THE CROW’S NEST-----------------------July 06, 2004

Don't you love early spring?  The cool temperatures and the rainfall?  I am being facetious as it is the 6th of July!  It has been so unseasonable cold.  The 4th of July felt more like it was the 4th of May.  Enough grumbling. I need to be thankful for each day no matter what the weather.

One magical aspect of this summer is we are still feeding orioles in our backyard.  I think they have nested either in Agnes Bjerke's or Cliff Hilde's trees.  The orioles probably decided to make me happy by staying here.  After all, I have used 64 cups of sugar so far keeping them well stocked with grape jelly to dine on.

Lots of traveling still taking place in Edinburg. Bonita Olson's household is filling up fast with family.  Lori is coming from Arizona, Mark from Boston and Marjean and husband, Christopher from New York City.  They are coming for the open house wedding reception honoring Marjean and Christopher this Sunday.

Rosie Denault along with her dad, Bud Tischmann and Rosie's daughter and son-in-law, Jarrod and Jessica Ellingson went to Wisconsin to visit family.  O yes, grand-daughter (cutie-pie) Morgan also went with them.

Ron Ulberg is here visiting from St. Paul.  Unfortunately ;his visit isn't under the best circumstances.  Marvin Ulberg just got out of the hospital after a bout with pneumonia.  Hopefully he will get stronger each day.

Chuck and I along with our daughter, Kris and her 2 boys are leaving tomorrow morning for a whirlwind trip to Kansas City.  Our son, Mike reconnected with his high school sweetheart 3 years ago at their 10 year class reunion.  They are being married Friday morning in Mike's backyard.  We are thrilled for both Mike and Lea.

I had a wonderful "nostalgic moment" this past week.  I am sure may of you remember Emmett Loe.  One summer evening 53 years ago Emit brought his reel-to-reel tape recorder out to the farm and we had a "Monson-Loe" music fest.  Emmett recorded my cousins, Mary and Karen Loe and me singing in 3-part harmony.  Karen was 9 and Mary and I were 7.  Brother Dave and Cousin Mike Loe sand also.  There were 5 years old and did a mean rendition of "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain".  I especially enjoyed when they sang the verse:  We will kill the beg "wed Wooster" when she comes.  Anyway, Cousin Mike Loe had the reel digitally converted to CD's  for all the cousins.  What a gift to cherish forever.  I know Mike reads our website in Everson, WA so thanks again Mike for a most wonderful gift.

Also, Bert Rostvet, if you should read this -- thank you for taking the time to stop to say hi.  I had not seen you in at least 45 years.  Memories of many whist games came to mind.  You truly made my day by stopping in on your way back to Hastings, Nebraska.

I hope everyone has a great week,  Let's think positive about the weather so that the fields and gardens can flourish.