LasseyClan

LASSEY FAMILY HISTORY

2011-04-10T12:29:00.001-07:00

LDRAFT

ORIGINS OF THE LASSEY FAMILY

4-10-11

Most people with the name Lassey who immigrated to the United States between 1840 until 1947 came from the United Kingdom. Our grandparents, Constant and Emilie Lassey were an exception in 1900, when they emigrated from Belgium. In fact, the 1920 Census listed only two Lasseys born in Belgium—which would have had to be Constant and Emilie. A few other Lasseys came from other locations in continental Europe. The record thus indicates that Lassey is largely a British name, probably adopted by our grandparents because it seemed more "American" than their Belgian name, which is reported to have been Lasoo. Adopting a simple and easily pronounced name was commonplace for immigrants to this country. [The data on Lassey name origins, taken in part from the Ancestry.com and the Personal Ancestry File websites, and in part from our family records, includes census records, military records, ship's logs, immigrant rolls, and other reputable sources.]

In 1840 the only identifiable Lassey family resided in Wisconsin. During the Civil War (1861—65), three Lasseys served in the Union army and one with the Confederates. By 1880, six Lassey families were scattered through Massachusetts, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, or New York, and were occupied largely with some form of agriculture (as was a high proportion of the general population at that time). A few Lassey farmers living in North Carolina actually owned slaves in 1860, and two African-American families had Lassey names in 2000.

By 1900 most of the 39 families with the Lassey surname lived in Massachusetts. The 15 Lassey army registrants for the draft during World War I came largely from there as well. By 1920, of 61 Lassey families nationwide, nine still lived in Massachusetts; nine were in Pennsylvania, eight in New York, four in Texas, and three in Ohio. (This was the period of great western migration.) Five Lassey men served in the army during World War II.

By the year 2000, census records indicate that there were still only 61 Lassey family households in the United States, with the largest numbers now residing in Washington (8), Florida (7), California (6), Kansas (6), and Massachusetts (6), although we know that there were at least four Lassey households in North Dakota at that time—down from at least six in 1950.

CONSTANT AND EMALIE LASSEY

Constant (Stany) Lassey (or Lasoo) was born in Caneghen, Belgium, in 1868, to Ferdinand and Julie Verleye Lassey, and immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1890s, where he worked part of the time as a bricklayer and part of the time as a logger in Michigan. He returned briefly to Belgium in 1900, where he met and married Emalie Pieters on May 18, 1900 at Eighem, Belgium (arranged in part by her older sister, apparently living in Michigan, who had requested that Emalie help him select a pair of earrings!). Emalie was born on May 18, 1876, at Petham, Belgium, to Constant and Ludovica Verchatse Pieters.

They returned to the U.S. and initially settled in Illinois, where their sons Julius, Raymond, and Frank were born, on a farm at Seneca. Constant traveled by rail to the Cartwright area in 1905 to stake a claim for a homestead north of town. He returned to Illinois in 1906 to secure his farm machinery and household goods which he transported to Cartwright by rail, bringing his brother, Felix, and two friends with him. He began construction of a house, and adjoining barn, for his family. Emalie came by train in the spring with the three boys, reportedly bringing with her a cow, chickens, a corn seeder, and $1000 in cash (hidden in her sock!). Sophie was born three weeks after her arrival at Cartwright. Two other daughters, Martha and Mary, were born in 1907 and 1909. Emil arrived in 1911, William in 1914, and Morris in 1916.

Constant soon began to expand his initial 160 acre homestead, working the land initially with 24 work horses. He acquired his first tractor, a 30-60 Hart Parr, in 1909. While attempting to cross the Yellowstone River on the ice near Buford, it was almost lost because of rising water; he and his neighbors managed to get it to higher ground on a mat of willows. Using an Emerson plow, the tractor enabled him to break his own sod (soil that had not been previously farmed), and that of several neighbors. He purchased the homesteads of his brother and two other neighbors in 1920. With a neighbor, he purchased a threshing machine and was able to thresh his crops, as well as those of his neighbors.

He expanded his enterprises out in 1916, purchasing the Sanitary Meat Market in Charbonneau, a few miles east of Cartwright. It included a house that was later moved to Cartwright (and became their retirement home in 1931). They bought their first car in 1914, for $200. Julius, Raymond, and Frank helped with farming and the meat business, delivering meat, fish, and cheeses with a one- horse wagon in the Cartwright and Charbonneau area, until 1921 when they closed the meat business.

The farmstead was expanded with a round barn (1918), a log barn, and improvements on the house, including a kitchen built of natural stone. Felix and Constant, and other neighbors, did a lot of work trading for building construction and other work on their neighboring farms during busy seasons—a tradition that continued with other Lassey families at least into the 1950s.

Constant, and sons Julius and Frank, started the Lassey Implement Company in 1926, selling Hart Parr tractors, Nichols and Sheppard Combines, and later, the New Way Harvester (which cut the grain into small stacks for threshing) in Cartwright, Fairview, and vicinity. Unfortunately, the implement business was not able to survive the Great Depression and drought of the early 1930's, when many farmers had to leave their farms and were not able to make payments.

After retiring to their home in Cartwright in 1931, they turned the north farm over to Julius and Raymond, and the farm south of Cartwright over to Dad (purchased in 1929 from the Bank of Minneapolis, after it was foreclosed upon. Dad and Mother lived there continuously after their 1932 marriage, until 2011 when Dad died. Constant and Emalie always planted large gardens, supplying vegetables to the larger family. He also helped out on the farms on a regular basis, helping me, for example, to run a Hart Parr tractor while plowing.

Constant lived 85 years, until 1954, and Emalie lived 91 years, until 1967. Most of their family stayed in the immediate area, and farmed as they had. Julius married Victoria Potter (and later Ann Westfall), and continued to farm, although in later years he established an implement business in Williston; they had two children, Charles and Bonnie. Raymond married Olga Johnson, and farmed until his premature death in 1934; they had two children, Merton and Ardell. Frank married Helen Dore, and farmed until his death; they had one son, Jerry. Sophie married Art Overson (and later, Bert Youngstrom), and had two sons, Don and Clarence. Martha married Henry Winters (and later, Alex Carlson and John Bacon), and had two sons, Glenn and Stanley. Mary married Guy Shaide, who farmed near Cartwright; they had one son, Ronald. Emil married Marion Gangsted, and farmed north of Cartwright; they had three children, David, Allen, and Beverly. Dad married Grace Clark, and farmed south of Cartwright; they had four children, Lila, Bill, Marilyn, and Mavis. Morris married Lillian Thomas (and later, ), and farmed the home place north of Cartwright; they had three children, Sharon, Roger, and Charlotte.

Eulogy for Dad’s Funeral

2011-03-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

WILLIAM LASSEY

Eulogy at St. Michael's Church, Cartwright

March 5, 2011

Dad was a great and trustworthy human being who served his family, friends, community, state and nation, exceedingly well. He was a mighty pillar of character, integrity, and commitment to the larger good, characteristics that richly served all who knew him and felt his influence.

As you can imagine, he was an enormously helpful example to me during my youth, and ever since, as I attempted to follow in his footsteps—despite choosing an academic career instead of farming and ranching. He would have preferred that I return to the farm and carry on the family tradition. Fortunately, Ron and Mavis, and their family, chose to stay on the farm, and have done an exceptional job of assuming the farming and ranching responsibilities—while caring for, and helping, Dad during his final years. My hearty thanks to them for their dedication and contribution to Dad's well-being.

I have huge respect for Dad's accomplishments over his long life-span. Although his basic occupation was farming, he did a number of other jobs to help support his family. For example, He got a job with the Government Land Utilization Program (part of President Roosevelt's New Deal) in 1935 helping develop water supplies for the government pastures all around McKenzie County. He quickly became foreman of a crew. He also worked part-time as a Farmers Union Insurance Agent over several years.

He served on the Farmers Union Oil Company (now Cenex) Board of Directors for 28 years, including several years as President. He was Inspector in charge of elections for 35 years, was Director and Executive Director of the McKenzie County Grazing Association for 30 years, and was appointed by North Dakota Governor, Arthur Link, to the Regional Advisory Board for the Trails West Committee. Later, he served on the State Advisory Board of the North Dakota Rangeland Resource Program.

He served many years as vestryman and warden for the St. Michael's Episcopal Church here in Cartwright, and was on the Governing Board and President of Sioux Farmers Union local. He helped organize the Cartwright Irrigation District with neighboring farmers.

He was Conservation Achievement winner from the Lower Yellowstone Soil Conservation District in 1976, and was honored at the state Soil Conservation Convention in Fargo. Several magazine and newspaper articles were written about his farming and ranching achievements. He and mother made hundreds of friends from all over the country, who widely respected him for his wonderful character and good humor. He was clearly and deeply trusted by his neighbors, friends, and family. What greater honor could he have wished for?

Because of his leadership at the local, county, and state levels he and Mother were delegates to several national Farmers Union Conventions around the country, and were local representatives to several state political conventions. As their prosperity increased, they traveled extensively, to many parts of the continental United States, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe.

During his long lifetime, Dad was faced with innumerable huge challenges, but he always managed, with Mother, to create a happy and productive household, from which we have all benefited greatly. The family has always been the center of their universe. Dad's extended family now includes 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren—all of whom held Dad in very high regard.

It is a great honor to be his son.

William R. Lassey

ANNIVERSARY; FAMILY NEWS

2010-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

We happily celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary on December 3, with outings at two of our favorite places: the Camelback Inn for breakfast, and the Phoenician Hotel, where the gingerbread house (250 hours of construction from real gingerbread!) and Christmas tree were displayed. Beautiful place all around with great entertainment and food.

FROM CHARLIE GUNTHER

Charlie sent a note indicating that Jay Pfau died on November 30 at age 55. He was the second son of Pete and Jean Pfau (our first cousin). Jay was state wrestling chanpion when in high school, and was also a football star.

Charlie is retiring from federal service on December 31 after 35 years. She is ready for some rest from a stressful job--that has been affecting her health. She is going through some tests to pinpoint, and deal with, the problems, after which she plans to get a part-time "easier" job to keep her busy.

Their family is doing great, and will be getting together in Miles City for Christmas. Michelle and family, and Ryan, live there, where Michelle works for the Miles City Star doing graphics. Her husband and Ryan both work for Mid-Rivers phone/cable/Internet services as installers of communication systems. Grandchildren Tristan (10) and Kaylee (6) are very active and adorable youngsters, according to their grandmother!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

THANKSGIVING NEWS AND NOTES

2010-11-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas came ahead of Thanksgiving in the town plaza of Kierland Commons, near our condo. Yesterday (Saturday) the place was full of families and kids getting pictures taken with Santa Claus in the little Santa Claus house--with a live band playing Christmas music. Delightful! And, of course all the shops and restaurants nearby were welcoming hosts of shoppers.

An attractive new development, called Scottsdale Quarter, is opening across Scottsdale Blvd from Kierland Commons, with many more stores and restaurants. We enjoyed an outing that included refreshments at "True Foods," a new restaurant that emphasizes healthy eating and drinking. It is owned in part by Dr. Andrew Weil, a world-famous physician who focuses on integrated preventive health care. Our world of local opportunities for recreation, dining, and shopping is rapidly expanding!

Our Thanksgiving eve was also a time of celebration, with some interesting neighbors as our guests for cocktails and appetizers. We are finding lots of stimulating people to enjoy from the immediate area. Starbucks is a great community gathering place, with room for more than 100 people inside and out--often completely packed. It reminds me of Kaye's Cafe in Fairview where we used to go for pie, coffee, and more, while visiting with friends from all over the community!

NOTES FROM CARTWRIGHT

We talked to Dad on Thanksgiving. He said he had a good dinner at Mavis and Ron's, and had a full tummy! He said it was cold, with several inches of snow on the ground. I told him we were in the process of fixing dinner, and he said it made his mouth water! And, he said when chewing on our turkey we should think of him! So, we did. He said it had been kind of loud there with the sound of the calves and cows that had been separated, with calves now in the feedlot by his house.

Shawn, Tracy, and family were without water for a couple of days. The artesian well located up in the pasture had quit flowing, so they had to drill a new well near their house. Unfortunately, the weather was cold (9 degrees below zero)and miserable all the while!

Will is getting ready to go on a winter trip, possibly to some far-off place like Thailand!

Cindy and Don had a full house for Thanksgiving. Susan, Harvey, Carol, and Julie were all there to see Marilyn and Issy, in Bismarck for medical checkups.

IN SCOTTSDALE

We are hoping to see Ron and Mavis down here sometime in early December, to visit with us and Ron's sister who lives in Mesa. We look forward to that!

Maureen is coming for a meeting on January 23 for several days--so we hope to have multiple chances to see her between her events in downtown Phoenix. She was going to be in San Francisco to see her good friend, Sherry, and then to Washington, D.C. for meetings in early December.

Happy Holidays,

Bill and Marie

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY; TUCSON VISIT

2010-11-12T12:57:00.001-08:00

We are enjoying these colorful winter flowers around our backyard patio. This is the time of year when summer flowers are pulled out and replaced by the kinds that do well in cooler weather with shorter days. We have been observing, and enjoying, the changes all around us!

MAVIS AND RON CELEBRATING 43 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!

Mavis, Ron, Dad, Marilyn, and Issy enjoyed a lunch outing at the South Forty in Sidney to celebrate a 43d anniversary. It is hard to believe that my "little sister" could have been married that long! CONGRATULATIONS!!

DAD'S NEW ASSISTANCE

Linda Sitter has started helping Dad two days each week. She assists him with bathing, eating, pill-taking, and anything else he needs. She and Dad seem to get along just fine. Vicki Dunbar continues to come regularly to clean the house and help out as needed.

NEWS FROM MARILYN AND ISSY

Susan, Julie, and Carol are all very busy with their jobs. Susan and Harvey were in Sidney for a week at the time of Harvey's brother's death, and helped Marilyn and Issy install a new washer and dryer upstairs so Marilyn does not have to do laundry in the basement.

Julie is driving a rental car because she got hit by a deer, requiring some repairs. She was in Plentywood this week where she goes once per month to work with audiology patients.

Williston continues to grow very rapidly because of the oil and gas activity, doubling the population in the last few months. Several new housing developments are going in, as are new mobile home communities. A new oil well has been completed near Trenton, but nothing new is underway around the ranch.

TUCSON VISIT

We helped one of our good friends (Zaye Chapin) celebrate her 84th birthday in Tucson on Tuesday of this week, in the company of other friends aged 89 and 95.
Zaye was a colleague of Marie's for many years at the University of Idaho. We had dinner with some other wonderful friends who lived across the street from our house at the Villages of La Paloma. It was fun to see all of them, and to visit some of our old haunts around the city--including a Jazz Society concert while having dinner at the Acacia Restaurant in St. Phillips Plaza.

Although we thoroughly enjoyed being back in the area where we lived for ten years, we have no regrets about moving to Scottsdale. This seems more like home now. We are making some interesting new friends, and really enjoy the Kierland Commons community where we live!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!

2010-10-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Ron Berry celebrated his 64th birthday today, with a dinner event last evening at the Double Barrel Restaurant in Fairview! He says he plans to wait another couple of years before retiring from his post as headmaster of the Berry Farming Enterprises! The party had to be last night because tonight is reserved for "Trick or Treating" and Halloween parties by various goblins from around the area.

Ron is pleased with the 28-ton per acre sugar beet yield, lowered somewhat by hail on one 100-acre field, but he is aiming for 40 ton per acre next year! After a big storm with 4 inches of blowing snow last week, they hope to get back in the fields for fall tilling next week. The storm was so bad they had to cancel a planned trip to Bismarck with Dad, Marilyn, and Issy for medical checkups. However, there are so many new people moving into the area because of the oil exploration activity that it is getting harder to get appointments with doctors.

HELP FOR DAD

Linda Sitter, a school classmate of Mavis, has agreed to provide assistance several days per week with Dad. She has experience helping older people, and has a very good reputation. So, we are highly pleased at the prospect of Mavis and Luke getting some support so Dad can continue to live at home.

Dad is really doing pretty well, but continues to have problems remembering things.

MAUREEN IN NEW ROLE

Maureen started her new role last week as a Board of Directors member for a local bank in Helena. It is quite an honor to be selected for such a position, and she even gets well paid for it. Mat continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the hospital. They are community-minded folks! Good for them!

Maureen was in Glendive last week for a meeting on housing--of which there are lots of shortages, particularly of rental housing, in the region because of the influx of people working in the oil fields. She was intending to go to Cartwright for a visit but got caught with snow and blizzard conditions coming, so didn't make it.

NEW FRIENDS

We had our Canadian neighbors over for drinks and food on Thursday. They live near Hamilton, Ontario, where we did some research a few years ago for one of our books. Both were born in Italy, immigrated to Canada in their 20s, and now have one of the largest home construction companies in Ontario. Great fun to visit with them!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA; BEET HARVEST DONE!

2010-10-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

We picnicked yesterday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, about 60 miles east of Scottsdale, and enjoyed the gorgeous collection of plants from Arizona and around the world. Some of the big trees in the first photo were imported from Australia. A year-round creek runs through the park, supplying a constant stream of water for irrigation. And, nearly every kind of cactus that grows in the state or the world is on display in one of the gardens. Beautiful!

MOLLIE TO CHINA!

Dione, Saul, and Mollie learned last week that Mollie will get to use her Chinese language skills on a three-week adventure to China next summer--sponsored by her school! Sounds really exciting. About 15 of the best Chinese students will go.

BEET HARVEST FINISHED

It was a banner year for sugar beets, now all out of the ground and on their way to the factory in Sidney. The annual beet harvest dinner, honoring the entire crew, was held last evening. Although they had some truck problems, most of the 24-hour days came off without a hitch and in nearly record time--partly because of good weather for most of the three-week period. It has been a great fall weather-wise so far.

Dad did just fine through it all. He now has help once per week from Vicki Dunbar--who was away for awhile on a trip to Germany. Mavis is attempting to locate another person who can help out as well, especially while Ron and Mavis travel this fall and winter--including a trip down here, we hope. Ron has a sister here that they want to visit.

Mavis, Marilyn, Issy and Dad are going to Bismarck on Wednesday for medical appointments and to see Cindy and others.

Julie had a birthday last week, and enjoyed a family celebration at the Powder Keg in Fairview.

Harvey and Susan were there for the funeral of one of Harvey's brothers who lived in Sidney.

Brett shot his first deer this morning--quite a feat for an outdoorsman like him!

A new gas processing plant is under construction north of Cartwright. It will collect and refine the natural gas from all around the area via several pipelines that are also under construction. Quite a big deal that will employ some folks and increase the revenue to the area.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

VISITORS IN SCOTTDALE; NEWS FROM THE RANCH

2010-10-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Some wonderful visitors came to Scottsdale over the last few days! While they were here, Dara and Madelyn joined us for a happy hour at the Camelback Inn (a late 76th birthday celebration for Bill!), near Camelback Mountain (see colorful photos), and for dinner at our condo (see photo of Marie, Dara, and Madelyn). We are always delighted to have them here, and enjoyed catching up on their busy lives in Bremerton, WA! Dara told us all about her new job as Assistant Director of Human Resources for the school district where she works. She has particular responsibility for the 700 classified staff. Madelyn heads the Mathematics Department at Olympic High School, and teaches geometry, calculus, business math, and an assortment of other math courses. They both "love" their jobs!

BEET HARVEST

Beet harvest is fully underway. Two crews work 24 hours per day--except when it is too warm and they have to stop in the afternoon, as they did the last couple of days. It has been a good crop year, so yields should be up to expectations. A new twist: they get daily text messages on Ron's cell phone indicating how many tons of beets have been delivered, the sugar content, and other information from the beet dump.

Dad, Mavis, Ron, Luke, and Abbie all had the flu--which slowed things down for a few days. Dad has lost his help at home from Rhonda Lassey (see got a full-time job in Sidney) and Vicki Dunbar, so Mavis and Luke been doing the housekeeping and providing all the other support. She is looking for someone to help out! Any suggestions?

Mavis says the early fall has been really beautiful around the ranch, with lots of flowers, colorful trees and gorgeous vines around the house. Abbie is in pre-school, but is having a bit of trouble adjusting to being away from Mavis and Luke. However, she likes the school once she gets into it.

OIL ACTIVITY

Although there is no immediate indication an intent to drill on the ranch, most of Sioux Township around Cartwright has been staked for wells. Some estimates suggest that as many as 300 wells could be drilled in the area south of U.S. 85 to the Yellowstone River. Several of the neighbors have stakes on their property. Mavis says, it is probably just a matter of time until a company will stake one or more wells, and drill on the ranch. However, who knows when that will happen!

MAUREEN'S NEW ROLE

Maureen has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Federal Savings Bank in Helena--a part-time "paid" position that may go on indefinitely. She is quite excited about participating in such an organization, and of course brings a lot of experience in housing to the Board.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

A BIRTHDAY AND OTHER NEWS

2010-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

The flowers are in celebration of Marie's 76th birthday--enjoyed last evening during a delicious dinner, with a fantastic view overlooking Paradise Valley in a beautiful restaurant called The Elements, on the north side of Camelback Mountain (one of the important landmarks in the Phoenix area).

We had a grand time, partly because we were served by a great waiter--who was formerly an airline pilot. He and his wife moved here from Southern California because she was unable to get a teaching job there, but got one here. However, he has not yet been able to get a pilot's job, so is waiting tables in the meantime. It was quite a story of a couple that has had to make major adjustments because of the bad economy.

CHARLIE AND TERRY

We received a very nice note from Charlie, who says they are doing fine. She is contemplating retirement at the end of the year, but may wait until April, 2011, because of the logjam of federal retirees in January that delays intial retirement checks. She plans to get a part-time job to keep active, while supplementing her income. She says it is scary to think of losing the full paycheck! Terry wants to work until age 65, but has very poor circulation in his legs, complicated by being on his feet all day at work--and possibly forcing him to retire earlier.

DARA

Dara started a new and much better job last week. She was invited by her administrators to take the position of Assistant Human Resource Director for the school district where she has been working for the past several years. It was quite an honor for her, and was earned, we are told, because she has done such an outstanding job in her previous positions.

CHANGE OF PLANS

We had intended to leave this week for Ohio and Iowa to see Dione, Saul, Mollie, Derek and Sherill. However, after feedback from a doctor's appointment last week we decided it was not wise to make the trip at this time. Both of us need some additional tests to determine what ails us! Nothing serious, we hope.

Now, we are trying to talk them into coming to visit us! We'll see how that works out.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

RON SHAIDE, 1942-2010

2010-08-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

The photo of Ron Shaide and Don Overson was taken at the Lassey cousins reunion in 2009 (I don't recall the exact date). He was killed in a motorcyle accident (hit by a deer) while riding with his son between Red Lodge and Billings, MT

The last year has been a tough time for the Lassey cousins, with the unhappy loss of Glenn Winters, Clarence Overson, and Lila Stewart, as well as Ron--who was the youngest at age 68. We miss them all!

UPDATE ON THE RANCH

2010-08-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Mavis informs us that the combining is largely done with generally good results, although the "new" pivot north of the farmstead did not do as well because of all the leveling that went on. The malting barley did very well.

The beets are requiring lots of water, in addition to quite a bit of rain that has fallen recently. It is near corn harvest time, with some bountiful fields available that will provide lots of cattle feed.

Dad is doing fine, and sounded quite cheerful on the phone. He was sitting outside and enjoying the nice 70 degree weather.

Amber has developed a strong interest in cooking, and has been making cookies, and cakes--following the inclinations of her Aunt Lana who is very good at such things. Cole and Mitchell Shaide (Ron's grandson) were enjoying the young chickens.

Ron, Mavis, Luke, and Will went motorcyling yesterday to Williston and back, kind of in memory of Ron Shaide who enjoyed such outings until his tragic death in a motor cycle accident when he was hit by a deer.

In Scottsdale

We are getting ready for another trip across the country, to Ohio for a visit with Dione, Saul, and Mollie, and to Iowa for a visit with Derek and Sherill--leaving September 9 and returning around October 1. It will be a long trek but should be fun. We are taking new routes that we have not traveled before.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

GREAT TIME ON THE RANCH!

2010-08-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing everybody in Cartwright and Sidney August 3-5, and it was fun to see the beautiful crops of sugar beets, corn, barley, and wheat. Barley harvest was in full swing, with yields in the 95 bushel per acre range. Ron, Luke, and Will were so busy we hardly saw them. Mavis hosted us at their house one evening, and Marilyn and Issy were similarly hospitable another evening.

Dad went with us for lunch at the South Forty in Sidney and made a hit with a cute waitress--who broke the rules to get him a ham sandwich! She was in Sidney with her Dad and boyfriend (from Idaho) who were working in the oil fields.

I enjoyed a visit with Jerry and Judy Lassey at Dad's house. We had not seen them in several years. They are doing well!

Since we were wearing down a bit after more than three weeks of steady travel, we decided to postpone our trip to see Derek, Sherill, Dione, Saul and Mollie, and returned to Scottsdale--arriving last night. It is nice to be home. As it turns out, the weather has been terrible on the route we would have taken, with major floods in Iowa. We talked to Derek tonight, and learned that many roads are washed away, and travel is very difficult. He is involved in helping solve some of the problems that have been created. Our plan is to do the Iowa and Ohio trip in mid-September, assuming that works for all involved.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

2010-08-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

We had a grand time in Moscow and Coeur d'Alene, ID, celebrating the wedding of our granddaughter, Nicole, and her new husband, Devin, at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Our grandson, Dustin, is also in the photo with the happy couple, just to the left. Their parents, Wes and Sherry Hassard, were glowing all the while, as we were standing next to Nicole and Devin. Their friends and relatives came from all over for the big event, including one of her high school teachers from Salt Lake City.

Nicole is a student at Washington State University, and Devin is General Manager of Wingers Restaurant in Moscow, owned by Wes and Sherry. Dustin is General Manager of another of their Restaurants, called The Angry Bear, also in Moscow. They treated us to wonderful meals at both places.

We are now en route to Cartwright for a visit with the Lassey Clan!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

TETONS, MAUREEN, MAT, DARA IN HELENA

2010-07-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed two wonderful days in Grand Teton National Park, en route to visit Mat, Maureen, and Dara (who flew in from Bremerton, WA)in Helena. One of the photos is of Dara sitting in Mat and Maureen's new pontoon boat, after returning from an excursion to the Gates of the Mountains on the Missouri River. Another photo is Maureen in her boating attire. We had a grand time visiting and touring some of the sights and restaurants of historic downtown Helena.

Mat and Maureen treated us to some marvelous meals and hospitality at their beautiful house on a mountainside outside of Helena. Both of them are gourmet cooks!
The photo of Marie and Dara is on their balcony.

Maureen left this morning for a several-day conference in Washington, D.C. Mat saw us off at the Windbag Saloon and Restaurant, the former location of "Big Dorothy's," a famous Helena brothel that closed in 1973.

Tomorrow we go to Moscow, ID, to visit Sherry, Wes, Nicole, Devin (Nicole's husband), and Dustin.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

CROPS LOOKING GOOD!

2010-07-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mavis and Marilyn say that the crops on the farm are looking really good, despite the hail storms that did some damage. The rain kept things green until the last week, but irrigation is now fully underway. Dad says the beets in front of his house look great!

Lana was visiting this weekend, and took Dad home after dinner at Mavis and Ron's, to be followed by some boating on the river. Ron has his 45th class reunion next week, which probably means a big party!

There was also a boating party at a lake near Beulah, ND, that included Shawn and family, Cindy and family, Julie and family, and Tim (at least; others may have been there as well).

Marilyn and Issy were in Fargo over Independence Day weekend, enjoying the company of Susan and Harvey, Julie and Ashley, and Carol (plus others that I don't know about!). They leave on next Monday for a trip to Michigan to see some friends of theirs who also spend winters in Yuma.

You can tell that the oil drilling activity is heating up in North Dakota and Montana by all the letters we are getting with offers to purchase our minerals. We may have to put up "not for sale" signs!

We have a new "toy" that we are really enjoying--a Kindle reader that enables us to read books and newspapers electronically from Amazon.com without having to buy the paper versions. It will be handy for our upcoming trip to visit family in Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Iowa, and Ohio! I just finished "The Big Short" about the Wall Street financial meltdown and what caused it. Both of us really enjoyed "The Promise" about the first year of the Obama Presidency.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

MOLLIE AND FRIENDS, CLAIRE & CORA

2010-06-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

BAD WEATHER

2010-06-25T14:14:00.001-07:00

Mavis said today that hail storms have done a lot of damage to the crops in several locations. It has rained or hailed almost every day lately, which means no irrigating is required--but spoiled crops have resulted. That is really too bad, when a good yield was likely without the hail.

The new town hall and fire station in Cartwright will be "dedicated" on July 2, with everyone invited to participate. It looks good in the photos, and should be a great gathering spot over the years.

The demand for housing all around the area is continuing to increase because of oil drilling activity. Ron Shaide said there were 129 drilling rigs at work in North Dakota, with lots of big producing wells. People are moving into former stores on Fairview's main street, and into any other kind of liveable accommodation available.

Julie has moved into her new house in Minot and really likes it!

Dad is doing well but has the usual trouble remembering things. Rhonda was there yesterday and Vicki was there today helping him out. He told me "life is going pretty good," and the beets are growing well in front of his house. He continues to be cheerful and has a good attitude about his increasing age!

We'll be in Cartwright August 3-5, if all goes well, and are looking forward to a good visit with everybody!

MAUREEN AND MAT

Mat has really been enjoying their new boat, and has been quite successful catching big trout. Maureen participated (helped organize) in a state-wide housing conference and was master of ceremonies for an evening event.

We plan to be in Helena for a visit July 23-25, with Dara joining us. Should be great fun!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

DARA AND MADELYN IN SCOTTSDALE

2010-06-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with Dara and Madelyn in Scottsdale over Memorial Day weekend! They stayed at the Westin Hotel down the street from our condo, making the various excursions for food and drink easy and fun (we do not, unfortunately, have a spare bedroom!). Both of them are doing extremely well in their jobs, and they love what they are doing in the Central Kitsap School District (Madelyn is head of the Math Dept at Olympic High School, and Dara is in the district office where she manages the student-funded accounts).

Madelyn cooked us a delicious French toast breakfast one day, and we treated ourselves to several tasty meals at restaurants in nearby Kierland Commons--particularly appreciating the uniqueness of Tommy Bahama's and PF Changs. They took advantage of the Agave Spa at the Westin, and the Etch Salon in the Commons for spiffy hair coloring.

They called Derek while they were here, and learned that he is also really enjoying his new job in materials management for the Iowa Department of Transportation district where he is located. He spent part of his Memorial Day weekend playing golf, which he thoroughly enjoys as well. He obviously appreciated getting a call from his younger sister, and Dara liked catching up on his life!

The weather cooperated pretty well for them, with temperatures under 100 degrees most of the time. Even so, it was a good deal warmer than they are accustomed to in Washington.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

SPRING AT THE RANCH

2010-05-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, the cool weather last week did not freeze the newly planted beets! And, there has been some rain to help support the new plants all over the place. Half of the calves are branded and put to pasture. Spring is going well, except for slow work by the supplier in getting the new pivot working.

Shawn and Tracy are about to be off in their new motorhome with the kids on a spring vacation. Brett graduated from the 8th grade last week, and played drums at several events. Amber is taking piano lessons and had a recital this (Sunday) afternoon.

Although no new oil wells are scheduled in the immediate vicinity of the ranch, there is a new one about to be started in the Valley near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, not far from the Berry farm.

Dad says he is doing pretty well, most of the time, and enjoyed watching the branding of the calves. He said there were quite a few people at the church this morning, including Bill Dobias.

IN SCOTTSDALE

We are enjoying our continuing exploration of the area. There are lots of possibilities for recreation and celebration! The weather has been great, with only one day near 100 degrees.

Dara and Madelyn are coming for a visit over Memorial Day, which we very much look forward to.

On June 2, I have a pre-surgery exam at Mayo Clinic, and go in for surgery on my throat June 7, with one night in the hospital anticipated. No fun, but they are likely to do a very careful job, treating us well all the while. After two weeks or so of liquid diet, I should be back to almost normal.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

NEWS FROM CHARLENE!

2010-05-05T20:39:00.001-07:00

Wed, 5 May 2010

Hi Uncle Bill,

You asked for an update, so here goes.

Since mom's death, I've been dealing with some health issues. At first, I thought it was heart issues, but this was ruled out after a Stress Echo and Holter monitor, which only revealed occasional irregular heart beats and high blood pressure. However, my blood tests revealed an elevated M-Protein. My doctor referred me to a hemotologist because an elevated M-protein can be a precursor to Multiple Myloma. The hemotologist ran additional blood tests, and all the tests came back within normal limits except my Immunoglobulins which continue to show a spike. (Normal range is 48-271; mine tested at 335). The doctor didn't seem to be too concerned but stated that I need to be followed every three months and if there continues to be a spike in this M-protein, then we'll have to do a bone marrow test to see if it is the start of Multiple Myloma. Kind of scary, but I do have faith that if the lord gives this to me, he'll get me thru it. So I continue to put my faith in him!

I've been checking into retirement,and depending on my health issues, I do plan to retire at the end of the year. I hope to take some time off, spend some quality time with my family, then look for part-time work. Looking forward to my senior years!

Charlie Gunther

NEWS FROM LINDA

2010-05-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 09:10:39 -0600

Bill,

Good to hear from you! I have been working(still for the City)
two days a week and started May 1st at three days a week. I really enjoy
the reduced schedule and would hate to have to go back to work full-time.
We have been busy every weekend with grandchildren. There is usually a
soccer game for Gavin in Billings or soccer for Hope here or track meets for
Ben. We try to arrange to spread ourselves between that an seeing our
newest grandchild Emma! We are going to Livingston Thursday night to
babysit as they don't have a sitter for Friday. I don't know how
grandparents do it with more grandchildren! We do love it.

I am adjusting to the loss of Mom. It gets easier as time goes by.
I know she is is a better place and out of pain. We have plans to bury Mom
on June 12th and stay at the farm that night. I am hoping my lilacs will
still be in bloom.....Mom loved lilacs!

Hope you have a great summer!

Linda

CROPS ARE MOSTLY PLANTED!

2010-05-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Dad and Luke said on Saturday that the beets and barley are all planted, and the wheat is about done. And, importantly, there has been some good rain to help the seeds get started! Furthermore, paddle fish season opened May 1, and Luke, Shawn and Brett have been successful in catching some. (Wish we could be there to enjoy that savory taste!) Abbie got on the phone between Dad and Luke and told all the secrets of the household!

Mavis took Dad to Bismarck for a checkup and generally got a good report. His congestive heart failure is a bit worse, but otherwise he is holdin up well. Rhonda and Vicki continue to come visit him once each week, helping to keep his house clean, while entertaining and feeding him. He seems to enjoy them both a lot, and they like going to see him.

Yesterday (Sunday) Marilyn, Issy, Ron, and Mavis took Dad to lunch and drove to the old Clark farm west of Savage to see what it was like. The farmstead has about disappeared and the oil well that was operating there has shut down. However, there were plenty of oil wells near Lambert and west of Sidney and Fairview. No new drilling is going on right now in the Cartwright area, but there is lots of activity around the larger Williston area--as reported on the front page of the New York Times last week, espeically the part about the shortage of housing. Two new formations are now being explored, called the Three Forks and Sanish, both supposedly as good or better than the previous discoveries.

Marilyn and Issy have been to Minot to see Julie's "new" house, and are preparing to build a new white fence around their yard.

SCOTTSDALE

We are continuing to explore our new turf, yesterday venturing to the Arizona Biltmore Hotel--an historic place long noted for hosting movie stars and Presidents, as well as other celebrities. It was designed in the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural tradition, and is quite unique, with lots of gorgeous flowers and other landscaping. It has 750 rooms, and lots of ballroom space for events like conventions. Vice President Joe Biden was there on Saturday for a Democratic Party fundraiser. It was fun to wander around the beautiful grounds, but the wine was so expensive we decided to go thirsty!

The Hermosa Inn is much smaller (34 rooms) but equally as historic and interesting. It was the hacienda home of a famous cowboy artist, who converted it to an inn and restaurant. It was built in the Mexican ranchhouse style, and is beautifully unique, with marvelous flowers and plants everywhere. We'll definitely return for a celebration one of these days.

All is well here, and we continue to be pleased with our move from Tucson. Among the pleasures is an abundance of birds that make beautiful music for us whenever we go outside in the afternoon, as they gather around the bird feeder given to us several years ago by Mollie, Dione and Saul!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

MAUREEN'S BIRTHDAY AT THE FARM

2010-04-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAUREEN!

Maureen and Lana drove to Cartwright on the weekend, where they celebrated Maureen's birthday, enjoying the new calves, among other outings, and a family gathering for dinner at the Powder Keg in Fairview on Sunday--where we caught up with them by cell phone. All the noise in the background, including Abbie's chatter, made it sound like quite a party! Maureen said they had stopped at a quilt show in Glendive en route--a first experience for her.

Tim was also at the farm, staying at Dad's, making for a good visit with him, as well as Amber, Dany, Abbie (all of them "too cute" Maureen says), Luke, and the other family. Lana made an angel food birthday cake to supplement chocolate chip cookies for the Sunday evening meal.

Mavis said that spring's work on the farm was well underway, with the barley and wheat planted and most of the beets done as well. Of course there are dozens of new calves, including some that needed to be bottle-fed by Lana and Maureen!

Julie has purchased a house in Minot!

SCOTTSDALE: VISIT FROM AN OLD FRIEND

We had a great time yesterday (Saturday) hosting lunch for a long-time friend, Jim Barron, (and his wife, Karen, whom we met for the first time) from our Washington State University Days. They were traveling through by motorhome. He and I did several projects and publications together over several years, but we had not seen him for more than 15 years. It was really fun to get reaquainted!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

AT HOME IN SCOTTSDALE

2010-04-11T11:15:00.001-07:00

The photos are of our backyard looking out on the Kierland Golf Course; and, the pool and flowers around the nearby Kierland Westin Hotel (a 15-minute walk)--all quite beautiful.

It is nice to be settled after ten days of unpacking. We are finding this new spot much to our liking. It is a 25-minute walk past the Hotel and through Kierland Commons (an upscale "urban village")to the nearest Starbucks Coffee Shop, a journey we have made several times already since arriving. Good for our physical and mental well-being!!

The new address is: 15221 N. Clubgate Dr. #1081, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
The new e-mail address: wlassey@cox.net.
Phone is the same: 520-906-8339.

AT CARTWRIGHT

The calves are arriving in abundance, with the snow all melted and preparations underway for spring farming. Ron, Luke, and Will have largely completed a new garage at Will's place near Cartwright, and a new sprinkler pivot is about finished on the Shaide place north of the farmstead. Mavis says she now has a wireless Internet card for her new laptop, but does not yet have it up and working.

Shawn and Tracy went to California last week to pick up their motorhome, while the four young'uns stayed with Mavis and Ron. A good time was being had by all in the background while we were on the phone with Mavis, Dad, and Marilyn!

Julie, Carol, and Susan were all together in Minnesota for Easter, but Marilyn and Issy decided they had done enough traveling for awhile after driving from Yuma to Sidney. Besides, Marilyn needs to tend to her new blooming flowers, and Issy must keep the grass mowed.

Dad says it is really looking like spring, and he is enjoying watching the new calves as the grass turns green. He says he is feeling good!

IN HELENA

Mat and Maureen really enjoyed their trip to, and around, Costa Rica. Their small ship (about 120 passengers) was a great way to see the tropical coast line, and to explore the small towns and rain forest along the coast. They had a terrific guide who explained what was significant about what they were seeing. It was hot along the coast but cool and pleasant in the high country (7000 feet) around San Jose and in the nearby mountains. They took a zipline (essentially a suspended chair strung on a cable) through the forest canopy--quite exciting and a bit scary. The Costa Ricans were most hospitable and fun to talk to! (For those not in the know, Maureen spent two years in Costa Rica with her parents in 1963-65--at age 1-3).

Maureen has been appointed to the Federal home Loan Bank Advisory Board (nice!), and attended a first meeting in Seattle.

IN YELLOW SPRINGS

Dione, Saul, and Mollie had a wonderful week in New York City and vicinity, staying with Saul's brother in New Jersey, and traveling into the city by train. They saw a broadway play called "Mama Mia," visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visited Princeton and Columbia Universities (so Mollie could see what prestigeous universities are like), saw Chinatown via subway, encountered the Governor of New York, and generally enjoyed the whole experience. They saw several of Sauls relatives along the way.

Mollie continues to really enjoy the Miami Valley School, and has been engaging in lots of 7th grade activities. She recently scored well on the Scholastic Achievement Test, and will be attending a summer camp for some specialized learning.

That's it for now!

Bill and Marie

The Rude's Visit Costa Rica

2010-04-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Maureen and Mat spent 10 days in Costa Rica--at Arenal volcano and then on a Windstar cruise for a week. Very hot, but wonderful people, beautiful places to visit, and a relaxing time!
The fellow in the photo is Carlos, who was the "naturalist" on our ship, and gave us great ideas of places to go and things to see, as well as some local "Tico" flavor. As many of you may recall, our family lived in Costa Rica when I was a baby, moving back to Montana before I turned 3. I had always wanted to go there and see the country I heard my folks talk about. I am sure it has changed much since 45 (!!) years ago, but I enjoyed getting to see the country. I especially enjoyed the culture and the warmth of the people--although I will admit the warmth of the coast was a bit overwhelming. I have heard it called "Tosta Rica" from other people who traveled there.

SUSAN AND HARVEY IN ARIZONA

2010-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Susan and Harvey had a winter vacation in southern Arizona and California, visiting Marilyn and Issy and traveling around the area. They report a very enjoyable trip, and especially liked touring through the agricultural areas. Harvey particularly liked sampling all the citrus fruit! They liked seeing the winter home where Marilyn and Issy have spent the last several years, while also meeting some of the "card-playing friends."

MAT AND MAUREEN IN COSTA RICA

Maureen and Mat have just returned from a great trip to Costa Rica, where they spent a week on a sailing ship along the coast. We expect more details and some photos from them soon!

Just before heading to Costa Rica, Maureen was in Louisiana for a week at a conference on rural housing, and Mat was in San Diego for a hospital meeting related to his hospital board member responsibilities.

A MOVE TO SCOTTSDALE

We are about packed for our move to Scottsdale on April 1. The new address is:

15221 N. Clubgate Dr. #1081
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Phone and e-mail will stay the same.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

96TH BIRTHDAY!

2010-03-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Dad celebrated his 96th birthday with several events: a birthday cake with Mavis and Julie on the evening of March 1; lunch out at the South 40 in Sidney on March 2, with Mavis, Ron, and others; cake and party at the church on Sunday; and birthday cake with Bill Dobias at the Lodge (where Bill D. lives) in Sidney. He said he had a pretty good time for an "old" man! He is getting tired of the snow and is ready for some green scenery! Lana was there giving him a haircut.

The calves are beginning to arrive, but 18 inches of snow is making it difficult for the calving crew! It is hard to get around with the pickups, so snomobiles are used as alternate transportation. It has been very foggy and dreary.

Shawn and Tracy have purchased a 42 foot motorhome with four slide-outs, and plan to use it partly for an traveling office related to Shawn's job--since he does a huge amount of traveling.

Another oil well has been identified for drilling about two miles east of Ron & Mavis' house in the cattle reserve.

Mavis and Ron are going to change their phone system to Alltel, which should give them a better wireless Internet connection, so they can read the Blog easier, and send us all more e-mails!

Cheers,

Bill & Marie

FAMILY NEWS

2010-03-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

GLENN

We were sad to learn this week that Glenn Winters passed away in Spokane. The last period of his life was difficult, and we have not seen him for awhile. We certainly have great memories of a wonderful person who really liked coming to visit the family in the Cartwright area when he was able to travel. He will be missed.

TUCSON

We signed a lease today for a condo in Scottsdale, where we will move at the end of March. It is near Kierland Commons (a really interesting upscale shopping and restaurant area) in the north part of the city, and will be a great place for walking. It is also within about 10 minutes of the Mayo Clinic Hospital--one of the primary reasons we are moving. The hospital has the reputation of being the best in Arizona, and among the best in the country.

Unfortunately, I visited the Emergency Room of University Hospital in Tucson earlier in the week, in the middle of the night, after developing symptoms of a possible stroke or heart attack. After nine hours of tests and seeing four doctors, the evidence was that there was no heart attack or stroke. We got a lot of mixed signals, and varying negative experiences, that made us think it was not the place to go for a serious condition. So, I checked out against the last doctor's advice, and headed for Scottsdale where I had further tests (mostly gastrointestingal)the next day at Mayo Clinic. They did not identify anything serious, although all of the tests are not complete. It was another very good Mayo Clinic experience!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

EMMA AT 8 MONTHS

2010-03-06T11:57:00.001-08:00

Fwd: Emma 8 months old

2010-03-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

Emma 8 months old

Here are a few pictures of Emma's last month and her 8 month photo. She attended her first Ash Wednesday mass and has been experimenting using a spoon on her own. She managed to roll over, sit up, learn to give kisses (or licks) and cut two teeth all in one month! She's pretty awesome!

All Our Love, Jenny, Brad and Emma

NEWS FROM YUMA

2010-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Marilyn and Issy are looking forward to the upcoming visit of Susan and Harvey next week (March 4-9); they have not been to Yuma before, so it is a new adventure for them, and a chance to get out of the northern snow for a few days. Susan's clinical psychology practice with Mayo Clinic is getting busier and busier, with appointments stretching into June.

I first talked to Marilyn when she and Issy were in the middle of a card game with some of their friends from Michigan--who happen to be of Belgian descent, and whose family lived close to where Hedwig lived in Belgium. They have been playing cards together for 12 years, often twice a week!

Julie says they have sold their Williston house and she is beginning the search for a place in Minot--where her company is building a new office. In the meantime she continues to commute between Minot and Williston.

Marilyn and Issy are planning to drive home to Sidney starting March 15.

A WINTER ADVENTURE WITH MAVIS AND RON

2010-02-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Mavis and Ron were planning a vacation trip to Honduras, which got canceled because of a medical concern, so instead, with Tracy's travel-planning help, they went to Hawaii for 10 days. Mavis said they had a grand time, walking on the beach, driving to the top of a volcano, taking boat trips, and just relaxing. Good for them! They needed a break before calving time.

Luke is in Jamaica vacationing, after holding down the ranch while others were gone. Shawn, Tracy, and all the family are on an island near the Bahamas. They have purchased a motorhome for family travel this summer. Will is in Honduras finishing a training program in diving. A lady from Montana runs the dive shop where he is training. He took a long trip around Central America, visiting several of the countries where I traveled many long years ago.

Dad says he is doing well, and is enjoying having new carpet in his kitchen, dining room, and laundry room. He will soon have new toilets in both upstairs bathrooms. Rhonda Lassey and Vicki Dunbar looked in on him every day while Mavis, Ron and Luke were gone.

Good news on the mineral front! The oil wells are growing and flowing in the Williston Basin area. One company is planning to drill 1500 wells in the immediate vicinity. Recent wells have produced between 2500 and 3400 barrels per day! One of the consequences is full motels, hotels, and apartments everywhere in the area, which should be really good for the local economy.

Tucson has been enjoying lots of rain. Consequently, the desert is very green and lush--quite a contrast to the way it was last summer and fall. We had a great picnic at Saguaro National Park on President's Day, and thoroughly enjoyed a long walk among the saguaros. Some of the largest in Arizona--50 feet tall and more--are located along the trail.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

FAMILY PHOTOS #2 FROM CINDY

2010-02-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Cindy sent these very nice photos of various family members, taken at Christmas in Bismarck and at Cartwright during the post-funeral family gathering!

FAMILY PHOTOS FROM CINDY: CHRISTMAS & FUNERAL

2010-02-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

CHARLENE'S SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO HER MOTHER

2010-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Shared at the family memorial service the night before the funeral:

There is a certain special bond that mom had with each of her children. She always seemed to know right when we needed her most, when only the warmth and reassurance of her love could make us feel better.

Growing up, I can't tell you how often that kind of caring helped us undersand ourselves and helped us decide what was right for each of us. Those loving ways guided us through our growing up years. And whenever we are facing challenges, we think of the kind of encouragement and advice she gave us, and our choices become so much clearer. So much that's good about our lives today comes from having a mom who cared enough to raise us right and loved us through thick and thin. Her wisdom and caring have made a difference in our lives. No matter what the years brought us through, we always knew one thing that would remain the same--mom love us unconditionally.

If it hadn't been for mom, we may have never known how truly strong and courageous a woman could be, how welcome and assuring a home could be, how beautiful and lasting a mother's love can be. Mom was a person of courage and strength and nothing could take that away. No circumstance that came into her life could alter who she really was. She was a person of kindness and warmth with uncounted gifts. No matter how stormy her world was, her spirit still shined through.

Her journey was not easy, but her faith never faltered and her heart never surrendered. She was our courage, our home and inspiration, and our love for her is a love that we will never outgrow. She was, and always will be, cherished, and she will always play a special part in the circle of our family.

Charlie

TIM'S SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO HIS MOTHER

2010-01-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for coming and would like to say a few words about our mother. The last few years had been very hard for her. Mom always has some kind of "owies" as she called it. But through everything she was always lifted by her family. Her strength was always from her undying love of her family, and not just from her children and grandchildren, but from the whole family. Her sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, cousins, and of course her mother and father.

One of her greatest joys was to get news of the family. Mom remembered everyone and genuinely adored them. I remember her talking about her Aunt Beulah and when she stayed with her when Grandma was teaching, and Grandpa was farming. She remembered it all! Mom wanted me to know who my family was, and how much they meant to her. So, I just wanted everyone here to know how important your family is to you. Always to give hugs and kisses when you see them and especially when you say goodbye.

In the last few months I tried to give my mother a hug and kiss, and tell her I loved her when I was leaving. I could tell in her face that this gave her the greatest strength to cope with her "owies." I hope everyone here will do the same with their families. It has more healing power than you will every realize. Again, my sisters and I thank for for coming and your support.

MORE PHOTOS FROM JULIE: LILA'S FUNERAL

2010-01-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS FROM JULIE: LILA'S FUNERAL

2010-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Julie took these very nice photos of various family members at the church and at Dad's!

JENNY'S PHOTOS AND NOTE: LILA'S FUNERAL

2010-01-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

FROM JENNY,

Although we all gathered in sadness to give tribute to an amazing woman, we were able to find laughter through the tears. Grandma Lila would have been proud of the way her family came together, and told great stories and ate good food. She will be greatly missed. Here are a few pictures taken throughout the week after her passing. Emma was able to finally meet her Great Great Grandfather, which Grandma Lila would have been so happy about. In my heart, I truly believe that Grandma is now enjoying afternoon card games with Great Grandma Lassey, and eating WHATEVER she wants. I know in my heart that she is filled with love and laughter and surrounded by those that she has missed for so many years. May she rest in peace. I can't wait to join her someday.

With love,

Jenny

TAKEN FROM THE NOTES USED FOR MAUREEN'S EULOGY AT THE FUNERAL

Lila's greatest virtue was her love of her family--her parents, siblings, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. From what I hear her love of family was followed closely by love of garage sales!

Lila was loyal to her family and her greatest joy was family gatherings and time with her family. She inspired loyalty in her family. She was a mother who raised a family that has modeled her behavior. They are wonderful people who are kind to others as she was.

Lila loved family history. As an example, she read dad's memoirs with a magnifying glass. She loved to read copies of the lasseyclan blog that were sent to her every month or more often.

She love to share her stories of the family history. I remember my trips to Miles City, and Lila sharing stories that were not the one's written down!

She loved to read, and especially loved socializing over card games.

Despite her many health issues, she was always sharp, and always kept track of everything going on.

Dad shared a fond memory of Lila traveling with Ron and Mavis to Arizona to visit them, and how she enjoyed other travel, like to Hawaii with Grandpa and Grandma Lassey.

Lila was a good-hearted person who treated people well, and was always kind.

EN ROUTE BACK TO TUCSON

Our return trip to Tucson has been slowed a bit by the bad weather moving east from the California storms. However, we have enjoyed talking about both the sadness of Lila's death, and the pleasure of seeing all the family at Dad's house after the funeral. As Jenny said, there was lots of fun and laughter that Lila would have thoroughly enjoyed. She would surely be pleased at the big and joyous family gathering!

2010-01-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

Jenny sent these photos taken at the time of Lila's funeral. She also sent a very nice message that I have not yet been able to transfer to the blog.

We are still in transit from Cartwright to Tucson. I'll add some notes from Maureen and Tim's comments at the funeral as soon as I can.

Bill

FAMILY TIDBITS

2010-01-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Marilyn and Issy were, unfortunately, sick much of the time when in Sidney for the Holidays. They were both feeling better by the time they returned to Yuma on January 6, and enjoyed the time at home despite the discomfort. Marilyn celebrated her 74th birthday on January 5, with lunch in Williston, accompanied by Mavis, Ron, Julie, and Dad. There was a second pizza birthday party at Fairview in the evening.

Julie is now living in Minot (temporarily care-taking her employer's house) and commuting from there to Williston two days each week for her job. Ashley is attending beauty school at Albert Lea, Minnesota, and is living with Susan.

Mavis and Ron are leaving this week for a winter vacation (it was 27 degrees below zero when I talked to Mavis yesterday!), in Montana (with Lana), Nevada, California and Arizona (We look forward to their visit here in about 10 days!) After a week at home they will fly to Rotan, Honduras (a resort island) for two weeks. Will is already there practicing rescue diving. Dad will have the good company of Luke and Abbie, with some help around the house from Rhonda and Vicki.

Lila was in the hospital with a rapid heart beat for a couple of days before Christmas, but was out in time for a gathering at Cindy's and a traditional Ukrainian Christmas meal (that included Tim, as well). Mavis, Ron, and Dad were there for a medical appointment on December 23d, and enjoyed lunch with Tim and Cindy.

Hope your new year is off to a good start!

Bill

NEW GREENBERG BLOG

2010-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

The photos are of Dione and their house and yard in Yellow Springs.

Dione has started an interesting new blog: www.findingourfamilyfootprint.blogspot.com. It is about their family "journey to live more lightly on the earth," and describes the philosophy that led to changes they made, from living in a large house in Yellow Springs, to a smaller house that is much more energy efficient, but with a large yard that they have turned into a huge and unique garden--enabling them to grow much of their own food. Dione has done a beautiful job of combining narrative with photographs. It reads best if you go to the end (the earliest entries) and then page upward to the most recent entry. Happy reading and looking! Comments and feedback are encouraged.

We hope your new year is off to a good start, as ours is!

Bill and Marie

SIGNS AND NOTES FROM CHRISTMAS

2009-12-26T12:56:00.001-08:00

The photo of the nutcracker is among the decorations in our living room. The Christmas tree was at the splendid new Ritz-Carlton Hotel where we had a wonderful lunch on Christmas Eve day. The hotel setting is in the Tortilita Mountains north of Tucson and is quite spectacular. We had a quiet Christmas Day at home, with lots of phone calls and e-mails. Hence the news notes that follow!

CHRISTMAS EVE AT DAD'S

The traditional gathering at Dad's house was well attended, and was much enjoyed by Dad and his guests! The weather was cold, with about five inches of snow, but did not deter traveling. Dad received lots of food as gifts, and will enjoy the plentiful fare for quite a few days! Mavis had taken Dad to Bismarck on December 23 for a medical checkup, and he was talking quite happily on the phone when I interrupted the festivities after the gifts were opened.

STAN AND MARILYNN WINTERS

Stan and Marilynn also had a quiet Christmas at there home in Ft. Bragg, California (32961 Tregonning Lane, 95437). Stan is now fully retired from his work as a security official for public buildings. Marilynn continues to work full-time, but headquarters at their home and travels widely in CA and Orgeon. Stan travels with her. They are in process of down-sizing their home situation to decrease the care and maintenance. Stan had a knee replacement in 2007, but otherwise both of them are in good health. Glenn is about the same as when they visited him last October in Spokane. They both enjoy the blog!

MAT AND MAUREEN

Mat and Maureen went partying with friends on Christmas Eve, and hosted a party and feast at their house on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, bad weather hampered things a little. They have plenty of snow. They are planning for trips to New Orleans and a Costa Rica cruise in the Spring.

DIONE, SAUL, MOLLIE

Mollie celebrated her 13th birthday on Christmas Eve, and got a new bed (among other things) for her room. She is in a play at school, as a "nice witch," and is thoroughly enjoying the experience. She plays saxaphone in the school jazz band. Dione and Saul have a couple of weeks off and are enjoying the chance to relax at home, while enhancing their house a bit. Dione will be helping direct a play (the Wizard of Oz) at her school in the Spring. They are planning a spring trip to New York for a visit with Saul's family.

DEREK AND SHERILL

They spent Christas Day at home with some of Sherill's family as guests, for one of Derek's special dishes. He was a chef in several restaurants in his younger years, and still enjoys cooking for special occasions. He is glad to be back at work with the highway department, although is not able to do some of the things he formerly did--because of surgery on his shoulder.

DARA AND MADELYN

They are on a cruise to Mexico for a week, arriving back to Los Angeles today. We can't wait for their report! The ship had 14 stories and carried 5000 passengers.

We thoroughly enjoyed lots of Christmas letters and cards from friends and family--among the things that make the Christmas season special!

Happy New Year,

Bill and Marie

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

2009-12-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

It is cold in North Dakota, with snow--just the stuff for Christmas. On the other hand, it is warm and dry in Arizona, just the stuff for Christmas, for some of us!

Fortunately, the calves have been put in the feed lot, according to Mavis, so Dad has some entertainment outside his door, and the calves can keep each other warm. The cows are out in the fields eating beet tops--a rich and warm diet.

Abbie has been watching Christmas programs with Dad, and entertaining him all the while. She lights up his life, and he seems to light up hers as well.

The oil drilling activity is really thriving, we hear from many sources. The national news indicated, as you may have heard, that Williston has the most vigorous economy of any town in the United States! North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate of any state, and the fastest growing economy. People are moving to North Dakota from many states because that is where the jobs are. Good news!

Notes from Dione and Maureen indicate they are staying put for Christmas, as we are. We haven't lighted our fireplace yet, because it has been too warm, but Dione, Saul, and Mollie enjoy their's every day for heat and coziness. Maureen and Mat will be spending Friday rooting for their University of Montana football team playing in the national championship game.

We spent the day (Sunday) getting our Christmas letter ready for mailing, which means you should be receiving a copy soon. It will bring you up-to-date on our life in Tucson.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

FROM SUSAN AND HARVEY

2009-11-27T19:22:00.001-08:00

We hosted Julie and Ashley in Albert Lea for Thanksgiving and have since returned to our Bloomington home. I had to get all of my dictation done before we leave for Tampa tomorrow. I am required to attend the National Health Corps orientation there, as I have a two year contract with them. Harvey will be coming along for some much needed rest and relaxation. Julie and Ashley are shopping at the Mall of America (I think) and we are busy packing suitcases and going through mail. We plan to go out for appetizers tonight at a local restaurant that offers dueling piano entertainment (Ashley had a spectacular time last time we took her there!).

Susan

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the people who walked
through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of
bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient
proof that everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last
of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstances, to choose one's own way."
--Viktor Frankl (1905-1997)

THANKSGIVING PHOTOS AND NOTES

2009-11-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

The photos are from Cindy at Thanksgiving, with Grandma Lila and her grandkids--very nicely done! Looks like they were having a happy time!

TUCSON CONVERSATIONS

We talked to several family members on Thanksgiving, and learned, among other things, that Derek is recovering well from his shoulder surgery, and is hoping to go back to work on December 14. He has had quite a long period of recovery, and is anxious to get back to his regular activities.

Dara has a new job, actually a very nice promotion, that will give her more responsibility in the school system where she works. She is, of course, quite excited about the new opportunities!

Maureen and Mat are delighted that their unbeaten University of Montana football team is in the playoffs for the national championship, and has a game on Saturday (which they will attend in Missoula) with South Dakota State. Maureen goes to Washington, DC, in early December for a week of training meetings. She is supervising three Vista workers who have been very busy helping first-time homebuyers take advantage of the tax credit so as to acquire a first home that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

We had a delightful visit on Thanksgiving Day with our great friend, Ellis Burcaw, who remains quite active and fun to talk to at age 88! He is a retired museum specialist who taught for many years at the University of Idaho.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

ART AND A PICNIC IN A PARK

2009-11-15T11:24:00.001-08:00

The photos are in a beautiful local park created as a memorial to a young girl who was killed in an auto accident. She loved butterflies, so her parents had a sculptor create a huge butterfly image in the center of the memorial, along with some other colorful art. The occasion for us was the 83d birthday of a long-time friend, Zaye Chapin (see photo), who we hosted for a picnic in the park with her mate and another old friend (pictured by the fountain). It was fun to enjoy their good company for four hours in such a gorgeous setting.

DIONE, SAUL, AND MOLLIE

Yesterday was Dione's birthday, so we had a long phone conversation to catch up with their busy lives. Dione said it was a good day for them, with a long walk in a beautiful nearby park (where we have walked with them several times). It was getting cool there, so they had the fire going (they heat their house with wood fires) and were having a relaxing day at home after the hike. Mollie was playing the piano when she wasn't busy doing homework.

Dione is enjoying the teaching a lot. She has gifted students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, all very bright and stimulating, but with a separate preparation for each grade--keeping her very busy. The school provided her with a much improved class room this year, which makes the environment more pleasant for teaching, as compared to last year.

Saul has a new president (and boss) at Antioch McGregor where he teaches, and is much more satisfied with the way the university is being operated. He thoroughly enjoys the teaching, as well, and is stimulated by a lot of good graduate students.

Mollie is thriving in her school. She recently completed a theater workshop involving a professional actor and some other distinguished theater teachers, and she is auditioning for a play, so will soon be going to play practice. She has several wonderful friends that she loves to hang out with--one of whom just finished writing a book, and another who will participate in the Christmas Nutcracker performance in Dayton. They are a very bright and talented bunch.

IN TUCSON

This has been a very "social" week for us. In addition to the picnic on Monday, we were invited to some great new neighbor's (he was born and raised at Rugby, ND!)for dinner on Wednesday, and are hosting some delightful former neighbors for dinner this evening. Retirement life hasn't yet become boring, by any means!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

BEET HARVEST OVER, & SUCCESSFUL!

2009-11-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Beet harvest was successfully concluded on Friday, after a very long and painful process delayed several times by cold and rain, according to Will. The annual celebratory party was Friday night at the Double Barrel in Fairview for the 15-person crew plus family. The yield was generally good, with one field going 35-ton per acre. Mavis said it got to be really scary because at times they were not sure they would be able to finish the harvest.

Mavis and Ron went to a country music concert last night (Saturday night) at the Four Bears Casino east of Watford City, and saw several new oil wells along the way. Apparently, there is some prospect of more drilling around Cartwright as well.

Dad is doing about the same, and enjoyed going to church this morning. He is having some trouble with swollen legs, and gets ever more forgetful--not unusual for his age.

Ron and Mavis are thinking about traveling, now that harvest is done! We hope to see them in Arizona come January.

Julie saw Lila and Cindy on Friday in Bismarck and said Lila seemed to be doing pretty well.

Cheers,

Bill

MAUREEN AND MAT

2009-11-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

We are doing well--October was a busy month with fun things as well as work. We had the jazz festival in Kalispell, which we always enjoy, and then I met up with some gals I used to work with at Fannie Mae (one from North Dakota, one from Kentucky) in Las Vegas. We went to see Bette Midler, and also did a helicopter trip into the Grand Canyon. It was fun, although I could never go to Vegas again and be perfectly happy.

Mat just returned from a trip to Florida. Friend Justin had a conference at a place right on the beach, so Mat decided to tag along and hang out for a few days. It ended up being a long ways from everything, but I think he enjoyed the relaxation.

Sorry to hear about the rosacea--along with the eye problems. I am having enough trouble with my eyes that I think I can be very compassionate! Mine seem to be either so dry (but lots of goop) or running non-stop. Drives me crazy.

Right now we don't have any plans to be down there-Mat's annual conference is in San Diego this year, but he is not sure whether he is going to go or not. I think there may be a May conference again this year in Phoenix, but will let you know as soon as I do.

Did I tell you we are going to Costa Rica in March? We are going on the "windstar" cruise line. I can't wait.

I am still so busy at work I can hardly keep my head on straight--but I love what I am doing, so that helps. My three AmeriCorps Vistas have really added to my capacity, but also to my workload--a bit of a mixed blessing but I think the program is so amazing.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Love, Maureen

TUCSON

I am adjusting to having a malady called Rosacea, making my face red and also affecting my eyes. A Mayo Clinic ophthalomogist put me on three medications to deal with eyes and face, including an antibiotic. Fortunately, the only pain/discomfort is the eyes part.

On Monday we are hosting a picnic to celebrate the birthday of a long-time friend of ours here who was one of Marie's colleagues at UI. Attending will be another of Marie's former colleagues, as well as Zaye's mate. They are all very intelligent people who love to talk democratic politics as much as we do!

We have been spending a lot of time in Scottsdale for Marie's follow-up appointments, and with my eye and throat exams in mid-November and mid-December. We have especially enjoyed Kierland Commons, an "urban village" in north Scottsdale. It is an appealing spot.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

EMMA AT 4 MONTHS, DRESSED FOR HALLOWEEN!

2009-11-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

Fwd: Emma turns 4 months old!

2009-11-01T18:51:00.001-08:00

Emma turns 4 months old this past week. She weighed in at 12 lbs 10oz. The doctors say she is healthy, but petite. We made the trip to Miles City for her first Halloween, so she could trick or treat with Ben, Gavin and Hope. She was dressed up as a hot pepper. She is chowing down the baby cereal now and has moved into sweet potatoes. Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

Love,

Jenny

BEET HARVEST & OTHER HAPPENINGS

2009-11-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN IN SONOITA

We celebrated Halloween in a little western town south of Tucson called Sonoita, with lunch at the famous Steak Out Restaurant(see photos), right next to the Sonoita Mercantile. People come from far and wide to dine here. Some of the area residents are pictured as they were having lunch next to us. We had a delicious meal of the famous Sonoita steak and baked potatoes, with lots of fresh salad!

The place actually reminds me of Cartwright many long years ago, when there was still an active mercantile and bar on main street. Even the people looked somewhat the same! The difference is that Sonoita is about 50 miles from the nearest town and has been able to servive with some basic services and tourism. It is surrounded by large ranches, and some smaller ranchettes occupied by people who like the picturesqe countryside near some high mountains. Several wineries have sprung up nearby because the climate is good for growing grapes, at about 4500 feet elevation.

BEET HARVEST

Unfortunately, beet harvest is still proceeding slowly, with roughly 350 acres still to be dug. Because of all the rain the fields are muddy, causing the machinery to keep breaking down. It was beautiful there today Mavis and Dad said, so as soon as they get the digger repaired they can go back to their 24-hour days of lifting beets! They were up in the middle of the night last night moving machinery from a field south of the farm to the Berry farm over in the valley. Ordinarily, Will runs the digger at night and Luke in the daytime, each with a different crew of truck drivers.

Mavis said she had lots of dressed up visitors trick or treating last night, all cutely dressed up for the occasion. Some of them even came from north of Cartwright (the Paulsons).

Dad saw the doctor last week for his bladder cancer, and got a good report, thank goodness. Hope that keeps up. He had a bit of a crisis though--because his electric razor quit and he couldn't shave until Mavis took him to town for a new razor! She found him one day sound asleep in a chair at the counter where he eats his meals.

Dad and Mavis went to church in Cartwright this morning, where Dad said there was a nice crowd. He says the problem with the beet harvest is just a farmers plight! And, he says he is doing okay for an old man, and can't complain!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

NEWS FROM HERE AND THERE

2009-10-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is not a new photo of Dad, but one that we like from last year!

We talked to him last week and he sounded quite cheerful. He had walked to the mailbox and back, he said, and enjoyed the exercise. He says he always enjoys the blog, which he gets in the mail every time a new item is published. He said the beet harvest was a little slow because of the rain and cool weather. Fortunately, the weather was good the day we talked to him.

Lila seems to be doing quite well, although we have not been successful lately in reaching her on the phone. Mavis and Ron had a good visit with her last Wednesday.

IN TUCSON

We were in Scottsdale at Mayo Clinic last week for Marie's 7-week check-up with her surgeon. She got a good report! Fortunately, she has recovered very well and can now resume normal activities, except heavy lifting.

I saw an ophthalomogist about my dry and irritated eyes, and learned that some new actions need to be taken to avoid negative long-term side effects. I'll need two new prescriptions, and a set of new-fangled glasses that protect my eyes from the dry air. Arizona is not exactly the best place to be for this kind of problem!

Our treat was a delightful dinner out at a restaurant called Zinc Bistro in Kierland Commons--an upscale urban village in North Scottsdale that we found wonderful to walk around. We were introduced to the place when we met Maureen and Mat for dinner there last year at another restaurant called North. We like the area so much that we intend to return there every chance we get!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

BEET HARVEST CHALLENGES

2009-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ron and Mavis said today that the beet harvest is hampered by rainy, cold weather. Only 200 of 1000 acres have been completed. Fortunately, they have a good (and flexible!) crew that includes Ron's brother Larry, two of his high school classmates, and others who have helped out in years past. The yield is good, but the sugar content is lower than they would like. They have been able to dig only about every third day so far.

Mavis talked to Lila this morning, who was able to visit for half an hour in her room at the Bapist Home. She is not able to go to the dining room to eat, and has very low blood pressure, with a high heart rate. She wanted to discuss "end of life" arrangements and has a plan in mind. She wants everything decided in advance.

Dad is doing fine, and still wants to have his pickup around, even if Mavis does all the driving. She took him to church this morning with the pickup, and he thought she should leave it at his house rather than take it back to hers! He has a medical appointment in Bismarck for October 30.

Marilyn and Issy have medical appointments in Bismarck October 21.

IN TUCSON

All is calm and normal here, with delightful fall weather in the mid-80's. We have been enjoying long walks at La Encantada Shopping Center every other day, after breakfast at AJ's Fine Foods. Very pleasant!

We had a bit of a thrill as we were returning from a walk a couple of days ago: there was a large bobcat standing immediately outside our front door! We are at the north edge of the city with lots of open space around us (including a golf course), and apparently the bobcat lives in the general vicinity. Fortunately, he beat a hasty retreat.

A picnic last week at Saguaro National Park was fun, although the landscape is extremely dry. We saw very few wild birds or other animals. There is concern here that the drought is so bad that many of the natural features and vegetation will be seriously damaged.

On October 21, we return to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale for Marie's surgery follow-up appointment with the surgeon. She has been doing very well, so we expect a good report.

Otherwise we are spending lots of time on our study of the Mayo Clinic/hospital system, and a detailed comparison with the University Physicians Healthcare/University Hospital system here in Tucson. There are many similarities, but some key differences as well. Very stimulating work for a couple of retired academics who want to keep their minds working!

Derek had surgery on his shoulder last week in Des Moines, Iowa. He had a torn rotator cuff that needed repair, and is doing okay, but feels a lot of pain.

LILA UPDATE

2009-10-08T12:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks for letting me know about Glenn. I will let Mom know. I know she always been close to Glenn. Dementia is so sad. When you think of Mom and all her health issues but she still can recognize and visit with people on her good days. I saw her yesterday and it was a rough day for her, she had dialysis and was very weak. Hopefully she will get some strength back.

Thank you so much for sending her the Blog. She always looks forward to having someone read it to her.

Cindy

GLENN WINTERS HEALTH

2009-10-08T12:15:00.001-07:00

Bill:

I don't know how to post directly on the Blog, but we are saddened and want you all to know that Glenn Winters' health has deteriorated. He has developed a foot infection that has gone into the bone. His son tells us that because of his many medical conditions, he is not a surgical candidate, and they will not be taking any aggressive steps (such as surgery). He has been approved for and is on Hospice care, and remains in a convalescent hospital, in Spokane. He was very ill a short while back and had to be resusciated twice. He recovered from that incident; however, he is not expected to recover from this condition. We just returned from seeing him in Spokane. His dementia has advanced to the point that he does not recognize anyone. We will keep you posted.

Stan & Marilynn

Miracle Mama!

2009-10-04T15:51:00.001-07:00

Uncle Bill,

Just wanted to let you know that mom is now out of ICU and on the mend! What a miracle she is! I spoke to her nurse first who says that they are weening her off the Dolpamine and plan to put the stent back in on Monday. The Doctor says that depending on her prognosis, she may be able to go back to the Nursing Home sometime this week. I did get to talk to her and she seemed to be in good spirits.

She says Mavis, Marilyn and Grandpa are coming today to see her and she had a visit from Carol's daughter, Jenny.

Thanks to all for the prayers. God is GOOD!

Charlie Gunther

LILA IN HOSPITAL

2009-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Uncle Bill,

Just to let you know, mom took a turn for the worse at dialysis yesterday. Her blood pressure dropped down to 20 and so they had to admit her to ICU. Linda and I were headed out to Bismarck when Cindy called to say that mom is stablizing and to wait. I contacted the nurse this morning, and mom is now stable. Her blood pressure is back up and her labs are looking better.It could be a rocky road for a few days and with mother, you never know. She has such a strong will to live and the Doctor says that although she is not out of the woods, she's doing ok for now. As long as she remains stable, we will wait to make the trip to Bismarck. Cindy, Tim and Karen are keeping vigal for now and will keep us abreast so that if she takes another turn for the worse, Linda and I will then head out to Bismarck. We're praying that she can return to the Nursing Home and will again pull out of this. She has lost a trememdous amount of weight and has a hard time talking on the phone because she just can't be without the oxygen mask. She's very weak, doesn't have an appetite (which is very unusual for mom).

We ask for prayers for mom from all of you. They do work and she is living proof of that!

Charlie Gunther

CELEBRATING 75

2009-09-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 75 years (3/4 of a Century!) is not bad when you get treated well! A friend of ours blessed us (for both of our birthdays) with the beautiful display of flowers and a personalized birthday cake, at one of our favorite spots: AJ's Fine Foods. The flowers continue to be delightful and aromatic, although the cake is gone, having satisfied our taste buds several times. What a treat!

Yesterday, Marie treated me to a steak breakfast at home, and then took me out in the afternoon for good wine and treats at a gorgeous restaurant near the new Ritz-Carleton Hotel on the north edge of Tucson. It was a great day, with lots of nice messages from family.

LILA

When we talked to Lila yesterday, we were pleased that she was in her Baptist Home room, rather than the hospital, but were sorry that she was suffering from a bad stomach day, and was not feeling at all well. Nonetheless, she had been enjoying chances to sit outside in the beautiful fall weather. She is confined to a wheel chair most of the time because she must wear an oxygen mask which is difficult when trying to walk.

CARTWRIGHT

Mavis said the corn harvest is done, and was abundant! The beets look really good, and will be harvested starting this week. It has been a GOOD year with the farming!

Marilyn and Issy are doing well, and are enjoying the great fall weather before they contemplate heading south to Yuma (where it was 106 yesterday!) for the winter months. Issy's daughter also has a birthday on September 27th.

Dad sounded great on the phone. He was enjoying pizza with all the family at Mavis and Ron's! The house must have been full of grandkids because I could hardly hear the conversation!

Emma at 3 months old

2009-09-28T12:32:00.001-07:00

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Emma turned 3 months old today! She weighs 11 lbs. 8 oz.; She has officially found her hands and is beginning to laugh. She is easily amused with Brad's goofy songs and fart noises! Grandpa Dallas and Grandma Linda are totally in love. Grandpa Dallas changed a "not-so-friendly" diaper and smiled the entire time! We talk about Great Grandma Lila a lot. Emma falls asleep every night to Grandma Lila's famous "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" song. As the days move along, we find ourselves engrossed with our daughter and could not imagine our lives any different.

All Our Love,

Jenny and Brad Malloy

New family member, from Marilyn

2009-09-14T10:56:00.001-07:00

On Sept. 8th, Becky Sue Kvande and her boyfriend, Ken, had a baby girl named "Millie" (Mildred, after her grandmother Kvande). She weighed 7 lb, 4 oz, and is a really cute little thing. She has lots of dark hair with a curl on top. Just a sweetie!! Susan and Harv plan to come this weekend to see the new grandaughter and for Susan's Birthday.

Not much other news here. We have just been working on the rentals and keeping ourselves busy.

Love, Marilyn

ON THE RANCH

The grain harvest is over and the corn cutting is in full swing, with good yields all around, according to Mavis. However, grain prices are low, so the grain bins are full. There was lots of rain in July, which means the pastures are good, and the Sudan Grass (for hay) is bountiful.

Dad is doing fine, although he gained quite a bit of weight because of congestive heart failure. He is on water pills, and is losing the weight, but needs to be monitored closely. He gets weighed nearly every day. He sleeps a lot in his big chair and at Mavis'.

He said he was going to live to be 100! And, he said, that is not very far away!

Marilyn and Julie came over to help process the sweet corn, in the midst of which Mavis had to go to Brett's football game in Fairview. He is doing very well! The team quarterback is Monte Cayco, Sharon and Andy's grandson, who is also a really good player.

Preparations are underway for beet harvest, starting October 1.

Amber and Abbie were keeping Mavis entertained.

LILA

Lila was back in the hospital for a few days, after a serious bloody nose. She lost so much blood she needed a transfusion. She now has to wear an oxygen mask, and must eat liquid food. She was able to return to the Baptist Home and was well enough to go out to lunch last week. She has lost a bunch of weight.

Your family reporter,

Bill

RUDE UPDATE

2009-09-10T15:53:00.001-07:00

We had a nice party for Mat's 50th birthday and our 20th Anniversary, with a couple of surprises, notably my friend Jeni and her husband who live in Virginia showed up at our door. They were in Bozeman visiting family and drove up for the day. Mat's youngest brother, Jason, and his family, also came.

For Labor Day, we went to the Griz (University of Montana) football game in Missoula on Saturday, and then spent the rest of the weekend working around the house. We have a lot of dead trees from the pine beetle infestation, and we have some people who have agreed to cut the trees if they can have the wood. Works well for us as we would have to pay alot to get someone to do it. We have lots of trees, but you would be amazed at how many are dead and "red".

It was great to be back in the stadium with 25,000 of our closest friends!

Sounds like you had a good birthday celebration for Marie!

Good to hear from you.

Maureen

PHONE CALL WITH DAD

Dad says he is sitting around lazy as can be, but everything is going pretty good. The grain is all harvested, and they are about to start cutting corn. The grain yields were good, and the beets look good.

He has a cold and sore throat but it isn't bothering him that much. He just takes what comes, no matter what, and does the best he can; that's all he can do. Watching what goes on outside his window is a pretty good job! There has been quite a bit of rain so the hills and fields are green. It looks good! He says he is doing pretty good for an "old man."

As transcribed by Bill!

UPDATE ON THE GREENBERGS

2009-09-05T19:51:00.001-07:00

The photos include the exterior and lobby of the beautiful Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix--a great place for medical care, we have discovered!

FROM DIONE

First of all - I am glad to hear that Marie is recovering well and that the hospital stay went so well.

Life at Miami Valley School is wonderful for Mollie. She is taking Mandarin Chinese and Albegra this year (she's in 7th grade; Algebra is taught in 9th grade in public school). She is doing well in both, as well as in all her other subjects. She is quite the academic - like her grandparents! She is also playing the saxophone and is in the Jazz Band as a beginner, and that is kind of a neat thing. After school she takes piano once per week and will be taking a Theater Conservatory this fall where she will learn more about acting and will also take voice and dance classes from professional actors and dancers. It should be a really high quality experience.

I am loving my job this year. I have gifted students for their core Language Arts class, which means I have them every day. I enjoy that much more than the enrichment classes I was doing with them once per week, because I am their teacher of record and can make more headway with them. I also have a better relationship with the kids because I see them every day. The kids I have are really smart and it is so fun to work with them. I'm teaching mythology to the 6th graders, mysteries (Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie) to the 7th graders, and a unit on the Holocaust to the 8th graders. It's interesting and stimulating for me as well as for the kids. Also, the school remodeled a nice room for me this year, so I have a big room right in the center of the school. For the last two years I was in the basement of the gym, so this is a big step up!!

Saul has a few weeks break from teaching, although he has his other professorly duties to attend to right now. Next week is orientation for the new students at Antioch/McGregor, so he will be back in the saddle soon. He really enjoys teaching the students, but dislikes going to meetings.

Love, Dione

IN TUCSON

We celebrated the beginning of Labor Day weekend with breakfast for Marie's 75th Birthday at the Westin La Paloma Hotel down the street from our condo, and then had a late afternoon outing at the Acacia Restaurant, also nearby. Advancing age isn't all that bad when there are some nice rewards!

Marie is doing very well after surgery a week ago, and even went for several walks around the neighborhood since coming home from the hospital. We go back to Scottsdale on Tuesday for her first follow-up appointment at Mayo Clinic.

IN BISMARCK

Lila was out of the hospital and back at the Baptist Home, but was not feeling that great when we talked to her last week. She is concerned that she might have to have a feeding tube installed because her food goes into her lungs when she eats, causing pneumonia.

LILA OUT OF HOSPITAL

2009-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Cindy indicated in an e-mail this morning that Lila was out of the hospital, and back at the Baptist Home. She is feeling much better, but will be more dependent on dialysis after having had her urinary tube removed from her kidney. She is still having trouble swallowing food properly.

ON THE RANCH

Combining has been in "full swing," with excellent yields on the barley.

Mavis, Marilyn, and Dad went to Bismarck last Thursday to visit Lila and her family, and Dad got along just fine, although he moves more slowly than he did in his younger days! When they got to Bismarck, they heard a noise in the car, and discovered that a kitten was in the wheel well!! It had ridden there all the way from the ranch! It wouldn't come out, so Mavis took the car to a garage where they removed it. She then had to buy a cage to take the kitten back home. Quite a story!

Marilyn and Issy had a great trip for a week with their travel trailer. Marilyn is feeling fine after her heart surgery.

LILA IN HOSPITAL

2009-08-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Cindy says Lila is in St. Alexis hospital and having a hard time breathing. She is getting some assistance from a machine, but does not want to be on a ventilator. She was doing somewhat better last evening.

Linda is in Bismarck and Charlene is planning to arrive today. Mavis is also arriving in Bismarck later today.

Jenny came to Bismarck with Emma, but could not take the baby to the hospital, so Lila did not get to see her.

ON THE RANCH

Mavis says they have been able to harvest only about 100 acres of barley because of all the rain--which is good for the grass, beets, and corn but not for combining. Fortunately, the barley yield was good on the field right near Dad's house.

Dad says he is doing fine, but was running short of food. So, Mavis took him to Sidney to restock his pantry and refrigerator! He said he enjoyed watching the barley harvest right outside his door, and enjoys watching the beets grow in front of his house.

Mavis has been having trouble with an eye irritation that has kept her from doing some of the things she would like to be doing!

EMMA AT ONE MONTH

2009-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

EMMA AT ONE MONTH

2009-08-06T10:40:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Emma is growing fast and changing each day. She turned a month old on July 27th. She is gaining her weight quite fast! She is now 7lbs 12oz compared to her 6lb birth weight. I'm not sure what our lives entailed prior to her arrival, maybe a bit more sleep!

We are planning a trip to visit her great aunts/uncle and great grandma in Bismarck on August 13-15th and hoping to have her meet great grandpa Jim also.So far her life has been busy with attending a wedding, funeral and flying to Oregon all before she was 5 weeks old.

We are currently on the Oregon coast with my husbands family. Who says a baby slows you down:)

Hope all is well with each of your families.

I will be sending updated pictures to the blog so you can all see how much she has changed each month. This is her one month photo!

Jenny

LILA'S REPORT

2009-08-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

In a phone call today, Lila said she is doing relatively well, despite staying pretty busy with various issues like dialysis three times each week. She had a nice birthday celebration around July 10 with her family, and with Mavis, Dad, and Marilyn, who drove to Bismarck to help her celebrate.

She says Bismarck has been quite cool, and rainy, this summer, making the countryside green and beautiful.

Cindy, Amanda, and Charlie went traveling to Grand Teton National Park, and points nearby, to pick up Sarah who had gone on a wagon train trip in that vicinity. Reports are that they had a "grand" time.

Tim has been enjoying his "new" motorcycle, and has gone on several trips, including visits to Cartwright, Williston, Miles City, Billings, and Livingston, to see family.

Linda, Jenny, and the new granddaughter, are coming to Bismarck for a visit in August, so Lila, and Bismarck family, can see the new addition to the clan.

MARILYN AND FAMILY

Marilyn had a follow-up exam after her recent surgery, and is doing great. She and Issy are on a trip, pulling their trailer, to visit Carol, and to see Susan and Harvey.

Susan says she is really enjoying her patients at Mayo Clinic, although some of them present serious challenges. She gets good support from the Clinic staff, and appreciates having access to the excellent Clinic library.

IN TUCSON

We are having warmer than average summer weather. It was 110 degrees here yesterday for a short while! It goes without saying that we spend most of our time inside, although we did go for a walk this morning at La Encantada Shopping Center, after breakfast at AJ's Fine Foods.

Tomorrow, we are off for a couple of days in Scottsdale where it is even hotter. We'll go to the Mayo Clinic to, among other things, collect information for our current project: comparing the Mayo Clinic method of providing health care with the Tucson method. Needless to say there are lots of differences that we are trying to sort out.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

NEWS FROM DIONE

2009-07-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

Sunday, July 26, 2009

We are headed to North Carolina next week for about a week. We'll see our spiritual teacher in Fayetteville and then go on to Wilmington for a short vacation.

Mollie went to her first rock concert last night with a friend - it was in Cincinnati. It was really cute and she had a great time. She is going to a dance/birthday party next week at the Oakwood Country Club. Two of the girls from her school are having the party and those are formal affairs w/ most classmates attending. It's very nice that she can attend these kinds of things.

Cora returns from Austria on Aug. 1, and her other good friend Claire just returned from a ballet intensive in Chicago, so she will be with her best friends again. She has also spent some time with her closest friends in Yellow Springs this summer as well as practicing piano and saxophone, and working on her novel. She has about 65 pages finished at this point - and the goal is to reach 100 before school starts. It's slow going, but she works on it almost every day.

Mollie starts school on Aug. 19 and I start on the 24th, so the summer is winding down, but we are going to keep enjoying it!

We are starting to harvest tomatoes, summer squash, basil, oregano, cilantro, parsely, beets, carrots, kale, fennel, and potatoes from our garden. We'll also have corn, zucchini, parsnips, cantelope, french melon, beans, butternut and acorn squash, lima beans, brussel sprouts, onions, leeks and cucumber if all goes well. The berries, asparagus, and apples will take a year or two before we reap some harvest. Oh, also, we are harvesting garlic now and it's so yummy!

I hope you are doing well and look forward to your summer summary - hope I can get it downloaded...Take care

Love,

Dione

MARILYN'S SURGERY SUCCESSFUL!

2009-07-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Marilyn says her surgery was "a peice of cake!" It was done laproscopicly,without any incissions, thus doing minimal damage to her tissues, so she was almost immediately up and around, and even went for a walk the day after she got home. And, she says she feels much better than she has in a long time. How terrific! She can do about anything she wants, but will take it easy for awhile. She and Issy are planning a trip across North Dakota to Minnesota with their trailer soon.

Lila was next to her prep room in the hospital getting a kidney tube replaced, and was out the same day.

Susan, Carol, and Julie were there.

DENNIS

Dennis also had successful back surgery and is recuperating at home. He can't lift much, but will go back to work this week.

DAD

We talked to Dad this morning, and got a good report. His voice is strong, and he says he is doing well most of the time. He says the crops are looking good outside his house, and the hills are green from all the recent rain. The grain is about ready to harvest. Abbie comes to visit him regularly, and adds "some spark to his life" he says. He really seems to appreciate and enjoy her. How very nice!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

RAIN AT THE RANCH!

2009-07-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

Four and one-half inches of rain in July! Amazing! Unfortunately, there was lots of wind and some damage in Sidney, Fairview, and Dickinson, including tornadoes. There was very little damage to the crops. And, of course, it was a god-send for the crops in most respects, particularly the pastures, which got green and beautiful. One consequence, however, is a flood of mosquitoes that force everybody to cover-up!

The Fairview Summer Festival was last Saturday, with the usual large crowds, a kiddies parade that included Shawns kids, and lots of other action. Dad didn't go because of increasing difficulty with walking and the heat.

Mavis, Marilyn, Issy, and Dad went to Bismarck for Lila's birthday. They went out to a Mexican Restaurant for dinner, and had a very nice time, Mavis says!

Dennis was to have surgery on his back yesterday in Rapid City. We have had no reports yet on how it went. We certainly wish him well in recovery!

All three of Marilyn daughters, Susan, Carol, and Julie, as well as Mavis, plan to be in Bismarck tomorrow (July 23) for Marilyn's heart surgery. We will certainly be thinking about her, and hoping for the best.

We are enjoying late July in Tucson, despite record temperatures of 109 the last few days. Yesterday, we did our regular trek to AJs Fine Foods for breakfast, and got some walking in the shade of La Encantada Mall. Very pleasant because there had been a nice shower that cooled things down.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

BEAUTIFUL PLACES

2009-07-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

The photos are from our room at Salishan Lodge, and the nearby beach, on the Oregon coast, where we enjoyed a couple of days while en route back to Tucson from a great visit with Dara and Madelyn at Bremerton, WA. We traveled 8700 miles altogether, and were on the road for nearly seven weeks. It was a great experience, with delightful family and friend visits all along the way!

MARILYN'S SURGERY

Marilyn will be going to Bismarck for heart surgery on July 23. We certainly wish her well and hope fervently that the surgery enables her to live a better quality of life after it is over!

Bill and Marie

GREAT FAMILY VISITS!

2009-07-07T14:59:00.001-07:00

We were delighted with all of the family visits along the way, having just enjoyed seeing Sherry, Wes, Nicole (see photo, with boyfriend) in Pullman, WA, and Dara and Madelyn (see photo of their house) in Bremerton over the Independence Day holiday. At the moment we are on the Oregon coast (see photo of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach), beginning our trip back to Tucson.

It has been a real pleasure to see how well everybody is doing, and to catch up on all the family news. We had a delightful evening with our friends, Connie and Bob Walker in Spokane, who are also doing well.

Now, after more than 6000 miles on the road, we are ready to go home for awhile!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

Tim Stewart in Helena

2009-06-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

From: mjrudedog@aol.com:
LasseyW@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 1:02:23 PM

Tim Stewart visited the Rude's in Helena while making his way across Montana on his new motorcycle. We surely enjoyed spending time with Tim, and our "4 legged kids" loved having another hand to pet them. Mat made a great dinner and we sat out on the deck and enjoyed the beautiful day and great company!

Maureen

Jenny's Baby: Emma

2009-06-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Photos of Emma, and with cousins and grandparents!

Emma Rose Malloy has arrived!

2009-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Emma Rose Malloy arrived at 1:06 AM June 27th, weighing in at 6 lbs., and 19 inches long. Her parents say she is adorable, and is a blessing to them and all the family that came visiting around her arrival time!

Jenny sent some photos, but so far your editor has been unable to transfer them to the blog. Don't know why!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

DAD AND THE RANCH

2009-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

We had a grand time visiting with Dad at his house, and at a Father's Day dinner at the South 40 in Sidney. He continues to do amazingly well, despite his short-term memory problem. It was fun to spend time with him.

Our respect for the affection and attention provided by Mavis and Ron, Luke (and Abby!), Will, Marilyn and Issy, and all the others who help Dad out, continues to grow. They are doing a fantastic job of enabling him to live at home, when he would otherwise have to move to an institutional setting.

MARILYN IN HOSPITAL

Marilyn was transported by Issy to the Emergency Room at the Williston Hospital because of a problem with her heart. She stayed several days and got a recommendation from her doctor to go to Bismarck for more tests. When we left she was feeling better and looking forward to getting out of the hospital! All of her family came to see her and filled her hospital room with good cheer and good wishes!

MARIE'S MEDICAL ISSUE

We are now at Moscow, ID, enjoying a visit with Sherry, Wes and Nicole, having missed our visits to Grand Teton National Park, and Maureen and Mat's in Helena, because Marie was not feeling well. She went to Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, got some advice from a physician (who we had known many years ago!), and a prescription, and is feeling much better.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

TALES AND PHOTOS FROM THE LATEST FABULOUS JOURNEY

2009-06-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

We are on the 20th day of travel,and have had marvelous visits with Marie's cousin Erlene, and husband Cal, in Georgia; Sheila (Marie's only neice), her husband Chuck, daughter Lyndy, husband Michael, and grandson Matthew in Pennsylvania; Dione, Saul, and Mollie in Ohio; and Derek in Iowa, where we are now. Tomorrow we depart for North Dakota.

The photos are of Mollie, Dione, Saul, Derek, and flowers in the little Dutch town of Pella, where we are staying--quite an interesting and beautiful place with lots of unique Holland character.

Dione and Saul took us to the Antioch McGreggor University where Saul teaches, and showed us the new high tech building surrounding Saul's beautiful office. It is new and has all the latest facilities for teaching and learning. Very interesting! We also went to Mollie's school, a very up-do-date place; we met some of Mollie's teachers, saw classrooms where she learns, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Mollie, and her friend Cora, as they explored the school with us. A real treat!

They are turning their one-acre yard into a small organic farm, having planted garden spots all around the yard with a huge variety of edible goodies. We enjoyed some of the produce for dinner two nights in a row. Delicious!

Derek showed us around Pella, and treated us to a Dutch lunch. He had a doctor's appointment today for a shoulder injury that is causing him great pain, and keeping him from doing his job the way he would like to. Nonetheless, he is doing well and continues to enjoy living in Iowa. We are staying at an accommodation on a golf course, which he has enjoyed since golf is his favorite recreation!

Traveling safely,

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

WALKING AND TRAVEL PLANS

2009-05-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

The photos depict images along the route that we walk for morning coffee and breakfast about three times each week, roughly 1.5 miles of natural beauty, ending at AJs Fine Foods. The rose is in the interior garden of La Encantada Shopping Center, sort of the "downtown" for our neighborhood, and quite a beautiful place.

TRAVEL PLAN

We leave on Wednesday, May 27, for a six week trek to visit family and friends, starting in Georgia, then to Pennsylvania, and ending across the country in Washington, before we head south and back to Tucson. We'll be in North Dakota and Montana by June 18.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY AND JENNY

Ashley and Jenny are graduating from High School one week apart! How nice. We certainly wish them well at the next stage in their lives.

Happy Memorial Day!

Bill and Marie

JENNY AT 31 WEEKS!

2009-05-12T21:22:00.001-07:00

Fwd: Update

2009-05-12T21:15:00.001-07:00

From: "Jenny Malloy"

We turned 31 weeks today! I was released from Billings and able to come back to Livingston on Friday. We saw the doctor today and there has been no change, which in this case no change is good! I am on strict bed rest and will most likely remain this way until we have the baby.

It has been difficult being away from my students and really not having much independence, but my husband has been amazing in helping out. We are holding out for each week to pass.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and passed on words of encouragement. We are truly blessed.

Love,

Jenny and Brad

MOTHER'S DAY GREETINGS

2009-05-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

The photo is of Marie's Mother's Day floral arrangement from Sherry. It is as aromatic as it looks!

We cooked steaks and hash browns on the grill for a breakfast treat, and are going out for an early evening celebration at a nearby resort!

DARA'S HONOR

Dara and Derek have both called to wish Marie well. And, much to our delight, Dara told us that she had been selected as the outstanding staff member for the high school where she works! What an honor! We could not be more pleased.

Derek was preparing a spot by the Des Moines River where they can park their 5th wheel trailer for camping this summer. Sounds like fun!

ON THE RANCH

Mavis enjoyed a several round celebration of her 60th birthday May 7, with a lunch in Sidney, dinner at Will's, and an outing at the Triangle Club near Sidney.

Dad is doing well. Lana and Mavis played pinochle with him on Friday night, which he of course really enjoyed.

John (hired man) has moved into the "old" house next to Dad's, and is living there full-time. Nice to have that house occupied instead of empty.

All the crops are planted and coming up nicely!

TRAVEL PLAN

We will leave May 30 for our summer trip, going east first to visit some of Marie's family, then west through OH, IA, to ND, arriving, hopefully, in Bismarck on June 20 and Cartwright on June 21 (Father's Day). Lotza miles and lotza fun!

Bill and Marie

Mavis

Note from Jenny

2009-05-06T09:14:00.001-07:00

Good news today! We turned 30 weeks and have had no contractions for 24 hours. We had an ultrasound today, which showed that the bed rest has done amazing things. Obviously, I won't be returning to work, but they were pleased to see that my cervix has closed some. They have decided that I will remain on bed rest, but I can be released from the hospital.

I will be going to my aunt's house here in Billings. We have an appointment on Friday. If all goes well, they said I could return to Livingston on Friday. We are still taking one day at a time. I am so excited to be released, but I am very aware that life will not return to normal for awhile.

Please pass this on to others and tell everyone that we really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers during this time.

All Our Love,

Jenny and Brad Malloy

Update on Jenny

2009-05-04T11:41:00.001-07:00

From: "Cindy"

Update on Jenny

Since I will be here for a while, Brad and I thought we should let you know our contact info at the hospital. The doctor feels that I will probably have contractions every day until I give birth (some women are just contractors). They will continue to monitor me twice a day, along with giving me a medication every 6 hours and see how that goes.

There is a possibility that sometime next week I may get out of the hospital. They will require me to stay in the Billings area to see how that goes and then maybe (just maybe), I may be able to go home. Work is not an option, but the idea of getting out of the hospital is something to look forward to.

For those of you that have helped out with my caseload and planning...thank you. I'm sure it's been crazy at work. PHS staff-the flowers are so pretty. Thank you for thinking of us. I truly appreciate the help and support that we have received. We are so grateful for the people that we have in our lives.

Love,

Jenny and Brad

Billings Clinic
c/o Family Birth Center
Jenny Malloy
2800 10th Avenue North
Billings, MT

Direct Phone Line to our room: 406-657-4915

Also, I am able to see my work emails, but I can't respond to any of them. So, you can use my personal email if you would like. It is: jennylmalloy@gmail.com

NEWS AND NOTES

2009-05-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Spring flowers in Saguaro National Park are gorgeous this time of year, and a picnic among them was delightful, as we experienced last Sunday.

IN BISMARCK

Lila's family were all together last weekend, and had a grand party at Cindy's, according to Tim, who supplied the prime rib roast--cooked by Don. Linda and Charlene took Lila shopping and helped her buy some new clothes, while also helping to sort out the old clothes from her closet. Lila said she is doing fine, and has really enjoyed having all of her family around!

Jenny was still in Billings at last word, and was continuing her pregnancy. Hopefully, that is a good sign!

ON THE RANCH

Planting is almost complete, interrupted by some rain. Dad says he doesn't know what will be planted in front of his house, but he is enjoying the spring farming activity. He says Abbie is always "on the go" and keeps him busy when she is around. He says he is "not the best, and not the worst" but generally feels fine!

Most of the calves have arrived, and it is now time for branding. Unfortunately, the pastures are still very short, so they continue to feed the cattle--with very expensive hay.

Mavis and Marilyn say there is no oil drilling activity underway now, but some indication that it could resume in June. Let's hope so! The company that holds the current lease, St. Maries Land and Exploration Company, sent me a big check--so I thought maybe we were getting a new lease. I called Mavis and e-mailed Marilyn to see if they had also received checks, which they had not. After some investigation by Mavis, it turns out that the check I got was a mistake! It should have been sent to someone else. What a disappointment! We were about to go on a big party, which will now have to be postponed!

IN TUCSON

We were invited to dinner at the home of some good friends and neighbors--and had a very nice time getting acquainted with another guest who was a retired professor from the University of Arizona. He had been to numerous places around the world that we have also visited over the years. It was fun to compare notes and impressions, while enjoying the excellent drinks, food, and wine provided by our wonderful hosts.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

Clarence Overson's Funeral

2009-04-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

Today we attended services for our cousin, Clarence Overson at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. Let us say, it was one of the most impressive and appropriate funeral services we have ever attended.

Along with his wife"Ginny", his five children and sixteen grandchildren spouses and family, all of the Lassey cousins and familes who live in the area, there were more than 350 people who attended, many of his co-workers at WISCO and friends whose lives he had touched thoughout the yeears. His family really appreciated having "Uncle Bill" there.

It was apparent that he had been an excellant father by the testimony of his children and grandchildren who loved him dearly. His daughter, Karen, gave a testimonial about how he had always loved all of them, and his grandchildren, and how he would always know the good people from the not so great ones when they were growing up. Mavis said she had always dearly loved Clarence because he was so good to her and played with her when she was small. He had made many friends in the oil patch, and many other friends in the years he had lived in Williston.

What a blessing it was that the cousins had all gathered for Dad's 95th Birthday Party a couple of weeks ago, Clarence was there and we all got to see him then.

Marilyn and Mavis

NEIGHBORS IN TUCSON

2009-04-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed yesterday (April 24) on the campus at the University of Arizona, where these photos were taken. It was great fun to rub shoulders with lots of students, and a few faculty, over lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Student Union. The brick building is Old Main, the oldest building on a campus with nearly 40,000students. The U of A libraries have always been among our favorite places in Tucson, and we enjoyed some time in one of them, as well. Helps us appreciate the richness of this city!

NEIGHBORS

The neighbors around us in the condo are a very interesting collection. Immediately below us is a young couple, the female of whom works for Pearson Publishing Company--with which we published two books! We had a delightful time exploring the connections and experiences. She wanted to know all about our books, as did her mate, who is an engineer.

Just to the east, the male of the couple (who have a 14-month old son) is a doctor who did some of his medical school at the University of Idaho, where Marie taught for 23 years. He knows, and spoke kindly of, some of the faculty who were Marie's close colleagues. He is from Pocatello, and his wife is from Houston, TX. Unfortunately, from our viewpoint, they will only be here for another couple of months before moving to a medical practice in Arkansas.

Just to the west, another young couple are equally pleasant, but we have not yet discovered any direct "historical" connection. We find it very pleasing to have these very interesting young couples to relate to all around us!

Tomorrow we'll be enjoying the gorgeous spring flowers now in bloom at Saguaro National Park East, at the eastern edge of the city, while having a picnic lunch in a beautiful setting--after a vigorous hike on one of many delightful trails.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

CLARENCE OVERSON'S DEATH

2009-04-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

The photos are views from our condo balcony and study. This is a gorgeous setting, with lots of birds, colorful bushes, and expansive trees!

CLARENCE'S DEATH

Mavis called this morning to say that Clarence Overson was playing golf on Sunday and suffered a stroke. He was transported to the hospital but later died from side-effects of the stroke, at age 75. He had been at the family reunion for Dad's birthday on April 4th, and appeared then to be in good health. He and Ginnie have five children.

I have many memories of Clarence from his younger days around Cartwright, when we were regular companions from childhood through high school in Fairview. He was a prankster from the very beginning, regularly finding ways to get several of us in trouble! I'll never forget the time he and I were throwing rocks on the roof of the vacant store on Cartwright's mainstreet, when one rock strayed into a large plate glass window. He insisted it was my fault, when I knew better. Dad wound up paying to replace the window!

He loved coming to the farm for games in the hills and woods. He was a regular visitor for several days at a time, and despite the periodic misbehaviors, we had a great time, often with Stanley Winter involved. He will certainly be missed by his friends and the larger family.

ON THE FARM

Spring planting is in full swing, accompanied by regular delivery of new calves (230 so far). Ron manages the calves (he says after this season he is about to give up on cattle, because of all the mishaps!), while Luke and Will plant barley, wheat, and sugar beets. Abbie has been keeping Mavis and Ron company, to their delight, much of the time, while Luke is in the fields. It is sufficiently dry that irrigation with the sprinklers is already under way. The pastures are very short, which means the cattle to continue to need expensive hay, which is short supply after a long winter. Fortunately, the Yellowstone is providing plenty of water at the irrigation pumps because of a change in the sand bar formations.

The hired man is finally almost moved into Dad and Mom's old house. He has lived with his parents all the while, but their house was sold and they moved to Dickinson, so he has to move. It is nice to have that house occupied instead of sitting empty, as it has much of the time for the last several years.

Bill and Marie

DIONE, SAUL, MOLLIE, MAUREEN & MAT

2009-04-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

DIONE, SAUL AND MOLLIE

Mollie is taking track at her school, and doing some track meets that keep her parents busy! She is not yet sure which events she wants to compete in. She is also doing piano lessons. Her school is suffering a bit from the recession, and loss of students and tuition, but is in no danger of closing or losing many programs.

Dione says the school where she teaches is doing okay and has not had to lay off any teachers, despite the bad economy. Saul's Antioch McGregor University is also doing fine, although has lost some students and tuition.

They have planted a big garden and are looking forward to lots of fresh food. Dione says it is hard work but worth it!

MAUREEN AND MAT

Maureen is coming to Phoenix for a meeting the first week of May. We will meet her there and look forward to a good visit! She just returned from a meeting in Washington, D.C., where she enjoyed getting together with some of her long-time friends. Mat has been consulting with the Billings Housing Authority, helping then with some research and proposal writing. He is enjoying the part-time work, now that he is "retired" from working for the State.

They are going on vacation the latter part of May, to New England and a Boston Red Sox baseball game! In the meantime, Maureen is beginning planting in her green house in the back yard, and plans to grow some good food as well.

AND IN TUCSON

We had a grand time this afternoon touring the new Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Residences about 23 miles from our condo. It is the home of the Accenture Match Play Golf Tournament--a really big deal in Tucson, especially when Tiger Woods is here! Just for fun we visited a couple of the "model" residences. Absolutely gorgeous and only $2-3 million each!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

PHOTOS OF DAD'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

2009-04-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

These pictures come from Marilyn, and are delightful to see. I hardly recognize some of my cousins! I do remember (I think) Bonnie Meldahl with Dad, Ron Shaide and Don Overson, Linda, Charlene, and some others, Mavis, Dad and Marilyn, and a large group that must have included all the cousins who were there.

LILA

We talked to Lila today, just after she had returned from an Easter Brunch with Cindy and her family. Yesterday she had gone to K-Mart with Cindy, as well. And, she said she had finished reading "Fabulous Journey," all with her magnifying glass. Quite an accomplishment! She told us about the big flood around Bismarck, which fortunately did not get high enough to affect Karen and her family who live in the valley not far from the river.

DEREK AND DARA

We also talked to Derek and Dara today. Derek hurt his shoulder while changing a blade on his snowplow, and is partially diabled but still working for the state of Iowa. Dara just returned from a cruise that she really enjoyed, going down along the coast of Baja California to several coastal cities in Mexico. Some fun!

HAPPY EASTER!

Our Easter was celebrated with a morning brunch at the Westin Hotel near where we live, and a duck dinner this evening. Very tasty and fun in both cases!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

PARTICIPANTS IN DAD'S CELEBRATION

2009-04-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

Dad's Party was really great. We had such a good time visiting with all the Lassey cousins.

The following is a list of the people who were there.

Ardell Skogen and daughter Carol (Valley City, ND)
Bonnie and Gene Meldahl (Sidney)
Don and Phyliss Overson (from Colorado)
Clarence and Ginny Overson (Williston), Terri and daughter
Jerry and Judy Lassey
Rhonda and family
Sharon and Andy Cayko
Ronnie and Sharon Shaide
Marilyn and Issy Sackman
Mavis and Ron Berry,
Shawn and Tracy Berry, and family
Luke and Abby Berry
Lonna Sundheim
Will Berry
Linda Wildman
Jody and Family
Jenny Malloy
Tim Stewart
Charlie and Terry Gunther
Michell and Family
Cindy Klym, Sara and Amanda

Stan Winters called and said he would really like to have been there, but couldn't make it. Charles and Sharon Lassey were planning on coming, but the weather and roads kept them home. Glen Winter is in a nursing home in Spokane and recently had a stroke, and is now in a coma. I will update news of him when we find out more later.

Wish you could have been there, but glad you are all settled in your new condo.

Love,

Marilyn and Issy

BIG 95TH BIRTHDAY BASH FOR DAD

2009-04-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to hear from Mavis this afternoon that the birthday celebration for Dad at the Church came off really well, with 61 "clan" members present. Most of the Lassey cousins were there, and Dad remembered most people who were there. The food was terrific, catered by a local chef from Fairview. Dad might have been a little overwhelmed by the crowd and the noise, but really seemed to enjoy himself nonetheless.

Stan and Marilyn Winter were not there, but they called Dad yesterday morning. Mavis was at Dad's and said Stan and Marilyn would love to have some family visits in California! We have intended to visit them several times but always were side-tracked by family illness, and have not made it there in recent years.

Dad had an exam on his bladder last week, and has three cancer cells on the wall of the bladder. They will not try to treat it, in part because the Dr. says that it is slow growing and is unlikely to cause major problems other than some discomfort. His congestive heart failure would be a problem for any treatment, in any case.

The farming has not yet started on the ranch, largely because of cool and damp weather. It is getting a bit late in the season to get started. The calves are arriving in droves!

One little story that tickles us: Abbie told Dad he had to stand in the corner because he was a bad boy. So, Dad stood in the corner until Abbie said it was okay for hime to leave. Cute, indeed!

A PLEA FOR PHOTOS

As soon as I receive some photos of the celebration, I will post them on the blog! SO, HERE IS A PLEA TO EVERYBODY TO SEND SOME!!

A NEW CONDO

We are all moved into our "new" condo, and enjoy it! It is compact compared to the house, but just right for a couple of 74-year-olds who don't want all the work of maintaining house and yard! The house sale is proceeding smoothly, and hopefully will be closed by the end of the month.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

Dad's Second Birthday Party!

2009-03-10T13:16:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Subject: Dad's Birthday Party

Would you please put this invitation to Dad's Birthday Party on the blog. We will be leaving for home on Monday the 16th of March, but wanted to get the word out on this as soon as possible. I did send invitations to all of the Lassey cousins, but wanted to make sure all the grandchildren were notified.

YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO A 95TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR GRANDPA LASSEY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH AT 2:00 PM MDT AT ST. MICHAELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CARTWRIGHT, ND.

PLEASE RSVP TO MAVIS BERRY AT 701-744-5112(We need a count for supper about 5;00pm).

Jenny

2009-03-03T07:44:00.001-08:00

Baby News from Jenny!

2009-03-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

Hello Family,

Just wanted to update everyone on the progress of our pregnancy and life in general. I am currently 21 weeks along and doing well. We had our 20 week sonogram this past Friday, which was really entertaining. The baby looked great, but refused to sit still long enough to have a good picture of its face taken. It definitely put us at ease to see that everything is developing right on time.

Other than the pregnancy, I am still loving my new teaching job here in Livingston. It has been a nice change from the population that I have worked with in the past. Along with teaching, I am also a full time graduate student. I will have one more class to take in the Fall of 09 to complete my masters in Special Education. I can't wait to be done with my coursework and have a little break.

The baby is due in July, so I am hoping to make a trip to North Dakota so that grandma Lila can meet her new great-grand child sometime in September.

Although this is not a great picture, I thought it would be nice for grandma Lila and the rest of the family to see the "baby bump" growth. This picture was taken at 19 weeks along.

I hope that everyone is doing well!

Love,

Jenny

DAD'S 95TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-03-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

A Note From Julie:

We had a little get-together at Grandpa's last night to celebrate his 95th birthdaay. He had a very nice time and enjoyed plenty of cake. I think he actually ate three pieces! Mavis, Ron, Luke, Abby, Lana, Brett, Cole, Amber, Danielle, Mike, Cheryl, Dennis, Ashley, and I, were all in attendence. We had Powder Keg pizza and wonderful strawberry filled angel food cake, and bannana split spice cake, for desert. Abby especially thought it was fun when we sang "happy birthday" to grandpa. He seems to be doing very well and was in good spirits all evening. I know he is pleased when he has company at his house!

2009-03-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

UPDATE ON THE GREENBERGS

2009-02-28T11:46:00.001-08:00

Things are going well- glad you saw the photos of the princess girl. Also, you can see a photo of my students (and a bad one of me) on my school's website. Google Xenia Community Schools - top left click on Schools - click on Central Middle School and the website will come up with a description of a unit I did with the kids about mysteries. You might enjoy it!

We are very, very busy. Just today I finished all my coursework for my Gifted License, so I am all done with graduate work for awhile. Since I will have to continue professional development in perpetuity I may just start on a self-paced PhD so that my continuing education credits can go toward something - but I don't know about that yet.

Mollie is going to start track soon and just started piano lessons. She has just earned enough money to buy herself an i-phone - an all day project for Saul today!! She has some great friends and we are meeting one of the families for dinner tonight at a Thai restaurant!

Saul is doing very well at Antioch and is very active in the community here in Yellow Springs. He's on the boards of several organizations and is integrating his community work with his work at McGregor.

We just ordered $500 worth of fruit and nut trees, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and asparagus to plant in our yard. Our next order will be for seeds for vegetables and edible flowers. We are going to have a busy year of creating our edible forest garden - a lifetime project.

If you want to see photos of Mollie in the Miami Valley School play, go to their website. Put your cursor on "Current families" - "photo albums" and then click on "Middle School". In the listof photos you'll see "The Phantom Tollbooth". Mollie is a princess and looks quite lovely!

Love,

Dione

LILA

We talked to Lila today, and she is doing quite well. She said she was really enjoying FABULOUS JOURNEY, even though she has to read it with a magnifying glass!

Cindy and Don are in Cancun, Mexico, with a group from Don's business organization.

BACK AT THE RANCH

Tomorrow, March 2, is Dad's 95th birthday! CONGRATULATIONS! Various small parties are going on, but no big event this year.

Mavis and Ron had a grand time in Hawaii. They rented a condo, where Lana stayed with them for the time she was also there. They walked 5 miles on the beach nearly every day!

The cattle market is not good, and down substantially from last year. As of last weekend the calves had not yet been sold. The plan is to plant 1000 acres of beets this year, since that remains the best cash crop.

Dad got along just fine while Ron and Mavis were gone, with help from Luke, Rhonda, Will, Trista, Shawn, Tracy, and others. He has been reading FABULOUS JOURNEY, and says it brings back lots of memories. (That makes it all worthwhile from our viewpoint!)

Luke has been hauling hay from South Dakota, because very little is available in the area and is horribly expensive.

IN TUCSON

We were invited to a neighborhood party on Friday night at the ome of folks across the street from us. It was delightful, and enabled us to meet people we had not seen since we arrived here three years ago. We'll probably see more of them now that we are better acquainted!

MARILYN AND ISSY

2009-02-18T09:42:00.001-08:00

We had a great visit with Marilyn Issy at their park model home in Yuma. It is a very comfortable and attractive place! Marilyn served us a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and delicious chocolate cake for desert. The next morning they took us out to breakfast at the club house for the Sun Vista RV Resort--also quite delicious!

The are doing very well, and enjoy the many amenities of the Resort and Yuma. We caught up on all the news of their families. Sounds like everybody is busy and doing well!

Marilyn had talked to Dad on Sunday, and he is doing well while Mavis and Ron (and Lana) are enjoying Hawaii.

We are now in Scottsdale with the motorhome and will be enjoying this gorgeous area for a couple of days before heading back to Tucson on Friday.

Cheers,

Bill and Marie

SUSAN'S JOB

2009-01-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Marilyn sent a blub published by Mayo Clinic that describes Susan's new job. "Dr. Welnel specializes in the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, including memory problems, depression, and anxiety in older adolescents through geriatrics. She received her degree from the Argosy University in Eagan, Minn., and previously worked at MeritCare Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls. In July she completed a residency with the Minnesota Consortium for Advanced Rural Psychology Training." Marilyn says Susan is very happy with the new position! She says Mayo is a wonderful employer and has many benefits she didn't have before. Just the continuing education is really worthwhile.

MAVIS AND RON GOING TO HAWAII

They will be gone a couple of weeks beginning this week. Sounds like fun to me! Dad will have the help of a home health visitor, as well as family assistance from Luke, Abbie, Rhonda and Vicki, as well as others.

DAD DOING BETTER

Dad is feeling much better after suffering pneumonia, and has returned to his jolly mood. He and Abbie continue to enjoy each other. She does not like anyone else to call him Grandpa because she says he is "her" grandpa! Dad has been reading the memoirs and said he was really enjoying it because it brings back lots of memories. He also says he really enjoyed the Fabulous Journey Photo Album. His voice sounds a little hoarse, but otherwise he is certainly his usual cheerful self.

LILA FINE

Lila says she has been very busy lately, reading the memoirs with a magnifying glass, and discussing it with Tim, Cindy, and Karen, who are also reading it. She says they did not know about many of the family events discussed in the early chapters.

She is having trouble with one of her hands and has a skin break in one finger that is giving her a lot of pain. She will be going to the hospital for therapy twice each week to build up her strength.

NOTE FROM CHARLENE

Charlie sent an e-mail commenting on her enjoyment of the memoirs. She particularly liked the family history in the first chapter, and feels we are all lucky to have had such great parents and grandparents who have had such productive and busy lives. She also liked the chapter on my military experience because it fits with her own recollections of her time in the service. We were delighted to receive her very nice "review" of the memoirs, which, she said, she had trouble putting down once she started reading!