Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween to everyone. It's a gray gloomy day in Canton. We have had a lot of those lately. However, we are getting some nice color in the trees. May Halloween bring you your favorite candy!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
barbecued chicken and strawberry shortcake… or perhaps bacon gravy
Earlier this week I began to contemplate a post which in my mind I had titled How Do You Cope? This sprung from my own reflection about how I was wading through life without a Grandma in Fargo to ask about recipe details. I found that I cope & grieve by telling stories, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.
Sunday I made a chicken enchiladas with home made sauce. The sauce took most of the morning to make, roasting peppers on the grill, removing their skin and blending with spices. The whole dinner took several hours to prepare and was quickly consumed by Gregg, Austen & Ryan (our/his boys) and some good friends of ours who joined us for dinner and carving pumpkins.
Today I ran across a great article on the New York Times about Thomas Keller head chef at some of the best restaurants in the country. Instead of focusing on the restaurants or a particular recipe – the article talked about how the chef had reconnected with his father later in life, and how he cooked him his last meal before he died barbecued chicken and strawberry shortcake.
Finally, the article talks honestly about how the loss of his father changed Mr. Keller, and how his employees, patrons, fiancé, and friends appreciate the evolution.
The parallels between some of the narratives that have been, and are currently being written in this family captivated me. I am fascinated by how my Grandfather’s death changed my Grandmother, how I associate her so much with cooking, and how – her death will change all of us.
Some questions to consider: How have you coped? What are you cooking? Do you have food memories? What changes have you seen in yourself or others? Do you fear this change?
Just some thoughts. Here is a link to the NYT article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/dining/28keller.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Love to all.
Sunday I made a chicken enchiladas with home made sauce. The sauce took most of the morning to make, roasting peppers on the grill, removing their skin and blending with spices. The whole dinner took several hours to prepare and was quickly consumed by Gregg, Austen & Ryan (our/his boys) and some good friends of ours who joined us for dinner and carving pumpkins.
Today I ran across a great article on the New York Times about Thomas Keller head chef at some of the best restaurants in the country. Instead of focusing on the restaurants or a particular recipe – the article talked about how the chef had reconnected with his father later in life, and how he cooked him his last meal before he died barbecued chicken and strawberry shortcake.
Finally, the article talks honestly about how the loss of his father changed Mr. Keller, and how his employees, patrons, fiancé, and friends appreciate the evolution.
The parallels between some of the narratives that have been, and are currently being written in this family captivated me. I am fascinated by how my Grandfather’s death changed my Grandmother, how I associate her so much with cooking, and how – her death will change all of us.
Some questions to consider: How have you coped? What are you cooking? Do you have food memories? What changes have you seen in yourself or others? Do you fear this change?
Just some thoughts. Here is a link to the NYT article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/dining/28keller.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Love to all.
It's On!
Bill's letter to the editor - The local paper usually prints most letters they get as they are always looking for content. I will post a link if they print it.
If you use twitter follow cantonmuckraker to get the latest muck.
Dear Editor,
I have been informed by City Hall that City Council candidates Austin Flint, Bill Staab and Amy Turcotte did not submit their campaign disclosure forms by the required deadline of 5 PM on Monday, October 26, 2009. From speaking with the candidates who did honor this deadline; John Beresford, Bill Bryan and Bob Rush, the form is simple and easy to complete. How can we trust these candidates to tackle the very significant and complicated problems facing the City of Canton if they can not complete a simple form by the state mandated deadline? It is even more concerning to think they purposelly delayed their disclosure forms to conceal who made financial contributions to their campaigns. At a time when trust for our public servants is at an all time low, honest disclosure is essential. Personally, I will never cast my trust in the form of a vote for any candidate that is not playing by the rules, and I urge my fellow Canton citizens to consider the same.
If you use twitter follow cantonmuckraker to get the latest muck.
Dear Editor,
I have been informed by City Hall that City Council candidates Austin Flint, Bill Staab and Amy Turcotte did not submit their campaign disclosure forms by the required deadline of 5 PM on Monday, October 26, 2009. From speaking with the candidates who did honor this deadline; John Beresford, Bill Bryan and Bob Rush, the form is simple and easy to complete. How can we trust these candidates to tackle the very significant and complicated problems facing the City of Canton if they can not complete a simple form by the state mandated deadline? It is even more concerning to think they purposelly delayed their disclosure forms to conceal who made financial contributions to their campaigns. At a time when trust for our public servants is at an all time low, honest disclosure is essential. Personally, I will never cast my trust in the form of a vote for any candidate that is not playing by the rules, and I urge my fellow Canton citizens to consider the same.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Beautiful Day in Los Osos
If you look at the picture closely you'll see blue - that's Morro Bay! Clear days like today just confirm two things for me:1) I need that deck ASAP and
2) Everyone needs to visit!
Happy Halloween
It was scary night in Georgia last night. We went to a costume party with our friends Jeff and Cory. Our costumes were torn "straight" from the entertainment headlines. Of course, Kanye did not let Taylor finish...
Taylor Swift
Kanye West
Nurse Scary and Cowboy Cory
Taylor Swift
Kanye West
Nurse Scary and Cowboy Cory
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
FromTim
Jill and I are so excited to introduce little Piper Elizabeth Randall. She can already count to four; she was born at 12:34 on Monday afternoon. What a smarty pants! She’s 6lbs 14ozs and 19.5 inches long.
I am truly in awe of her Mother. Jill woke up at 4:30 Monday morning and said, “Something feels different.” She did a lot of laboring at home. By the time we made it to the hospital at 10:30 am, she was already dilated 9 centimeters!
Tatum was very happy to meet her sis. She calls her “Bebe Pipier”, it’s really quite cute. Other than keeping her from poking Piper while she is feeding, things seem to be going well. She’s already learned to whisper when Piper is sleeping.
The following link includes a few of our favorite pictures:
Click Here
I am truly in awe of her Mother. Jill woke up at 4:30 Monday morning and said, “Something feels different.” She did a lot of laboring at home. By the time we made it to the hospital at 10:30 am, she was already dilated 9 centimeters!
Tatum was very happy to meet her sis. She calls her “Bebe Pipier”, it’s really quite cute. Other than keeping her from poking Piper while she is feeding, things seem to be going well. She’s already learned to whisper when Piper is sleeping.
The following link includes a few of our favorite pictures:
Click Here
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Piper Elizabeth Randall
Piper Elizabeth Randall was born yesterday. I'll get the weight etc later; or not. I have never figured out why weight and length are important. Perhaps it's just something to ask about. I spoke with Jill tonight. I could hear Tatum talking a lot in the background.
Here's Piper
There will probably be more pictures in the next few days. (ya think?)
Here's Piper
There will probably be more pictures in the next few days. (ya think?)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Final Words for Grandma Theone
Earlier this week I had the honor of saying some words at my Grandma Theone's funeral. She was a wonderful, amazing woman with a great deal of sass. One of her last wishes was to have her family connect more. We have all had a difficult week together - but it has been very fun at moments. I'm not really a technology guy - but I think I can figure out how to use a blog - especially if its a tool to remember my grandma and connect with my family. So here goes...my first post.
Love, Hans
On behalf of my family, especially Effie, Don and Tonya I would like to thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of THE ONE!
I also stand before you today as the representative of three of the most fortunate people in this room. Lara, Steffen and myself, who had the pleasure of knowing Theone at her best, and had the privilege of calling her Grandma.
Today marks the end of a long journey on this earth and the beginning of another for my grandma.
I know she would want me to take a moment to pause and say thank you for a few important people. To my dad and Effie for many fun memories over the years and the especially over the past month.
And a special thank you to Tonya and Bob for all the love and devotion you showed to her until her final breaths. In the end she was not in pain, not alone, and not afraid, because of the care and love given to her by Tonya and Bob. I know Grandma was grateful for your love and the rest of the family are forever in your debt for the compassion you showed her.
Long before I knew her, Theone lived a life defined by struggle and hardship. At a young age she lost her mother, and at various points her father would head to Alaska for work.
During these years Theone and her older sister Ramona were left to care for Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon…. As if that wasn’t hard enough my grandma was quick to tell folks that they lived in a converted chicken coop during this time.
Most of us here today cannot comprehend the adversity you all faced but we can comprehend the love and caring that you have all demonstrated for each other over the years.
Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon, your loss on this day is profound.
Six….was five….is now four, and our sympathies and love are with you during this difficult time.
At the end of her childhood, years past, and Theone met and married her husband Don – moved to International Falls and began a family.
With Effie and Don family life was defined by being a mother at a young age and struggling to make ends meet.
As the years past and Effie and Don grew up Theone developed a robust set of hobbies and friends and became quite the social creature, just in time to for a surprise her second daughter Tonya to arrive.
Her life in International Falls was defined by curling, bowling, her children, and being a cook at the local high school.
I may be biased but I believe my grandma’s best years were the last 30 of her life.
It was during this time when preconceived notions of what was right and required were cast away in favor of what was needed and fun.
It was during this time that Theone connected in new ways with many of us in this room and developed a unique ability to walk into a room and sense who needed to feel included and loved.
Sometimes this inclusion came in the form of a deadpan line delivered to a niece or nephew seated across the room. David, Ryan, Jimmy, Jeffery….. “While your up, get me a glass of water.”
Other times it came in the form of an invitation to come spend a week at the cabin with the reminder. “Don’t you dare walk up the steps empty handed”
And in my case it was an open door, and heart, every summer for several years.
It was during these summers that she taught me essential qualities any young person should have; how to line dance, respect and learn from your family,
help loved ones, attend funerals, drive a boat, love, laugh and play cards.
In my later years, these lessons also included how to enjoy grain belt, and buy Virginia slim ultra light 120’s. Just imagine the looks I got from the clerk.
My experience and connection with Grandma was really only unique because of the amount of time we spent together….
I suspect most people who knew her in these years also learned these lessons, and connected in similar ways.
I believe the greatest testament to my grandmother is the fact that in the last 30 years of her life these lessons were taught universally.
Kids, cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors, card playing friends, re-hab buddies, from all walks of life and corners of the country.
After her death, Lara and I both received messages of condolence, several people commented on how sweet grandmas were.
We politely agreed, but also thought to ourselves… that’s not the first word that would come to mind.
Salty, yes. Brash, yes. And yes, certainly sweet.
Earlier this year I had the sad pleasure of attending a memorial service for Theone’s brother in law Ted Wilson in Seattle. After the service, Jim and Sharron introduced me as Theone’s grandson. I left that day thinking I will receive no greater honor in my life.
I suspect there are many here today who feel honored to be known as a member of Theone’s group of friends, church, or family.
We all have stories that will make us laugh when we are sad, but as Theone used to tell me after she lost her husband. It never gets easier… it just gets different.
In the end though, I do believe my grandma found a way to make it easier, by channeling the love and positive memories into other aspects of our lives. By doing this we can help replicate that which the person we have lost had given us.
As we mourn the loss of THE ONE. Let us remember her love, laughter and spunk…. And let us pray.
Walk with us this day O Lord and strengthen us to live our faith in bold and in quiet ways.
Help us listen attentively and speak with thoughtful care.
Make us quick to love and slow to anger,
Quick to share and slow to hoard.
Open our hearts that we may extend a genuine welcome to all we meet each day looking for your presence in each face around us.
Amen.
Thank you Grandma. The honor was mine.
Love, Hans
On behalf of my family, especially Effie, Don and Tonya I would like to thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of THE ONE!
I also stand before you today as the representative of three of the most fortunate people in this room. Lara, Steffen and myself, who had the pleasure of knowing Theone at her best, and had the privilege of calling her Grandma.
Today marks the end of a long journey on this earth and the beginning of another for my grandma.
I know she would want me to take a moment to pause and say thank you for a few important people. To my dad and Effie for many fun memories over the years and the especially over the past month.
And a special thank you to Tonya and Bob for all the love and devotion you showed to her until her final breaths. In the end she was not in pain, not alone, and not afraid, because of the care and love given to her by Tonya and Bob. I know Grandma was grateful for your love and the rest of the family are forever in your debt for the compassion you showed her.
Long before I knew her, Theone lived a life defined by struggle and hardship. At a young age she lost her mother, and at various points her father would head to Alaska for work.
During these years Theone and her older sister Ramona were left to care for Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon…. As if that wasn’t hard enough my grandma was quick to tell folks that they lived in a converted chicken coop during this time.
Most of us here today cannot comprehend the adversity you all faced but we can comprehend the love and caring that you have all demonstrated for each other over the years.
Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon, your loss on this day is profound.
Six….was five….is now four, and our sympathies and love are with you during this difficult time.
At the end of her childhood, years past, and Theone met and married her husband Don – moved to International Falls and began a family.
With Effie and Don family life was defined by being a mother at a young age and struggling to make ends meet.
As the years past and Effie and Don grew up Theone developed a robust set of hobbies and friends and became quite the social creature, just in time to for a surprise her second daughter Tonya to arrive.
Her life in International Falls was defined by curling, bowling, her children, and being a cook at the local high school.
I may be biased but I believe my grandma’s best years were the last 30 of her life.
It was during this time when preconceived notions of what was right and required were cast away in favor of what was needed and fun.
It was during this time that Theone connected in new ways with many of us in this room and developed a unique ability to walk into a room and sense who needed to feel included and loved.
Sometimes this inclusion came in the form of a deadpan line delivered to a niece or nephew seated across the room. David, Ryan, Jimmy, Jeffery….. “While your up, get me a glass of water.”
Other times it came in the form of an invitation to come spend a week at the cabin with the reminder. “Don’t you dare walk up the steps empty handed”
And in my case it was an open door, and heart, every summer for several years.
It was during these summers that she taught me essential qualities any young person should have; how to line dance, respect and learn from your family,
help loved ones, attend funerals, drive a boat, love, laugh and play cards.
In my later years, these lessons also included how to enjoy grain belt, and buy Virginia slim ultra light 120’s. Just imagine the looks I got from the clerk.
My experience and connection with Grandma was really only unique because of the amount of time we spent together….
I suspect most people who knew her in these years also learned these lessons, and connected in similar ways.
I believe the greatest testament to my grandmother is the fact that in the last 30 years of her life these lessons were taught universally.
Kids, cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors, card playing friends, re-hab buddies, from all walks of life and corners of the country.
After her death, Lara and I both received messages of condolence, several people commented on how sweet grandmas were.
We politely agreed, but also thought to ourselves… that’s not the first word that would come to mind.
Salty, yes. Brash, yes. And yes, certainly sweet.
Earlier this year I had the sad pleasure of attending a memorial service for Theone’s brother in law Ted Wilson in Seattle. After the service, Jim and Sharron introduced me as Theone’s grandson. I left that day thinking I will receive no greater honor in my life.
I suspect there are many here today who feel honored to be known as a member of Theone’s group of friends, church, or family.
We all have stories that will make us laugh when we are sad, but as Theone used to tell me after she lost her husband. It never gets easier… it just gets different.
In the end though, I do believe my grandma found a way to make it easier, by channeling the love and positive memories into other aspects of our lives. By doing this we can help replicate that which the person we have lost had given us.
As we mourn the loss of THE ONE. Let us remember her love, laughter and spunk…. And let us pray.
Walk with us this day O Lord and strengthen us to live our faith in bold and in quiet ways.
Help us listen attentively and speak with thoughtful care.
Make us quick to love and slow to anger,
Quick to share and slow to hoard.
Open our hearts that we may extend a genuine welcome to all we meet each day looking for your presence in each face around us.
Amen.
Thank you Grandma. The honor was mine.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Family
There was a visitation for Theone this evening. I will try to list all the family members that were there, but I may miss some as I don't know all the names of the next generation.
Siblings/Significant Others
Gordon Christian
Emma Christian
Roger Christian
Jean Christian
Bill Christian
Carol Christian
Sharon Ausman
Children/Significant Others
Effie Blubaugh
Donald Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)
Barb Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)
Tonya Omdahl
Bob Omdahl
Grand Chrildren
Lara Storm
Hans Bernard
Steffen Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)
Nieces/Nephews/Significant Others
Jim Wilson
David Christian
Lisa Christian
Gordy Christian
Jody Christian
Sam Christian
Debbie Welle
Hugh Welle
Joseph Welle
Ryan Christian
Julie Christian
Ben Christian
Victoria Christian
Many many friend from Fargo were also present.
There is a visitation tomorrow at 10 followed by the service.
Just add names of those I forgot in the comments section and I will republish this post.
Unruly Canton, GA Man Diverts Delta Flight!
This was the headline that wound up on our Twitter page today! I thought I better check out the complete story since Jim was flying Delta to Fargo this morning! Alas, it wasn't him - just a right wing fanatic from Canton!
http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washington/stories/NW_101309WAB-delta-flight-diverted-TP.212890276.html
http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washington/stories/NW_101309WAB-delta-flight-diverted-TP.212890276.html
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Guilty Pleasure
In the middle all of this, sit back and have a listen. He's my guilty pleasure, you know.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Arrangements
Arrangements for Theone
West Funeral Home
Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 with a prayer service at 7 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND and one hour before the service in the church.
Funeral Service: Thursday, Oct 15, 2009 at 11 in Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.
Burial: Friday, Oct 16, 209 at Riverside Cemetery, Warroad, MN.
The burial service time has not been finalized. However, the earliest it will be is 1:00 pm.
West Funeral Home
Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 with a prayer service at 7 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND and one hour before the service in the church.
Funeral Service: Thursday, Oct 15, 2009 at 11 in Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.
Burial: Friday, Oct 16, 209 at Riverside Cemetery, Warroad, MN.
The burial service time has not been finalized. However, the earliest it will be is 1:00 pm.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sad News
Theone passed away today in Fargo. Bob said that Tonya was with her and she went peacefully. When I know what the arrangements are, I will post it on the blog.
Taste of Canton
1,700 people turned out for The Taste of Canton last night. A great crowd. Bill was asked to participate in one of the activities. The other participants were the city council candidates. Funny.
Some Music
I usually don't like to post links to videos, but this one can not be embedded. Stay with it. It's worth it.
I Look To You
I Look To You
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
One Never Knows From Whence It Comes
Sorry,a lot of words.
I took a break from all things political sometime in mid-August. I was so exhausted from the lack of constructive debate about the issues. I have high blood pressure anyway, so the break was good. I am now putting my toe in the water again. So, I was watching Rachel Maddow tonight. One of her guests was Sarah Vowell author of The Wordy Shipmates about the Massachusetts Colony.
Anyway, I was particularly struck by a John Winthrop sermon she mentioned. It was written in 1630. Yes, 1630. It is the sermon that Reagan "borrowed" his "shining city on the hill" mantra. The interesting thing is John Winthrop never said shining. Oh well. Here's part of the sermon that I was drawn to. I had to overcome my resistance to "sermons". (I tend to follow the teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and I should pay more attention to her) I was just amazed that how much I connected with something from 400 years ago. The human experience is timeless. I tried to modernize the spelling of most of the words. I think I got most of them correct.
We must operate more like this in our society.
John Winthrop's City upon a Hill, 1630
- Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck and to provide for our posterity is to follow the Counsel of Micah, to do Justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God, for this end, we must be knit together in this work as one man, we must entertain each other in brotherly Affection, we must be willing to abridge our selves of our superfluities, for the supply of others necessities, we must uphold a familiar Commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberallity, we must delight in each other, make others Conditions our own rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our Commission and Community in the work, our Community as members of the same body, so shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace...
Here's the entire sermon
I took a break from all things political sometime in mid-August. I was so exhausted from the lack of constructive debate about the issues. I have high blood pressure anyway, so the break was good. I am now putting my toe in the water again. So, I was watching Rachel Maddow tonight. One of her guests was Sarah Vowell author of The Wordy Shipmates about the Massachusetts Colony.
Anyway, I was particularly struck by a John Winthrop sermon she mentioned. It was written in 1630. Yes, 1630. It is the sermon that Reagan "borrowed" his "shining city on the hill" mantra. The interesting thing is John Winthrop never said shining. Oh well. Here's part of the sermon that I was drawn to. I had to overcome my resistance to "sermons". (I tend to follow the teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and I should pay more attention to her) I was just amazed that how much I connected with something from 400 years ago. The human experience is timeless. I tried to modernize the spelling of most of the words. I think I got most of them correct.
We must operate more like this in our society.
John Winthrop's City upon a Hill, 1630
- Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck and to provide for our posterity is to follow the Counsel of Micah, to do Justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God, for this end, we must be knit together in this work as one man, we must entertain each other in brotherly Affection, we must be willing to abridge our selves of our superfluities, for the supply of others necessities, we must uphold a familiar Commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberallity, we must delight in each other, make others Conditions our own rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our Commission and Community in the work, our Community as members of the same body, so shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace...
Here's the entire sermon
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Really Early Monday Morning
It's been another very rainy night in Georiga. I have been up since 4 am searching youtube for a song for today. It seems like today needs one.
It's 6:30 now. Leo finally got up to join me.
Tom Waits is an acquired taste, but brilliant. Here is my choice for the day.
It's 6:30 now. Leo finally got up to join me.
Tom Waits is an acquired taste, but brilliant. Here is my choice for the day.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Living in Gratitude
The last two days have been gift. We have been so blessed to have two days where Theone has been quite alert and able to share fun memories of times past, excursions, and adventures. Lots of memories of the cabin, which holds a special place for all of us.
I really have no sense of the timing of all of this. My heart knows it could be any moment; and I seem to vaciliate between welcoming the end to deliver her from her pain and frustration and willing the universe to allow us one more moment.
In the quiet that remains now with only Theone and I (and Cocoa who isn't very noisy) in the house I have much time to contemplate...it is peaceful here, and that is good. It is a blessing to be together and I live in gratitude.
I really have no sense of the timing of all of this. My heart knows it could be any moment; and I seem to vaciliate between welcoming the end to deliver her from her pain and frustration and willing the universe to allow us one more moment.
In the quiet that remains now with only Theone and I (and Cocoa who isn't very noisy) in the house I have much time to contemplate...it is peaceful here, and that is good. It is a blessing to be together and I live in gratitude.
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