The Picture

Ron hasn't seen the birthday wishes in the posting  below as yet, but thank you (for him).  He did have a celebration or two while we were in Olympia.  We stayed with friends the first few nights we were there, and these balloons were on the table waiting for him the morning we were leaving.  (You can't see the top one, which said "Happy Birthday".  Our friend, Stephen, had gotten a speeding ticket the night before, as he left a church meeting and went to Safeway to buy the balloons.  "No good deed will go unpunished."  That made these particular balloons very  expensive.  We went on to have a birthday celebration at Julia and Mike's house with lots of family and friends there - What a blessing!  Ron's 80th came with one of life's more difficult occurences,  but we do go on, and are glad for each other.

Happy Birthday, Brother Dear

Dwight was the picture taker in our family - pictures of him in his youth are few and far between, but I always liked this one, probably taken by a buddy - note the FFA jacket.
This is sort of a professor-type picture - family reunion in Orem.
And, we're only missing Steve - Sweet memories of laughter and tears shared over the years.
Love this picture from the past. We always look forward on our birthdays - sometimes the scenery looks a little uncertain, sometimes we know the path. Life is always throwing us a curve, and we often go into uncharted waters, but it's important to know that family is always there to support and love us on.

Happy Birthday, Steve!

These two pictures of Steve were taken a few years ago during the only visit we ever made to their upstate New York home and shop. I like them, because I think they reflect his great attitude toward life. I'm sure that he has perhaps aged a teeny bit since these pictures were taken, but it couldn't be too much, right, Steve? Steve was always the pesky little brother who had so much fun in life. The one grumpy time I remember was when he was nine, and Dad lowered the weight of the hay bales to 25 pounds each, so that Steve and I could build the piles. He did grumble a bit, and I suspect that the work was hard for him. It was for me, and I'm just a girl. I remember the day he was born. Mother was wearing the bright flowered smock (one of my favorite tops), and Aunt Sofe and Aunt Cindy came by the house with flowers, trying to talk Mother into going to the Penrose cemetery with them to put flowers on Uncle Orville's and cousin Lois Johnson's graves. Mother refused them, and later, in a practical manner, said that after all, they weren't really there. Later in the afternoon, things began to stir, as Mother sent Daddy to Grandma's house to call Dr. Coulston, and instead of asking us girls to make her bed, she was busy doing that. (I had been unaware that another baby was on its way - I just loved the prettier tops she wore.) As Mother was getting the sheets down from her closet, Dwight told her that the baby had to be a boy, as he was tired of so many sisters. He certainly wasn't thinking - there was 11 years difference, and he didn't really get to know Steve until in later years. All of us but Louise trekked across the field to Grandma and Grandpa Wasden's house. Louise stayed behind to bake the bread that had been rising, and then came, also. I don't remember what time Dad came across the field to announce Steve's birth, but it was almost dark when we got home. Steve was lying on a pillow, and I can still visualize him filing the length of the pillow with his lanky body. Mother later said that he weighed a little over 12 pounds at birth - quite a feat for such a tiny woman.

I always think of Steve and Ann together, getting into all sorts of mischief. Later, Steve was a buddy - someone interested in art and drawing, as I was. Then there were the difficult years, the years of not being available to each other, etc. But we've been back on track for a long time, and are so thankful that Mother and Dad had six children to make our family complete. You may be the last, but you're certainly not the least. Love you, and hope your day is a good one.

Happy Birthday, Judy

The pictures taken of Judy at Ralston are the earliest that I know of. I always loved this picture (there are two of the same subject, but this one shows more of Mother). The saggy brown socks, which Louise and I suffered through, the helmet cap (warm) with Judy's blonde hair peeking out, the happy grin on Judy's face, which reflects Judy's sunny outlook on life, all are a reflection of this time. I don't remember much of anything negative about Judy - and I was five when she was born. Her ability to have fun helped me to lighten up a lot ("I know a dark secluded place - It's called Hernando's Hideaway), as we sang and played through a lot of situations. She was the guardian of the troublesome (sometimes) duo of Ann and Steve, who could be full of mischief.
The big wind almost blew Steve away, and also blew over a huge cottonwood tree at Emmy's. I got out Dwight's old Baby Brownie Kodak, and took pictures of kids climbing on and sitting in the tree. Doesn't she look innocent? I put a "halo" around her just to prove that point. Now, Judy, you have grown up to be very wise about many things, and to know how to get answers to questions by your patient insights into the rest of your family and our extended family. You do make our life more complete and joyful. Love to you on this birthday.

Dad's Birthday

We do think of our father, Russell Marion Blood, as a cowboy, but in truth, he lived on his aunt Elsie and uncle Dewey Riddle's ranch from the age of 16 until he married our mother. While the ranch was a working ranch, it profited from the rage of the Eastern dudes (and dudenes), from the East, who came to live the make-believe Western life for a short time. Dad always loved his Stetson hats, and one would last forever, being gradually demoted from a "town" hat to the hat he wore to irrigate, drive the tractor, etc., only traded for a straw hat in the middle of summer. The conch (the round piece above) is from his conch belt, which he wore proudly for many years. I think that when it disintegrated, the conchs were distributed to me and my siblings. Do you have yours? The bucking horse was made into a pin, which school teachers and others proudly wore. Later, they were transformed into refrigerator magnets. The picture of Mother and Dad and baby Louise to the right, shows Dad dressed in the well-worn, practical clothes of a ranch hand. We usually celebrated Dad's birthday with a cake and the table set appropriately. He would come in from milking and comment that it must be somebody's birthday because of the way the table was set.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DWIGHT

It's the best I could do.  Who's the short thing in the middle?  Look how she looks adoringly at her older brother.  If I could only get that kind of respect.

February 3, Dad's Birthday

I took this picture with Dwight's Baby Brownie that he gave me. Note that the gate is still useable, to keep out the neighbors' cows. I always loved this jaunty pose of Dad's. We could remember his birthday because it comes the day after Ground Hog's Day. The birthday routine seemed to be the same. When Dad came in from milking in the evening, he would look at the carefully-set table, and comment that it must be someone's birthday.

The rest of the meal might be the usual fare, but there was usually a frosted cake with candles.

Happy Birthday to Judy, Part II

This garden decoration, a gift of one of Judy's grandchildren, well epitomizes the more colorful side of our sister - she is truly creative in all of her undertakings - and a little zany at times, too.

These pictures were taken a couple of years ago - if only all of us could age as gracefully as Judy has.

I have to explain why I have two postings for Judy's birthday greetings - I had a wrangle with blogspot and retrieveing my pictures - but that got resolved, and I could continue. Judy is five years younger than I am (telling secrets), but she has been a wonderful and loyal friend through all of the years. I can never forget "Come back, Shane", and "I know a dark secluded place..." or her "I hate you, I l-o-a-t-h-e (made to sound like love) you." Sounds stupid, but we used to laugh so much - and still have over the years. When we lived in Washington and Judy was working, she sometimes showed up on my doorstep because she had to make a run to Costco for office supplies, so we would go shopping together. And Judy's influence on me has been profound - like the year we visited her friend, Ruth Wick, and ended up with 450 rhodie and azaela cuttings, which I ended up potting up and raising to maturity. Our yards did not want for beautiful plants. Or we would go fabric shopping and I would be at the counter checking out and Judy would be putting her bolts back on the shelf. It always amazed me when Judy, Ann, and I lived so far apart, and we would get together and compare notes about dress patterns and fabric, and find we had the same thing. Something in the genes, I guess. Anyway, Judy has been a wonderful friend, sympathetic (empathic) listener, amazing example for me through the years. I loved it that when I was at her house and answered the phone, that people couldn't tell our voices apart. And people used to take my parenting class and watch me with a puzzled look on their faces because I reminded them of someone they knew - and it always turned out to be Judy. May your day be heaped with love and good wishes, and may you overcome the slugs in the garden. Much love to you!

Happy Birthday Judy

How fortunate I have been to have Judy for one of my sisters. She has been a great example and such a dear friend. She has endured the years of listening to me dream my dreams without judgment and has shared her life with me in a way that has helped me be a better person (and if that didn't happen it isn't because she hasn't tried). This photo was taken in 1960 (?) as Judy and Bob moved from their very tiny apartment in Provo to Washington State by way of Penrose.


This is not a great picture for clarity, but it definitely shows a spirited side of Judy (in other words, the REAL Judy). We both had a skirt like she is wearing, and what fun they were to wear. If you note, our school books are sitting on the porch, so perhaps this was a first day of school picture for Judy's senior year???? Also, the rose bushes behind us were instigated by Judy and a home ec. project she took on. Thanks to her, the roses added a nice touch and were the beginning of flower beds that eventually went around the corner and along the south side of the house, just a little.


Remember how we would play "burn out" catch with Dad? This must have been Judy's turn, and the pickup must have been playing back stop.

None of these pictures are terribly clear, but they are full of happy memories of someone very special in my life. Happy Birthday, Judy. Love you lots.

Happy Birthday, Dad

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mother and Dad. Taken outside of Grandpa and Grandma Wasden's house on a summer (spring?) day. They look all dressed up. Wonder what the occasion was, what color Mother's dress was, etc. etc. etc. The picture is so typical - and the smiles genuine. Thank goodness for a sense of humor through all the difficult times and the good times as well. If Dad were alive today, he would be three months older than his cousin, Stan Krajicek at 101. Oh, dear, he probably wouldn't have enjoyed that very much. We do miss his sense of humor and his great laugh. I suppose all of us still think of things to tell Dad that he would get great enjoyment out of. February 4 will always be that special day on my calendar.

Happy Birthday Wishes to Kathy

While I was in college the year of '58-'59, Ann wrote voluminous letters, missing no details. And often she signed them "Kathy", which I believe was her new but short lived romantic identity.

Incidentally, in one letter she mentions that the "Kitty had 4 little kittens, two coal black and two just like her. We are gong to keep one of each." Yes, there was always one cat or another in her life.

I looked desperately for the 2 photos I have (had?) of Ann's coronation. Not finding them, I am substituting these pictures that were taken at college. Is this Provo or Weber? Anyway Ann still looks quite queenly to me. She is very beautiful. No wonder Paul Tanner fell for her!

During the few years that Ann and Paul called Olympia home, we were privileged to share family events. This is one of the best of Ann, along with little Kristen....

So on this 66th birthday, we give tribute and salutations to our sister Kathryn Ann, who brightens this life for the rest of us. Our lives have been a little happier, a little funner, and filled with a lot more love and forgiveness because of her.

Many returns of the day!

Ann and Holstein, the Tomcat

Happy Birthday, Ann!

These are pictures taken in the last few years - the top one when Ann and Paul were gifted with a trip to Hawaii by their children - thus the wonderful Hawaiian shirt, and the other after Ann retired from BYU, and we had a little get-together at Dwight & Velna's house in Riverton, UT, with the Tanners, Louise, and Ron and I. Ann was not only queen of the prom - she has been a queen in her family, and in ours. She may be the youngest sister, but she has gained enough practical sense (including nonsense) over the years, that she can work through the knottiest of problems, and be a support in a myriad of ways. Happy birthday on December 1st, and many more to come.

Still Queen

Nothing has ever been able to wipe away that grat smile. Happy birthday and love from New York.

Another Happy Birthday for Dwight

Capture the moment!!! Pictures let us see ourselves as we would like to be, and this picture of the six of us is probably the best. It was taken in 1993 - does anyone remember what serious business Dwight was responding to?

As I went on a picture hunt for your birthday, I must say, this is one of my favorite pictures of you. The day was difficult (this was taken in Cody, Wyoming on the day of Dad's funeral), but you were taking your traditional role of holding us all together in stride.

It is true for me that birthdays seem to be a time of stirring up memories, just as Judy said. My memories of you in the growing up years are memories of awe (you really got to drive the tractor? and who would have ever thought to put out their typewriter case lid in place of a Christmas stocking?); mystery (what did you really have in your chest that Steve and I couldn't see? What, there is just shoe polish and a few odds and ends - at least that was what we found when you left for college); curiosity (just what did you and Dad talk about in the cow barn and where did you learn those songs?); and maybe just a little fear of my older brother. You provided (perhaps unintentionally) Steve and me with our first bicycle(s) that we took apart and put back together and then spent hours riding all over Penrose. What a world you helped open up for us.

Over the years, as I got past feeling somewhat intimidated by an older brother who I could never be as smart as (ask Miss Biddle), it has been so fun to talk with you, learn from you, and to find a very dear friend in you. It is easy to forgive you for being a Democrat, because other than that one small flaw, I see you as being the best older brother ever.

Happy Birthday, Dwight. This flower picture gives you an update on what happens to the Sedum Joy you had posted on Curmudgeonly. In another couple of weeks the color will turn to copper.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday - and year. Love you lots.

Happy Birthday to you, Louise!

I've always loved this picture that Dwight took of Louise and me doing the dishes. We didn't notice that our surroundings were very humble (enlarge the picture and look at the details!). The picture tells a lot. Louise, being older, was always the leader and example for me. She directed traffic - she washed and I wiped. Water was heated on the stove in the teakettle and the big reservoir at the end of the stove. Sometimes the dish water would get "cold", so we would put the red and white enamel dishpans on the stove to re-heat while we went to play or just fiddle around. Working together was a great opportunity for us to tell each other about our day, or to re-enact movies, especially those that Louise, being older, got to see, and I had to stay home and baby-sit (yes, Steve, Ann, and Judy - that's what it was.) We solved our problems, occasionally quarreled, tried to hurry so that we could hear Lux Radio Theater on Monday nights, or lingered in the kitchen doorway
if we weren't done in time for the radio programs. Sometimes Mother would step in and remind us to finish our chores. Our family may have been among the less affluent, but the stack of dishes after each meal demonstrated several things - one, that our big family always ate meals together, enjoying the friendship, banter, general conversation that went on, and, two, that we always had food on the table, prepared well by the cooks in the family.
Happy Birthday, Louise! These are just a few of my favorite pictures of you. And I get to be in a couple of them with you. I especially love the one in the lower right-hand corner. That was a first-day-of school picture taken by Dwight, who posed us in the middle of the road as we waited for the school bus. Louise looked so pretty in her brown and white dress and shoes, and I, wearing a made-over dress from the old clothes we got from friends in Cody, with my pigtails, glasses, and penny loafers. Louise has guided me through a lot of things in life - now, she is my quilting guru, and I constantly bombard her with questions about how I can solve those problems, as well as my problems about life. Now, this blog has become far too wordy, and I think I'll go and eat a piece of that chocolate (devil's food?) cake with the brown-sugar or penuche frosting. Enjoy the day, and I hope your birthday celebration continues throughout the week. May you have another wonderful year! Lots of Love to you, Elizabeth.