Whatever Comes To Mind (268)
It is a complicated world out there. There are times you can feel like you are on a merry-go-round that keeps going faster and faster. Mentally you wish that you could get off - even if it was for just a little while - but reality tells us it isn't going to happen. Things just keep getting more intricate and technical. It is a constant job trying to keep up with all the changes that are occurring.
Technically, the kids that are in school today are way ahead of us and they seem to be able to handle the things that complicate our understanding. There are so many things available today that they can enjoy and take part in. Being able to do that is great, especially when they find something that is of special interest for them.
It can be hard to be a family today. Family life is challenging. Changing values, overcrowded schedules, information overload, cultural and economic pressures all make family life more challenging than it has ever been.
Yet, no single unit of society is as important as the family. For it is within the family that we are all fashioned into the persons that we are. Our individual traits, our unique talents, and our strengths can be enhanced in countless ways. We all need to plan, set goals, and dream about the future. We need to think and talk about what we would like to do, where we would like to go, and what we would like to be as a family. It all deepens our sense of identity, solidarity, and purpose.
A healthy family strives for balance. When the demands of work, school, social activities, and church or civic responsibilities rob us of precious quality time and our family needs, everyone suffers. As you gather to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, use these milestones to create traditions.
We also need to remember we need to take time for breaks, maybe just for a few minutes, several times during the day, which will give us time for a “brain” break. Learn to say "no" so you can say "yes" to what matters most.
We can learn so much from some of our older people like Hilda Dobberstein, who had lived to be over 90 and experienced so many different things in her lifetime. During a visit that I had with her I learned a great deal. Some of the "old things" she talked about, and we often overlook today, made common sense.
I learned a lot from Hilda Dobberstein and I will always remember one of the great things that she said, such as, "Sometimes I just sit and think." That advice is good as gold, especially now.
Loving memories live on forever. Even in sadness we hope that we can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember.
My mother has a picture on the wall in her kitchen that also shares some of those same thoughts. Earth...the perfect place to dream, dance, walk in the rain, eat apples, walk barefoot, whistle, do cartwheels, hum, see a sunrise, keep a promise, love, share, sing loudly, smell the roses...be happy.
Life isn't always fame and fortune. Maybe we should think about "living the good life" by doing simple, doable things that tend to make our life run smoother and give us many moments of satisfaction. Celebrate the joys, the wonders, and the blessings of being a family.
Mother Theresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, March 26th: Amber Luella Theobald, Nikita Zelpha Peterson, Jackie Draayer, David Hanson, Ray Coxworth, Lonnie Misgen, Ginger Cornelius, Dillon Hanson, Daryl Jensen, Duane Morreim, Amy Dobberstein, Marge Wobschall, Mary Lou Spurr, Gerrit & Jean Molenaar, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Jennifer & Matthew Dinneen
• Friday, March 27th: Kim Weckwerth Farr, Jim Ottesen, Verona Winegar, Tom Lund, Tina Jensen Wangen, Jodi Loverink, Neil Born, Ralph Randall, Todd & Sheri Utpadel, Wes & Julie Schroenrock
• Saturday, March 28th: Jordan Brye Wagner, Katie Ann Lee, her 10th; Daryl Van Ravenhorst, Alan Olson, Paul Marlin, Josh Stevens, Daniel Suleter, Richard & Lisa (Long) Hocking
• Sunday, March 29th: Taran Waalkens, Heather Lyn Shearman, her 9th; Dylan Lee Ingvaldson, his 8th, Becky Johnson, Amanda Bergerson, Judy Strenge, Dorene Richards, Bruce Jensen, Linda Seykora
• Monday, March 30th: Leah Brittany Moststad, Gretchen Jensen Ray, Darrell Hanson, Kim Roberts Sletten, Aiden Michael Berg, his 8th, Matthew Cornelius, Fern Robertson Sommers
• Tuesday, March 31st: Jinny Nielsen, Hannah Haroldson, Melissa Collins, Carson LaShawn Ray, his 7th; Jill Anderson, David Hemingway, Ross Johnson, Shane Johnson, Doug Hunt, Joanne Neuhart. Mollee & Joseph Tscholl
• Wednesday, April 1st: April Fools Day! Madison Hanson, Irene Paulson
• Thursday, April 2nd: Harold Wayne, Leanna Burns, Deb Nelson, Luke Miller, Joyce Tufte Sorenson, Sonja Larson, Teresa Jensen, Kaleb Smith, Dwight Schewe, Greg Nelson, Matthew Halla, Genevieve Wayne, Bill & Pat Draayer, David & Shelly Mangskau, Brian & Lois Nelson
• Friday, April 3rd: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Jase Dean Knudson, Kevin Born
• Saturday, April 4th: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Roades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff
• Sunday, April 5th: LaVada Jensen, Colette Bauers, Samuel Thompson, Alyssa Haried, Brian Schultz, Duane Nelson, Mike Johnson, Gary & Sue Hunnicutt, Dale & Nancy Kelly
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
In lieu of some of the recent fires we have had in our area lately, some things have come to mind.
Angels wear helmets and yellow coats and volunteer their time and risk their lives to help others. I can never say enough about the value of the firemen and first responders in our communities.
Firemen and first responders are quick on the scene and do what they can to help people in need. They spend hours going to meetings and training sessions to keep up to date on the latest fire fighting equipment and technics, as well as emergency medical knowledge, and it shows.
As citizens we can help them by keeping our homes as safe as possible so that fires will not easily start. Fires travel fast and it doesn't take long before they can completely destroy a home or business, and can even take people’s lives along the way.
It is very important for people to install smoke alarms in their homes in several different areas. We also need to remember to check the smoke alarms often to make sure that the batteries still have a charge so that they can warn you and your families that a fire has started in your home or business.
And if a fire were to occur I hope that you and your family have discussed what needs to be done so that you can safely exit your home, as well as have established a meeting place, so that you will know if everyone has been able to get out of your home.
Let’s remember to thank this great group of people. I am glad they are willing to help in times of need.
In regards to some of the new inventions that have been developed, people have discovered some great ways to put them to good use.
One of them is to take your car keys to bed with you. Yes, your car keys.
This tip was pointed out to me by a neighborhood watch coordinator and I thought it should be passed along.
The next time you come home for the night and you prepare to lay your car keys on the counter, take them to your bedroom and lay them on your bedside table so they are there when you retire for the night.
If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button on the key set from your car. The alarm will sound and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
Your car keys, which you already have, can serve as a security alarm system — and it requires no installation.
Do a test. Most alarms on the keys that operate our vehicles now will go off from most everywhere inside your home and the alarm will keep sounding until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key chain. It will work if you park in your driveway or garage.
If your alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house or car, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds of hearing the alarm, your neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want people to see them.
Also remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there too. It could save a life or stop a sexual abuse crime.
It could also be used for emergencies too, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. People can use the alarm system on their key chain to alert people if they have fallen outside, or inside too, which will alert people there is a problem.
I am sure glad that someone pointed out this great idea to me about putting our car keys to good use in case of an emergency, and I hope you pass them along to your family and friends. You never know when it may be something that could help save you from harm.
— — —
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, March 19th: Samuel Bartness, his 3rd; Laverne Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin
• Friday, March 20th: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson
• Saturday, March 21st: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr
• Sunday, March 22nd: National Goof Off Day! Gordy Carroll, Brenna Lynn Hagen, Shannon Johnson, Karin Lieberg, Bob Sommers, Leah Elaine Bergerson, Jerry Peterson, Nancy & Jerry Walterman, Dennis & Glenda Blouin
• Monday, March 23rd: Chris Newgard, Penny Obermoller, Alan Edwardson, Troy Johnson, Troy Wagner, Jason Dwight, Alexi Jo Kitzer, Alex Dobberstein, Delaney Sue Vander Syde, Alexander James Thompson, Peter Bergerson, Chris Rutheford, Phyllis Anderson, Rick & Liz Wangsness
• Tuesday, March 24th: Gail Ottesen, Seth Chad Staloch, Dave Meixner, Kurt Hanson, Laurie Phagan, Wes & Ruth Neidermeier, Angie & Cory Klemmensen, Tony & Sandra Tonsing, Lonna & Dean Broitzman
• Wednesday, March 25th: Melissa & Brandon Van Hal, their first, Brad Hagen, Michelle Ritz, Pam Anderson, Faith Jensen, Tom Marlin, Trevor Loverink, Bernice Farr Mattson
• Thursday, March 26th: Amber Luella Theobald, Nikita Zelpha Peterson, Mary Lou Faldat, Jackie Draayer, David Hanson, Ray Coxworth, Lonnie Misgen, Ginger Cornelius, Dillon Hanson, Daryl Jensen, Duane Morreim, Amy Dobberstein, Marge Wobschall, Mary Lou Spurr, Gerrit & Jean Molenaar, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Jennifer & Matthew Dinneen
• Friday, March 27th: Kim Weckwerth Farr, Jim Ottesen, Verona Winegar, Tom Lund, Tina Jensen Wangen, Jodi Loverink, Neil Born, Ralph Randall, Todd & Sheri Utpadel, Wes & Julie Schroenrock
• Saturday, March 28th: Jordan Brye Wagner, Katie Ann Lee, her 10th; Daryl Van Ravenhorst, Alan Olson, Paul Marlin, Josh Stevens, Daniel Suelter.
It is your special day...get carried away. Enjoy the day!
Back in my grandmother’s day people seldom used a measuring cup when they cooked or baked. I often wondered how Grandma was able to cook and bake without using them. She may have had a coffee cup that was equivalent to a measuring cup, but mostly it was hand and eye. We can still use her method today, especially when it comes to portion control regarding the amount of food we eat.
Most people are aware that a meat portion is about equal to the size of a deck of cards. The palm of your hand is equal to 3 or 4 ounces, which is considered a serving of meat, fish or poultry. It’s easy to remember.
The size of your fist equals 1 cup, and it is a good method of remembering that when you are eating cereal or soup. It is also a good method to remember when eating ice cream, pudding, cooked vegetables, potatoes, beans, rice or pasta.
Another method of measuring is using the thumbnail as your guide. Your thumbnail equals 1 teaspoon if you are using butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and oils. The thumbnail measurement is also a good measure for salad dressing, sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter and hard cheese.
Two cupped hands is a good guide when you are trying to compare 3 or 4 ounces as a measure for chips, popcorn, crackers and potatoes. It is up to you to decide if those extras are worth it. Less is always better than more. Yes, it does taste good, but do you really want more?
Don’t do it! Give your body time to catch up with your mind. It is always good to think about how much exercise or movement you will need to do to "pay" for your indulgences.
Speaking of food and its importance, Easter will soon be here and the pastor at Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea recently shared a special educational and thought provoking treat with the Sunday School students at the church.
The lesson he shared was important to my granddaughters, Mallory and Morgan, so they decided to share what they had learned with our family. The girls proudly showed us during a visit to my mother’s how to make some tasty treats that had a special story to tell and remember.
The girls brought along a package of marshmallows, a container of crescent rolls, a small amount of margarine which they melted in the microwave, a container that contained a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, as well as a cookie sheet and a roll of waxed paper.
The girls proceeded to explain the marshmallows represented the body of Jesus. The melted margarine and the cinnamon and sugar represented the oil and spices and the crescent rolls represented the white linen cloth that Jesus’s body needed to sealed with, and then wrapped in before he was placed in the tomb.
Mallory and Morgan proceeded to roll the individual marshmallows in the melted margarine, and then in the mixture of cinnamon and sugar before they placed the marshmallow in the center of the individual crescent rolls. They carefully rolled the crescent roll up around the marshmallow, making sure to seal it well before they placed the individual units on the cookie sheet that had been covered with a sheet of wax paper.
They placed the cookie sheet in the oven, which had been heated to 350 degrees, and they kept a careful eye on their creations, removing them after they were baked to a nice golden brown.
The girls then placed the rolls on snack plates and shared their treats with their family. They explained as we were opening them that with these special treats, which represented God's special gift, we would not be able to see the marshmallow, or Jesus, as it had risen just like Jesus had done.
May we remember that the friendships we have begun in this world can be taken up again in Heaven.
— — —
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, March 12th: Sadie Jaymelynn Arends, David Paulson, Jason Bowman, Terri Engel, Robert Hall, Harla Stanley Malz, Spiering Brody Sundbland, Gary & Barb Paulson, Jack & Virginia Jensen
• Friday, March 13th: Joanna Ver Hey, David Mangskau, Lynda Kruckeberg, Darla Waltz, Jessica Liverseed, Craig Lunning, Tony Tonsing
• Saturday, March 14th: National Potato Chip Day! Laura Katherine Worrell, Connor Duane Klemmsensen, his 7th; Sierra Christine Krause, her 5th; Brian Cerney, Brent Huber, Marcia Hutchins, Lee Loverink, Mary Finch, Kathy Molenaar, Trevor Titus
• Sunday, March 15th: Angie Haberman Lyman, Marvel Beiser, Andy Ditlevson, Robin Jepson, Judy Lunning, Tim Phagan, Steve Clausen, Tony Motl, Julie Peterson, Don & Cindy Gould
• Monday, March 16th: Ava Pospesel, Blair Pospesel, Al Batt, Cortnee Langlie, Judy Waage, Tyler Lewis Hagenbrock, Jackson Taylor William Churchill, Harold & Pat Wayne, Hugh & Karen O'Byrne
• Tuesday, March 17th: St. Patricks' Day, Ashley Marie Hagen, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Mike Cady, Dakota Ray Janning, Nicole Hanna, Patrick Wobschall, Harvey Zicafoose, Mandy Galbraith, Joel Hill, Jenifer Jensen Pietari, Kevin & Marsha Jensen
• Wednesday, March 18th: Axel Jameson Ladlie (2011), Ashley Marie Hagen, Lynn Sommer Eaton, Chad Cornelius, Randy Brandt, Michelle Bartness, Dan Enzenauer, Matthew Larson, Wanda Stanley, Kent Toft, Matt & Jennifer Van Hal, Dean & Sue Westrum
• Thursday, March 19th: Samuel Bartness, his 3rd; Larry Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin
• Friday, March 20th: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson
• Saturday, March 21st: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Doris Krause, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
Think high school state basketball tournaments — think snowy weather. At least it seems to hit our area so often we think it will happen during the state tournaments.
I remember when I was growing up some of the piled snow here in our area of Southern Minnesota started to look like mountains. Many still talk about the time the county highway department had to make a tunnel through the big snow drift on the west side of Geneva so the farmers could get their milk to the creamery. That particular area of town was noted for the height, and the hard packed snow drifts that accumulated there.
I learned that there had been pictures taken of a family member standing on top of the telephone poles back in the early years. I guess one could say that many "snow stories" from events back then grew like the snow banks.
Many times we associate major events like snowstorms by what else occurred at the time. Many times we remember them by the age of our children or family relatives. When my cousin, "Pixie," was born in March of 1951, her mother had to walk a quarter mile in the snow so she could get transportation, which helped get her to the hospital. And when it was time for Phyllis and her new baby girl to come home again they had to stay with my grandmother’s sister Ellen in Albert Lea for a few days before they could go home.
When our middle daughter, Kimberly, was born in April of 1973, it required a call for a snowplow so Daryl could get back home to Geneva so he could pick me up and take me to the hospital. Daryl had spent the night before Kimberly was born at the home of my dad’s brother in Albert Lea because he couldn't get home because of a "spring" snowstorm. We didn't think we would have to worry about a snowstorm in April, but we did.
My nephew, Cameron, was born during the Super Bowl Storm in 1975 and that year we had many large snowdrifts that lined the roads like tunnels.
Not all snowstorms have been remembered by the birth of new babies. My aunt and uncle, Phyllis and Eugene Hagen, experienced a snowstorm in New York while Eugene was in the Army serving his country. They laughed about how little the native New Yorkers knew about driving once a small amount of snow had fallen. The people in New York would get out of their cars and leave them in the middle of road. What was a major snowstorm to the people of that area was just another snowfall to a seasoned Minnesotan.
Then there was the year the Blooming Prairie boys’ basketball team advanced on to the state basketball tournament in 1966. The snowstorm didn't keep the local sports fans from attending the state tournament so they could cheer on those Blossoms.
Surprisingly, some of our biggest snowstorms arrived sort of out of season. Our family remembers the Halloween storm of 1991. My Grandmother Hanson was living with my parents at the time and sport that she was, she made it a fun occasion and said it was just like camping out. Daryl’s parents, Jack and Vernetta Paulsen, who lived a couple miles east of Geneva at the time, didn't enjoy their "Halloween treat" as they didn't have electricity on their farm for two weeks following.
This year’s winter weather has affected many corners of our United States that normally don't get snow. It is pretty spectacular to think about the miles and miles of highways that we once drove on while we were on our way through Texas to visit my sister Kaye in Arizona that have been closed this year because of the snowy weather conditions.
When I look at the pictures of the Boston area and see all the snow they have been getting this year I can only feel sorry for them. But then I have to remember how they would make fun of our Midwest area and our crazy weather conditions. The worst is yet to come for them when we think about what will happen when over 90 inches of snow starts to melt!
— — —
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, March 5th: Dayna Schember, Nicole Ella Schultz, Tim Toft, Vickie Haberman, Steve Van Ravenhorst, Declan Dean O'Brien, his 4th
• Friday, March 6th: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann & Travis Marzolf
• Saturday, March 7th: Jace John Goslee, his 9th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 11th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins and Peggy Evenson
• Sunday, March 8th: Derek Alan Lee, Janice Olson Paulson, Greg Nelson, Carla Paulsen Haugen, Melissa Trindad, Kathy & Mike Plunkett, Stephanie & Tom Pulley
• Monday, March 9th: Reese Sharon Glynn, her 8th; Taylor Jensen, Chris Clausen, Peter Dammel, Curtis Langlie, Mark Sawyer, Joel Wacholz, Jacklyn Cromwell Olson, Chris Farr, Joleen Thompson
• Tuesday, March 10th: Julie Stieglbauer Dahl, Sue Misgen, Aaron Callahan, Travis Johnson, Michelle Olson Bedney, Tom Vavra, Heidi Mattson LaFave, Chuck Hanson, Gayle Dummer, Douglas Schmidt, Linda Anderson, DeLynn Johnson Rohrbacher, Hannah Emily Brunsen
• Wednesday, March 11th: Arielle Lynn McClaskey (2011), Elsie Jacobson, her 2nd; Marian Mast, Carolyn Flesche, Leroy Folie, Kari Thostenson, Jon Carlson, Michelle Meyer, Larry Richards, Tim Simon, Joan Ahlstrom Didderich, Tanya Swearingen, Tom Arbogast, David Callahan, Dean Lembke, Spenser Sebastian Sommers, his 11th; Doug Blouin, Wendell Kuehni, Paul & Shirley Nelson
• Thursday, March 12th: Chelsea Hanson, Sadie Jaymelynn Arends, David Paulson, Jason Bowman, Terri Engel, Robert Hall, Harlan Stanley Malz, Spiering Brody Sundbland, Gary & Barb Paulson, Jack & Gloria Jensen
• Friday, March 13th: Joanna VerHey, David Mangskau, Lynda Kruckeberg, Darla Waltz, Jessica Liverseed, Tony Tonsing
• Saturday, March 14th: National Potato Chip Day! Laura Katherine Worrell, Connor Duane Klemmsensen, his 7th; Sierra Christine Krause, her 5th; Brian Cerney, Brent Huber, Marcia Hutchins, Lee Loverink, Mary Finch, Kathy Molenaar, Trevor Titus
Wishing you sunny smiles to warm your heart on your special day!
Sometimes I get something in my head and it just doesn't go away. For one thing, I keep thinking "Why did Eve bite into that apple?” There were so many other beautiful and wonderful things for her to enjoy. Then God told her not to bite into the apple and she invited her mate not to bite into the apple as well.
I think of that when there are things I know aren't that bad but nevertheless something God just might not approve of. Forbidden fruit? How are we tempted by things that would change that rotten apple world into a Garden of Eden? I hope you think about these things when you are tempted to eat "forbidden fruit."
I am not Catholic, and it doesn't matter with all God’s children, but it hurt me just the same when I heard of the closing of two of the catholic churches that have been long standing in our area and so necessary for our way of life.
What are we telling our children? hat our religion isn't that important anymore? What about the elderly and the children, when it is even harder for them to get to church and church activities.
My dad’s family was catholic. They were part of St. Aidens and buried in the cemetery that Anna Mae Lee so thoughtfully mapped out to the best of her ability. It was a thought-provoking day when the church at Bath was put to rest and St. Aidens came to Ellendale for convenience and better access. And now what? As our churches close their doors, what’s next for our religion and the many services they provide for others? The comfort for those "going home," the warmth of quilts made and shared, and the sharing of food and fellowship.
While on the subject of religion, I have a friend. He used to be an announcer for KATE radio. For his mother-in-law’s funeral he spoke/read, "In The Garden." I have always loved it, but never like that day when he spoke it. Hugh Hall — it was so beautiful and I will never forget it.
The first time I heard "On Eagles’ Wings" was in a little "woodsy" church in Wisconsin. It was at my uncle George's funeral. The priest was a baritone. He couldn't hit the high notes. A lady at the funeral had a beautiful high-pitched voice and she didn't sing the low notes. They sang their parts and the song was beautiful beyond compare.
I've heard it played many times, and it always beautiful, but when the young granddaughter of the Phillips family played it on her violin for her grandfathers' funerals, it was unforgettable. She also played it for her grandmothers. Norrine Jensen has also given us such an outstanding rush of beautiful music. How wonderful and even more so when compared to the shriek and scream of some of the junk that is played or sung as music today.
Remember when our churches would hold two worship services on Sunday morning — when there was standing room only — or folding chairs were placed in the aisles? When Sunday school was the favorite school" day of the week? We even had Wednesday school!
There are those who would like to take us away from God’s love. Please don't let that happen. Stand up and stop the removal of religious inscriptions that have been a part of our lives since our country began.
What is there should stay there.
God bless America. In God we trust!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, February 26th: Sharon Menefee, Shawn Jensen, Becky Lassahn, Ray Coxworth, Ginger Cornelius, Mary Lou Spurr, Chris Sauke, Mike Glynn, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Joel & Peg Radjenovich
• Friday, February 27th: Steve Pence, Jean Anderson, Garry Nordhorn, Doris Rasmussen, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Erik Cooper, John Olson, Jayden Dakota Tonkins, Nancy Ingvaldson, Daryl Van Ravenhorst
• Saturday, February 28th: Troy Utpadel, Neil Pence, Jackie Miller, Steve Engel, Dan Nesdahl, Bennett Dobberstein, Atom Oquist, Sharese Lehmberg, John Marlin, Gerry Flim, Michelle Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tyler Titus, Tiffany Mischke, Michael Coy, Jim & Diane Butler
• Sunday, March 1st: Dan Nelson, Arlen Brekke, Chet Alan Hansen, Jordon Cook, Rick Loberg, Sara Ihrke, Duane Reichl, Nicole Farr, Emily Ayers, Paula & Richard Conroy
• Monday, March 2nd: Willard Christenson, Wilfred Christenson, Laurie Jensen, Angie Hagen Rasmussen, Joanne Kaiser, Roger Langlie, Casey Lyman, Abner Smith, Alexis Elizabeth Klocek, Ronnie & Marcia Hutchins, Paul & Kathy Underland
• Tuesday, March 3rd: Jeff Lageson, John Crabtree, Valerie Tobiason Quiring, Maurine Larson, Frank Thompson, Bill Draayer, Terri Jensen, Darlene Christensen, Charlie Hanson, Jessica Tufte, Terri Miles, David Underland, Darren & Christine Hanson, Angie & Jeff Rasmussen, Nicole & Nathan Milender
• Wednesday, March 4th: Dawn David, Teresa Hove, Larry Spear, Julia Elizabeth Neitzel
• Thursday, March 5th: Dayna Schember, Nicole Ella Schultz, Tim Toft, Vickie Haberman, Steve Van Ravenhorst, Declan Dean O'Brien, his 3rd
• Friday, March 6th: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann & Travis Marzolf
• Saturday, March 7th: Jace John Goslee, his 9th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 11th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins, Peggy Evenson
Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!
What started as a joke on the computer was true and funny, but it was really not for laughing — and really got me thinking of many different things.
There is a saying about how we should look forward instead of looking in a rear view mirror, which is true, but not necessarily completely true.
In my grandmother’s day people were able to plant their gardens in soil not tainted with chemicals. They ate fresh vegetables from their gardens in the summer and ate less meat (because of refrigeration). The surplus from their gardens was canned in glass jars, not stored in plastic or even tin cans that could contaminate their food.
They got their exercise from hard work and they "walked" to many of their destinations. They split wood, which they used to heat their homes, which may have been cool by today's standards but the coolness kept their noses from drying out and their bodies adapted to the cooler temperatures.
They didn't worry about GMOs, chemicals, high fructose corn syrup and honey. The vinegar they used was not distilled.
We take off our shoes when we come inside our homes so we won't track in obvious dirt and undesirable things picked up on our shoes, so why would we want to wash our floors with toxic cleaners that might be dangerous? More and more homes now have wood, tile, stone and marble flooring and children crawl and play with their toys on those floors. There are products on the store shelves that will actually give animals seizures if you use them on your floors.
It has also become ever so important to keep our hands as clean as possible, as well as away from our facial area. Germs enter our bodies through open areas such as our eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is very important to remember to clean the shopping cart you are going to use when you enter the stores. Wiping the handle with a disinfecting towelette will help you get rid of as many germs as possible. It is also important to use the wipes on your hands when you leave the store after you collect your groceries and supplies as many people have handled all those products you put them in your cart. Stair rails are necessary, but they too contain a large number of germs.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It absorbs anything you put on it, so why would we want to use those things that have been found to be toxic to clean our homes? You may actually be using some things that are even more hazardous than whatever you needed to clean.
We are now experiencing more allergies and asthma that we ever used to. A lot is related to opening all those bottles of cleaning products instead of using our grandma's old standbys like baking soda, white vinegar and lemon juice that many households already have in the home and are safer and cheaper.
One example of a cleaning fluid you could use to clean your windows, shower doors or floors is mixing 2 cups of water, 1 cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of heated warm white vinegar. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and then spray it on the surface you want to clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so and then go over it with a scrubbing sponge, followed by a rinse in cold water.
Using common sense and living and eating for immunity will help keep you out of the doctor’s office. It makes more sense to keep your body healthy than having to subject it to medical care.
Along those same lines, years ago people used their common sense and didn't spend so much of their money on "wants" instead of needs and their homes were not full to overflowing and they were not living paycheck to paycheck.
Kids read more books and weren't influenced by all the television trash we have today. It was unthinkable to skip church. Sunday was a day set aside for families to spend the day together and Sunday dinner was something everyone looked forward to. Families played games together for fun. There was less competition for things that took people away from their families as people didn't find many businesses open on Sunday like we see today.
Yes, look forward but don't forget to look back. Rear view mirrors are there for a purpose and many tragedies can happens if we forget to use them. Progress is important but sometimes we have a tendency to overdo it.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, February 19th: Abraham Peterson, Allison Schmidt, Eleanor Schember, Makela Larkin, Deedee Hunt, Jason Jensen, Teri Ravenhorst, Marjorie Solberg
• Friday, February 20th: Derek Dobberstein, will celebrate his first birthday this year ( 2015); Hadley Routh, Derek Flesche, Amy Shaunce, David Swearingen, Joyce Lageson Hoddick, LuAnn Sommer Granholdt, David & LeAnn Hanson, Jim & Nancy Cornelius
• Saturday, February 21st: Jeannie Worrell, Andy Butler, Phillip Ingvaldson, Bryan Dirkson, Leanna Peterson, Chris & Kim Jensen, Darrell & Cynthia Farr, Max & Marlene Jensen
• Sunday, February 22nd: Shelia Nelson White, Carlie Thompson, Dalys Waltz, Joan & Marian Mast
• Monday, February 23rd: Sharon Gasner Ramaker, Bernie Warnke, Josh Krueger, Markus Allen Misgen, Daniel Suelter, Dale Waltz, Tiffany Mischke, Daniel Walterman, Laura & Jamie Baudoin
• Tuesday, February 24th: Jerry Hemingway, Rick Draper, Nathan Wayne, Roxy Menefee Ray, Sarah Zamora, Nancy Larson, Kathy & Daryl Reed
• Wednesday, February 25th: Berniece Farr Mattson, Colton Hagen, Brad Hagen, LuAnn Miller, Sherri Larson Fritz, Steve & Vicky Dobberstein
• Thursday, February 26th: Sharon Menefee, Shawn Jensen, Becky Lassahn, Ray Coxworth, Ginger Cornelius, Mary Lou Spurr, Chris Sauke, Mike Glynn, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Joel & Peg Radjenovich
• Friday, February 27th: Steve Pence, Jean Anderson, Garry Nordhorn, Doris Rasmussen, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Erik Cooper, John Olson, Jayden Dakota Tonkin, Nancy Ingvaldson, Daryl Van Ravenhorst
• Saturday, February 28th: Troy Utpadel, Neil Pence, Jackie Miller, Steve Engel, Dan Nesdahl, Bennett Dobberstein, Atom Oquist, Sharese Lehmberg, John Marlin, Gerry Flim, Michelle Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tyler Titus, Tiffany Mischke, Michael Coy, Jim & Diane Butler
Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!
The greatest gift we can give for Valentine’s Day
Written by Jim LutgensOne doesn't have to be very old to cherish the goodness that can come out of our hearts on Valentine’s Day. It is a popular holiday and it is good that for at least that one day folks will go out of their way to say, "I Love You." Too bad it is just for that one day.
Roses skyrocket in price, candy is bought and eaten and cards are shared to tell those you are close to how much one cares. It is a good thing, even if it is short lived. Everybody needs to know that someone cares. Hopefully everybody finds that is true on February 14th. Unfortunately, some don't, not because they aren't loved, but because those who do love them assume they know that, so they don't bother or take the time to tell them so.
Why is it so hard for some people to say, "I love you,” or “I care about you" or, "You are an important part of my life?" Why is it so hard to share happy thoughts and memories that we will always treasure with those we care about? Expressing love and appreciation is one of the first and simplest things we can teach our children and being a good role model helps.
Remember when you were in school and how you looked forward to Valentine’s Day? Remember the cards you made for others? Probably not Hallmark quality, but the quality of their meaning was there in what you had made. You also worked hard to create a special Valentines box, and then after the day was over, you looked back at all the cards you received from your schoolmates.
Everybody knows how to draw a heart. It is a symbol of our heart that beats every second, every minute, every hour, every day and gives us life.
Wearing red in February seems as natural as combing your hair or brushing your teeth and it is a profound theme for keeping one’s heart healthy.
If I were to have a wish come true, it would be that this year and every year thereafter, that people would know the finest Valentine gift they could give their loved ones is to keep their heart beating out a steady thump, which feeds the body and their brain. A healthy heart is by far the greatest gift you can give anyone. It doesn't cost a lot of money. This year I am going to try to be especially mindful of my heart because I care about others and I want to live to prove it.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the things that are near and dear to our heart. Everywhere you go and the things you see and read about will tell you how you can be a friend to your heart. There are no excuses!
So while you are remembering your loved ones with notes and gifts of love on Valentine’s Day, take time to tell your heart and give a special gift too.
Some things that we like aren't always the best for our hearts. Moderation helps, exercise helps, good food in moderation helps, and good water helps. Controlling our anger is another way to help our hearts! Many an American knows what will happen when our heart and the bubble in our brain literally does explodes.
Our hearts are amazing. It is hard to mentally realize their potential. They do so much and it may be hard to realize how special you definitely are, not only to me but also to others.
I could say how much you mean to me, but really the most important feelings I want my heart to know is that I respect you. Thank you.
I appreciate all the work you do for me and I will try to treat you as best I can.
That's what it is all about. Life is just a heartbeat away. Without a healthy, beating heart, I wouldn't be and neither would you!
A Precious Human Life
Every day, think as you wake up
Today I am fortunate to have woken up.
I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it.
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others,
to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts toward others
I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.
— His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, February, 12th: Gail Skroch, Joe Moon, Michael Hanson, April Van Riper, Rick Borchert, Eugene Kruckeberg, Travis Wayne, Jessie Olson, Greg Oswald, Taff & Jean Worrell, David & Carolyn Hanson
• Friday, February 13th: Cobi Gowland, Becca Spurr, Greg Spurr, Jim Brocker, Eric Olson, Linda Ingvaldson, Bonnie Jensen, Brian Rechtzigel, Anita Kes, Terry & Pam Roberts
• Saturday, February 14th: Happy Valentines Day! Angie Entwisle, Elsie Vander Stoep, Michelle Peterson, Matthew Reiter, Angela Westrum Lair, Lee & Jean Johnson, Bob & Mary Macko, Gene & Linda Pederson
• Sunday, February 15th: Kloe Renee Wacek, Nancy Cornelius, Patty Kunkel, Eric Olson, Adam Warnke, Ron Jensen, Michelle Hanson, Angie O'Byrne, Elina Butler and John Pfaff
• Monday, February 16th: Delores Hemingway, Marian Horan, Jesse Lund, Wayne Jensen, David Peterson, Sara Miller, Sarah Nelson, Ian Oolman, Tanya Callahan, LeAnn Hanson, Donald & Dory Hunt
• Tuesday, February 17th: Toni Wayne Smith, Nancy Johnson Erickson, Thomas Farr, Keith Wayne, Dave Von Gorkom, Dawn Pence Gross, Brian Dobberstein, Joan Richards, Joan Kaphers, Michelle Cortinas, Carolyn LaFave, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Alvin & Cheryl Cooper
• Wednesday, February 18th: Kris Munson McDonald, Janice Waage, Zola Wayne, Jamie Kunkel Riley, Brad & Rachel Lerum
• Thursday, February 19th: Abraham Peterson, Allison Schmidt, Eleanor Schember, Maklela Larkin, Deedee Hunt, Jason Jensen, Teri Ravenhorst, Marjorie Solberg
• Friday, February 20th: Derek Dobberstein, will celebrate his first birthday this year ( 2015); Hadley Routh, Derek Flesche, Amy Shaunce, David Swearingen, Joyce Lageson Hoddick, LuAnn Sommer Granholdt, David & LeAnn Hanson, Jim & Nancy Cornelius
• Saturday, February 21st: Jeannie Worrell, Andy Butler, Phillip Ingvaldson, Bryan Dirkson, Leanna Peterson, Chris & Kim Jensen, Darrell & Cynthia Farr, Max & Marlene Jensen
May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!
Having first watched a group of overweight athletes on "The Biggest Loser" program on television recently and noting the difference in candidates of 300 or 400 pounds and again after their weight loss, it was truly amazing. Seeing those results would have a tendency to make you think twice. Very often overeating or thoughts of eating can be such a threat to one’s health.
Many of the contestants had a feeling of inadequacy, loss, which started young by parents who served many of the wrong foods or too much food.
When one thinks of getting healthy and eating foods that are good for you, it is important to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats in our diets. We should try to aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables in our diet every day. The more colorful the fruits and vegetables are, the more nutritious they are. One of the best nutritional vegetables you can eat are sweet potatoes. Those sweet potatoes are full of careotenoids, which are a good source of potassium and fiber. Other great sources are spinach, kale, carrots, peppers and oranges. Eating butternut squash is an easy way to get lots of vitamin A and C, as well as the fiber that we need. Leafy greens like kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens and Swiss chard are powerhouses for vitamin A, C and K, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein, and fiber.
Broccoli is another great vegetable as it has lots of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K and folic acid. And we can't forget the beans. They are rich in protein, fiber, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Garbanzo beans stand out as they are very versatile, It is important to look for no-salt-added varieties in BPA-free cans. You can add them to your favorite tossed salad, or stir them into your vegetable stews, curries or soups.
Mangos and watermelon are also great items to enjoy in our daily diet. The mangos help provide our daily needs of vitamin C and vitamin A, potassium and fiber. It is interesting to note that mangos are one of the fruits least likely to have pesticide residue. And watermelon is also a heavyweight in the nutrient department. A standard serving, which is about 2 cups, has one-third of our daily vitamin A & C needs. It also provides a healthy dose of lycopene and a nice shot of potassium.
We also need to start choosing lean meats, such as turkey or chicken, as well as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. We should aim to include two servings of salmon or tuna a week in our diets, which helps provide us with a healthy heart. It is also important to start using olive or canola oil instead of butter and lard when we cook.
It is also interesting to note that Greek yogurt has twice the protein of ordinary yogurt. And the omega3 fats we find in fatty fish like salmon helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Wild caught salmon are more sustainable for us than farmed salmon.
It is also important to include whole grain pasta, bread and rice in our diets too, which provides us the fiber we need. Whole-grain rye crackers, like RyKrisp, Kavli, Wasa, Finn Crisp and Ryvita are some of the best. Try them topped with tuna, chicken, or shrimp salad, hummus, or tomato with chopped basil.
It is also a good idea to start taking a multivitamin, which is close to 100% in daily value. It will help make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients that we need.
Magazines draw your attention with "diet" or "lose a lot" interest items on their front covers. But surprise — right next to that article inside the magazine you may find the most glorious sugar or calorie loaded recipes that will make the salvia in your mouth fairly drip with anticipation.
It was interesting to note that many bad eating habits start in our brains instead of the stomach. People often eat when they are lonely, bored, "hurt", are sad or put down by others. Finding a hobby, sport or activity helps, especially those that keep your hands busy so they can't hold a fork or a glass or can of liquor or soda. Habits often start by seeing. If it isn't out in plain sight or plastered in advertising, one is more apt to find something more healthful. Buy a good scale, a beautiful mirror and dig out a picture of yourself when you were young and youthful. It may help your will power.
When my mother’s first great grandchild was born, she made a vow that she would never buy them candy or soda pop. That is a hard promise to keep and you would be surprised how it changes the way you shop and spend money for one thing. Keeping children from a sugar addiction is another. My mother can't say her great grandchildren don't get any candy or soda pop — but not from her.
Would you give your children alcohol or drugs? No, of course not. It has been said that if sugar were first marketed today, it would be considered a drug. Allowing one a little freedom allows a small indulgence. It is really important to remember to read those labels. Sugars are sneaked into ever so many processed foods.
While my mother worked for Head Start, they were never supposed to call "sweets" treats and dessert was a forgotten word. All food was put on the table to eat as desired — that is, "dessert" could be eaten first. But dessert was something wholesome, not a sweet. Rewards should not be food. A fat child or person should not be ridiculed.
Do we teach our children and grandchildren to overeat? Consider the size of a child's stomach. Children should decide when they are full. If they later say that they are hungry, offer them apples, oranges, grapes — not a sweet “treat.” Small amounts of food on a plate is easier to consume. Food not eaten is not wasted as grandpas used to say. It is alright to eat less. Just a taste is permitted.
Food should not be a "treat" or a game. Consider the calories kids pick up from the street at a parade. Holiday candy is a habit. Halloween treats are always candy, but they can be something else. Pencils, crayons, small toys, small coins, also make good treats.
A diagram of how much sugar is in a can of pop, a piece of candy, or decadent brownie or bar can also carry a message. Think. I would have to walk X amount of miles, work out or run or play, for hours to be able work off all those calories. Putting it in perspective does get to the brain.
It is also very important to look at alcohol consumption. The recommendation of alcohol consumption for men is two drinks a day, while the recommendation for women is one. One drink is equal to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor. It has become a social thing, but people need to remember that wine does contain alcohol
People are able to reduce their risk of heart disease and gain a better quality of life, and more energy if they quit smoking. If you have tried to quit before, try again. Maybe seek out the help of a health care provider who may offer you different options.
We also need to start exercising. Aim for 20 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, 3-5 days a week. It helps promote a healthy weight, builds muscle and bones, lowers the risk of disease, as well as improves balance, posture and mood.
It is also important to give your brain a workout too. Start working on crossword or Sudoku puzzles. Join community or church groups to socialize. It is also a good idea to talk with a health care provider if you have been experiencing sadness, worry or find that you would rather be alone than with other people. Many times people suffer from anxiety or depression.
And last but not least it is also important to remember to try and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, which also helps our body functions. Avoid taking naps during the day which will help provide you with a better night sleep.
Changing our habits gives us the opportunity to continue to live here. Neglecting to take care of our health isn't just important to you. It is important to your family. Less is more — more fun, more compliments, more energy, more activities and more years on the end of your life.
— — —
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock
• Friday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson
• Saturday, February 7th: Cheryl Cornelius, Ted Pelzl, Kelly Simon, Emma Lorraine Klemmensen, Karissa Dolan, Dorothy Katz, Joel Radjenovich, Steve & Holly Glynn
• Sunday, February 8th: Lainee Ann Krohn, Erin Thompson, Terry Wacek
• Monday, February 9th: Emily Eder, John Warnke, Donnavon Eaker, Laura (Edwards) Baudoin, Brad Lerum, Howard Goette, Kelly Lageson, Heidi Nelson, Karen Knudson, Tami Sorenson Hansen, Jay Wangsness
• Tuesday, February 10th: Brooklyn Jo Baudoin, Brett Mitchell Kubiatowicz, Greg Hagen, Abbey Jensen, Tom Wayne, Dean Reiter, Michael Glienke, Wayne Osmundson, Rachel Strand, Judy Thostenson, Peggy Talamantes, Greg Nelson, Madison Johnson, Dick & Mary Ann Ewing
• Wednesday, February 11th: Megan Pence, Jet Wayne, Neil Douglas Schmidt, Donna Wilker, David Dunn, Julie Christensen, Rhonda Thompson Christensen, Steve Gallentine, Earl Cleven, Teresa Knudson Pratt, Nadine Berg
May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!
Maybe it’s time to go back to the basics with food
Written by Jim LutgensTogether we can find answers, predict, prevent and help cure or prevent disease.
We have put our money and merchandise on the line for research for cancer. As individuals we should do our best to keep cancer from invading our health and our lives. There are things we can do and there are things we can't do, but intelligence tells us we need to look at the things that could enhance our health. The media, reading material, common sense — and yes, our doctors — can give us tips that may or may not help. Let’s get smart, tough and look at the things that could make a difference.
Look to healthy living. We all know there are things we should or should not do. Bacteria feeds on sugar. Smoking and second-hand smoke does matter. Chemicals from food are chancy; we even need to look at the side effects we may get from the pills we take.
Veggies and other foods can help the immune system keep problems from forming. Many of the same things that are dangerous for our heart or diabetes, etc. are also dangerous in regards to cancer.
If refined foods contain things that may be dangerous, maybe it is time for us to go back to the basics so we know what we are eating.
Voice your opinions about the things you don't like that are in our foods, things like fructose and chemicals. Buy organic. Stop looking at some foods as being "treats" and consider them culprits instead and keep them out of your house so you won't be tempted to eat them.
Change your eating habits. Let manufactures know what you think about the products that they are making. Read labels and leave foods that have questionable ingredients listed in the first three ingredients on the package that may be dangerous on the shelf. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. Start using home remedies like vinegar and soda, etc., instead of sprays, and stop using cleaning situation that may be dangerous and hazardous to our health.
It is also important to be aware of the things that we keep our food in. Check plastic and other items that you might store food in for hidden contaminants. Glass is breakable, but it is safer to store food in than plastic. Some metal cans may not always be as safe for most fresh or frozen foods.
The only sugar substitute I know of that is safe is Stevia, but it is super sweet. Most recipes that people make using this product will not need to be changed all that much if you use a little less sugar. Butter is better than substitutes; just use it sensibly.
Two tablespoons of peanut butter is equal to a meat serving, but look for the "real thing" that is just peanuts without all the added items. Lynda Jensen used to say, "I don't want lard in my peanut butter." Real peanut butter may be a little more expensive, but it is far better for you. Try almond butter for a change. It has added benefits.
Let's make 2015 the year we raise our intelligence to look into the causes and cures for healthy eating. Think green, think vegetables. Drink water - lots of it. Learn to eat smaller pieces of meat and other foods. They will taste different.
Use your food chopper to cut up vegetables - like cucumbers, carrots, radishes and celery that you can add to your salad as well as learn to use less dressing. The old adage of dipping your fork in the dressing is still a good way to get a taste without overdoing.
Can't give up these goodies? You can if your life depended on it. Isn't it worth it?
At least go moderate - cut back a little at a time. Smaller plates, smaller helpings, less food - less meat - fewer snacks - and make them healthy snacks.
If you've ever sat in front of a big box store and watched the people who come out with their pendulum stomachs, wide behinds and fat thighs or looked at the content of what's in some of the grocery carts, it may give you reason to think. Where do I want to be in 2015 in the scan of life?
Are you a list maker? Then start there! Also picture the amount of sugar in that can of soda pop. back and add a little bit of club soda in your glass until you break the sugar habit.
Think about how many hours of work or exercise you will need to do in exchange for whatever you eat. No, I am not your doctor - I am just your friend. These are things that I struggle with too.
Try things you didn't think you would like. You might be wrong.
There used to be a gentlemen on television who would go around checking to see what people had in their shopping carts. He was rude to be sure, but not so dumb as it made people aware of what they were buying.
If you view it through the idea that there is a purpose beyond you and what you want, it makes sense.
Life is not just about you! You have family and friends - your health concerns them as well.
It a big commitment to get healthy and it will demand a great deal of patience but it will be worth it in the long run.
— — —
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
— — —
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, January 29th: Molly Jo Wayne, her 7th Jalen Aaseth, Rick Seath, Andrea (Hanson) Carter, George Dettman, his 85th, Kim (Harpel) Johnson, Zenobia Haberman, Stephanie Jensen
• Friday, January 30th: Allison Grunwald, Renae Wallace, Trudy Nelson, Cody Boverhuis, Dennis Jensen, Jeanette Fetterly, Michael Robinson, Scott Morreim, Wally Wobschall, Missy (Wayne) & Sean Engel, their 6th, Paul & Diane Stollard
• Saturday, January 31st: Ethan River Thompson, his 10th; Avery Routh, her 10th; Dana Jensen, Jim Worrell, Keith Hagen, Sue Richards, David Skroch, Jim & Lois Plunkett
• Sunday, February 1st: Grayson Joseph Bickler, his 7th; Richard Grunwald, Brad Hagen, Tom Olson, Shelly Wencl, Sam & Sharon Peterson, Darrin & Michelle Hanson
• Monday, February 2nd: Kia Jayann Buendorf, her 7th; Matt Davis, Addie Farr, Joey Farr, Michael Farr, Butch Otteson, John Fornberg, Robert Hanson, Jim Motz, Karri Bangert, Lillie Fenney
• Tuesday, February 3rd: Avery Jean Blouin, 2014; Bowen Gregory Jensen, his 9th; Lily Neitzel, Julie Hanson, David Johnson, Sherry Misgen, Tara (Stollard) Richards, Francene Pittman, Jeremy Hanson
• Wednesday, February 4th: Aaron Duane Bauers, Tyler Cerney, Tyler Sorenson (1994), Waylen Busho Jr., Billy Glynn, David Newgard, Roy Jensen, John Lent
• Thursday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock
• Friday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson
May your special day be a happy memory and tomorrow a bright new promise.
Did you enjoy your Christmas and New Year’s holidays? Sometimes I think there is so much confusion and extra activities at this time of the year, it wears you out before it gets here. If you didn't get your Christmas card or receive cookies or banana bread on time from me I do have an excuse. This year Christmas seemed to bring on gifts I didn't necessarily expect, or want, but that is life. I think 2014 will go down in our family history as the year it was and one I don't want to remember.
I won't go into a great deal of detail - that would take a book. But I will share things that seemed to start when my mother was scheduled for her three month botox treatment for her Dystonia. Already a week late her condition was giving her a great deal of discomfort swallowing and breathing. She was trying every prescribed and home remedy that she could think of in hopes that she would get some relief. We were hoping that the botox injections that had been scheduled would relieve some of her problems. About noon the day before she was suppose to see her doctor so that she could get her botox injections she tripped on a rug in her kitchen and fell, hitting her head on the corner of her kitchen range. I quickly called for medical assistance and our terrific first responders were there immediately.
And as you might have guessed the accident caused some additional problems for her. Before she was going to leave the hospital it was determined that she needed 2 units of blood and a second night in the hospital. Meanwhile, due to the fact that she was in the hospital she was not able to make the trip to Rochester for her overdue botox injections.
A few days later I lost my balance trying to get a rubber spatula out of my kitchen drawer and proceeded to rip open the palm of my right hand, as well as part of my lower arm, on the handle to the kitchen drawer. As a result, mother and daughter met each other in the emergency room one night when once again my mothers breathing problem got worse.
As you know I have been using crutches for 32 years and as a result of my injuries and supplicant stitches I was faced with the problem of trying to figure out how I was going to get around as I could not use my crutches as I normally do. I did find a way to get by and thought that I was doing pretty good.
But several days later I fell in my garage while I was trying to carry something up the stairs into the house before I was to drive my mother to Rochester for her rescheduled botox injections. I landed on my left hand. I got up, went into the house and as I was going out the door I grabbed an ice pack from the freezer, and then went down to my mothers to pick her up. We made it over to Rochester where they shuffled my mother off to her appointment and me to the emergency room. As a result of my injury, I ended up having to have a spica cast put on my left arm.
Thank God for my daughter, Krista, who lives in Rochester. She took charge of our situation in between her time at work taking care of walkers, wheel chairs, shuttle buses and more doctor visits than I like to think about. But God is good and we were very thankful that we were able to come home the night before the winter storm arrived.
My husband, Daryl, was scheduled for an eye appointment the next morning and I was scheduled for a dental appointment. We started out that morning for the trip to Burnsville but decided to turn around at Medford. At 10, the weather had calmed back down again and we were able to sneak to Owatonna for my dental appointment. We bucked the wind and snow, which had started up again, when we were ready to head back home. Daryl later tried to get to Albert Lea to check on the boiler system at the church where he works but he wasn't too far out of town when once again discovered that the winds had picked back up again and he decided to turn around and came back home again.
Meanwhile my mother was a nervous wreck worrying about her grandson, Cam, and his wife, Dayna, being on the roads somewhere trying to get to and from their jobs. Dayna’s mother had come to the lake to take care of their daughter, Ava. Thank goodness the blizzard did quit at 3 o'clock as forecast. I know it sounds like a "day in the life" but I praise our good Lord up above for watching over all of us.
If I forgot to wish you a Happy New Year - I guess you know why.
By the way, have you ever tried to type with one hand in a hard spica cast? It doesn't go well. I had to result to the "hunt and peck" method of typing with one hand but I did get my news sent to the paper.
— — —
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
— — —
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, January 22nd: Reese Hendrickson, Taylor Lunning, Christian Sletten, Tom Haried, Lyle Shaunce, Barbara Van Gorkom, Jeff Miller, Heather Sargent
• Friday, January 23rd: Eugene Worke, "Emeritus" Bob Hanson, Eugene Cornelius, Rodney Sorenson, Dean Broitzman, Garnet Folie, Jeff Miller, Chris Paulson
• Saturday, January 24th: Morgan Sophia Luhring, her 10th; Renee Polzin, Greg Menefee, Mary Cunningham, Trevor Tracy
• Sunday, January 25th: Calvin Thomas VanderStoep, his 6th; Sophia Mabel Olivia Mrotz, Max Thomas Powers Brekke, his 8th; Emma Meiners, her 7th; Paula Olson, Vernon Simonson, Lana Thompsen, Troy Phagan, Ladawn Hatch
• Monday, January 26th: Andilynn Leigh Knudson, her 6th; Russell Nelson, Bonnie Peterson, Pat Reese Ceplecha, Linda Oldenburg, Angela Borchert, Donna Borchert Knudson, Amanda Abel
• Tuesday, January 27th: Anna Mae Lee, Jon Berg, Linda Davis, Nancy Ingvaldson, Paul Larkin, Keegan Brighton, Myrtle Peterson, Ken & Waynette Peterson, Bruce & Rose Ann Kubicek
• Wednesday, January 28th: Brian Brekke, Kevin Stieglbauer, Kalei Wilson, Caleb Brocker, Ruth Paulson, Denise McGowan, Rachel Schei, Lona Berg
• Thursday, January 29th: Molly Jo Wayne, her 7th, Jalen Aaseth, Rick Seath, Andrea (Hanson) Carter, George Dettman, his 85th, Kim (Harpel) Johnson, Zenobia Haberman, Stephanie Jensen
• Friday, January 30th: Allison Grunwald, Renae Wallace, Trudy Nelson, Cody Boverhuis, Dennis Jensen, Jeanette Fetterly, Michael Robinson, Scott Morreim, Wally Wobschall, Missy (Wayne) & Sean Engel, their 6th, Paul & Diane Stollard
Let the good times carry you away on your special day!
More...
While preparing my "Whatever Comes To Mind" this week on Thursday, Jan. 8, lots of things "came to mind.” One of those was that it is akin to the famous Armistice Day storm. It always seems to give me the shivers - not just because the day is usually terribly cold - but because of the intense weather that seems to want to sneak in on us that day.
It was also a day to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday, who this year would have been 80, which doesn't seem possible. I wonder what he would look like if he were still with us.
We also celebrate the birthdays of other family and friends today, including my nephew, Cameron, who was born on that date back in 1975, as well as his father-in-law Dean. The day that Cameron was born started out as a nice day but later changed to rain and then snow. A lot of snow, in fact three days worth.. Thank God that we were able to get my sister Kaye out the door and on her way to the hospital before the worse part of the storm hit. She doesn't like hospitals and seemed to be in no hurry to go.
She gave birth to a big, healthy baby boy - almost as soon as she got to the hospital. We were thankful that there were no complications due to his size that could have caused problems if he had been born at home with non professional help. Many times I heard my mother say, "What would we have done?" The weather was absolutely impossible for anyone or anything to get to St. Olaf Lake, which is where they were living at the time.
The weather on Thursday last week, the 8th, seems so much like that blizzard. The snow was blowing and the visibility next to impossible. I wandered from window to window, looking out at the street of white, that didn't even give vision of your next door neighbors in town. My mother worried about where all "her flock" were in regards to being able to make their way home from work that day
I have been preached to over the years about taking precautions during the winter. My mother is fanatic to say the least. She keeps asking all of us if we have a snowmobile suit, hats, mittens, blankets, an ice cream pail of necessities, as well as a bright balloon and cording that we can blow up and set outside in the wind so people would be able to find us.
Cell phones now "earn their keep" so to speak as they can be used for emergencies. (But one needs to remember to keep the battery charged.)
Some employers are kind enough to understand if the Department of Transportation says, "Stay off the roads,” and forgives your absence so you don't have to worry about losing your job, crashing your vehicle, or losing your life.
I also remember my mother talking about how my Grandpa Richard and his neighbors would take turns taking the cream to the creamery, which was about 5 miles away. Five miles doesn't seem that far but remember back then they were using their horse and sleigh to make that trip. It was often a whole day trip because roads weren't plowed like they are now and many of those trips had to be made over the fields and areas where they could get through. Back then there were no school buses either - same old horse and sleigh, along with blankets and those unforgettable horse hair pelts, along with straw being used to try to keep the west wind out in hopes of staying warm during the trip.
Once again, remember there were no snowmobile suits back then. People wore wool snow pants and jackets, most made by moms - who also knit the scarves and mittens too.
The heat at those old schools isn't like it is today either. Most of those old one room school houses had a big old heater in them that used either wood or coal. There were not many basements back then either and as a result the floors were also cold.
Speaking of school – I've often wondered if school assignments should be given in advance for students so they could work on them at home if the weather causes problems.
Sound like a worry wart? Yes, my family will tell you I am. Do you know how fast you can freeze in those below zero temperatures? Even if it just your toes and fingers? It is enough to suffer with for the rest of your life. Extra stocking caps and mittens are a must in the backpacks, and warm clothing and scarves, of course, help to keep them warm.
We went to a swim meet in the Twin Cities area when our children were young, and thought we had all the good stuff needed to keep warm packed in the car. After we got home, the kids helped clean out our vehicle of all their swimming bags and such. Later that night Daryl and I went to visit some friends only a few miles away. We visited, played some cards and when we got ready to come home we realized that the weather had changed and the roads were not the best. Things were going along pretty good until we got to the off ramp at Geneva and there we sat. No cell phones back then and I had already undergone the surgery of removing part of my leg, which could have froze vey easily. Unbeknown to us, our children thought they were being kind and had cleaned out more than just their swim bags. Thank goodness Daryl’s snowsuit was still in our vehicle and when it daylight finally arrived he was able to walk to the neighbors and got us the help that we needed.
There are lots of things to enjoy during the winter but I can do without a blizzard and below zero weather conditions. I pray for those you don't have adequate shelter, clothing and food. So much for global warming.
If you live in Minnesota you should always be on the alert. There is nothing as unpredictable than the weather. Better to be safe than sorry!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
Thursday, Jan. 15: Steve Bailey, Paul Christensen, Emily Crabtree, Angela Borchert, Brian Farr
Friday, Jan. 16: Carter Howard Hanson, Kiley Beenken, Craig Bailey, Remi Wayne, Joshua Crabtree, Joni Groth, Jeff Kaplan, Tracy Tracy, Melissa Wagner, Emily Bedker, Tena Bryce, Jeremy Anderson
Saturday, Jan. 17: Ava Elizabeth Schember, her 7th; Blake Michael Born/Norday, Don Anderson, Jan Bartsch, Annette Busho, LuAnn Johnson Prescher, David Strenge, Mike Peterson, Brayden Broitzman, Kayley Camerer
Sunday, Jan. 18: Madilyn Hamilton, Deb Bohnoff, Todd Holland, Julie Bunn Hunt, Annie Miller, Tabatha Miller, Mark Misgen, Vicki Babb, Ruth Neidermeier, Garret Schley and Ellie Schley
Monday, Jan. 19: Brian Wayne, Laura (Otterson) Ortiz, Dennis Grunwald, Steve Jon Christensen, Barb Wayne Heyer, Kent Johnson, Thomas Kasper, Francis Misgen, Peter Spande, Dick Ewing, Dick and Laurie Swift
Tuesday, Jan. 20: Brentson Lange, Jim Krause, Marc Nelson, Jenna Nicole Cooper, Pastor Alvin Cooper, Anthony Thostenson, Alicia Lizaazo,
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Cooper Routh, his 4th, Joshua Dobberstien and Gerald Wobshcall
Thursday, Jan. 22: Reese Hendrickson, Taylor Lunning, Christian Sletten, Tom Haried, Lyle Shaunce, Barbara Van Gorkom, Jeff Miller, Heather Sargent
Friday, Jan. 23: Eugene Worke, "Emeritus" Bob Hanson, Eugene Cornelius, Rodney Sorenson, Dean Broitzman, Garnet Folie, Jeff Miller, Chris Paulson
Saturday, Jan. 24: Morgan Sophia Luhring, her 9th; Renee Polzin, Greg Menefee, Mary Cunningham, Trevor Tracy
Sunday, Jan. 25: Calvin Thomas VanderStoep, his 5th; Sophia Mabel Olivia Mrotz, Max Thomas Powers Brekke, his 7th; Emma Meiners, her 6th; Paula Olson, Vernon Simonson, Lana Thompsen, Troy Phagan, Ladawn Hatch
May your special day be a happy memory and tomorrow a bright new promise.
Houseplants, vinegar, and weeds keep us healthy
Written by AdministratorIn 2015 - THINK GREEN! Eat green vegetables, grow greens - sprouts, herbs, whatever! Houseplants also help keep us healthier as a food, as well as provide us with moisture and oxygen.
It is a strange world we live in. Or is it, what goes around comes around? Magazines and health books are filled with recipes for "greens" - from smoothies to whatever else you can think of.
Spinach has always been good for us but often shunned as a "green of choice.” I bought some dried spinach at the health food store. It was almost $20 a pound. Thank goodness I didn't need a whole pound. The clerk told me to put a little of it in my homemade soup for flavor. I guess I will have to give that a try, too!
The reason I was buying dried spinach is that I was trying to find the ingredients I needed for a broth recipe my sister had told me about. Spinach extract is "a wow selling dietary supplement" in Scandinavia. A compound in the leaves called thylakoids is akin to having a medical bypass but without the surgery, because it coats the fat cells as they travel into the intestines. Once they reach the intestines they are broken down and absorbed in the lower intestines, which is where most fat is digested, for those who have undergone gastric bypass . Thylakoids suppresses the urge for carbs and the stubborn belly fat melts first!
During the Depression years - believe it or not - because gardens didn't always grow like weeds, the housewife often canned weeds. Lamb’s quarter was more mellow than dandelion greens.
One could learn a lot from the Depression. In fact, during the Depression years people probably ate healthier than we do today. What goes around comes around.
While I am on the subject of food – I have known for many years that vinegar is good for many things. It is good to be used as a preservative, as well as a deodorant in a room where the smell from a smoky fish fry pan can get a little bit strong.
Vinegar is used to keep apples from turning brown. It can also be used to tenderize meat. A tablespoon of vinegar, instead of cream of tartar, will make a beautiful meringue.
My mother has used vinegar since the days of "croup" when both she and her brother, Bud, coughed and struggled with "phlegm.” She still uses it yet today when she is struggling to free her throat of "phlegm.”
Vinegar can also be used to clean your vegetables from unsuitable chemicals, as well as sterilize your counter tops. It can be used to wipe away tarnish on brass or copper items. Just add a little bit of salt to some vinegar and start cleaning. Three tablespoons of vinegar in a quart of water will also help take stains out of your carpet.
These are just a few reasons to keep a jar of vinegar on hand. No household should be without soda or vinegar.
On to a new subject – looking at the lowering gas prices we have been seeing lately is a joy. I remember my dad telling me how when a gas tank was getting low and his Model T couldn't quite make it up a hill, he would turn his car around and back all the way up the hill. Gravity fed gas tanks were under the front seat back then.
My Dads' workshop was a block from where we lived when I was growing up. He often didn't take the time to turn his truck around when he was going to go over to his shop to work. He would just "back" his truck back and forth from the shop and home. Yes, that was my dad - and seeing him do it was an interesting site for one of the neighbors in the area. Mr. Jones, whose house was nearby, once said, "Curt is the only darn fool I know who doesn't take time to turn around.”
And speaking of vehicles – I talked with a nice older gentlemen and inquired if he never drove his vehicle during the winter, because his car didn't appear to have any signs of rust on it. He said he drove it all the time. He did o on to tell me when he washed his vehicle in the fall, he used water to which he had added a cup of fuel - which he had found helps prevent salt damage.
One wonders who has discovered some of these great helpful ideas. Our ancestors were a lot smarter than we think, or else they discovered how to use other things because they had to.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
Thursday, January 8: (Elvis Presley) Cameron Schember, Mike Marcus, Terry Pelzl, Dan Reese, David Jensen, Ryan Benning, Jennifer Rechtzigel, Brandon Borchert, John & Melissa Marlin
Friday, January 9: Melinda Hanson Talamanates, Lisa Dunn Wayne, Mark Lee, Adam Deml, Jay Wangsness, Steve Vanden Heuvel, Becky Wayne Clark, Larry Jensen, Allen Dobberstein, Allan Swearingen, Dan & Lavonne Nelson
Saturday, January 10: Sue Hunnicutt, Martha Jacobson, Gary Nelson, Eldert & Avis DeRaad, Robert & Eleanor Leiser
Sunday, January 11: Melissa Farr, Rick Hanson, Nanko DeRaad, Deb Robertson Hare, Brad Nelson, Kelly Reichl, Alvin & Ardys Nelson, Dennis & Barb Grunwald
Monday, January 12: Heather Mattson Johnson, Macy Misgen, Albert Diaz, Barry Jepson, Cindy Farner, Brian Milan, Chris Wilker
Tuesday, January 13: Lacey & Brad Grutzik, 2013, Julia Anne Marlin, Melonie Crabtree, Rita Sletten Nelson, Diane Lee, Haley Butler, Tracy Utpadel, Jay Brown, John Olson, Tracy Bergerson, Marion Hoffman, Bruce Haberman, Gregory David, Jack & Gloria Jensen
Wednesday, January 14: Brooke Sorenson Krohn, Marlys Sorenson, Darla Hagen Matthees, Christine Hanson, Skyler Cromwell Lembke, Jenna Marie Abbott, Mark Langlie, Ryan & Kerri Wagner
Thursday, January 15: Steve Bailey, Paul Christensen, Emily Crabtree, Angela Borchert, Brian Farr
Friday, January 16: Carter Howard Hanson, Kiley Beenken, Craig Bailey, Remi Wayne, Joshua Crabtree, Joni Groth, Jeff Kaplan, Tracy Tracy, Melissa Wagner, Emily Bedker, Tena Bryce, Jeremy Anderson
Saturday, January 17: Ava Elizabeth Schember, her 6th; Blake Michael Born/Norday, Don Anderson, Jan Bartsch, Annette Busho, LuAnn Johnson Prescher, David Strenge, Mike Peterson, Brayden Broitzman, Kayley Camerer
Life is a journey we begin each day - wishing that each new day is happier than the day before. Have a great day!
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
Christmas Day is every day of the year we believe
Written by AdministratorChristmas is one of the happy times that families look forward to with all its remembrances, sounds, smells and images of loved ones. Home - presence and presents are the passwords. What three words could be more important than "Home For Christmas?”
When something happens when we're sad or happy or hurting - the first thought that comes to mind is "I want to go home.”
We can't always be together at Christmas and hopefully the technology of today helps us make contact with family and friends when one can't be there in person. Even more so is being able to take the time to remember and share.
At Christmas - one remembers the trek Mary, Joseph and the baby took, which would become their gift and God’s gift to all of us. The stories of the shepherds who came - the wisemen who followed a star - all told in various forms. Because we are so "intelligent" we know the time, the climate and other events didn't all occur as we sometimes imagine them today. But that is the miracle of Christmas. The mystery of it all - tells us that Christmas is not just one day of the year. It is not just one person or place. "Home is where the heart is.” Christmas is every day. It may not be perceived as "Christmas" but it happens every day. People search and find ways to share gifts with others.
We may celebrate one day of the year as a symbol but "Christmas" is every day of the year with reason to believe in the Christ Child and to go in search of things to do in His favor.
Whatever purpose God had in bringing us together, I am grateful that He did. He has been a real source of happiness in our lives and it means more to us than we can ever say.
Once again this year as been another busy year in our lives. Between our jobs, family, church, community activities, reunions, gatherings and special events the days have ticked away much too fast.
Our grandchildren are growing up. Mallory is 12 years old and becoming quite the young lady. She is busy at school, which this year moved her to Southwest, the Albert Lea middle school. She continues to play volleyball, basketball and softball as the seasons change. She also plays softball during the summer and is the pitcher for some of her games. She also enjoys reading and is becoming quite an artist.
Morgan will soon have another birthday, her 10th, in January and is in 4th grade this year. She, like her sister, also participates in volleyball, basketball and softball. Morgan enjoys reading, writing and math, or "arithmetic,” as it was once called, and she too enjoys her art classes at school.
Mallory and Morgan also enjoy spending time in the water, swimming and water skiing, as well as go fishing and deer hunting with their dad. And if they didn't already participate in enough activities, Mallory is learning to play the piano and Morgan recently started to learn how to play the guitar.
Amelia, our little sweetheart, turned three years old in September, and loves to swim, as well as enjoys playing with her dolls. She has the greatest smile and shares it with everyone.
Our three daughters continue to live close to home. Krista lives in Rochester, Kimberly and Mike, live south of Albert Lea and Keralyn and Bill continue to live in Burnsville. We are thankful that they do find time to visit us back here at the "old homestead.”
Recently Keralyn and Amelia invited Krista, Kimberly, Mallory, Morgan and I all to Burnsville and we spent the day baking Christmas cookies. Mallory, Morgan and Amelia had a great deal of fun decorating the cookies that they made. Did you know that if you turn a heart shaped cookie "upside down" you can make it look like Santa Claus?
The First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea continues to keep Daryl busy six days a week. They do let him off from work a day here and a day there so that he can travel Up North to the trailer so he can do a little fishing a few times a year.
During the winter months he throws the bowling ball down the lanes and has been able to record a few high scoring games on the score sheet. He also serves on the local fire department and continues to do what he can when the fire whistles blows.
The NRHEG Star Eagle, our local newspaper, keeps me busy, some days too busy, but there are many great stories I feel need to be shared. When I am not off covering stories, I spend time with my mother. We continue to enjoy our visits with good friends, but many of our old friends and relatives have been called home, and we miss them greatly, especially my mother’s sister, Helyn, or "Toody" as we called her.
We continue to share special memories and talk about what is all happening in our busy world as we put jigsaw puzzles together. I do manage to keep my cross stitch needle busy from time to time, too.
Daryl and I still enjoy time spent serving our Lord. We continue to serve on our southern Via De Cristo council - Daryl helps find churches who are willing to open their doors to host weekends here in southern Minnesota and I serve as historian. Daryl also serves on our church council too.
From family to family, from home to home, from one heart to another, the warmth and love of Christmas is a gift we give each other.
Wishing you a warm and joyous Christmas and a blessed Happy New Year!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, December 25: Merry Christmas! Mitchel Gale Evans, Krista Lee Hardyman, Tom Reitveld, Makenzie Butler
• Friday December 26: Nadine Strenge, Tom Hanson, Joshua Kasper, Jill Peterson Otterbein, Nicklas Hanson
• Saturday, December 27: Sue Bailey Billbray, Colette Hemingway Moudy, Mikkel Iverson, Jamie Hagen, Scott Christensen, Carly Titus, Stacy Osmundson Titus, Ron Peterson, Shannon Peterson Pederson, Brad Bothum, Joe Anderson
• Sunday, December 28: Hope Mikesell, Chad Toft, Tyler Titus, Charlie Marlin, Merrill Bunn, Laura and John Ortiz, Neil and Ellen Pence, Erin and John Christensen
• Monday, December 29: Maxx Greyson Richards, Maya Grace Richards, Gary Hunnicutt, Seth David Petranek, Brent Born, Craig Haberman, Darlene Underland Benjamin Paulson, Whitey and La June Hagen, Amy and Joe Louks
• Tuesday, December 30: Anita Casterton, Matt Christensen, Ryan Schrodt, Jane Simon, Jim Dobberstein, Gladys Peterson, Mark and Gail Skroch, David and Arianna Arends, Kyile and Rachel Aase
• Wednesday, December 31: New Years Eve! Bailey Joy Ihrke, Bree Olivia Ihrke, Larry Paulsen, Dean Pospesel, Lynne Flor, Brent Wiersma, Brent Worrell, Isabelle Wayne, Dorothy and Adrian Kilian, Greg and Cindy Oswald, Larry and Elaine Howell
• Thursday, January 1: Happy New Year! Ross Aronson, Jerry Seath, Larry Schwartz, Amanda Beach, Lois and Duane Aitchison
• Friday, January 2: Grace Jolie Wangen, Brian Bedney, Jay Crabtree, Mark Dobberstein, David Lageson, Brenda Wayne, Aaron Nelson, John and Lorraine Lent, Kelsey (Wayne) and Matt Duncomb
With each passing year, grow stronger, grow wiser, grow richer in spirit, May the year ahead be filled with new discoveries!
May you also celebrate the beauty of the season and may the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year!
Share Christmas memories with your families
Written by AdministratorIt would be hard to enjoy Christmas present if one didn't reminisce about Christmases past. Everyone has different memories - some happy, some sad. What is your most memorable Christmas event?
My dad was never one who wanted to go out and buy gifts for people because he said he never knew what to buy, but he did make many special gifts with his own two hands.
My dad was a carpenter by trade, and always seemed to have a hammer and nails in his hands and some ideas in his head. One of the first gifts that he made me for Christmas was a cradle for my baby doll. I rocked many baby dolls to sleep with my cradle.
A few years later he made me a small kitchen cupboard, which I played “house" with for a number of years. That cupboard also provided some great times many years later for my girls, and now all four of my mother’s great-grandchildren play with that cupboard when they come to her house to visit.
I remember one year that my dad did go to the store to buy my sister and I Christmas presents. He bought new nighties for Kaye and I. Mine was pink and Kaye’s was blue. They were a little large for us at the time but we wore them anyway and we grew into them. I think I still have mine tucked away someplace.
The year we went to visit my sister, Kaye, in Arizona, he made small decorative cactus while we were on vacation out of barbed wire and then painted them with light aqua paint.
The trip to Arizona was always a treat and we marveled at the many houses that were so elaborately covered with Christmas scenes and decorations. In particular there were twin brothers who always tried to out do the other. At one of the brothers' homes we were invited to come inside to see the bears, trains, nativity sets, and Santa jumping into the swimming pool.
To our surprise, while my mother was visiting with their mother, who was also in Arizona for a visit at the time, my mother shared that we were from Minnesota. The mother exclaimed, "When my husband was alive we used to go to St. Olaf Lake and camp."
Needless to say, it was a great day for all of us. How important is St. Olaf Lake that someone would come a half a continent away to camp there?
Looking at the many beautiful homes decorated for Christmas this year I remember the year that my dad cut a life size nativity set out of plywood. I believe that he had ordered a kit which provided life-size pictures/people and animals that he was able to glue on to plywood. Once that had been accomplished he cut around each of the figures and mounted bases on to them so that they would stand. He also made a cradle for the baby Jesus to sleep in.
When it was time to put the nativity set out each Christmas he would visit one of the local farmers and pick up a few bales of straw that he would put around the nativity set on the front lawn below my sister and my bedroom window. He even cut a star out of wood and placed a light inside of it and placed that above the nativity scene. He also put speakers outside and we played Christmas music that people could listen to as they drove by our home each Christmas. (I really miss my dad.)
When my parents moved to St. Olaf Lake, and Daryl and I and our girls moved into the home that I grew up in, we put the nativity set out on our front lawn for a number of years at Christmas time too.
My mother was also crafty and she made my sister and me special handmade gifts in those early years. She made clothes for our dolls, and made sure each of us a new homemade Christmas dress each year.
I remember the first time that my mother didn't make my sister and I Christmas dresses for our Sunday school program. My grandmother had been in the hospital before Christmas and my mother wasn't able to make us dresses that year, so she brought home Christmas dresses for us that she had bought at Wallace’s in Albert Lea. Kaye and I were thrilled. We thought that would prevent my mother from having to make last minute stitches on our dresses as we were going out the door for our Christmas programs.
Wait a minute, if memory serves me right the skirts on the dresses were too long and too big, so my mother decided at the last minute that she had better try and shorten them a bit.
The year that Queen Products in Albert Lea was on strike, which I believe was in the mid-1970s, members of the Union gave Christmas gifts to kids of those men who were on strike and weren't bringing home a weekly paycheck. Our daughter, Krista, was fortunate to get the baby doll that she had wished for from one of the members of the union and she thought that she had the best Christmas present ever. Ironically, the person who bought and then gave the doll to Krista was my mother’s cousin, Chuck Lee. He didn't realize at the time who the gift would be given to.
Christmas trees have always been an important part of Christmas for our family too, and we always wanted to make sure that we had the most beautiful tree. For years we would visit one of the local tree farms so we could pick out the best Christmas tree we could find. If memory serves me right, the last live Christmas tree we had came from our dear friend, Clarice Pence. A tree she had on her lawn was getting too big and interfered with her neighbors’ view when backing out of their driveway. The tree had to go, so we bought it and used it for our Christmas tree that year. Slowly the Christmas needles started to fall off the tree and by the time Christmas arrived our Christmas tree had lost all its needles and we called it our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
Our family starting baking Christmas cookies back when the kids were young and once we had the cookies all baked, the kids would put them on plates and share them with our neighbors, family and friends. Years later when I got the news that I would have to have my leg amputated the first week in December, we baked our cookies a little bit earlier that year, more or less as a diversion so that we didn't have to think about what was ahead.
I was scared that my kids would think less of me because I wasn't going to be "all there," so to speak. Once the surgery was over, they came into my room at the hospital, climbed up on the bed, asked lots of questions, accepted what had taken place and wondered if I would be home in time for Christmas. Following the surgery, I begged my doctors to let me go home for Christmas, which they did, and our family has continued to have many special Christmases together.
Few of the valuable things in life "just happen." Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give. Write a letter to your child or grandchild describing all the things you most love and enjoy about them and then present it as a special holiday gift.
I hope over the Christmas holiday you will share some of your Christmas memories with your family. No matter whether you are together or apart, all hearts go home for Christmas because love is always there.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, December 18th: Mary Torgerson, Catherine Suzanne Olson, Scott Lang, Chris O'Byrne, Margaret (Mugsy) Swearingen, Gavyn Tlamka
• Friday, December 19th: LaJune Hagen, Kathy Peterson, Jerry Thompson, Sheryl Tracy, Loren Haroldson, Cheryl Utpadel, James & Barb Bremmer, Chris & Jennifer Paulson, Jerry & Bev White
• Saturday, December 20th: Corlyn Paulsen, Kyle Johnson, Laurie Swift, Deb Whelan, Odean & Andrea Johnson
• Sunday, December 21st: Audriene Nelson, Nancy Rich, Liz Wangness, Darin Rhodes, Brandon Hagen, Dave & Tammy Peterson, Duane & Cheryl Lembke
• Monday, December 22nd: Destiny Rita Hill, David Arends, Pam Cook, Gary Dobberstein, Tracy Dulas, Julie Jensen Wichman, Ed Nelson, Nikki Toft Schumaker, Barbara Zamora, Bryce Hanson, Jamie Jensen
• Tuesday, December 23rd: Vicki Richards, Jonika Otto Wing, Jess Dunlap, Paitin DuBois, Julie Cornelius, Keith Severson, Carol Schultz, Sophia Swift, Burt & Carla Scripture
• Wednesday, December 24th: Christmas Eve! Barbara Mrotz, Brooke Reese, Craig Paulsen, Anna Louise Fuerniss, Susan Oolman