The last day of 2009.....

Hope you all are enjoying this last day of 2009 and have your plans to welcome in the New Year! Stay safe...and see you next year!!

A slight twist in the story of the 3 Kings....

Out of the mouth of babes.....last week, just a day or two before Christmas, Amy & Shawn Oxentenko were discussing the true meaning of Christmas with the kids, when they started talking about the 3 Kings and the gifts they brought the baby Jesus. As they asked each of the kids to name one of the gifts, Evan contributed "gold", Abby said "myrrh" (how does a 3 y/o come up with that word??), and when Isaac was asked if he knew the last gift, it was with much seriousness on his part that he proudly announced "Frankenstein"! Needless to say, there was a slight correction.

Some holiday activities....

Now that we're back home, I can catch up with what's been happening with some of the family. Jacob Korkowski (Ron & Sue) enjoyed some fishing time with Grandpa Dennis and brother Mason last week. Unfortunately, Jacob's trip to the fish house included him stepping into the hole up to his bottom! No fish on this trip out though. Now, if memory serves correctly, he's enjoying the sun in Florida some place....lucky boy!

If she's baking cookies, hide.....

This came from Theresa, so all I can say Derald is that if you smell cookies, either hide in a closet and get the heck out of the house!!
A very old man lay dying in his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs.
He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.
With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven.
There, spread out on newspapers on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. The aged and withered hand, shaking, made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when he was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.
"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral.

For those of you missing Minnesota....

To all you who have Minnesota roots and are missing good old Minnesota weather, here's a bit of what we're looking at today. Snow? or temps in the 60s or 70s? You can have it all...just look at these pictures and then go outside to sweat a bit!

Having fun in the Christmas snow in Brandon

Lila, Jack, Melissa, Ray, and Monte

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all family and friends, far and wide.....you are in our thoughts on this wonderful day!

Fw: Merry Christmas to all!!

Oh, tomorrow is Christmas Day and what a white Christmas for us Minnesotans.  I went to Cathedral to Mass at 4 p.m. with Sisters Loretta and Clara and Spencer, our Franciscan Volunteer.  He is working through the Christmas week with the homeless at the Place of Hope.  He is easy to have with us.  The Cathedral was packed. 

 

I think of Mark in his plow, of all our nieces and nephews with their children, celebrating this wonderful night.  I think of our own family and the wonderful Christmas celebrations we had as children and then for so many years at the Brandon Hall with our extended family...on Christmas Day.  Aren't we lucky to have our gathering planned for January 2, 2010?

 

Thank you for the many messages, cards and photos sent for Christmas, for the messages of the past weeks on the Blog, and for our connections as a Korkowski family and the family of God, as we are more aware of our spiritual roots  at this beautiful time with the birth of Jesus.  

 

Merry Christmas.  I love you! 

Sister Cordy

The time is near.....

Christmas Day draws near and the scene outside is beautiful! Even though many plans have been changed and/or adapted, we are eagerly awaiting this special day.

We've got it right this year!

We know we jumped the gun last year when saying Derald Krentz had turned 65, and we've beaten our chest with mea culpas ever since! But today, we can finally say that Derald Krentz has reached the official Medicare-approved age of 65. Happy birthday, Derald....all is forgiven now???

Create a card...Mark's way!!

With Al Gore's invention of the internet,I thought this is the perfect way to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year without leaving anyone out. Money's short ,times are hard, here's your ________ (insert adjective) Christmas card. Happy Holidays everyone, Mark
P.S. Donna told me to do this!!!

Season's Greetings!

Sending lots of warm wishes for Christmas!  May each and everyone of you have a blessed and magical Christmas!

Love, Joe, Jennifer, Joseph, Ellie & Andrew

 

Have a great one!

Jennifer

 

A look at the WHOLE family!

It's time to come clean about the Christmas card for 2009...this card was the 2nd printing after a bit of a problem! After much trouble finding photos that would work this year, I thought we had the perfect thing. Sent the order in and knew that it would be ready the next afternoon. After looking at the finished product in the store, it looked just fine. After putting them aside for a couple days, it was time to address the envelopes and get them out. I decided to look at them one more time, and you can imagine my horror when I realized we were missing one grandchild! Seems that Evan had been cut off in the final printing...now, how could I explain that to him...."grandma and grandpa really love you but there was a little problem this year". So, 125 very nice photo cards were now history and a new order was put in. I counted several times to make sure we had everyone accounted for....and here they are for those who have not seen the WHOLE family.

I survived!

Hello,  For the record, the son-in-law was not successful - I lived through the snowmobile ride and actually enjoyed it.  We did have a fun day.  Theresa

Theresa on a snowmobile

Krentz Family Christmas 2009

Follow the link below to see some pictures taken from the Krentz Family Christmas that happened over the weekend.  Don't worry, you don't need to be a member of Facebook to be able to see the pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2830883&id=13928691&l=7f519dd9cd

Fw: Gavin and Grandpa Mike

 

 

Gavin had fun posing with Grandpas fish..  

First one of the ice fishing season for me...... 4 3/4 #

It's been six years, but who's counting??

Jackie (Korkowski) and Chad Hanson exchanged vows on this date six years ago, and it's been "happily ever after" since then! Hope you guys can take time during this busy holiday season for yourselves and celebrate your life together. Happy anniversary, Jackie and Chad!

Gracie's Christmas letter to mom and dad

The following link will show you the Christmas letter that Gracie Korkowski wrote to her mom and dad (Sue and Ron). Sue thought you would enjoy seeing Christmas thru the eyes of a child. Thanks, Sue, for sharing this sweet letter. ;https://acrobat.com/?i=FjtfkI2r8vwW*sHa7bieSg

*It will take you thru Acrobat Reader but just let it come up on its own and you'll be able to see the letter in her own handwriting.

We're back in business!

It's been a bit quiet on the blog the past couple of days without having my computer (due to some great upgrades) but we're back in business now.....so, if you have something you'd like to have posted on the blog, send it my way. Anyone want to share their Christmas picture or letter?

Merry Christmas from the Majhess'. We spent a 'chilly' weekend in Disney w/ temps in the high 40s, so it definitely was the closest we've ever gotten to feeling like we're in the North Pole down south. The castle was so beautiful draped in icicles and I highly recommend a trip during the holidays for a treat one year. It was spectacular! Joseph (8), Ellie (6) and Andrew(3) were thrilled to be somewhere 'chilly' for the holidays. God Bless! Jennifer

Too cold to party 'out'??

Is it going to be a cold night 'out' for a birthday celebration, or a warm night 'in' with hubby and baby? Susan (Krentz) Roers (#31) may just do both as she counts the candles on her cake today. Happy birthday, Susan, and enjoy the day!
**Susan's b.d. is today, 12/16, and not the 15th as indicated by the entry date. This was typed up on the 15th since I'll be without my own computer for a few days and needed to get everything ready...so don't think you missed her birthday!

It's not Little House on the Prairie....

The Christmas lights won't be hung this year nor will there be Christmas goodies coming from this kitchen, but look out for next year! These are pictures of the "new farm"....Norb & Donna's new home just steps from Millerville. It's looking very good...albeit maybe a bit chilly for now, but it'll soon be cozy and warm.

The party is over.....

The following information came from my class of '65 blog.....the party lights at Bug-A-Boo Bay restaurant will be shut off for the last time effective January 1 as the restaurant becomes another victim of the economy. It's probably a good bet that nearly everyone in the Korkowski family has enjoyed sitting on the outdoor patio in the summer, enjoying a libation or two along with some good food and listening to summertime tunes. Where to now???

The following came as an email from a friend of mine. It's guaranteed to make you smile!

How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way

Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.
The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.
Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and rinse".
Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.
Sincerely,The Dog

Warm thoughts of Australia, cold in Minnesota

Happy birthday today to Ray Murray (#37)...snow and cold in Minnesota vs. warmth and sun in Australia....no question that you're in the right place for your birthday...at least you have a variety of temperatures here! Chances are good that Ray will be out on the slopes today and have some birthday cake after working up a good appetite.

A big week for the birthday girl....

The letter "B" has been very prominent this week in Dawn (O'Donnell) Inman's life as she's experienced a blizzard, a baby, and now a birthday (#34)! All of these are big events by themselves but to roll them all into one week, now that's pretty memorable. So, kick back, snuggle with that new baby, and enjoy the day. Happy birthday, Dawn.

Love those pictures!!!

What a trip down memory lane - perfect time of the year for pictures like these.  Keep them coming!  Theresa

Ah, the good old days....remember when?

No celebrations again today so time to dig into the "memory bank" and bring a smile to your faces....sometimes you need to look at pictures from the past to remember what you looked like!! Top to bottom: 1) Great-grandpa John Lambertz, Grandpa Aloys Korkowski, new daddy Dennis Korkowski, and baby Deb Korkowski; 2) Great-grandma Clara Lambertz, Grandma Grace Korkowski, Dennis Korkowski, and baby Debbie Korkowski (the adults don't look too pleased with the picture taking business!! 3) Judi and Jim Korkowski holding baby Ron Korkowski.

In case you warm weather folks want a taste of winter....

Motorists encountered wintery weather Tuesday on U.S. 52 in Rochester. The National Weather Service says that Rochester will get 16 inches of snow by Wednesday afternoon along with winds of 30 MPH or more. Winter has definitely arrived in Minnesota!

Ron testing the elements!

Ron napping in The Villages on November 15th and raking leaves in Minnesota on Dec 8th.
Of course we love both places but for different reasons.

The newest addition to the family....

It seems Doug & Dawn (O'Donnell) Inman's newest family member decided to greet the impending snowstorm someplace warm and secure and made her appearance early today. Jacqueline Marie Inman was born at 1:49 this morning; 8lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long. According to mom and dad, "she's perfect" and all are doing well.

Thanks to Theresa for sending this day brightener...and listen to the doctor for goodness sakes!

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me.

Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

Another year of wedded bliss....

Anniversary wishes today go out to Al and Annette O'Donnell as they celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. Al, someplace nice for dinner, okay?? Might this be the day too that the baby granddaughter makes her appearance...maybe she's been waiting for a day to share with grandpa and grandma! Happy anniversary to the two of you!

Since St. Nicholas was an important part of the Korkowski family's holiday season, I thought it was fitting that we have a little something about the man today. Do all the Korkowski siblings remember the ultra-sweet chocolate drops with the white soft centers covered with chocolate??

Strictly speaking, the tradition of St. Nicholas is not synonymous with the role of Santa Claus in the U.S.. As practiced in many European countries, the celebration of St. Nicholas is separate from the Christmas holidays, and occurs during the 2 weeks prior to December 6th, which is St. Nicholas's day. Sometimes St. Nicholas Day is the main holiday for gift giving, and not Christmas. In the Netherlands, legend has it that Sinterklaas (Dutch name for St. Nicholas) arrives in the Netherlands by way of steamboat from Spain 2 weeks before his traditional birthday, December 6th, along with his helper, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), who will help disperse the gifts and candy to all the good children. Sinterklaas, along with the zwarte piets, will go abroad at night and stride about the countryside wearing his red mantle, his mitre, and his golden crosier and sporting a long, white beard. Referring to his book that lists all the good and bad children, Sinterklaas will deliver presents to all the good children, but watch out if you've been bad! The bad children may be taken back to Spain with him. The Low Countries (Belgium and Luxemburg) have basically the same traditions surrounding St. Nicholas, but not to the extent of the Netherlands. Children in Luxemburg call him Kleeschen, and his helper is Hoseker (Black Peter). Belgian children know him as Sint Niklaas. In Germany, St. Nicholas is also known as Klaasbuur, Sunnercla, Burklaas, Bullerklaas, and Rauklas, and in eastern Germany, he is also known as Shaggy Goat, Ash Man and Rider and is more reflective of earlier pagan influences (Norse) that were blended in with the figure of St. Nicholas, when Christianity came to Germany. After the reformation, St. Nicholas's attire began to change, maybe as a reflection of the change from the Roman church, and he started to wear a red suit with fur. His dark-skinned helper is most often known as Knecht Ruprecht. Although he still visits many homes on Dec 5th/6th and leaves candy and gifts in the children's shoes, more recently St. Nicholas has begun showing up on Christmas Eve in Germany and is called Father Christmas. In France, he is now called Pere Noel (Father Christmas) and he travels in the company of Pere Fouettard. Pere Noel leaves presents for good children, while Pere Fouettard disciplines bad children with a spanking. Pere Noel only sometimes leaves presents on St. Nicholas day, more often now on Christmas. St. Nicholas day was celebrated formerly in Russia, but under Communism he was changed to Grandfather Frost and wore blue instead of red. In Sicily, he comes on Dec 13th and is called Santa Lucia.

The holidays, food and.....exercise??

Too funny not to pass along...and somehow too true! Was watching Paula Deen cooking this morning (everything was either deep fried or swimming in cream and butter!) when she talked to her guest about exercise. The guest told her what she does for exercise when Paula said, "The only thing Michael (her husband) and I exercise are our lips!" Isn't that true for many of us at this time of year?

Birthday greetings on a cold winter day...

A cake with candles, a few presents thrown in, and with family around, it'll be toasty warm inside for Jewel Barsaloux (RoseMary) as she celebrates her birthday today (#32). Happy birthday, Jewel, and enjoy the bright but cold winter day!

Thoughts on getting old!

This little piece on getting old came in an email so thought I'd share it with you all. There are some bits of wisdom in amongst the smiles!

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

Oh, Minnesota, how we love thee!

98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S...' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A SLIPPERY ROAD. THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM MINNESOTA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS.'

He's cute, he's 4, and it's his birthday!

No fishing any time soon for Tyler Stark (Mike and Lisa Krentz Stark) who turns 4 today, but there will be presents, cake and lots of excitement to be sure. What a deal, birthday today, Christmas in three weeks...happy birthday, Tyler!!

Remember the snow??

Who can forget the big snowstorm that whitened the wedding day of Tony & Rachel Krentz two years ago today? It was a real humdinger with lots and lots of white, fluffy and then sloppy snow. Made for very interesting driving that day! Happy anniversary, Tony & Rachel; looks like a unusually warm and snow-free day today....