JUNE 8

Aunt Viola ( June 8, 1917 - April 12, 2013)

June 8 marks the day when Aunt Viola (Johnson) Halvorson was born right here on the Johnson farm in 1917.  The old house was just south of our cedar log home.  The cement pad that was in front of the door on the west marks the spot, as do the trees that surrounded that house.  Horace, Howard's dad, was 16 when this new sister arrived.  He was not impressed with this new arrival, a fifth sister, but he and Viola grew to be good friends as well as siblings.  I drove over to Hartley and Louise's in the

evening with some rhubarb cake.  It seemed appropriate as the rhubarb grew here at the farm where Viola was born and spent her youth.

My highlight of the week was going to the steak and lobster supper at Affinity Place in Estevan on Friday night with Clare and Jodi.  There were 99 tables with  eight at each table so there was a busy crew grilling the steaks and cooking the lobsters.  I was glad to be sitting beside Chris Marcotte, who showed me how to proceed with eating lobster when faced with a whole one on my plate!  (It may be a delicacy, but I have to say I still prefer lutefisk!)  It was a fun evening out and we even worked in a car wash before the supper.   Thanks Clare.  

On Monday Vi and I are going to the funeral for Nina Martinson in Midale.  Nina was a first cousin of Howard's mother, Clara (Bergum) as well as to Harald Bergum, Vi's first husband. Nina had her 83rd birthday last week and had her first surgery on Wednesday, repairs to a leaky heart valve that the Dr. had said would give Nina another twenty years.  She came through the surgery just fine, then passed away that evening around seven.  It was a shock for her family and friends but God's timing works out for good.  I enjoyed a good visit with her at Trinity's "Raise the Roof" event.  She drove down from Midale by herself, making sure she got home before dark. She grew up on the Knutson farm north of Torquay and her roots here were still important to her.  Blessed be her memory.

We can't say that we are done seeding but we're almost there.  Clare took Saturday off and went golfing with Weyburn friends and spent the weekend at home.  His family hasn't seen much of him this past month!

I have lots to do these days as the grass and weeds really grow after rain and warm weather.  I planted petunia and portulaca on Howard's grave but I think they ended up being a treat for the gophers!  I transplanted some tomatoes, cucumbers and cantaloupe  plants to go with the potatoes and onions that are just starting to poke through.  June is a beautiful time of year!

Todd and Kristy have been busy packing up household items to ship to the house that they will be renting in Førde.  Here's a picture of the container that is about half full.  They are planning to have their household items moved the week before they leave for Canada so will be "homeless" for a few days before their flight to Edmonton on June 28.

It's Monday morning so I must get this post published and do a few things in the yard before lunch.  Have a great week!