Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wednesday Words - My Valentine




July 23, 1966

Today I'm going to post pictures of Howard, my valentine.  We met on March 8, 1965 at his cousin's, Dave and Bea Bergum, in Swift Current, SK.  I was teaching a grade one and two class at Elmwood School, the very school where my dad took his grade one when the school was new in 1914.  The school superintendent, who interviewed me for the teaching position, had started his teaching career in a little country school south-east of Frontier.  He told me about going to the Erickson farm to listen to programs on their battery operated radio.

 Dave and Bea lived a couple doors down from me.  I sometimes babysat their daughter, Kathy, and rode along with them to St. Olaf's Lutheran Church.  When Howard came to visit them, they invited me over for coffee that Monday evening and as they say, the rest is history.  We wrote many letters but phone calls were few as the Johnson farm was on the party line system so you never knew how many others were listening too, or "rubbering" as it was called.  He drove out for a second visit in June.  I think his first visit to our farm was in July and my first visit to Torquay was in August.  We were engaged on December 16 that year and married in Bethel Lutheran Church, Frontier on July 23, 1966, which was also my parents 25th anniversary.    Now, on with the pictures!

Baby Howard Bennard Johnson

Howard with the farm dog
Taken on Aunt Dorma's porch, Torquay, SK

Sunday School days at Salem Lutheran, Torquay

LCBI days at Outlook, SK

The following are various pictures taken "through the years" in no particular order.  George Beverly Shea sang a song with that title.  I remember a few lines from the chorus "Through the years, I'll take my place beside you, smiling through the years."  And on days when Howard is somewhat confused, it helps to have a good sense of humour so I'm still "smiling through the years".

The staff at St. Joseph's made Valentine's Day special with decorations, a valentine tea and cupcakes with red and white icing, strawberry and white ice cream, heart shaped Rice Crispie cake.  The regular Tuesday Bingo was now CUPID instead with special cards made for the occasion.

Howard's swollen foot was much better yesteday.  He even had socks and shoes on it again.  But today the swelling was back again so he may be seeing the doctor tomorrow as the antibiotics don't seem to be helping it.  Enjoy these pictures!
Lilacs in spring
My favourite bouquets: wild roses from the roadside 
Home from the field

A "golden tenor voice"  (quote from Mrs. Cherland)

Cutting pussy willows
Fun at a skating carnival

Howard Johnson at Howard Johnson's,  Edmonton
Looking very tough!




Golfing on his 75th birthday!

Howard's job, making popcorn on Saturday night
Anytime is coffee time!

Relaxing at the table!



Christmas in Norway

Very faithful at checking the oil!

April 2011

1 comment:

  1. Really nice tribute to your Valentine. The picture of Howard pouring Ice tea in the kitchen could be Todd with facial hair and darker hair.

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