Tante Dina's Funeral

Today was a beautiful day for a funeral.  The talks were good, the singing nice, and the cello was wonderful.  The good-bye was not as difficult as some.  Perhaps it is because she lived to 96 years of age, and her sweetheart passed on several years ago.  We also knew that she was in a great deal of pain at the end, and it is nice to know that she is no longer suffering. 

 Daniel, Mary Jane, Mom, Tante Dina's grandson Jeff, and Sarkis

 Uncle Dirk, Wella and Bill standing behind.

Daughter-in-law Pearl, Gonnie, and Leen.

The weather was wonderful, not too warm or cold, but sunny and nice.  After we went to the church for a luncheon.  The Relief Society did a wonderful job as usual.   We are able to see and visit with many in the extended family.



Number Ten

I finally finished baby quilt number TEN.  Poor Beckham has had to wait a long time for his quilt. 

If I get it to him before his second birthday it will be before Xani received her quilt. She received hers for her second birthday. Click here. 

All the quilts that I have made are panels, with the design hand quilted.  That is why it takes so long.  When I quilt my fingers become calloused and sore. 

 

It is a labor of love welcoming each new addition into our family.

Transfer Completed

I received word about a half hour ago that Tante Dina has passed away.  We are thankful that her struggles were not longer than they were.

Nearing a Transfer

My dear Tante Dina is nearing the end of her life.  She is a tiny little Dutch woman who has lived a very full life.  My sister and I went to visit her tonight.  Her daughter is by her side, caring for her and waiting for the time when she slips away.  Tante Dina is ready to be with her sweetheart.  This picture is from a time when the family stayed in a cabin.  Tante Dina is third from the right.

From left to right: Tante Stien, Gonnie on her lap,  Tante Fiet, the two little girls I'm not sure of.  Minnie, Bill V.H., Leen, Gerard, Tante Dina, Opa Van Leer, Ome Pete.

Love to the family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tah Dah!!!

Well, it is official.  The school year is over and I am still alive.  This has been a tough year.  This marks the end of thirty years.  At the awards assembly I was called up for the 30 year recognition.  I was handed a gold wrapped package.  In my mail box at work was a letter.  After the students all went home I read the letter and opened the present.  It is nice to be recognized.  In the middle of August I will go back for another  year, and then maybe some more.  We will see.

Afterwards my Sweetheart took me out to dinner at Sea Salt to celebrate. 
http://www.seasaltslc.com/

On the way home we saw a beautiful sunset.  It has been a nice day.

Santa at Church?

Today at church some little kids walked up to Keith and asked him if he was Santa.  He said that his name was Keith.  The children told him their first names.  Then Keith told them their last name.  Their eyes became large as they stared at him.  Keith was telling me this in the chapel when Sister Reusch walked by and said there were three children in the Starcrest Ward talking about seeing Santa at church.  Gotta love it.

Nov. 2010 Mrs. Widdisons's Laundry Room Door

When we sold the 521 Arctic place, it was hard to walk away. It was the house that Grandma and Grandpa William Widdison lived in, and subsequently Uncle Joe and Aunt Virginia, and then Keith. We were allowed to take what ever we wanted from the home, because it was to be demolished. We took doors and trim, kitchen cabinets, lighting...

This is the old back door, leading from the kitchen. When Keith lived there it had a red curtain on it. The door was pretty weathered and hammered. We thought about leaving it behind, but I wanted it.

Keith did a lot of work in helping me glue the cracked panels together, and lengthening the door. I spent a lot of time filling in small holes and sanding, fill in and sand some more. We put several coats of paint on the door, and decided on hardware, and what type of glass. I wanted seeded glass. Keith installed the hardware, and placed the glass. One day as he was working, he said, "This is the door my grandma would use to do the laundry." The washing machine was on the enclosed back porch at the time. It is now installed as the current laundry room door. Hence, Mrs. Widdisons's laundry room door. I think it is gorgeous.

Here is one of the other doors that we worked on and restored. These doors are solid wood. When the door was finished we installed it in the master bathroom. It takes a lot of time to refinish the doors, but the memories are priceless, and they look great.