Rest in Peace

On March 27, 2018 our friend, Marjo, went from this side to the next one. Marjo was a 'sister of the heart' of our family. She was the cherished sister of her family. She will be missed.

Her life was celebrated on March 30 at the First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas.  Her granddaughter, Lara, gave a moving tribute to her 'Jo-Jo'. Our nephew, Jim Ed, sang her favorite hymn, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". 

It's hard to say "Goodbye, until we meet again" to one of my favorite people. She was an example that inspired others to be positive and tolerant of all people. She had a quiet way about her that made me want to emulate her and she was beyond organized. 

This is another song that she requested be sung by her friends and family. It is one of my favorites. I had a hard time singing along.

50 States in 50 Years Nos. 12-9

No. 12 Minnesota with a side trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
No. 11 North Dakota
No. 10 Iowa
No.  9 Nebraska

I added these state to my list on a trip to Minnesota in 1970. I could find very few pictures from 1970 and this trip. 

We started in Arkansas, went through Kansas and made a stop in Omaha for a few days. One day we spent at the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters. To be honest I do not remember how they looked in 1970. All I remember is going into a building and signing a guest book. Then, we ventured over to Lincoln one day and took pictures at the Capitol Building. I took them from the top of the building. That was before my fear of heights had kicked in big time. I wouldn't be able to do that now. Note: Nebraska is very windy.

On the road again with one stop in Sioux City, Iowa, to fix a flat tire and on to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. There were several sides trips from this base. One trip was to Itasca State Park in Bimidji where I waded across the Mississippi River.  It is at the headwaters of the river. Next, we took a quick trip over the border to Fargo, North Dakota.

I was a little further inland as I remember.
I didn't have to walk far, but I did have to
walk across the rocks.

The highlight side trip was to Winnipeg. 
We spent the night and did a little shopping.
I still have the ring I bought as a souvenir.










This trip was almost at the beginning of my '50-State Odyssey'. Who knew at that time that I would be able to say I have been in and out or to all 50 states. Glad we thought to go to Fargo.

THEN AND NOW-THE LIFE OF A TREE

I have been keeping a photo record of a Jane Magnolia tree that we got when we moved into our house in Little Rock twenty-five years ago. We moved to another town six years ago. We go check on it from time to time when we are back in town. It is still growing and putting on its spectacular Spring show.

February 2009

March 2010

March 2018