Very sad news to start the New Year.  Danny’s Mom, Anne Lightfoot passed away after a long illness.  We will all miss her lovely face and beautiful sense of humor.  Anne will always live in my memory as one of my life’s brightest spirits.  We all love you, Anne.

        My year always starts with remembering my sister, Florence, whose birthday was January 1, 1909.  She was born in Everett, Washington, to Joseph and Mary Pfister; their second child.  Seven years older than I, she watched over me like a second Mom, when I was growing up and we remained the closest of friends during all the years of her life.  She, my brother, Jack (also deceased), and I were happiest playing Scrabble by our own goofy rules.  The “nook” corner of our kitchen would rock with laughter when the three of us were together.  I hope they have found a happy corner for Scrabble in Heaven.

        Our first son, David Peter Nordstrand, was born January 22, 1946, when we lived in our little house in Lake Forest Park. He now lives in Bellevue, less than a half-hour away from us, which is great. Dave’s children are Russell, Ryan, and Christa and his dear friend (and she is) is named Anne Wangeman.  Dave and Anne share shell rowing as a sport.

        Others who share January birthdays are:
  Jeremy Daniel Lightfoot (grandson) Ralph Nordstrand  (nephew)  Leslie (Cunningham)Nordstrand  (John-Robin’s wife and our granddaughter-in-law)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE JANUARY KIDS

        Son Paul gave us all a scare when he went into the hospital with chest pains.  I am happy to report that he is home again and says he feels fine.  That is so good to hear.

        A friend sent me the following story and I thought it was too special not to share it..

“A passenger in a taxi leaned over to ask the driver a question and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from A large plate glass window. For a few moments everything was silent in the cab, and then the still shaking driver said, "I'm sorry, but you scared The daylights out of me." The frightened passenger apologized to the driver and said he didn't realize a mere tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much. The driver replied, "No, no, I'm sorry, it's entirely my fault. Today is my first day driving a cab. I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years."

               Next Saturday will be the opening of a new display at History House.  This one will be displays from the 34 small museums of King County.  I had no idea there were so many and for such a variety of things.  For instance, did you know there were museums for the Husky Hall of Fame, Petosa Accordian Museum, Gillman Town Hall Museum, and Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art?  I recognized a few of the 30 others who have made up displays for the occasion.  Open house will be 2:00 - 4:00...
        I am especially looking forward to meeting some of the historians from www.HistoryLink.org who are slated to be there.  HistoryLink has published at least 40 of my stories on their web site. 

    The 3 ladies making my life a lot easier these days are working out very well for me.  It has taken me a long time to get used to having someone extra here in the house for 2 (sometimes 3) hours each morning and 3 hours in the evening, but I am realistic about the fact that without them we couldn't be here... and they are very nice ladies.  Vern has accepted their tending to him much better than I would ever have supposed and since they accepted that I don't need or want tending, things are fine.

        Ryan seems to be settling in well at his new college, Monterey Institute of International Studies.  It is quite small and very specialized. His course is TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).  He will spend some time with the Peace Corps during his college time, then back to the school to finish getting his degree.

        I was surprised to hear that Russ and Jana are moving back to Gunnison, Colorado, while continuing to work at their wilderness job out of St. George, Utah.  It means an 8 hour commute about once a week, but their spare time will be spent in and around Gunnison, where their friends are.  When I thought about it, I realized it wasn’t as crazy as it sounded to me at first.  They are living a very fun and interesting life. Good for them!

        Paul is doing well after his second surgery in as many weeks.  He now has several stents in his chest to take care of the blockage that laid him low around Christmas.  He, Dave, and I are walking examples of the wonders of modern medicine as it relates to our hearts.  Lucky us.

        Heather and her two little ones are now back in Maryland after their visit here.  It was a bittersweet time.  She was in time to say Goodbye to her beloved Grandma Anne.  Having her and the children here helped Dan and Hildy through that difficult time, as well.

        Today, January 31, is a beautiful, sunny day.  Dave just called and invited me (and Vern, if he wants to) to go for a ride this afternoon.  Looking forward to that.

Thought for the day:  “Those who know when they have enough are rich” -Chinese proverb

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