At Grandma's House

Dodie, Me, Jim

Alice, Orion, Christopher, Mabel

Grandma, Palma, Esther

Came across these old pictures this evening. 

They were taken at Grandma's house at Christmas a long time ago,

maybe around 1955.

The photos bring memories of going to Grandma's

each Christmas Eve.

But I was also reminded of the decor in Grandma's

living room.    The wallpaper had ferns on them, and the

matching curtain?  They were  plastic.

A fern normally sat in the corner where the

Christmas tree is.

I always thought Grandma's house was so cozy!

So glad for the memories!

Mom & Dad

I really like these pictures of my parents.

I colorized the one of Mom just a tad.

I am so glad that there are quite a few pictures of my

mom, even from the time she was very young.

In this photo I would guess she's about 21 or 22 years old.

I love the smile on Dad in this photo.

[He had probably been on a steam engine, 

which made him happy.]

There was no date on this picture,

 but he was maybe around 30 years old.

There are very few pictures of Dad,

especially when he was young.

Stormy Evening

We had a windstorm last evening.

While the rain was definitely needed and appreciated,

the accompanying wind caused damage and

most people in town will be cleaning their yards today.

I had some branches in the yard and other debris,

but no major damage that I can see.

A fairly large tree was down near the hiking trail 

My neighbor's fence was damaged by this pine tree;

there was also another large branch in the back yard.

Another tree fell on this vehicle and also damaged the home 

After the storm, the dark clouds started to break up

and blue sky reappeared.

The Farm

This is the farm my grandparents, Mina & Gunerius Melby,

purchased in St. Olaf Township in 1910.

Later, my  parents bought the farm and here

is where they lived when I was born.

I don't remember the farm, since we moved to

Dalton when I was a year old.

All the buildings were torn down about 20+

years ago.  The government owns the property

and it is a "game refuge" area.

Glad to have this picture, which is actually

a picture of a painting!

Merna

This is Merna.

I just adopted here this afternoon from the

pet shelter.

She is very sweet and seems to be a 

cat that will behave herself.

But I've never had a house cat before, 

so you can understand I am a little worried...

I am sure after a few days I will relax--

I just don't want any major surprises around the

house, if you know what I mean.

But she sure is a pretty cat.
And she will keep me company
on those long Minnesota winter evenings.

Isn't she sweet?

The Other Postcard

Here is the other postcard that I bought on e-bay,

which unknown to me until I received it,

had been sent to my great aunt Amanda Dahlager.

"Greetings From Dalton, Minn."

It is very hard to read the back of the postcard.

I darkened it and tried to read it by enlarging it,

but  it just wasn't very read-able.  

Here is what I can make of it:

Addressed to:  Miss Manda Dahlager

RFD, Dalton

"Say, can't you and Nobel come over tonight and 

have some fun.  Be sure and come.

I suppose Ella...(can't read any more)...."

From friend,

Clara Clausen.

[Nobel was Amanda's brother, and

Ella was her sister.]

Can you Believe it??

A couple of years ago, I was looking for some memento from Dalton

from years past.    I browsed on e-bay and there were 2 old postcards

for sale from Dalton, Minnesota.

This is one of the postcards I received - I thought it was kind of cute -

and then I turned it over. . . .

The postcard, postmarked from Dalton in 1915

was addressed to my Great- Aunt, Amanda Dahlager!

Isn't that almost "weird"???

It was sent to her while she was in Parkers Prairie,

teaching school at the time.

It was sent by her sister, but I can't make out 

the signature to know for sure which sister sent it,

But the note says:

"Hello Sis Amanda

Don't let this shock you

Clara just phoned over and said I should

sent you a card and let you know that she is

coming to see you next Thursday, Sept. 30

Palma is to take this card this morning so you get it in time."

By the way, the other postcard I purchased was

also addressed to Amanda Dahlager.

Funny the things that come your way!