Message from Karen on Sat Jul 17 12:50:45 2004
Right now I am sitting at my PBS Help Desk job. I am back from my 4 day trip in MEM. It was actually a really fun trip! The pilots were very cool and funny, and we had a very cushy schedule. The last night the overnight was in Alexandria, Louisiana and the hotel was awesome! We were done flying by 11:00 am so we spent the afternoon swimming (it was almost 100 degrees and unbelievable humidity). Yesterday we had a pretty eventful landing, as a thunderstorm was moving into MEM. The pilots had to decide whether to try to land, just as we were approaching the runway amid windshear warnings, but if we aborted the landing we would head right up deeper into the storm. There was a young woman Saab pilot non-revving in row 1, facing me, and I watched her face the whole time and her eyes were big as saucers and she says "windshear!", and then after we touched down she's like "oh they did such a GOOD JOB!" We were the last plane to land, and the ramp was already closed - meaning no one to park us, so we sat there on the ramp for 30 minutes until the storm passed before we could deplane. Our deadhead home on a NW 757 was 4 hrs late because our inbound aircraft had diverted during the storm. But aside from that excitement it was a great trip!
Message from Roger on Fri Jul 16 08:56:50 2004
This is mostly a message for Tim and Tom. Do you guys remember my friend Don Sacre who went up to the boundry waters with us. I was sad to learn that he passed away June 24th from stomack cancer. He was a really nice guy.
Message from Roger on Wed Jul 14 13:29:45 2004
Nice to hear from you Charlene. You have the right idea, if all you do is houseaork you will have an immaculate house and that will define who you are. You want to be identified by something more interesting - even if it isn't "perfect." What you could do is to write a book about going to a small, liberal arts college in the Midwest during the tempestious 60's. How's that for an idea?
Message from Charlene on Wed Jul 14 08:31:19 2004
Yes, sorry to be so silent over here......my days lately have been so BUSY! I really love being retired, but it's a lot to get used to. I have been doing a lot of gardening, and garden planning, etc., and I've also been getting after a lot of housekeeping tasks that have been piling up. What I need to do, though, is to learn to set time aside each day to do something "fun", like go for a walk, or read a book. I don't want to spend each day doing only housework, but it is neat to finally have the time. Anyway, yesterday was my first day back at work. It was really strange! I spent some time visiting with people, and answering a few questions, but my goal was to get back to my task of going through my files and working on cleaning out my office. I never got there. Dwight kept giving me tasks to do, as if I never left. Checking on budget stuff, talking to me about hiring decisions, etc., etc. Just as I am getting used to not being a part of all that, I come back one day, and I'm right back in it. It was really strange. It was kind of like, well I'm here today, so I might as well do this and this and now this. At least there was no urgency to get anything done, and no deadlines to meet, so that was ok. It was so tempting to say that I'd come in again today, but I held firm to my plan of only one day a week, so I'm not going back in until next week. Nobody asked me to come in today -- they just ask me when I'm coming in next, so it's totally up to me.
Message from Roger on Mon Jul 12 22:47:43 2004
Everything is alright - Charlene was found working in her garden.
Message from Roger on Fri Jul 9 11:21:02 2004
Can someone tell me, Did Charlene and Tim already go to Alaska?
Message from Karen on Wed Jul 7 08:41:46 2004
Well actually I was hoping to finish up about that time... Kelly has the day off and we have plans but I thought I could come over there early and let her sleep in and then we could go from there. Well, then... maybe today... I have a hair appt in Rockford that should get done around 12:30 or so. I'll give you a call. Guess what I'm doing before that - meeting the person that (drum roll please) BOUGHT OUR LUMINA that we have had for sale on car soup for FOREVER, as we complete the transaction with the exchange of cash and title at the Hennepin County Service Center. So nice to get that thing out of the driveway and cancel the insurance and just be done with trying to sell it!
Message from Roger on Tue Jul 6 14:36:59 2004
Karen, I will be working at AAA until about 11:00 AM and then come straight home. You can call your mother and tell her I invited you to lunch if you like. I would like to get the photo session.
Message from Karen on Tue Jul 6 14:21:09 2004
Hi all. Kelly is home from visiting Charlene - sounds like she had a good time and approves of the "new basement". I just wanted to encourage everyone to watch the debut of Amazing Race tonight! It is such a good show! If you like Survivor (Charlene!) it's like one long "challenge". If you think you don't like reality TV, this one is different. It won an Emmy, and the TV critic in the StarTribune (and he is HARSH) even recommends it. The thing I like is that they are visiting so many different countries and they incorporate the culture into the challenges that they present the teams. The premise, which I haven't yet mentioned, is that there are eleven teams of 2, that race to various checkpoints. Along the way they have to accomplish tasks, such as finding a particular local vendor amongst a crowded marketplace in Mexico City for example, or sometimes they are given a choice between a quick & scary path, versus safe and slow.... for example take a hang glider down the mountain or walk down the path, to find the next clue. At the end of each show they reach that day's final checkpoint for a 12 hour rest period and the last team to arrive is eliminated. The teams might be husband/wife, best friends, brothers, whatever. They are given local money for buses, taxis or whatever, but airfare is covered for them, but getting the fastest flight to the next city can be quite competitive. Anyway... it is fun to watch!! Try it, you'll like it! It's on Ch 4 at 8:30 here.
Dad, how is the photo experimentation going? I'm looking at maybe Thursday morning to be able to come over there again?
Message from Hal on Mon Jul 5 19:12:38 2004
Happy Fourth of July, everyone. We celebrated the Fourth by watching Michael Moore's Farenheit 911. We highly recommend it for all to view. Love it or hate it, there is disturbing information that needs to be heard, particularly the level of investment that Saudi Arabia has in this country among other things. It definitely has an anti-Bush bias, but it also may swing some votes away from that moron that we reluctantly have to admit is our current president. We hope that you all had a chance to relax this weekend. We did take a nice hike into the mountains today (very cleansing). Take care, Hal and Ruth.
Message from Roger on Mon Jul 5 16:01:45 2004
Well Karen, How was te trip to new places. Did you have an ice cream cone at the shop that is such a big favorite with the Penn State students?
Message from Roger on Fri Jul 2 08:53:50 2004
Thanks for your info, Karen. I hope that when you get back you will have time for a tutorial on the "Pinnacle Program" (not to be confused with the airline). You demonstrated what it can do, but not really how to do it. We will study over the weekend, and then maybe we can do a small demo taking pictures from several sources. What do you think?
Message from Karen on Thu Jul 1 22:49:10 2004
Just checking in, I got back from Crosslake a little while ago, because I have to work tomorrow. The rest of the gang are coming back on Saturday. What a beautiful week up at the lake! Unbelievable weather! We had lots of fun - fishing started out a little slow (colder water than usual) but then Mark (age 9) caught a 7 pound Northern! 31 inches! Minutes before he had caught his very first ever Northern, which was quite puny, and didn't want to release it because it was "his first". Then, lo and behold, he hooks the monster - Tom helped him land it because it was diving under the boat and going towards the motor - Mark was very grateful for that. The owners of the resort were so excited and took his picture with it for the "wall of fame" in the recreation building. So tonight we had the fish fry before I left. I just talked to Kelly and she said they went out fishing for a short while again and Mark caught ANOTHER big fish - a five pound Northern! Anyway... I'm home now, getting ready to head out for a 3 day trip on the dark side. I will be overnighting in our newest Mesaba city: Kitchener, Ontario... then the 2nd night in State College, Pennsylvania. Now that I have a line I am able to look up who I am flying with, and I see that the FO is a guy I've flown with twice before - the first time being the time in Memphis when we crashed into another Saab. We had one reunion since then, a couple months ago. I knew I had flown with him before but I didn't remember when, and he goes, "didn't we crash a couple Saabs together in MEM?" Oh yeah! That was you! So anyway, I had better get going to bed here... Talk to you all next week. I get home Sunday night.
Message from Charlene on Wed Jun 30 19:31:16 2004
Well, Dad, don't forget the entire Boerner clan is up at Cross Lake and probably not able to post on the board.....I've got a busy day tomorrow with a youth program at church...then I'm off again on Friday. So far, I love the time off I am having. I'll never get tired of this!
Message from Roger on Wed Jun 30 06:43:08 2004
The "silence" on this board is overwhelming. I feel a great pressure to DO SOMETHING, or at least PLAN to do something.
Message from Roger on Mon Jun 28 06:11:24 2004
Thanks for the recommendation on "Whale Rider." This was the first movie that we rented on the DVD, and I also enjoyed it. This was the first time that I saw the "extra" material on making the movie, scenes that we removed, and directors information. This info was especially important because it was a culture we didn't know much about. I am glad you saw it.
Message from Charlene on Sun Jun 27 22:31:45 2004
Tim and I just watched the greatest movie on DVD. It was Whale Rider, which is based on the Maori legend of the forefather of this particular Maori tribe. It is a beautiful movie filmed in a little village in New Zealand with a unbelievable young girl they found in a school for the lead role. A neighbor recommended this to us --- thought you guys might like it too if you haven't seen it. We're so behind on watching movies --- maybe you have all seen it already and this is old news. Mom and Dad, if you're at the video store and looking for something to rent, give it a try. I know you would love it.
Message from Roger on Sun Jun 27 15:04:03 2004
Charlene, If I owned a resort, I would just have customers like you. Your are always very positive. We are glad you BOTH had a good time.
Message from Charlene on Sun Jun 27 08:14:37 2004
Hi everyone! We're back from the cold and windy North Woods. You're right, Dad. The ice wasn't quite strong enough for ice fishing - hee! hee! Seriously, it was SO COLD and SO WINDY! I didn't mind the coolness of the days in the beginning, but what I didn't expect was that the weather would get colder and rainier as the week went by! Thursday was horrible and Friday was downright COLD! Oh well! We still had fun. This was intended to be totally relaxing and neither one of us had much of an agenda, except for going fishing into Basswood once with the fly fishing guide, Chris Kleist, that Tim has gone with several times in the past. He knows Tim so well by now that he even calls him "Timmy". Anyway, that was Monday, and luckily the weather wasn't really too bad. We got rained on at the end of the day, but we were dressed for it. Fishing was great, as it always is with Chris. We got at least 20 walleye in about an hour and a half....we kept 13, some for a shore lunch and some to take home for another fish meal in the cabin. Chris got a big 7 or 8 pounder that he let go. (The walleye weren't caught on fly rods - only Tim fished with a fly rod at all, anyway). Then, in the afternoon, we fished for smallmouth bass and northern. Tim caught quite a few on his fly rod, so he had fun. All in all, it was a great day, but long and hard, especially for Tim, who has been really down and out with a bad cold. So the rest of the vacation was spent just kicking back and not worrying about the weather (or how bad the fishing there was). The wind was so cold and what with Tim not feeling well, we just didn't push it. We went shopping one day....we went to the Ely-Winton History Museum....and we went to the Wolf Center. Then we went out to dinner on Friday night...otherwise we cooked in. I had planned all the food and stuff just perfectly. We never needed to run to the store -- I had everything. The cabin was great! A big comfortable log cabin with a big deck and a gorgeous view (except for the big tree in front of ours -- you just had to look around it). The fishing on that lake, by the way, was TERRIBLE (Garden Lake). Don't know if it was due to the unusual temperatures or what, but it was awful -- we caught about 5 or 6 smallmouth the whole week and a couple of rock bass. No big deal, though, we had a nice relaxing time. I put together that 1000 piece puzzle you gave me, Mom and Dad. That was really fun! I put in 999 pieces. Tim contributed one piece. Oh well, I guess puzzles aren't his thing. He read four books. I'll stop rambling now. I'm looking forward to this next week so much cause it will really seem like a "normal" retired week with no trip to get ready for or whatever.....just relax and work around the house, I guess. Can't wait!
Message from Roger on Sat Jun 26 06:37:17 2004
That's OK Karen, about the tuturial session, I'll catch you when I can. I can hardly wait to hear how Tim and Charlene made out on the fishing. I hear the ice wasn't strong enough for ice fishing - that;s the trouble with Ely in the summer. You can't count on good conditions.
Message from Karen on Sat Jun 26 06:14:20 2004
Well I am at the airport sitting Ready Reserve today, to celebrate my LAST DAY OF RESERVE!!! Yes, it's true... I got a "line" (schedule) for July!!! So now I am a "line holder" not a "reserve" - or rather starting in July I am. But I have the rest of June off after today because it's our week up at Crosslake. I have a trip starting Friday so I will come back Thursday night. Anyway, I was pretty pumped to get the line. My Detroit classmates are still on reserve, but I hope they get a line in August - I think they will. Dad, I am still trying to find some time to come over there.... MAYBE later today if I get done at 3:00... maybe I can swing by between packing and stuff - or maybe I shouldn't even say that! I will know more at 3:00! Charlene comes home today - Charlene, I hope the Ely trip was RELAXING. Kelly has 4th of July plans with her Stillwater friend, Britt, and might want to visit you on her way back - I think on the 5th, but she can tell you more. We will have to talk on cell phones this week about that. TTFN
Message from Karen on Wed Jun 23 14:38:20 2004
You and me both - first thing I checked! By the way, I'm on a 3 day trip. Brainerd last night, Rhinelander tonight. We don't fly out till 4:00 pm tomorrow so I will be spending the day in Rhinelander.
Message from Roger on Wed Jun 23 11:03:12 2004
Well Karen, I was sure relieved to see that the plane that landed at the Air Force field instead of Rapid City was a Northwest plane not a Mesaba plane.
Message from Charlene on Fri Jun 18 22:59:32 2004
Well, I'm glad my fourth day of retirement was such a hit. It was a lot of fun, and very relaxed compared to today. I was racing from stem to stern shopping, washing clothes and getting organized for our simple little fishing trip we leave on tomorrow morning for Ely. I so much wanted to have everything packed -- all the food for the week, the cooking supplies, the books, the puzzles, not to mention the clothes, by the time Tim came home from work so he would see how much help it will be for me to be home. Well, I basically accomplished my goal, but I am pooped! This retirement stuff is way too busy, so far. I can't wait to just kick back up north and RELAX! Karen, sorry I didn't call you like I said I would. Hope you guys have a great time at Emily's wedding. Also, wish Gerry and Willie well for me at the anniversary party. I called her and sent her a card. So, we will be at Deer Ridge Resort in Ely (www.deerridgeresort.com) and I will have my cell phone on, in case of emergency. Have a good week everyone!
Message from Roger on Fri Jun 18 13:25:09 2004
Maybe I can tell you a little about Charlene's fourth day of retirement. She went over to her parents apartment and took the to lunch at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka. They had a nice table on the porch overlooking the lake. Afterwards she came up to the apartment and shared her retirement plaques and a poster "of memories" with many pictures over the years - like with her pet electron microscope. She left several nice gifts for her father - a shirt and the deluxe edition of the "Master & Commander - On the Far Side of the World" DVD. She did her grocery shopping on the ay home, which made it a productive as well as a fun day. Her father was very pleased with the day.
Message from Charlene on Tue Jun 15 07:41:25 2004
Thought I'd tell all of you how my first day of leisure went. I had fun, but didn't spend as much time at home as I am hoping to do in the future. My retired teacher friends, John and Sandy picked me up on their way to Treasure Island Casino and after picking up John's 87 year old Mom, we went down to the Casino cause they give 10 free pull tabs on Monday morningis. I won $1.50. John and I played black jack for a long time (over an hour) and although I was once $15 up, I walked away with the same $20 I had put out on the table. I had to enroll in the players club there in order to get the pull tabs, and they give you $5.00 worth of points the first day you use it. So, I played a few machines, lost a little and left the casino down $3.50. I consider that a good day at the casino. Even though I love playing black jack, that's not how I want to spend my retirement days, especially on beautiful days like yesterday. When I got home, I took off to do some errands and ended up driving home in Hwy 36 rush hour traffic! Yuk! The lab only called me once, although I told them I wouldn't mind. Oh, by the way, the party at Dwight's house on Saturday was wonderful. Several brought little gifts and Dwight and Elaine gave me a piece of art that they had asked our designer to pick out for our downstairs. (They had recommeded our designer to us, so they knew him). He picked out a piece of art from a gallery in Wisconsin that he knows well. It's not exactly our style, but we have decided that it's just perfect for the spot and we're going to keep it. It's a water color with lots of brightly colored "dots" that look like a flower garden (sort of). The frame matches the room perfectly....a light wood frame with sharp corners...he even told us what wall to put it on -- immediately to the right of the TV. It really is perfect! So, today I have an all day training event at the church for a youth program that I will be volunteering for this summer. So, I'm busy, busy, busy! (So far!). I will say that it's going to take me awhile to stop thinking about work. I don't even think that when I left last Friday, that I really realized how "final" this was. I was so tired of cleaning out my stuff, I just wanted to go home and come back on the weekend, but I wouldn't allow myself to do that. I'm going to try to keep my contact with the lab this week to a minimum, if any at all, and then next week, we'll be in Ely. I'll be home for another two weeks before I go back part time. That will give them and me some time to get more used to this whole thing. It is weird, but I think I really am going to love it. As long as I stop feeling guilty. I'll get over it.
Message from Roger on Mon Jun 14 12:21:16 2004
Hei Everybody, Isn't that a nice note from Marilyn. I certainly agree with all the nice things she had to say about the 2nd generation of our family. One thing I do want to say, however, is that we have not always lived a quiet, dull life. It was pretty exciting bringing up three children like you guys.
Message from Roger on Mon Jun 14 12:21:13 2004
Hei Everybody, Isn't that a nice note from Marilyn. I certainly agree with all the nice things she had to say about the 2nd generation of our family. One thing I do want to say, however, is that we have not always lived a quiet, dull life. It was pretty exciting bringing up three children like you guys.
Message from Marilyn on Sun Jun 13 20:06:26 2004
Gosh - our lives are certainly tame compared to Charlene and Karen -- we are so proud of both of you and your achievements and activities. (Yes, Hal, we are also proud of you, too). Charlene -- take the time to "catch your breath" and come down to earth. It's been quite a journey. Karen - thanks for sending along the copy of the company Newslett34--it is very interesting and helps us to understand what you are doing. Our biggest achievement was going to the St. David's picnic today. Fortunately the weather was beautiful. They (thanksfully) decided not to have the church service outdoors, but everyone (including Jim) was in shorts or slacks. The picnic was outside and there was certainly plenty of good food. Roger is presently "taking a little nap" to help recover from the big day. I am sure he will enjoy reading Karen's message when he wakes up. (He has already ready Charlene's note). Thanks for the communications. We really do enjoy hearing about what you are doing and achieving.
Message from Karen on Sun Jun 13 14:45:43 2004
So I am all done with Recurrent Ground School now - I passed - so I am ok for another year! It was fun getting to know some of the other flight attendants better, and especially hearing stories of experiences. One Cincinnati FA had a story about having a passenger DIE in the lavatory! They hooked up the defibrulator but he was too far gone so a shock was never delivered. Anyway, when we did introductions the first day, one girl tells me she just saw my picture in the latest "Newslaunch" our bi-weekly company newsletter! I'm thinking, what in the world for? It was for the PBS Help Desk work that I do, and it's right on the cover! The picture doesn't even look like me anymore because it's my ID badge photo from over a year ago. But anyway, if you want to see it, CLICK HERE.
Message from Charlene on Fri Jun 11 19:58:30 2004
Wow! What a day! I got up especially early, getting to work about 7:30 (much earlier than usual) cause I had SO MUCH TO DO! I just had to get certain things done before I left even though I'm coming back in a month. Well, I really pushed it hard....I was the last to leave at 5:00 and now I feel pretty good about it. There was a party for me (and two others) at lunch time in our conference room - pizza, cake and lemonade. Everyone in our department and other special people in my work life were there, and my lab put together a poster for me. It had sentiments, pictures from my career, the list of my talks, my papers, etc. It was wonderful. I guess I don't feel any different yet, but I'm sure I will next week when I'm at home instead of at work. People have been so nice and said so many nice things. Now, the last party is tomorrow night at Dwight's house. It's been fun!
Message from Hal on Thu Jun 10 08:54:32 2004
I don't know what to think. My younger sister is retiring and my "kid" sister is a grandmother. At least I'm not getting any older (and denial is a river in Egypt). Congratulations Charlene on such a long and well-served tenure at the U. You deserve all of these parties. Is there any truth to the rumor that a new biology building on campus is being named after you?
Message from Charlene on Wed Jun 9 23:05:51 2004
Thought I would send an update on my last week of work. Well, the parties are starting and it is also starting to sink in. This afternoon, the School of Dentistry honored me, along with 2 or 3 others, for our upcoming retirements and our long years of service. (Mine was the longest! - 35 years). They closed the clinics and had an ice cream social - Tim took off work and came. My boss said a few words. He almost cried. I almost cried. And then they presented me with two plaques -- pretty neat! Now I have two days left to get everything done! - it won't happen! I will have to concentrate on what absolutely has to get done for now, and then just do the rest when I come back part time in July. More parties on Friday and Saturday. Can't believe this is really happening, but I am really excited! OK, Dad....our vacations....we go to Ely on June 19th through the 26th, and then we go to Alaska on August 15th, returning August 29th. That's all (unless we go somewhere on an impulse!).
Message from Roger on Wed Jun 9 19:58:26 2004
To Everyone: I hope that you all will post your vacation dates and times as they become settled. With the summer vacation season upon us, I think it could be real helpful if we knew what everyone was doing, don't you?
Message from Roger on Mon Jun 7 19:27:39 2004
Hay Hal, Our friend Fred and his wife Martha are leaving Minneapolis tomorrow night on the train for Portland. They will ariive Thursday. The are going to a reunion of his ship in the Navy - the USS Murray. I am going to give himw your phone number and adddress, so he will probably call you. They will be back here next Tuesday morning, which means they will leave Portland Sunday afternoon.
Message from Roger on Sat Jun 5 23:48:12 2004
Well Karen, you know they say that people who run together will stay together - providing they run in the same direction. I have never heard of "wedding T-shirts" - that shows real "out-of-the-box" thinking. Sounds like a fun day.
Message from Karen on Sat Jun 5 21:46:08 2004
One down, three to go - for our June wedding marathon. Today's wedding was on campus in Boe Chapel. One of Kelly's friends (a runner) marrying one of Jeff's friends (also a runner). As previously mentioned, Kelly was a bridesmaid. After the ceremony there was a reception in one of the banquet rooms on campus, and then something a bit unusual! A "Wedding 5K Fun Run/Walk"! On the response card we had to indicate if we would be participating in the Run/Walk, because they even gave out t-shirts to all the finishers. The walking course was actually only 2K so that it was timed to finish up at the same time as the runners. Jeff ran, the rest of us walked, except for Alice - she slept through the whole thing but did participate via the jogging stroller. Naturally this took place on the renowned St Olaf cross country course - the same course used for the MN State High School Championship Meet. I will be on reserve Mon-Wed, then Thursday I start 3 days of Recurrent Ground School - our once a year refresher course, including competency checks on emergency equipment, and a big fat final exam. I have been studying already, but I need to do a lot more in the next few days!
Message from Karen on Fri Jun 4 08:33:33 2004
That's good news, but I feel bad she can't use the chain saw. Geez, right when she's getting her garden going. (he he)
I just got back from a 3 day trip (half jet, half Saab). The first day we went to our newest Mesaba city: Austin, Texas - but just for a turn unfortunately. Wish we had an overnight there, the sun and heat felt great on that dreary rainy Minnesota day. But now it's nice here, so all the better! We have a wedding tomorrow - one of Kelly's friends, she's a bridesmaid, and Nora and I are going to Sarah Varner's bridal shower tonight. June has begun!!
Message from Roger on Thu Jun 3 18:01:17 2004
Well, I just brought Marilyn home from Methodist. Her surgery was about 11:40 AM, but she had been put to sleep for the proceedure. They had her resting all afternoon. It was the consensus of the nurses and the doctor that everything went well. She will be taking it sorta easy tomorrow. The doctor does not want her to drive or use a chain saw tomorrow. She can receive visitors.
Message from Roger on Fri May 28 21:42:11 2004
Yes Karen I had assured myself that we met at the Ground Round - just forget it Your mother alrady told me that it was Ciatti's. That will work out ok because our car will probably be at Dale and Dottie's. This board works very well in straightening out all the confusion - in the long run.
Message from Karen on Fri May 28 20:11:56 2004
Man oh man oh man! I have been WORKING!!! Just got done with a 3 day trip on the jet. I'm exhausted - but in a good way :) it was a good trip. I flew with our #2 Flight Attendant - that's out of 500 FA's company wide! In fact - get this - she is #2 on the seniority list COMPANY WIDE including EVERYONE right up to the CEO! There is one FA ahead of her on the list and that one lives out past us in Greenfield of all places! Anyway, I had never really met this gal before, but she had worked the White Plains flights that Kelly and I flew on in October, and I remember thinking at that time that she was soooo good at her job. So it was really fun to work with her, we had a good time. We spent most of the trip on the dark side, and when on the jet that means the gate is so far away from the crew room (in DTW) I never even had a chance to check email for 2 days. Our stops included Cincinnati, Burlington (Vermont - first time I've ever been in Vermont), Saginaw, overnights in Green Bay and Des Moines, and 2 turns to Madison.
So about Sunday, it looks like we all are on the same page on that now. We'll just have to wait until they announce inside or outside before we can really nail down the little details. You are all invited to come to Ciatti's (in Burnsville) with us after Graduation, just like we did for Jeff's. I remember being so pleased with how that all went. Dad, what are you talking about the Ground Round? Did I miss something? Were you thinking that was where we went, or are you talking about something else? Oh well, anyway the place is Ciatti's - when going north on 35, exit 35E, then 42 and it's about there.
Tomorrow they actually have me sitting Ready Reserve at the airport. Always likely on your last day of a block of reserve, but with all the hours I have I thought I might be spared. Oh well, that's the deal. I should just have one more month of Reserve - I could have had a line (schedule) in June but then I wouldn't have gotten any weekends off for the 4 weddings, 50th Anniversary for Willy & Gerry, and a few days up in Brainerd. As a "senior" reserve person, I can pretty much pick my days off. In July I'll go for the schedule. See you all soon.
Message from Roger on Fri May 28 13:05:51 2004
this is message for Marilyn. I talked to Charlene and we are going to meet Char and Tim at Dale and Dotties about 12:15 on Sunday. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 PM. If it is held inside (charlene will know by 12:15) we will watch it at the Science Center or some other wired venue. We will grab lunch enroute to Northfield. See you later.
Message from Roger on Fri May 28 11:37:42 2004
Karen, I checked, and that Ground Round restaurant has closed. Possibly Grandma's at 4301 w. 80th St. Bloomington 952-897-0533 would meet your needs. Grandma's is about France Ave as I remember.
Message from Charlene on Fri May 28 07:42:19 2004
Dad, I know that the ceremony is at 2:30 in the afternoon. I also need to get some information from Karen so we can figure out exactly what we're going to do on that day. I've tried to call her the last couple of nights but couldn't reach her. We're not spending the night in Northfield on Saturday after all, so we can meet you somewhere and drive down to Northfield with you on Sunday....
Message from Roger on Thu May 27 20:31:17 2004
As of 8:30 our phone service has been restored - all thos people waiting to call us can now do so.
Message from Roger on Thu May 27 19:49:01 2004
For some mysterious reason our land telephone line is out. I'm glad comcast is on the cable line. Our cell phones are on if you need to have a confidential conversation. Any time we can get the Sunday schedule from anyone, it would be appreciated. I worry about being the only one who doesn't get the "word."
Message from Charlene on Thu May 27 09:53:09 2004
Thanks, Dad. It helps to have people helping me keep this all in perspective. I'm just so darn conscientious, I guess, that I feel that everything has to be perfect and done before I go. Plus, as you say, I won't be REALLY going.....yet! It's just so funny to be so looking forward to June 11th and at the same time, dreading it cause it's coming so fast, and I need more time. I think I'll just concentrate on the fun part and forget the other. Thanks!
Message from Roger on Wed May 26 09:15:08 2004
Charlene, Stop worrying! You are not retiring in the classsical way where you have a spot on the organizational chart" and on a given day you are erased and someone else is written in. You clean out your desk and then another person has that desk. The change is dramatic. You are just sliding out of a position where you classification on the "organizational chart" is "everything not already specified for someone else." You also are going to remain in the area - you are not going to move to Green Valley next month, so everything will be OK in the long run. You are lucky with your secretarial replacement; that was the "irreplaceable" part of your job. Just think they will probably give you a retirement party every year.
Message from Charlene on Wed May 26 07:36:35 2004
Thought I'd check in and tell everyone how I'm doing as I get closer to my retirement day - June 11th is my last day. I will be coming back, very part time, but not until after July 12th (they call it a temporary, casual appointment - I plan to be VERY temporary and VERY casual). The retirement rules are that I can't officially come back for two pay periods, I guess. Anyway, I am so frantic at work, trying to get everything "done" by June 11th. It's not going to happen, of course, which is precisely why I will be coming back for awhile. I tell everyone that I will only be working about one day a week, which is actually somewhat determined by my retirement rules. I have trained someone else to handle all the lab leadership stuff (except no one but me and Dwight know anything about the electron microscope (!)) but the office stuff that I do still hasn't been handed over to anyone. BUT, the good news is that we had a terrific applicant for a half-time secretary and she has accepted the job! She has just moved back to her home state of Minnesota from New York. She did this exact job in a lab at Rockefeller University in New York City for five years, and she couldn't believe that she could find a job so suited to her! It's 50% time, which is just what she wanted cause she's also a musician (violin) and music teacher. She will help with running the office, ordering supplies, keeping all the records for all the grants, helping with the grant applications, etc., etc. She'll start on June 1st, and she thinks that two weeks to overlap with me is all she needs to learn.....trouble is, that's not all I want to be doing for those last two weeks. You should see my little back room ("my office"). It's a huge mess and I haven't gone through any of my research notes from the last umteen years! Most of them can probably be thrown, but not all. I still have about ten drawers out in the lab to go through and empty out. PLUS all my samples in the refrigerators and freezers, that I'm sure people are waiting for me to go through. I have my hands full! My plan is, for now, to just concentrate on making lists so people know who to call and how to do stuff (that I always do for them) so that they will get along okay without me. The cleaning can wait until I come back in July. I wish I could be getting excited as I approach June 11th, instead of getting so nervous about how little time I have left to get everything done the way I want to. I just can't wait to get through these next two and a half weeks! I hear little whispers about parties being planned for me during the last week. Nobody can believe that I am really going (after 35 years!), but guess what! I AM and I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Just get me there!
Message from Roger on Mon May 24 21:04:36 2004
Thanks Karen, I think there is a lot more potential in this new pc than we have and idea of. I was amazed at how quick that power point that Reidunn sent me came up. Everything is very very quick.
Message from Karen on Sun May 23 12:53:35 2004
Mom and Dad, I still want to come over and customize your new computer a little more. I'll bring some pictures so we can jazz up your desktop, and even a screensaver. I have been working these days - yesterday just a turn to Peoria (we flew into heavy rain and wind - quite turbulent - today I am starting a 2 day trip with an overnight in Eau Claire. Jeff and Nora (and Alice of course) went to Iowa for the weekend to check out housing. Kelly is all done with finals! She came home for a couple days to work at RBC, as everyone else is still finishing up with exams. Then the senior week activities start including a trip to a Saints game. Graduation Sunday. TTFN (ta ta for now)
Message from Karen on Sat May 22 16:16:01 2004
I told you you would love it!!
Message from Roger on Sat May 22 12:25:12 2004
I am so relieved that Karen approved of the computer/printer hardware. Computers are developing so fast now that you get left behind pretty quick. That very much Karen for your efforts in setting things up. Reidunn sent me an eight page power point and this computer brought in up like it was a page of text.
Message from Marilyn on Sat May 22 09:50:29 2004
Some of you have heard that our computer "crashed" a few days ago. After checking with our "technical advisor" (Karen) we went to Best Buy and came home with a new COMPAQ computer and LEXMARK printer! Our "Advisor" was kind enough to come over and install everything for us--Thanks a million, Karen! Lucky for us she was home and not somehwere else in her busy world! Now, we are learning all the new "tricks," features, etc.
Message from Roger on Tue May 18 22:03:13 2004
Hey Karen, The Time magazine has an article on cicadas. I'm glad they don't come this far up also. They don't seem to do much damage, but their bodies stink when they die - there are so many of them.
Message from Karen on Sun May 16 21:33:01 2004
The Cincinnati Flight Attendant I worked with last week was talking about the Cicadas about to emerge. She said they have to cover their trees and bushes with cheesecloth to protect them from those gross bugs! I never heard of them before and then after she mentioned it I heard about it on Headline News in my hotel room. So glad we don't have those in MN. Then the next morning on the way to the airport (in Green Bay) she says: What's that black bird with the red wing? Our captain said, That's a Red Wing Blackbird. Apparently they don't have them in CVG. I'll take the birds and she can have the bugs.
Message from Roger on Sun May 16 20:09:58 2004
WQhat can I say? Sunday is a day of rest - and today both the Twins and the Timberwolves rested.
Message from Roger on Sun May 16 12:35:35 2004
I was just reading about the Cicadas who are swarming to mate this year. It said they only do that every 17 years. That means the next time the mate Alice will be in college.
Message from Roger on Sun May 16 12:25:30 2004
Question: Who is the best hitter? Frank Thomas (White Sox) or Torii Hunter (Twins). Last night Torii got 4 times as many hits as Thomas; he scored 3 times as many runs as Thomas; he hit 2 times as many homeruns as Thomas; and he hit 57% of the hits his team had, and Thomas had 25% of the hits they had. Maybe the pitching had something to do with it? Torii batted three times (with a single, double and a home run) against Loaisa, the Sox best pitcher and AL strike out leader last year, and Thomas had to face a pitcher who last won a game in the majors in 2001.
Message from Roger on Fri May 14 23:08:38 2004
Hal, Here is late breaking news - Twins-3 White Sox-2. Twins scored two runs in the 8th. Game ended with White Sox man on 1st, Harris their highest average hitter fouling off pitches, 1 out. Hit and run, Harris fans and Blanc (Twins catcher throws out runner - strike 'em out, throw 'em out. I love it.
Message from Roger on Fri May 14 13:41:38 2004
Well Hal, I guess you noticed that the Twins took three from the Maariners this week. The Mariners had 38 hits, but only two of them were for extra bases. For the three games the Twins scored just three more runs than the Mariners - one per game. Yesterday they won 1-0. The Mariners had two runners out at the plate. The first was a force out with the bases loaded (obviously). and then Spezio struck out. In the 8th with Spezio on 2nd and two outs, the batter hit a single to center and Torii Hunter charged the ball and made the perfect play to the plate and Spezio was out. The Seattle Times said the Mariners keep making average pictures look like aces. Well now the Mariners can go take their frustations out on the Yankees. Talk to you later. How did you like the book?
Message from Roger on Wed May 12 16:51:58 2004
Karen. I'm glad you are so flexible - and so philosophical. You are certainly the right person for that job.
Message from Karen on Wed May 12 06:21:00 2004
Well things changed for me again. Yesterday the flight attendant that was sick resumed her trip, so when we got back from Green Bay I went home. Today I am at the airport sitting Ready Reserve - haven't had to do that for a long time, so I guess it's my turn.
Message from Karen on Mon May 10 15:54:51 2004
I started a four day trip today. When I talked to you, Mom, it was a 3 day, but they called me twice and changed it before I got to the airport. As it stands now I will get back on Thursday. Possibly in the morning, but possibly not. I just got back from Pittsburgh (I'm on the jet, obviously), next is Green Bay, then Green Bay again for an overnight, tomorrow is St Louis and LaCross (overnight) then Wed is Madison, and Cincinnati (overnight). Then I deadhead home on Thursday morning. Talk to you later.
Message from Marilyn on Mon May 10 08:14:46 2004
Just to let you know that Charlene and Tim were able to tape the carpet down on our deck yesterday -- just before the storm hit! Thanks a million! Now I can begin to get some plants outside.
Message from Karen on Fri May 7 20:52:07 2004
So you'll never guess what happened... we asked a neighbor girl to bring in our mail while we were gone. She didn't even need to check on the cat - we left plenty of food and water out, so I asked her to just get the mail out of the box and hide it in the car in the driveway. When we got back, the mail wasn't in the car, so apparently she decided to take it home with her. We got back early Thursday, and the evening came and went without us getting our mail. I kind of was hoping she would bring it over - I'd even be a little more generous with the fee - but by Friday we realized we needed stop over and get our mail. She and her mom came to the door and we chatted a bit and then they went to go get the mail.... couldn't find it.... called her husband... cut to the chase: her husband threw it away! It went out in today's garbage pick up! Can you believe it?! Three days of mail! We keep running through in our minds what might have been in there... can't think of anything in particular that we were expecting that would be crucial, but geezzzz. I guess I wish she would have done what I asked which was to put it in the car!!!
Message from Roger on Fri May 7 17:14:52 2004
Karen - thanks for the update of your life. Didn't you tell me that the reason you all call Detroit the "dark side" is that things just don't work right over there? No wonder your orders got changed - did you get to eat the meat ball sandwich?
Message from Karen on Thu May 6 11:47:14 2004
Yes, we're back now. My "dark side" trip was interrupted on Saturday night, when scheduling called me during my dinner break (just after I ordered and paid for a hot meatball sandwich and a large pop - she was still actually making the sandwich) and directed me immediately to a Green Bay flight on the jet to cover someone whose deadhead flight was late. Then they brought in someone to cover the rest of my trip (plenty of time because I had - emphasis: HAD - such a long dinner break) and I stayed overnight in DTW after returning from Green Bay. Then I deadheaded home in the morning, then a short turn to LaCrosse on the jet. Then EARLY Monday morning we headed out to Vegas. I had picked the day according to favorable loads on the flights and it paid off. We never had a problem, and we even got first class coming home on the red-eye this morning (last night?). We just got done napping to catch up on some sleep. It was 100 degrees in Vegas. We ended up staying at Imperial Palace (Charlene they would not let me use your coupon at Paris) which was a real dump as far as the room goes, but actually our favorite casino to gamble in. The first room we got was so bad I called the front desk and said we wanted to check out immediately and get our deposit back (I'm getting sort of feisty in my old age). They moved us to a better and closer room - one that wouldn't require a shuttle ride on a golf cart to get to - for the same price, which did include some free breakfast and lunch buffets. Oh well, it was comical - even our second room, we opened the curtain to check out the view, and we were looking into a parking garage/loading dock. Ha ha - whatever. We had some fun at blackjack anyway: won some, lost some, the usual - but the winning some was pretty fun. At one point I had 3 out of 4 blackjacks!
Message from Roger on Thu May 6 01:29:52 2004
I think that Karen having worked over on the "dark side" is now playing over on the "bright side." Are Karen and Tom out in Vegas? Things have been pretty quiet around here.
Message from select name on Sun May 2 11:38:12 2004
No news from the Dark Side mmmmmmmmmm
Message from Roger on Thu Apr 29 23:22:42 2004
Hal, the book is in the mail (at the book rate - slow). It is addressed to the Battle Ground P.O. Box. You should really get a lot out of this book - the author overlapps you by a year or two. I think 1964 was the start of her junior year.
Message from Roger on Thu Apr 29 23:18:59 2004
Maybe the glasses should gone to St. Olaf - after all we'll be there for Kelly's graduation.
Message from Charlene on Thu Apr 29 18:45:19 2004
Dad, not only have your glasses "moved west", but they attended a track meet yesterday at St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Message from Roger on Thu Apr 29 12:43:46 2004
Yes, Happy Anniversary to Tom and Karen from us too. It is an early spring this year because Marilyn's daffodils are blooming! They all bloomed the week after the actual wedding so that has always been my indicator of an early or late spring. It's been pretty accurate because the blossom dates have been about 50/50. I am impressed that my glasses have moved so far west. I hope you noticed, Karen, that I have a duplicate pair. If I don't get out of Charlene's car I won't lose this pair.
Message from Charlene on Thu Apr 29 10:53:08 2004
Happy Anniversary to Tom and Karen!! (Don't give me too much credit for remembering....I actually thought it was two days ago, but she gave me credit for being the first to congratulate her!)
Message from Karen on Thu Apr 29 09:27:08 2004
Just thought I'd check in and say that I am going on a 4 day trip here in a few minutes. More flying in this trip than I've done all month! I was overdue. After we go to Grand Forks/Thief River Falls and back we head over to the "dark side" for the rest of the trip (in and out of Detroit). Dad, I have your reading glasses, but they are sitting at home :-)
Message from Hal on Tue Apr 27 11:53:17 2004
Hello Everyone. I guess I need to put to rest any rumors that I may be coming out to visit in the Spring. Originally I had hoped to come out for Kelly's graduation, visit with Alice and actually see green leaves on the trees for a change, but it's not going to work out. I have reconciled those two jobs that failed, but the orders have slowed down again: so I need to stick around. I am planning to come back at Thanksgiving, even though it will be bare trees, brown lawns, etc. That's O.K. however, because the main object is to visit with everyone. We've had one of the warmest and dryest Springs in history around here, and gardening season is in high gear. We've been trying to create areas of barkdust to eliminate future weeding. It's hard work now but should cut back on future maintainance. My best to everyone, and Ruth says hello. Hal
Message from Roger on Tue Apr 27 06:26:42 2004
Congratulations Charlene for findimg the glasses. Yes I have another pair (I bought them on a "two for one" sale at Snyders Drug Store. There is something mysterious about how I get out of your car that removes the glasses from my shirt pocket; twice in one day is more than a coincidence.
Message from Karen on Mon Apr 26 10:50:44 2004
I didn't know I was spreading a rumor! And Charlene's info is more recent than mine (mine is probably from MY birthday). I think it was when he didn't make it out here last winter he was toying with the idea of coming out in the spring. But I do realize that he had some more business "issues" come up since then, so I didn't know if a spring visit was still being considered.
Message from Charlene on Mon Apr 26 10:20:29 2004
Well, Well, Well. I have found a pair of brown reading glasses in my car. They are now in my purse. Do I get a prize? What do you want me to do with them, Dad? Do you have others? I'm innocent of spreading such a rumor about Hal visiting in Spring. In fact, the last I talked to him (near my birthday), I think he was looking at not coming until Thanksgiving or so. Nothing soon anyway. By the way, we had our first guest stay in our new guest room. One of Tim's friends (dentist from San Francisco) has been staying there for two nights to attend the Minnesota Dental Convention (he's a graduate). He says the accomodations are "palatial". He was very comfortable! Of course, the only furniture in the room is a bed, but he's easy to please. It really is great to have that guest room, though! No more having to share our shower with our guests!
Message from Roger on Mon Apr 26 10:11:55 2004
Hal, Wake up! You can answer Karen's question about coming out here in spring. First I have heard that so you must have mentioned it to her or Charlene.
Message from Karen on Sun Apr 25 22:30:55 2004
Yes, I was planning on posting a few words about my travels. In the last week or so I have been to Peoria, Saginaw, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, Pittsburgh, and Des Moines. Earlier this month I was in Aspen, Regina (Saskatchewan), Bemidji, Thief River Falls, and Rhinelander. I haven't flown much actually - when I have been called it has generally just been for a round trip (sometimes overnight, sometimes not), but today was actually four flights - a long day. Yesterday I was covering for a FA that was relieved of her duty for the rest of the day because she was so shook up because they had an engine failure on the Saab! Yikes! Today I was on the jet with a brand new FA - yes, for the 2nd time ever I was the SENIOR FA - she is very nice and I think she'll do great. Mom, I'm sure I can help with the deck. We'll talk after it dries out. Has there been any more talk of Hal maybe coming out here this spring???? :)
Message from Roger on Sun Apr 25 17:02:44 2004
If anyone finds a pair of brown rimmed reading glasses in Charlene's car, they are MINE!
Message from Marilyn on Sun Apr 25 13:54:13 2004
I need a "Volunteer" - time: approximately one hour.
The indoor-outdoor carpet on our deck has come loose. After three years (Yes!!) the carpet tape has disintegrated and needs to be replaced. I have the tape (double-sided outdoor tape) -- the carpet is fine -- does not to be repaired or anything. I think it would be easier if I had a helper--and Roger cannot bend down in the necessary position. I cannot put out any flowers, planters or furniture on the deck until the carpet is refastened to the deck.
One point: The carpet presently is all wet, thanks to the recent rain. We cannot do this until the carpet and the deck dry out. A good, hot sunny day would help.
Message from Roger on Sat Apr 24 19:19:44 2004
Now that I think about it, Hal doesn't share much of his excitement with us either. What about all these tennis tournaments? We would like to hear more about those.
Message from Roger on Fri Apr 23 10:47:39 2004
Karen, I think that you have flown so much now that you have become jaded to the excitement and novelty. I say this because you don't seem to put on your schedule and comments on flights. This is a mistake for several reasons, one is that you schedules are so irregular that no one knows whether you're here or off in the the wild blue yonder. The other reason is that to those of us who are more pedestrian in our lives, even you dull, routine duty days are interesting. Please don't get shy about it - even if we thought you were bragging, we wouldn't care.
Message from Marilyn on Mon Apr 19 14:41:53 2004
I guess it's my turn to add to the "news"--not that mine is very exciting compared to Charlene and Karen! About my camera: As most of you know, I foolishly dropped my camera the Sunday of the Baptism. One piece fell off and it looked like it might be able to be fixed. So I held it in place and took a few more pictures -- to see how they might turn out. They came out just fine! So I took the camera in for repair -- but found that it would have to be "sent out to Canon" and would cost a minimum of $125.00 Forget that! I still have the little Konica camera we took to Norway and it is just fine. Also, the advice I got was to just glue on the piece that fell off and use it whenever I wanted to try using that Advantix camera. Anyway, I still have a camera I can use. I suppose somewhere down the line I will have to think about getting a Digital camera -- but no rush.
I am almost finished with shortening the curtains I bought at Penney's. Thanks to Karen for lending me her sewing machine. I ran out of bobbin thread and couldn't figure out how to thread it -- but one of my friends here in the buildilng figured it out. They look nice and make a good soft "screen" for the new buildilng nextdoor. Peopel are moving in this week. We had a tour last week. They have a deli and lunch room that is open to all of us, plus a little "store" will go in soon.
Sorry to hear about the problem at TEC, Charlene. I know that neighborhood, as I was on several Cursillo teams there.
Karen -- glad to hear you survived the "big storm" -- we were wondering where you were and what you were doing. We had no problem other than our power was off for a few hours.
Message from Charlene on Mon Apr 19 14:23:00 2004
Well, I just got done with a TEC weekend. Everything went well. Of course I'm suffering from sleep deprivation and three days spent at a very frantic pace, since it's my team's job to keep things on schedule and supplies provided at the right time, etc., etc. Nora, I saw your Grandma and Max at church yesterday and I went over and talked to them. I told them at the Baptism party that I would be seeing them, and that I might look a little different (jeans, little funky team apron, yarn fuzz ball around my neck, hair that needs washing!). Anyway, it was fun to see them again. For the rest of you, the TEC weekend is held at Nora's grandmother's church in St. Paul. The only bummer of the weekend was that someone came into the church while everyone was upstairs in the same place and ROBBED us! He stole money, credit cards, CD's, a cell phone and wallets from my team! Luckily, I had my stuff in a different place, so he didn't get mine. It had to be someone from the neighborhood who had been watching our comings and goings and figured out that we were vulnerable at that moment! Normally, all the doors are kept locked over the weekend, but on Friday night we have certain doors open to accomodate our Stations of the Cross procession around the church (they actually go outside and then back in at one point), and then about an hour later, the entire group of candidates is led outside, around the church and into the front door of the church. That's when it happened. As they were processing alongside the church, one of the adults at the rear looked down at sidewalk level were there are windows looking into one of our rooms in the undercroft. It's the room where all the kids on my team had all their belongings. One of the adults saw the guy going through the stuff and he had lots of stuff in his hands. She and a couple of others ran after him and tried to keep him from leaving the church, but he got away. Of course the police were called and the kids called their parents, but they were SO UPSET and felt so violated! Here they are supposed to be at a safe place and this happened. So, we had our hands full dealing with their emotions and getting them to calm down enough to get back mentally to where they were. They came out of their nosedive really well, and the weekend went on just fine. Whew! I'm tired! I love doing TEC, but it's one more thing that I think I need to "retire" from one of these days. OK, that's my news.
Message from Karen on Mon Apr 19 08:55:58 2004
Boy things are quiet on this board. I have been working at the Help Desk for the last 2 days, plus today. Yesterday I finally got to see the place hopping here, when the high winds shifted to force the airport to use the runway they never use that is angled the other way. But that is one runway, not 2 as usual, so lots of flights had to be cancelled. In the neighborhood of about 70 cancelled Mesaba flights I think. They were really scrambling to get the crews to where they needed to be, and contacting crews that had cancelled flights.
What is new with everyone else?
Message from Karen on Fri Apr 16 08:08:27 2004
May 30th.
Message from Marilyn on Thu Apr 15 13:46:32 2004
What is the date for Kelly's Graduation?
Message from Charlene on Thu Apr 8 14:18:19 2004
It's fine with Tim and me. Let me know what I can bring.
Message from Karen on Thu Apr 8 11:09:58 2004
Correction - the shower that Kelly and I are going to is a lot earlier than I thought. Is 9:00 am possible????
Message from Karen on Thu Apr 8 09:40:22 2004
We're doing the birthdays at Jeff & Nora's house at 10:30 for brunch on Saturday!
Message from Roger on Wed Apr 7 12:02:45 2004
To Charlene & Karen on acoring Jeff's pool - In the iast round you get a single point for every win, in the second you get 2 points, in the 3rd you get FOUR pounts - then 8, the 16 and then for championship game you get 32. If Georgia Tech had won, Libby would have come in 2nd, one point ahead of Kelly. Kelly would have had 98 and Libble would have had 67 plus 32, or 99. She would have come from tied for 23rd to 2nd. As you can see, picking the winner is very important. By the way Charlene, I was at work the day it had to be postmarked so I called you mother to put a check in the mail, but she wasn't sure if the mail person picked up the letter it would get postmarked that day so she took it to the post office. We didn't realize we could get dispensation either.
Message from Karen on Wed Apr 7 10:01:02 2004
Charlene, when we were at your house right after the games started, we meant to get your $5 from you. Jeff sounds tough on the web site about the deadline, but he's really not. He just has to give a deadline so that people are either in or out, if you know what I mean. If someone intends to pay and gets it in late, that's fine, but if they are already losing then they might opt to not pay up. He didn't mean for family to feel like the deadline was in stone - I meant to tell you that when we were at your house. Driving home Tom said "we forgot to get her $5!" so we just decided to drop it and not make an issue out of it. Next year! As far as potential score, to reach your potential score you have to get every remaining pick correct, and the winners of the last games are weighted more than the early games, so it's pretty hard to be in the money if you don't pick the champion. Dad had a lot of picks right until the championship. Kelly had me so faked out.... I can still hear her whining... "I don't know who to pick..." -- yeah right... Ha ha... seriously though, she turned into a monster cheering for her picks!
Message from Charlene on Wed Apr 7 07:24:21 2004
Well, it wasn't exactly a matter of scraping together the $5 (although I will be on a limited income soon - hee hee). It was a matter of entering the pool about 40 minutes before the deadline and not taking the time to mail an entry in before the postmark deadline. I'll do better next year! I really don't understand the scoring, though. I thought that Dad was so far ahead that he would be the winner no matter who won on the last game. Isn't that what "potential score" would imply? No one else had a potential score that was higher than his score. What am I missing?
Message from Hal on Tue Apr 6 23:56:16 2004
First of all,a big thanks to Jeff for running the March Madness Pool again this year. It weas a lot of fun. Congratulations to Kelly for her big payday and to Dad for his second place pay-off. Condolences to Charlene for not being able to scrape together the $5.00 entry fee after tying with Dad. Also condolences to the entire West Coast for disappearing after the second round.
Message from Marilyn on Sun Apr 4 21:31:34 2004
Just saw Karen's message about Saturday -- April 10 looks fine from here for the birthdays. I heard from Libby and we are tuned into the Sunday lunch, also. Let me know what I can bring (and where it will be) for Saturday.
Message from Roger on Sun Apr 4 17:37:29 2004
How many eggs did Chicken Litle have? You can go backwards up the transaction chain.
We know that she went home with zero eggs.
1. Goosey Loosey got one egg;
2. Ducky Wucky got 1/2 egg for her mother (to make 1 1/2 which is half of the eggs left from Henny Penny)
3. So Ducky Wucky took 1 1/2 eggs (half of what Chicken Little had) plus the 1/2 for 2 eggs which added to the one for Goosey Loosey made 3.
4. Henny Penny took 1/2 egg for her mother (to make 3 1/2 which is half)
5. So Henny Penny took 3 1/2 eggs which is half on Chicken Little's total) plus the 1/2 egg which made 4.
6. So the 4 that Henny Penny took added to the 3 that was left for Ducky Wucky makes 7
7. Chicken Little started with 7 eggs. If that is your answer, you may go on to the 5th grade.
Message from Karen on Sat Apr 3 21:46:06 2004
A friend of ours from Rockford, she graduated 2 yrs behind Kelly. Kelly knows her well... band, National Honor Society, etc, and I knew her well from working at the high school, plus I worked with her mom at the middle school (when I used to work over there). Anyway, last Saturday she was reported missing at UW Madison where she is a student. Hundreds of volunteers from Rockford made the trip to Madison to help search, and then on Wednesday her parents went on every national morning news show to publicize her disappearance. Wednesday she was found alive and said she had been abducted at knife point, but by Friday it was confirmed that she staged the whole thing and invented the whole story. We are just in shock - not only that ANYONE would ever do that, but knowing her, it's just unfathomable that she of all people would do that. She graduated 3rd in her class, was a star athlete and extremely well liked, and from a prominent family. Her disappearance, discovery alive, and the revelation of the hoax have been top stories on cnn.com for a few days, plus it was on NBC Dateline last night. Click here to read the article in today's paper, and here about how the town of Rockford is supporting her and her family.
Message from Hal on Sat Apr 3 19:32:39 2004
Congratulations, Dad for Georgia Tech. making it to the Championship Game. I'm a Rambling Wreck believer now. That's why this tournament is so much fun. Now I'm waiting for Duke vs. Conn. to see, if I have a chance for third. By the way, Karen. Who is Audrey Seiler? I'm afraid I don't know the event you're referring to.
Message from Karen on Sat Apr 3 19:06:34 2004
How is Saturday, April 10th for everyone for celebrating our 2 April birthdays? It's ok with Charlene, and us, and Kelly. Forgot to ask Jeff & Nora when I saw them today. Kelly and I have a bridal shower for her roommate, Emily, in the afternoon, but after that we are wide open. Also, you should be hearing from Libby about a get-together after the baptism on Sunday.
Message from Karen on Fri Apr 2 21:08:52 2004
I'm not the only one in Rockford that is absolutely shell-shocked with how the Audrey Seiler case has turned out. I cannot tell you how out of character that is. She was such a straight arrow in high school. I hear she's been moved to a mental facility which sounds like that is where she needs to be. Her poor family - what a week they've been through - and it's not over yet.
Message from Roger on Fri Apr 2 11:57:19 2004
We have such a well educated group on this board I think I will share a little puzzle with you. A 4th grade teacher in Boston (a friend of a friend of mine) gave it to her class. Since she had been giving them analytical puzzles for some time, they did not have too much trouble with this. I will furnish the correct answer late sunday night - in the case that there would be someone that hadn't solved it. Here it is -------
Chicken Little took her eggs and went to sell them to her neighbors. First was Henny-Penny, "how many eggs do you want?" asked Chicken Little. "Oh I'll take half of all yoy have plus 1/2 egg for my mother." "OK" said Chicken Little. Then she came to Ducky-Wucky; "How many eggs do you want?" asked Chicken Little. "Oh I'll take half of all your eggs and 1/2 for my mother." "OK" said Chicken Little. Then she came to Goosey-Loosey; "how many eggs do you want?" asked Chicken Little. "Oh I am an orphan, so I will just take one egg." "OK" said Chicken Little. And then Chicken Little went home because all her eggs were gone. How many eggs did Chicken Little start with? )Answer Sunday night)
Message from Karen on Wed Mar 31 23:10:42 2004
Thank heavens for the safe return of our friend Audrey Seiler to her family today! She is truly as sweet and talented and dedicated as the press has been portraying her. Not only did I know Audrey well from my job at the school, but Kelly knew her through Band and National Honor Society, and I worked with her mom - my last year at the Middle School I trained Stephanie in and worked along side of her daily. It was so hard watching her on the national news this morning, so drained and full of despair - how nice to see her smiling on tonight's news!!
Message from Karen on Tue Mar 30 22:00:29 2004
Here's a fun fact for you. You know the standings in Jeff's pool? The guy who's in last place - Doug Sill? He doesn't exist! That's right! The guy above him, Thomas, is a guy that was working at the job site, doing some clean up work. Jeff encouraged him to join the pool, and then later noticed him in the corner - literally flipping a coin for each and every game! Oh my gosh! His picks were quite a bit "out there" and Jeff felt so bad for him after play started and Thomas was clearly way below anyone else - especially since there is that "humiliating graphic" for the loser. So Jeff scrambled to create a fictitious character - Doug Sill - who could take Thomas' place in the cellar. Isn't Jeff a sweet guy!?!
Message from Karen on Mon Mar 29 09:36:17 2004
The travelers are home, safe and sound. We would've updated more but the internet on board was slow and expensive. We had a great time, and we'll make you all sit through pictures eventually. Yes dad, you are definitely shining in Jeff's pool!
Message from Roger on Sun Mar 28 21:00:02 2004
Everbody is entitled to 15 min of fame - I guess I'll take mine as leader of Jeff's NCAA basketball pool. Maybe you haven't noticed since the latest scores are in.
Message from Roger on Fri Mar 26 08:50:07 2004
I keep waiting for exciting updates from Kelly or her companion, but they are soooo busy. I guess I'll tell you waht is excciting with me - I came to work this morning without a jacket, although I did wear a long sleeve shirt. Now when th ice goes out on Lake Minnetonka, you can say spring is here!
Message from Karen on Sun Mar 21 19:15:50 2004
We are here! No dad, it's not western, it's southern. The ship is Adventure of the Seas. Our room overlooks the atrium, which is just like a street with shops and restaurants, and later tonight (and every night) a parade! Our tablemates are nice, we have only begun to explore this huge ship. Tomorrow: sea day, next Aruba!
Gotta go, this is expensive!!! More later!
Message from Karen on Tue Mar 16 23:23:51 2004
I see that Hal and I (and Alice) have made our NCAA predictions on Jeff's web site. Don't forget! Deadline is 10:00 am 3-18. Click Here to start
Message from Roger on Fri Mar 12 08:38:59 2004
We all regret Joe's medical problem and pray for him. On a happier note, I want to share a very happy moment with you. Yesterday afternoon Marilyn and I visited Alice Boerner. It was a real thrill to hold my great-granddaughter. She is certainly the prettiest baby I have seen in a long time (this leaves room for the many people on this message site that I also saw as a baby). When you can, I would recommend you see this little lady in person - the pictures don't quite catch her personality. Thank you Nora and Jeff
Message from Karen on Mon Mar 8 15:23:36 2004
Hate to use this board to pass on sad news, but then again, it's an efficient means of communication. Just wanted to let you all know that Joe underwent surgery today to have some "growths" removed/diagnosed as previous biopsies were inconclusive. The location I believe is not in the colon, but just outside of it. Anyway, unfortunately it did turn out to be cancer: adenocarcinoma. They removed what they could and his appendix too, and had to cut through his stomach muscles. He will be in the hospital for a week, and off work for 2 months, and will have to undergo a Chemo treatment program. The doctors say they have a lot of experience treating this particular cancer and the prognosis is very good. He is at United Hospital in St Paul. Just thought you'd like to know.
Message from Charlene on Sun Mar 7 09:55:53 2004
Just a quick note to say that we are back home. We got in late last night (too late to call anyone) and now we're off to church. We'll call later. It will take awhile to get used to the busy pace of our lives again. I think I'll pretend I'm still on vacation today and get back into reality tomorrow. Yesterday went well - it wasn't easy to transport 8 people with all their luggage to the airport in order to take the same flight. In retrospect, we should have used both cars and a cab, rather than what we did. Mind you, we had to leave our condo at 10:00 and didn't fly out until 5:00 in the afternoon. Northwest Airlines had assured me that we could check our bags anytime after 8:00 in the morning, so we figured that's what we'd do....then go out to lunch, and then over to Ollen's house for a couple of hours before going back to the airport. Ollen is our divemaster and his wife is from Minnesota and some of the group hadn't met her yet. Anyway, Northwest didn't check bags until 12:00 noon (!), so there was some waiting around at the airport and a bit of frustration there (we had arrived at 10:30)....no big deal. We went off to Sunset House for lunch and then to see Ollen and Barb. It was a great way to end the trip. We all had a wonderful time. Lots of pictures were taken.......lots of memories made. It is amazing that the 8 of us have remained friends like this for forty years!!! Karen, I'm hoping that you will show me or tell me how I can make a CD (DVD?) with pictures from this trip....I'd like to give one to everyone someday. Good to be home.
Message from Roger on Thu Mar 4 16:26:00 2004
Charlene did you tell the group that you met Tim in the organic chemistry lab at Stolaf? That is the story that I remember. That was the best result that you had in that class.
Message from Charlene on Wed Mar 3 08:04:50 2004
Hi again from much warmer Cayman Islands! I bought a new mask yesterday morning and now I'm happy again! We had a fun day yesterday driving up to Rum Point. Our friends really liked it up there....the guys went snorkeling at the cemetary after we came back over to this side. We're having a lot of fun and doing a lot of reminiscing. Dan Walseth is making a video so that we can show it in ten years and laugh as hard as we did the other night when we looked at one from ten years ago! We are all recording how we met our spouses and how did they propose...some of us can't remember cause it was so long ago - hee! hee! Going diving in a couple of hours....talk to you later!
Message from Charlene on Mon Mar 1 08:01:00 2004
Hi everyone from "chilly" Cayman islands....I'm not sure it got over 80 degrees yesterday - brrr! Well, our friends have arrived and I think they are settling right in to our routine of sitting around, maybe diving, reading and eating out at night. They love it! Seriously, the weather has really turned cool, but when the sun comes out it's great! We went diving yesterday and Dan did great on his resort course, and Steve did great on his first day of his checkout dives. I had such a leaky mask on Friday, and I made the mistake of not checking it out on my off day on Saturday until late at night, and when I did, I saw that there was a crack all the way through the part that holds the glass on! No wonder I had water in my mask! So, shops were closed on Sunday so I borrowed a mask from Bernie...that one didn't fit too well, so this morning I went and bought a new mask. I think this one will be fine. (We have such problems here in paradise!). Congrats Jeff on getting accepted into the program at Iowa!! Hope you hear from the others soon that you are interested in. Now, I'm going to go look at Alice's pictures! I'll write more later.
Message from Karen on Sun Feb 29 13:31:31 2004
I just want you all to know that there are new pictures on Alice's web site! I snapped a few (?!) photos of her yesterday. Mom and Dad, just give Jeff/Nora/Alice a call when you want to stop by their house sometime for a visit!
Message from Roger on Fri Feb 27 08:38:21 2004
Hey Jeff, Thanks for the late breaking news from the academic world. That sounds like a nice setup to have in hand. This will give you a hallmark to judge the other offers you will receive. Keep us informed. Just think, it is being broadcast throughout the Cayman Islands by now, wow!
Message from Jeff on Thu Feb 26 22:46:01 2004
I just wanted to let all of you know that I heard back from the University of Iowa and I was offered a 1/2 time teaching assistantship there. This is very good news as I would receive a stipend, a small tuition scholarship, and would qualify for the resident rate for tuition. While I am very excited I still need to hear from the other schools before I make my decision, but I am glad because the Iowa situation would be very workable. I'll let you know more when I do. Post to you later!
Message from Charlene on Thu Feb 26 12:59:17 2004
Hi! Thought I'd send another quick note. We have been having a great time - gone diving three days - all is well. Today a cold front has come through, so it's one of those rainy days that begs for a nap, or reading a book, or maybe going shopping. No cruise ships were able to dock so maybe it would be a day to go downtown shopping. Oh well! We did dive today and we got soaked in the boat on the way back to the Yacht Harbor where Ollen docks his boat, but we did have two great dives. I'll write more later...
Message from Karen on Mon Feb 23 06:56:32 2004
Unfortunately Nora suffered a bit of a setback, as she came down with a uterine infection after having been home just one day. So she was readmitted to the hospital (Sat night) so that they could hook her up to antibiotic IV. She is supposed to be discharged this morning I believe. Hopefully she will turn the corner and be up and around soon!!!
I am leaving shortly for a 3 day jet trip. Overnights in Oklahoma City (not enough time to visit Pat, dad) and LaCrosse (lots of time there, naturally). I haven't flown in over 2 weeks!!
Message from Charlene on Sun Feb 22 13:11:07 2004
Hi everyone from sunny Cayman! We arrived safe and sound yesterday and we are nicely settled into our wonderful timeshare. We decided to do nothing today and not dive until tomorrow. Feeling very lazy. The weather is great (hot) with a chance of storms (poor us). Hope the baby is doing fine and that everyone is okay. Tim is still fighting this sinus infection and is still crabby. I now think I'm coming down with it, but I'm going to keep popping sudafed and coldeeze and fight it off. I'll write more later!
Message from Karen on Thu Feb 19 11:22:52 2004
Nora and Alice (and in this modern age, Jeff too) will be staying at the hospital again tonight. I am going over there at noon to help Jeff with some errands and I will get a feel for the visitor situation. Charlene, we realize you are packing up to take off for the sunny caribbean! You can see "Ali" when you get back :)
Message from Karen on Wed Feb 18 14:04:31 2004
Mom and dad, you were apparently "downstairs with your coffee cups" when I called you about the baby! But I'm sure you've read Jeff's post on his board, that Alice Elizabeth was born at 9:15 this morning! I headed to the hospital, not having heard anything and I arrived about 15 minutes after she was born. Then it was another 1/2 hr or so before we could go back and see her and Jeff and Nora. She is adorable of course! Nora is pretty wiped out, maybe not up to a lot of visitors yet, so check with me first if you were thinking of heading over. I am working at the Help Desk today but it is not a problem to call me on my cell.
Message from Roger on Wed Feb 18 09:06:55 2004
Good Heavens Charlene, Everyone in the family is checking it every hour on the hour. This "real time" news service is really exciting!
Message from Charlene on Wed Feb 18 06:02:35 2004
Well, I got up early and checked the Baby Boerner site.....don't know if you guys have yet or not. Guess Nora went into labor on her own.....Jeff wrote a note at 2 a.m. that she was well into labor. I'm so excited! Be sure to check their board for the latest updates!
Message from Nora on Sun Feb 15 17:39:58 2004
Yes, we did see Roger and Marilyn at church today and they weren't the only ones surprised to see us. Jim (the Rector) said "you aren't suppossed to be here". As you all know...we are playing the waiting game...but I'm not too impatient. If she dosen't come in the next 2 days she will on Wednesday when they induce us. Good to see R & M in church and hear how everyone is doing on the site here...Hal and Ruth hope you are well.
Message from Roger on Sun Feb 15 12:52:13 2004
Update: We were sitting in the undrcroft at St. David's - having just told someone that t"THE BABY" could come at any time, Nora walked down the stairs. She and Jeff came to the 11:00 service. Jeff says that he can post a bulletin on the Baby Board with his cell phone so we can expect uptodate coverage. Sooooo the news is that there is nothing new.
Message from Karen on Fri Feb 13 13:54:32 2004
While we are waiting for the "BIG NEWS", I at least have some news, although not at all in the same league, admittedly. Recently Mesaba issued a memo to the FA's regarding an opening for a "special assignment position", they call it. It's to work one day a month at the Help Desk for the computerized bidding system that the FA's use to bid for monthly schedules. I applied, interviewed 10 days ago, and just got the call a couple of minutes ago: I got it! I'm excited! I will be sitting right next to the crew schedulers waiting for the phone to ring - they say "bring a book" :) I can handle that! Plus you are sitting at a computer with internet access, so how bad can it be? Anyway, I am looking forward to getting to know the crew schedulers, and the dispatchers are also in that room. I had a tour of it at my interview, and one big wall has big projected images on it, of the weather, and a live shot of the concourse, etc - very cool! Anyway, I will train a few days next week and then next month I will work my first shift. They will pull me off reserve when I work the help desk (not from days off), so that is good. So that's my news! Now we continue to wait for the bigger news!
Message from Roger on Wed Feb 11 09:02:06 2004
Thank you Kelly.
Message from Kelly on Tue Feb 10 18:43:46 2004
I had to do this in two installments cause it was so big!! So read the other entry too!!
So about the trip! We had the most wonderful and relaxing time!! The resort was absolutely gorgeous. The whole time we kept saying, 'i cant believe we are here!' There were definitely no other people our age there cause no one our age could afford it! But we didnt care. Tile x design took care of everything for us, it was so great. On the whole trip I spent a total of 20 dollars and thats including a pair of souvenir earrings I bought for myself! Also, on our first night dinner with the big group the tile place gave all of the women 65$ gift certificates to the spa! I have never had a professional massage so that was amazing! Emily and I both got massages and manicures! We were definitely spoiled! They also paid for a 4 wheeling excursion for the whole group on a ranch about 30 min. away. That was really fun and nothing that I ever would have experienced with my own family....haha. Most days we just sat out at the pool and just hung out at night. We were fortunate to get all of the american t.v. stations in our room so we didnt miss any of our favorite t.v. shows! Emily took lots of digital pictures so as soon as we get some of those up I will send some out! Thanks to everyone for having an interest in hearing about my trip! I hope all is well with everyone! Talk to you soon!
Message from Kelly on Tue Feb 10 18:42:15 2004
Hi guys! Yes I do check this! I didnt get back til last night and I had lots of catching up to do and then classes today. I am taking a ballet class which is really fun, I feel right back at home! I am also taking a psychology seminar on Infancy! So that will tie in very nicely with the new family member. Nora even told me that when the baby is a few months old she could maybe come to class and we could poke at her or whatever it is that we would do to study her...haha. We will be learning about their cognitive development etc. I am also taking a Personality psychology course, Industrial/Organizational psychology (psych of the workplace, should be fun!)and an American history course. I think it will be a good semester. Hard to believe it is the last one!
Message from Roger on Tue Feb 10 16:54:51 2004
This afternoon Marilyn and I went to see the movie "Miracle" It was really good. Kurt Russell did so many things just like Herbie - like chewing his gum with his front teeth. I heard one reporter from New York say that it showed Herb's sadism, but he wasn't sadistic and it didn't show that way. The hockey players they taught to be actors did a good job too. I really recommend this to everyone - I will probably see this about ten times before the DVD comes out and then I will wear out the DVD.
Message from Charlene on Mon Feb 9 13:08:49 2004
Kelly's probably not reading this yet. She doesn't get home until today and then zips down to St. Olaf cause school started today. I also hope she will post her report and some pictures!
Message from Roger on Mon Feb 9 08:45:29 2004
Thanks for the update Charlene. This board is sure great for "whole family" communication. I sure hope Kelly puts her trip report on here and passes the middle-woman info route. You are reading this, aren't you Kelly?
Message from Charlene on Mon Feb 9 07:52:57 2004
Well, we spent the weekend trying to get settled into the new space but we have a long way to go - the biggest thing is that Tim cleaned all the lumber and crap that had been stuffed into the hot tub room, mopped the floor and put water in the hot tub. We actually took the first hot tub of the winter last night! We are slowly reclaiming our space...watch your e-mails today for a couple of pictures of the bar area and bedroom. Tomorrow the sofa comes...that's the last of the deliveries and the workmen are gone! (Except for a couple of little things that our builder will probably have to come back to do that we've found). Anyway, it's fun!
Message from Karen on Sun Feb 8 13:10:43 2004
Yes dad, we saw it --- I believe the headline said that they TOPPLE Mpls North! Very nice! We went to the game vs North last year and the Rockets were in it in the first half and it really slipped away quite far in the second. They really are for real! Not only is North in a higher class (AAA) they are defending State AAA Champs! And Wayzata is AAAA and they (Rockford) also beat Elk River, another AAAA school. Got to hand it to Marty (coach) - he is not afraid to go after it!!
Message from Roger on Sun Feb 8 11:50:01 2004
Good Morning Everyone - I hope you noticed the headline in the Tribune sports section on an inside page - it said, "Rockford Girls Basketball beats Minneapolis North." Rochford is now 19-0 (I believe). This is the second school in a higher classification that they beaten, the first was Wayzata. Since that was at the first of the season, people must have thought it was a fluke. Now we know it was for real. This should give them real confidence when they get into State Tournament play.
Message from Karen on Sat Feb 7 16:18:56 2004
Well Congratulations on the completion of your project! How exciting! You will love it! Can't wait to see it.
Message from Charlene on Fri Feb 6 21:13:11 2004
Yep, way back then, we had no idea how long it would take. But, guess what!! WE ARE DONE!!! The final inspection was today. The painters finished touching up today. Now it's time to furnish it, decorate it and USE IT!! Today we also got our new bed - a Select Comfort. Our "old" bed is down in the guest room - ready for any of you who want to come visit!! Well, I gotta go now and figure out my sleep number.
Message from Roger on Fri Feb 6 13:53:08 2004
Charlene, Just for fun I went back to see what was the first message on this board (outside of Karen's introductory message). Well guess what - It was yours, and you were telling us about the reconstruction project at your house. It was date sep 4, at 16:05. You mentioned this was going to yake two months (maybe less). Doesn't that make you feel humble? I am NOT rubbing it in - just bringing out the vagaries of small, home improvement jobs. It is probably more complex than any of you thought last September.
Message from Roger on Wed Feb 4 12:44:48 2004
Hey Karen - that guy that sat in 2-D has AAA membership - we already know him. He wants to know why we don't have extra trucks when 1t is cold, and extra call takers. I guess we lost the phone number of the snow emergency employment center. I AM glad you are home safely.
Message from Marilyn on Wed Feb 4 12:17:44 2004
I just read Karen's message--That was one for the books! Glad you are home and hope you can get some more rest and return to some "sanity". Hopefully, there won't be too much more extreme cold weather like you had to endure. Glad you are back. Thanks for the report -- we really enjoy your communications!
Message from Karen on Wed Feb 4 08:37:40 2004
Here I am! I am back home now! What a trip that was! Started early Sunday morning and ended late last night. The first 2 days were very tiring. Yesterday, with the storm past, was a piece of cake, although long. Kelly's de-icing story is my story, several times over! Sunday, it was about an 1 - 1.5 hour wait to de-ice and I had 3 departures all together so you can see how we just ran later and later all day. When I looked at the schedule initially I thought "wow that's a lot of flying but at least there's a short lunch break and an hour dinner break" - WRONG! I never made it back to the crew room that day at all, since we were so late! The pilots told me to bring my sandwich up front and sit with them while we waited to de-ice, otherwise I would have starved for sure. Dinner was a "meal replacement bar" in the hotel at 10:00 (in Rhinelander). At one point we had to deplane the pax (passengers) in Hibbing because of the Ground Stop in MSP, so even arrivals were delayed. They issue Ground Stops when they cannot accomodate incoming traffic - it's instead of having you circle around when you get there. But the worst episode was Monday morning. We had to switch Captains because ours went over his legal hours for the week (because our flights went so long the day before due to de-icing delays) and the new cpt got in at 1:00 am to RHI so our departure was delayed so that he could get legal rest. Can you imagine working in the scheduling department?! So we got them all boarded and of course, guess what, Ground Stop in MSP of at least an hour (because they could only keep one runway open at a time) so we deplaned the pax. When it was lifted we loaded 'em up and de-iced, taxi'd out, and guess what: Ground Stop. We waited, burned too much fuel, back to the gate and refueled and waited. Of course once we got our window of opportunity back we had to de-ice again. We eventually got to MSP at 3:30 - 6 hours late, and it was time to go to Bemidji. The pilot told dispatch "the flight attendant hasn't eaten in 8 hours" so they actually let me go get something to eat while everyone waited, but the pax didn't know why of course. They all clapped and cheered when we came up, I felt so bad but I had to EAT!!! We finally got to Moline, IL at about midnight. That night's sleep was "reduced rest due to operational necessity". My pilots were switching constantly, this was now the 3rd captain, and 3rd first officer, so they had not been through what I had, otherwise I don't think they would have been legal to fly with reduced rest - it's stricter rules for them of course.
ANYWAY.... to give you an idea, our legal work day is 14 hours, and mine were 14:10, 14:10 (then reduced rest) and 13.5. Legal actual flying hours is 8:00, and Sunday we had 10:10. You see the loophole is that they cannot schedule you over the legal but if it happens, then it happens. So enough excitement for a while anyway!
Comment - 99% of the pax are amazingly cheerful during all this and just thankful to arrive safely, but there is always a guy sitting in 2D (is it something about that seat?) that has to criticize the de-icing procedures (MSP is literally world-renowned in that department), question if they have only one plow in MSP (more like 150), question me about having spare crew members standing by, or lack of them, and let us all know that he is now "4 for 4". "HAVE A NICE DAY TO YOU TOO!"
Message from Roger on Tue Feb 3 22:36:54 2004
I forgot that this when Kelly and Emily are off to Mexico - naturallt it is at end of interim, and interim is January. Now the question is - will she come back an aunt?
Message from Charlene on Tue Feb 3 22:12:54 2004
I know what you mean, Dad. I keep checking the board in hopes of some news about Kelly and her trip. I have talked to Tom and he said that they girls got to Mexico ok, despite having to wait at the Minneapolis airport for two hours of deicing! I guess Karen is due home tonight so maybe we'll hear more via her. And yes, I'm also on the edge of my seat waiting to hear about little baby Boerner's arrival. Here's the latest from my house....sad news is that Tim has a really bad cold and has been down and out since last Friday. He managed to go to work on Monday, but probably shouldn't have. Went to the doctor today and they're a little afraid it might be pneumonia, so he's on antibiotics. Despite being sick, he completely cleaned the floor and took everything out of the basement tonight because the carpet is coming tommorrow!! The granite got put into place on the bar last night. The painters come back to do touchups on Friday. Friday the inspector comes to do the final inspections. We're done!!!!! We'll even have a bed in the guest room on Friday, so you can start making your reservations! Stay warm everyone!
Message from Roger on Tue Feb 3 14:15:10 2004
Well, here we are again - just sitting around waiting for something exciting to happen with the exciting members of the family. At the moment, Nora is clearly the most potentially exciting member. I'm sorry Nora, I finally had to exhale; I could not hold my breath any longer. Where is Karen? With the weather we have been having, surely she is doing something exciting. The last "exciting" thing Karen did was not to go the Grd Forks when it was 43 deg below. That is like saying it was exciting that I didn't dive off the high board because the pool was frozen over. Maybe we should ask people to sign on to say that they have nothing to say - which is clearly my situation. It is nice to "talk" to you all. TTFN
Message from Karen on Fri Jan 30 10:22:30 2004
Update - it actually got down to -43 in GFK and we ended up cancelling because it was too cold to de-ice, and freezing fog moved into GFK. We loaded passengers twice, attempting to leave, and there was no heat on the plane till they got the engines started, and even at that point it did not warm up!!!! My toes have finally thawed, now I am off to Central Wisconsin (Colleen's neighborhood). TTFN
Message from Karen on Fri Jan 30 06:32:53 2004
I'll answer on Kelly's behalf, since I am sitting here in the crew room, killing about 15 minutes before I need to get to my plane. I just checked the weather at my first destination (Grand Forks): -39!! Actual temp!!
Ok, Charlene I really thought you were there when Kelly told people about the trip, but it might have been before you got to the restaurant or something like that. Anyway, the scoop is that Lake Country Tile bought enough "stuff" from a particular supplier to qualify for 2 free trips to Mexico. It's a bad (impossible) time for Tom to get away from work, and with the baby coming and all, we'd like to be close by at the time of the birth of course, so we offered the trips to Kelly and Emily because it happens to coincide with Interim break! It is to Playa Del Carmen, and they will be traveling in the group - a bunch of tile setters and wives of course - similar to when we went on the Swiss trip, way back when. The company hosting the trip is called Tile X Design (pronounced Tile By Design), and they are of course a competitor to RBC (Kelly's employer) so it's a little odd - The people at Tile X Design don't know that! LOL Anyway, the resort is really nice, in fact if you watch the Celebrity Mole (I do NOT) it's the same resort, so it must be really nice. All inclusive, 11 restaurants, etc etc. Well I better get going here! TTFN (ta ta for now)
Message from Charlene on Thu Jan 29 22:19:46 2004
My message is to Kelly --- Mexico???? Tell me about that! Where are you going? What fun! I want to say how LUCKY you are, but then I remember that in a mere three weeks, I also will be in the warm sun! But, tell us what you are up to! How great it will be to go with your buddy, Emily, and get away from this bitter cold!!!
Message from Kelly on Thu Jan 29 19:45:24 2004
Hi Family! I just thought that I would write to say hi. We are almost done with interim here. I have a track meet tomorrow night here at Olaf and my parents are coming to watch and then bringing me home for interim break!! On monday, Emily and I will be departing for Mexico! It seems extra nice to get out of this weather when it has been so cold! Walking to and from the buildings on campus is just awful! I dont really have any other big news to report. I will update you all after the big trip and maybe even post a message during the week! I hope all is well with you at home! love and miss you!
Message from Karen on Thu Jan 29 08:23:51 2004
Yeah, what's up with that? I haven't had any big adventures to share, but just now we were all set to go up to Duluth, passengers all boarded, I shut the door, and then the jetway operator motioned to our Captain that we were cancelled. He's like, no we're not. Dispatch hadn't even told him yet, but it was true, the Duluth airport lost power or something, so now we sit here for a while. Next turn is to Houghton, MI (upper penninsula). Talk to you later.
Message from Roger on Wed Jan 28 20:04:00 2004
Now that the "Baby Board" is here no one puts anything on this one.
Message from Charlene on Sun Jan 25 21:39:21 2004
Hi all! I hope that all of you have been able to look at the pictures of our new fireplace. Here's the story! Originally our designer said that we had to drive down to Winona to pick these stones up ourselves. When? who knew? Carpet couldn't be installed until these stones were in....but when would they be ready? Who knew? So, I called the quarry and after much discussion we decided that Tim's truck would not work cause it has a topper and that coming down yesterday (on a Saturday) also would not work. So, I asked....what do normal people do? so, long story made short....he had a local trucking company transport the stones up to the loading dock of my choice, which was a neighbor who owns a roofing company. So, Friday, the stones arrived and our neighbor was nice enough to deliver the pallet to the bottom of our driveway (not the top that Tim had hinted for). Well, that was mighty special and much appreciated, but...the next morning, Tim and Gary (next door) spent about one and a half hours lugging, pushing, pulling those very heavy stones up the driveway and then down the path into the basement. They used a dolly (with flattened tires), little dowels like the Egyptians used (!) and finally an old rug to drag the stones into the basement. Tim thinks a couple of them were 400 pounds! Then, Mark the designer arrived and Gary went home. Tim and Mark then dragged, rolled, pushed and tapped those horendously heavy pieces of stone into the most beautiful firepace we could ever hope to have! This is fun!!!
Message from Nora on Tue Jan 20 22:20:32 2004
Hello..it was fun to see some of you this last weekend! I wanted to pass on the baby web site that Jeff is building for the baby...please check it out and feel free to see the (hopefully) daily additions! www.coberntech.com/baby. Cobern Technologies is Jeff's website that he hopes to use more and more in the future, hopefully for clients. Have a good week everyone.
Message from Charlene on Fri Jan 16 15:19:36 2004
I really don't know the restaurants out that way, so you decide. Bennigan's would be fine...I'm just kind of teasing. I heard today that they don't know if the guy died of a heart attack (due to the fight he was in) or whether it was from being hit over the head with the pool cue. I guess they were upstairs in the room with pool tables...You guys decide!
Message from Karen on Fri Jan 16 14:27:22 2004
I talked to Jeff a bit ago and he said that Tom said something about someone dying there last night! Well maybe it means that it won't be a long wait to get a table :) I don't care, what are some other options? There's an Olive Garden nearby, but there is always a wait, but that's ok I guess.
The status is that as of now I'm free to leave at 3:05, unless they send me out before then. I came within a hair's breadth of flying out to Aberdeen and Pierre a bit ago. They couldn't find the FA, turns out her watch had stopped. I wouldn't have been back until 6 or 7 so I'm so glad I didn't have to do it. Even after she turned up the captain said I was going to do it because my name was on the paperwork and the flight was already late, but I called scheduling and told them that she was on the plane and her pre-flight was done and he got it changed :)
If I get to go at 3:05 I'll call people while I'm driving home.
Message from Charlene on Fri Jan 16 11:56:13 2004
In case we have the party tonight, do you think we should choose a different restaurant than Bennigan's. Do you guys know there was a murder there last night about 11:00 ? At least a guy died during a fight in the bar....he might have had a heart attack. I don't care, I guess, but it is a little creepy.
Message from Marilyn on Fri Jan 16 07:44:42 2004
Good Morning, Everyone! We are waiting with baited breath to know what the plans are ..we are ready and willing to go along with whatever works for the rest of you. Roger had a good night's sleep and feels fine. The doctor's appointment is at 9:50 this morning and then we'll come right back home. Just let us know -- we remain "flexible."
Message from Roger on Thu Jan 15 23:40:18 2004
Yes Karen I will be able to go out tomorrow night but it will be nice tyo have a ride. We have a doctors a[[t at 9:50 AM when he will take off the bandage eye patch and leave me with clear plastic eye patch.
Message from Karen on Thu Jan 15 15:56:23 2004
Ok, Charlene and I have been emailing back and forth, and have come up with Plan D. By its very nature it is just in PENCIL. We are thinking of dinner at a restaurant - maybe Bennigan's at 394 and Louisiana tomorrow night - Friday. Unfortunately Kelly won't be home, but at this point we are just not able to make it work while she is home. Anyway... I am on call for tomorrow, hence the pencil. Dad, glad to hear the surgery went well - will you feel like going out to dinner tomorrow night? Another call for pencil. We can of course give you and mom a ride. I will keep you posted on if I fly tomorrow or not. How does that sound? - Whoops! I haven't checked with Jeff and Nora yet! Another reason for PENCIL!
Message from Roger on Thu Jan 15 15:38:11 2004
I (we) are flexible. We should be able to make the party where ever it is at what ever time. (brave words) I do want to report that the operation went OK and the doctor seems pleased. Since I have a patch over the eye, I can' judge how it is. It was an easy operation and there was no discomfort. Tomorrow The doctor will take the patch off and maybe I can tell more. From what the nurse said he will not "re-patch" the eye, but I will have a plastic eye covering to sleep with. Will let you know more after the doctor visit tomorrow.
Message from Karen on Thu Jan 15 08:26:02 2004
Just an update.... found out last night that Kelly's meet doesn't start until NOON! I was shocked! I don't see how it could end much before 6:00, and it's in Mankato. Kelly is asking today what the estimated time of completion is - and of course, she is in the last event. Plan B might be to make it at a restaurant and we would hit it on the way home (like Eden Prairie maybe?), but assuming dad can't drive I don't know how that would work. Plan C might be a noon brunch on Sunday (would a restaurant be easier/closer for Charlene/Tim?) as Kelly and I have to be in Edina at 2:00 for a baby shower for Nora (given by her friends). Then Kelly goes back to school after that. Hmmm.... this gets so complicated! What are your thoughts?
Message from Charlene on Tue Jan 13 22:50:53 2004
OK, I guess the pressure is on....I better post a message! We just got home from a very depressing Gopher basketball game against Iowa. Oh my! This is going to be a long season. It was a resounding loss! Wonder if we will win even one game this year! As far as my basement project.....nothing much happening down there this week, but the end is definitely in sight. Yes, Dad, I picked out the carpet, and the guy came out and measured it, and tomorrow I will order it. The stones for the fireplace are the big stepping stone (sorry for the pun!) to being "done", cause I can't let them lay the carpet until the stone is put into place. Sounds like the stone will be done sometime next week and supposedly Tim has to go down to the quarry in Winona and pick it up. Except that I found out today that the stones weigh 1300 pounds! Tomorrow, I will call the quarry and ask them if there is some other way -- like a delivery! I'll let you all know what I find out. So, anyway, the painters worked most of last week and they will come back for a half a day after the carpet is laid. The electricians are completely done....all light fixtures are in except one in the bathroom cause I'm still undecided (Tim can put it in once I decide). The granite for the bar hasn't been ordered or even measured yet (or even picked out) cause the granite guy had to go back to Brazil for a death in the family, but I'm assuming that won't hold up the carpet. The TV is amazing and spectacular and the fireplace is wonderful, but it's kind of a drag to sit around on card table chairs on a cold concrete floor. We are planning a get together of our college friends who are going to Cayman with us this year for Feb. 14th, so this thing better be done! I'll let you know when the family party will be, Dad. Is that enough detail for now? Good luck, Dad, on your surgery on Thursday!
Message from Roger on Tue Jan 13 12:17:29 2004
I feel the need to share our activities with you all - even though they are rather pedestrian these days. I'm afraid that if I - or you all don't share your doings, Karen will be reluctant to let us know about her adventures. I do think, Hal, that your on the scene reporting of the big storm in the Portland area would have been of general interest. Well, that said, our activities have been pretty routine. Sunday we went to church and watched the U of MN women's basketball team win an important game against Iowa. Iowa was really "all out, in your face" with their defense, but the gophers finally wore them down and won going away. For those you didn't read about it, the crowd was way over 13,000. Monday I had my little physical before my eye operation - which is on Thursday. Marilynb and I went to bible study this morning and it was wilder than usual. Probably because we had a going away party for one loyal attendee who is moving to Cleveland - actually Illyria (a suburb). We keep wondering how Charlene is doing with he remodeling - did the stone arrive? Was the carper color chosen? When is the party?
Message from Karen on Sun Jan 11 08:22:30 2004
Yeah! The pilots and management reached an agreement at 1:00 am!! I am in the crew room right now,ready to head up to Brainerd, then I-Falls for the night. We get in at 11:00 am so it's a long overnight to say the least! Then I fly all day tomorrow, then 2 days off. I'm really glad that they settled the contract. Hopefully things will turn up around here as far as hiring, getting new planes, etc.
Message from Roger on Sat Jan 10 10:13:49 2004
T Karen, Don't be shy about the board becoming a "Karen's Journal," it just indicates that you are the only one at this time that has something newsworthy that is worth sharing. We are really interested in Mesaba news. I want you to know that everyone in the AAA Comm Center is pulling for the pilots. Your mother even has all the old lading at Cornerstone following the negotiations. They are even learning to say MesabA instead of Mesabe.
Message from Karen on Sat Jan 10 10:07:39 2004
I guess instead of a message board this is becoming a "Karen Journal"....oh well, here goes another installment:
With the threat of a strike looming, I was assigned a 4 day trip starting yesterday. We were originally going to overnight in Cedar Rapids, but we learned early in the day that that was cancelled. If a strike was averted we would pick up the trip the next time we would have flown out of MSP: 10:40 to St Cloud. The company wanted to ensure that all planes were home in case the pilots walked off the job at 11:01 pm last night.
First thing in the morning yesterday, we went to Sioux City and back on time and without incident. A rare thing for me these days it seems! Our next trip, to Hibbing, we arrived there on time, but not without incident. There was a light on that should have been off, or off that should have been on, or something... I lose track. With no Mesaba mechanics in town, they contract with a local certified mechanic to work on it. He doesn't know Saabs hardly so he gets on the phone with our maintenance dept and they are faxing things back and forth. It's a slow process. We were to go to I-Falls next then back to Hibbing, then home. They had explained to me that the problem was whether or not the plane would stop after landing. Yeah, I do like when we stop after landing. It's a good thing. After about 4 hours of sitting there, our passengers had all been taken care of (I think they sent them to Duluth to pick up flights there) and they were talking about having us ferry it home (that means empty, no passengers). Our pilots looked at each other when they heard this. The FO asked the CA, "are you comfortable ferrying that plane home?" The CA replied that he didn't know. Ok this was too much information. You see it wasn't really totally fixed - we couldn't legally carry passengers, because the lights and instruments still weren't cooperating. To cut to the chase, our mechanics in MSP assured our pilot that it would work right, so (after sitting in Hibbing for 5.5 hours) we headed for home. And yes, I got to sit up front again. This time we approached from the NW, like right over Lake Calhoun, etc, so it was a different view, and beautiful with all the lights.
Chapter 2 - The strike. I really thought there would be a strike last night. I stayed up and watched the live news coverage and I was very surprised to hear they were reporting progress and extending negotiations. They are still cancelling flights, and now all my flights for today are cancelled, as they await word. Time will tell!
Message from Karen on Tue Jan 6 13:38:55 2004
Well I am back home now. I did not deadhead home at noon Sunday. I would have, but my flight (on NWA) was delayed over 3 hrs for maintenance so the company decided to leave me in MEM and do some flying there. I was all set to deadhead to Tupelo, Mississippi, but another call from scheduling (!!) and they sent me home to MSP to work an Aspen flight instead. Then yesterday when I got back from Aspen I went to Sioux Falls and back... then HOME.
This is so funny - when we get our assinment (it's called a "pairing") it has a number, like M3486... then if it gets modified you add an A, then a B, and so forth. My pairing ended up as an "I"!! That's ten changes!! I've spared you all the details believe it or not.
Now, about Aspen... so beautiful!! Too bad we were only there for 9.5 hrs! Our hotel is a ski resort, complete with thick, terry robes in the closet, and a (huge) breakfast package for each of us crewmembers to take to our rooms when we checked in. The view out the lobby of the resort is of the slope and chairlift, like right in the back yard! So pretty!
We were majorly delayed going to Sioux Falls, so on the return they actually rebooked all our passengers onto an earlier DC9 flight so we had ZERO people, and you know what that means! Yes, that's right! I got to sit in the flight deck again! This time for 50 minutes, and coming into MSP which was a very awesome sight. Our FO was a guy I have flown with 2 other times, in fact on my VERY first trip ever right after I graduated. AND, if you saw yesterday's StarTribune, the picture of the pilot in front of the snow plow - that's him.
Well, now I'm home for 3 days and then Friday who knows... that's the day of the strike deadline.
Message from Marilyn on Sun Jan 4 17:45:47 2004
Happy Anniversary to Nora and Jeff! Can't believe it is one year already! It's been quite a special year for you -- here's to many more for you and your "expecteted" Valentine.
Love, Marilyn and Roger
Message from Karen on Sat Jan 3 18:53:38 2004
Ahhh yes.... another adventure for Karen! They deadheaded me to MEM last night to do a day trip today (3 turns: Evansville, Fort Smith, and Muscle Shoals) and deadhead back in the morning. I arrived at my plane this morning, met the pilots, everything seemed great, we loaded up the passengers, and started to taxi out. That's when the tip of our right wing, contacted the tip of another plane's left wing. Not good. And it's a BIG deal. Our pilots were just following the directions given, doubting they had room but being assured that they did, by the incompetent staff on the ground (not Mesaba - a contracted company). The only damage was to the lights on the tip, but still the plane was grounded and the pilots had to go get drug tested. Long story short... I went back to the hotel and both of the next turns were cancelled (but not right away - I even went back to the airport at one point, thinking the flight was still on). They almost sent me home tonight but then they ran out of reserves in MEM due to a sick call so they decided to keep me here till tomorrow. I am at the hotel now, glad I discovered this computer. As it stands now I'll be deadheading home tomorrow around noon. Another adventure.
Message from Roger on Fri Jan 2 21:12:20 2004
Happy Birthday Jeff!!!!!!!!!!
Message from Roger on Fri Jan 2 21:10:47 2004
Happy New Year Everybody!!!! I hope every one is thrilled with U.S.C.'s victory over the Michigan Wolverines. You better be thrilled because you would have had to put up with some very grumpy parents/grandparents for quite awhile if Michigan had won. They said that SC's schedule wasn't strong enough to justify their being rated No. 1. And getting beat by unranked California, huh, but then after Cal beat a very highly thought of Virginia Tech, that didn't seem so bad. Auburn won their game too. Hawaii beat Houston, and Washington State came through too. Well, I read the Detroit Free Press today and they sure think SC is No. 1. Also the Minnesota women beat Michigan in basketball with over 10,000 fans watching (in Minnesota, of course).
Message from Roger on Tue Dec 30 18:07:03 2003
Well Karen's proposed party hasn't worked out, but I would like to wish everyone a "Happy New Year."
Message from Roger on Sun Dec 28 20:51:48 2003
I work to 5:30 also, and after that it works for us - let's do it!
Message from Karen on Sun Dec 28 16:23:06 2003
Since I am working on New Year's Day, I thought I would see if you guys want to get together for Jeff's birthday on New Year's Eve. Nora works till 5:30, so we could gather at 6:00-6:30, and then if people have New Year's Eve plans, they can still get to those hopefully. Let me know.
Message from Hal on Wed Dec 24 08:19:00 2003
Merry Christmas everyone from the Pacific Northwest. We are heading up to Olympia this afternoon for a Christmas Eve. party at Ruth's brother Bob's house. It will be sad this year with her sister-in-law, Karen, missing. It will be good to support Bruce and the girls, as it will really be hard on them. We will spend the night in a motel then drive back home Christmas morning. Happy Holidays, Hal and Ruth.
Message from Karen on Tue Dec 23 20:57:22 2003
Well it sure seems that trips to CMX (Hancock, Michigan) are jinxed for me. When we arrived at MSP from CMX last night, before we headed out to Lincoln, I had a message to call Crew Scheduling. I figured they were changing my schedule, but no... they were telling me that I had no luggage, as my bag had been pulled off the plane (along with the passengers' bags) in CMX. They would put it on the next flight out which would have it arriving in the morning. No bag for my overnight in LNK! They said I could spend $35 to buy whatever I needed, but I had so little time. They basically told me it was ok if I delayed the flight, so I ran down to the nearest newstand and bought a toothbrush, hairbrush, and a sweatshirt for "jammies". We actually got the flight out only about 4 or 5 minutes late, and I ended up with a Minnesota souvenir sweatshirt out of the deal. But it was not worth it, being without make up and a change of clothes. Anyway, that's my excitement for this trip. Looking forward to these 2 days off now!
Message from Karen on Mon Dec 22 08:36:33 2003
Just checking in... I had day trip on the Jet yesterday. Starting a 2 day on the Saab today. Guess where I overnight- Lincoln AGAIN! This will be three in a row at LNK. My LEAST favorite (short) overnight. And I can guarantee you this captain will not invite me up to the Flight Deck to eat my sandwich!!
Message from Karen on Sat Dec 20 21:34:36 2003
Oh Charlene, I just read your message about Ringo - so sorry to hear. It's never easy, but just like you predicted, you were able to know when the time was right. And you are right, there certainly is a freedom with being dog-less.
Message from Hal on Sat Dec 20 18:00:55 2003
Hello Tim and Charlene. Ruth and I are sorry to hear about Ringo. You had many wonderful years with him; so you should cherish the memories. It's not easy taking a pet in to be put to sleep. When we took our cat, Muffin, in to the vet a few years ago it was a tough day. On a different topic (this is to everyone on the message board), when we upgraded to aol 8.0 while buying more RAM, we lost all of our address books. So can everyone E-mail me their addresses to me at HalWBond@aol.com. I promise to back up them in the future. Sorry we'll miss everyone over the holidays. Hopefully we can get back for a visit soon.
Happy Holidays, Hal
Message from Roger on Fri Dec 19 22:42:42 2003
Charlene, I just read your report on Ringo. I remember so well when we put Taffy down and the beautiful little talk Dr. Spong gave me. It is hard, but think of all the good times you had with him. As Dr Spong said, "it is about the quality of life."
Message from Marilyn on Fri Dec 19 11:43:23 2003
I just checked the Message Board -- I am so sorry to hear about Ringo--but not really surprised. You can catch your breath and relax -- you did your best for many hapy years. Love, Mom
Message from Charlene on Thu Dec 18 22:28:17 2003
Sad news to report. About two hours ago we put Ringo to sleep. As most of you know, about one week ago he was diagnosed with cancer of the liver, the spleen and the GI tract. Amazingly enough, he seemed "fine" and was eating well, still jumping up onto the bed and following me around the house. Well, things changed fast this morning. He didn't seem able to use one of his back legs very well, but as we watched, he got a little better. I almost took him in this morning, but decided one more day wouldn't matter. Well, when Tim got home tonight, he said he seemed just fine, but one hour later, when I got home he couldn't stand, couldn't walk very well, couldn't even circle around to lay down comfortably. He was whining by the front door (also very unusual) so I took him out and he kept trying to poop, but kept falling into the snow....it was awful. I told Tim to get his coat on...we were headed out to the emergency clinic. I knew that I couldn't make it (and why should Ringo) through one more night of this. Also, this way, Tim could be with me. They were wonderful, and Ringo went quickly and peacefully. I even have a clay imprint of his little paw (not sure what I'll do with it). So, that chapter is closed. It's sad but it was the right thing to do! It's been an awfully long time since we've been without a dog, but we're kind of looking forward to the freedom.
Message from Karen on Tue Dec 16 08:47:12 2003
I am picking Kelly up from school today so she WILL be joining us for the get-together! Do we have a time set? I think Jeff & Nora cannot be there until 6:30 at the earliest because of Nora's work schedule. But if you were thinking earlier (like for Charlene coming right from work) I'm sure those coming earlier could just visit in the meantime. Also, I forgot to mention that Tom has Santa duty, but it's just pretty impossible to find a time that everyone can make it!
Message from Roger on Mon Dec 15 07:58:56 2003
Karen, you DO live an interesting life now. Congratulations for acheiving "Freedom from Boredom!" I certainly look forward to reading your ongoing experiences.
Message from Karen on Sun Dec 14 07:08:21 2003
Part 2, read the post below first ---
I did have a couple of bright spots to the day however! First of all - for lunch I had a 2.5 hr break and I ran into a classmate from Detroit so I had lunch with her and her crew, it was so fun! I grabbed a cold sandwich "to go" at the airport to take to Lincoln to eat in my room for dinner (which I thought would be 9:00!). Well here's the other thing... between getting back from Hancock and heading to Lincoln we had no time. Our captain was really mad saying we needed time to eat so we went to the crew room and I thought ok I guess I could eat my sandwich here, but then she mellowed a bit after venting to the other pilots in the crew room, and decided to just heat her dinner in the microwave and take it on the plane to eat inflight. She knew I couldn't do that, so she said we could wait for me to eat. I said no, I'd wait and eat later, I didn't want to gulp it down and I had a big lunch anyway. Then she says "I'know what we'll do! When you're done doing the beverage service you come up with us and eat your dinner in the flight deck!". I'm like, you are kidding me. She insisted! Captain's orders! She said if anyone complained or anything send them to her because it was ridiculous to not give the crews time to eat. I told you she was awesome! Then... the next day, we again had no time to eat between flights (started out late remember) and she said let's do it again! So coming home from Grand Forks I had another "sandwich to go" in the flight deck during the flight! She has spoiled me! I doubt any captain ever again will make that offer!
Message from Karen on Sun Dec 14 07:07:39 2003
Update time... I'm sitting at the airport "Ready Reserve" in case of a short-notice need for a flight attendant. If they don't use me by 3:15, then I go home. Well, in my last post I told you about that short overnight. It turned out worse than that! One of our "turns" that day was to Hancock (upper penninsula Michigan), known for getting a TON of snow each winter, and sure enough it was snowing so hard and fast that we had to sit it out there for a couple of hours, putting us behind for the rest of the day. Our captain (an AWESOME 36 yr old woman) was ticked at them for letting us land because they reported an inch of snow on the runway (legal is 1.5 inches) but it was really 3 inches! So anyway, we were late to Lincoln - instead of getting in at 9:00, it was 11:00, and so they had to give us legal rest (9 hrs) and delay the morning flight too. So now the short night was even shorter, and our total duty day became 15 hrs (legal is 14 - but there's a loophole of course - if it's caused by weather then it's ok to go over that). Happy Birthday to me! :)
Message from Karen on Fri Dec 12 07:59:52 2003
I checked with Jeff and Nora and the 16th is good for them too. Not sure if Kelly will be home yet, but it's a possibility. I got called early this morning for a 2 day trip. Lincoln again, just like last week. it's a crappy overnight because we get in too late for dinner and out early in the morning. Oh well. That's the way it goes!! They are running short on reserves around here. I wish we could start hiring again! Talk to you guys later.
Message from Roger on Thu Dec 11 09:01:45 2003
Speaking for both Marilyn and me, the 16th is just fine. Let's do it.
Message from Charlene on Thu Dec 11 06:56:50 2003
I guess that I could come on Tuesday the 16th, but probably Tim could not, which is fine. It's really the only way that we could do anything during the week. Otherwise it's just too much driving back and forth. In other words, Tim will go home to take care of the dog and I'll just come directly from work. Let me know.
Message from Karen on Wed Dec 10 17:26:46 2003
I have just realized that I was wrong about my days off: they are 16th, 17th, 18th, not 17-18-19. So how is the 16th? It's a Tuesday.
Message from Karen on Tue Dec 9 21:46:33 2003
The only problem I can foresee with the 18th is that is the actual date of Nora's birthday, so perhaps she might have plans with Jeff or her family. I will check with Jeff and Nora and see what the story is.
Message from Roger on Tue Dec 9 12:15:28 2003
In response to Karen's date selections, we are having the Cornerstone Christmas party on the 17th, and Marilyn is on the Committee - it would be bad form for a "leader" to be absent for the big event. We would like the 18th the best (Thursday) as I work on the 19th and am usually "beat" afterwards. We are hoping that the party will be here.
Message from Karen on Mon Dec 8 22:26:18 2003
To answer the question about when to get together for birthdays (mine and Nora's! - I have a birthday buddy now remember!)... I have the 17th, 18th, and 19th off. I know it's not a weekend, but that's the way it goes for me these days as you know. How about the 17th - is that possible?
Message from Roger on Fri Dec 5 21:34:22 2003
In order to set the record straight, my previous favorite movie was NOT Gunga Din; it was the "Lives of the Bengal Lancers." I saw that one at least 12 or 13 times. It was another movie without any girls in it.
Message from Marilyn on Fri Dec 5 18:07:21 2003
I forgot to mention that Roger and I saw "Master and Commander" yesterday. To say he liked it would be too mild -- after the show, he said "It is possibly the best movie I have ever seen in my life -- even better than "Gunga Din" -- the previous favorite. Needless to say, when the video comes out, it will become an honored member of our home library. (I liked, it too -- it was excellent!!)
Message from Marilyn on Fri Dec 5 17:52:12 2003
Hi! I enjoyed the latest news on the Message Board. I would appreciate having any Christmas suggestions anyone has (maybe not posted on the Message Board, however, in the interest of "surprise.") I want to get my shopping over with soon and don't have any ideas or suggestions yet. When and where are we going to celebrate Karen's birthday? We could do it here -- hopefully our tree will be up by next weekend. I imagine it all depends on when "Fly Girl" is available...plus others of the group.
Message from Charlene on Thu Dec 4 22:29:07 2003
Thought I should check in to the board......sorry, Hal and Ruth about the news of Ruth's sister-in-law. 52 seems like a very young age to die! Makes me feel old and lucky at the same time! OK, where do I begin to update you on my life.....Tim and I just got back last night from a fun, senseless trip to Las Vegas with our good friends, John and Sandy. We had a great time, didn't lose too much (in other words, didn't come out winners), ate lots of good food, and went to one great show - Franki Valli and the Four Seasons (the Fifth Dimension was in the row right in front of us!!!!). The basement is really coming along well! There is a lot happening down there and it is very exciting.....hope I can keep up with all of the decisions (light fixtures, paint colors, door knobs, etc., etc., etc.....it may not be entirely done until February-yikes!). Right now what we really need are the painters, but they don't want to paint until the carpenters are done making dust....everyone is waiting for everyone else to be done. That means that sometimes we come to a halt! It's tons of fun, but also frustrating!
Thanks, Karen, for all the Christmas ideas. I haven't done anything, yet!! I'm way behind. That's all for now....talk to you soon!
Message from Karen on Wed Dec 3 08:19:14 2003
Update - the original FA picked the trip up this morning (day 3 of 3), so I get sent home at 6:15 am! Not bad! Yesterday we had the long layover in RST, got in at about 9:30 am (3 flights done by that time!) - the hotel shuttle took me to the mall, so that was nice. Then the pilots and I got together for dinner at a restaurant called "The Hangar" right next door to the hotel (and the airport) with a very well done aviation theme! And the food was good too! Well, I am glad to have some time today to get caught up on stuff around here, and some errands. I could still get called back in to work, but it is unlikely.
Message from Karen on Mon Dec 1 10:37:30 2003
Sorry to hear the sad news, Hal. Our thoughts are with Ruth and her family.
I am in the MSP crew room right now, starting a 3 day trip, and I just got done working 2 days! That's 5 days in a row! Tonight we get into Watertown about 4:30 though, so that is pretty cushy, but not as cushy as tomorrow when we get into Rochester (MN) for an overnight that begins at 10:00 am! There was a little excitement this morning when they called me at 5:20 to be at the airport at 6:20 - they are supposed to give you 90 min, but the FA that called in sick didn't give enough notice. So I RUSHED only to find that they put a delay on the flight after all. And then we had a slight mechanical delay. Oh well - enough excitement for one morning.
Since Tom doesn't read this, I'll go ahead and share some ideas here for Christmas: I told mom about slippers, size 10 - mocassin style. And DVD's are good too. Here's a really good idea: At Hallmark stores apparently you can buy DVD's of their TV movies and he LOVES those - in particular "Fallen Angel" that was just on, and any others I'm sure are good too.
Message from Hal on Wed Nov 26 09:15:18 2003
We have sad news from the Brockmann family. Ruth's sister-in-law, Karen, passed away last Thurs. in Olympia, Washington. She was 52 and left behind a husband and 4 daughters. Karen had been battling some tough health problems, excessive weight and diabetes, but this was unexpected. She passed in her sleep, apparently of heart failure. We went to Olympia over the weekend to help console Bruce (Ruth's brother) and the girls. Luckily, there are two other brothers in Olympia with big families: so there is a lot of support. The service is scheduled for this Saturday. With George (Ruth's dad) passing in August, this has been a tough year for the Brockmann family.
Message from Karen on Sun Nov 23 10:05:55 2003
Charlene, can you email me the pictures that I wanted copies of? I am already working on the scrapbook.
I have a 3 day trip on the jet starting tomorrow that will take me to overnights in Rochester (New York) and Regina, Saskatchewan. Both are sort of long layovers which is kind of nice compared to the ones I've had where you choose between eating and sleeping. In between those cities I'll be hitting Cincinnati, Detroit, (back to MSP) and White Plains, NY. Looks like a good trip, but unfortunately I'll be heading out as Kelly is coming home on break. Oh well, at least I have Thurs & Fri off - can't complain.
Message from Roger on Sat Nov 22 21:10:17 2003
Even the people huddled here in frosty Minnesota awaiting the blizzard that is gathering, even we have heard of the glad tidings from the "BIG GAME." The mighty Bears of Cal have roared and smote the despicable Indians (now know as Cardinals) who skulk in the fens of lower Palo Alto. What a service to humanity hath the Bears wrot. I am almost as happy about that as what happened down south to the Southern Branch by the noble Trojans.*
*if you need this message explained please contact Hal
Message from Hal on Wed Nov 19 19:34:20 2003
Greetings from the Northwest. Ruth and I are sorry that we cannot be back there for Thanksgiving this year. I'm hoping we can visit in the Spring and see the BABY. It would be nice to actually see leaves on the trees for a change when I visit (I think the last time for me was 1989). Anyways, have a wonderful Holiday, and Ruth and I will be thinking of you. We are co-hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at Ruth's sister's house in Vancouver. There will be 11 people there, and I'm sure it will be a great time. Take care, Hal and Ruth.
Message from Roger on Tue Nov 18 16:52:38 2003
Ok Karen - Sounds good, I'll probably come
Message from Karen on Tue Nov 18 09:59:57 2003
Dad you are of course welcome to come in any case, but I can check with Tom to see if he will be around, and Jeff might very well be accompanying Nora. Last I heard Nora thought she could come, but I don't mean to pin her down, because I don't think she had had time to really check their calendar. Anyway, "the men" or even just you, could sit in the TV room and watch a movie or whatever.
Message from Marilyn on Mon Nov 17 18:38:18 2003
The Thanksgiving plans sound fine. I would like to bring an appetizer (Lefse) and a green bean casserole. Let me know if I should bring anything else. I hope it isn't too much for Sue -- I could certainly do more if it would help.
The Friday photo evening sounds fine -- I'll bring mly stuff.
Message from Roger on Mon Nov 17 16:40:42 2003
That's a good question Charlene; Karen are men included in the photo party, and if I come will I be the only man? O work Friday and am usually used up by the time I gey home so I really don't have to come.
Message from Charlene on Mon Nov 17 08:13:53 2003
Well, I think I can come anytime on Friday cause I don't have to come home to take care of Ringo since Tim can do that before heading up north. So, I can come straight from work, which means I could be there by 5:30 or so....I can pick you up Mom (or is Dad coming too?). Wasn't sure if this was just women or what :) Now for Thanksgiving, that would be great, Karen for you to bring pies and go ahead and bring an appetizer as well. I'll bring my orange jello and if I still have time after making that (LOL), I'll make an appetizer as well. Mom, how about you making some mixed vegetables or green beans or something like that. Sue is making mashed potatoes and Dottie is making sweet potatoes. Mom, you and I can maybe bring wine also...I was pretty sure that Nora and her family have a tradition of going to the Lake Elmo Inn every year, so that's why I said I assumed they wouldn't be there. I assume that Hal isn't coming, is that right? Missie won't be there either, so it's probably Sue, Terry, Chris, Dale, Dottie, and the 7 of us. That makes 12, I guess.
Message from Karen on Mon Nov 17 07:53:32 2003
I would like to bring pies - how many should I bring? When I talked to Jeff & Nora it sounded like they will be with Nora's side that day. Also I can bring appetizers if there are still some to be claimed.
Glad you can come on the 21st! If anyone needs any scrapbooking supplies, i will have those available. We have a really neat white album that is perfect for weddings. Sizes range from 7x7 to 8 1/2x11 to 12x12.
Charlene, what time do you want to make it on Friday? It probably matters most to you. Like I said, you can plan on eating here if that helps.
Message from select name on Sun Nov 16 21:08:24 2003
Friday night the 21st works for me. Tim will be going north that night for deer hunting, but I can come. TEC weekend ended tonight, so my life will be getting back to normal now (whatever that means!?!).
By the way, here's the deal for Thanksgiving....here's what Sue is counting on us from the "Bonds". That would be Karen, Tom and Kelly (assuming not Nora and Jeff, but let us know if otherwise), and Mom and Dad and us. Sue would like us to bring: wine, vegetables, two apetizers, pies, my orange jello.....what would you like to bring? (Mom? Karen?)
talk to you all later....off to early bed right now...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Charlene
Message from Karen on Sun Nov 16 19:50:55 2003
For those of you keeping track - I'll be starting a 2 day trip tomorrow on the Saab, overnight in Lincoln, Nebraska. It looks like 2 long 13 hr days, but that's the way it goes! Can't have cushy long layovers every time! After all, it's not like they've been overworking me. I had 2 days off and then 3 days of not being called, so can't complain. :-) Wednesday I will be flying to Detroit to have lunch with some of my classmates from training. Friday, the photo swap for who can make it! We can have some dinner too - something casual and easy of course.
Message from Roger on Sat Nov 15 13:39:40 2003
To Karen: I am authorized by your mom to accept your provisional invitation for Nov. 21.
Message from Karen on Sat Nov 15 09:10:48 2003
First of all... (drum roll)... I finished my Europe scrapbook yesterday!!! I am so pleased with it, I did something different in that I incorporated my journal right onto the scrapbook pages. I can't wait to show you all!
Now that brings me to this announcement to ALL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS/HISTORIANS: I am ready to start working on the WEDDING pictures! I have to get them done before I can begin a granddaughter album, of course! Sooooo..... I was wondering how Friday, Nov 21 looks on your calendars. I would like to have a photo swap at my house on that night. Bring your pictures and any extras that you would like to swap. I can scan and print copies on the spot if someone needs more copies of any shots. If you know you need a lot you might want to bring some blank 4x6 photo paper, but if you only need a few here and there, I will have enough paper. I also have all the pictures from the "table cameras" that the guests took, so we can get those divvied up to who is interested.
So first I would like to know if that night is open to those interested, who I'm guessing to be mom, Charlene, Nora - and Libby too of course. Let me know!
Message from Roger on Thu Nov 13 13:19:33 2003
I need to share with the family our amazing experience this morning. Marilyn and I have been having small (but persistent) problems with the computer. In working through these we re-booted the system and all of a sudden the keyboard would not function. This was now at the point we needed to go to an expert - who was somewhere in the sky between Newark and Fayetteville. Well Karen finally got home and worked us into her schedule of appointments and came out this morning. I want to tell you it is impressive to see someone work that knows what they are doing. She went through all the settings, and traced the application, and the then, after analyzing all the data, she got down on the floor and plugged the keyboard back into the computer. Wow! it was like magic - everything worked. I want everyone to know that we have this skilled expert right here in the family. This was too good not to share with all of you.
Message from Karen on Tue Nov 11 08:00:49 2003
I am in the MEM crew room right now. Yes dad, Newark was just added a few months ago to the list of Mesaba cities. The trip is going very well, nice crew, and I am getting good experience working the first class cabin. Best of all, I am wearing short sleeves. We finish up about 4:45 this afternoon, and then I will deadhead home, arriving at MSP about 7:30. Then 2 days off. See you all soon.
Message from Roger on Sun Nov 9 12:06:36 2003
Hey Karen, That three day trip sounds like a new deal. I notice that Newark doesn't show onthe Mesaba route map. (They obviously need a new web-master) Be sure to tell us all about the trip.
Message from Karen on Sat Nov 8 10:08:47 2003
Well I am sitting at the airport right now, on "Ready Reserve" - just ready to go if there is an emergency need for a flight attendant. Usually it just means lots of time to read or surf the internet, but last time I did this I actually go sent out on two different turns (out and back) so you never know. I just found out that I have a 3 day trip starting tomorrow, out of Memphis on the jet. I will be heading to Dallas, Newark (overnight), Birmingham, Fayetteville (overnight), and then back to Dallas, before heading home. Sounds a little warmer than here for the most part! I'll take it!
The schedulers had mercy on me this week (making up for last week) as I only had to work about 3 hours in 6 days (it was just a Rochester turn). So back to reality now - I haven't worked on our jet in a while, so it will be good to get back on there. Talk to you all later.
Message from Charlene on Wed Nov 5 22:41:30 2003
Hi everyone! Sorry that I have also been kind of remiss in reporting in on this board. I especially have to apologize to you, Hal and Ruth, cause you left me that nice phone message inquiring about Dale and Dottie and Dale's sister, Helen. I can't believe that I haven't had the time to get back to you, but I'll try to do it here. They are all doing really well! Helen went home about one week after she was admitted into the hospital. I think she is "all better". Dottie is as good as can be expected......actually, BETTER. She continues to absolutely amaze us with her resilience and fortitude. She is doing well and Dale is better....he's been going to some group therapy sessions to help him cope with the stress of being the caregiver to Dottie. Anyway, they are all doing quite well!
My life at work is extremly busy and hectic. Can't wait till I'm done next June, but you have no idea what has to happen before then! Can I do it? I guess I have no choice!
Tim and I are looking forward to a few days in Las Vegas just after Thanksgiving. We're going with our buddies, John and Sandy. I think it will be good to get away.
Our basement is so fun and so exciting, but seems to have hit a lull right now. I love our builder, but every now and then, we go into a lapse of NO PROGRESS. Oh well! I shouldn't complain. I sure would like this done by Christmas. Guess I'd better get busy buying light fixtures and picking out carpet, etc. Hope you're all doing well. Talk to you soon, I hope!
Message from Hal on Mon Nov 3 23:05:42 2003
Greetings from the now chilly Northwest. We've had a beautiful Fall with record high temperatures (last week I was still wearing shorts), but that has all come to an end. Evenings of 18 and 22 degrees finished off most of the garden. Torched are the zinnias, dahlias, basil, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Last year our first frost came on Sept. 28th; so I guess we were pretty lucky this year. Its been nice to read everyone's comments. Ruth and I are both doing well and wish the best for all of you.
Message from Roger on Sun Nov 2 11:49:07 2003
Condolences to all St Olaf crosscountry fans. Augsburg with two runners in top ten was too tough it seems. Second spot - wth good margin over third - is still over expectations, I would guess. Kelly, you'll just have to start running marathons now that you college cross country is over - isn't that exciting?
Message from Karen on Sun Nov 2 11:12:54 2003
Kelly's race went very well yesterday! I should let her tell you the details, but I know she is busy so I will help out :-) The team took 2nd to Gustavus, but they ran a great race so no regrets. Chris (the coach) was very happy with how the team did. Kelly almost beat her PR (personal record) but came up a few seconds shy when she was struck with a side ache just before the stretch to the finish line. Still she was happy with the outcome. All the seniors were quite sentimental (being the last race for most), and as they gathered in their customary pre-race huddle shortly before the start, all the seniors began to cry. Chris told us later that she just threw up her hands and walked away grumbling "Oh great! My seniors are melting!" Anyway, the top runners on the team will be on to Regionals soon, and then hopefully Nationals. Kelly does actually have one JV race with Carleton, but it's far from a serious occasion - I think they even dress in costume?? Am I right Kelly? It's just kind of a fun tradition between the two rivals as they close out their seasons.
Welll last week I flew so many hours that I actually exceeded what they are supposed to be able to schedule you for. The wording of the contract just says that when schedules are constructed no one can be scheduled fly over 30 hours in 7 days. Well we don't get schedules, so there you have it. I flew over 33 hours in 5 days. Kind of a loop hole if you ask me. Next time we negotiate a contract I think that needs to be addressed. Oh well, not trying to complain, but I was really tired - lots of long days. I wouldn't mind a few days off here again :-)
Message from Karen on Wed Oct 29 09:08:23 2003
Just checking in... got in from a 2 day last night, and I'm about out the door to start a 3 day today. Work, work, work! Tonight I'll be in glamours Watertown, SD and tomorrow Rochester, MN. Yesterday in northern MN there was LOTS OF SNOW on the ground! It's October! For a fleeting moment as I sat in the hotel dining room in I-Falls, looking out at the woods and the huge snowflakes coming down and swirling, it was almost... pretty... almost! Well, seriously it did look like a postcard. That cold front coming through brought some rough air. Probably the roughest flights I've had so far. I have to entertain myself by watching the passengers bounce around like rag dolls. We set a record: 5 "sic sacs" in one flight (into Bismark), and remember we only have 31 passengers. The pilots thought that was hysterical (you sort of develop a warped sense of humor from the high altitude I think). It was even rougher going into Hibbing later though, but those passengers were tougher - no sic sacs, thank goodness. The pilots said that they hadn't flown through anything that rough all summer with any thunderstorms even. We were dreading going back up into it for the short hop to I-Falls, but amazingly, that flight was pretty smooth! Even the pilots were surprised and they said you just can't figure it out sometimes, we must have been at the leading edge of the front before or something.
Well I better run. Dad I will talk to you about the meet on Saturday. We should be able to work something out.
Message from Roger on Tue Oct 28 20:21:10 2003
Hei Kelly, We all missed you at the party - but again, we could talk about you. You came out very well. I would really like to be at your last race, but I have to figure out how to do it. I wish I knew the layout and parking etc. I am afraid that I will have to get there awfully early not to have to walk a long ways. We think your interior design was "kjempe bra." (any Norwegian will tell you what that means)
Message from Kelly on Mon Oct 27 22:13:14 2003
Hi Famliy!! I am sorry that I have been so bad at posting on this board! I am glad that everyone is doing well and sorry that I had to miss the big birthday party for grandma on saturday! Next year I will be able to do all the family stuff again! Things are going well. We have a crazy week this week preparing for the conference meet, and if we win it will be 6 years in a row! Quite an accomplishment if we can pull of another miracle. We are certainly not favored to win, but we werent favored last year or the year before so you never know! I am pretty sad as it will be my last meet and I have been doing this for 10 years! yikes! School is also going well, I had my last midterm today and now have a few weeks without any big projects, papers or exams. Everything else on the hill is going well, my pod is great and I am getting very sentimental about this being my last year here! Who knows what I'll be doing next year, it shall be very interesting! Again, I am sorry I had to miss the big gathering on saturday...what did you all think of the tv room? I am pretty proud of my first interior design attempt not revolving around tile! I hope everyone has a great week!
Message from Karen on Mon Oct 27 15:07:46 2003
Hey everyone - I'm at the MSP crew room right now. It's Day 1 of a 2 day trip. Tonight I will be overnight in International Falls. Brrr! We were already at CWA and next we go to Bismarck. When we go to I-Falls (that's the lingo) we will hit Hibbing on the way. We don't get in until almost midnight, but then we can sleep in until noon :)
Kelly runs her LAST meet on Saturday and Como Golf Course. It's the MIAC championship and the Oles are defending champs - how many straight years Kelly? 5? 6? This year will be really tough, several other teams have already beat the Oles this year, so we will have to see!
Message from Marilyn on Sun Oct 26 16:35:15 2003
I just wanted to thank you all for the nice birthday celebration last night. It was a lot of fun and the gifts were great! It was nice to see Nora and Jeff once again. Sorry Kelly, Hal and Ruth were not there -- but I did show the family the pictures from our recent trip. Thanks again.
Message from Karen on Fri Oct 24 12:33:47 2003
I just got my November schedule and guess what! I have Thanksgiving off! I bid for it just in case, I can't believe that I got it!
Looking forward to tomorrow (Saturday) at 5:00, over here, for mom's birthday. You guys can see our new "TV room".
Message from Karen on Tue Oct 21 14:31:26 2003
I don't know if anyone would dare ask them! We were just glad we were no where around when they were told!
Kelly and I got back from NY today. It went well, no problem flying standby in either direction. The train into Manhattan was pretty easy (about 45 minutes) and aside from taking a cab to the hotel when we first arrived, we relied completely on the subway after that. We bought an all-day pass, and we more than got our money's worth out of it. The first night we walked around Time Square and had dessert there. Our hotel was only a couple of blocks away. The next day we went to the upper west side to the ABC studios. Unfortunately, after freezing out in the cold (yes it was cold there!) for an hour, we were turned away from the Regis/Kelly show. We headed over to the View, thinking it was much easier to get into. After standing there for an hour, we were turned away from that one as well. We headed over to Rockefeller Center and the NBC studios and took the backstage tour and that was good. We saw the SNL studio, and the Conan O'Brien one, and where they film Dateline. We had lunch at Rockefeller Center. Our guidebook said there were some bargains at the lower east side, so we went there (chinatown), and we found some places, but it was kind of yucky there, so we left and headed up to the Fifth Ave shopping instead. Then we went to the Empire State Building, since 4 yrs ago when we went there it was dark. That was fun, and they have a simulator ride/movie now too that kind of gives you a tour of the city. We got back to White Plains by about 9:00 pm and flew home early this morning.
Message from Roger on Sun Oct 19 15:49:02 2003
I wonder if anyone asked those passengers left high and dry in Pierre if they were "completley satisfied" with Mesaba service.
Message from Karen on Sat Oct 18 14:38:57 2003
Not sure if I can top the pie story but here goes... I had a high speed last night to Pierre, SD. (High Speed is slang for "Continuous Duty Overnight - CDO" where you fly out late and back early, with less than legal rest). We transported 2 mechanics that were along to fix a broken plane on the ground in Pierre. When we got there we learned that that crew had been stranded all day and was now going to ferry the good plane back to MSP (that means fly with no passengers, not that it gets put on a big boat). That meant that we would inherit the broken plane, that would "for sure" be fixed by morning. Famous last words. We got to the airport this morning right on time at 6:30 am only to see with our own eyes that the entire left engine was still taken apart and the mechanics were still working on it! After waiting around there for awhile - it was one problem after then next, we went back to the hotel for a couple hours - then got the call that it was good to go, so we returned to the airport. I was all set for passengers (who I had seen up at the desk completing the re-ticketing process for all of their connections), we even had the coffee pot and the ice, and our First Officer (a really nice gal, former NWA Flight Attendant) tells me not to get too comfy, as something was not right with her start up check list. Sure enough... a NEW problem! It needed a 15 minute fix - like a new fuse, which of course we didn't have. There are many redundancies built into the aircraft for safety, and one of those wasn't working - but it just meant that we could be without some instruments in case of something else not working (my interpretation as best I can). ANYWAY, it meant that we could ferry the plane, but not with passengers. I bet they were mad, seeing us take off with them getting left behind! So during the flight I got to sit and read a magazine, drink pop, and gaze out the window, like I never usually can. I couldn't sit up front with the pilots because we had the mechanics on board, but that's ok, I still enjoyed it! Anyway, since my duty period went so long (over legal limit actually), now I don't have to worry about being contactable tonight, so it all worked out. :) That's my excitement for the day. Tomorrow Kelly and I head to the big apple!
Message from Roger on Sat Oct 18 12:21:43 2003
Hey, this board is really quiet! The New York travelers better give us a complete report on return. That goes for Kelly too. We need the young viewpoint, not just from grandma (to be). Just to share our exciting day, I will tell you that Marilyn and I are going to play bridge at St. David's tonight, and Marilyn is bringing a Cosco pie for dessert - now THAT is exciting - comparitivly speaking, if course. Cosco pies are about 2 inches larger than normal pies.
Message from Karen on Tue Oct 14 11:26:41 2003
They tape at 9:00, and start handing out standby tickets at 8:00 (much of the audience is reserved). I have heard you need to be there at least an hour early to get in line to get a standby ticket, so we had better be lined up by 7:00 am.
I haven't for sure picked out a hotel. I was looking at the Metropolitan, but the rates shot up this week, so now I'm looking at the Majestic. I have to get to a computer at the airport and see how full our flight is before I'll put money down on a room. I can call NW and ask but they're not really supposed to say, so if I work tomorrow I can do it myself.
Message from Charlene on Tue Oct 14 08:55:23 2003
Yes, Dale's sister, Helen is the one who is sick. Good news is that she had a restful night at the hospital. Her daughter is flying in from Virginia to be with her. Yep, when it rains, it pours. Oh! You guys probably don't know this! Last Tuesday, Dale was up in the night, feeling anxious, as usual, from the stress of worrying about Dottie and taking care of her. His heart was racing and his blood pressure was something like 250 over 180 or something awful, so he self prescribed and took a nitroglycerine pill. That didn't seem to work, so he took two. Then he stood up and passed out on the floor! When he woke up a few moments later, he saw that he was ok, and then he woke Dottie up (it was 3:30 a.m.) and SHE DROVE him to the hospital. Then, SHE DROVE HERSELF HOME!!! Dale is fine. His heart was completely checked out. He didn't need to stay overnight or anything. He just needs to take his anxiety medicine like he's supposed to....we chastised them about her driving, but they're really quite proud of themselves. That's what I mean, by when it rains, it pours! (Karen, now I understand your dilemma for next Monday morning. How hard is it to get into Regis and Kelly? Where are you staying?)
Message from Karen on Tue Oct 14 08:36:30 2003
You're talking about Dale's sister, right? (Not Dottie) That's too bad... I hope things go well there.
The problem with going to GMA is that we really want to see Regis & Kelly and we have to line up really early to get in there. And that show is west of Central Park, not real close to Times Square, so I don't think that will work. If we don't get in to Regis & Kelly maybe we can get over there before GMA's over.
Message from Charlene on Mon Oct 13 23:41:02 2003
Karen and Kelly - you should try to go to Good Morning America next Monday morning when you're in Manhattan. Remember when we did that a few years ago. Back then it was really easy to get in....they were outside on the sidewalk trying to get people to come in. I think it's more popular now. It's right at Time Square. Just another quick item here....Tim's aunt Helen (Dale's sister) has been visiting here from Virginia for about three weeks. A week or so with Dale and Dottie and then a week with relatives in Wisconsin. Yesterday Tim rode out with his parents to Wisconsin to go pick her up for the last few days of her time at Dale and Dottie's. Today she went into Ridges hospital with what turned out to be a bleeding ulcer. She's been vomiting blood since Saturday (and didn't say anything!) but today it got much worse and really bad. She's going to be ok, but we went down there tonight...everyone is relieved that the tests done tonight showed it is "only" an ulcer. She's really sick so please keep her in your prayers, but we're hopeful that she's going to be ok. She's much younger than Dale...maybe early 70's.....good health overall.
Message from Karen on Mon Oct 13 20:54:14 2003
Sunday is out too as Kelly and I will be jetting off to New York! It's fall break and we are going to take advantage of our travel bennies and spend a short while in Manhattan. The timing doesn't work out for us to see a show, but we are going to try to get into the taping of Regis and Kelly, and that doesn't work, maybe The View. Otherwise, some touristy stuff and shopping. We will fly into White Plains on a Mesaba Jet and take the train to Grand Central, spending the first night (Sunday) in Manhattan. After spending Sunday evening and all of Monday there, we will take the train back to White Plains Monday night and stay at the crew hotel there, flying out early Tuesday.
As far as birthday options... What's going on Friday? I'm on reserve but we know how that goes. As long as I'm fairly close to the airport we can take our chances. I have worked the last seven reserve days in a row, so hopefully Scheduling will give me some of that fabulous time again this week!
I have a funny story from my last trip to tell you guys ---
On an early morning flight, as I was serving beverages, I proceeded with my cart down the aisle to where a 5 yr old boy and his mother were seated, and the mother was asleep. I asked the boy if he wanted anything to drink and he replied - very matter-of-factly.. oh so grown up - "She'll have an orange juice, no ice, and I'll have an apple juice with ice". I kept myself from chuckling out loud and poured the beverages. As I handed his apple juice to him he added "does this have alcohol in it?". Oh gosh that cracked me up! That's when I had to ask how old he was, to which he replied 5 1/2. He was so cute!
Message from Marilyn on Mon Oct 13 19:28:08 2003
HI, Everyone! I appreciate the effort you are all making to try to celebrate my birthday. I need to let you know that Saturday night, October 18th, is the only night that we couldn't come! Roger and I are "hosting" two tables of bridge for our church's monthly bridge tournament--so we must be there. We all play at the church, but several couples each month are hosts for two tables--plus bringing dessert. I appreciate your efforts--but it does seem like this is a very busy family! Don't worry if you can't pull it off, but I appreciate the efforts.
Incidentally, I believe most of you have heard that I went back to work this week. So far, I just love it! The people are very nice and friendly; it's more money than I made at Vanguard, and it's only 3 miles from home! For your records, here is the vital information: The Holmberg Company
4155 Berkshire Lane N.
Plymouth, MN 55446 (763-559-4155)
My supervisor is Maureen Beutler, Manager, Human Resources.
Message from Charlene on Mon Oct 13 07:45:30 2003
Hi! Update on Wade's stolen car! It was found! That's the good news. The bad news is that the police department called Wade just after they had driven home for five hours in a rental car. I think it had been found in Dallas earlier that day. Too bad they couldn't have found that out BEFORE they left Dallas. They also don't know what condition it's in, but supposedly only damaged from being broken into. Not stripped for parts or anything like that, which is what they really feared. Yep, let's plan a time to get together for Mom's birthday. I guess I'm free this Saturday night, but not at any time on Sunday. Does that help? Want to come to my house to look at the construction site? You may be looking at a weeknight, Karen? Hmmmm...
Message from Karen on Sun Oct 12 19:49:37 2003
Well I've been flying in and out of Memphis the last few days. They deadheaded me there to pick up a trip normally flown by MEM based FA's. We went to Cincinnati, Kingston-Tennessee, and Huntsville-Alabama... so some different cities of course than what I'm used to. Our First Officer on this trip was a 28 year old female - she's very sweet, and it was nice to have "another girl" in the crew for a change.
When we went to Cincinnati we picked up one of my classmates that was deadheading to MEM to sit reserve there in the hotel for 4 days (better her than me!) but the best part was we had a one hour maintenance delay (smoke in the cabin will do that) and they re-ticketed all the revenue passengers except for her and 2 non-rev pilots, so the whole flight we could just sit and talk! And it was a fairly long flight - 1 1/2 hrs. She is the one I "met" on the message board before class ever began last spring, and I haven't seen her since graduation day.
Anyway, I'm back now and off for a couple of days. Now that Charlene is back we have to talk about getting together for Mom's birthday!
Message from Charlene on Sat Oct 11 15:48:44 2003
Hello from the Dallas airport. I know...I know...it costs a lot of money to sit and do e-mail at one of these kiosks, but I'm bored. We got here a couple of hours early, so I thought I'd check in. I'm kind of disappointed in the lack of family information here while I've been gone! Oh well! Big news is that Wade and Jeannie's car was STOLEN from the secure hotel parking lot yesterday! Not a rental car, mind you, but their own car (1989 Suburban in pristine shape). I guess these old suburbans are a HOT item in Dallas (don't know why exactly...for parts or whatever. Also easy to break into cause no electronics, etc. All reports have been filed and all avenues explored to try to get them some money or whatever...maybe the insurance company will duke it out with the hotel. Anyway, kind of put a damper on the trip! Guess what Hal and Ruth! Yesterday I met two ladies at the convention from Portland. They knew your cow and loved it the best! When I said you were glass artists they knew exactly which cow was yours and they couldn't stop raving about it!! OK, I better go. I'll be home in a few hours. Talk to you later!
Message from Roger on Tue Oct 7 14:26:51 2003
Well yesterday was Marilyn's birthday. We had a party and it's too bad you missed it. We went to Appleby's for lunch and I plied her with Margueritas and then we went to see the film (Kelly - note!) "Under a Tuscan Sun." It would have been better if they had named the movie "A sunny day in Tuscany" because there wasn't a lot of agreement with the book. It was, however, a really good picture in its own right. Missed you all.
Message from Charlene on Sat Oct 4 07:20:16 2003
We head off to Texas today (it took about 45 minutes for me to type up all of Ringo's special instructions for his medications before I take him to the kennel!). Anyway, I sent my itinerary last night to Mom and Dad and Karen. When I checked in for our flight on-line, I see that today's flight number has changed and is now NWA 1022. No big deal, but I know I have a family who checks on these kinds of things. Didn't want anyone to think we had vaporized in the sky between here and Texas on a non-existant flight! Have a good week!
Message from Roger on Fri Oct 3 21:04:47 2003
Hey Jeff/Nora, Did Karen tell you that your house is practically on my way home from work. I come up Dakota to Minnetonka Blvd and then over to Louisiana and then out to hwy 101 etc. Wednesday night I went that extra 1 block on Dakota and then truned left past the house and noted the silver Saturn in the driveway - so I knew the move had begun. Now if you ever take a trip you can get your trip-tik DELIVERED. That is the advantage of living in an intermediate location.
Message from Karen on Fri Oct 3 12:30:48 2003
Thanks for the update Charlene. Dad and I were discussing the fact that mom's birthday is approaching... and since you will be out of town, it looks like we will probably postpone a get-together until you get back. Thanks to this wonderful message board, we had our facts straight about when you were leaving. The problem is that I work most weekends (at least I'm on call). We can do one of two things: we can plan something for a weekend, hoping I can make it - or we can look at weeknights. If we do the weekend, and I get called away, that's fine and I'll get together with mom aside from that time. I have not worked in almost two weeks, so perhaps it is possible that I would be there after all. And Charlene, one more thing - if you have a minute before you leave you should log onto the Survivor Message Board :)
Jeff and Nora's new house is darling! We have had two big moving sessions, although there is still a bit of stuff here yet to go. They have lots of storage room - as we were remembering our first little house, we had NO STORAGE, so they are fortunate in that they have an attic and eaves with lots of space, plus closets in the basement. The family room in the basement is a good looking room - a nice "hanging out" spot I think, where they will put their TV, computer, etc. The living room has some nice built in shelves, and the kitchen has a nice "nook" (like a corner booth) for a kitchen table. There is even a porch with a wood burning stove. As soon as they get settled you guys will have to pay a visit.
Message from Charlene on Mon Sep 29 23:02:11 2003
OK, OK, I know I should have checked in......what a week!.....it never stops! I had a really busy week at work last week (kind of carried over till today) cause we were part of submitting a grant due Oct. 1st. It was being submitted by a guy from Berkeley, via a guy at San Diego, but WE actually did ALL the work putting it together! I can't tell you how confusing it was! But, the good news is that IT'S DONE!
Yes, our basement is moving right along....they put the second coat of plaster on the sheetrock today. I think they'll be sanding it on Wednesday. Then the shower is going to be installed and I think a few days later, the fireplace will be installed. We are leaving on Saturday to go to Texas for a week. Tim has a dental meeting in Dallas, but first we will spend of few days with our friends, Wade and Jeannie in San Antonio. Then we'll drive up to the meeting with them....it's kind of our annual get-together with them. We talked to them tonight and it was 85 degrees (they have a pool!). We told our builder that we didn't mind at all if he continues to work while we're gone. Won't it be fun to see the progress when we get back!?!
Jeff and Nora - good luck as you move in to your new house! What fun! Can't wait to see it!
Karen, are you going to send in for Christmas Festival tickets like you usually do? We are going to....Sunday is our first choice. October 1st is the day! (Jeff, Nora, how about you?)
Dad, sorry I missed your call the other day. My St. Olaf friend, Judy's dad died and his funeral was on Saturday aftenoon. (Nancy was up from Arizona for it!). Glad you did ok for your meet.
Karen and Tom! Congrats on your winnings in Vegas! Did you bet on the Twins??? How about the Vikings??? We'll be going to Vegas at the end of November...staying at the Paris hotel.
Mom, Dad, Hal and Ruth.....glad the visit went ok (despite the well problem). Can't wait to see the pictures!
Well, that's it for now....I will try to be a more frequent contributor to this web site!
Message from Karen on Mon Sep 29 21:34:47 2003
Yes, I forgot to tell you that she is running for school board! There finally are no incumbents running, so it's a good year to get in. I think she will do well, but she does have a few opponents.
We haven't heard from Charlene lately! I'm sure the project is marching right along. Our remodeling project is too. We have turned the extra upstairs bedroom into a TV room. We even bought some comfy furniture - it got delivered today. We repainted - Kelly picked out the color scheme. Lookin' good!
Jeff and Nora close on their house tomorrow - they had their final "walk through" tonight. The trailer is all loaded up and ready to go! I'm anxious to see the inside of the new place!
Message from Roger on Mon Sep 29 10:18:41 2003
I have an election campaign message. ---- All people who live in the Rockford School District are urged to vote for Kathy Skinner for School Board.
Message from Roger on Sun Sep 28 22:02:08 2003
Comment to Hal. Most people know that Strawberry Canyon is bewitched and strange spirits intervene in activities involving outside denizens.
Message from Hal on Sun Sep 28 18:46:03 2003
My sincere and heart-felt condolences to any USC Alumni for the loss yesterday in triple overtime to the over-looked and under-appreciated California Golden Bears.
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 27 19:28:27 2003
Just got back from Wisconsin (Hudson). The St Croix Railroad is having its Fall Meet, but I came home early. Fred brought his RV so I stayed with him. It was a good meet with lots of guys from Winnipeg, some from California, some from Pennsylvania and Virginia, and our old friend Ted Hale up from North Carolina. Bad new. on Saturday it poured and hailed as we lined up for suppe at a pig roast; many people went into town to eat. Good news, we had so much left over that we had a free lunch today. Wer had 3 Japanese from Osaka (with one wife to make four). They were executives of a Japanese manufacturer and they brough three locos with them an a lot of accesories. They liked our club and donated a $1000,00 to our club. We didn't charge them for meals and sent home 10 brass St Croix pins to their employees. Our Northwest pilots have visited their factory. Many people made a fuss over me being there - you would think I had been sick?
Message from Karen on Thu Sep 25 16:15:49 2003
Hi again everyone! We made it out to Vegas on that 3rd flight on Tuesday, and got 2 seats together in 1st class. Today we got out on the first flight, but 1st class was full. Can't have everything, oh well. We had a "missed approach" I think they call it, in MSP today. Just as we were about to touch down, and I emphasize the JUST AS, we lifted back into the air and had to cirlce around again. There was an aircraft in our way - that was not clear of the runway. That was a weird sensation.
We had a good time in Vegas - it was mid 90's so we made use of the pool area that included a lazy river for tubing, and a wave pool. We did our walking in the cooler parts of the day, and gambling - well as often as possible... ha ha. We had breakfast at the buffet at Paris (remember Charlene?? It's still fabulous!) and we stayed at the Monte Carlo which is right next to New York New York, so a great location. It had a nice food court which is very nice for when you don't want a huge buffet. Tom was the big blackjack winner (I helped too but he got braver in his betting) Total winnings at BJ totalled about $400!!! But since we were so far up we also kept gambling a lot - and of course Tom is addicted to the quarter Poker since he won a jackpot last year - anyway... we figure we were up between $100 and $200 net for the trip.
Well anyway, just checking in!
Message from Marilyn on Thu Sep 25 13:50:49 2003
Well, I'll try again. (shorter message this time):
Highlights: Hal and Ruth took us by the river where the Indians could sell fresh salmon! They bought two -- and they cut them up and put most of them in the freezer. (You will see pictures).
Hal took us to Mt. St. Helens - very impressive. (You will see pictures).
Al Ivey (Dad's Navy friend) took us on lovely drive, including visit to the salmon locks in the river. (You will see pictures).
Also noted: visit to Shahala Middle School to see Ruth's prize-winning artwork (Hal did the installation). (You will see pictures).
Hal and Ruth's garden is amazing! (You will see pictures).
Message from Marilyn on Thu Sep 25 13:44:59 2003
Karen, Help!
I tried to send a message, but it wouldn't go. I did try ctrl-X and then ctrl-C, but nothing happened.
Message from Roger on Tue Sep 23 16:10:58 2003
In salutation to previous message substitute "folks" for "filks."
Message from Roger on Tue Sep 23 16:09:54 2003
Well Filks, Our flight left Portland at 9:05 PDT and we were in our condo at 1:45 PM PDT. or 3:45 CDT. I think that is pretty darn good. We had a nice breakfast and when we got to MSP I mentioned the wheelchair to the Flight Attendent and she had already ordered it because Karen had set it up when she listed us. Hal's well pump was fixed yesterday so we had a shower this morning and smelled nice for the 1st class seats. It was nice to sit in 1st on a flight this long. Thanks again Karen!
Message from Hal on Tue Sep 23 14:18:41 2003
Hello everyone: We had a very nice visit with Mom and Dad despite not having any running water for 21/2 days. They were very good sports. Did you know it takes 21/2 gallons of water to flush a toilet? Anyways, I wanted to let you all know that they caught the first flight out of Portland this morning and got a first class upgrade. Take care everyone and congratulations to Jeff and Nora.
Message from Karen on Tue Sep 23 12:58:19 2003
Well I am at the MSP crew room, killing time before our THIRD attempt at a flight to Las Vegas. There were more than 10 non-rev's that did not get on the first flight, then they all rolled over to the 2nd flight, and they all got on except us. So at least they didn't all roll to the next flight again. The agent really thinks we'll get on the 2:15. If not, we'll head to Treasure Island around here or something. I found out that Tom's idea of fun is not sitting around the airport. He wasn't "understanding the rules" as well as mom and dad did! Oh well, we decided we'll just give it one more shot, then bag it. I checked the wait list for the next flight out of Portland and mom and dad are not on it, so I assume they are in the air on their way home. Talk to you later.
Message from Marilyn on Mon Sep 22 23:16:18 2003
Hi, Everyone!
We have really enjoyed all of your messages--especially from jeff and Nora! Congratulations to Kelly! Thanks for your help/advice, Charlene. We do have water again. We all "pretended" that we were camping. The workers were out today and we have water again! Roger and I plan to be at the airport Tuesday morning --hopefully about 7:00 a.m. Hal will take us. The first option for a flight leaves at 9:05 am and arrives at 2:16. We have books -- will just sit and read until we get on a plane. Out car is at the Park and Ride. See you soon! Lovew, Mom
Message from Roger on Mon Sep 22 22:42:06 2003
Hey Jeff and Nora, I did read your great news. There have been so many crises around here and Carla's adventures with the hurricane, I just plain failed to acknowledge the good news. The most important part was that everything looked good. You just won't have the surprise at birth that all the rest of us had - the anticipation - the uncertainity - the wild celebration. I guess you can have the celebration now, huh? Continue to do good work!!!
Message from Karen on Mon Sep 22 21:13:58 2003
Hey everyone, I have been flying the last two days. I had a jet trip with an overnight in White Plains, NY - and other cities in between of course. 10 legs altogether, which is good because I needed the experience on that aircraft. I am much more confident on it now. Tomorrow Tom and I are going to try non-reving to Las Vegas. First flight of the day looks very doubtful, but we'll be there to try anyway. 2nd flight looks somewhat likely. Planning on coming home on Thursday.
Tom says that a new well costs possibly upwards of $5000. :-(
Talk to you all later!
Message from Charlene on Mon Sep 22 10:31:31 2003
Mom, Dad, Hal and Ruth - in all the excitement of the pump going out, you may have overlooked Jeff's very important message that he sent you on Saturday. Please scroll down and read it again, so we don't think that you missed it! It's pretty big news! Karen and Tom were told on Friday night and Kelly and I were told together at St. Olaf on Saturday (which was really fun). Your official notice was on this message board......just want to be sure you didn't miss it. Hope things get back to normal for you guys today. Have fun
Message from Roger on Mon Sep 22 00:17:05 2003
I talked to Carla and they are OK. The little town of Chesapeake City was hard hit though. It is built along the Chesapeake-Delaware Canal and a lot of boats sought shelter in the canal, but they had a large water surge from each end of the canal. Many boats were damaged and all the shops slong the canal were flooded or damaged by high water. When she went to bed Thursday night she thought it was Isa-fizzle instead of Isabella. During the night everything changed. The City Park was under water, the bandshell gone, boat on land etc. Annapolis was badley hit for the first time in their history. Baltimore inner harbor over its banks. Also they lost power for a few hours.
Message from Roger on Sun Sep 21 19:48:09 2003
Thank you Charlene!
Message from Charlene on Sun Sep 21 13:58:10 2003
I meant to say Hal's browser IS NOT updated enough - you know what I meant!
Message from Charlene on Sun Sep 21 13:57:24 2003
Hi to everyone, but this message is to Dad. Dad, I had success in accessing your address book on comcast. Here is Carla's e-mail (which you didn't ask for): carlasea@earthlink.net and here is her phone number (which you did ask for): 609-812-9254.
The problem you had was probably that Hal's browser that he uses is updated enough for accessing www.comcast.net. I know this cause my Netscape isn't new enough, so that didn't work. However, I also have Internet Explorer, Version 5.0 and that did work. Hal probably has an older version of Internet Explorer. Sooner or later he'll have to update it, but only when it becomes a problem to him.
Have a good day....gotta run! Go Vikes!
Message from Charlene on Sat Sep 20 22:15:40 2003
Oh too bad about the pump! That happened to us once. I'll never forget it! One minute we had water and one minute we had no water! Just like that. No warning! Then when the guy came out we had to pay him by check - no Visa card. I remember distinctly that the total bill was $750. Our well is over 125 feet deep. That was a few years ago. Sorry that this has happened while you guys were there! But glad you're having fun anyway!
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 20 20:29:57 2003
Karen, Would you check with Tom and ask him what a ball park figure would be to pull a well and replace the pump. Itr is an 80 ft well. I know that we are talking about two completely different areas, but it might help to have some idea of cost. The pump itself is supposed to be around $600.
Message from Karen on Sat Sep 20 18:20:16 2003
Yes, Dad...that's what Charlene meant. The runners know their times at "each K", and at the 5K she was at her best, but slowed a little on the 6th K. It was still a good race though, and as Charlene mentioned as well, she had a horrible bleeding blister the whole time! The pot luck lunch was good - the weather was PERFECT! Glad to hear you guys are having a good visit, but too bad about the well. Doesn't sound good. If you read Jeff's post below you know the latest excitement!
Message from Jeff on Sat Sep 20 17:10:53 2003
Hello everyone...just wanted to let you know: Nora and I are expecting a girl. We had the ultrasound yesterday and as far as we know everything looks great!
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 20 16:51:45 2003
Late breaking news --- the well went out at Hal/Ruth's. THAT changed some plans. Lucky we had chicken shish-k-bobs left over. The well man came out and shook his head sorowfully and said there wasn't anything he do before Monday. Sounds like we will go to Mt. St. Helen's tomorrow and host the well man on Monday. Actually Al Ivy is coming out and Marilyn and I will do something with him. That will keep us out of the way. I am glad to hear about Charlene getting to see her long lost relatives. I am puzzeled by the fact that Kelly was running a 6K but it was her best time in a 5K; did someone time her at the 5K mark? I am looking forward to Christmas when we will get a chance to see everybody. Have fun with the sheet rock.
Message from Charlene on Sat Sep 20 15:18:07 2003
OK, now that I have something to say, I will write! I went down to St. Olaf today to watch Kelly run, so I got to see my long lost relatives, Karen, Tom, Jeff and Nora, not to mention Kelly. Wish I could see them more! Kelly did really well - it was a 6K race. Someone else would have to tell you her time, but she said that it was the best 5K time for her, ever! She had a bleeding blister the whole race! She was awesome, playing through "pain" like that! They were all staying for a big St. Olaf pot luck lunch, but I decided to get on home. Tim is busy throwing stuff into a dumpster and I thought I'd better participate or at least officiate! There is a box of old camp notebooks like EZ camp. I'm sure I got them from you Mom. If they just seem like registration stuff, guess where they're going? That's right...the dumpster, unless you tell me otherwise (please don't).
Well, I came home yesterday and was surprised to see that the sheetrockers were still here! I hadn't met them in the morning - we were asked to leave the back door down there open, so we did. Much to my surprise, there were SEVEN of them! They got it ALL done (not the taping of course). AND they threw all the pieces into the dumpster (was in the contract). I remarked that I was so shocked that they were doing it all in one day and the guy I was talking to just looked up and said "No Comprendez". They were all Mexicans and I don't think anyone spoke English. They were busy, busy, busy! Their work wasn't perfect, but our builder will make it right...OK, have fun with Al Ivy
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 20 11:59:57 2003
well I guess nothing is happening in Minnesota this weekend. We did have some activity here yesterday. We did not go to St. Helens because it was a low overcast and Monday forecast seemed more promising. We did go over to the Shahala Middle School to see Ruths muals in the "Media Center" of the school - they were spectacular! We also went by the Camas Youth Center to see their decorated cow. That also was fun. Actually these stops were on the way to Cascade Locks (Charlene should remember that - Tim too) and we found an Indian with a pickup truck selling salmon. We bought a nice 17 lb Chinook and also a 12 lb of the same. 28 lbs for $56.00. This was more than needed for Saturday's BBQ, but Ruth and Hal filleted them out and put up small packages in the freezer for winter. We rode up on the Washington side and then over the Bridge of the Gods and returned on the Oregon side. This allowed us to get into the Friday night rush hour traffic from Portland. You have to sample the local culture when you are visiting. I hope that you guys are relaxed (after sweating it out with us on the plane). No one has to worry about our coming home because I don't have any strong commitment until a week from Wednesday at AAA - we should be able to make connections before that. My friend Al Ivy should be here pretty soon - and he is the most important ex-shipmate of the ill fated reunion. I would have come just to see him. Bye for now!!!
Message from Roger on Fri Sep 19 12:18:41 2003
Nice to see your messages this morning. Responding: Charlene, what is really impressive about how "wired" the family is can be illustrated by this story. After we missed the second flight I talked to Karen after telling Hal, and she said something like, "...and you didn't even have the football team on that flight." I said how did you know about the football team and she said that you told her because you had talked to Hal. Now that all happened in the space of two hours. That is pretty wired as far as I am concerned. Ater all, it isn't our "JOB" to pass on such incidental information. Karen, don't feel bad about not being in 1st class. If we get home without sitting in 1st on the way home weither, then you can feel bad. Also it isn't a matter of "sportsmanship<" it is knowing what the rules are to begin with. we are now well rested and looking forward to a fun visit. See you!
Message from Karen on Fri Sep 19 09:03:46 2003
Oh I'm so disappointed you didn't get first class! Save the boarding passes, and the non-rev passes and I'll see if I can get the difference back. Well at least you made it, too bad it was a bit of a production, but you guys are such good sports about it and had such a good attitude! Have fun in Portland!
Message from Charlene on Fri Sep 19 08:16:41 2003
Hi Mom and Dad! Glad you made it ok....too bad you didn't get to sit in first class, though! I kept checking this board before I went to bed, and then about 12:30 or so, I got up to go to the bathroom, then came out and checked one more time, and lo and behold, there were your messages. We're such a high-tech family, aren't we? Today the basement gets sheetrocked, or at least the sheetrocking begins today! I guess I'll come home to a lot of dust! It's so exciting! Have fun all you guys in Portland!
Message from Marilyn on Fri Sep 19 00:27:51 2003
Thanks for all your help and interest! Just to add another dimension to the story of our "travel day" -- did you hear that our power was out most of the time before we left home? We heard that over 10,000 customers of Excel Energy were out at the same time. We lost power about noon on Wednesday -- it was finally restored about 10:00 p.m.! It was really interesting to pack "by candlelight" -- literally. Also interesting, was trying to figure how to set an electric alarm clock for 4:30 am -- with no power. I did finally find a small battery travel alarm. Power then went out again about midnight -- stayed off a couple of hours then. We did manage to get up in time and arrived at the Minneapolis Airport as scheduled at 7:30 p.m. We just kept on reading and relaxing until we finally got on the plane. Quite a day!
Message from Roger on Fri Sep 19 00:20:21 2003
Well the travelers finally did arrive in POrtland about 40 minutes late - but that was nothing after waiting all day. NO, we did not get to sit in first class. The gate agent asked me if I would accept coach - I told her that after missing two earlier flights I was not very picky. We did not get seats together, but Marilyn did a little campaigning and I ended up beside her. We would not have made this one if several people missed their connections and didn't show. It is funny how strange things happened to fill the planes. First was the South Dakota State football team, and then the later flights had Michigan rooters coming out for the football game between Michigan and Oregon. In any case Hal was on the ball and had our bags before we even got to baggage. Thanks for all your help and encouragement.
Message from Karen on Thu Sep 18 22:18:00 2003
I'm so glad that mom and dad got on that flight! Thanks for posting that, as I was for sure wondering. I hope they got in first class too! If not they should save their boarding passes and we should be able to get some money back.
I'm on reserve today, no call. Jeff and Nora are staying here now, and Jeff has been sick today, but he's feeling a little better. His fever went down a little, but still over 99. We had fun watching the premier episode of Survivor.
Looking forward to hearing how the travelers are doing.
Message from Charlene on Thu Sep 18 21:31:27 2003
Thanks, Hal, for keeping us informed! I have been thinking about them all day. Karen told me that they missed the first two flights....it would have been terrible if they had to wait for the fourth flight! I'm wondering.....did they get to sit in first class????
Have a fun few days with them! Let us know how it's going...
Message from Hal on Thu Sep 18 20:56:59 2003
Hello everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that Mom and Dad finally caught a plane to Portland (after missing two flights on stand-by). I believe they were in the airport for about ten hours before actually boarding the plane; so I'm sure they will be pretty tired when I see them in the baggage claim area. They are scheduled to arrive at 7:27 P.M., Pacific Time. Thus we have postponed the chicken shish-ke-bob dinner for a quicker and lighter salad with rice and smoked salmon. I'll keep you all posted. Take care, Hal.
Message from Charlene on Wed Sep 17 22:22:46 2003
OK, OK, I'll post something......Tim and I just booked a cruise to Alaska for August of 2004. Talk about planning ahead!! We are going to fly into Anchorage and spend some time with a dentist friend of Tim's (I think that translates into "go fishing with"). Then a few days later, we will join the cruise tour that we purchased, go up to Denali, then to Fairbanks, then fly back to Anchorage and on to Seward to catch the ship (Holland America) and take the standard 7 day cruise on down to Vancouver. We have been talking about doing this for a long time, but we always get caught up with making plans with other people. Then what happens is that due to the myriad of choices, nothing happens. No one can decide what they want to do. So.....we decided just to do it by ourselves. Call it a celebration of my retirement!!!
Message from Karen on Wed Sep 17 09:28:50 2003
Come on people! Nothing to report? I know that mom and dad are leaving tomorrow for Portland! The first of us to try "non-revving" on Northwest. Hopefully they will get on the flight, flying standby. I think Tom and I are going to try flying standby to Las Vegas next week.
Message from Karen on Sun Sep 14 18:05:45 2003
I'm back from my 3 day trip. I'm on reserve again tomorrow, but they can't send me anywhere overnight because I am off on Tuesday. Today we were flying from MSP to St Cloud and since it is just a 15 minute flight, we started our descent after being in the air about 5 minutes of course. So that's when I get up and walk to the back and make sure everyone is buckled up and behaving themselves. The plane was quite empty and no one was in the back, so at that time I peeked out the window in the very last row to see if I could recognize where we were. Hmmm... there's a golf course, maybe I can figure out which golf course that is.... oh my gosh.. it's Shamrock! There's St Thomas! And there's our neighborhood, and our house! There's our pole barn! It was so amazing that right at that moment we were right over our house! I never see the ground during the flight! But I am always wondering what we fly over when we go to STC so my curiosity got the best of me - at just the right time! Funny!
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 13 11:27:48 2003
Well, I am pleased to hear that Kelly is well again. 2 out of three classes does leave some room for improvement. By the way Kelly, what classes are you taking this year? Are they subjects that will prep you for graduate work at the London School of Economics or perhaps something lighter leading to an internship in psychology in Switzerland? Fill us in. A few courses for a bachelors degree from St. Olaf is OK too.
Message from Kelly on Fri Sep 12 21:17:44 2003
Hi family! nice to hear from you all. I am slowly getting over my sickness. No fever today and I was able to attend 2 out of 3 classes and practice! So things are indeed looking up. I have a race tomorrow morning at Carleton. It certainly wont be my fastest 6K due to the recent illness but i shall do my best and not dwell on it. Not much else to report! I'll try to remember to check this more often and keep you all updated!
Message from Karen on Fri Sep 12 18:25:29 2003
Well I am in the crew room at MSP right now, Day 1 of a 3 day trip. Tonight we'll be in CWA (pronounced SEE WAY - Central Wisconsin Airport) and then over to the "dark side" for a day, then overnight in Traverse City tomorrow night, back on Sunday. Talk to you guys later!
Message from Charlene on Fri Sep 12 08:28:35 2003
Thought I'd better check in here.....no, Dad, I've not been out of town. Life is just so busy...every morning I kind of try to touch base with the builder before I go to work, but sometimes that keeps me home for an hour or more.....details, details, details. The other day, in fact, there was so much confusion about the window that is going to be cut in our outer wall (!) that I had to call our designer and ask him if he could come right out. Luckily, he did, and all of the questions were answered. Sometimes you think you have an idea of what you want, but as the work progresses, that all changes. The day the designer came out there were also two electricians and the builder so it was a busy scene. The designer wasn't completely happy with where the electricians were putting the ceiling lights, but for heavens sakes, it was the third day of their effort, and as far as I was concerned, they were just fine! It's kind of tricky working with all these personalities -- but FUN! So, the electrical inspection is done. The framing inspection was done yesterday. Insulation comes Monday and sheetrocking starts next week! The shower should be arriving any day, which means I can then figure out how to squeeze a vanity into that small little bathroom.
We still don't know for sure if the man who applied "for Dwight's job" at my lab has accepted the offer, but rumor has it, it may be concluded today. If he takes it, he will come around the first of the year.....lots of cleanup and rearranging to do before he comes! Work! Work! Work!
Hope all is well with you!
Message from Karen on Thu Sep 11 17:04:58 2003
I had today off (I've worked one day out of the last eight!) and I had lunch with my former boss Ralph (he's now the AD at Holy Angels). It was fun to see him again and get caught up.
Jeff and Nora are out of their apartment now, and housesitting for Kevin and Libby, who are on a camping trip. The new house is supposed to close on Sep 30th, and they might be staying with us for a span of time before that too, when Kevin and Libby return from their trip.
Kelly is a little under the weather :-(.... she's been running a bit of a fever and unable to go to practice or class today.
Well I go on reserve again tomorrow for 4 days, I'm sure I won't get ignored 2 weeks in a row!
Message from Roger on Thu Sep 11 16:59:20 2003
Well our lives must have suddenly gotten dull - or maybe we are just shy. I am pretty excited because Karen installed our DVD/VHS player. By the way ( i already told Karen) but I had a call yesterday at AAA from a lady at Rockford HS who locked her keys in her car. I told her I sure knew where the HS was because I ad a couple of Grandkids who graduated from there. She asked me who they were, and then said I had very high grade grandkids. Her name was Osbourne as in "33 years at the front" Osbourne.
Message from Karen on Tue Sep 9 16:13:27 2003
I think we can get that taken care of when I come over tonight :-)
Message from Roger on Tue Sep 9 11:53:52 2003
I hate to admit it but I need some physical help. We bought a new DVD/VHS player and I am afraid that I need to move the entertainment center out from the wall and turn the TV around to hook the units up. I am worried that It will be too much weight for me to handle. There is no great rush on this.
Message from Karen on Mon Sep 8 22:06:42 2003
Well I did end up flying today. I deadheaded to Eau Claire and then worked the flight to Rhinelander, back to EAU and then MSP, so I got done at about 6:00 pm. The pilots were going on to Aberdeen & Watertown, but I was "timing out" because my work day started at 6:00 am, otherwise I would've been continuing on with them. Tomorrow (Tuesday) I'm on reserve again, and as of now nothing scheduled.
Message from Charlene on Mon Sep 8 14:06:43 2003
Hi everyone! We're having so much fun with this basement remodeling! Every day it's so exciting to rush home and see what our builder, Darrel, did each day. Every room we're doing has its own major and minor decisions to make....most of which have not been entirely anticipated! Like, Tim asking me where I want him to bring TV cable wiring into the bedroom, just in case we ever put a TV in there and want cable........how am I supposed to know that? We sort of figured it out, based on where the bed (what bed?) is going.....he's trying to think of every possible need like that for the future since the sheetrock will be going up next week. I guess that's when I can expect big time dust upstairs - ugh! I need to send you all some pictures! Have a good day!
Message from Karen on Mon Sep 8 07:36:45 2003
I am sitting at the airport right now, what they call "ready reserve", just in case I am needed. This tends to happen if you have a few reserve days with no flying, as I have. I had a false alarm already this morning (I got here at 6:00 am) when a flight attendant didn't check in, so I was maybe going to go to Duluth, but alas, she had just forgotten to check in, but was here.
I hope you guys have added this page to your "favorites" list and check it often - and post often! The more you post, the more people are likely to check it. It's kind of like an instant messenger, but we don't have to all be online at the same time!
TTFN (ta ta for now)
Message from Nora on Sat Sep 6 12:17:31 2003
Hello Everyone! Jeff and I are busy today packing- or maybe I should say Jeff is. I'm just sort of decompressing from my first week at my new job. The babies are so much fun, I'm really enjoying the change. I guess its giving me good practice for this winter...hey Jeff even came to visit and held one of the babies yesterday. Hope you all have a good weekend and talk to you soon.
Message from Roger on Sat Sep 6 11:27:54 2003
I guess I want to add my appreciation to Karen for this web-site. I really enjoy keeping up with the family members. For a short time I thought Karen was the only one having an exciting life, but that was before Nora and Jeff's big news on the baby - and now on the house, and bfore Charlene's house improvement and lab leader replacement drama. What can I do that would be exciting? I'll work on it.
Message from Karen on Sat Sep 6 11:01:04 2003
I just finished the latest Harry Potter book! It was so good! This is especially nice because now I won't be lugging all 870 pages of it around the country anymore!
Message from Karen on Fri Sep 5 21:56:09 2003
Well, tomorrow I am back on reserve for a few days. Today I went into Rockford to tend to some web site items. Oh! Milestone for "KEBtech Solutions": I got my first check for working on the school web site! I'm doing it as a vendor, not as an employee. Many people were telling me that they were sure that the district would not want to spend the money for me to maintain the site, but I have been paid for August and September, so it's official now!
We are turning the upstairs extra bedroom into a TV room! Tom is building a wall cabinet to hold the TV, and we will get something cozy to sit on too.
Tom's work is starting to slow down, just a bit. He doesn't have to work Saturdays anymore, and there are some closings on the horizon, so he feels like he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last night he fell asleep on the couch after dinner, the phone rang and woke him up, and he looked at his watch, JUMPED to his feet, and shouted, "OH NO! 7:00! Where am I supposed to be at 7:00??!!!" He looked sort of possessed, if you know what I mean. He thought it was morning. Yeah, he needs some time off I think.
Message from Marilyn on Fri Sep 5 14:52:42 2003
Wow! Hi, Everybody! This family is really High Tech! Thank you Karen, for telling me about this new Message Board! I do check for messages every day -- but yesterday Roger was on the computer and I asked him to please check for messages -- apparently there were none at that time. Anyway -- this will be fun. We have the usual, exciting life at the Senior's Condo! In addition to the usual "coffee" every morning, we do keep busy. Wednesday we had the monthly "Birthday Party" honoring people with birthdays in September. This consists of coffee, cake and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" (from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. -- after "nap time.")
Somehow, I agreed to accept a position on the main Board of Directors for the building. I am filling out a one-year term for one lady who has had surgery and can't continue for now. I still don't know how to say "No." I am still Treasurer of the Social Committee and yesterday I went to the bank and opened a checking account for the Social Committee. I got tired of dealing with cash and coins all the time.
Roger and I are looking forward to our trip to Oregon -- leaving on September 18, I believe. I really will plan to "pack light." Honest!
You won't believe the progress on the new building going up next door for Assisted Living! It is huge -- but won't interfere with our view of the "wetlands." It does cut out part of the view to the west, but we knew this would happen. It is fascinating to watch the way these workmen work -- they are fantastic!
Roger is at work at AAA today. I am sure he will get on this very important new Message Board when he gets home--obviously he didn't know about it before. Thanks, Karen, for letting me know about it. It should be interesting!
Message from Kelly on Thu Sep 4 20:42:46 2003
Hi Family! It was nice to hear some updates from you all! There is not much new with me...we started classes today. Everything is getting back into full swing! Cross Country is going really well, our team sure is going to be good!! I went to a Welcome Back dinner for all returning abroad students...that was a good time. Other than that, I am just busy soaking up all my remaining time here on the hill. I am thinking that this will be the best year yet at st. olaf! Again, nice to hear from you all!
Message from Jeff on Thu Sep 4 19:12:59 2003
Hey everyone- I have to apologize on behalf of Nora and myself. We've been very busy and that's why nobody has heard much from us lately. I guess we have a lot going on. Nora just started her new job at KinderCare and we are currently moving out of our apartment. The exciting bit of news is that Nora has been feeling the baby and yesterday I think I might even have felt something in her stomach. Pretty amazing! Well I guess that's it for now. So long!
Message from Karen on Thu Sep 4 16:24:42 2003
Now I will tell you guys what happened yesterday on my flight from Grand Forks to Devil's Lake! We had ZERO Passengers, so I got to sit up in the flight deck jumpseat with the pilots!!! It was SOOOO COOOL I had the headset on and everything, talking to them through the mike. The captain was a guy that lives at Excelsior & Grand (Jeff and Nora's appt) and Nora has always been asking me if I met him yet, and finally I did on this last 4 day trip. It was so nice of him to let me sit up in the flight deck! I was just in awe of the whole thing. The First Officer actually did the flying (they trade off each leg) but the Captain was plenty busy too. They showed me the radar where we could see approaching planes, and so much more. The pilots laughed when we lifted off because the plane went up so nice and easy without any weight on board ("like a kite" is a direct quote).
Only problem was that I wished it was a longer flight - it was only 20 minutes or so. Devil's Lake was beautiful from the air, apparently it is a great Walleye lake. Maybe someday I'll have that chance again, it was absolutely amazing!!
Message from Charlene on Thu Sep 4 16:05:12 2003
Well, let me be the first to post! I guess the most exciting thing in my life right now is that the construction on our basement is in full swing! I've taken lots of digital pictures, so now I need to remember how to make a web page and let you guys take a peek! Our carpenter is just wonderful - the electrician will be here tomorrow so I thought I would take the day off so I can run alongside the two of them and say "Put one there! And another there!" Yes, we have plans, of course, but they are getting changed at the slightest whim! The Home Entertainment guy came by the other day and showed the builder exactly where the speakers should be placed for the surround sound!!! (Can you believe it!). We got our first TV over 19 inches just about a year ago and now we're going to get a BIG ONE! We decided if we're going to do this, we might as well do it right. Also, in a couple of months (maybe less!) we'll have a guest bedroom and 3/4 bath for visitors, so Y'All Come, Ya Hear?!!! Haven't decided where to use some of your tiles, Hal, but I think it's going to just be a few for accents......things just develop over here minute by minute. I just need to try to keep a step ahead with decisions, except I don't always know what's happening next. It's FUN! (Hal, I assume you want those tiles back.....and also hope you're not in a hurry....might be a month or more).
Hope everyone is having a good day!
Message from Karen on Thu Sep 4 15:34:09 2003
Hey everyone, Welcome to the Family Message Board that I made! I made one like this for my classmates and we have been having a lot of fun posting messages and keeping in touch that way. I thought it would be fun to have a message board for the family. We can all see what everyone is saying, and we don't have to worry about "leaving someone out of the loop". You will have to click on it every so often to see what is happening. Obviously if something is really time sensitive you should email instead.
There does seem to be a size limit on how much info you can post at one time. Just use more than one submission if you run into that (use a ctrl-X to cut out the last half of your message, click "submit message", and then ctrl-C to copy it to a new message).