneapolis, Fridley, Mounds View before it dissipated around Centerville around 9:20 pm.... It was a large F4 tornado. ....6 killed and 175 injured.

The local radio station WCCO stayed on the air and helped save lives. You can listen to the radio tapes by clicking on this link. Also, one can experience what it was like when visiting the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. They have a room designed like what a basement would be. Recordings of the WCCO broadcast that night are playing.

Felix's 5th Birthday Party

This afternoon I went to Felix's 5th birthday party. As I approached their house, I saw this darling writing on the sidewalk. It is a welcome note from sister Aurelia. I think she wanted to be a part of the celebration preparations.

This was the first time for Felix to have friends invited to a party. Imagine their surprise when they spotted their preschool teacher seated in the living room. So cute! I thought it was very nice of her to come on her day off.

After a couple of games, it was time for the birthday cake. Felix chose a cake with a tank on it. Actually, the tank is a transformer—one of his favorite toys. He is shown here before blowing out the candle.

It was a fun party, and Felix got a lot of nice gifts. I'm sure he's going to be busy for quite awhile assembling his new Lego toys.

Oh, a few days ago he informed his mom that on his birthday, his name is going to change to D5.

It was different

The atmosphere in our office yesterday was very different. It was the day for the funeral of the husband of one of our co-workers, Karen. Jeff had valiantly battled cancer for 4 1/2 years, but passed away on Sunday, surrounded by his family.

Sitting at the front desk in the morning, I witnessed my colleagues entering the office - usually one at a time. Some were wearing suits and ties or more dressy attire than the average day. Most were contemplative. The mood was somber.

A bit before 11 am, individuals left the building to attend the visitation and funeral for Jeff. Again, the mood was of quietness.

I was blessed by attending the service. I had known Jeff for a few years, but only on a small scale. I would visit with him for a few minutes while he would be waiting for Karen, or briefly at a company Christmas party. I learned more about him during the funeral—both during the eloquent memory time from his two adult children and from the pastor, who was a close, personal friend from Jeff's later teen years. Jeff's faith in God was what he wanted everyone associated with him to know about – business colleagues; golf, softball, and tennis buddies; friends and family members.

The outpouring of love for Karen was amazing, and I know she felt it. Her faith is strong, and though she will miss Jeff very much, she is happy to know he is now in the arms of Jesus.

Argument with Concrete

Tuesday I stopped at a local florist shop to buy a greeting card. As I walked up to the entrance, I tripped on the curb and fell to my knees, hitting the concrete just under my right eye. Ouch! Sitting on the sidewalk, I felt blood running over my eye, so fished a tissue out of my purse and pressed it to my eyebrow area. It soon filled. I attempted to get up, but it was really hard with very sore knees and the use of one hand. Once up, I managed my way into the store and found a clerk who took one look at me and led me to a chair. She soon gave me a wet cloth to apply pressure to the wound. After a little bit of time, a couple of employees joined us and took down my contact information. They could not have been kinder. After the bleeding had nearly ended, one of the them drove me and my car to the nearby Urgent Care center.

At the Urgent Care, a very nice nurse and doctor fixed up the cut over my eye. She used glue rather than taking stitches. It should heal in about 10 to 14 days. The pain in my knees, eyebrow and cheek were significant the first evening and night, but since then have been minimal. I expected more of a shiner, but it hasn't been too bad - mostly dark red in color.

The prescription sunglasses I was wearing at the time of the fall are badly scratched and both lenses are loose. My eye clinic informed me they cannot be fixed, so new glasses, along with an eye examination are in order. The insurance representative of the store at which this happened phoned yesterday and they are going to pay for the clinic bill, the cost of the eye exam and new sunglasses, and to replace the pair of slacks I was wearing (the knees are ruined). I'm grateful for that.

 

 



Happy 3rd Birthday, Leo!

My grandson Leo will turn 3 on Monday, the 13th of April. I'll always remember that he shares that date with my Aunt Liz, who passed away one year before he was born.

His party was today and it was really fun. He was full of joy and seemed to love everything—his cake and all of his gifts. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Sarah decorated Leo's cake.

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♫ ♪Happy Birthday to you! ♫ ♪♫ Happy Birthday to you!  ♫ ♪♫ Happy Birthday, dear Leo,  ♫ ♪♫ Happy Birthday to you!  ♫ ♪♫

Aurelia sporting her new hat and matching bag

This is Felix under the mask!

My Cousin Kari and her family

This past week I had some great communication with my cousin Kari, Pat and Pudge's daughter. It came about when I emailed her to ask her if her husband Charlie had ever been stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California. She replied with the nicest message. So I pursued it further by asking her if she would allow me to write a little blog article about her and her family—what they're doing now, and perhaps a few pictures. I was blown away with the nicest message . . .

Kari wrote:

I have visited your blog before so I am certainly aware of it and of course I have no problem with this. I need to bookmark it so I remember to look at it. What a great way to be able to look back and remember the years. I thought about starting a blog but then realize I probably wouldn't keep it up. I love those pictures of you guys at that monastery, so cute in the dresses!

I looked through some old pictures that I had - what a trip down memory lane - it has been good for me too. Charlie was in Afghanistan and Iraq on his last tour and his pictures are truly amazing. At that time he was in the AMOG which was a mobility group and they would go forward to desolate, abandoned areas and build a functional airfield. He would stay for months, hence why we felt it was good to retire since Jamie was born 5 days before 9-11 and I had both kids at home at that time, still working full time. But when I look back at his pictures, it is truly amazing and I appreciate it more - lots of the kids and villagers in Afghanistan. I forgot what those guys went through, his picture of his cot/barracks are pretty sparse, and he and a buddy still would try and run on a track that is something to see too. He has pictures of landmines, and the compound he was on, and all the equipment. I included a couple of pictures - he met the Afghani soldiers and there is one old man in particular (2nd pic) that I think was their cleaner and Charlie got to know him, He was touched by his story and his life.  

When Charlie retired I put together a slide show set to music of his career so I was looking through that - it made me realize I need to share it with the kids- especially Travis, because he LOVES the military, and I wouldn't doubt it he goes in also. 

The AMOG was his last squadron - before that he was a load master on the C5s and their missions were generally about 2 weeks to drop stuff off - lots of humanitarian and supply type of things. Since they were short trips, that was a great deal because they went everywhere - so he literally saw the world - Australia, South America, Europe, Africa—pretty much anywhere you ask if he has been there and he has. They were callous to the locations though, in my opinion. After a while they would really not go see the areas they were stopped in! Charlie was also the Senior NCO in his squadron so he supervised the whole crew of enlisted load masters. I cherish the memories of all the guys and gals we got to know. The military is such a family, you get to know people's problems, issues, and successes in a very personal way, and Charlie had lots to be involved in that would be unheard of in civilian life. I'm sure Hans understands. We were usually the host family on holidays for all the orphans and I miss our celebrations with large crowds of single folks over for Thanksgiving/Christmas meals. There were also some tragedies, I remember the death of a guy we knew very well due to lots of family issues that Charlie had been involved with, and when he passed, it was shocking. The military ceremonies were also amazing. 

Elizabeth, Sarah, and Travis at Columbia University

L to R: Travis, Sarah, Kari, Charlie, and in front is Elizabeth

The kid's picture includes Travis - he is 15, close to 16 and driving soon, Elizabeth - 13, and of course Sarah, who is 26, living in Manhattan, but currently in Colombia (South America) for school. She is finishing up a master's at Columbia University (pic taken there) and figuring out what job to do in June. She was with the FBI and might even go back to be an agent! She has other options though too, so not sure yet. My career field is environmental engineering and it is has been great for me in air pollution reductions—plan to do this for a few more years and then I hope to see where God puts me next to be of more service to others and Him. Some of the gifts He has given me to share could be in tutoring (education is important to me) for high risk/needy and a christian fitness ministry which I am passionate about - and have led at our church for a while and hope to expand... zumba-like with christian uplifting joyous music- makes you want to move for HIM. As you probably know I have been a lifelong runner - that is how I met Charlie - and now our entire family have this gift, all kids have been in cross country and track. It keeps us healthy, fit, skinny, and balanced and we thank God for this gift. 

Well I hope you enjoy the pictures - I enjoyed looking them up and thinking about that time in our life. I miss the military and have fond memories of all the supportive people that were like my family at that time. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Much Love, Kari

A Visit from a US Olympian

Today USA Olympian silver medalist Gigi Marvin paid a visit to our office. Gigi plays on the women's hockey team which won the silver medal in both 2010 and 2014. She is a really great gal with a wonderful testament, and potential author for BHP.

We were made aware of her visit last week. Since I had been to the 2010 Olympics and had some souvenirs, I was asked to bring them to help decorate our food table. I wasn't sure who Gigi was, so I looked her up on the Internet. When I learned she played hockey and was from Warroad, Minnesota, I decided to phone my cousin Pudge to see if her knew of her. No surprise! Of course, he did. He knew about her family, too.

Here are some of the photos taken today:

Putting on the silver medal

Gigi Marvin and yours truly

2014 Silver Medal from Sochi

St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery

On Monday Pat, Janet and I drove down to Sonja's (a childhood friend of ours) to join her and her two friends Lynette and Linda, on a little trip to St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery near Florence, Arizona. I had seen photos of this oasis in the desert, but was blown away seeing it for myself. Before we left, we knew the dress code, and did our best to comply. Here is a picture of us prior to leaving Sonja's:

L to R: Linda, Lynette, Pat, Janet, yours truly, Sonja

The drive to the monastery took us through an Indian reservation and very close to the Casa Grande Ruins. And then suddenly, the bland, sandy, scrubby landscape turned into lush green trees. Excitedly we got out of the van and began covering our heads with our scarves to enter this sacred spot. We saw a group of tourists gathered at the gatehouse around a monk and joined them to learn a few facts before taking our self-guided tour.

There are five or six chapels on the grounds, interspersed with beautiful landscaping and fountains. The insides of the chapels strongly reminded me of the churches we visited in Ukraine on our choir mission trip in 2008. There is lots of gold/brass, beeswax candles, and icons. We had permission to go into any of the churches and even take photos. However, we were instructed to never go behind any of the curtained off areas where the altars are located. At one point we saw a visiting nun kneeling in prayer, bowing three times, and then rising to her feet to kiss the icon in front of her. We all commented on how difficult this would be for each of us!

At one part of the grounds, I noticed a man clearing away brush from an orchard. I asked him if the trees were lemon trees. "Yes," he replied. Then I asked if there were olive trees on the grounds. "Yes," he said, but went on to say "I don't have the blessing to speak to you." I apologized and went on my way, not realizing he was one of the monks. Wasn't that a kind way for him to respond? I thought so.

Here are some of the many photos that made this day so special. Double click on them to enlarge.

I loved this journey and hope to remember it for a long while. Such a treat for the eyes in the dry, sandy land.