Art & Carol

On my Minnesota trip my neice, Carol, and her husband, Art Ehde, provided me with 5 star lodging. Situated adjacent to the Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, Minnesota, I was ,as always ,treated like a king.
They had just celebrated their grandson's,Carsons, 7th birthday so we celebrated another one for him.
When Carol explained that I was his great, great uncle,Carson said something to the effect that I don't act like a great, great uncle- I like to believe that he doesn't think that I was old enough to be a great, great uncle. He may be right because I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
I put their picture in twice because I hit the wrong key the first time and they deserve double billing.
Carol and Art took me to see my cousins, Isaac and Trudy Rye; my brother in law, Robert Nerison; My classmate, Corneilus Bosch and then the invited my neice,Valarie Nerison Saarloos to their home where we honored the passing of her son, Chad A. Saarlos, on May 23rd,2008. He was 27 years old. At a later day I will publish his obituary. He celebrated everything in life but more than anything, Chad cherished the special bond of love, support and compassion that he shared with his twin sister,Kjerstee.
Valarie now joins her cousins, Art and Carol Ehde, Dan and Jewell Rockensock,Tony and Laurie Nielson who have also lost children as has this writer. Many have found solance in the organization called, Compassinonate Friends.
Children should bury their parents, not parents buryin their children.

five star lodging with Carol and

Queen Bee and cowgirl, Vivian

Somehow or other, Vivian got a hold of Dale's hat and wears it well.
Expressions of joy and happiness abound.

America, the greatest land on God's green earth!!!!!!

Dale and Don talk fishing

The fish were so big that they didn't have to lie.

Fish fry-The land of Paul Bunyan

The second day that we were in Bemidji,Gary Rye, Dale Rye and Don Helgeson rolled out his boat, headed for the bait shop and with Dan Rockenson following them in his boat they proceeded to spend all day out on the lake where it was cold , windy and wet. They returned with walleyes, Northerns and even one bullhead. Oh yes, the Queen Bee was also along.

Don Helgeson who is almost as old as I am didn't miss a step and kept up with those young whippersnappers but at one point someone asked Don if he was okay and not getting cold. His answer."I'm okay"

His son in law,Don Rockensock, interpreted for the rest- He's freezing his butt off!!!!

Jennifer,John and boys

I know one of the boys names but not the other one so I will not mention either.
Jennifer called us years ago when she moved from Florida to Denver and for 6 weeks or so she and her friend stayed with us in Loveland, Colorado until they found work and housing in Denver.
John worked for the telephone company and when it came time for the boys to enter school they moved to Bemidji much to their joy and the joy of thier sisters and parents, Don and Vivian.

There was some question as to whether or not Bemidji could handle the excitement and energy of these four gals but anything is possible in Paul Bunyan country.

The Helgeson family and yours truly

Pictured from left to right: Jennifer,Linda, Donald Helgeson, Vivian Rye Helgeson, Glenn Rye.
Front row: Emily and Jewell.
Jewell just became a Grandmother, Emily directs a rehabiltation center,Linda is a Nurse Practishoner.
My son, Randy, has put us on to a free family tree site, geni, and the Helgeson girls have been the most adept at entering their children and grandchildren and it gives the extended family an opportunity to see the loved ones that we do not get to see in person.
Jewell is a church secretary and for the life of me I can't recall what Jennifer does except for being the best Mother ever.

The remaining Rye's-2008

After celebrating Lorriane's birthday, the Queen Bee, Dale and Gary were gracious enough to drive me up to the land of PAUL BUNYAN,i.e.., Bemidji, Minnesota to see my baby sister, Vivian, and her family.
There were 10 Rye's. Norman died in infancy; twins Glenn and Garfield died in infancy; Opal-deceased;Norris-deceased;Eldora-deceased; Beverly-deceased; Raymond-deceased.
As you can see, my parents recyled the name Glenn and used it again on me.

Vivian and her Husband, Donald Helgeson owned and operated the Cedar Rapids lodge at Blackduck, Minnesota for years along with the help of their four daughters, Jewell, Emily, Linda and Jennifer. As you can see I hit some key that changed the font and I don't want to redo this.
More pictures at 10

The Queen Bee and Dale, the honey man

On the last post I hit the wrong key and came out only with The Queen but even that error is correct for Jill is a queen indeed.

The Queen

Lorriane's son, Dale

Dale is the gentleman in the hat and his grandson is on his lap. Next to him is his daughter, Angela , yours truly and his son, Dale, Jr.

Dale is the honey bee farmer and he has in the museum center in Sioux Falls a live display of bees as the go about their work in the glass display case. He also has one display in his home.

He is trying to understand the disapearance of the bee population in the USA.

This winter in Texas where his bees winter, over 30 percent disappeared.

Dale is an avid hunter and an accomplished horseman.

His wife, Jill, is the QUEEN BEE and also an RN in the field of rehabilitation.

She has delivered papers in Washington, D.C. and in San Francisco.

She has not allowed one of her papers to fall into my hands but I have high hopes.

I would like to sing her praises to the high heavens!!! But I already do.

You go, Jill.

Gary's wife, Darva

Darva and Gary helped to relocate their son and family to their acreage. He works at the airport in Gillette.
They claim that the don't spoil their new grandaughter- but can you believe them?
The oil companies tried to move a methane well to close to their nest of hawks and Darva teamed up with the endangered species people and others and made the oil company move their well.
The most risque statement that she ever made was when the well was moved and she said." Finally, we got to kick butt."

Lorriane's son, Gary, and yurs truly

Gary has a drywall business in Gillette, Whyoming and his home is located on a hill that has a view of the Big Horn Mountains where deer and antelope roam the acreage and in the few trees are nests for horned owls and a special endangered hawk.
It is appropriate that there is a flag in the background for Gary plays taps for many veterans as they pass on to their reward. I gave him Uncle Tommy Thompsons old trumpet that he plays with love and heart.
After the party Gary stayed at Dale's also and he played retreat and reville so I was forced to walk my post from flank to flank.

Lorraine's son, Brian

Brian sent out all of the invitations and I believe that is one of his daughters to his right.
Brian is the foreman in the maintance department for vehicles of the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

All Lorraine

The three car garage was set up with tables but as you can see the overflow carried out unto the drive.
Over 200 hundred sandwiches were served but I have to admit that I had more then one and perhaps some abstained but at least 200 persons were in attendance.
Happy, happy, happy-Lorrained

Helen, Lorraine and Laurie

beautiful daughters, beautiful Mother.

Lorriane- the birthday girl June 8-2008

I understand that at the church service today the congegation sang happy birthday to Lorraine and that a grandaughter sang a song with so much heart and feeling that many were moved to tears-tears of joy!!

Lorraine's 80th birthday party-june 8th

Lorriane's picture was supposed to appear first but my technical skills came up with her number one daughter, Dianed. Pictured also are Marilyn Nelson, seated, and in the background Art Ehde and Lorraine's daughter, Lauri.

Summer is eleven today

May your birthday bringYou as much happinessAs you give to everyone Who knows you
Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Summer-11 today

Here is a picture of Summer on Thanksgiving day with her lovely new pal and friend, Jon.
Today she is in Victoria, British Columbia to celebrate her birthday with Brigid and Dan and as special guests, Ben, Sam, Lisa and Greg Rye.
She is so special and on the next blog I've found a little verse that speaks to the joy that she brings to all in large circle of friends and relatives.
Happy Birthday, Summer!!

Carson is..........

very specialAnd you should know todayThat you are wished the nicest thingsThat life can bring your wayLike warm and loving wishesAnd happiness and cheerAnd everything you need to startAnother happy year.

Leaving Roche Harbor today

These pictures of Roche Harbor were taken last year by Greg.Today, Greg, Lisa, Sam and Ben continue on the cruise with Brigid, Summer and Dan.They will arrive in Sidney, British Columbia later today.

My wonderful great, great nephew,Carson-7 today happy, happpy birthday

My wonderful great, great nephew, Carson Ehde turns seven on this blessed day.

He is shown here on one of Uncle Dale Rye's horses two years ago.

I will arrive at his Grandma Carol and Granpa Art's home tomorrow evening and will be able to see Carson in Luverne, Minnesota on Friday or Saturday.

Great day in the morning.

The happiest of birthdays to a fine, fine young man.

Pain at the pump ?