Swedish Smörgåsbord

Some of my friends. Laurey is in the center.

One of many trays of delicious desserts!

Hostesses Barb and Pat

Carin - the winner of the Swedish style show. Carin was born in Sweden.

Last night my knitting club held it's annual Swedish Smörgåsbord. There were 14 of us there, and each one brought something for the event: appetizer, main dish, or dessert. We were to dress in Swedish attire, if we had it in our wardrobe. I don't have any Swedish clothing, so I wore one of my Norwegian sweaters.

The Smörgåsbord was held at Barb's beautiful home. She had every room on the main floor of the house decorated - it was just lovely!

After eating about 3,000 or more calories, we sang some songs, including a few in Swedish (we had the Swedish words on a sheet), told our best Ole and Lena jokes, had a style show, and played a game of "take away" with the gifts we had brought. It was really fun, even though I didn't get home until well after 11 pm.

One-by-One Christmas Dinner

This week we had a Christmas dinner for our One-by-One students and their families. Rosy's mother, grandmother and sister, Katie, came along as Rosy's guests. It was a very nice event. I brought a rosette for each of them for part of the desert and Rosy told them how they are made. I told her they are a tradition in Sweden, which is where one of my ancestors was born.

Target's 12 Days of Christmas

For my Minnesota friends and anyone else who loves songs about Minnesota: here is the new commercial we're seeing these days for Target - taking the idea from the age old song The Twelve Days of Christmas

A Nice Greeting

I got a nice greeting at the grocery store today. A man and his young son were in the line behind me. I overheard the man tell the clerk they had just seen Santa and his reindeer down by the railroad tracks. The little one - about 1 1/2 years old - was holding a candy cane. I told them this will probably be a fun year for them this year because of his age. To that, the little one looked at me and said, "Merry Christmas!" Both his father and I were surprised. I love it that we still say Merry Christmas in Minnesota!

December - Week 2

As predicted, it was a very busy week for me, but so far - so good.

• Sunday: I sang in church and afterwards did some Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, and boxing gifts - some bound for Germany.
  
• Monday: First stop: work, then took a little break to run to the post office to mail some packages. After working all day, I tutored Rosy at the One-by-One program.
• Tuesday: Worked all day and then came home to do laundry and write out my Christmas cards. I had a Hallmark Christmas movie on too, so all in all, my evening was nice.
• Wednesday: I woke up to 6 or 7 inches of snow; trudged through a knee-high drift of snow outside my front door to my garage. None of the snow had been plowed yet. Since my car is low, I shoveled my entire driveway before attempting to drive out. The temperature was about minus 15 with wind-chill. On my way to work, I dropped my Christmas cards in the box at the post office and then went to work. After work, I drove to church for choir rehearsal which lasted until 9:30. Man, was I tired by the time I got home and fell into bed!
  
• Thursday: My morning started by putting together a hot dish for our Christmas pot-luck at work. Once ready for work, I walked out the door - not to return until after our choir dress rehearsal that night - around 9:15. Oh boy, was I tired. Will I make it through the week?
• Friday: After working all day, I got home to have a little dinner and then dressed for our first Christmas concert. The concert went very well - the music was inspirational. Rachel's mom and dad came up for it, so I got to spend a little time with them at the conclusion. Most of our conversation was filled with how much we miss Hans, Rachel, Josiah, Annika and little Will. We're as anxious to have them home as they are in coming home.
  
• Today: Well, I'm trying to catch up on some house-work, correspondence, etc. Tonight I have another concert performance.
• Tomorrow: I'll be singing at church in the morning and then performing in the afternoon concert. Aunt Liz, Pat, Janet and Jerry are coming to this concert and we're going out to eat afterwards. I'm really looking forward to that.

It's been busy, but not that bad. I've had some fun, eaten way too much from the goodies put out at the office, enjoyed the Christmas cards that have arrived, and sung along with the many beautiful Christmas pieces on the radio or CD player (yes, I'm too old fashioned to have an Ipod).

Snow is falling

We're under a blizzard warning. The forecasters are predicting snow beginning around noon today and continuing on through tomorrow night. We could get from 6 to 9 inches with winds from 30 - 40 mph. The temperature is to drop to near zero! I'm about as ready as I can be. I have new tires and windshield wipers on my car. My furnace is tuned up. There's plenty of food in the pantry and refrigerator. I have warm clothes to wear. Thankfully I live only one mile from my work, so being stuck out on the highways and byways won't be an issue for me -- at least not tonight. Tomorrow night may be a different story. I have choir rehearsal tomorrow night, dress choir rehearsal Thursday night, and Christmas choir concerts Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. Why does this have to happen this week?!

CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a free, nonprofit web service that connects family and friends to share information, love and support during a serious health event, care and recovery. It takes just a few moments to create a personal and private CaringBridge website.

I first heard about CaringBridge a few years ago when someone I knew had a family member who was very ill. It's a website where family members can write a journal or update on behalf of their loved one. It has the individual's story, a place to journal, a page for photos, and a guestbook, where friends and family can leave messages of encouragement.

In the past week and a half, I have been reading and praying for two friends whose families have subscribed to a CaringBridge website for their loved one. These friends have been very sick. One of them, a six year old little boy, Aaron, got deathly sick from the flu. His mom, my friend, Shannon, got him to the doctor just in time. He was rushed from the clinic by ambulance to Children's Hospital and immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. This was the day before Thanksgiving. I'm happy to report that he was moved from the intensive care unit to intermediate care this evening. I'm praying that he continues to improve. His school friends, teachers, and family members have been sending him cards and signing his guestbook on the CaringBridge site. It's been very encouraging to him and his family.

The CaringBridge is a great tool that saves the family lots of precious time and energy to keep loved ones posted.

December - week one

Every year the month of December is busy - this year is no exception. I could go to a concert or play twice every weekend, if I chose to do so. Added to that I'm tutoring and attending choir rehearsals, plus it's busy at work. Another popular event during December is eating. Everywhere you turn, there are treats. Today we had had a special treat at work - three of our authors treated the entire office to pizza, pop, cheesecake and cookies. One of the authors sent a poem in which she said something like take a nice, long lunch because you're over-worked and under-paid. Talk about spreading goodwill!

I'm not complaining, mind you. I like December, and I like treats. The Christmas decorations and lights bring cheer to the darkness - the sun sets around 4:30 in the afternoon now. I love the Christmas music, too. I never tire of the Christmas carols. And the plays and pageants draw me in. One play I'm looking forward to seeing this December is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! If you've never seen it or read the book by the same title, I highly recommend it.

How I spent the day after Thanksgiving

A treat for my eyes - horses in a field. We don't see that in the city!

Horse and buggy tired up on Lovina's farm

Lovina's general store

Saint Marys Chapel

Saint Marys Chapel

The malls have no allure for me, especially the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Oh, I'm not saying that I don't patronize them now and then, but I'm not a fan of the crazy crowds. This year I decided to spend my extended holiday by going to see my Amish friend, Lovina. Believe me, shopping in her general store was very, very peaceful!

I had written to Lovina a couple of weeks ago to see if her store would be open the day after Thanksgiving. She wrote back to say the store would be open, and yes, she had fireballs (These are hot, cinnamon jawbreakers that my three kids really like.). Lovina is Old Order Amish and therefore has no phone — absolutely no electricity. I first met her in the summer of 1988. Jake, another Amish acquaintance of mine, and maker of my dining room chairs and cherry rocker, sent me to her store when I asked him where one could purchase homemade jam. Since then, she and I have become friends and exchange letters now and then and I make a point to go to see her at least once a year.

When I arrived at Lovina's farm, there were no buggies or cars in her driveway. I entered the store and immediately she greeted me and gave me a big hug. She had a young girl working for her - sweeping the floor and stocking shelves. I started to tell Lovina how many pounds of jawbreakers and oatmeal I wanted. I looked around the little store and picked up a book, a couple of jars of soup base, lemon drops, and a few other items. I bought a jar of homemade apple butter, and a nice dust cloth. While shopping, I asked her if the Amish celebrate Thanksgiving. She told me they do, but not the way we "English" do. She said they spend the morning fasting and in prayer. At noon they have a little lunch - which could be turkey, but not necessarily. They usually spend the rest of the day with family. She said Christmas is spent similarly, with the Christmas story being read from the Bible. They give gifts, but only one per person. They do not decorate or sing songs. I found this very interesting.

A young Amish women entered the store. She was holding a little baby. I asked if I could take a peek at him/her, and she graciously turned him my way. I told her I have a new grandson in Germany who I am so anxious to hold. She said I could hold her little one. I sat down on Lovina's chair and held the dear one. He was sucking a pacifier. I noticed his Amish baby attire: a black hat, covering a blue scarf around his head; a black, heavy blanket with blue flannel lining. This was held together by two large safety pins. He seemed content to be held by me while his mommy, Lovina and I chatted. I learned he was nearly three months old. He is the youngest of five children. His name is Yost. I asked if he had a middle name. His mother said he has an initial which is "A." She went on to say her sister-in-law had given birth to triplets on Monday. The sister-in-law already had five children! Wow! Can you imagine?!

Little Yost sat on my lap, watching his mother converse with me. Eventually she began to unwrap him. He had under his black bonnet two blue scarves, tied under his chin. Under the black, flannel lined blanket, was another thinner blanket. When all of that was removed or opened up, I saw his dark blue, Amish baby shirt. It may have been a wrap around, but I'm not sure. I finally got to see his chubby hands, which were so cute. He let me hold one of his hands. His pacifier popped out of his mouth and he gave his mommy a great, big smile. He was such a good baby. I held him while his mother completed her shopping and took her goods outside to her buggy. When she had her last box ready, I helped her walk to her buggy. I said hi to her horse, Ben, and watched her untie the horse and climb into the buggy, carrying Yost the entire time. She put him on her lap and covered him with a blanket, backed out of her parking spot, and drove away.

After leaving Lovina's, I drove back to Rochester where I had lunch with my brother at the Canadian Honker, one of my favorite places to eat. After eating, we walked across the street to Saint Marys Hospital to go to their beautiful chapel. This is such a special place for me, especially during the holidays. It's the most beautiful chapel I have seen. It was built in 1903 and added onto in the 1930s. It seats about 400. Patients are welcome any time of day or night. They can even be wheeled there in a bed, if necessary. Masses, as well as Protestant services, are held there daily. It was designed in the style of a basilica. My photo doesn't do it justice.

Be Thankful

Be Thankful
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made the effort.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Weekend with Aurelia

La, la, la, la

She loved driving our grocery cart.

Peder opening her little bag of fish crackers outside the restaurant.

Saturday morning Peder and Sarah brought Aurelia to stay with me. I love it when she comes - - running into my home, proclaiming, "Hi, Grandma D!" After giving me a big hug, she ran to see Peppi. Then she was off to play my piano - another ritual of hers. :-)

I love it that she looks around when she's at my house, especially when we're eating at my kitchen table. I have five Dutch tiles under my kitchen window - next to the table. She loves reciting the images on the tiles - church organ; house; church; kitchen; dining room. She also loves repeating the names of her cousins whose photos grace my refrigerator. I remember once when Josiah stayed with me one. He was sitting in the same chair as Aurelia. While eating, and studying everything on my walls, he said to me, "Grandma, I like your plates." If you know me at all, you know that pleased me!

In the afternoon, we had a wonderful time at Target, where we had a photo shoot together, and did a little shopping. It was fun going through all of the Christmas decoration aisles and looking at this and that. She loves the trees and snowmen.

Sunday we went to church. This time she went to the nursery and I was told she was a very good girl (I knew she would be). Following this we went out to eat with Peder and Sarah in celebration of their birthdays - Sarah's on Friday; Peder's on Saturday.

Here's Rosy!

Rosy is in the center of fellow 3rd grade students.

Rosy's mother and sister, Katie.

Rosy's mother, Katie and Rosy

Rosy and yours truly. She's growing up so quickly!

Last night I attended a musical program at Rosy's school. I got to sit next to her mother and little sister, Katie. Rosy and her family are such a delight!

I wonder . . .

Last night while on "Facebook," I noticed my daughter was also "on line." I decided to chat with her and was happy she responded. We must have "chatted" 15 or 20 minutes, and I learned that Marshall had come down with a cold; he was playing with his toys; and Heidi wasn't feeling too well either. We sent short little messages back and forth . A couple of times while waiting for her response, I began to wonder what it would be like if my mother were still alive (she died when I was 14 years old). Would she be a modern woman? Have a computer? Be on Facebook? Would she and I chat now and then? It's not too hard for me to imagine this since both of her sisters are computer literate, and both are on Facebook! Would she give me encouragement when I was tired or feeling down? Would she have a blog? My Aunt Liz has one!

I think I started thinking about this a couple of weeks ago while attending the birthday of my dear friend, Bonnie, and her mother, Lillian. Lillian is an amazing woman. She worked in retail nearly all of her adult life, retiring three years ago from Macy's, at age 87! That's right. She had careers of being the buyer for several departments at Power's and Dayton's. Her last 25 years were spent in the handbags department at the downtown store. Dayton's respected her so much, they told her, "We would love it if you would continue to work for us. Just pick the hours you would like to work." Lillian chose to work Friday's from 10 to 3. Customers knew her hours and would make a point to come in when they knew she would be there. Lillian just celebrated her 90th birthday - and that's exactly how old my mother would be if she were still living. Lillian swims every day. She still drives, attends Bible studies, and knows her way around a computer. It makes me wonder . . .

Nice Surprise!

Here I sit in my cottage, watching the Vikings playing the Tigers, waiting for my dinner which is baking in the oven. The scents are wonderful - Swiss steak, squash, and baked potato (I love fall meals!). After checking my email account, family blogs, and Facebook, I decided to Google one of my favorite restaurants, "The Original Pancake House." I guess the reason is because I heard, and I've had it confirmed by one of the waitresses there, that Visanthe Shiancoe and Brett Favre eat there about once a week. Actually, she told me Visanthe eats there every week. Brett and his wife usually eat there once a week. She went on to tell me one day someone took a photo of her, some of the other waitress and the Favres which appeared on a Monday night football game. Anyway, to my surprise, I discovered this restaurant not only is present in the twin cities, but is national! There is one in Seattle, several in the Chicago area, and many other areas around the US. So, if you click on The Original Pancake House, you can see a picture of my favorite dish: the apple pancake. Then you can check to see if there's a restaurant near you where you can taste it for yourself.

Happy 1st Birthday, Marshall!

Today is Marshall's first birthday. Wow, this past year has flown by! I've seen him when he was only a couple of weeks old, when he was eight months old, and again at eleven months. Each time has been very sweet for me. Oh, how I would have loved to have gotten to go to Seattle for this special day, but it didn't work out.

Heidi and Chad, I am very proud of you for the great job you have done this past year in nurturing Marshall. Brian, you've been a good friend to him. Marshall is blessed to have been born into such a loving family. Happy, happy birthday, Marshall. I love you!

Veterans' Day

Happy Veterans' Day to Lieutenant Commander Hans
De For, my son, plus my brother Jerry, retired US Navy; my Uncle Allan, US Navy; cousin Wayne (deceased), US Navy;son-in-law Chad, US Air Force; nephew Keith, US Navy; cousin Pudge (Pat's husband), US Air Force; cousin Charlie (Kari's husband), retired US Air Force; Pete, Rachel's father, US Air Force; Ken, Sarah's father, US Air Force; Sarah's brother Ryan, US Coast Guard.

I'm extremely proud of all of you!

This wouldn't be complete without recognizing Rachel, Josiah, Annika and Will for the support they give Hans each and every day. They sacrifice a lot by being away from family and friends, and often Hans, and I'm so proud to have them in my family!

Happy 40th Birthday, Sesame Street

My kids grew up on Sesame Street. Back when they were little, living in Joliet, Illinois, there was no such thing as cable TV, Direct TV, satellite dish, etc. We had the major three networks, a few Chicago stations, plus Public TV. Oh, there may have been others, but I can't recall what they were.

Early on, Hans loved to sit and watch TV. I could trust him to stay in the living room and not even move when the TV was on. He really liked Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, Electric Company and Spider Man. I don't know his or Peder's favorite Sesame Street character, but for Heidi, I know she loved (still does) the Muppets. Mine has always been Big Bird.

One year on the day after Thanksgiving, Heidi, Steve and I were one of the first to enter Target so that Heidi could get a Tickle Me Elmo doll. At the time, she was a student at UND.

A few weeks ago I took Aurelia to church with me. The introduction to the sermon started with a picture of one of the Sesame Street characters on our video screens. Aurelia announced, "There's Oscar the Grouch! There's Oscar the Grouch!" Indeed, she was right. So this is now a favorite program including the third generation of our family.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. "A realm of sunny days where everything's A-OK, the series starts its new season with episode 4187, which features the letter H and, naturally, the number 40. With it and the 25 new hours that follow, 'Sesame Street' will continue to explore its chosen habitat - and experiment with how it does the job."

Music

Good music is a big part of my life. For that reason, I am involved in the traditional choir at my church. I choose to go to good quality musicals at the Bloomington Civic Theater. I’ve ushered at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra over ten years. I also bought a canary when I could no longer have my cats (those darn allergies). I could give more examples.

Each year, birds go through a molting period. For my canaries (Tweety, Bocelli, and now Peppi), it is a time of quietness – no singing, lots of sleeping, and tons of feathers on the floor. I should have picked the feathers up by hand, rather that the vacuum, to save them for little pillows – canary down – but it always seems better for me to just get rid of them.

The molt seems to affect Peppi more than it did the others. He hasn’t sung since at least the beginning of September – I should write it down when I start noticing the feathers. I have spoken to a canary breeder and he tells me I must encourage him to sing before December starts or he may never sing again. Therefore, I have been playing classical music, singing to him, running the water more, and leaving a light on in his room after sunset, all in the hopes of hearing him sing again.

Yesterday morning during breakfast, the blinds were open as I watched for the sunrise – something we haven’t seen much of late in Minnesota (clouds, clouds, clouds). All of a sudden Peppi chirped. Wow! I got all excited and “peeped” back to him. “Peep, peep,” he sang. I hurried to my stereo and started the CD of canary songs. Peppi started joining in. He sang and sang. His songs weren’t long, but clear and good. This morning was a repeat of yesterday. I am thrilled to hear him sing again. And there are no more feathers on the floor!

Along with this, a dear friend sent me this link to a fascinating U-tube on piano stairs: click here to watch and listen. It's fun. Enjoy!

Good Entertainment

With the membership of Netflix, I've found some good entertainment. I've watched many movies that I missed seeing in the theater, and I've located some old TV shows which I have been thoroughly enjoying. One of them is The Life of Riley, starring William Bendix. Another is Our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden. These were shown on television in the 1950's. But the biggest treat for me is watching the episodes of Father Knows Best, starring Robert Young. This half hour show which appeared on TV once a week, was one of my favorites then, and would be yet if it were still being shown.

Father Knows Best, in my opinion, was one of the best family shows ever. In watching the episodes now, I am seeing their true value - with family, morals, civic duty, relationships, and most importantly - respect for The Almighty. I keep thinking to myself, Why can't this series of half hour shows be rerun today? I would love my grandchildren to see them. I've seen all of season 1 and am a little ways into season 2. I watch most of them twice before returning them. They have interesting bonus material also. I believe there were 6 seasons in all.

Aurelia wearing her kitty hat (part of her Halloween costume)

"Smooch"

Peder and Aurelia treated me today by coming to my office so I could see Aurelia in her Halloween costume. Unfortunately, she would only wear the hat portion. I got to show her around to some of my friends. Author Beverly Lewis happened to be visiting today and told me she would like to meet Aurelia. That was an honor for me to have the two of them meet. Aurelia told Beverly and a few of our editors, “It’s nice to meet you.” That was a proud moment for Grandma D.

We also got to have a little lunch together at Burger King. Aurelia loves their apple fries (apples sliced like French fries).

Marshall and Grandma D

When Marshall and Heidi visited me earlier this month, we went to Target to have photos taken. The photographer took over 30 photos and of them we chose 3. This is one of them. Isn't he sweet!?

Aren't they cute?

This newspaper photo was taken at the Austin YMCA when Peder was about 8 and Hans about 11. Aren't they cute? Notice any resemblance with them and their kids? I do.

William Friedrich

Announcing my new grandson, William Friedrich. Born October 14, 2009.

Baby Shoe Necklace

L to R: William, Marshall, Aurelia, Annika, and Josiah

I treasure each of one my grandchildren, as I do my children and their spouses. To celebrate the birth and life of each of my grandchildren, I decided to start a charm necklace. Originally I had in mind to get a blue enameled shoe for each of the grandsons and a pink for each of the granddaughters. The day Josiah was born, I went to my local jewelry store and asked to buy one. They didn’t have any there but showed me a catalog from which I could order one. The jeweler told me, "You know, you could do that, but you will possibly end up having a blue and pink necklace. Whereas, this other company uses the actual birthstone of the month during which the baby was born and that could look quite nice. We don’t have any here to show you, but I would be happy to order the May shoe and let you look at it. You would be under no obligation to purchase it.” Since I had nothing to lose, I told her to proceed.

When the call came that the shoe was in, I went to the store as soon as I could. The little emerald studded shoe was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen. I didn’t need to think about it. And so started my shoe necklace.

Eighteen months later, on the day I learned Annika was born, I drove to the jewelry store to order her shoe – an amethyst. It has become my tradition to go to the store the day my new grandchild is born and order the appropriate shoe. It’s interesting that up to now, I have no two alike.

So, I now have the following:

Josiah – May, 2004 – emerald
Annika – February 2006 – amethyst
Aurelia – August 2007 – peridot
Marshall – November 2008 – topaz
William – October 2009 – pink tourmaline

P. S. There's another grandchild in the hopper!

A Room with a View

I office in a cubicle, but there are those in our building who have what I call "window seats." They have a room with a view. Several can look out at this beautiful sight. Isn't it lovely?

Aurelia's at my house

Good Morning!

Aurelia at the Minnesota Orchard

Which one should I buy?

Getting squeeky clean and having fun!

A future member for our choir? I hope so.

Last evening Aurelia came to spend a couple of nights with me. She was adorable as she entered my home saying, "Grandma D! Hi, Grandma D!" She was so happy to see me again. Then she went to say hi to Peppi. We had a little supper and then played with the dolls and puppets in my cottage.

At bedtime we curled up on my bed to read a few books. Aurelia said, "Grandma D's bed." She looked up at the potted plants above my bed and said, "Grandma D's flowers." It's only been the past few weeks that I've heard her say "Grandma D," and I think it's so cute!

Today we shopped for a few groceries, including some Honeycrisp apples and then went for a drive in the country to a couple of apple orchards, looking for a pumpkin for Aurelia and a chance to look at the fall foliage. Driving up to the Minnesota Orchard was awesome - Maple trees ablaze with yellows and oranges on my right, trees bending with apples on my left. The rows of apple trees were labeled either Harelson or Empire. Pulling up to the parking area, we spotted horses, many horses. Some being ridden by children and adults - in a row, some tied to posts, eating their lunch. This particular orchard was really crowded, both outside around the pumpkin displays, and indoors at the restaurant, bakery and apple tasting booths. Aurelia and I tasted an apple and made our way outside to see a little goat and a few more horses. The crowds were too much, so I headed to one of the other places we had passed earlier.

We stopped at a garden shop that sold primarily pumpkins and fall mums, corn stalks, gourds and decorative kale - or maybe it is decorative cabbage. Regardless, it is very pretty. I suggested to Aurelia she chose a pumpkin to take home. She went right to the small pumpkins and picked out one. Even though it is a pie pumpkin, I let her get it because it seemed to fit her. This year, along with the standard orange pumpkins, I saw the white ones, and new to me this year, a dull, light, squatty orange one they are calling the "Cinderella" pumpkin.

Tonight after eating pigs in a blanket, peas, tater tots, and an apple for supper, we played in the cottage for a little while. I turned on my computer and together Aurelia and I looked at pictures of my newest grandson, and her newest cousin, Will. She got to see cousins Annika and Josiah holding him. When she noticed I was crying, she said, "Grandma D, are you happy?" I am so happy! You can see the pictures of Will here. Aurelia has had a bath and been read to and is now sleeping soundly. She is an angel.

I Have a New Grandchild!

I’ve just returned from the jewelry store where I ordered the baby shoe for my precious new grandson, William Friedrich, born yesterday to Hans and Rachel in Germany. He is 6 pounds, 15 ounces, just under 21 inches long. He and Mommy are doing just fine. Hans told me he looks a little like Josiah – now 5 years old – and a little like Annika – now 3 ½ years old. I couldn’t be more pleased. I just wish they didn’t live so far away as I would love to hold him and see the others.

That brings the shoes on my Grandmother necklace to 5: Josiah, Annika, Aurelia, Marshall and Will.

Congratulations, Hans and Rachel!

Video Conferencing

In May Rachel gave me a video camera so I could video conference with them. I opened an account so I could use the same program as they, but didn’t get around to trying it until this past Sunday night. I plugged the camera into my computer and “Walla!” A message came up saying my computer “recognized the USB.” That’s good! I went to my new account and searched and searched for a button to click, allowing me start the process. Finding none, I emailed Hans for some help. He said, “Do you have such and such installed? You’ll need that.” No, I didn’t. So, I Googled the product and clicked “Download.” This whole download process took 50 minutes. By this time it was 8:50 pm – my time. It was 3:50 am in Germany. I emailed Hans to let him know I had completed it. The only reason he was still up was due to him watching the Twins in the playoff game on his computer. He suggested I try again on Monday during my lunch hour.

Monday noon came. I was in my cottage and booted up my computer. I looked for a button for “Hans” to click to indicate I wanted to video conference with him. No such luck. Ring, Ring, Ring. I answered my phone and it was Hans, calling to talk me through the process. In a few minutes I was seeing his whole family sitting in their living room and they were seeing me. Talk about exciting! I could see them and hear them “clear – as – a – bell,” so they say. The kids were adorable! Rachel looked beautiful; Hans looked handsome. I hadn’t seen him in 13 months – a very long time for a mother to not see her son.

Annika recited part of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and asked me what I was going to be for Halloween. I said I didn’t know and did she have any ideas. She said I could be a leopard and suggested I go to Toys R Us to buy my costume. I told her I have some high heels for her to play with the next time she comes to visit me. She wanted to know what they look like. I hope she doesn’t forget to ask me for them. I also told her she could try on my wedding dress. Josiah came up to the computer with a tan blanket over his back and part of his head. Grandma, I’m a bear! His smile melts my heart. We had lots of fun exchanges.

I guess we talked about a half hour. Rachel stood so I could see how she looks – and she looks great! Bless her heart. I thanked her for the camera. What a neat gift. I know I’ll get to see their new baby, Will, once he is born and gets home. This video conferencing is amazing! It would be fun if Heidi and Chad get one someday too.

Swedish Festival

Waist bags - called vaskors

L to R: Linda, Aunt Liz, Janet, Sandy, Diane, Pat


Sandy getting details from one of the hosts.

This photo was taken in the class room at Gammelgarden in Scandia.

Author Ewa Rydaker with her book Lucia Morning in Sweden. She autographed my copy.

Models of Swedish costumes.

She is carrying the birch bark basket for cheese making. The narrator is in the background.

Notice the waist bag - vaskor

This model is carrying a matching doll.

Part of my family and a dear friend attended the "Traditions in the Trunk Celebrating Swedish Folk Dress" at Gammelgarden in Scandia on October 3. It was a fun event where we saw beautiful handmade quilts and costumes from many of the provinces of Sweden. Since we have some Swedish heritage, this was especially fun for us. Though Aunt Liz knew of the town my Great-great grandfather, Nels Peterson, immigrated from when he was 14, none of the hosts seemed to know where it is located. I had fun imagining Nels' mother - my Great-great-great Grandmother, in one of these fine dresses. I thought they were beautiful! I also liked many of the hats they wore. In some ways, the dresses reminded me of the German dirndl - I guess it was because of the apron. (Maybe that's why I like wearing aprons so much!)

During the style show, the narrator, Margareta Hedblom, who had come from Sweden just for this event, told us it was the custom in the mid 1800's (about the time my family would have immigrated to America) for a bride to bring 12 pair of hand-made birch bark shoes to the marriage - one pair for each of the first 12 months of marriage. One model carried a birch bark basket which was used in making cheese. Each model wore a waist bag (vaskor). This would be similar to modern day "fanny packs."