The photo shows German Shepherd pups born on January 13th, now ready for sale. Spring is a favorite time of year with all the signs of new life.
On this date in the year 1917, William Bjorgum was born. Some called him "Willie;" others called him "Bill." I called him Dad. He was an inspiration to me, and encouraged me in so many ways. He taught me how to play ball, and bought me my first ball glove, a Black Diamond, when I was in grade 3. He valued education and believed in the importance of further education not only for his sons but also for his daughters. He wanted his daughters to be self-sufficient. (What a modern idea for his generation!) Dad treated others, regardless of gender or race, with respect and compassion. Dad had a wonderful sense of humour, and an unbelievable memory for jokes. He mastered many games including checkers, chess, and cards. Few could match his game-playing skills. Dad enjoyed hunting and could give a good imitation of a goose honking. He also enjoyed carpentry, and constructed children's furniture for us as well as many rocking chairs for children in the neighbourhood. He had an aptitude for music. As a child, I was impressed by his harmonica-playing ability. In his later years he especially enjoyed the violin, particularly Alfie Myhre's rendition of "Danny Boy." Whenever I hear "Tennessee Waltz" or "Somewhere My Love,"I think of Dad. Dad adored my Mom, Irene, whom we sadly lost almost a year ago now. He used to frequently remark how lovely our Mom was and challenge us to find a partner as wonderful as she was. He enjoyed having her by his side. I can see him sitting in front of the TV in his Lazyboy chair, saying, "Irene, come and sit on my knee." It will be fifteen years in August since Dad passed on. I will hold him dear forever in my heart. I am so thankful for the happy childhood I was privileged to have, and for two parents who were wonderful role models.
Since the last posting:
1. Our internet connection was repaired. Our computer was overhauled.
2. We enjoyed an evening of dancing with Amber Williams and the Rocky Mountain Experience on February 15th in Caroline.
3. A week later, on February 22nd, we enjoyed dancing to the music of Dwain and Larry Sands at the Caroline Legion.
4. On February 27th, I was inspired by a home-improvement idea and climbed on to an unstable chair to check it out. Coming off the chair, I fell and hurt my right shoulder and gashed my right lower leg which required eight stitches. Lying in emergency at Sundre Hospital, I thought, "Oh no, I'm a Senior fall statistic!"
5. On February 28th, I got word that my Uncle Russ had passed away, and that his grandson Justin (Marlene's son) had left the day before for Afghanistan.
6. March 5th - 7th: I attended the Alberta Correctional Educators' Association Conference in Banff. We stayed at the Banff Park Lodge. As usual, the food was magnificent. We enjoyed the staff bonding time, time to renew old acquaintances, and some excellent speakers. The conference theme was "Stop the Violence!" My favorite session was "Vicarious Trauma" with Pat Koukoros.
7. March 8th: Uncle Russ' funeral. The day began at 10:30 at the Burgar Funeral Home in Camrose for the viewing and a Poppy Service with members of the Camrose Legion. We then proceeded to the Kingman Cemetery for the burial. The cemetery was covered with deep snow which glistened like diamonds as the warm sun shone on it. The funeral service was in Edmonton at 2:30 at the Laurier Heights Baptist Church. My Uncle Russ and Aunt Martha were founding members. Though the occasion was a sad one, we enjoyed the time with extended family. Some of us had supper at Aunty Janet's. The next day was a grand breakfast and time of visiting at Laurel's. Uncle Russ was buried on the same day as his own Dad(my Granddad, Gustav Anders Hanson) forty-three years later!
8. Easter Weekend at Grimshaw/Peace River: We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Jarl and Rebecca's on March 22nd, Rebecca's birthday. The appetizers themselves would have sufficed as a meal. However, we continued our feast with a beautifully roasted ham, the best scalloped potatoes I have ever tasted, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Like her Mom, Rebecca is a superb cook!! Rebecca's friend Luana was holding Parker when we arrived, and I didn't even recognize him!! It was good to have some quality time with my grandchildren.
9. March 24th: I returned to Caroline. Madison came with to spend her Easter holidays with me.
Tomorrow we are heading to Laurel's. Madison will spend the evening with Kayli. Laurel, Alice, Michelle and I are going to the Jubilee for a Los Lobos concert. Aina is picking up Madison on Saturday. Sunday, Alice and I are on our way for a week's holiday in Kelowna. We look forward to seeing familiar places (Mom and Dad lived in Summerland in the 80s) and faces (John, Vanessa, and Zechariah.) We look forward also to a head start on Spring!
