Vern's final letter ...

This is the final letter from Vern to his parents.
I will miss them.
Thank you for letting me share this delightful family.
I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I have!

2/9th/69th

Hi - folks.

I got here (just) fine. got here 7 in the moreing (morning) left there about 3'o clock yestery (yesterday) evenney (evening).

Got in Colfax washington then Pullman and just started to storm hard I mene it just come poreing down, no not rain, I mene snow.

Im sure glad now I left when I did, huh.

I never used them chang (chains) at all tho other then that the car whent very slow but studdy (steady) thought (through) about 6 inch of dampa kind of snow.

All the way to Colfax. from Kingston, the hi-ways
(over)

where all nice and dry. Like smer (summer?) Hi-ways, olny then the wind just blue and blue relley hard I had a sacso (?) the weel a lot, from Spokane to Colfax. and just as soon as I got to Plomer it just started to began to storm.

So I got a little bitt scook (shook) up about then. that snow makes me disze (dizzy) you know, to drive in it anyway.

So I was scooh-up about then. and (dead mans fase) was allso bad at that time. Nampa, hasent got any snow to spek of oanlee little paches here and there. you got some more to huh I herd on the readeo (radio) just now. My garsh what wheather you've been geting gee whose.
Well thats all now.
Vern Meligan

Such a happy guy - cute smile!
He did really well with the car in the snow though, I think.

Introducing Vern's Mom ...

I found this note tucked into the old dictionary along with the letters from Vern to his mom. It is a note written regarding a phone conversation they had. It is adorable ... read on - and get to know more about this delightful family.

Vern called Tuesday around nine. They are re-trying to buy them a trailer house two bed roomed just right for them. They are putting in a new Trailer Court real near to the State School where he works, the cost per mo. I believe he said would be $55 a month and has everything new stove is heated by gas & can in time if natural gas comes in, converted into that type. He said mom, if you come we will get you a peice of plyboard to sleep on, as we've gotten a Deveno bed for $10. When you come will you bring us at least a dozen of your ginger cookies

then we'll feast on them and milk or coffee. He seemed real pleased at the thought of us comming even. We talked 25 minutes but so worth it. I ask how are your feet? He said Oh! I get around. Yes I'm working. He called from that neighbors place Collect of course.

So it was a rewarding day got my S.S. straightened out and so we trust it will keep straight from now on.

Eugene's teeth got repaired once more, we had a nice lunch at Toper in Coeur D'Alene got home around four. Found 4 loaves of bread 2-2# bags of rains + a bag of brownies.

Bread is for a bread pudding I was informed by Zelda + Loran get some also.

I so much love this family! Don't you?
Alas, there is only one more letter from Vern to his mom.
I will post it tomorrow - it's the best yet!

Vern - Letter #2

This second letter from Vern to his mom and dad is not dated. But it was lovingly tucked into the same envelope with the first letter, dated December of 1968, and mentions some of the same things ...

Hi - folks hows the volks ha ha. Guss what? It snowed thats what about 5 inch of that white stife. the most snow all at onece Nampa ever had for a long time they say. they only have about one inch at a time then it males (melts) before noon. this time four inch last all day 9:30 P.M. now and most of it is gone tho.

Boy some good news they are going to fix the Volks folks. only $400 Dollars to fix it too. It will be tomorrow when I fine out when it gets fixed Reddy to drive. they seem to think it just might be reddy by JANUARY somethings. mybe the firest of the week of JAN.

Gee every thing is Happypenny when I'm not thare, how about that? Glen Bys (buys) a truck Loran

(over)

sells her House.

Whars Loran moveing to now. Gee a could a or a can a you spar a mybe $10. Dollars this a month mybe I'm a little shot of cash funes (funds) moneys Dollars perticharly this month.

So if you might just have some money ling (lying) around and looking kind of sad would plese spar about $10. Dollars. mybe. you see Don and I have'nt been able to fine a bitter (better) or chiper (cheaper) place lattly.

Well thats all I can think of for this time by for now.
Vern poor Meligan

Isn't this another adorable letter from Vern?
I love how he writes the way he talks. I think he's awesome!

Introducing Vern ...

Yesterday while at the Goodwill Surplus store, I came across two tattered old books in a plastic bag. They intrigued me, so I paid the $1 to buy them.

One of the books was a family Bible - it's leather cover coming apart in chunks. Oh the treasures tucked within - old postcards, letters, pressed flowers ... but more on that later.

The second book was a battered dictionary, with no cover, hand written notes scattered throughout. Treasured letters were tucked between it's pages. It was owned by someone (I get the impression of an old lady, but that's just me I think) who loved words.

Several of the letters tucked into the dictionary were written by "Vern". As I read through these letters, I fell in love with his country charm. He wrote as he spoke.

12/25/68

Hi VOLKS OR I MIGHT FOLKS

I'm not going to write or see you anymore this year. So thar. Gee I Dissaponted' you never seent (sent) me my bannanes insted you cut them up in my frute cake Boy what a dretty (dirty) truck (trick) you pauld (played) on me.

I was So! dissaponted I Had "cry just a little bit, Geech. Boy when I get Home when I get home you've! just Had it thats It, I'm telling, you thats it now, youve just had I now. Well for instenes (instance) I was and stell am so mad I ate some of that bannana furt grade and to Eat any thing with bannanas in it will it (halps). Makes you get over being made (mad)
(over)

Gee I worked today 25th. Allday too. Boy its some-things to see them sapost (supposed) to be helpless poeplo (people) open gifts well! hell thare not acctcherly (actually) Helpless to a sertten (certain) point, you might say only there handy capt (handicapped) is about all I guss. two feelows that careral, they where ones that opened Gift like a eez you might say or go a Head and say I sure wont stop you that for sure! Im here.

Oh yes they will fix my car only $400. Dollars to get it fix is about all too.

I stell dont know when I'll get fix tho, soon tho, the way he talked. So looks like I might just see you soon like (maybe) I'll see yous soon. So well see you sometimes soon. Well that's about it now. Might see you or write soon.

V E R N

Isn't this the most delicious letter you've ever read? Apparently Vern worked at a State School for handicapped people somewhere in Idaho in the mid to late 1960's ... and was possibly a bit handicapped himself ... his view of the "handy capt" people he worked with is adorable.

There are 2 more letters from Vern, as well as a note from his mom to herself about a phone call they had. I can hardly wait to share more from this delightful family!

To see all things postal, including delightful old letters, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory - and join us for Weekend Mailbox!

Shadows on Rocks ...

Another picture I found in Grandma G's travel album, from a trip they took sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's. The trip took them from Oregon to Idaho and on to Arizona.

Even though the photo is old and the location obscure ... it is still beautiful.

The rocks are probably still there ...
Only the shadows will be different.

To see shadows from around the world, visit Hey Harriet, and join us for Shadow Shot Sunday.

Military Training Journal ...

I found a journal at the Goodwill some time ago ... only a few pages had been used.
I tore them out, setting them aside, and used the journal for other things.

In fits and starts I have been trying to go through my mounds and piles and boxes of paper stuff, and in one of my searches I found the journal entries.

This time I read them.

There is no name to my mysterious soldier. Just a vivid description of what it was like to be training for war. Some of the wording makes me think the time frame is the Viet Nam era.

Did this soldier fight there? Did he ever have to throw one of those grenades for real? If he did go over there, did he make it home okay?

I will never know .....

And look at the date. February 14th. Valentines Day.

Old Photo - electrical hearts!

In January of 1980 ... several years before they welcomed me into their family ... Grampa and Grandma G took a trip from Oregon to Arizona, with many stops in between.

At one of the campgrounds, they took pictures of this electrical box ...
Probably because it scared them!

But guess what ... up in the corner of the photo ... I spied a pair of ...
Electrical Hearts! Do you see them?

To see hearts old and new, from all over the world, visit Random Hearts and participate in this week's Guest Heart Thursday!

Old Photo - Shadow Shot Sunday

I found this shadowy picture in an old photo album packed away ...
Grampa and Grandma G.
They must have been fascinated with this bird - there were several shots of it.

January, 1980 - Two years before they came into my life, they went on a trip - from their home in Oregon to Arizona - with many stops along the way.

They loved to travel. I miss them so much.

To see amazing shadows captured around the world, visit Hey Harriet - and join us for Shadow Shot Sunday!

Something Mailed ...

I found this in Ivor's papers (rescued from dumpster some years ago) and decided it was worth keeping. What originally caught my attention was the phone number.
167.
That's it. No area code, no prefix number ...
I think the world was smaller when this was mailed.

I'm not sure why Ivor kept it, except that he kept EVERYTHING.
I'm glad he did!

I like that it was postmarked
Independence, Oregon -
where my sister Beth lives!

What are the odds???

Caution - Thistles!!!

One of those things that make you go Hmmmmm???!!!
Maybe too many people have hit the sign.
Or maybe we're being protected from the thistles peeking out from the cone ...

Keep Portland Weird! - Weekend Reflections

I took this picture because I LOVE these Keep Portland WEIRD bumper stickers I keep seeing around town.

I didn't realize until later just how many reflections I caught in the shot!

To see reflections from around the world, please visit James at Newton Area Photo - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Depreciation

I was walking around the abandoned church when I saw something in the grass. I picked it up, and found this $1 bill. It was crinkly from the rain, and tattered from both weather and insects.

How long had it sat there? Who dropped it? I'll never know.

My silly side tells me ... maybe someone dropped a $10 bill, and it shrank in all that rain we had this Spring!

What stories do YOU think this $1 would tell?

Four Leaf Clover!

A truly random find - I happened to look down and find this four leaf clover!

Maybe it's time to go buy a lottery ticket!
NOT! (Can't push my 'luck' too far, eh?)

Old postcard, Long Beach, California

The Municipal Auditorium and Rainbow Pier, Long Beach, California

Another of the Goodwill finds I made a while back ...
I just don't understand how someone could
Give these beauties away!

I'm just glad they found their way to my collection.

Where Were You When The Mountain Blew???

I came across this brochure a while back ...
It brought back so many memories ...

Of that day in 1980, May 18th, 1980 to be precise ... when the beautiful and pristine Mt. St. Helens in Washington exploded ...

30 years. That's a long time. But I still clearly remember the day - a Sunday morning. My drive home from church included a hill overlooking the Willamette Valley. Usually I could see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Jefferson - and a good portion of the Cascade Range.

On that day I stopped at the top of the hill in awe - as I watched this once-perfect mountain blow her top.

It was my mom's 41st birthday.
What an interesting way to celebrate!!!

Remember that Old Laptop???

Rescued from the garbage, the old laptop has become ...
altered ART! A work in progress, because it will probably NEVER be finished.

Above is the cover -

Page 2

Page 3 -

Pages 2 and 3 together -
(With Mika's approval)

And the back cover!

My daughters and I had so much fun altering this book, er, "notebook".
Now we are looking for other things to embellish ... to beautify ... to save from the garbage for art!

Old Laptop ...

Look at what I found in the garbage.
It doesn't work - its guts are gone,
it's glory days have passed.

OR HAVE THEY???

Stay tuned ...

Recipe - Oatmeal cookies ... I think

I got a kick out of this recipe I found in some paperwork at the Goodwill Surplus Store.

1 c sortening (shortening?)
1 c white S (white sugar?)
1 c brown S (brown sugar?)
Cream till fluffy.
1 Egg
1 teasp vanilla
Stir well.
Add
1 1/2 c white flour
in which you have mixed
1 teaspoon soda
dash of salt
3 c oatmeal
Mix well
350% drop

I think they end up as cookies - don't know how long they are supposed to bake.

Memaloose Airport ...

One of my favorite pictures of all time ...
My wonderful B-I-L Alan ...
And the Memaloose Airport sign ...

A Classic!
(So is the sign!) :=)

Tree Identification Tags Gone Wrong

The city sent out a crew to the property across the street - 42 acres - of which half is covered with green space and wetlands - lots and lots of trees. It took a 2-man crew 3 weeks to find, reach, tag and catalog (complete with GPS for each tree!) all of the trees on the property of a certain "age and size".

If I were a tree, and had to be 'labeled', though, this would NOT be the label I chose!!!

Dark Smooth Ale

So this is what appeals to the young people now ...
They must be very brave!
I'm not sure I would drinking something ...
With a skull and cross bones on the front!!!

Jeep Smiley Face

He was next to me in the parking lot,
This cute little smiley face dude.
I drove off as soon as I saw him -
I could tell he was up to no good!

My Steve Morse Autograph and How It Happened

I've always thought Steve Morse was the best guitarist of all time. We were stationed in Kirchgoens, Germany in the late 80's, and heard that Kansas (the group) was to be performing there while on a USO sponsored tour. Steve Morse was the lead guitarist!!! They were going to spend the night at one of the guest houses on post.

The morning of the concert dawned cold and wet, yet I was determined to get the autograph of Steve Morse! I stood outside the guest house just after light, drenched in the freezing rain, holding my precious album and CD. Time passed. The door opened! It wasn't Steve Morse. It was a guy with really long hair in a pony tail, dressed in running gear. We talked for a moment, I told him the most scenic run around post ... he loped away. I waited. More time passed. Finally, the door opened again. STEVE MORSE!!!!! Would you please sign my CD and my album? He was most gracious and friendly. And he signed. Then he left. I went home to change my cold drenched clothing.

That evening, at a sparsely attended concert (seriously, there were only like a hundred people there!) - we had front row dancing seats. As the band came onstage ... remember that guy with the long hair? The one that wanted to know about jogging trails? The one I ignored so I could get to STEVE MORSE??? He was the lead singer. Yep, and I didn't even get his autograph! Silly me. Of course my teenage sister Leigh (she lived with us in Germany for a time) jumped on stage and got hugs from the entire band.

The only song I remember clearly is when we all held lighters and swayed with "Dust in the Wind" - which is still one of my favorite songs of all time.

Tag/Tag-Back #6

Oh yes, Jeff Rules indeed!

Or maybe Jeff Drules.

Either way, he's a wiener! Er, winner!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my (Goodness)!

Be afraid.
Be VERY afraid.
Tiger Car is on the loose!
Prowling the streets of Salem,
Seeking fresh prey!

Fortunately, I was safe,
In my (very dirty and pollen coated) cage ...

I don't think it saw me.
I must sneak away slowly,
Always on the lookout.
For the Tiger Car.

Skateboard Art

Look at what I found at the Goodwill surplus store ...
Not to ride, I have enough issues, thank you very much!

I just liked the dragon on the bottom
Scratched and worn,
A life well lived.

Now it will be ART!
Once I find a way to hang it on the shed.

It will remind me that a life well lived,
Is a thing of beauty.

Prom Request - Weekend Reflections

I was sitting in traffic when I saw this wonderful sign.
It wasn't until I looked at the picture closely that I noticed
The beautiful reflections in the windows of the
Office building behind it.
If you click to enlarge the photo, you will see what I mean!

Now the only question remaining ...
Did Kendra say yes?????

To see wonderful reflections from around the world, please visit Weekend Reflections.

Who Finds Clothing in a Bag? I do!

I was taking a walk along the trail at the Fanno Creek Nature Preserve in Tigard (Oregon). The day was warm, sunny and perfect.

Through the air wafted the heady scent of newly mown grass. Soon I could see a giant industrial sized lawnmower coming towards me - it's giant insect-like appendages outstretched, mowing and shredding everything within reach.

I looked to the side of the trail, hoping there was nothing in it's way. There was - a white grocery bag, full of something.

I picked it up and carried it back to my car. By now I was curious. What was in this bag?

Well, 3 pairs of pants (the exact size for my niece, who needs them!), a catalog, a used Tri-Met bus ticket, a pair of trendy shoes, and some little tiny hotel soaps and shampoo.

So I took it home, to distribute to those who need it. I'm sorry someone lost their clothes and things, but I don't feel guilty about taking them. After all, they would have been shredded in a few minutes anyway.

Tag/Tag-Back #5

Once again let loose, pen in hand ...
To the place where the Graffiti is ...

Snicker.
This is just way too much fun.
Right sissie?

What they do at the abandoned church at night ...

I wonder if the "Weejie" told them anything, since they lost the instructions.

They'll never find them, I threw this paper into the fire and burned it.

There's enough craziness in the world without trying to bring more from the 'other side' - imagined or not.

Bored Outside Costco ...

What else could I do???

Tag/Tag-Back #4

Tag!

Tag Back!

Isn't this what happened to the Unicorns???