Monday, December 29, 2008

Shoes From Poland

These are soccer shoes from Poland. You might be asking why I would post a picture of Polish Shoes. Well, at our Christmas gathering we were playing a friendly game of "Catch Phrase". One of the team members got the following "Phrase" on their turn..."Polish Shoes" They delieverd excellent clues and we guessed the right words "Polish Shoes". About three rounds later a team mate exclaimed...polish shoes!!! (as in get out the shoe polish and a rag) not Polish Shoes (shoes from Poland). One family member nearly passed out from laughing. This event will not soon be forgotten.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas in Minnesota

Mom and Jesse with mom's great new winter hat. Looks a little like Heidi.
Beth and Barry craft a beautiful Gingerbread House.

What a masterpiece. Bravo.
Jesse not at all impressed with the house.
Sue's stunning decorated spritz cookies.

Beth spritzing away.


Sue the master decorator.


Josh and Whitney the batter tasters.
Famous Cranberry Pudding. Dad's favorite.








Christmas in Iowa

Jude and Ava having some Christmas fun.

Zach, Amber, Luke, Jude and Owen.


Grandpa Steve with Jude.



Jude and Ava all dressed up with no where to go?




Ava's best present was an empty box and a ride from Grandpa Steve.





Grandma Peggy with Ava.






4 Generations of women. Jenni, Ava Peggy and Peggy's mom.






Mieska boys: Zach, Jere, Steve, Luke, Jude and Owen

Heartbreaker Ava.









Monday, December 22, 2008

A Docken Christmas

The Docken family celebrated Christmas early this year on a beautiful sunny day with the snow coming down outside. Everyone got everything they wanted:
Health, joy, happiness, peace and family.


Josh and Barry trying to look happy about the gifts they got.

Sean, Whitney, Sidney and Josh ready for a nap?

Heather and Whitney with perhaps a massage happening.

Docken Christmas

Sean, Josh and Barry with what looks like matching shirts. If it is I'm sorry. Annie with a cute new hat. You waskily wabbitt you...

Jeff looking stunned and amazed and Heather wondering what is wrong with her dad.
Heather, Sean and Sidney. By the look on Sean's face I'd say that Sidney just made peepee's.

Barry and Bethanie fighting over who gets to do dishes.





Monday, December 15, 2008

Photos from Jesse and Ben

Jesse and Olive (the other Reindeer) by the Swenson's Christmas Tree.


More Photos coming in

Beth and Barry's Christmas Tree.

Photo Challenge

Gina was the first to reply to my holiday photo challenge. Come on everyone, start sending those photos.
Jude seems to be upset with Santa. Yes, you can have that new car you wanted. Just ask Grandpa Steve to get it for you.
Now this is more like it. Forget that clown in the red suit. This is where the fun is.

Little Angels????





Mom's Blog Dec 14

It's almost time!!! And I don't mean for Christmas. It's almost time for me to catch the plane going north to Minneapolis. I'll be leaving Phoenix in 2 more days. I know it will be COLD. All my friends down here are reminding me of that but I'm excited to be going home for awhile. I brought my "cuddle duds" long underwear along with me when I came down in October so I'm all set!

Hello from Arizona,

It's been a good week. I helped Norine celebrate her birthday on Tuesday. I won't tell you her age, but she is a lot younger than I am.

Wednesday we had our Christmas Block Party. We had almost everyone who is here show up to get re-acquainted.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were cocktail parties!! I realize that I have lots of friends and they all include me in their invitations. I'll have lots of reciprocating to do when I get back in January. It is always fun to get together and remember old times.

Today is my church Christmas Cantata. I understand it is very good. Norine is going with me.

Tomorrow I get a haircut and finish my packing and then I wait for Tuesday.

I won't be writing the blog while I'm home but stayed tuned--Sue might put some Christmas pictures on over the holidays.

I know there will be lots of fun things happening while I'm up there. One of the days, I will be joined by Orv & Blanche Schuett and Phyllis & Bud for lunch. Most of the family will be getting together to bake cookies and make caramel corn one day. Who knows what else will happen. Whatever it is, I'm ready for it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Love, LaVerne

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Decorations

Decorations Galore...

Everyone who feels inspired please send me photos of your holiday decorations and I'll get them posted on the blog. Then we don't have to waste gas driving around looking at others. Share your inside or outside photos today...

Monday, December 08, 2008

Mom's Blog

It's Sunday again and time for the blog:

It's a cool day today--I went up to the ball field to watch the annual charity tournament but I lasted only one game. I decided that 58 degrees was too cool to sit there and watch when I didn't have anyone in particular to cheer for.

Monday was a good day for me. Tony & Jean Pagano invited me to go with them to the Tempe Symphony. I have never attended a symphony before so it was a new experience for me. It was not something high on Marland's priority list to do so needless to say, I never suggested it. I really enjoyed it. Because it was close to the holidays, the audience participated in the singing of carols. Great!

Thursday I entertained 4 people for dinner. I opened my dining room table up and used a tablecloth and cloth napkins so I did things in style!! Enough of that---that's too much work! The food would have tasted just as good without all the fuss!! Anyway, I'm glad I did it just once. It shows me that I haven't forgotten how.

Friday I was invited to a cocktail party and then I forgot to go to the "Christmas Tree Lighting" ceremony. I was so disappointed cause I just sat home and could have gone. The "Good Time Singer" performed and I know it was a good show.

Saturday I attended a memorial service for Vona Fryrear. Bill & Vona used to manage the Richfield, Mn. park that was located just 5 miles from our Big Steer restaurant. They were regular customers of ours. Just last June, I met them at the Bid Steer and we had breakfast together. They are good friends.

Today I am invited to Ed & Norine's for Turkey soup supper. It's a good day for it cause it's cool outside.

9 days until I fly home. I haven't had any takers on who wants to come and get me from the airport! Maybe I'll have to hitch hike!! I could because I'm only carrying a carry-on bag and a purse. On second thought--I don't think so.

Love, LaVerne

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Yes, we are decorating...


For those celebrating Christmas in Minnesota this year, we'll be hosting it at our house. YES, we put up a tree and decorated...

Friday, December 05, 2008

Greetings from Cousin Eileen



Hi,Well it is sure fun to visit the blog and see your weekly updates. It sounds like you are keeping busy and at the same time looking forward to Christmas in Minnesota. Hope the weather cooperates for all you holiday travelers.I am still on a natural high after the great election!!! I now have faith that this counrty can move from out of the dark Bush years into the light and promise of Obama. I really have no idea how some people could vote Republican after seeing what has happened to us over the last 8 years. Better years are on the way!!!!Wow!!! Bethany's wedding pictures were so fun to see. Ann's daughters are beautiful. Josh is pretty good looking too. And all those beautiful great grandchildren you have!!!!! Your family always has alot going on that is for sure!!!!The other day I was at a bakery and I happened across a cookie that reminded me of one that Grandma Stock used to make. They called it a Scandinavian cookie. It was like a white refridgerator cookie with almonds. Do you remember these or am I crazy? It is great to get flash backs like these to remind me of the beautiful memories of times at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Of course the Christmas memories are the best. I try to tell my kids about how wonderful it was, but it is one of those things where you had to be there I think.Sure enjoyed the postings on the blog in memory of Uncle Marland. Wish I was there to give you a hug and tell you how much we all miss him.Hey, have a great holiday in MN and greet Bonnie, Ann, Steve and Sue for me!Eileen




Monday, December 01, 2008

Mom's Blog

Hi from Arizona

It's Sunday--I went to church and then spent some time looking for Christmas decorations. I don't know if I'll put many up this year or not. I won't be here for much of the time so we'll see if someone offers to help me. I can't see myself climbing the ladder to put up the icicles. We still have the lighted star and the shepherds following the star. I know, I know--it was the wise men that followed the star but in our case, it's the shepherds that are following it!!!

Sunday afternoon, I visited Peggy Fleming from Amboy, Mn. Charley passed away last summer and she decided to come down alone cause it's just too darn cold to stay in Minnesota in the winter. Especially when she owns a place down here. That evening I played cards at Ed & Norine's.

Tuesday Lorn & Kitty Schneeberger visited me. They were spending the Thanksgiving holiday with their daughter and husband down here. We had lunch at our Terrace Green restaurant and then they came back here for pumpkin pie and coffee. I caught up on all the news from Elbow Lake. That is still almost home to me at times cause I still know lots of folks from there. Three fourths of Marland's relatives still live there.

Wednesday I invited Eve & Jim Boyd, my closest neighbor, over for a cocktail. Clarence Smith, my 96 year old neighbor was here too. He still gets around pretty good. He puts my morning paper up on the deck each day--long before I'm up!!

Thursday was Thanksgiving Day. I joined friends and neighbors for dinner up at the Center. We each brought a designated dish and all was good.

Friday, Clarence took Stan & Jean Wheatley and myself out to The Country Buffet. We have Clarence over for a meal quite a bit so this is his way of saying thank you.

Saturday I took Eve & Norine shopping at Costco. I have the membership so they could shop as long as I used my card. Such excitement!!! I'm being factitious!!!

That's about it for this week. I'm counting the days now until I fly home for the Christmas holidays. 16 days, but who's counting?

Love, LaVerne

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving



Cherry Pie Rules at our house on Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Neff Grandson




Amber and Jared had a baby boy on Thursday the 20th. Maddoc Michael Finch weighed in at 11 pounds 13 ounces and is 21-1/2 inches long. Here's a picture of Maddoc with big sisters Aliyah (age 4-1/2) and Arabelle (2-3/4) also one of Maddoc and Grandpa Fred.
Thanks!




Mom's Blog 11.22.08

Good Morning,

It's been a quiet week so this will be short.

Last Sunday, Luke David Mieska was 7 years old. I talked to his Grandpa Steve and they were going to be going to Luke's house to celebrate. I checked the Jere Mieska family blog, and it looked like Grandpa was giving him his birthday spanking. Did he cry? Does he still love his Grandpa? Happy Birthday, Luke

Last Sunday Don & Camilla Docken celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party. I understand that was a huge success also. Happy Anniversary, Don & Camilla. What a milestone!

Wednesday Ron & Pat Poole entertained the original Diablos softball team with a fish fry. Ron had been fishing last summer and it was a real treat. This was the team from 1999-2000. We did a lot of remembering. We talked about the year (2000) when Marland and I entertained about 8 couples of the Diablos team at our house in Northfield. 2 of the couples stayed at our house and the rest stayed at the local Super 8 motel. Ann helped me plan the menu for 2 days and then Bonnie & Greg helped us fix and serve all the food. It took a bit of planning and preparation to feed that many people for several meals but it was FUN. Duane & Barb Everson spent one of the evening with us when we were all goofing off!! Memories!!

Saturday was Ed Maier's birthday so I was invited over there for cake and ice cream with a few of their friends.

I went to church this morning and now I will watch my taped Meet the Press.

Good News: Lorn & Kitty Schneeberger (Marland's cousin) are coming over to see me tomorrow and we will go out to lunch and then visit. They are such a neat couple.

Love, LaVerne

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ella Update


Here are some pics of Ella over the past few weeks including Halloween pictures. She loved her costume and had a great time trick or treating. She's learning new tricks every day and her favorite trick is climbing up onto the coffee table to dance. Ella's been keeping busy with trips to the park, the library and the bookstore and she even joined a new gym class with Nana Schumacher on Tuesday's with other little kids her age. She LOVES it! She's got a lot of energy and Ryan and I are doing our best to keep up with her :-) Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and we hope to see many of you over the holiday.

Love, Jill, Ryan and Ella
(Jill is Ami's sister. Ami is married to Bonnie's son Scott:)


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Mom's blog

Hi!

It's Sunday afternoon and I've been to church and now it's time to get up to the pool. The temperature is in the 80's so I need to take advantage to it. Last week was a cool one but now it's warmed up.

Last Sunday Doris & Arden Caldwell from Amboy, Mn. took me out to breakfast. They live in a park about 5 miles from here. That evening I went with Ed & Joan Schmidt to Applebees. Then on Monday, I went with Caldwells again to help them sign up for a membership at Costco. I have had a dual membership with the Kranz's for several years and now that they no longer spend winters in Arizona I was looking for someone to share that membership with me. They took me to lunch!! You can see that I never refuse anyone that invites me to go with them. I do pick up the tab some of the time!

Tuesday was Veteran's Day. Our park always has a very impressive salute to all veterans. The band performs and speeches are given. When the band plays each of the songs attributed to each division of the military, the individuals from that division are requested to stand. It is very impressive. It's one of my favorite celebrations that we have all season.

Friday evening was our "Welcome Back Party" It's a time to get re-acquainted with friends that we haven't seen all summer.

Thank you to all the people who remembered me last Monday. The tribute to Marland that the girls did on the blog was much appreciated and the emails and phone calls from all of you made me feel special. I'm so proud of my grandchildren.

I wish I was home today. Jeff's parents, my closest neighbors, are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Congratulations, Don & Camilla. Enjoy your special day.

Love, LaVerne

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Mom's weekly blog...

If it's Sunday, it must be " Meet the Press" AND

If it's Sunday, it must be "Blog Day" Here goes:

I went to church last Sunday with Ed & Joan Schmidt and then home to spend the day doing not much of anything. I got 2 walks in and a trip to the pool. Pretty boring! Monday was not much better but at least the weather was nice and warm.

Tuesday was a GREAT day. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America. I stayed up until all the results were in except North Carolina and Missouri. They didn't come in until the next day and the day after that. I listened to both speeches. John McCain gave a great concession speech. He was back to being the McCain of earlier years. Obama had a great speech as well. Ever since I first saw him on the national political scene, I said that he reminded me of John F. Kennedy both in stature, charisma, intelligence, and determination. I believe America is headed in a new and better direction.

Wednesday was a good day, also. My friends, Darrell & Julie Wise came over and offered to help me purchase new tires for my Buick. Darrell is retired from Firestone Tires. Not only did he take my car and go down to the Firestone store, he also got 4 new tires installed on my car and used his discount to buy them. What a friend!

Thursday I rode along with Ed & Norine to Mexico. Ed was going to have some dental work done. I thought I would get my teeth cleaned. Well. I ended up getting a crown and 2 fillings that I didn't know I needed. I had not felt any discomfort so I was very surprised. We had to stay overnight so they could make the crowns (Ed had a crown, too) We came home Friday and of course, that's where we buy liquor at a reduced price. So, come and have a drink with me anytime. I still have a supply left over when Marland was here. I don't enjoy drinking alone so it last a long time.

I subscribed to the Northfield News so I would hear all the news from back home but so far, I haven't had one paper and it's been 3 weeks that I've been here. The paper forgot to put the space number on the address and our park doesn't put the 2nd class mail in the boxes unless they have time. Whatever happened to the old slogan that the mail has to go through no matter what!!!

Tomorrow will be 2 years since I lost my best friend. It's been a tough journey. Better days are coming I'm told. Thank you to my girls for putting the pictures and remembrances in the blog.

Love to all of you. LaVerne

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Memories from Cousin Jane

Hi, Sue & All the Mieskas!

I was just on the phone with a friend from Mesa, and as I viewed the photos of LaVerne & Marland on your family bolg, I told her the story of when we first moved to Mesa. Charlie was in 2nd grade, and when he heard that Uncle Marland played on a softball team, his face lit up and he said, "I know where I'm going to retire...where Uncle Marland lives!" And when he returns from Iraq (by Christmas--hooray!), he's already making plans to head for Mesa for New Years. I'll remind him that there's that happenin' joint down on University that hosts some pretty sweet New Year's Eve parties. Maybe Aunt LaVerne will save a dance for him!Love y'all,Jane

Remembering Dad...

As we remember our dad, Marland, especially on November 10, the second
anniversary of his death, here are a few things for you to think about:

*Raise your glass in a toast to Marland Leroy Mieska.
*Say a prayer for him.
*Listen to one of his favorite songs, or sing it! ('Please Release Me' comes to mind)
*Light a candle in memory of him.
*Look through photos.
*Write a letter to him.
*Reminisce with your loved ones about your relationship with him, tell favorite stories or sayings. ("Get them kind." is a favorite of mine, his favorite saying when we were playing catch with him.)


If you would like to have something posted on the blog about dad, just email (Sue) and I'll post it for you.
smieska@cardinalcorp.com



Memories

Our Trip to Arizona included a trip to BUCA for dinner. I think Dad even picked up the tab. Can that be true? Here is dad in the kitchen of their place in Arizona frying bacon. Dad---cooking?

Happy times in Arizona raising a cup to say cheers.

The famous "Biker Dude" photo of Dad. He had to show off a little by dragging out his "bike" to join us. He was so excited to tell all the neighbors about our big ride.


Dad with Phyllis an Darlene.



We took a trip to Iowa to ride with Steve and Peggy and mom and dad came along. Dad even rode on the bike with Steve one day. Yes, dad cried when he saw us all together on bikes.
The famous "Motel from Hell" that even dad wouldn't sleep in.

I didn't think of it at the time I took the photo but here is dad at the Big Steer Parking lot on our trip to Iowa. I bet we never took a photo of him in all the years he owned it. Well, here's to the Big Steer dad.