Mom's Reggedy Ann and Andy's

This is another of Mom's wonderful poems! The picture shows just a few of the hundreds she made or collected! If you look carefully, you will see our Grandson amongst them. I'm looking for a few more pictures to update this blog. Before Mom passed, she donated all her Raggedy Anne and Andys to a museum in Iowa, so they could be enjoyed by more boys and girls!

Mom’s Poem about her Raggedy Ann and Andy Collection

In Nineteen Seventy-three,

I started a new family tree

I was at a flea market,

And there I found something neat

Just lying around

I looked at the faces on the tin,

And just like that, I began to grin!

I had an idea as plain as could be

I would make these dolls just for me.

 At that point in time,

Raggedy Ann and Andy were born

And walked right into my heart and home

I’ve made their bodies and painted their faces

I’ve even made them different races

 In the end, they are all Ann and Andy’s

And all as sweet as cotton Candy

Two-hundred and fifty-three

 Take up a lot of space,

But each is in their place

They sit very quiet –

And I love them all,

The thin, the fat, and the short and tall

 

(Yvonne 2003)

I Wasn't Going to Write Today, But

For some reason, I had to! I stayed up late because this computer was behaving really slowly. I've uninstalled some software to see if there are any improvements. There are, the computer restarts more quickly, processes photos, and launches Google Chrome more quickly! Let's see if it stays that way. This has been a perfect day!

I am adding another picture of my Dad! I knew that he was once the Grand Marshal of one of the parades in Montezuma, Iowa. Our family has always lived in small towns. Hartley, Kimbolton, Montezuma, Iowa to name them. Dad started at a municipal power plant in Harley, Iowa. We moved to Kimbolton, where he became the plant superintendent, and then to Montezuma, where he served as the superintendent until the day he passed! He signed a document approving a Wind Generator while on his deathbed! There is really no way to pick just 9 photos for a collage, but I did. I'll probably write more about my whole family again. I have thousands of photos, literally. 

I am in the process of culling them! The process is literally life-giving. Live your moments, each and every one of them.

Dad

 This is my Dad, our Dad. My brother Mike sent this to me a few days ago. I am now seventy-seven years old. I was one of the kids who left home at seventeen early age. I returned for a year after dropping out of the University of Iowa. I realize now how little I knew or remember about Dad. This article brings a flood of memories. I look into his eyes in this picture and see God, a life lived to the fullest. This article tells me how much Dad was respected and loved by the Montezuma, Iowa, community, and the state of Iowa. He was active in many things, yet always had time for us! 

Dad learned all about diesel engines and electricity in the Navy. He served at the end of WWII aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock. He was fortunate to be on the Goodwill Tour, sailing to many ports worldwide. Most importantly, he learned a skill that he loved. 

Beyond that, he was a fisherman, a hunter, an expert rifleman, a volunteer fireman, a fire chief, a legionnaire, a bridge player, a construction, cabinet maker, bowler, gambler, ecologist, model aircraft enthusiast, contractor, dancer, a friend, husband, and father, probably much more.

He was a man of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and consistency. He was also our mentor and disciplinarian. He taught us right from wrong. He encouraged us! He and mom gave us what we needed to be on our own, the life skills and opportunities that would serve us for the rest of our lives. There is so much more, but all I can say right now is, thank you, Dad - I love you - I am so very proud of you and to be your son!

Wind River Range Part II

 So, I decided to wrap this up with a collage. I'm the guy in the red shirt with the green backpack. You can easily see the size of the boulders we had to traverse.  It was all worth the effort. The country and the views were incredible.

The dog with us struggled mightily, especially at the upper altitudes and the ruggedness of the terrain. It was probably not the best decision to bring him.

It took longer to get to the summit than we expected, almost four full days. We were going to make a loop but ended up thinking better of it. After spending a night sleeping on the large rocks near the peak, we added back to the base. The canoeing and steepness of the climb took were both challenges. We fished some of the little pools in the stream as we descended. I caught one of the nicest trout in a pool that wasn't much more than four feet in diameter. We ended up canoeing the final three lakes on the last day of the trip. We celebrated our adventure around a campfire on the last night of our trip. It is a trip I will always look back on with great joy. 

Wind River Range-Canoe and Backpacking in 1978! An adventure to remember!

 I've been trying to remember a backpacking trip back in 1978. It was with some fellows I hardly knew, well, really didn't know at all. One of the guys happened to work at a T.V. Repair shop with a gentleman that had formerly been my partner. F.L. suggested that I go with them. I had never been on a backpacking trip before, and this one would be a challenge. I still remember some of the challenges and have been trying to remember where we went. I knew it was in Wyoming or Montana and near the Tetons and Yellowstone park.

I was working through some photographs today and was looking at a short video of a very windy rainstorm that happened a couple of years ago. The name of the place we did the seven-day trek hit me like lightning - the Wind River Range near Pinedale, Wyoming. There were four of us, two canoes, a dog, and all our supplies. That is me in the cool hat. I remember all the preparations we made. I had to get proper hiking boots (and prep them), a small pop tent, a good sleeping bag, and a backpack. I'm amazed that Carolyn let me go. I'm even more surprised the other three guys would take an inexperienced backpacker like me. Not just inexperienced, but no experience.

There are eight to ten significant trails (back then, they weren't actually trails), and I've narrowed that down to two. We had some fairly long hikes carrying the canoes. In the process, we paddled across three lakes and fished at each one. We had to pack all of our food in for the seven days. We must have counted on getting some fish along the way. We definitely caught fish. Our hike was to take us to the peak of one of the mountains. We followed lakes that got smaller and smaller and beautiful connecting streams that got narrower and narrower. Eventually, we could not get the canoes any further and did the rest of the climb following the stream and various waterfalls.

We would, of course, camp when it got too dark to walk. At night you could hear the scree tumbling down the mountainside. It sounded like thunder. The camp food was always plentiful and delicious. It took minutes to set up camp, build a fire (not allowed much anymore) and bed down for the night. We each had a tent and carried at least 50 lbs to start the trip. Thank goodness the backpacks became lighter as we climbed. The hiking got more complex and challenging each day. 

This is all I can write this evening. There is only a short time until our 9 P.M. online meeting. This has been a fantastic day, full of life-giving moments, fond memories, and new insights! Thank you, F.L., for thinking of me then, and Carolyn for encouraging me to go. It is a trip I will never forget. I know that my son Chad and his wife Wendfal love to hike. They take on far more challenging treks than I ever have. Their son, my grandson, loves to hike with them. You can check out some of their adventures on YouTube. They've gone to places where Carolyn and I took the kids when they were young. They are even trying to do all the Colorado 14 teeners. Talk about a challenge. Love to all. Be adventurous. It is never too late! All the best to all.

A Lullaby to My Babies by My Mom

Prologue: This poem could have been about my brother Michael or me.  I don't know because it was unclear exactly when she wrote it. I was born in 1945 before my mom and dad were married. Brother Mike was born in 1948. I do know that I was born a "blue baby".  That has something to do with the lack of oxygen in the blood.  I know I was given a transfusion or another treatment at birth. So maybe she felt she would not have me for long. Who knows, this is obviously just a guess. Whether it was written about myself or my brother, I know mom loved all of us kids! All I do know for sure is that Mom could write!

A Lullaby to My Babies by Lela Yvonee Fahlenkamp, somewhere between 1945 and 1950

Two eyes that shine

Tow lips that smile

A baby mine

For all the while

Ten tiny fingers

Also toes

A dearer love

Nobody knows

He is my hope

My Joy, my love

To me he came

From up above

And in my care

He will remain

Someday to go

I'll not complain

For he has been

A joy to me

A dearer love

I shall not see

Lanny, the Short Order Cook and an Answer to a Question from One of the Kids

Part 1: The Short Order Cook

I do like to cook. I've had a couple of experiences cooking for the public. While at the University of Iowa, I worked in the serving line at the Quadrangle Cafeteria (1964). I was the Short Order Cook for the breakfast meal.

I also cooked at the Playboy Club in Denver (Early 1968). Carolyn worked there as a receptionist. One night the Short Order Cook didn't show up for work. I only know part of the story, but Carolyn remembers someone asking her if she knew someone who could cook. She told them I had experience! So, they called me, and I went in. They put Chef's jacket on me, explained the job, and took me out on the floor. There was a counter area with a small grill behind a couple of billiards tables. And bunnies! This was just before I had to leave for my Easter Island assignment. I worked at the club for two or three nights - friendly atmosphere! I would share a picture here, but I don't want to embarrass anyone.  

Part 2: The Home Cook 

Carolyn and I both like to cook. Carolyn loves to bake and makes some excellent specialty loaves. We often trade off cooking dinner for each other. One of the things I enjoy about cooking at home s making sure all the dishes are ready to serve at the same time as a complete meal—nothing like cold potatoes or vegetables when it is time to eat. Carolyn and I took an online course, we both ended up doing the course, and we both got our certificates. We learned knife skills, all about cooking without oil, blanching vegetables, steaming vegetables, and many other basic cooking skills. For several years we took turns cooking dinners for each other. These days, we seem to have different food likes and dislikes and often prepare our own meals! But we still do a lot of cooking together. Carolyn, however, does all the baking. I am not a good baker. Mom taught me how to follow recipes and bake. I don't remember her teaching me how to cook. She may have taught my sisters how to cook. There was once a thing that in a marriage, it was the woman's job to do the baking and cooking! All I can say to that is "balderdash."

 Part 3: What is my favorite recipe? 

My favorite thing to bake was Snickerdoodle cookies. I have not been able to get it right since, well, since I was a kid! I only make cookies if it is the kind where you scoop or cut the premade dough!

I'll think of something I'd like to eat, then look up a recipe online. I will share one that I recently garnered at a Weight Watchers meeting. I changed the recipe to suit us, e.g., Fire Roasted instead of plain tomatoes, plant-based meat instead of hamburger (also good with no meat at all), Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (oh so good)

Plant-Based Cajun Beef Chili: (based on a WW recipe Modified to Plant-based) Prep:0:15 minutes Preparation Time
60 to 90 Minutes Cook Time (For this chili, low and slow adds to the flavor. The heat is never above medium.

Serves 6 Serving Size 1 cup (But who can eat just 1 cup?)
Ingredients:1 tsp Olive oil
1 cup chopped uncooked onions
2 tsp Garlic powder
4 ½ oz cans Diced Green Chile Peppers
2 tbsp Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (or other Cajun Seasoning)
1 lb Plant-based Meat (we like a spicey sausage for this)
28 oz can Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes.
1 Cup Salsa of your choice
¼ Cup Chili Powder
2 15 oz Cans of Drained Kidney Beans

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil on MEDIUM. Add onion and cook, occasionally stirring, until translucent. (About 6-8 Minutes) Add garlic, chilis, and Cajun seasoning and constantly stir for about 1 minute (Until Fragrant. Add the Beyond beef and break it up using a wooden spoon; cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, salsa, water, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the flavors blend (about 40 to 60 minutes).
3. Stir in the beans until heated - it takes a little time.
4. Serve it up. Garnish with cheese or scallions or whatever! Notes: Great with Tortilla Chips or Tortilla Leftovers? Use for Nachos, Huevos Rancheros, and smothered baked potato, ….

We've served this to family and friends, and they almost always ask for seconds. Spice it up as you like it!

I'll go make myself an omelet! Live your moments, love your moments, and share your moments with someone you love! 

 

Mom's Poetry "Where does Milk Come From"

 

Our 4 Year Old Was Curious Where Milk Came From (1950’s)

Written by Lela Yvonne Collins-Fahlenkamp

The milk we drink
Comes from a cow
Now this the way
I’ll tell you how.

In from the field
With grass so green
Comes my cow
A Jersey Queen.

In the barn
Where the milking is done
I better hurry
But this chore is fun

Into a shiny pail
The milk does flow
From cow to cow 

Right down the row

The milking is finished
And here comes the truck
It will go the market
If I have any luck

The truck arrived safely
Right up to the door
It’s not the only truck
There are several more.

The milk is pasteurized
And ready to go
It’s all in waxed cartons
And now to the store

This milk in the carton
It’s all grade A
It came from my cows
Just today.

Photo Project

 So, I started this photo project. I aim to make my online photos more shareable and meaningful to the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids (should any ever come along). I committed to doing 10 images a day every day of the year. That means I can complete my project in one year. I had at most 3000 photographs. Today, I figured out how to find out how many photos I have online. I have over 30,000 images. That is a lot of photos. As I go through them, I discover the difficulties in getting them dated correctly. I like the dates on the pictures, the ages of the individuals in the photos, and other information. Dates on images can be misleading, especially the older ones. The dates were when the pictures were developed, not when the pictures were taken. It is like being a detective. 

I'm learning daily and having much fun doing it, but 30,000 pictures. Admittedly there are many duplicates and ridiculously useless and bad photos. But you have to go through them individually because the program cannot check for duplicates. I may not have discovered the way to do it. There are many benefits to doing this. I've learned a lot about my family! I was the second oldest of seven children. My mother, bless her, assembled a photo album for each of us and for her and dad. I was able to copy all of those albums. I am now getting a complete picture of how much we were loved and the opportunities we were given.  There are many very old pictures. Mom took great care to provide as much information as she could. She gave me a lot to work with. I have old pictures giving me new and precious moments.

Some Reflections on the Day and Self-Knowledge

 I'm tired. This has been a long but fruitful day! Carolyn and I have accomplished so much. We've got all the Christmas stuff taken down and put away until the 2023 Christmas Season. It is time to get things on the 2023 schedule, and I still need a calendar - except for the digital one. 

Today I researched fireplace gas regulators. I ordered one that was supposed to work correctly but didn't. I had to return it - it was one of the most effortless returns. Today I found an excellent cross-reference list for White Rodgers gas valves. I found the proper replacement for the one that is in our fireplace. 

Today I received our new under-sink drinking water filtration system. It was less expensive to be a whole new system rather than replace the three filters in the old system. Those Reverse Osmosis Membrane filters are downright costly. I'm now waiting for the permeate pump I ordered to go with the system.

Today I started reflecting on the subject of arrogance and humility. About 45 years ago, I was called into my supervisor's office. The issue of arrogance came up. Something I heard during a presentation yesterday caused me to give that conversation some thought. I need to work on the humility part. When I reflect on the issue, I see how I may come across as arrogant!

Well, enough on that subject. We need to love ourselves before we can love others. I don't like coming across as arrogant. I pray that I do better!

Happy New Year - All the good and all the best. May your heart's wishes be fulfilled in 2023!

No pictures; what is happening!