Greeting from Fairbury

We got our white Christmas here in Fairbury, I just wish the ice would stay away. Not sure exactly how much we got total, but yesterday was a slushy mess as it teetered just above freezing for most of the day. So the drive to and from work was not as treacherous as it could have been. The brick streets here in Fairbury are not fun when ice is involved. More snow appears to be in the forecast. The Sorensen's had planned on celebrating Christmas on Friday with all the kids and spouses, but weather may prevent that. d'Aun was very explicit with Aaron and Jamie in Kearney that under NO circumstances were they to venture southeast if there is the slightest inclination of bad weather or icy roads. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Below is a somewhat blurry picture of the ice coated bushes along my alley taken with my new Blackberry.

The Blackberry was part of my new position at Lambert Vet Supply. I was promoted in October to IT Coordinator and am now responsible for making sure all the company technology is in working order. And because we have two location in Fairbury and one in Belleville, KS about 30 miles away, I need to be able to be reached even in transit (a whole two and a half blocks) between the two Fairbury locations. The new position means I am now part of the management team and get to sit in on twice a month manager meetings. At 24, I am also the youngest member of the management team. January marks my two and half year anniversary with the company.

In May, I started working part-time at Rowdy's Steakhouse as fry cook on Thursday and Saturday nights. Not only does it give me something to do (and the money helps pay down college loans and the credit card debt acquired while in college) but I truly like working in the restaurant industry.

December marks a year and a half of homeownership for me. It's been a slow start but I have begun taking down wallpaper and pulling up carpet in my dining room. This spring I foresee lots painting as my living, dining and bedroom are all slated to be painted. There are also plans in the works to start a garden in my backyard. I will probably start small though as I am not so sure my thumb is so much green, but sort of a pale green turning brown.

As I close, I'd like to say it's official that I am fully an adult. As this morning was my first of two days of vacation and I woke up at 7:15 and started doing laundry and cleaning my kitchen. I am also writing a blog post at 10 after 9 in the morning. As my parents can attest that in years past you would not see me out of bed before 10!

Darn choosing to be a responsible adult! :-)

Everyone have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Nels, Jr.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing one and all a very happy Thanksgiving.

Skye Schultz Named Freshman of the Year

http://utepathletics.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/110309aaa.html


Schultz burst onto the scene, compiling seven goals, a C-USA leading nine assists for a team-best 23 points in playing a large role for the league’s top-rated attack. The gifted forward has started all but one match this year and is on track to become the first freshman to pace the team in points since Sumter did so in 2006.

I tried to cut and paste the whole story but it wouldn't work. The address will take you to the whole story.

What a talented young woman we have in the family!!!!
Congrats Skye

18 years ago

We were in the midst of a blizzard 18 years ago. Patrick arrived. It sounds like illness has been rearing its ugly head in this bunch. Joy had gallstones removed last Tuesday, Vi will have surgery for a pancreatic condition next Wednesday, I am having another bout with knee problems. Oh well, someone has to pay the drs. wages.

Thanks Ang for keeping the important dates in front of us.

Cheryl

18 years ago

18 years ago

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to

Patrick Smith - Nov. 1st - 18
Ryan Bailey - Nov 1st - 4
Tom Bailey - Nov 6
Joni Bailey - Nov 8
Teresa Smith - Nov 9
Pike Johnson - Nov 13 - 7 years old
Jody Bailey - Nov 14
Kim Fuller Thomas - Nov 16
Ryley Johnson - Nov 19 - 10 years old

And in December
Mike Bailey - Dec 6
Courtney Bailey - Dec 11 - 12 years old
Chelsea Smith - Dec 16 - 22
Lynn Thomas - Dec 31

Anniversaries
Gina and Andy - Dec 17 - 19 years
Brian and Kristina - Dec 17 - 2 years
Joel and Jaimee - Dec 18 - 10 years
Rob and Teresa - Dec 23 - 27 years
Les and Kerry - Dec 23 - 6 years
Jacki & John - Dec 27 - 10 years

Happy Birthday in October to

Here's the list for October

Kristi Spanel - October 4
Joy Fuller - October 6
Paula Smith - October 10
Tycen Bailey - October 16 - age 8
Jordan Smith - October 22 - age 21
Kate Bailey - October 24


Happy 1st Anniversary to Marissa and Wade Wagenblast - October 18
Happy 10th Anniversary to Kelly & Liz Johnson - October 29

Hope I didn't miss anyone.

Charlie

Hi kids,

I had a nice visit with Charlie LeCorchick this afternoon. He came to see Kacky and they stopped at the office. We chatted a lot about reviving the family reunions. He is interested, and going to talk to his family and Bonnies kids. Billie Sherman is going to Colorado for Thanksgiving, and Charlie will visit with him. Bill needs to schedule his yearly days off before the end of the preceding year. I think if we pick a date now, then everyone can either make it or not. I think the Johnson boys want to come to Nebraska next summer, and I know Lynnie and Vi and some of their family are planning a trip.

Does anyone have suggestions for dates? Lynnie mentioned July, and I remember the old reunion was the Sunday after Fathers Day.

Charlie said he was afraid Nelda and Bonnie are both too frail to make the trip.

Any input would be welcome. We NEED to have our kids know their cousins, we are doing them a diservice in not building strong family ties.

Love you all, Cheryl

September Birthdays

My most sincere apologies for not posting any September Birthdays and Anniversaries. We have been extremely busy with the move of the print shop to our new location at 217 W. B Street, McCook. We are beginning to get settled and will start printing full time tomorrow. What a job we've had... 5 years of our stuff and 30 years of the previous owners stuff ... thought we'd never see the end of it.
Oh well, we are in the new place and are excited to have it up and running full steam.
I will see about putting birthdays on tonight from the laptop at home. I know I've already missed Nick Johnson and Joel Bailey is just around the corner.
Glad you had a great little vacation to the mountains Lynnie. Sounds like a beautiful place. I so loved visiting Sedona several years ago.

Home from Anniversary Trip

Vi and I spent a few days in the Arizona High Country. Heber, Showlow, Snowflake and area. Had a beautiful time and saw deer, elk, a bear, squirrels, chipmunks, bald eagles, and a myriad of small songbirds and waterfowl. It was a nice getaway from the 110+ temperature highs in the Phoenix valley to have the opportunity to put a camp chair in the shade and relax and read or just stare out over miles and miles of forested mountains. Evenings even got cool enough to make you want to put on long sleeves. There are lots of beautiful small high mountain lakes that have game fish stocked and give anglers a pleasant time of relaxation between strikes.
Looking forward to next year and visiting with all the folks in Nebraska. /Butch/

A family of students

Wow, cannot believe how many students in the family are going back to school this week. From kindergarten to college, I think this bunch has done a good job of helping the economy with all the school supplies purchased.

Teresa has been having a problem with the thryoid cancer condition. What was supposed to be the five year exam and then no more has turned into a return of the problem. I will keep you posted on this. Colton was discharged from the Army yesterday, and is on his way home. Thank God. Hunter turns 11 on Thursday, that does not seem possible.

Phil and I had a delightful Saturday evening when we got to take care of Peyton while his parents went to the demo derby. What a sweetie. I will be traveling to D.C. in September, my first venture out since my hospital episodes. It's a direct flight, so won't have to worry about making connections.

Patrick came to visit tonight, and we enjoyed seeing his senior picture proofs. Also another thing that does not seem possible, Pat's last year in high school.

Lynnie has suggested a family reunion next July. Anyone have any ideas? I will be retired by then, so can be pretty involved.

Take care, love you all, Cheryl

Empty Nest

Off to college next Friday...I know my little redhead will do well...I think I'm more worried about how I will do having her so far away. Things have changed so dramatically in the last 30 years...we can talk to each other daily without breaking the bank, internet chats with webcams, and the all important facebook. Cait made us a wall hanging that says...You gave me roots and wings and now I'm gonna fly. And that is exactly what we want her to do. I'm sure we will adjust to having a quiet house.
This is a busy time for us...we will be relocating the shop over Labor Day weekend. Our new address there will be 217 W. B St., McCook, NE 69001. Phone numbers all will remain the same. We are excited for the move as it will decrease our costs considerably. And we will have it organized the way we want it...not the way the previous owners did. We hope it will reduce the number of steps we have to take each day. This new building is about 400 less sq ft than the current one so I can't keep so much stuff. Too much space is a hazard when you are a packrat. This will force me to get rid of things instead of thinking...I may need that someday.
We are closing the store next Friday to get Caitlyn settled in Wayne... although she is leaving on Wednesday night. She will be going to Cozad to visit a friend before traveling to Omaha on Thursday. She'll spend the night with Aunt Dar and Uncle Gregg and then be off to Wayne early Friday morning. We will meet her there, then we will go to Omaha for the night and come home Saturday. Much easier than driving 6 hours up and 6 hours back in the same day.

Glad to hear you and d'Aun had a nice vacation in Colorado. We keep hoping for that big lottery win so we can find a place in the beautiful Rockies as well. I miss living there.

So sorry to hear about the tragedies in your community, Nels. Our prayers are sent your way.

Oh my, later than I thought. Off to work. Have a great day - and weekend.
Ang

Sorensen update

Hello every one. Just wanted to take a couple of minutes to let you know what is going on in Fairbury. d'Aun and I spent a very good week in colorado the week of July 20. Spent a lot of time sitting on the patio playing with the chipmunks. Does not take a lot to entertain us, especially when it is in the mountians. We were about 70 yards from the Fall River, surrounded by trees and mountains. Visited a few wineries and just did some driving. Looking for the home site when we hit the lottory. Work has been real hectic since we returned. Had several bad things happen, 2 year old girl drowned in there pool, Grandma works for me as a dispatcher. The next morning had a well know gentleman commit suicide.
d'Aun keeps telling me that she can have the car packed really quick. Hope this finds every one well, Mom's and Dad's that are sending off the college kids, hang in there, they will do fine.
Nels & d'Aun

August Birthdays

Well, I'm late with these again. We are really busy these days. Preparing to relocate our business to a new building, getting Caitlyn ready for college, and keeping up with the day to day operations has me chasing my tail most of the time.

Again I hope I have my files up to date with everyone.

Happy Birthday!!!

August 14 - Tori - age 19
August 15 - Ashley Fuller -
August 16 - Luke Bailey - age 2
August 20 - Hunter Smith age 11
August 22 - Jay Fuller

Happy 1st Anniversary to Aaron & Jamie Sorensen -
Happy Anniversay to Lynnie and Vi


And while I'm here I'm going to put in September. I know I won't have any more time the end of August as I do now so I will take care of two months.

Happy Birthday to
Sept 5 - Nick Johnson
Sept 6 - Neil Spanel
Sept 16 - Joel Bailey
Sept 18 - Nels Sorensen
Sept 23 - Derek Bailey
Sept 28 - Baylee Rapier age 13

Happy 15th Anniversary to Kristi and Neil

As I go through these - I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. I've decided that if you are lucky enough to be under 25 - I will put the age.. If over 25 we will just pretend we don't know the number cuz it just makes me feel old and in my mind...I'm not old.

Wishing everyone a great August. July in Arizona was the hottest July on record. Nothing great about the highs for the day which reached 115 or higher only twice, but the record maximum low temperatures, which averaged near 90 for the month. Kind of hard to find a comfortable time to bike with the early morning temps near 90. Can't wait till Thanksgiving when I hope all our kids and their families will be in Phoenix to celebrate with us. Anyone else is welcome too.

We are hoping to spend some of next July in Nebraska, if that is possible. We wanted to travel up this summer but it just didn't work out.

Hope Cheryl's appointment with the Dr. on Tuesday went well.

When all else seems overwhelming and things are really askew, listen to the
Billy Currington song, God is Great, Beer is good, and people are crazy. Love. /Butch/

Scholarship Deadline

Greetings family,

Just wanted to let you know that we will be sending out applications to the 10 children later this week. The deadline for applications will be Sept 14, 2009. If anyone has any questions they can feel free to call me and I will try to answer. We will meet in October to disburse funds.

We hope that those of you who haven't already received a scholarship and have completed at least one semester of secondary education will submit your application.

Thanks
Ang

Summer days

Hi everyone,

Seems like everyone is too busy trying to stay cool to write anything. I had a fun Friday evening, the Does had a car show and burger night at the city square, and I took the Mustang down. It was a lot of fun, and Donna and John Beavers also had their Mustang convertible there. The Freedom Riders made an appearance, and it was quite stirring to see them all arrive with their bikes and flags. They do a wonderful job serving at veteran's funerals.

I am going to an appointment with the kidney Dr. Tuesday, they will do more lab work, and I will get the news about the state of things. He has already informed me that I will have to work diligently to maintain the kidney function level I have now. Keep your fingers crossed.

Cheryl

Memorial for Darrell "Shifty" Powers

I just recieved this from my county Judge. I thought that this might be fitting to pass on through the blog. Nels

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat. Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart skipped.At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped. I told him "yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what D-Day was." At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.. I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because, these days, so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say. I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this. Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer. There was no parade. No big event in Staples Center. No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage. No weeping fans on television. And that's not right. Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

Chuck Yeager, MajGen. [ret.]

Thanks

I will get this written on the back of the photos as soon as I can. And if anyone wants copies I have lots of duplicates of these and will get copies if anyone wants them.

Ahh yes Cheryl, Grandma did love those babies. And I'm glad to know what house this is. I knew it had to be Grandma's place but I didn't know where it was.

Thanks so much!!!!

Babies, babies, babies.

These pictures a a hoot. What a prolific bunch. Darlene Peterson Grim is holding the baby. Goldie Grim Pirnie is sitting on the step holding her twins, Keith and Kenneth Pirnie, dressed in the dark rompers. Betty Ritz Wagner(oldest grandhild and raised by Grandma and Grandpa, is sitting on the top step holding a baby. I am sitting to her right, and Crystal Oxford is next to me. Brenda Oxford is in front of Crystal. Clifford Pirnie is the older boy sitting in front, and I believe the youngster between him and Brenda is Terry Oxford???. Lynnie is in the hat, on Betty's left, and the babies are Marilyn, Karolyn and Roger Grim, and Jacki Bailey. I would like to be more specific on the babies, but can't. That's why we all should write names on the back of photos, lol.

This brick house was north of Weissert, and Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Jack lived there before they moved to the home place between Berwyn and Ansley. This is the house where Jacki was sitting in a high chair eating noodles. She cleaned her plate, and politely said, "More noodles please" She was ignored. She politely said "more noodles please" a little louder. Ignored again, she pounded her spoon on the high chair tray and demanded, "NOODLES, NOODLES, NOODLES!!"

Grandma reveled in having all her kids and grandkids home, and Oh, the food. Chicken and noodles, turkey and dressing and all manner of wonderful dishes. Her custard pie could not be beat. I have come close to re-creating it, but not quite. You were a lucky child when you got to spend a few days with Grandma. I think of her and Mom each and every day.

Cheryl

Can anyone identify these kids?

Hello, I am posting these three pictures - all taken at the same time and some of the same people in each. I am trying to figure out who everyone is. There is one little girl that looks just like a picture I have of Brittany Vohland. I think it might be Cheryl. And a little guy with a hat on might be Butch. Goldie is in one of them and I think Betty is the woman with the scarf on her head. And the older boy looks like it might be Clifford. Anyway any one have any ideas.

Old Photos

Grandma Grim

















Joshua N. Grim family

















Wedding Photo of Grandma and Grandpa Grim



I have a new family tree site. It is not complete by any stretch of the imagination but it is a start. Anyone is welcome to look at it.
http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/11890148family?fpid=-377577731

July Birthdays

Happy Birthday to

4th birthday to Ivy Johnson on July 16
14th birthday to Caleb Martin on July 21
17 th birthday to Brittany Voland on July 25
8th birthday to Emma Johnson on July 27
5th birthday to Mitchell Johnson on July 28



Happy 3rd Anniversary to Derek & Kate Bailey on July 1st -- a bit belated -- Sorry
Happy 48th to Cheryl & Phil on July 9th -
Happy 30th to Nels & d'Aun on July 21st.


I think I have everyone....

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July to all of Nola's Clan.
I apologize that I've not gotten the July Birthdays up yet. We've been busy for a change--a nice change at that so I've just not gotten it done. I will try and do that this weekend. We've closed the shop for the day...but we are here ... working as usual ... trying to catch up on a few things ... without any customers calling etc. But then again...I've had two orders come in by e-mail ... one for today ... so even though we are closed ... we made a bit of money. And a couple of phone calls from customers who have proofs they are reviewing. So all in all...a day off... not likely.

Cheryl, I'm certainly glad that the news from the nephrologist was positive. That is a long trip to make in a day ... but it is always nice to be back home in your own bed.

Caitlyn is getting anxious to be moving off to Wayne. She will be moving 7 weeks from today. I am excited for her to get started but feeling a bit sad about the fact that she will be so far away. But that is what life is about - raising them up to fly and boy I hope she flies high.

No other exciting news here. Just the same old day to day. Again Happy 4th of July to all and be safe!!!

Dr. visit

I made the long trek to Lincoln today to meet with the nephrologist. He was certainly impressive, and assured me that the kidney function was quite a long way from major problems,(dyalisis) and he was certain he could help me maintain fairly decent kidney function for a long time. He did a series of tests, I will have a kidney ultrasound soon (here in Broken Bow), and I will meet with him again July 28.

We hurried home to attend Hunter's final game of the season, it was the championship game and they won it, and finished with an undefeated season. Russ is the head coach, Paula keeps the scorebook, and Gramps and I cheer, so it is quite a family affair. Uncle Rob and Aunt Teresa have been to several games, and Remington has umpired, so it's a family party.

Brittany Vohland played ball tonight also, hope we get to attend one of her games soon.

Take care,
Cheryl

Senior citizen rewards

Hi everyone, and thanks for all the birthday calls, emails, etc. Lynnie, I am really sorry you took a tumble, it is getting harder each year to recover quickly. Lord knows I can vouch for that.

Ang, I had to laugh at your cafe visit. I went from being offended to be asked if I qualified for the senior citizen discount, to actively asking if one was available, lol. Amazing how your attitude changes.

We had a BUSY Saturday, went to memorial services for Emery Peace, the boys legion coach at ten, the Smith kids softball game at Anselmo Big Sky Jubilee at one, (they won, by the way) a wedding at five, the Legion BBQ memorial for Coach Peace at six at the legion field, then back to the wedding reception at seven. Just call me a social butterfly. The Smith kids softball team won again at seven, so they are playing at four this afternoon for championsip. We are headed that way shortly.

Ang, I read your advice from God on facebook about starting to enjoy living. It is so true. We drive with the top down every chance we get. We smell the flowers, watch the sunsets, hug the grandkids, and forgive and forget. So important.

Love you all, Cheryl

Senior Citizen

Aging - the inevitable fact of life. Today, Lynn and I took Brian & Kristina to lunch for Kristina's birthday. The hostess, who is well past 65, when asked the price of the buffet, responded, "For you, its 5.99, anyway, I'm assuming you are well past 55." I just smiled and said, "Close enough". Oh well, we got a dollar off the buffet for me and Lynn.

The beauty of gray hair has been giving me that sr. discount for a lot of years. One day a clerk who gave it to me 15 years ago is gonna remember me and wonder just how damned old that woman must be. Ha Ha

I'm a little late on the birthday wish...but I sure hope you enjoyed it, Cheryl.

Lynnie, I hope you've healed well from your bike accident. You must be more careful.

Cheryl, to celebrate your Birthday yesterday, Vi and I went bike riding. There is a green belt stretching for several miles that has bike paths that traverse the thoroughfares by underpasses so the bike riders and hikers/joggers don't have to cross in traffic. I had an accident and though I did not "buy the farm" I did put a sizeable down payment on the "lower 40". I am hobbling around like an old man today and have a hard time just climbing the stairs at home. I will probably be recuperated by the next weekend to go riding again but damn it hurts to hit the ground at 63 years of age. And I can't afford to loose much flesh on the calf. It could have been a couple of joints higher and I might not have even missed it. Hope you had a great birthday bash and wishing you the best for the next 65. Love ya. Butch

Hello family

I thought about not mentioning the fact that I am now "officially" a senior citizen. I went to work bright and early, and ignored the fact that 65 years earlier I had made an appearance on the same exact spot.

However, my family and my staff made sure the occasion did not go by unnoticed. Got lots of cards, two bouquets, and treats. It was a pretty fun day overall. I have just one warning, you guys are not far behind, lol.

Love ya, Cheryl

Found this photo

I found this photo a few weeks ago and thought others might like it also. The picture was taken in about 1941 in front of the Ansley Hotel according to mom's notation on the back of the photo. The man standing is Alf McCullough, Mom is the beautiful young woman, and the fella thumbing his nose.. You guessed it that is Grandpa Guy. I just think this is a wonderful picture and didn't want to keep it all to myself.

Ang

June Birthdays-Anniversaries

It is hard to believe that 5 months of 2009 have simply flown by. Here is the list of June dates

Happy Birthday to....

Keith Smith - June 6 - 26 years old
Ryley Spanel - June 15 - 17 years old
Chad Rapier - June 18
Cheryl Smith - June 19
John Clark - June 19
Kristina Rogers Thomas - June 22 - 24 yrs old

Happy Anniversary to...

Tom & Irene Bailey - 39th wedding anniversary - June 7
Russ & Paula Smith - 20th wedding anniversary - June 17

Again I hope I haven't missed anyone.

I love what "Butch" said about grandchildren. I've quoted him to all my friends who have grandchildren.

Video

Ang,
We would like 4 copies of the DVD. One for each of the kids. If they have contacted you about getting one just send them to me and I will get them to them.
Thanks
Nels

CONGRATULATIONS, you just don't know great kids are until they are your grandchildren.

Ang, please make a copy for us too. Of the DVD, not the baby, OK!!! Butch

Congratulations

to Jaimee and Joel on their new addition. What a pretty name.!!

Grandma knows spelling

Kiera Ashtyn is the name of the sweet new baby girl. Grandma Irene knew how to spell. It rhymes with Sierra.

New baby

It's a day for celebration. Joel and Jaimee are the proud parents of a baby girl, born this morning, named "Keirera Ashtyn" and Tom says he does not think he has the spelling right. Everyone is doing great.

Cheryl

Video

Thanks a lot Ang. I would like four, let me know how much I owe you for this.

Cheryl

We would love a copy. Thanks.

Nola's Clan Video

I don't know if any of you remember the video we did for mom just after she got sick. Well, while getting ready for Caitlyn's graduation I came across a copy of it. As videos go - it is deteriorated in quality but the message is still good. I am working on transferring it to DVD this summer, amongst many other projects and am wondering if any of you would like a copy as well. If so let me know and I will get you one as well.
Ang

Skye Schultz

Congratulations to Gina's daughter, Skye Shultz, on her graduation from high school today. She is truly a SUPER-STAR! You go, girl!!! Love, Aunt Jacki

Happy Birthday, Lynnie

Dear Little Brother,

Happy Birthday, from your "older" sister,

Cheryl

Update

Hello dear family,

It has been so good to see and hear from so many of you. I talked with Colton yesterday on his birthday, that is always a day brightener. He has started his process for discharge, and I am certainly glad.

I went to the orthopedic surgeon in Lincoln on Wednesday. He said the leg looked great and I don't have to go back for six months. He also took the PIC line out which was a big relief. He said I had been dragged thru the mud, and I laughed and said the dragging wasn't so bad, it was the stomping me down in it that hurt. I go the local M.D. Thursday for more lab work, hopefully the last time for that. I have been working half days so far. Still a little short on energy.

Thanks again to everyone for all the care and concern.

Cheryl

Getting better, Cheryl?

Cheryl, did they pull the PIC line? R U doing better? I haven't heard of any more hospital trips so I guess that says a lot. Keep getting better! Love, J

Cait's Graduation

Finally home after several travel problems. We had such a great time seeing everyone and celebrating with Cait. We are excited for her new journey, too. Love to all, Jacki & Johnny

Caitlyn's Graduation

Thanks to all who traveled all the way to McCook to celebrate Caitlyn's graduation. We truly appreciate that you took the time out of your schedules to come. And to those who couldn't be here -- we did miss you and wish you could have been here. She enjoyed her day, received many wonderful gifts and cards, and is now officially a high school graduate. I can't quite believe that she is going to be leaving for college in just 3 short months. She and her dad and I will be beginning a new chapter in our lives. Scary on one hand but exciting on the other. We had such a wonderful weekend with so many friends and family.

Speaker phone, Sis, speaker phone!

Good Morning

I am glad to hear things are better and there isn't any thing major going on with your heart, Cheryl. And I hope that you'll not have to spend any more time in the hospital. Take care of yourself.

Ang

Cardiologist visit

Hi everyone,

I saw Dr. Hansen, my cardiologist today, and he reassured me that my heart function is in good shape. The atrial fib probably happened because of a combination of low potassium, reaction to antiobotic, blood loss, and he also reminded me that I did have major surgury recently, and the body takes a while to recover from all those factors. He did remove one prescription, and I will finish with two more next week, so hopefully I will be able to stop swallowing handfuls of pills.

I can't tell you how much I have appreciated the calls, visits, and prayers. I can feel the lover surround me, and it means a lot.

Your loving sister, aunt, mother and grandmother,

Cheryl

Family discount

Dear blog readers,

Another bump in the road to health, but hope it is all behind me. Imagine my surprise when I was waiting in the hospital for iv Monday to learn that Tom was in room 109 suffering from, guess what, a leg infection. After a couple of hours while we visited with Tom, they determined I was having problems with the antibiotic, so we went home, but headed back to hospital in late afternoon when my heart developed atrial fibrillation. Tom is pretty sure we can get a family discount. He went home this morning, I went home this afternoon. Will see the cardiologist from Lincoln tomorrow when he comes to Broken Bow.

Had lots of plans for the weekend, guess we will see what happens.

Thanks for the phone calls.

Love you all,

Cheryl

New info on Cheryl

I just talked with Paula again. Cheryl is doing much better today. The heart arrythmia has resolved itself. They determined her potassium levels were out of whack and are getting that back on track. She is going to go home today. They are concerned that her immune system is pretty poor and there are apparently many people sick in the hospital and they don't want her exposed to that any longer. She will see the cardiologist tomorrow morning.

More News on Cheryl

The following is last evening's e-mail from Paula. I'm not sure who is on her address listing so I'm posting it here in case some of you haven't seen it.

We didn't make any promises that it was going to be an easy road! Cheryl again rejected her latest antibiotic that she's been receiving outpatient daily from the BBow hospital. She started to become very weak yesterday (Sunday), so they took her off of it today after her lab work returned not looking right. They scheduled an appointment for her to be in Lincoln on Tuesday morning for another evaluation...but she didn't make it that far. They admitted her to Melham this afternoon.

The doctor's believe that between her weakness and allergic reactions to the past couple of meds, it caused her heart to go out of regular rhythm. The medication they gave her to put it "back into rhythm" isn't working at this time. Needless to say, she feels horrible. The medication has always worked before, so this has her more stressed than usual. It has had us all stressed more than usual.

I will email again once I have anymore news. Rob, Joy, Tom, Irene, Jody & her kids have all been around tonight...it's great to have family; even though she's too sick for company. Phil and Russ are attempting to "keep busy" walking the hallways. Keep praying.

Love to all,

Paula and family

May Birthdays

Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday. We've been extra busy trying to get ready for next weekend. I'm finally taking a break and decided I need to get this done.

Happy Belated 5th Birthday to Jayleigh Fuller - May 1st
Ben Johnson - May 11
Colton Smith - May 15 - 24 years old
"Butch" Neil Bailey - May 18
Andy Schultz - May 18
Jill Bailey Rapier - May 26th
Tim Bailey - May 27
Skye Schultz - May 29 - 18 years old
Remington Smith - May 29 - 20 years old
Gina Bailey - May 31


May Birthdays

Thanks by the bushel

Dear wonderful family,

I can't begin to tell you how much all your prayers, calls, visits, gifts, and just plain caring have meant to me this past few weeks. How was I to know a simple knee replacement would turn into such a journey of "boy this is so unusual, this never happens"? What it taught me was how wonderful people are, and how lucky I am to receive the kind of care I have.

Five visits to three hospitals and an ambulance ride, and not one lemon in all those hundreds of health professionals I came in contact with. What a statement of excellence I am now qualified to give to them.

And no words can describe this wonderful family of ours. I could not have made it through this without all of you.

I now have a PIC line in my arm, and am receiving daily antibiotic at the hospital. I have to have labs done each week to determine how long this will last. The local M.D. speculated perhaps six weeks. Sure hope the "itch" is gone soon, it is pretty near to driving me nuts.

Again, it is wonderful to hear from all of you. I understand Lynnie and Vi are coming in July, we have to have a reunion.

Love to all,

Cheryl

Info on Cheryl

I am going to copy Paula's email from this morning into the blog. Nels
*****
Finally...we have GOOD NEWS to report on "Grandma Cheryl"! She was released from Lincoln's hospital Wednesday afternoon and her and Phil stopped by our driveway on the way through BBow "to get some love from Hunter" for about 5 minutes.

She really looked and sounded good for traveling in the car for so long. If any of you have spoken with her lately, then you know she TOLD the hospital she was going home on Wednesday. As of last night, the Internist still had not said she was going to go home on Wednesday. She kept saying that her knee was fine, so she was ready to go. Her knee (surgery-wise) is fine, but the Internist felt differently about her infection and cellulitis control.

On Wednesday, Internal Medicine finally agreed to put a central "pic-line" in, so that she could come home and have her daily antibiotics ran intravenously at BBow's hospital. At first, they were discussing inserting a central "pic-line" (port) in her neck. But with the nasty allergic rash she developed from her antibiotic last week, they went with a "pic-line" in her upper arm, with about 3 loose pigtails on it. I just pray that she doesn't catch it on something. She's had so many IV's with such high power meds, that her veins are pretty blown.

She told Hunter that she'd start a grocery list for him. That's fine with him and all of us. Still can't believe how sick she's been. The actual "knee surgery" was the easiest part of the past 3 weeks! One never knows how fast things can change. She was really lucky and now just to keep her healthy for awhile. It will be wonderful having her back home again and not having to travel. "Grandpa Phil" was getting pretty tired.

It's been good to catch up with so many of you and 'ridiculous on our end' that it took something like Cheryl being this sick to put some priorities back in our lives. Thanks so much for all of your emails, calls, best wishes and prayers as you've checked in on her. Take care and hopefully this will be the end of the "Cheryl updates", if they're going to involve health setbacks anyway.

Love,
Paula, Russ and Hunter

Cheryl

I heard that Cheryl is home from the hospital. I certainly hope there won't be any more hospital stays for awhile. I think she's had enough to last for the next 10 years.

Cheryl, I hope you take good care of yourself and get things back on the right track. Just don't push yourself too fast and end up going backwards instead of forward.

Ang

Cheryl

Good Morning all,
d'Aun, Marissa, Wade and I went and saw Cheryl yesterday afternoon (Sunday) for a short time. She was in pretty good sprits. She had a reaction to some meds and had hives on her torso. She said that she will be in Bryan LGH until Wed. the 29th. She is very pleased with the care that she is recieving but is questioning her timing on getting her knee done.
Every one take care.
Nels

Cheryl

Hello every one. Was on the phone this afternoon with Cheryl. She is at Bryan LGH West. The old Lincoln General. She is in Room 419 South. d'Aun and Marissa are in Lincoln today and were going to try and stop. d'Aun and I will be going up tomorrow to see her. She sounds in good spirit's and sounds like the treatment is going well. She has been to physical therapy today and has seen two doctors. I would have gotten this out earlier but had a burglar alarm go off in the middle of talking with Cheryl.
Hope this finds every one well.
Nels

Update on Cheryl

I spoke with Cheryl yesterday afternoon. She is in the hospital in Lincoln and unfortunately I can't tell you which one because I forgot to ask that question. She has developed an infection in the calf of the leg which she just had the knee replaced. The infection is being treated aggressively to prevent it from getting into the knee and she said they are feeling very positive that they have caught it and will be successful in getting under control. She will be hospitalized for several days. I am at home now but have the phone number at the shop. If anyone would like it you can e-mail me at rpsd@qwestoffice.net or give me a call. I am headed to the shop for a bit this morning and then will be home most of the day.

Today is Caitlyn's senior prom. She is excited about the day but also is feeling some sadness as graduation is approaching. We are looking forward to lots of guests for her party. We hope that Cheryl is back on her feet so she can attend at least part of the festivities.

Wishing you all well. Ang

Hello everyone, I was on the blog a while ago and entered a real humorous message and then the internet went down so you all will just miss that great attempt to be funny. Cheryl, hope your knee is getting better. Vi called Kathryn today and Kaky was worried about you. I have tried several times to get on the blog but my old dog of a brain just refuses to learn new tricks. So I tied my brain out in the back yard and just did it( Got on the blog). So if this sounds like brainless drivel, it is. Well I can only take so much excitement at one time and this has used up most of this weeks allotment, so, Love you all. Butch

Thought I'd Share

Caitlyn & I are working on a special project for her graduation party and while doing so we came across a picture I wanted to share. I think this must have been taken about the time Joel & Jaimee were married because there were pictures of their wedding in the same bunch. I did a little fixing to it and just wanted to share it. I hope it brings back some happy memories for you too.

Saturday

Thanks for the suggestion about the link on the 10-11 website. I hadn't even thought of that. Sounds like a bad situation at best. And yes, Rem is a cutie.

Another week has gone by all too quickly. The rain has come to an end after 3 days so I was able to get out in the front yard today and get quite a bit done there.

Lynn returned to his job at Parker this week - a bittersweet event. It is nice that we will have that income again but puts a real strain on the business. We don't know how long he's back for. They had called some people back a month or so ago and kept them for just three weeks. My office manager took a full time job the beginning of March and the woman who was working in the bindery when Lynn got laid off in October-started a new job the day before Lynn got called back. Brian and Caitlyn have been putting in their share of hours at the shop to help out until we have some idea of how long this will last at Parker. Just can't justify hiring someone, training them and then having to lay them off when Lynn gets laid off again.

Caitlyn is off to Kearney this weekend to attend a concert. Many thanks to Chelsea for getting her a ticket. She has her senior prom next weekend with only about 11 days of actual school left to complete. I can't believe the years went by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. It will be awfully quiet around here once she heads off to college.

Well, I've had my break from the yard work...I best get back at it.

Remington

Yes, Remington was on 10-11 last night in support of his ag professor. If you go to KOLNKGIN.com and click on the SCC professor dismissal video, you can see the news story that appeared Thursday night. This dismissal is quite a bad situation, and has the whole college in an uproar.

That Rem is sure a cutie though...lol.

Cheryl

Remington

I saw Remington on the 10-11 news last night. Interestingly enough, I rarely have that channel on for the news but was walking on the treadmill when it came on and I couldn't easily change the channel so I just left it there. And as I was watching I realized that I knew the young man on the screen was Remington. I haven't a clue what he said, I was too busy yelling at Cait and Lynn to come in and see. And of course the TV I was on isn't dvr so I couldn't rewind and watch it again.

Hope you are healing well, Cheryl. And be careful with that self-propelled mower. When we first got ours it was set on high and it nearly took me down. Oops. I set the speed now before starting the thing.

One week closer to graduation and I'm excited that we will have so many guests. We are looking forward to a good time!!! And with the rain we are getting I think I will have grass in my yard by then.

Good in theory

Hey, pushing the mower would be a good option......if we had grass. I need a snowblower if I was going to use it now. lol

therapy alternative

Hey, why spend all that time going to therapy when you can just push your new mower?????? Just a thought, LOL!

Yippee

Hey everyone!!

I won a Toro self propelled lawn mower on KOLNKGIN tv this morning. I was sitting in the bathroom when they announced it, and I let out a warhoop that brought Phil straight out of bed. At first, I thought maybe I was spaced out on after surgery drugs, but they called today and confirmed. Then Phil told be he would be happy to let me use it since I won it. Not exactly what I wanted to hear today, since the old knee is pretty ouchy.

I did have a real good session at physical therapy, I will go there three times a week for the next month.

Love ya,

Cheryl

"tough old bird"

It seems Teresa and I had just that kind of conversation Monday evening when she told me you were planning on being home Tuesday. It is that stubborn, bullheaded, pride that keeps us going.

Glad to hear the surgery went well and I hope that your recovery is smooth!!! Just don't try to go to quick and end up in worse shape. OK....

Take good care of yourself...I'm sure Phil will do his best to see to that.

Love,
Ang

Back Home

Hi everyone. Thanks for the good wishes. I had the knee replacement about 3:30 Monday afternoon, and got home at 9:30 on Tuesday evening. It hurts like hell, but I am glad it is over. The nurses called me one tough old bird, lol. They said people usually stay three or four days instead of one.

Take care, love you all.

Cheryl

A big thanks to all you birthday well-wishers! It was a lovely day with only Nick's family unable to make it down. We have SNOW$ &#^%@% this morning.......................Aghhhhh...I am SOS. Sick Of Snow! Hope your surgery goes well, Sis and that you are back on your feet in no time.

Peyton

What wonderful photos of baby Peyton. He is just beautiful and so sweet.

Hope your surgery goes well, Cheryl. We were fortunate and did not get much of the storm. What snow we got about an inch or so is already gone today. Still windy & cold but the sun is shining.

Happy birthday Caitlyn

Happy 18th birthday, Caitlyn. I think it is good you celebrated at midnight, cause you sure should not be out tonight. Or maybe its balmy in McCook instead of the blizzard we are having in Broken Bow.

Mandy's brother is a pro photographer, and he has posted pictures of Peyton at www.blessingcreative.com/peyton.html

I have pics that Paula took that I am going to try to figure out how to post here. Don't anyone hold their breath.

Happy birthday Sunday, Jacki.

I am having knee replacement surgery Monday in Lincoln. If we can get there, lol. Wish me luck.

Cheryl

Caitlyn

Caitlyn is healing well!!! And ready to celebrate her 18th today. Actually I think she already celebrated at midnight last night and is still sleeping this morning. She received a happy birthday call at 7 am this morning and told me at that time that I should take the phone back and get out of her room so she could sleep some more. Who knows when we will see her this morning.

I am so glad Caitybug is OK. It could have been so much worse. Hope she is healed up for her big 18th birthday!

She's always with us.

On Saturday, Caitlyn went to Cozad to visit a friend. Most unfortunately the friend's dog bit her on her right arm. We were grateful that Naomi and Pat were home and were able to take a look at her arm and assist us in getting her to the hospital for treatment.
When the doctor began to irrigate the wound, Caitlyn passed out for a minute or so. Upon awakening and sitting up on the bed she found a penny on the bed next her. Pat told me that she had no change in her pockets, nor did he and the doctor was on the other side of the bed. She is definitely with us.
She was very fortunate, the injury was not severe, just one good sized puncture just below the elbow. It still hurts but we are just glad it wasn't any worse...and I was so glad that Pat and Naomi were able to help out when we were 2 hours away. And of course, grandma was with her of that she is assured.

April Birthdays

I can't believe that April is nearly here. I think that it should still be January. Too many things too do and time flies by all too quickly.

Here is the list of April birthdays
Caitlyn Thomas - 18 - April 4
Jenny Rapier - 8 - April 4
Jacki Bailey - April 5
Tyler Smith - 25 - April 13
Jaimee Bailey - April 20
Alyssa Bailey - 9 - April 22
Liz Johnson - April 26
Addison Fuller - 2 - April 28
Angela Thomas - April 29
Anniversaries
Tim and Jenna Bailey - 8 years - April 15
Here's a link to a calendar page that can be printed.

More about Skye Schultz

Here's another article about Skye. Jasmine is listed too.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/high_school/112450.php

Letter to MOM

March 15, 2009 Letter to MOM
You left us 7 years ago as you looked into the face of God with awe and wonder, reached out and took his hand and flew away. You left children, step children, grandchildren, step grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, as well as their spouses, who adored you. As you did each of them. We ask that you look over us as you did in life. Make quiet whisperings in our ears to remind us to be strong in the face of adversity, kind to one another, fair in our dealings and loving to each other. Remind us of the things you taught us in life. Let us take just a moment each day to be quiet and reflect, times when your voice can be heard.

We went to the Home & Garden Show yesterday. The same event that was your last outing. How you loved the splash of colors and fragrances, bright yellow tulips, pink hyacinth and your favorite purple rhododendrons. You wanted us to push your wheelchair near a splashing fountain surrounded by blooms and leave you there for a while to soak in the sounds and smells. I am so glad you left this earth with that recent memory.

Your last weeks were spent in deep. quiet reflection on your life as you faced the next step in your journey to Glory. I want EACH of your family to know that you spoke of every one of them in those weeks. Your body may have betrayed you in some ways but your hearing was so acute right up to the end. Sometimes we would whisper in the dark so we wouldn't wake John as you shared your all encompassing love for EACH of them. You shared the very trait that made each of them your favorite. I want them to continue on the journey of their life knowing in the depth of their heart that you loved them, wanted the best for them, cheered for them to be the best they could be.

As our family moves forward, with the addition of yet another generation with young Peyton, may we never forget our roots and always strive to make YOU proud of us....as you are always looking over us. And in my quiet moments, I never fail to hear you whisper..."I love you, Jacki Lee".

Sweet baby Peyton William

A new little hand has wrapped it's tiny fingers around my heart forever. Peyton William Smith was born Saturday, March 14 around 10:00a.m. to Tyler Smith and Mandy Blessing. He weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces, was 20 inches long, and he is a charmer.

The Dr. induced his mommy on Thursday evening, and things did not progress well. The decision was made to do an emergency c-section on Saturday morning. Grampa Phil and I were so delighted to see baby and mom doing well when we arrived at the hospital.

Tomorrow is March 15th, the day when we lost our dear mom. I really like to imagine her sitting quietly in her rocking chair above us, gently making sure that an angel is available to take care of all the little ones. I know I could sure feel all the love and care wrapping around our family as we gathered to rejoice in this new little one.

A new generation starts. We are thankful, and blessed.

Cheryl

Central daylight savings time

Another change to pry me out of my rut and make me grumpy!! Seriously, we are still changing clocks around here, we only have 14 to do, I counted 'em. Lynnie, you and Vi are lucky to be in AZ where they don't practice this nonsense.

I am patiently waiting for that call from Tyler about a new baby. Due date is March 13th. Les called Thursday night and asked if I could hear what was coming over his phone. I said, some pretty music, he said, yep, the Oak Ridge Boys. He works parttime at the Kearney events center, and helped setup and teardown for the concert. He talked with one the stars for a few minutes. I fondly remember when we met them in Nashville back in my radio station days. KCNI is celebrating the 60th anniversary in September, and have asked me to be a special guest. I am excited.

Joy spent a couple of days this last week filling her limit of trout at Calumus. She knows how to enjoy life.

Cheryl

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory of our dear sweet momma.
12-20-24 - 3-15-02
I miss you still!!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

Gina's Girls

Skye is player of year in southern Arizona. And Jasmine made the first team. Here is the link to the article.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/preps/282309

Thanks

Thank Cheryl and Nels for the reminders about Mike and Jody and Jamie. I have those dates in the program now. I also looked back at the comments. I guess I should pay better attention. I didn't even realize there had been a comment on the first birthday list. I have the others you noted in there now, Nels. Thanks!

Adding dates

Another date to add: Mike and Jody were married 3/11/1995. I don't know the exact date for Sammy. Butch, maybe you can add it.

It's Friday afternoon at four p.m. and snowing like crazy. Dang weather!

Cheryl

March birthdays

Ang,
I sent you a comment on your request for birthdays. Jamie Sorensen's is March 23rd
You may want to check that. I think I put several on there.
Nels

March Birthdays

Hopefully I don't miss anyone this time.

March 6th - Vilena Bailey
March 12th - Russ Smith
March 14th - Brian Thomas - 22
March 15th - Jesica Spanel - 11
March 17th - Jasmine Schultz - 16
March 29th - Sydney Schultz - 9
and Samuel Martin will be 6 sometime in March but I don't have the actual date. Maybe someone knows and can add it for me.

I don't show any wedding anniversaries this month.

I hope each of you have the best of birthdays and that you all get to celebrate with those you love.

SOS (sick of snow)

Dang, you guys are a bunch of sickies! I, on the other hand, am feeling quite frisky after getting over some food poisioning we both got on a trip to Florida for John to do a presentation on....... safe food handling!!! What a kick in the pants, huh!! But other than that little distraction... the trip was a welcome relief from a LONG, COLD, SNOWY winter.

We did see a ship leave port yesterday. That must mean the shipping channel is open at least in Lake Erie. Nick & Sara just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to Mexico.
Seriously, Nels & Cheryl, hope you get better. Double knees is quite an undertaking but if you are going to be laid up, make it count big!
Love to all, Jacki

Update

Hello all,

Just a quick note to let you know I saw the cardiologist today, I have been having some atrial fibrillation, and he is changing my RX to see if that will solve the problem. I asked him about having a double knee replacement, and he said ok as long as I did it in Lincoln so they could monitor me. That's where I was going anyway, so works out fine.

Lynnie and Vi, your grandkids did great in soccer. Can't believe they are in high school already, and close to graduation. YIKES, where does time go?

It is a lovely day here, temps in 60s, but snow tomorrow I hear. Oh well, still February I guess.

Love ya all,
Cheryl

Another Monday

Another Monday is nearly gone. I'm not sure when the time began going by so quickly. Here it is the last week of February and I'm still not ready for February to even be here. Before I know it we will be getting Caitlyn graduated. I am thinking that I'm almost ready for her to be off on her own and then we will have some peace around the house...or so I hope.

Glad to hear you don't have to have surgery Nels. I hope the medicine take cares of the headaches. Those migraines are nasty.

Thanks for checking on the status of Tyler's check Cheryl. I'm glad to know he got it and it isn't floating around a post office somewhere.

We are busy this week getting out a catalog for one of the local Angus Cattle sales here. It is a big job and this particular one always waits till the last minute so we are working long hours to get it out. I'm waiting for plates to dry or I'd be back in the press room running.

We will be making a trip to Wayne on Friday for Caitlyn to meet with her advisor and hopefully figure out what order she wants to put for dorm preferences. Then we will be going on in to Omaha to find Caitlyn a prom dress. Maybe stopping by Hebron on our way back to McCook to see Lynn's brother. It will be a busy weekend but it will be good to get out of town.

Our office manager who has been with us since 2005 is leaving me this week for a full time job. Can't say as I blame her. She only works part time here and has 3 teenagers so a full time job will give her a much better paycheck. We will miss her desperately. Caitlyn will be taking over some of her duties at least for a while until we can find a replacement.

Take care all!! Ang

Sunday morning greetings

Hi everyone.

Nels, glad to hear you probably will not have to have surgery. Hope the meds work and you get some relief.

Phil and I went to Kearney yesterday and met Rob and Teresa and Keith, Chelsea and Remington for supper. It was a great time. Remington's ag classmates from SECC were working at the Cattleman's Classic, a six day beef extravaganza at the fairgrounds. It was a fun evening. (Patrick was off bowling with Grandpa Keith). Then we went and visited Tyler and Mandy in their new home they just purchased in Southeast Kearney. They are so proud of it, and the baby's room is all ready for the new little one. Ang, Tyler just made a check deposit, he left it in his billfold for a while.

I made two major action items Friday. I called Social Security and signed up for Medicare, and I called the orthopedic surgeon to set up a consultation for double knee replacement. Don't know which one is scarier, lol. I will volunteer to be the consultant for all you YOUNGER ones on all these "elderly" matters. And just how the heck did I get so close to 65? I think I am still 37...till my bones tell me different.

Love you all,

Cheryl

Nels Sr. update

Just wanted to let every one know what my status was. Went back to the ETN on Wed. He says that I do not need surgery at this time. He believes that the Migraines can be treated with a beta blocker. I was scheduled to go see my MD on Friday but got busy and missed my appointment. Will get there on Monday or Tuesday. So maybe a change in meds will get rid of the migraines. We are still busy here at the SO. Have one deputy out with a broken hand, one still in training and one still learning the ropes in Jefferson County. So the Sheriff is working the weekend again.
Commissioners are still looking at a jail solution. We have been full since the first of the year and there looks like there is no relief in sight. Went to a meeting in Gage County to see where they are. Some talk of a regional jail.
d'Aun has been fighting with a viral infection and has missed some work the last two weeks. Hope she is on the mend.
Hope this finds every one well.
Nels

Gina Bailey's Daughters

This site has an article about the Arizona State Soccer Championship Game -- featuring Skye & Jasmine Schultz. Jasmine scored the winning goal.

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/high_school/110189.php

Jones family

Hi everyone. Keith and Terry Jones son Chris and his family lost most of their belongings and sustained heavy damage to their home in a fire early this morning. They live next to Keith and Terry, and have three kids. I don't know any details about what caused the fire. I do know the Red Cross and Salvation Army is helping quite a lot. More info when I know more.

Cheryl

Jones family

Genealogy

Thanks to Angela for more good information. Daniel Cox is buried in the Broken Bow cemetery, I used to help Grandma Grim put flowers there on Memorial Day. It is one of the older graves in the cemetary. Many other family members are in Broken Bow and Janesville at Berwyn. Ang and Cait had quite a find last summer when they found family members in the Phillips, NE cemetery.

If anyone wants the ability to post in this blog, email Nels Jr. at Nels [underscore] Sorensen [at] yahoo.com. (*Editor's Note: To help prevent spam when emailing retype the character that is in brackets) He can get you set up.

I spoke with Kristi Spanel this morning, she got out of the hospital Friday, is feeling better, and says she has a renewed respect for pneumonia.

I just cooked a chicken and rolled out a batch of noodles, it is my Sunday present to Phil. He is thrilled!! Wish you all could be here, I would make more.

Cheryl

Peacock Line

Here is the Peacock family line. Our 5th great grandfather, Adonijah Peacock, participated in the Revolutionary War. He made gun powder for George Washington's Army. Unfortunately, in 1777 while drying the gun powder he blew up his home and was killed.

Sunday morning

I am spending a lazy Sunday morning, curled up under a blanket and trying to stay warm. Fortunately the 6 inches of snow we received on Friday was melted off the streets and sidewalks by late Friday afternoon.

Here is the pedigree for the Cox side of the family. Daniel Cox, our gggrandfather, was supposedly a civil war soldier who was fighting for the north. One day he came to muster ill, was told by his commanding officer to go home -- so he did. He left the unit and went home and was reported as a deserter. Oops. I don't have the Cox information back very far. They too have been quite illusive. Our 3rd great grandfather, Daniel Cox migrated from North Carolina to Indiana and then to Missouri. Our 2nd great grandfather came to Nebraska sometime in the 1880's settling in Custer County with all of his 9 children.

Snow, Snow, Snow

Hi everyone from snowy Broken Bow. It is mid-morning, and the snow is piling up. It started about three this morning, and we have around 8-9 inches already. If the wind doesn't blow, it should be manageable.

Thanks to Angela for posting the Grim-Rogers information. It is so important for you younger guys to know about your own history. Pay Attention!! lol

Everyone stay warm!

Cheryl

Page 2 & 3 - cont. of Grim-Rodgers line

This shows the continuation of the Grim - Rodgers Line.
I found Rodgers spelled two different ways so I'm not sure if it is supposed to have a d or not. Also I have an interesting tale about Sarah. She either couldn't remember how old she was or chose not to tell her real age as her age on the census records doesn't increase by 10 at each reading.

Nola's Pedigree

I am going to try and post this pedigree chart, starting with just 4 generations back from Mom. I have a few of the lines back 9 generations. I don't have much traced outside of the US with the exception of Permelia Neal Cox family back to Glasgow, Scotland in 1694. It appears that most of our forebears through Mom's line came to the US in the very early 1700's or before. I began to research the genealogy in 1979 while I was in college at Kearney so this has been a long journey with many lines just recently coming together. The advent of the internet has been a godsend. Lots of data from census records etc is out on the net.

I will see how this works and then try to post the other pages of the document. If you click on the image it will be make it big enough to read.

Wow

Great job, Angela. I think you need to post an abbreviated ancestor line going back from Grandma Nola so the youngsters viewing the post realize what important information this is. I am excited to hear this news.

Kristi Fuller is home from three days in hospital with pneumonia, she is having some additional tests Monday.

I thoroughly enjoyed being at the baby shower Saturday for Tyler and Mandy's baby, due March 13th. One of the games was a calendar where you could enter your guess as to date, boy or girl, and weight. Mandy was not too impressed with the guest who wrote down March 28th!! She thinks that is far too late, lol.

Phil and I then followed Joy to visit Jay and Ashley and the girls at their new home northwest of Kearney. Jayleigh and Addison entertained us thoroughly, and we enjoyed the afternoon very much.

Cheryl

Genealogy Find

Today I was able to put the pieces together and located Sarah E. Rodgers Grim's parents.
They were William B. Rodgers and Susannah
She had a brother Thomas B. Rodgers.
They lived in Randolph Co, Indiana
William died sometime between 1850 and 1856. Susannah went with the children to Lee Co., Iowa. Between 1856 and 1860 Thomas B. returned to Randolph Co. Indiana. Susannah remarried Samuel Coleman in Lee co. Iowa and they had another child, Phelix Ray Coleman.

Another February Date I missed

I think there are so many of us - I simply can't keep everyone straight. I missed an Anniversary. Jill and Chad will celebrate their 14th anniversary on February 17th.
Sorry about that.
I am working on getting the database set by month so I won't miss anyone again.

?Sunny? San Diego??

Hi everyone.

I am back from sunny San Diego, it might have been sunny, but it WAS chilly, 38 degrees one morning, and they are not set up for something like that!! Phil just laughs at me when I tell him how cold I was all the time. There was a nice view of the bay from the hotel restaurant, and part of our Nebraska group went whale watching Wednesday afternoon. Not me though. That really was cold.

Nels, I definitely remember a few of those times when your nose and sinus cavities got whacked, not much question as to why you have trouble now. lol Hope the surgery goes well.

Happy birthday and happy anniversary to everyone. Kristi Spanel is under the weather with pneumonia, she is in the hospital in Broken Bow. Not much other news.

Cheryl

I missed a February Birthday

Happy Birthday on February 8 to Seth Spanel. He will be 12 years old. I hope I didn't miss anyone else.

History Question

Does anyone remember a Bessie Grisham Probert who lived in Sargent? She was married to a Ray Probert. She died in 1970. Their children were Arthur, William, Ethel, Cora, John, Robert & Doris. Doris married Garrett Dickman. Cora was married to a Bleach and a Morford. Ethel was married to Marnius Morse.

I recall mom mentioning that Grandpa Grim had relatives living in Sargent but she couldn't remember how they were related and if she shared names - I don't remember. It looks like this family were cousins to Grandpa. Bessie's mother was Cora Belle Grim Grisham. She died in 1938. There was also a daughter, Eva Belle who was married to Oscar L. Anderson. She died in 1981. Maybe Aunt Dolly would remember these folks.

Anyway I'm just trying to connect the dots in the genealogy. Any input is appreciated.

Glad to hear they know why you are having headaches, Nels and I hope that surgery will take care of them.

Hope you made it home safely from San Diego, Cheryl and that you enjoyed some nice warm weather.

News from the Sorensen's

Good Sunday morning,
Well it is another great day in Fairbury. I am working the weekend again. Hope that comes to an end shortly. We are back to full staffing again. I have a deputy in the academy and she will return the first part of April and get back in the schedule. We filled our last spot with a young man from Lincoln. He is trained and should be on his own in about a month. So we shuffled the schedule and I am back on week days, mostly. Have to work the next two sundays to get the schedule back to normal.
I finally have an expert opinion that my big brothers and sisters dropped me on my head too many times when I was little. I have been having what I thought were sinus problems or a bad infection. Well it turns out that the ETN says that "you must have had your nose in too many places where it did not belong." The short version of the diagnosis is that I have some sinus cavities that did not develop when I was very young, I have some parts that, for what ever reason did not grow appropriately or where they were suppose to be. So they are causing pressure on the sinus' and nerves that in-turn are causing migraine headaches. The ETN put me on some migraine medication, which is working fairly well. We are looking at surgery in April or May. I will be off work about 2 weeks if every thing goes well. By then every one should be back to work and back to some similarity of normal.
Hope this finds every one well, as we are doing good here.

February Birthdays

Happy Birthday in February
Sydney Johnson - February 3 - 6 years old
Trent Johnson - February 3 - 6 years old
Kelly Johnson - February 7
Marissa Sorensen Wagenblast - February 9 - 28
Irene Bailey - February 12 -
Carli Bailey - February 14 - 5 years old
Phil Smith - February 18
Rob Smith - February 19
Aaron Sorensen - February 23 - 23

Happy 10th Anniversary
Nick and Sarah Johnson - February 20

I hope that I haven't missed anyone!!

Yummy for the Tummy

Here is a website I just love.
www.thepioneerwomancooks.com

It is funny, and her recipes are amazing. Check out the apple dumplings. I NEVER thought I would cook with Mountain Dew, but darned if it isn't great. The guys are in love with the Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Thingies. Everything I have tried is truly delish, and don't miss the Orange Marmalade Yogurt Cake. Oh Boy!

Bon Appetit.

Cheryl

Custard Pie

Wow!!! Thanks Cheryl for the recipe. I look forward to trying this out next weekend. Fresh eggs and milk right off the farm - I'm sure that must have had something to do with how good the custard was.

Memory is an interesting thing...I can remember things like how good custard pie was but asked me what I did 30 minutes ago and I might be hard pressed to tell you. I've often wished that I could add more memory to my brain like I can to my computer.

I'm sure wishing I could be outside this afternoon... Such a beautiful sunshiny day and almost 60 degrees. A bit windy but other than that perfectly gorgeous.

More memories

What a rush of memories!! Thanks to Ang for correcting the date. I relied on my memory for the date, and that is a very dangerous thing to do at my age, lol. Grandma Grim did make the most luscious custard pie, and I have tried really hard to duplicate it. I have determined some of the things that made hers so special. I believe the whole milk and fresh eggs had a lot to do with it, and also the piecrust was always made with lard. She also had a nutmeg grater and sometimes grated fresh nutmeg on top.

Here is the recipe I use:

3 Eggs
2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
Nutmeg to taste
Unbaked pie crust

Beat the eggs and stir in sugar and milk. Add vanilla and pour into crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake at 350 Degrees until set. (I use 1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half to get the rich taste.)

I made this pie for Mrs. Gestwite's funeral dinner, and her husband was feeling so sad. He ate a piece of this, closed his eyes and smiled, and said, Oh, this tastes just like Mama's.

Anyway, Tuesday, January 20 is the day that has stirred so much in my mind. Including the fact that President Lyndon B. Johnson left office on that day 40 years ago. Grandma distinctly did not like him, she was totally convinced he somehow was involved with John F. Kennedy's assasination. I always thought it was a curious coincidence it happened that way. Now here we are, 40 years later, and January 20th will again see the start of a whole new day, Please God, let it bring prosperity, and most of all, Peace.

Cheryl

More history

I just wanted to share a few other things I've found while searching out our family genealogy.

Grandma married Thomas Benton Grim on January 1, 1911. He died in June 15, 1951.

The 1910 census shows that Grandpa was a boarder in the Eli Cox residence in May, 1910, Grandma was 18 when she and Grandpa were married.
Mom told me that Grandpa had come to Nebraska from Iowa when he was a young boy. Through my searching, I learned that his parents, Joshua and Sarah Rogers Grim came to the Phillips, Ne area in the late 1870's. It seems that they returned to Iowa after their oldest child, Roger was born. They are listed in the 1880 census in Hamilton County, Nebraska. Grandpa was born in Iowa and then they returned again to Nebraska. Sometime after 1884, Joshua and Sarah moved to the Custer Co. area. They have a homestead claim in on 9-27-1884 in Custer County. Sec 26 Township 17 Range 19. I don't know specifically where that is. It would be interesting to find it on an old township map. They show up in the 1900 census in Custer Township, Custer Co. and then in 1903 Joshua passed away. The story I've pieced together about Sarah is still quite disjointed so I will share that down the road when I can find a few more pieces. She died in 1929. Both Joshua and Sarah are buried in the Broken Bow Cemetery. I remember Grandma leaving flowers on Memorial Day when I was a little girl.

Joshua's sisters, Dianna, Mary and Margaret (Jenni) and brother Jacob and his father Joseph also came to Nebraska in the time frame. Joshua's mother, Mary had died in the the 1860's in Iowa.

Joshua also had a sister, Susannah and a brother David. David died in the Civil War having never married. Susannah married but had no children and
died in 1876 in Iowa.

Jacob never married and is buried in the Phillips Nebraska cemetery along with Mary who also never married and their father Joseph Grim. Dianna's husband, Joseph Megowen in also buried in Phillips. I have yet to trace Dianna's family further - she had two children.

Margaret married JP Cherry in Iowa and they had two children, Joseph and Vernie. I remember Mom referring to someone named Vernie who was a cousin. She thought that Vernie was Grandpa's sister Gertie's child but it appears this would have been the person she knew as Vernie. Margaret and JP are also buried in Phillips, NE.

Grandpa's brother, Roger, went to Wyoming and was a sheepherder there. He never married. Gertie married George Younkin and they had 4 children. 3 daughters and a son. About 2 years ago I found the widow of their son, George and spoke with her on the phone. Unfortunately she was in ill health and was able to only provide a few bits and pieces of info which I'm still trying to piece together.

Memories of Grandma Grim

Wow! What wonderful memories of such a tremendous woman. This photo was taken in the early 40's. The only one I could find on this computer to add to the memories of Grandma Grim. She was born Nettie Maude Cox on February 18, 1893 to Eli and Elizabeth Peacock Cox. Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, or as Grandma Nola remembered - Grandma Grim called her "Mommie". She was the oldest child of Eli. Lizzie had been married previously and had three children whose last name was Bowman. They were Henry L., John William, and Mary Moriah who was known as Aunt Rye. Eli and Elizabeth had 4 more children, Avalo, Virginia Samantha, Sam and Lester. Grandma referred to Virginia Samantha as Casey. She & Lester both lived in Oregon. Grandma and Uncle Jack went to Oregon to visit Aunt Casey sometime in the early 60's. They drove the old baby blue Ford Fairlane. Yes Jacki she was a women's libber before it was "in". I think of her as "fiercely independent". Even after she bought a new electric range she continue to cook on an old cookstove which was in the room she and Uncle Jack built onto the house.

Grandma always had a large garden. She had flower planters along the walk to the corral that were filled with snap dragons in the summer. She also loved Morning Glories. She made quilts, stitching many of the pieces by hand and often used old dresses as the material for the quilts. I remember many a cold winter evening when she would have a quilted stretched in the living room and would use yarn to tie it. She loved having her hair brushed and it was of utmost importance that you do it right. She wanted to feel the bristles against her scalp and when you were done brushing we put VO5 on it.

Grandma's driving was atrocious. She always hit the lilac bushes on one side or the other whenever she backed out of the driveway at our house in Berwyn. She often took me with her on her trips. I remember going to Omaha with her to visit Betty. She had built a box for me to sit on in the car so I could see out the window and read the signs for her. I think I was 7 the last time I went with her to Omaha. Mom was not happy with her because she didn't even ask Mom if I could go. She just told Uncle Jack to tell Mom that she had taken me to Omaha.

And she loved wrestling. She always watched it on television. And Bonanza and Gunsmoke were among her favorite TV programs.

Does anyone know the recipe for her custard pie? Of course I know she didn't have recipes as such but maybe someone remembers how she made it. I've tried different recipes and they never quite come up to Grandma's.

I could go on and on about her. I was only 9 when she died but my memories are vivid. I missed her then and I miss her still. I too would love to have just one hour to visit with her. So many questions I'd love to ask. I guess I hope that with this blog we can share these stories so that in 40 years one of our grandchildren can tell their children the stories again.

In Loving Memory of Nettie Maude Grim

February 18, 1893 - January 20, 1969

We will always love you!!

More Grandma Nettie....

Ahhh, AMEN to the cooking! We would wake up in the morning at the house east of Berwyn to the smell of bacon, ham or porkchops cooking. She would fry eggs in bacon grease until the edges were "lacy". And KCNI would be playing the "Polka Parade"! Does anyone remember how good a shot she was? She would line up tin cans on the top of the farmhand (you younger ones....that does not mean a hired hand!!!") and pick then off one at a time to teach us how to shoot. We always had a LOADED gun hanging over the door in case a varmit was trying to get any of the livestock. In today's world she would have been accused of child endangerment for having a loaded gun in a house full of kids! BUT we were taught gun safety and RESPECT! She was an extrordinary woman......a women's libber before it was fashionable. One time, she broke BOTH ankles and was in walking casts on both feet.....which she removed with a hammer when she got disgusted of hobbling around. She was not afraid of anything and I am so grateful God chose to give her to me for a Grandma. She always called me....Jacki Lee

Dyslexic

1893 not 1983

January 16

I thought a lot about our Grandma Grim today. Nettie Maude Cox Grim. She was born February 18, 1983. She left this world on January 16, 1967. Little Russell was with Grandma and Uncle Jack, he had gone to spend the night. He sat with Grandma and held her hand while Uncle Jack raced to Berwyn to get Grandma Nola. They made a valiant effort to get her to the hospital in Sargent. It was a night none of us will ever forget.

She was a fierce protector of her family. She raised six children, two of them with severe hearing disabilities. She struggled to pay for the farm she and Grandpa purchased together and then she lost him two years later.

She was a cook extraordinaire. Her chicken and noodles, dressing, and custard pie were just a few of the mouthwatering delicacies that would grace her table.

Lynnie sent me a poem about aprons recently, and remarked how it reminded him of Grandma Grim. She did always wear an apron, and it carried eggs, vegetables, baby chicks, and all manner of other daily chores.

She was one in a million. I wish I could spend just one more hour with her. I would love to hear her thoughts about all the beautiful children that have blessed this family. She would have loved each and every one of them.

God Bless you Grandma, I miss you.

Cheryl

Bbbbrrrrr

Bbbrrrr, again. lol. It is a sunny zero in Broken Bow. At least the wind is calm. I chatted with Kathryn last night after her doctor appointment. Nothing of significance was found, her heart, lungs, etc are all "normal" for a person of 85 years. Thank God. She did say she is feeling lots better since she is drinking more water. We discussed the possibility of getting a lifeline, which I assured her was a wonderful stress reliever for the folks who worry about her being alone. She really does want to continue to live in her own home for the time being. It is so lovely and comfortable and I can certainly understand her feelings.

I also talked with Les on his birthday yesterday. Tyler and Mandy have purchased a home. Hurray!! It is in Kearney, and they will take possession on February 13th. He also said Jordan has been invited to try out at Concordia college in Seward.

I heard on Good Morning America that the sunny southwest is the only place to be today. Congratulations, Lynnie and Vi. Enjoy!!

Love to all of you, Cheryl