25 Years?

Hard to believe today is 25 years since the most impactful historical moment of my lifetime happened. When our young football team faced the flag during our moment of silence this evening, I realized none of them were even born! Do they understand the impact of today?

I remember in high school when I had write some paper that involved asking my parents for memorable/impactful moments in history. My mother knew exactly what she was doing and how she heard on the radio that JFK was assassinated. I thought "How do you remember that from 20 years ago?!" 

But now I get it.

Between work and taking football pictures this evening, I didn't have time to watch any of the 25th anniversary tributes to 9/11. Maybe tomorrow I can find them. It's not like I want to re-live the day. But don't you want to go back to that month and remember how we all came together as a nation – and it didn't matter our political affiliation, our skin color, our income, or anything? We bonded together as mourners and survivors.

That definitely got lost in the decades since, unfortunately.

For me, it was crazy week. Working at a newspaper had a whole host of extra memories. Special editions. Two newspapers a day. And we still couldn't keep up with how much was being discovered those first few days – Trade Center, Pentagon, Flight 93 – and how it all tied together. So surreal.

But like I said, any of us who woke up ALIVE on September 12 should consider ourselves survivors. Let's try not to take that for granted.

Or our freedom to comment on this event however we want! 

WWW (What's With the Wind)?

I haven't been living under a rock. Though I try to most of time. But what's with the wind? I swear it's been like windy all the time going on 3+ years.

I just stumbled across a forecast for "marginal" (thankfully) chances of hail and strong wind tonight. Can I just go to bed one night safe in the knowledge I'll have electricity in the morning? No one wants to see me in the office without my hair curled. It was bad enough I showed up at Book Club tonight with my Monday work-from-home unwashed and randomly braided hair!

I didn't even know how to apologize.

But since our book was about witches, I sort of fit in. Yep from wind to brooms and witches, I guess it all ties together.

This month's discussion was on How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy's Guide to Silencing Women by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. I've told you several times our books run quite the gamut. We rotate who chooses the book each month so it often is something we'd never personally choose – but also opens our eyes and minds to subjects we didn't know we'd benefit from learning about.

In this book, which I considered a little more like a history book than a novel, the authors unravel the grim yet absurdly bureaucratic process of identifying, accusing, trying, and executing women as witches. There was possibly a little too much detail for this "fainting goat" about how they were burned at the stake and what happened to their bodies in the process. But otherwise, interesting! If that's an area of interest for you, check it out!

Of course, as we cackled in our coven we call a book club, I think we were in agreement not to let any of our husbands or kids read this.

Like the weatherman says: Safety first!

Be careful out there!

Up in the Atmosphere

We've gotten so spoiled with the brilliant Northern Lights displays in the past 2 years that I think we sometimes forget to look up and appreciate the beauty of the stars on a cold, nearly cloudless night.

My inspiration? Book Club, of course!

Tonight 5 of us were able to meet at Ida's and discuss Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We don't always go back to the same authors time and again but it happens we read her Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising for previous discussions in years past. Plus several of us read her Daisy Jones and the Six book. She's good. What can we say?

Plus, our club is magical at picking out great books 9 out of 10 times.

I latched on to the storylines of this book for several reasons. First it was set in the early 1980s when the lead female characters were training in the NASA space program. It was around that time (which they obviously mention in the book) that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983. I just remember how excited my sister Romey was about that because she had lived in Orlando a few years in the late 1970s and was in tune with the news there.

The second thing was that all the fictional stuff in the book came before my first memorable historic moment of childhood – when teacher Christa McAuliffe and her crew members died in the January 28, 1986, explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. 

Reading about the hype (and frankly, doubt) about women in space was interesting. But there were so many complex relationships that made the story so moving. That again, I'm listening to audio and crying in my car. 

Give it a read or a listen. I'm a pretty tough rater but I gave it a 4.5 out of 5. And if you have time, check out some of her other titles. I mean what else is there to do in the winter in the Midwest? We can stargaze and take pictures – but that lasts about 35 seconds before it's time to come in!

By the way, our January book is The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. I'm already on page 80 and riveted (in, I'll admit, a heartbreaking way).

But if you've read Atmosphere, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Be careful out there and stay warm!

Sports Illustrated Retro Swimsuit Edition

As I'm going through pictures to scan in for my mother's memorial service, I'm naturally coming across childhood pictures. Some I'd want to share and some I'd prefer were buried in that ark Indiana Jones allegedly found.

The reason I like the one above is because there was a certain time in my life (I'm at left) when chubby thighs and knees were cute with no judgment!

I would love that right now!

But it's also a cute picture with my twin and our next oldest sister Rachel. And without asking them, I'm sure they'd agree it would be amazing to feel those care-free things we felt at that age.

Something I'm sure anyone can identify with!

Here's my Wednesday Wish.... May we all remember a non-judgmental time in our lives (no matter how far back) and realize we were awesome and deserve to pay our amazing selves forward!

The next generation will thank you.  

Reality Check

Since my sister Rachel is out of the hospital and recovering, we've finally set a date for Mom's memorial service. So on August 10th, it will start to feel REAL.

Actually it is already since I volunteered to scan in photos of Mom for the picture boards and the computer screen. The picture above is from her early 20s, I'm guessing. Trim and fashionable in those roll-up jeans. I love it! 

In fact, there are a ton of images that make me say, "Wow, Mom was pretty and knew how to have fun!" Why don't we ever think of our moms that way? They were young once, too, and enjoyed their pre-K (pre-kids) life!

So I'll be busy with this task this weekend but the funeral service info is now live here: https://memorials.swedberg-taylor.com/marlys-hedberg/5434811/index.php. Or you can read it here....

Marlys Victoria Hedberg, age 92, passed away on May 22, 2024, at Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg, WI, surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 10, at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Marlys was born on Good Friday, March 25, 1932, to Ernie and Florence (Larson) Johnson in the town of Daniels, Burnett County, Wisconsin. She attended grade school at Siren, Wood Creek and Alpha and high school at Grantsburg, making many lifetime friendships. Marlys held part-time jobs at Daniels Seed Farm near Grantsburg, Duncan Yo-Yo in Luck, and Stokely’s in Frederic.

On July 2, 1949, she married LeRoy Hedberg and to this union were born 11 children (including three sets of twins.) They lived in Grantsburg until 1960 and moved to Cushing for LeRoy’s job. When her youngest two were in high school, Marlys began working at the United Pioneer Home in Luck in the laundry department until her retirement at age 62.

Marlys was mainly a stay-at-home mother who loved music, dancing, performing in the Pleasant Valley Kitchen Band, baking, and being creative with sewing and crafts. She had a green thumb and entered countless plants along with her delicious baked goods in the Polk County Fair. Marlys loved to write letters and send out cards for birthdays and anniversaries. She was an active fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each year she strived to raise more money, usually being one of the top individual fundraisers for the Luck/Frederic Cancer Walk. This was a cause near and dear to her heart as she lost her father and a sister to cancer. Marlys and LeRoy were also actively involved with the Sterling-Eureka-Laketown Historical Society.

For fun, Marlys liked to play solitaire and even more so, enjoyed playing cards and other games with her children and their families— who always knew when she had a winning hand as she started humming. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune daily on her TV. Family was important to Marlys. The gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her so much joy, as well as attending many Johnson and Hedberg family gatherings over the years and hosting some sledding and Halloween parties at their home.

Although Marlys didn’t graduate high school, she earned her GED certificate in 1969 and she was an active participant in the Class of 1950’s reunions. Both she and LeRoy believed strongly in education and instilled this value in their children.

Marlys and LeRoy and family were active members of Laketown Lutheran Church, participating in the Women of ELCA and the annual Fall Bazaar. This will be her final resting place.

After LeRoy’s passing in 2013, Marlys remained in their home until January 2018 when she moved to Courtyard Square apartments in Grantsburg. She remained independent until April 2024 when she became hospitalized and moved to the Continuing Care Center at Burnett Medical Center.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, LeRoy; two infant sons; one infant daughter; a grandson, Bryan Chalstrom; sisters Melvina Washbon, Violet Peck, and Virginia Larson; a son-in-law Paul Delaney; sisters-in-law Gladys, Audrey, Betty, and Gwen; and brothers-in-law Dudley and Ray.

Marlys is survived by her children, Rayna Delaney, Romey (Rick) Nelson, Renell Pagel, RoAnn (Ken) Goor, Ronald Hedberg, Rachel Hedberg, Robyn (Jim) Austin, and Raylene (Steve) Swanson; grandchildren, Eric Nelson (Stephanie), Caryn (Michelle) Chalstrom, Matthew (Kristina) Chalstrom, Beth (Anders) Hopkins, Timothy Goor (Tawnie), Travis Goor (Michelle), David (Sara) Hedberg, Zachary (Liana) Hedberg, Carter Austin (Mamie), Tony Soderquist, and Ashley Swanson (Devan); step-grandchildren, Dawn, James, Casey, Clayton, Joshua, James, and Jesse; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Adryan, Makayla, Michael, Nash, Quinn, Hans, Nils, Tyler, Tyson, Trey, Teegan, Khloe, Linus, Millie, Arlo, Audrey and Kenlee. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, Hartley (Alice) Hedberg and Charles (Sally) Hedberg, sister-in-law Barb Hedberg, cousins Ardyce and Myrna, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Thanks for all your prayers! 

Starting from My Beginnings

When I was visiting Mom yesterday, she mentioned how she hasn't taken time to write her life story yet. I reminded her that I had once video-interviewed her and Dad (in front of my childhood home above) about their childhood – and promised to try to find the DVD of it. Thankfully I found it last night. And this afternoon, I listened to it and "transcribed" it into a Word document. 

The hard part was that Dad's interview was first. I watched just a bit of it and, since I was bawling at seeing him and hearing his voice, fast-forwarded to Mom's segment. I'm definitely going to have to go back to the beginning at some point. Was just thrown aback at having him in the room with me, so to speak. Just miss him so much!!

Since I filmed this 16 years ago, of course Mom looks different than the picture I took yesterday. But her attitude and spirit is still the same. 

Both my parents had pretty tough (aka poor) upbringings. But found reasons to celebrate and find the positives. Both of them said they could see that in their children. Being tough and going after what we want. And taking time to be creative.

And they've both always had a sense of humor we've all latched onto.

She said of her high school years: "My freshman year I got on the Honor Roll every time but one time. That was good. My sophomore year I got on the honor roll only one time. I was dating LeRoy Hedberg then. My mind maybe wasn’t on my books."

Well, duh. I can see how that could be a distraction!

While crying and laughing through this today, I was sad but very grateful how much they sacrificed to make life work! And the attitudes and behaviors they instilled in all 8 R's along the way. Thanks, Mom, Dad, and God for that!

If you've never taken time to interview your parents, do it. I can suggest plenty of questions that won't seem intrusive and at the same time, give you some insight how you reflect who they are!

Not The Weaker Sex

There's a couple of things I've realized in the last 3 weeks. The most important one being that women are stronger than we think. Not sure how my sister or my mom keep trudging forward, but they are both the type of strong woman I hope to be.

It was by pure coincidence that our April (the longest month of my family's life) book club book was The Women by Kristin Hannah.

I'll admit that everything I've learned about the Vietnam War was from Robin Williams' Good Morning, Vietnam and Tom Hanks' Forrest Gump movie. It's sad but as a high school student in the early '80s, when they went through American History, I'm pretty sure they ran out of time at the end of the school year and  crammed in the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, and Korea in one week.

And even though I've watched a ton of M*A*S*H episodes, I didn't equate it to the fact women were also serving in the Vietnam War – mostly as the crucial role of nurses.

What an eye-opening and really, really well-written book. Across the board, we almost all gave it a 5 out of 5 rating. 

You know I don't go on and on about particular books much (since I read a ton), but this one is worth a read. Is it long? Yes. Was the war long? Yes and then some. I personally got a chance to listen to the audio book and was engrossed from the beginning. Reading a handheld book (or device) will likely get you in the same position.

When I see servicemen wearing their caps or jackets, I always thank them for their service. But nurses in Vietnam? I haven't seen your badge of honor. First of all, you deserve it. Secondly, thank you so much! 

This book (and life) is a great reminder we all deserve praise for our accomplishments and service, and support for our struggles and unearned uphill battles.

Just so glad I have the support today of my sisterhood – birth sisters and "adopted" ones. Love you all! Let's keep moving forward!

Dinner and a Movie

About once a decade (not an exaggeration) hubby and I go to a movie together. There's rarely one we both want to see. And rarely one where we can't wait for it to come out on one of the streaming platforms. But tonight we found ourselves sitting through a nearly 3 1/2 hour history lesson.

I was surprised when Jim mentioned wanting to see this. We had just talked about this in book club not that long ago. I hadn't read the book, but now we both want to. The book/movie was based on a disturbing true story. When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one—until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

The movie was slow-paced and kind of drawn out. But of course the acting was stellar. 

And so was the popcorn for dinner. We certainly didn't need the 64-ounce "small" drink cups to go with it. There was minimal sipping. Had to make sure my bladder lasted 206 minutes! 

Now it's off to bed because that was a lot of excitement for this old bird on a Friday night. Have a great weekend!

Where Were You?

Hard to believe it's been 22 years since 9/11. Like we can't ever say Sept. 11 of any other year. Just 2001.

Not sure if this video even works but it's Alan Jackson's "Where were you when the world stopped turning."

It's strange today to think of that day. Losing my aunt just hours before. Losing a distant cousin in the Pentagon. And producing at least two daily newspapers per day for a few to keep up with the most unusual and traumatic thing to happen in our lifetimes. 

They always say NEVER FORGET. Probably best we don't. 

Maybe it's best we don't act like those "arrogant Americans" anywhere overseas. Maybe it's best we all recognize we have flaws – individually or as a nation – and never rub our superiority in someone else's face.

Maybe it's best we just be kind.

I Did Not Throw Away My Shot

If you ever oversleep for church on Sunday but your phone rings from a girlfriend from church – answer it! She wasn't calling because you needed to be at church. You needed to be her last-second replacement partner to go see Hamilton!

When my friend Kim purchased the tickets way back when, she planned to take her daughter, my "niece" and dancer/singer extraordinaire Megan. But then Megan couldn't go due to some dance rehearsal and when Megan's back-up ticket person fell ill today, it was time for Kim to find someone at the last second. Someone who loves musicals – especially this one. And I got the lucky call. 

I had one hour to get ready. And at that point, it didn't matter I had plans for a movie with a friend and plans for golf with hubby today. If you've seen it, you know why Hamilton trumps all!

Kim hadn't seen it before so I showed her plenty of photo op places before the show. Pretty much counted on the fact that as a "stage mom" she'd absolutely love it.

And she DID love it. And it was phenomenal per usual! My only mistake was forgetting to pack any Kleenex for that part – you know the one – where I cried.

The casting – even with several understudies today – was amazing. And it was so entertaining. 

As much as I loved being the alternate attendee, you MUST see this one, Megan!! YOU should, too, if you haven't yet.

Also, just so you know. I'd be happy to be on any of your backup plus-one lists for any event like this!

Tough Mudders

Earlier this week marked 5 months since my mother-in-law passed away. Some days it still feels like fresh grief for Jim, his sister, and dad. That's when I decided I should get Up North and see my own mom. Can't take her presence for granted. 

So I hit the road at 8 a.m. and headed north. I had my route planned out with several stops to make during my 4-hour trek to Grantsburg.

Stop 1: Hawkeye Dairy in Abbotsford. Can't break my tradition of ice cream for breakfast when I'm going solo for the long haul.

Stop 2: Buy lottery tickets in Luck. Still want to be that hometown girl from Luck who got lucky!!

Stop 3: Say hello to dad. You can tell they had tons of snow since his wreath pretty green. The other sign that they had lots of snow that melted is that top photo on the way to the cemetery. I'm gonna start calling my Honda "Moses" after successfully parting the Red Sea.

Made it to Mom's a little after noon. Not bad. I told Mom we could go wherever she wanted for lunch and we could drive wherever. I was hers for the afternoon. She had "walleye fingers" on her mind – which she enjoys at The Pour House in Siren – but we decided to take the scenic route to get there. She wanted to show me some places she lived as a child and went to school. 

By the time we turned off on the first super curvy road, I said, "Mom, it's like we're 4-wheeling! At least my Honda has 4 wheels!"

First historic site was where she went to grade school. While the Wood Creek School house is gone, they at least had a sign she could stand near. I made sure to get the street sign in there, too, so I'd know where it is! 

From there we went to what is left of the homestead. She was not kidding when she told us she walked 2 miles to school! Uphill both ways! There is a steep ravine that had to be tough going up on the way to school and the way home. She told me about seeing a bear on the other side of it once. And said on winter days when it was really cold, her dad (Grandpa Ernie) would hitch up the sleigh to take her to school since the car wouldn't start in the cold weather either.

The genealogy nerd in me was eating this up!!

We also ate the Walleye Fingers and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at The Pour House, too. After a leisurely lunch, she wanted to show me another place she lived in childhood.

She thinks it was at the corner of Dan Johnson and Olsen roads. How's that for Scandinavian heritage? I let her think it over while I captured a trumpeter swan out for a swim. She still wasn't sure but figured it would be familiar to her if we headed west on Olsen Road. Which, mind you, was a dirt (aka MUDDY) road with too many pot holes to mention.

I felt like I was in a video game zig-zagging around the pot holes. Then the game got interesting. My "low fuel" light came on. I said, "Mom, you better know how to get us back to town because if I have to call for help, I don't know where we are."

After much jostling and laughter, we got to a road that headed west.

Not muddy exactly. Just a fresh pile of dirt that the grader just laid. More laughter and more 4-wheeling adventures. When we got to a road with a sign that said Daniels 70, I asked if this was Highway 70 leading to Grantsburg. Mom's like, "Yes, we're in Daniels Township."

Well that must have been an Old 70 because it went back north. Meanwhile, I'm keeping a close eye on that Low Fuel light and hoping it's not too much of a wrong turn. At one point I said, "Mom, you realize when I get home and tell Jim about this he'll ask me why I was asking a 91-year-old for directions."

At least we made it to a gas station and her house for a little more visiting before I hit the road.

One final selfie for the road. As I left, Mom said, "Thanks for the date!" My pleasure. Haven't had one-on-one time with her in forever. It was awesome.

From there I headed home via Burnett Dairy Cheese Factory. I ran into Mike, who Jim and I worked with years ago at the newspaper in Rapids. He's been living just outside of Grantsburg – next to my aunt and uncle if you want to talk even smaller world.

Then my twin walked in for my second date of the day. We had a small bowl of Wisconsin S'mores Ice Cream for supper. Yup, my day came full circle with ice cream for two meals. Ha.

Yucky drive back in rain and road construction but Moses got me home safely. I see a car wash in my future tomorrow, though!

The Gasoline of Life

Love when local businesses have inspirational or just plain factual signs. This is 100% what I needed after church today. And it was actually cheaper than a gallon of gas! That's telling you something!

We haven't tipped the $5 mark for regular unleaded gas here – yet. But it's so close. I wish coffee would fuel my car as much as it fuels me. Did you know a gallon of gas only cost 31 cents in 1963? A cup of coffee – 35 cents!

Why do we care? Because also in 1963 a certain someone came into this world. On this very date!

Yup, someone is spending his last year in his 50s. I was just wiki-researching his birth date and it turns out Jim was born on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The fact that that is a reference point on his birthday seems way too historic for my taste!

Probably the coolest fact was the day before his birth. On July 2, 1963, baseball pitchers Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants, and Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves faced off against each other in a National League baseball game that one author would later call "the greatest game ever pitched". Tied 0-0 after nine innings, the game was won in the 16th by the Giants on a home run by Willie Mays. A perfect stat for my baseball-loving man!

Of course what he enjoys about having his birthday on the 3rd is that he always has the day after his birthday off! Thank you, America!

He didn't exactly whoop it up today, though. He had to be the lector (or something like that) at 5 p.m. church so he was well-behaved all day, relaxing on his recliner with some John Wayne on TV and listening to his Reds baseball on Sirius radio. I offered to take him out after church, but he was fine with just staying home. 

So I went to King Cone myself in observance of his special day. After all, ice cream is the gasoline of life when the coffee shop's closed. And sometimes even when it's open.

Four Score and 10 Years Ago

Four score (that's 20 years each) and 10 years ago, my mom came into this world. If you don't know Gettysburg Address type math, that's 90 years! She was born on Good Friday in 1932 so she was special from the get-go.

Tomorrow we'll go Up North to celebrate with her and lots of family. The picture above is from her cake we had in Arizona. It took her 3 tries to get those 9 candles blown out. Apparently claims that us Hedberg ladies are full of hot air have been debunked. Thanks, Mom.

I really can't image what life was like as a child of the Great Depression. But of course the Internet has factoids to help us make a comparison from then to now...

List of 1932 news events and fun facts:

• US unemployment reaches 24% with many living in cars and shanty towns.
• Amelia Earhart completes the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean by a woman.
• The Bonus Army marches on Washington D.C.
• Charles Lindbergh son is kidnapped.
• BBC first TV Programming
• The big movies included Shanghai Express, The Sign of the Cross and The Kid From Spain
• US life expectancy: Males: 61.0 years, Females: 63.5 years

Cost of Living 1932

• Average cost of new house: $6,510.
• Average wages per year: $1,650.
• Average monthly rent: $18 per month.
• Cost of a gallon of gas: 10 cents.
• A loaf of bread: 7 cents.
• A pound of hamburger meat: 10 cents.
• Sugar 25-pound sack: $1.25.
• New car average price: $610.

Wow, huh? That price of gas almost makes me want to go back in time. But when you see the unemployment rate and know that people were living in the cars and struggling in many ways, then I'd prefer to stay put. Not that I have any connections to a time machine!

I guess it made Mom a stronger person. Also explains why she kept everything and reused everything possible. We are a wasteful society these days. Everything is disposable. Except the extra "stuff" a lot of us hang onto. You know... we children of the children of the Depression, and all that.

I'm thrilled the life expectancy has extended quite a bit since then, too. Males went from 61 years to 78 years and females went from 63.5 years to 82.2 years. Whoa, my 90-year-old mother is beating the odds. Hope that's hereditary. 

Happy 9 decades, Mom!

Logging Some Miles

Lest you think I'm the only with a busy travel life these days, our baby boy has been up and down and across the country (sort of) in the past few weeks.

Three weeks ago, Carter and his girlfriend drove south to Alabama to stay with her dad a few weeks. How quickly he learned that working remotely has its perks when you want to escape Wisconsin winters. So they enjoyed a nice visit and the laptop didn't melt in the sun.

This past weekend, though, was a whirlwind. On Friday, they drove the 907 miles north to Potosi, Wis., where Mamie's brother lives. Got there in the wee hours of the morning. Then on Saturday, Carter drove from there the 192 miles over to Chicago, where a college roommate lives. He parked his car there and his buddy drove him to the airport to fly out to Washington, D.C., for work. Definitely a whirlwind because he just texted 2 minutes ago that he landed back in Chicago already.

So how is adulting going?

He says pretty awesome!

First, working in Selma, Alabama, was a neat experience because their last Sunday there was the Selma Jubilee to celebrate the civil rights movement and historic walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge there.

So yeah, he was hanging out with Vice President that Sunday...

And somewhere in the crowd was also such notables as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and members of Martin Luther King's family.

One weekend with the VP and the next weekend in DC. Quite the presidential traveler! 

Carter said the work trip was cool because he finally got to meet many of his co-workers in person. Plus folks from Asia and Africa. He is in the study abroad industry, after all. He said he met a guy from Kenya and it turns out he was an exchange student a few years back at nearby Wausau. That was his small world moment! 

He had to do some presentations, which went fine, and now he is set continue adulting – with confidence. Proud of him and excited that he's taking advantage of opportunities along the road trip of life.

Glad we've both been bitten by the travel bug! 

Oh, Christmas Trees

Happy St. Lucia Day! In honor of the Scandinavian holiday, I figured I better share something festive. So I give you a tour of the 5th Annual Christmas Tree Walk at our museum. My friend Cindy and I managed to get there yesterday afternoon – on their last day – and would highly recommend making it an annual activity!

Each room on both floors had a variety of trees and theme areas set up. Kudos to the designers of the 20 unique and creatively gorgeous trees! 

Come on it and take the tour with us!

First we were in awe of this old house. Can you imagine how gorgeous it was decorated back in the day? They certainly did a fine job with creative touches on every surface!

Even had Jack Frost designing winterscapes on the windows.

This one was called "Over There" and featured decorations symbolizing the World Wars.

I mean, this is a museum after all.

This "phone tree" is appropriately called "Hello Christmas." Love the antique phone desk.

And the antique telephones nestled in the tree. Very cool.

The "Peacock Holiday Fantasy" tree was gorgeous. 

Not something I'd ever think to do, but the blues and feathers were so pretty!

We had an "It's a Wonderful Life" room, too. Loved it!

Now this is how you do a Christmas village!

Welcome to Bedford Falls!

There were angels hanging from the ceiling. What a neat idea for using the cutout snowflakes!

Of course the old school room part of the museum had to get a bit decorated.

Love the big peppermint sticks and old primers on the desks.

The "Christmas Blessings to our Troops" tree courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Loved the "Angels Among Us" tree since my oldest sister also decorates with angels!

A huge variety of angels.

And why haven't I thought to do this with any of my seashells before?

It's the "Peace, Love, and Belly Rubs" tree, of course! 

"I'll be Gnome for Christmas!"

A Viking gnome for sure!

Santa fun in the toy room!

Now isn't this a clever idea with a watering can, "icicles" and mirror for ice?

How to set up for a holiday wedding!

Here's a pretty and pretty interesting bouquet or centerpiece.

It's made up of antique broaches and probably and old clip-on earring or two. So unique!

Pink and feathers belong to Christmas. Who knew?

I think it's pretty. Not going to happen in my house, but still pretty to look at here!

The Christmas goose is in for a surprise.

Love this idea of the old Christmas hymns made into ornaments. You can always print out things that "look" old, too, to make this work.

Had to take a picture of the Irish Christmas tree in honor of my ailing Irish brother-in-law.

Hope these Celtic decorations and ...

this Irish angel send you good luck in the hospital, Mr. Delaney!

A little Whoville Christmas action. 

I like the idea of the lights inside a Santa bag. So many creative things going on!

Son of a nutcracker! There's a lot of nutcrackers!

Very neat to see the huge variety.

Not sure if it's one person's collection but it's impressive!

Love the "Choose Hope" tree!

And this "Puttin on the Ritz" tree totally brings out the museum qualities.

The dress on the mannequin and the "pearls" hanging on the tree. Very vintage!

And that completes our tour today, folks. Thanks for visiting. And be sure to check your calendar next year for the 6th annual event at the South Wood County Historical Museum!