Bockelmann, David 29
Sep 12
46540 Co. Rd. 22
Windom, MN 56101
Hi Family! The weather
up here hasn’t changed--severe drought. The farmers are over half done with the
harvest and most are working the land for next year. The temps have been so
mild that we sat through Seth’s football game Friday night wearing light
jackets. They won their Homecoming game and Seth had a good night
quarterbacking.
Our garden is
done for the year; I did get four dozen quarts of tomatoes canned and froze sweet corn, zucchini, apples and pear pies. We got
some pickle relish before the shrews started eating the middles out. A neighbor
gave me grapes and they made excellent jam. We got a few watermelons and are
still hoping for a couple cantaloupes.
The kids are protesting
their Michelle Obama school lunches and many have gone to bringing lunch from
home or going without lunch. Many go through the ala carte line for nachos,
pizza, bosco sticks, hot ham & cheese, chicken
& swiss or chuck wagons, muffins, ice cream &
cookies! They used to like their hot lunches three years ago. I helped out at
the elementary in Slayton and we were constantly changing the bags in the
garbage cans where most of it was deposited. No one was begging for someone
else’s food and many ate the raw vegetable and threw the rest. I think that’s
where all the country’s money has gone--down the drain with the school lunches!
Dave and I are
planning a short trip to Green Bay, WI this week; Cole is watching the dogs and
cats for us. We keep family in our prayers and hope this finds all doing well.
Love,
Norine and Dave
Dirks, Duane & Inez 30
Sep 12
133
Archdale Drive
Kingsport
TN, 37663
Not sure as of yet of
the Dirks Newsletter at DKSNEWS is working so will send this by the usual
e-mail address that I use to send notes to you. Actually I’m not really that
sure which e-mail address I should be using to get mail to you. Need to have
you send out a mail with the correct address/es and I
will delete those that don’t work anymore or are questionable.
Realize that many in
the country especially the Midwest have been having drought and that crop
yields have been dramatically reduced in many areas, but, we were some lucky
and started getting rains the last part of July and have here and there gotten
some addition rain with just a little more than an inch in the last couple of
days. I am waiting today for the grass to dry out so I can get my yard mowed
and the one across the street for old friend John Schlingman.
Overall probably have a little more than an acre to mow which doesn’t sound
like much until you understand that both places have a number of rock
outcroppings and in my yard I doubt you could find a level place – mostly ups
and downs and I do need to use the independent brakes on my garden tractor to
navigate the terrain.
Inez and I took most of a week –starting
Friday of last week and coming home on Wednesday of this week – visiting areas
in Virginia such as the Civil War memorial at Appomattox VA where Confederate
General Lee surrendered the army of the South to Union General Grant. After
visiting some of these sites and getting a better understanding of the totals
causality both in the maimed and killed, you would wonder just how anyone could
have labeled this a “CIVIL” war. We also visited the Nauticus
Museum at Portsmouth VA and walked the decks of the battleship USS Wisconsin
that is moored there and attached to the museum.
We pulled our little
camper with the new (to us) F-250 diesel pickup and for sure we didn’t have to
worry about not having the power to run up and down the hills of the Appalachians.
Was a nice trip and were are kind of getting our camping legs back under us
after not really being on the road for about 5 or more years with the exception
of our move to TN and the two weeks we were back to the Midwest in July. We
like to travel so intend to make it more of a habit than a happening; all we
need to do yet is get our hound dog Missy used to traveling and sleeping in the
camper or the truck. We are not naïve enough to not expect some surprises
down the road.
All is well with us, do hope the same for the rest of the Dirks Clan
Duane and Inez
Spirit
Lake, IA 513560-1087
Hi to
everyone. It is warm out today, the sun is shining. The farmers combined corn
east of me, sure was dry. We had two nights of frost. I brought my flowers into
the garage and took them out again.
I have Circle tomorrow. I have to take a
cake plate back to a lady that brought birthday cake to me. It sure was good. I
got all my things from the Spencer Fair. I got 7-blue and 1-red ribbons, $15 in
prize money. I filled the van with gas yesterday. It was $3.85/gal, it was
$3.89 before that, and it went down.
II
went to the doctor last Tuesday, he said everything was O.K., but the blood sugar
was up a little. Darold called last night and said his blood sugar was good and
he may go off his medications.
I am back to knitting caps, mittens and
scarves. I wish everyone to stay well and healthy.
Love to all
of you, Florence
410 S. Westview
Derby,
KS 67037
This has been a busy month with social
visits to the doctors, subbing, robotics, quilting, etc. Ruth and I are staying healthy.
The weather has turned cold and supposed
to freeze tonight. We are getting a little mist now and then but no moisture.
The farmers are harvesting bean and sunflowers and are starting to plant winter
wheat.
Not sure when I will get the newsletter
done as I have been subbing from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and then robotics until
5:00 p.m. After that we go out to eat, so it is a good 12 hour day.
Hope everyone is doing well.
John and Ruth
Dirks,
Marvin & LaVonne 26
Sept 12
17326
590th St.
Fonda, IA 50574
Wow!
Summertime is gone and fall is certainly here. The country sides are so busy
the harvesting the corn and beans. They are busy changing heads on the
combines—going from corn to beans and back again. The yields are surprising
too---even in the same field it really does vary. When the wind is blowing it
is very dusty on the roads and in the fields after the machines. We are having
beautiful harvest days, it really cools down overnight ,
but the sun is great during the day with even some frost at night.
Fall is
football weather and the schools have busy schedules. Newell/Fonda celebrates
their homecoming this weekend---next weekend in Pocahontas. Jordan (freshman)
plays on the Pocahontas JV and C team.
Leann and
Tom returned from a week trip to NAMIC’s 117th annual convention
held in Grapevine, TX. They also visited some friends on the way.
Kerry came
home one weekend to attend the 30th class reunion at the home of a
classmate near Albert City. Katie and
Jim came from Kansas City to attend a wedding at Marcus on Saturday and we had
a BBQ with them at Marvin Jr. and Dianne’s on Sunday before they went back
home.
Last
Wednesday Miranda (Roger and Cindy) was honored at the Newell-Fonda High School
into the National Honor Society. Both of her grandmothers (Jeanette and I) attended
the ceremony and enjoyed the luncheon.
Then I went
to visit Aunt Marcella to see if she was doing O.K. She really needed a rest
from mowing that morning. She said I was her angel that day. I truly believe
that too. She needs some help with that large yard.
I attended
a one day retreat at Twin Lakes Christian Center. I heard the brother of Coach Ed Thomas, Greg
Thomas of Parkersburg tell his story of the famous
brother about his tragic death in the school locker room. He also had is book,
“The Sacred Acre” for sale. Our bible study was lead by a young gal from
Sheldon with a powerful story on “Forgiveness.” What terrific and empowering
stories we heard that day.
Leann and I
enjoyed the Spencer Fair on day and Marv and I went on Senior Day. Florence
Dirks does such beautiful and fancy crochet sewing on her many projects she has
entered. She received many blue ribbons. That is a wonderful pastime for her.
This week I
plan to attend the monthly Circle meeting at Pomeroy. I see the taxes are due
before the weekend.
Enjoy the
fall season that is ahead of us and all the beautiful colors to come. It is
also time to change my perpetual calendar for October.
Marv
and LaVonne
Ihnen, Kerry & Joan 01
Oct 12
1215 Mayberry Plaza
Omaha, NE 68108
Hi
Dirks Family, The beginning of the month Kerry and I travelled to western MD
for my Mom’s family’s annual reunion. My brothers and I used to meet at my
great Aunt Do’s for this reunion but she passed away last year, so we all
stayed at the Holiday Inn. It was a very busy weekend with several other family
reunion groups and a wedding groups staying there.
Kerry
and I came in on Friday night, the rest came on Saturday. Because of how busy
it was they couldn’t get in their rooms until 4, a little stressful with 3
little ones and 6 adults in our room. Had a great visit and the weather the
next day for the reunion was a little rainy but warm. Kerry and I headed home
Sunday evening as he had to back to Omaha for work on Tuesday.
The
rest of the month is kind of a blur. Kerry’s Mom had cataract surgery in the middle
of the month. Kerry came to Iowa every weekend. Kerry’s brother Jerffrey and his wife Marcia came from Virginia for a visit
at the end of the month.
The
weather is beautiful and so are the trees. Hope everyone is enjoying this great
fall display.
Joanie
and Kerry
Ihnen, Mary
410 N
10th St
McGinley,
Mary 03
Sep 12
5060
370th St. Box 27
Darlington,
MO 64438
Hello from Missouri, Thought I had better
try and get a letter out to you all. First of all I want to thank everyone for
the cards, prayers, calls, and donations at the time of Gene's parting. I for
one did not understand the loss of one so close until I lost Gene. It's as if
they take a part of you with them because it leaves such an
emptiness in one. If it hadn't been for the kids I would have it a lot
harder. I feel for those that don't have any children.
We are now praying for the recovery of
Gene's brother Jerry as he is going through about the same thing that Gene did,
however he seems to be doing somewhat better after his surgery as far as not
feeling so ill all the time and he is able to eat a little. It will take him a
little while to regain his strength. Please keep him in your prayers.
We are also praying for Gene's brother Don
as he is and has been having trouble with his leg for quite some time. As far
as I know the rest of the kids are doing as well as can be expected considering
our age.
My daughter Mary Ann called yesterday
(Oct. 2,2012) and told me I was great grandma again.
Her oldest son Cory and Hanna had a little girl that they named Brilee Gene in remembrance of her grandpa Gene. I thought
that was very nice. I now have three great granddaughters and two step
granddaughters. Wow, that sure makes me sound old.J
The sun is shinning
brightly today, however it is suppose to start cooling down after today. I will
have to bring some of my flowers in as it is suppose to freeze. I must say, I
hate to think about winter coming. The thought of trudging through the snow is
not a pleasant thought. The thought of having to drive in it is an even worse
thought.
I hope this day fmes
everyone doing okay. May God bless you all.
Love, Mary
Nelson,
Marj 01
Oct 12
11937 Aneta St
Culver
City, CA 90230
Greeting from Hot Sunny
California, The weather has been hot for the
whole month of September. I love it but Roger and Jamie turn the air
conditioner on and I have to put on a sweater and cover up with a blanket while
I watch TV.
Friday, Sept. 21st was an exciting day here in California as we got
to see the shuttle Endeavour came to the museum. It flew of Boeing where
Roger works. Roger called me to tell me it would be flying by his house
soon. I went out and set in the front yard and watched it fly by.
It was quit a sight to see the shuttle on top of the
747, and more special as Roger had worked on that scuttle and worked on the
747. I didn't get any pictures as I didn't have my camera ready and it went by
fast.
Saturday, the 29th
we went out to Camarillo to Alie and Omar's to celebrate Malia 2nd
birthday. It was a beautiful day. Omar barbequed chicken, hamburger and hot dogs.
We had a lot to eat as almost everyone brought a dish as Omar has a big family,
he has 4 brothers Lots of friends so lots of kids. It was
like the good old days They had one of
those jumping gyms and the kids spent a lot of time jumping in it. I got
tired just watching them and some of the boys where really wild.
Roger has a bush
in his front yard and these things were falling from it, I finally found out they
are pineapple guavas. I went on the computer and found out they are
editable. I try one today and it wasn't bad ,
definitely they are a tropical fruit.
I am packing and
ready to fly to Hawaii in the morning. I will be staying with Linda in
Honolulu until December 6th.
Hope this finds
everyone feeling better and ready for another month as they sure go by
fast.
Marj
Nomann,
Larene 18
Sep 12
906 4th
Ave NW
Pocahontas,
IA 50574
Hi to all the Dirks families. It got
pretty chilly last night but we did miss the frost. It has been a hot and dry
summer. The farmers are harvesting corn and beans; this is the earliest anyone
can remember. The yield is a little below normal. We have not been as dry as
the southern and western parts of Iowa.
I worked all week tying and finishing
edges on seven quilts. I really had some sore fingers. The edges on the denim
ones are not easy. My co-chair and I did one ourselves for our church
secretary’s son for college. She sews the blocks. We both tied it and I did the edges.
The picture window is done and really
looks nice. Arnie and Coralie flew here one day for my birthday and it happened
to be the same day the window was done. They measured for the new blinds like
they have in their new house. They will get them in Wisconsin and come and
install them for me. They had a store in Viroqua where they sold carpeting,
drapes and sewing machines. It got to be too much with is hospital job.
God be with you all, Larene
Piercy,
Marcella 25
Sep 12
PO Box
6
Newell,
IA
Hello everyone. Well we survived the
summer, now we will have to see shat the fall and
winter weather will be like. The grass is green again, so I am still mowing. I
had my lawn sprayed for dandelions.
I keep busy with the neighbors and
friends. One is leaving tomorrow for the south. Some of the family was here for
Labor Day weekend. We had lots of food and fun.
I went to the doctor last week and the A1C
was not to good, protein average, kidneys good. I will see the dentist next
week.
I defrosted the upright freezer in the
garage. Next week I will start my fall cleaning, also
need to do the outside windows this week.
Well good health to all who are ill.
Take care, Marcella
Sanders,
Dale & Cathy 25
Sep 12
201 NE
6th St
Ankeny,
IA 50021-1840
Hi, well,
not much changes around here. We get up, go to work, eat and sleep and
the next day we do the same thing.
The leaves are starting to turn and the
garden is all done. The farmers are busy in the fields. They should
be done way ahead of schedule this year! Sounds like the crops are
yielding better than they first thought.
We have the International Quilt Show in
Des Moines from October 3 – 6 at the Iowa Events Center. The shop where I
work is vending, so my boss, Kelly and I will be working the booth from 9 am
until 6 pm each day.
Gary’s
wife, Laura has completed her yearlong paramedic training and has passed the national
test and practicals. She will graduate and receive her pin at a ceremony
on October 5th. We are so proud of her! She was hired last
year by the Des Moines Fire Department.
Ben and family are very busy, since school
has started. Our grandson, Carter is attending Chow’s Gymnastics ( where Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas trained) , he is
doing very well and really enjoying it. One never know
we might have a Gold medalist in our family! J Grand-daughter, Peyton is
trying to decide what she would like to do for an extracurricular
activity. She is 11 years old.
Kayla (grand-daughter) is attending Iowa
State (Ames), she is majoring in Meteorology and
working part-time at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Well, time for bed.
Love and take
care, Cathy and Dale
Widlund,
Kathryn 9
Sep 12
456 Richart Box 31
Palmer,
IA 50571
Hello everyone. Today is the 7th
of September already and a very nice sunny day, no strong blowing wind. Sure
has a touch of fall though, this changed in a hurry.
I can’t believe some corn is being
combined already as it is on September. The leaves have been falling too. I am
afraid our fall colors are not going to be very pretty. We will miss that.
Another lady and I served goodies for
coffee after church today. I enjoy doing that and to see others enjoying it
too. We started our sewing days at
church again. It is fun to see what we can put together.
I think of everyone many times. I am
hoping the best for everyone.
Take care, Kathryn