Living in the Thanksgiving/Christmas spirit EVERY DAY !!! Impossible ? Carry it in your heart. Be available to listen to those with hurts !!! Can you go back in past to recall memories, then share with family, associates before something happens to your health or attitude ? Can those who are not Christian still share their religious beliefs that happen outside of Christmas-why not. Aren’t we all connected by a thread of human kindness ?
Every year I try to figure out the meaning of Christmas. ” A monkey wrench was thrown in by” a response from Utah buddy on 11/22. Isn’t every day like Thanksgiving or should we make it that way ? It has been an exercise in futility as my mind has raced in tangents like that of the 12 streets including the Champs Elysees extending out in spoke like fashion that can be seen from top of the climbed Arch deTriumph in Paris this past April . Is this year different since I am retired, collecting Social Security and Medicare. Being VERY CAUTIOUS with spending with exception of OBSESSED WITH future trips ? ABSOLUTELY !!!
I think I have found the ” true meaning ” of Christmas ? Can one ATTEMPT to carry the message of gift giving, family-friends gatherings, birth of a 3 in one Jesus( father, son, Holy Ghost) who was born, died and was buried by dying on the cross to save us and the world from sin by faith through grace ? Can we share YEAR ROUND including those who’s holidays do not fall in December or of different beliefs ? In early November I finally responded with college recollections to the Editor of our Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa e-mail newsletter that is sent 4 times a year. Thanked her and staff for outstanding work. From that of a ” C” student who won the Senior Oratory Speech contest over a campus leader classmate who was also Editor of yearbook . How many can say that they were left off the program as a result of profs thinking that I might not graduate ? Yet led in class of over 700 with class President to both the baccalaureate and graduation . Then the light went on !! One of the joys of college was hitch-hiking up to St. Paul to spend some semester breaks and Thanksgivng with my mother’s cousin and family over the about the estimated 30,000 miles of trips. She was married to Luther Seminary prof, the Rev. Phd. Kent Knutson. He even assisted at our wedding on 4/26/1969 as Norma would later be oldest born 10/1971 God mother. After becoming President of Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Ia., he was elected President of the American Lutheran Church(A.L.C.). However, on an around the world trip he was believed to be the 1 st in U.S . to contact Mad Cow Disease in Borneo. As he passed on at age 49 in 3/1973 . The most beloved person EVER known since he would take time and BLOCK OUT all other activities to listen despite going 24/7. Also saw former church intern later best man at wedding and wife 70 miles to S.E. as well as having opportunity on occasion to see former minister who had a church on Capital Hill. What a thrill to be part of the Knutson family as they packed their 4 kids and me into station wagon as we drove into downtown Minneapolis on the Nicollet Mall to see the Christmas lights displayed.
And then GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS !!! Have times changed where there is less emphasis on OVER DOING gift giving vs. appreciation of health as we get older ? My wife and I are planning on attending my 50 th high school class reunion in 2013. Will see where I grew up. We have not been back to Glen Head prior to the early 1990′s when my parent’s moved south. Will also visit Copiague where my wife spent her 1 st. 4 years on the S. shore of L.I.
When is the last time you spoke about Thanksgiving and Christmas with someone ? Is it possible to find a quiet place and recall instances ? Or even cherish sitting down with feet up such as from upstairs perch. Perhaps, as we age do we want to recall the past more or engage with former high school or college classmates ? Many years ago, I left a strand of Christmas lights strung from the ceiling in both living and dining rooms. Plus put them on an artificial tree in 3 season porch. Since I get up around 5:30 A.M. the bulbs do not disturb still sleeping adorable/angelic mate. A reminder of taking the Christmas spirit with me in heart during the day ?
My dad built his home in Glen Head some 27 ½ miles from Manhattan from the foundation up in 1948. Made a huge fireplace out of the front end of a 37 Chevy truck as well designed Dutch doors in corner of home. In honor of his French Protestant Huguenot heritage that came from France via Amsterdam to Brooklyn in mid 1650′s or a memory of his grandmother that was born in Amsterdam. Was fortunate with wife on a layover trip to Norway in 2002 to see her home from the street. My dad once said that his grandmother became irate at his grandfather. Tossed an iron filled with hot coals sitting on the cast iron stove through the upper half. He ducked. It hit the cow .Then ran away never to be found The living room/dining room was some 26 ‘ long. Thanksgiving and Christmas was usually spent at our home since we had room for my mother’s brother and sister who had 3 kid’s, grandmother, aunt, reclusive cousin plus my sister. I can still feel the laughter of family in a Norwegian Christmas decorated home of mother’s heritage that settled Brooklyn in the 1890′s.
Our traditional Thanksgiving meal was lamb not turkey. My dad would pile the plate as high as the ceiling as it went down as he called it ” Murder’s Row ” in honor of the 1927 N.Y. Yankee W.S winning .team that had Ruth, Gehirg, Lazzeri and Meusel who had a total of team 133 H.R.’s( Yankee’s had 158-highest other team was 56) plus 544 R.BI.s between the 4. My sister, cousin, my self and a border who belonged to our church sat next to each other. My dad would then pile again as it went down this row only to be devoured again.. Now in contrast our family of single daughter, divorced daughter with both grandson’s. My in-law’s moved back to my mother-in-law’s home town of Park Rapids, Mn.in 1993 as my father-in-law would then pass in 2/2001 about 205 miles N.W. of Minneapolis after my father-in-law retired in the 1980′s in the Denver area Attempts were made depending on weather to make the trek either that Weds. night after work or on Thanksgiving Day-coming back on a Saturday On occasion we would have grandson’s come in another car with daughter and boyfriend. Ah !! The song, ” over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go ” !! We actually cross the Mississippi River twice. This time we will be without grandson’s as one is playing hockey as well as oldest daughter working but she will come up with boyfriend that Friday. But we will all be together for dinner at oldest house the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. So difficult to believe that we now have a 40 year old daughter and grandson’s 14 and 15. We are not old enough to have a 40 year old daughter ? It is still a treat to see my now 91 year old remarried to another widower the past 8 years. Both are still active in a house on an acre of land, community, have a huge garden and able to do chores.
Somehow Thanksgiving and Christmas becomes more on caring, sharing or recalling the past. This was before computers, caller I.D., call waiting, grandson’s constantly looking at cell phones on a walk where ONE HAS TO HAVE A CONVERSATION or without a disruption from an electronic device Our since 1957 North Shore High School of the consolidated towns of Glen Head, Sea Cliff and Glenwood Landing was composed of 20 % Russian Orthodox, 20 % Jewish and the remaining being those from the Sea Cliff Methodist, Glenwood Presbyterian ,Glen Head Lutheran and Glen Cove Catholic congregations. I was fortunate to go to the same school from grades 7-12 . Prior to the word ” politically correct or law suits from the A.C.L.U. ” our school was decorated with Christmas and Hanukkah displays. We also called our concert the Christmas Concert NOT THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. The thrill was to be part of the top non-select chorus in State of N.Y. directed by John Sterling, as well as being in the band as a baritone and later tuba player led by Ted Ryder. But most important being chosen to be in the men’s group called the Hoarse Norseman. How fitting with my Norwegian heritage as our school was called the North Shore Vikings. Yet a street in Sea Cliff was called DuBois Ave. as a result of someone of Dutch Reform influence ? On flower box in front of home have name DUBOIS as well as display a 12 ” X 18 ” Norwegian flag. Not for voice but had enthusiasm plus could read music . Half our songs were sung in Hebrew.The other Christmas carols. The finale was the Alleluia Chorus where all former choir members come down and stood with robbed students. EXCITING !!! One would see those in college as well as grads later with families. Treasured when I brought home married mate in 1971 as we left 3 week daughter with my parent’s. Once brought both daughter’s to the concert with wife. A connection to the past ?
Christmas has also brought along the ,memory of my 1/21/1912-8/7/2002 and 10/3/1915-10/25/2000 parents who were married almost 64 years( my wife’s parents; were married 59 years before her dad went on 2/1/2001. During Christmas season which once started the Day after Thanksgiving and not what appears in July They would have the record player( what’s that ?) with Christmas songs. My mother would answer the phone in ” this is Elva, Merry Christmas . Baking together after church was a treat. My dad wore his narrow Europeaned tied tie over his white shirt with a an attached apron while my mother was donned in her Sunday best as well. My dad baked his step-mother’s Hungarian stolen(a sweet, yeast-raised German bread containing fruit and nuts but added wheat germ). Just found a few months ago that she was Czech. Both would be covered with flour. My mother made all the Norwegian GOODIES. I can still smell the aromas some 1200 miles away every time I am around baked items year round or even on trips. Both giggled like two love birds but perhaps it might have been the Scotch. My mate refuses to make Christmas treats since I WOULD INHALE them. Yet gets for me the store bought Yule cake, pronounced Yu-la-kaga, from local grocery store sold only this time of year. Opps !! There goes the 30 lb. Weight loss over the last year !!!
Our family tradition was taking the L.I. Railroad into N.Y.C. to catch the movie at Rockefeller Center that also featured the Rockettes. We marveled at the tree, watched the skaters and window shopped but wore our Sunday clothes. Times have changed now as I am saddened to see the casual attire at concerts. Even stopped going to a performance of a local men’s group downtown at Orchestra Hall. Just didn’t feel like Christmas nor the lack of civility of being SILENT during a performance.
My mother was in charge of getting out the Christmas cards. She hand wrote the addresses in the living room and attempted to add a personal note to each. This is my delightful task as I even hand write addresses from time to time. We have always written a Christmas letter but not this year It appears that today, so many seem to OUTDO each other in bragging about accomplishments like I have done with trips. But I enjoy reading those who have creative styles, add pictures from computers and are masters with humor. JUST ONCE I would like to see one telling HOW BAD the year was such as divorce, losing their home or job ?
We opened our Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. My dad would drive into Brooklyn to get my grandmother, mother’s aunt and cousin. My job was to cut the wood for the fire place. Somehow my dad found a place to get oak logs. Even at a young age I could swing a MIGHTY 5 lb. axe as our 90 lb. lab watched as he put his paws over eyes in fear of having the pieces hit him. Perhaps the highlight of the opening of gifts was my mother’s sister saving all the good ribbons and wrapping paper as we could tell from year to year that it was recycled. We also tossed the unused wrap into the fireplace. Am still amazed at how much wrapping paper costs-when it could be invested into gifts ? For our family, I wrap them in funny papers or the ads. Can recall comedian Bill Cosby saying that he purchased expensive gifts for his kids yet his son one Christmas had more fun playing with the huge cardboard box and paper.
Before taking a job in Minneapolis in January of 1968, I went home to say goodbye to family. After college graduation had hitch-hiked out to Olympia, Washington where my sister lived, and secured employment. When the fog and rain came I needed to get back to the ” frozen tundra”. Knew at age 5 that I would always live in Minnesota as a result that so many family and church members attended Norwegian founded colleges in the upper Mid-West. The “clincher ” was seeing U of M football player Paul Giel on the cover of Sport Magazine in 1953. This is the state that I was going to live in PERIOD !!! Arrived in Minneapolis during the bus strike of 1967. Found a room in a beat up dive. Hitch-hiked to place of employment where I worked nights. Went looking for a job during the day. Sat/Sun weekends with Knutson family. Saved enough to go home, But I did spend a month at A & S department store selling wallets 60 hours a week. Merely enticed shoppers to counter by securing store shopping bags and using the line, ” if you can’t think of a Christmas gift, buy a wallet”. Sold tons. For many years I worked in retail and was saddened that so many purchased items knowing they would be returned. They didn’t care for the size or style-just so someone could have a gift.
Take some time to find a quiet place in your heart on recalling Thanksgiving/Christmas or other holiday celebrations . For many as a result of family break ups or remembering loss of loved one’s it can be very difficult and painful .For greater insight invest TIME reading the Comics and viewing relationships and stories about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most ” eye popping ” is Sally Forth and the ” chilling friction/feud with her mother and no longer speaking to sister. I am a MERRY CHRISTMAS saying person not HAPPY HOLIDAY in case I might offend someone. Be on the lookout or aware during the year for those in pain or anguish. If stumped on what to say listening to a tragic situation, just say that you will pray for them. It is the words of compassion that will flow from your lips. Keep ANYTHING symbolic of Christmas where can see everyday. Not religious ? Hanging in upstairs perch office of computer a little snowman like santa with some metal featuring 3 stockings with saying LOVE WINTER or similar Santa in living room. On 11/14 walk met a recently retired 62 year old Viet-Nam Vet where we have enjoyed plenty of conversations. Dr.’s discovered a bad value in his heart. Will be operated on 11/22. Though 98 % successful one could tell that he was thinking about the ” what if ” that he might die. I assured him that all will be well. The same day that I would get my EVERY 6 month cancer check evaluation.
When you venture out EVERY DAY allow extra time to be AWARE of neighbor. On 9/13/2001 trip to Vancouver, B.C. after flight was cancelled we got an oil change and decided to drive. Discovered what I called the ” 30 second Canadian Pause “. Were these people nice to us since we were the 1 st Americans allowed in from the U.S. after 911 as we said we were native New Yorkers. We hugged and cried. They merely took time to engage in a conversation. Friendliest of all travels until we met the Germans that year in December. When you interact in a communication ask, ” what’s the good word” ? Wait for a response. If it is , ” there isn’t any”, ask why ? But take the TIME TO CARE !!!
Can one go back in time ? Are you caught up in the FRENZY of the season ? Now one of the major retailers will be opening at mid-night on Thanksgiving evening rather than last year at 5:00 A.M. Several other chains have decided to follow as well. The Letter’s To Editor have called this corporate greed. Our Business Section comments that retailers can afford to do it as a result that if some do not want to work( might lose jobs ?) there are enough people out of work, especially seniors willing to take ANY HOURS. Could retailers still make money where it appears that the Christmas season is a profit or loss venture for them. Maybe Christmas prices during the year ? Might you be able to as in comments from a former toastmaster some 30 years ago. Be your own Santa Claus Purchase gifts on occasion for NO REASON ! ! Such as being a former whole blood donor from 1970 who ended at 336 pints/42 gallons on 6/6/2008. The last 10 years giving a double unit of platelets every 2 weeks having to remain motionless for 90 minutes. Giving blood is the gift of life , as my leukemia was caught early saving my own life.
Might we also use Thanksgiving and Christmas as a celebration of LIVING/GIFT GIVING year round ? All Saints Day which is celebrated in the Christian Church as those who have passed is on the 1 st . Sunday in November. This year attended while mate and daughter were gone, which began in the fall our 1941 church’s 1 st, 2 Saturday night services. Why can’t we embrace not only those that have passed but THOSE STILL ALIVE even though might not be remembered as saints ? Or have a living obituary ? Have life relished while still alive !!!
After my 11/15 walk had to get gas at a convenience store owned by 2 Palestinian born U.S. citizen brothers. 200′ feet away from Super America. Most employees are from Eastern Europe, Asia and Middle East. Despite most of them being Muslim they know that I attend my church less than a block from their store . I wish them a Happy Ramadan and adjacent holiday Eid ( have told them that it is a Norwegian family name plus have been in the town of Eide in Norway). A respect for cultural differences ? Found out that the one Muslim was searching for a Muslim girl friend. Had no luck but today I asked-he had found one. We shook hands as I congratulated him and extended with BEST WISHES. Said, ” praise the Lord.” !!! Upon coming home from my 20-30 minute hill climbing with ski poles after my daily 5 mile walk met mate who had treated herself to French toast and bacon after her aerobics class where the group normally has coffee afterwards. Can one give a gift to themselves ?
I awoke on 11/16 at 4:20 A.M. Put on the tea kettle to boil water for mate as well as coffee for me. Zapped my oat meal in micro wave. The paper had not yet arrived. My favorite WCCO 830 Radio station starts with the national and local news at 5:00 A.M. along with their banter and informative commentary. The serenity of the calm. Then looked back on past Christmas and wrote more thoughts..The upstairs heat does not work well in the winter hence wear a Munich or other knit caps and a sweat shirt. After all I am at the North Pole. At 4:43 I heard the paper come from the sound of the stopping of this what I call THANKLESS delivery job where so fortunate to receive paper at this hour as it hits the door with a thump.
Will living the Christmas spirit EVERY DAY ruin this ” mad rush of chaos ” to purchase gifts, mail out packages, attend gatherings/concerts, over eat, get stuck in traffic, wait in long lines anywhere at malls OR is that all part of the EXCITEMENT of Christmas ? I still savor our 2 out of 6 trips to Germany and 2 to Norway since 1999 in but in visiting the German outdoor markets where Christmas carols are sung in English and religious displays are allowed on public property with no law suits for those who do not believe. Has made Christmas more festive !!!
What would happen if you changed direction in thought or vary time in activities. I attempt ? to alter daily 5 mile walk as well as my hill climbing aerobic workout after trek. One sees from a different set of eyes such as various people, changes in weather or even thinking ? After J.F.K.’s murder on 11/22/1963, I attended a memorial service at the Swedish Lutheran church in Fairfield. The Rev. Hoyt Whitebread said in his message. ” Upset about the world and what might happen ? If so, take out a sheet of paper and write down all the things, worries that upset you. Can’t get along with family, worried about the future of our country, how will you do in college, where will my next dollar come from or concerns over health ? After you have written HALF A PAGE turn it over and write all the things you are thankful for. You will keep writing and writing and writing. My beloved step cousin passed in 2/2010 at age 64 from ovarian cancer. A Jewish Saint that I hold in my heart almost daily ? She and her husband would send out a Valentine’s Letter updating their activities over the year. Something to look forward to. He recently came to Minneapolis for 1 st time in 45 years. We took him on our 90 minute drive through Minneapolis/St. Paul and did not charge him the imaginary $ 5.00 fee. Whenever friend’s or former customer’s come, we take them on a visit to what we call an urban wilderness. We dined at home over good conversation and wine. Oldest daughter brought grandson’s and youngest daughter as we had desert later. An early Christmas present ?
Our South Dakota friend who used to live here with husband, sends her Christmas cards in January-why not ? They manage to trek up to area and stay with family as we have had same New Years gathering of ALL married friends and added others -now one widower where we have been since 1969. We all used to go out for dinner on New Years Eve. But as we had families, it is now held New Years Day in the afternoon. Much easier with less traffic and safer.
I turned off the radio just after 6:00 A.M. One particular charity is mentioned constantly. In our subscribed since 1/1970 at www.startribune.com , The headlines feature charity giving. In the Business Section Eric Wieffering describes how people enjoy shopping at Christmas with even those who shop on line. The sun rose just after 7:00 A.M. I could hear the city awakening like that of street cleaners upon arising in European hotels. I could see planes landing not far here at the International airport beyond the roof of neighbor’s roof. . The thoughts about Christmas were racing as fast as our April encounters of driving over 132 M.P.H. on the French, Luxembourg , German, Italian and Austrian Autobahns. Take time for time. For someone who has cancer, ” each moment is a blessing’ ESPECIALLY Of NOT ONLY remembering Thanksgiving and Christmas but attempting to share memories EVERY day ?
On 11/17, WCCO Radio featured a day of supporting the Union Gospel Mission as I question how much is actually given to the charity? Turned off radio at 6:10 A.M. after the news. Few out on walk around 9:00 A.M. at 16 above not below. Actually TOOK TIME-who me ? to take a few breathers climbing the hill and steps after 5 mile walk. Reminded of late dad who came down with polio in early 1940′s. Prior to health insurance for all or paid for assisted with employers helping out with payments, my mother would boil hot sheets and then put on my dad’s leg so he could go to work as a foreman at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Work or not get paid ? Dutch duBois was built like as stevedore with massive strength from a warm soul. His handshake almost crushed hands as it was made like a steal beam such as my legs are now from hill climbing He like me with leukemia was determined to exercise ATTITUDE with gratitude ? He then worked the dead muscle 50 years on leg that he limped on like mine from herniated disk where I stretch EVERY day . He actually felt the muscle. As a Christmas gift to one’s self is it possible to exercise your attitude in gratitude ? One of GREATEST gifts EVER was my mother-in-law at age 87, after having a heart attack wanted to donate blood in honor of me. She was turned down but it was the thought. Years ago, one could make a donation of blood like I did and a family would be covered FREE for life which I gave for in-laws.
I think of my home town Glen Head every day on my 5 mile walk. Ironic perhaps ? I grew up a mile from church , mile from private golf course club house where I caddied for 10 years and 2 miles from Hempstead Harbor on L.I.’s North Shore of L.I. Sound. My jaunt takes me a mile away from public golf course that I walk around and part of my 5 mile loop is Lake Hiawatha up against the golf course,. Lake Nokomis is more than a mile away as I walk it’s 3 mile loop.
My 11/19 walk was windy and FRIGID !!! Even with a winter N.Y. Ranger jacket with hood froze. Then met a woman that I spoken with several months ago who had to put her 65 year old husband into a nursing home as a result of further along Parkinson’s. Told her then that the family would be in prayers. Her husband is doing well. She was thankful that she had traveled while he was healthy and for her 2 kid’s. She even asked about my leukemia. Appreciated the update but still felt that there was a spirit greater than my self such as the Christ who put me into a position just to encourage that woman TODAY. Convinced that those who believe in different God’s or in interpretation feel the same way.
The following morning was STRANGE and DIFFERENT !! My wife had joined me for the Saturday 5:00 P.M service since she did not have to sing in the choir. When they don’t sing she comes to the 8:00 A.M. one with me but has a hard time getting up. We lucked out as a result of the 1 st snow with ice. The mile going and coming to church was like driving on glare ice. We were the only one’s there beside 2 others. A morning to get up and not think about going. Never would have made it as I took my 5 mile walk and the street was ALL ICE !!! But guess who I met ? The former minister from local church that we have had brief conversations with. He made comments on a Saturday service whether it was actually celebrating on the Sabbath. When my minister friend was at a church in Milwaukee he attended various ministerial conferences at Wartburg. He marveled at going into former prof/teacher at Luther Seminary Kent’s office where he was once picking out tiles for his office. Kent was ” indeed the good shepherd” who could relate to all In addition I found out the church he now attends is the same as then woman I spoke with yesterday. Then the fellow with the bad back as he has 2 more sessions and he is done with physical therapy. Plus another neighbor that doesn’t use the word SOMEDAY or MAYBE when it comes to travel. She would love to go back to Northern Italy as I mentioned last April’s trip and things that we had learned. One more reason to ” expect the unexpected ” ? Perhaps this is the greatest joy of the leukemia, chronic pain and blurred eye from 7 surgeries. EACH MOMENT is a blessing. Also an opportunity to have compassion for those in pain. Every morning I awake and can hardly move but motivated by the 5 mile walk.
But the most heartbreaking experience came before my wife and I were planning on a 130 mile round trip trek that included our now FAVORITE Wisc. # 65 drive with youngest daughter. Her former Tupperware associate needed some items. I asked her about her family-then tears rolled down her eyes. Unbeknownst to me or my mate had forgotten to tell, but her mother at age 68 died of C.O.P.D. in March in Oregon. Scary since she was same age as mate. Would be 1 st year without her. Family was then planning on taking her dad with them to Mexico in January. It was hard to hold back my tears. I said I would pray for you. Though she is probably near or close the same age as oldest daughter( actually 5-opps !! did a search-amazing what you can find about people’s personal lives-is nothing available on line ? ) , married after 22 years, she has been a GOOD FRIEND to my wife. Also thought of my Utah buddy that we met this past September who lost her dad this year. How important are developing relationships ? Followed up with a sympathy card plus an e-mail saying that my wife I mourn your loss and that you can contact us if you want to share grief the next day -why not ? Upon picking up daughter down town who attends a satellite church of a larger congregation, guess where a group of youth were from ? The same town of this former minister where he had a church for close to 20 years . It was also the same town that I came within 7 miles of when hitch-hiking up to St. Paul on my jaunts.
With Thanksgiving and the Christmas season approaching in but a few days, WHERE THE SALES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN earlier and earlier like in June ? Might you consider having fun thinking of those times or holidays that you celebrated ? One never knows when the opportunity will arise to share life with others and keep the spirit of Christmas alive YEAR ROUND !!! Or the free gift of caring, loving, compassion,forgiving like the special birth that happened over 2000 years ago. Will you try to figure out what your holiday means or its significance ? Maybe, just maybe it is not meant to be so. But it is still fun to try to investigate what happens inside your soul in order to be more caring about neighbor.
My 11/22 jaunt in the cloudy yet warm weather that was melting the snow was interesting ? Thought of J.F.K.’s death, my 62 year old friend who was having an operation and thoughts on me seeing cancer Dr. to get the result of 2 tests that I take every 6 months. A time to reflect as it was on same date a year ago that I ended my 6 physical therapy sessions for back that had gone out 9/1. Was in addtion to preparing for 3 rd detached retina in 2003. Had a Feb-then March one and then it flared up again for # 3 . One must keep head down for 10 days but this time was not allowed to take 3 mile walk for fear of sliupping.. Thought of late church organist Elizabeth Carlsen who had come down with breast cancer 8 years prior. Even when it was progressing, she would greet people with, ” be of good cheer, never give up hope ” !! That previous Easter she played a musical # on grand piano that featured running mice. At the end SILENCE !! I then actually felt the spirit of our 1941 stern faced German church founders who married vibrant Norwegian women come out of their graves and SHOUT Alleluia. She would dance into heaven at age 49 on angelic wings around that time. Seeing cancer Dr. is always frightening as he checks to see if white blood cell has increased as well as another. ALL O.K. as well as iron level went up. An early Christmas present ?
What an enjoyable dinner with family. Found out how our boys were doing at school. They are growing to become men. To sit and chat and observe how they talk and what are learning. Most interesting part after dinner was that our grandson’s have trouble writing in cursive or poor hand writing as a result of using computers or texting ? Look who should talk ?
THEN THE UNEXPECTED after coming home !! Wife’s step-father called at 8:32 P.M.” Didn’t you get our previous messages that we left ” ? Had not shown on caller I.D. nor had heard the phone ring during the day. Her mother was sick-unable to see us. Opps !!! A change in plans. Would she be better on Friday ? Who knows ? Would we be able to drive up and back in one day since weather was predicted to be mild on Fri/Sat/Sun ? But maybe that is what living in the Christmas spirit every day is ? Like the feed back from 3 customers and minister who were praying about about cancer test results. .Isn’t life about relationships or as Utah buddy mentioned, every day is like Thanksgiving. Who cares what day it is ?
My walk was delayed as my mind raced again like that of fuel pump failing as rental car going down a Utah mountain pass out of control on a dirt road as we eventually landed in a meadow. How many millions were traveling this weekend ? The radio described all the traffic jams as people were heading out of town. Recalled when working when we could leave despite not going anywhere. Or when I could shut the phones down and not take sales calls. By not traveling as anticipated by 1:00 P.M. on Thanksgiving Eve, my wife and I would alter plans. Might we see grandson’s who would be with their dad and other grandparent’s this weekend as well as youngest daughter ? Would I be able to get away from coming up to this upstairs perch and not check e-mails after walk and hill climbing workout ? But one thing will HAPPEN !!! Since we might not travel I can now go into the garage and bring up snow shoes and toboggan and put in the porch. My youngest daughter had given me instructions that I could not do this from 11/2-14 as she and wife took a tour to Israel. Even though she does not live at home, she did not want weather to be a factor in leaving or coming home. Attempt to try living in the Thanksgiving/Christmas spirit EVERY DAY by carrying it in your heart. It is indeed a heartwarming experience. Share your joys with others.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE MAN AT THE NORTH POLE IN MINNEAPOLIS
” Man From The North Pole ” view from upstairs perch , Minneapolis 55407 a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before and after 5 mile EVERYDAY walk, followed by an attempted strenuous Outdoor 30 plus minute workout 6 minute drive away which is not done on Sunday.
Driven in all 50 states/49 twice since marriage of angelic/adorable mate on 4/26/ 1969 ( 3 Alaska 1995/1999-drove 8811 miles in 20 days in May of 2004) (2 via Norway)(6 via Germany since 1999-total of 13 countries). 4/4-4/19/2011 ,flew into Paris for 3 nights then out of Frankfurt. Finally got a rental that could go 132 M.P.H. as well as re-climbing as in 12/2004, 530′ tallest steeple in Europe of 768 steeps 30 ‘ wide plus 9/14-9/25, 4044 mile trek back to only 9 th visit to S.E. Utah and adding # 39 of hiked in 58 of National Parks in S.E. Colorado. Wife has taken 8 tours since 1999-Israel/Egypt/Greece/Italy/Croatia, Danube River. Even both daughter’s to Italy-youngest on 2 others. Youngest and wife have had a FANTASTIC 11/2-11/14 to Israel and Petra, Jordan. Climbed all 800 steps…
