Quilters Together

Colorful fabric brought the Lutheran and Catholic quilters together in the Lutheran Church basement this snowy morning. The Catholic quilters inherited boxes of fabric and couldn't use all of it. They generously passed some on to the Lutherans. In gratitude, the Lutherans invited them to view the quilts that are made and to enjoy coffee together. Hot coffee went well with cheese, crackers, lefse, Finnish biscuit, kumkaker, pizzelles and other goodies. The guests thought that the Lutherans have wonderful coffee breaks. Kelly, the Lutheran church secretary, brought her four month old nephew who flirted with all the grandmas, smiling and cooing, charming everyone. Pastor Bob told some jokes and all shared stories of how times have changed so that we can enjoy fellowship together, helping each other. The fellowship was warm, knowing that the quilts that each group sews, with loving stitches, go to people in need around the area and the world.

Las Vegas Implosion by Jodie

I have always wanted to view an implosion of a casino in Las Vegas. The Cast Aways was imploded just before we arrived. We saw a sign that Flamingo Road would be closed from midnight to 4:00 a.m. on February 14 and then heard a VERY brief mention on television that the Bourbon Street Casino was going to be imploded. That is very near where we are staying right now and our corridor looks over it, so I got very excited that I might finally see one and have a bird's eye view at that! The only problem was that no one else had heard it and no one seemed to be talking about it. Finally, after waiting for several days and not getting an answer from anyone that I had asked, I finally emailed the weatherman, the weekend anchor, and the traffic reporter at that television station. I figured I would hear from one of them. I was shocked to hear from all of them. The actual time of the implosion was secret and was not to be announced, but each of the television folks told me that it would happen around 2:00 a.m. Harrah's now owns the property and they did not want crowds of people because there was really no safe viewing area (The site is one block off the Strip). They did announce approximate times on the 11:00 p.m. news on the 13th--preventing people from getting down to see it at the last minute.

We all (the two of us and our friends from Washington) set our alarms for 1:30 a.m. and put a chair and the camera (of course) in the corridor on the opposite side of our condo to watch it. It was an unbelievable experience and we're glad we had a chance to see it. Our view was spectacular.

Photos: The first three are of Bourbon Street during the day of the 13th. The next one is the daytime view from the corridor beyond our condo. Following that is a photo of the site just before the implosion--testing the camera. Then--"There she goes!" followed by the rubble when daylight came.

Losing A Good Friend

We have lost a very good friend--Sue passed away on Sunday, February 5. She had retired in June from teaching (over 30 years as an elementary teacher) and was subbing for a couple of months when she fell and broke her ankle. She died unexpectedly on Sunday. Although Sue and Ed had no children of their own, they both have many children--nieces and nephews, students from school and athletes from sports and recreation programs. We will miss her very much.

News and Notes

Just some notes about some of the WT's:

Sue--our retired, out-of-retirement, back-to-retirement--teacher is house bound until February 27th. She took a long-term subbing job in the first grade class and fell and broke her ankle. She goes back to the doctor on the 27th, so we hope she'll be back with us soon. We have been to visit her and she is in good spirits.

Laurie and Emily are taking a knitting class with about a dozen other women taught by the owner of our local Curves and by one of the local teachers.

Emily is reading in two first grade classes and also is involved in the reading program in a second grade class.

Our "snowbirds" are gone--Jodie in Las Vegas and Pat in Hawaii. The weather is very balmy here so they are not missing any cold weather this year. Jodie thinks that the cold weather will return in March when she gets home.

Mary has been in Florida for her seminars. Check out her website for other places where she will be.

Tee and Joan had a great time at the Elderhostel in Oklahoma and returned with some Will Rogers humorous stories and some Trail of Tears horror stories.

We will update everyone on other members shortly. Stay in touch and Happy Groundhog's day tomorrow!

Happy (Chinese) New Year

Sunday, January 29, marks the start of Year 4704 on the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Dog.

The Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon fifteen days later. The fifteenth day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival.
There is a twelve-year cycle of animals of the Chinese calendar. According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits. People born in the Year of the Dog are supposedly loyal, honest and trustworthy but can also be stubborn and selfish.

Happy Chinese New Year from the Walkie Talkies!

Photos are from the Conservatory at the Belaggio Hotel in Las Vegas where one member of our group is vacationing.

Pepsi Challenge Ski Race

The 22nd annual Pepsi Challenge Ski Cup Race was held at our local ski area on January 21. There were 564 ski racers, nearly double the field of the event last year.

Giants Ridge has a world-class reputation for its race trails. The Ridge has held the World Cup, Olympic Trials, national Collegiate finals and the U.S. National Championships. This race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series.

Matt Weier of Marquette, MI, and Sarah Peters of Navan, Ontario, won the 48K Freestyle event. Joshua Tesch of Superior, WI, and Mary Beth Tuttle of Pine Springs, MN, won the 24k Freestyle event. Evan Pengelly of Plymouth, MN, and Margaret Nelson of St. Paul, MN, won the 24K Classic event.

This event draws Nordic ski racers from all over and brings some positive publicity to our area; we are very proud that the race is held nearby.

Geocaching by Jodie

Geocaching--"Where YOU are the search engine"--is a sport that the WT's have come to enjoy. Geocaching ("Geo" for geography and "cache" for hidden stash) makes use of the multi-billion dollar satellite system that the government has in place. Once the Defense Department stopped scrambling these signals beamed to GPS receivers from the military satellites on May 1 of 2000, owners of a handheld GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) receiver could hide "treasures," post the information on the Internet (see our link at the right), and others would flock to find them. Once they found the cache (pronounced "cash"), the finder would write in the logbook, exchange a trinket in the container, and then later log the find on the cache site. There are now caches in over 220 countries in the world and during a typical week tens of thousands of people log in "finds" on the site.

The WT's have taken advantage of this. Jodie has two of the handhelds now and plans outings for the group. In addition to finding caches, we have also hidden some in our area. We have developed Travel Bugs which travel from cache to cache and are logged on the site. In fact, one travel bug which we started in 2004, the year of the Centennial of our town, is now in New York!

One of the most fun aspects of this is that many of us now have our adult offspring and grandchildren interested in the sport. We love to hear them say, "Our grandmother is the one that first got us interested in it!" We love it when we learn something "techie" before they do!

Photos: Jodie with her GPS on a "find" in Arizona. The group near a cache that we hid at a drill site. The group at a mine viewpoint near another cache that we hid.

Quilting with Sharon

Sharon has been quilting since 1998. Here she is with some of the quilts/wallhangings in her home. Through the years we've enjoyed seeing many of her sewn creations: quilts, wallhangings, jackets, ponchos, and more. She's made quilts for her children and grandchildren, and taught one of her granddaughters how to sew and quilt. When she's not quilting, she might be working on scrapbooking.

Thought for the New Year

"Unless we set up some kind of a schedule, we just aren't going to get around to all the things we should be worrying about." Erma Bombeck

Gail Sheehy's New Book

It appears that Gail Sheehy's new book, despite its title, might be something that the WT's would be interested in. Perhaps there are parts of it that used us as examples. She talks about the "seasoned woman." We are definitely that! A seasoned woman is spicy and has been marinated in life experience, according to Sheehy. The WT's are that--we can be alternately sweet, tart, sparkling, mellow--just like complex wine.

In an article in the Sunday magazine section of the paper, she discusses what makes a woman "seasoned." Her answer is "time." Although we only have two Boomers in our group (Mary and Sue--Jodie missed it by 6 months!), we are definitely the passionate, liberated women she mentions--unwilling to settle for the stereotypical roles of middle age! We are definitely part of the Second Adulthood. The Seasoned Woman offers a "what-the-hell-life-is-short" joie de vivre, emotional stability, financial independence, the ability to talk about anything, no ticking biological clock or toddlers underfoot, and a knowledge of what she wants sexually and the appreciation of a good lover. Well, five out of six ain't bad!

The book comes out at the end of this month and I'm sure that someone from our group will get one right away to read and share with everyone! We can barely wait!

Off to Another Elderhostel

Joan and Tee are off to another Elderhostel. This time they head to Poteau, Oklahoma, to discuss Will Rogers and to study contemporary Oklahoma artists and authors, the post-Civil War Frontier and the culture of Native Americans. One of the highlights will be a tour of the Will Rogers Museum. Once again, they will return with many stories to share with those of us who are staying home. We're certain that they will regale us with many Will Rogers' sayings.

Daughters of the American Revolution by Pat

Like many other members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), I joined to please my mother. Membership requires proof of descent from a member of the military or a support group of the Revolutionary War. My plan was to prove that I was her daughter and join on her apron strings. Mother would have none of that. She had proved seven different lines and assigned me to another that she had not been able to prove several years before. It was a good move on her part. As I searched for birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and proof of service, I became fascinated with their social history. I found myself reading about the routes they must have traveled and marveled at thrir courage. It opened a whole new world!

My Chapter of DAR is the Daughters of Liberty Chapter in Duluth. It was organized in 1897 and has been active ever since. Our programs revolve around patriotic, historical and conservational topics. With more people becoming interested in computers and the increased capacity of genealogical research, we have been growing. We have two projects tht we are very proud of. We offer several $200 grants each year to teachers in the Duluth area for special class projects. We also sponsor and serve at a reception for immigrants on the day they become United States citizens. A most rewarding experience--their stories rival my ancestors' stories!

Check out the link for the Liberty Chapter on the right.

Our Sewing Authority Mary is on Television

Our resident author, Mary, appeared on PBS on "Sewing with Nancy." The appearance marked the introduction of Mary's newest collection of apron designs. Mary and host Nance Zieman showed viewers a variety of clever aprons for children, dolls and adults.

"Newfangled Reversible Aprons" is the program topic and the title of Mary's newly released pattern. She presented the steps of easy-to-make aprons in three different reversible styles.

"Sewing with Nancy" has aired on public television for 24 years. In these programs, Nancy specializes in presenting efficient sewing methods that result in professional looking garments and projects. Mary has appeared on the program on numerous occasions and we all try to watch her or tape the program whenever possible. She is our resident celebrity!

Check your local listings for Progam #1920. You can also check out how/where to purchase the apron pattern on the link to the right for Mary's Productions.

Nation's Largest High School Ski Event

The local school hosted a Cross Country Invitational Ski Meet yesterday, the largest high school nordic ski meet in the nation. Out of 58 teams, our local team came in 14th. Several of the local skiers finished in the top 100, including Lorraine's granddaughter.

The weather was perfect--perhaps even a little too warm for these high-energy events--mid 20's, which is still a great deal better than any below zero weather.

Events such as this and just the general business that the ski area brings to our communities make us realize what a gem we have nearby. They help to focus on all that the area offers, including many loyal volunteers who helped to make the event run smoothly.

Another Saturday--Another Shopper

News from the Northland: Well, The Shopper just arrived and it is full once again.

The big news is that the Pepsi Challenge Cup Cross Country Ski Race will be on Saturday, January 21, at Giant's Ridge Ski Area. There will be a Spaghetti Feed in the Pavilion in a neighboring town the night before. There are several different races: a 24K and 48K Classic Race, a 24K and 48K Freestyle race and a 7K Freestyle race. The Awards Banquet will be at 5:00 that evening. This is usually one of the colder weekends of the year with temperatures sometimes below zero and it usually doesn't stop most people. Sometimes the race is postponed until later in the day when it might warm up. They used to truck in snow to our main street and lined the race track with discarded Christmas trees. The racers would ski through town and townsfolk would stand and ring cowbells to cheer them on. Some of us really miss "those good ol' days!"

There are several Snowmobile Safety Training classes coming up, beginning on January 9.

School is back in session (January 3), so the weekly lunch menus are printed. Doesn't look too bad. Don't remember having tacos when we were in school. They still have hamburger gravy on mashed potatoes--some things do not change. You know, that still sounds pretty good! They also have something called a "Grab & Go Bag" Sounds interesting--PB&J sandwich, string cheese, carrots, apple and milk. There are also several athletic events scheduled. In small towns across the country, most of the life centers around what seems to be happening at the school.

The regular newspaper delivery person is having a sub because she is having foot surgery. We appreciate the fact that she gave us a number to call if there are any problems.

Someone had a purse stolen and with it her heart and asthma medicing plus a prescription for her eyedrops. We hope that it will be returned.

The Girl Scouts will be having their cookie sale kick off. Looks as if we have something to look forward to.

Some of the ads: The local floral and gift shop is encouraging high school students to order flowers for their dates for the Snowball Dance which is coming up next Saturday. Sounds like fun.
With the new year, several beauty salon owners are encouraging us to come in to try a new "do" for the new year. That's definitely something to think about! Some of the local "watering holes" are advertising Super Bowl parties already. "King Kong" is playing through Thursday and "Rumor Has It" will start on Friday. That sounds like a field trip.

Until next week . . .

Thought for Today

"Those voices you hear make sense!"

Laurie and the "Friends of the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm"

The serene location of the Wirtanen Farm was thehomestead of the Finnish bachelor, Eli Wirtanen. He filed for a homestad on the land in 1904 and supplemented his farm income by logging during the winters. Eli had chickens and raised a pig; at one time he owned a team of horses but usually kept only one. He sold the hay he raised in his fields. Today this farm stands in proud tribute to the area's early settlers and is maintaines by the Friends of the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm.

The most unique building on the farm is the Finnish style sauna. The firebox is covered with stones without a chimney. The smoke holes were opened after the fire died out to release the smoke. The result was a smoky odor when water was poured over the rocks. A dressing room was provided and a kerosene lamp was used to light both rooms.

The farm is open year round but it is not plowed in the winter. Admission is FREE.


The photos: The Wirtanen Farm, the Walkie Talkies at the Farm (we have hidden a geocache there), and Laurie. Laurie is on the Board of the Friends of the Wirtanen Farm and also serves as the treasurer. She is wearing a Scandinavian outfit in the photo which was taken at one of our Solstice parties.
Check out the link for the Wirtanen Farm on the right.

Thought for today

"Be yourself and you will always be in fashion."

If that's the case, the Walkie Talkies must be VERY fashionable!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year and the very best to everyone in 2006 from the Walkie Talkies!

Greetings on New Year's Eve

The Shopper has arrived early today to prepare us for all the activities for the New Year. Obviously, it is filled with ads wishing us all a great year.

We are already thinking ahead to the Fourth of July. There is a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser on Jan. 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Fourth is always a huge celebration here--in fact, some people come "home" on the Fourth rather than for Christmas. Most of the class reunions occur at that time and it is great to see everyone out walking around town.

The Community Ed. folks are already anticipating "Cabin Fever" and have just the cure for it with several programs coming up: There is a concert for families on January 13 in the school auditorium. "Jackpine Bob" Cary will present a general show of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and show slides of all seasons and our neighboring animals in the school library on January 26. Sam Cook, a Duluth columnist and author (Northern Exposures) will speak about why we live here and show slides on fishing, backcountry travel, wildlife, North Country characters, camping with kids, etc. Those are great programs coming up to break up the long winter nights in northern Minnesota.

We can now rent "Fountains of Passion" for our parties. A local entreprenneur has chocolate fountain rentals for parties. The WT's will have to plan a party utilizing one someday soon.
It's a pretty slim Shopper this week. More next week . . .