On this day, we honor those who kept us free

Today, we remember all those who have passed before us, especially those who fought to keep America free.  We also remember our family members and friends who are no longer with us.  It is a day to remember so many!

The golden years.....

SPECIAL POEM FOR OLDER FOLKS

A row of bottles on my shelf

Caused me to analyze myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop

Goes to my heart so it won't stop.

A little white one that I take

Goes to my hands so they won't shake.

The blue ones that I use a lot

Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.

The purple pill goes to my brain

And tells me that I have no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheeze

Or cough or choke or even sneeze..

The red ones, smallest of them all

Go to my blood so I won't fall.

The orange ones, very big and bright

Prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills

Helping to cure all kinds of ills.

But what I'd really like to know............

Is what tells each one where to go!

And now you know....

Memorial Day Trivia

■Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died serving our country.
■General John Alexander Logan ordered the Memorial Day holiday to be observed by decorating the war dead.
■On Memorial Day, the flag should be at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
■Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
■“Taps” is often played at ceremonies on Memorial Day.
■Memorial Day was first called “Decoration Day” because of the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with flowers.
■New York was the 1st state to officially recognize Memorial Day.
■Flowers and flags are the two most popular items people use to remember soldiers.
■The south refused to honor the dead on Memorial Day until after World War I when the meaning of Memorial Day changed from honoring civil war dead to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
■Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971.

Let the summer begin.....

Oh, summer, how I love thee....and this!

RHUBARB SLUSH

Ingredients:

8 cups fresh rhubarb or frozen rhubarb, chopped fine
4 cups water
2 cups sugar (or less if you like it tart)
1 can frozen raspberry juice concentrate (undiluted)
4 cups vodka or gin

Directions

Bring the rhubarb, water and sugar to a boil, and then simmer for 7 minutes or until rhubarb is tender.  Strain the juices off and let cool; add back some pulp if you like it. Add the can of raspberry juice and gin/vodka.  Freeze, stirring periodically to keep alcohol throughout.  To serve, add two scoops of slush and top with gingerale, sprite or 7 up.  Enjoy!  (And I bet you thought you had too much rhubarb; well, after trying this, you'll be wishing it would grow really fast!)

This picture makes it official....

This is the 'official' graduation picture of Deize Korkowski....cap and gown, diploma....now, are we really sure that diploma was signed???  Just kidding, Deize, we know it was. 

Date night coming up?

It's another anniversary in the Kork family today....this time, it's Paul & Sue Korkowski who have had 15 years of "marital bliss".  The weather sounds like it's going to be much better (than 15 years ago) with lots of sun and heat.  Happy anniversary to you!

Jimmy Buffett Concert

Jean and Seth visited the Texas Korks (Jim and Staci) for some fun in the sun.  Jimmy Buffet concert and splashing in the waves at Galveston Island.

Kudos for a Korkowski

Reading the Echo Press online this morning, my eye caught the headline which says "Brazil native among local GED graduates" and knew immediately who they were talking about...

Deize Korkowski has come a long way since she moved to the United States 10 years ago. She couldn’t speak a word of English when she arrived – tonight she gets her high school diploma. Korkowski came to America from Brazil in 2000. She had lost her job as the manager of a jewelry store and was searching for a new start. “I was looking for a new life and for love, and I found both,” she said of why she left Brazil. Able to speak only Portugese, she lived in Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts and then again in Florida. That’s when she met her future husband, Rick Korkowski of Brandon. She moved here in September 2003 and the couple married. Having dropped out of high school in Brazil, and unable to speak English, Korkowski immediately enrolled in the English as a second language class through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in Alexandria. She worked for six years perfecting her English skills, with her ultimate goal getting her GED. In the meantime, the Korkowskis had two daughters, Kiatta, now 4, and Hannah, 2. The busy mom continued her studies in English. Last year, Korkowski decided that her English was to the point where she could take the GED to earn her high school diploma. But with two little ones at home, getting to the classes would be difficult. Fortunately, a new online program through ABE, called GED-i, had become available January 2009. The GED-i program allows students to study for the GED online instead of attending classes. “The program is very, very good,” Korkowski said. “I don’t have to leave my house, don’t have to drive and pay for gas. No babysitters.” To be eligible, Korkowski had to study at least 12 hours a week to prepare for the five tests that comprise the GED – language arts/reading, language arts/writing, math, science and social studies. She opted to study in each individual subject and then take the test for that subject, as opposed to taking the entire test at one time. Her hard work and dedication, not to mention the convenience of the online program, paid off. In November, Korkowski passed the final of the five tests. “Oh yes, of course!” she said when asked if she was proud of finally earning her high school diploma – in a language that wasn’t her native tongue. “More than I thought. It made me feel very good.” Korkowski will walk across the stage tonight, May 26, and receive her long-awaited diploma (see sidebar for information). She is only the second person to earn a GED-i since the program’s online inception last year. “I accomplished two goals,” she said. “I learned English and got my diploma.” Korkowski’s future plans include taking classes at Alexandria Technical College “as soon as possible,” eventually continuing on to get a college degree. “Passing my GED was very important to me,” Korkowski concluded. “It helped my self-esteem a lot and it can also help me get a better job and allow me to keep going forward.”

Congratulations, Deize.....job well done! 

Still smiling after all these years

One happy couple....Dave & Cindy Korkowski.....are celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary today.  May you have a great day...happy anniversary, you two!

Cheesemaking 101, Italian style

No birthdays, anniversaries or other family news, so today we'll show you a few pictures of cheesemaking in Italy!  It was so interesting and informative, and it gave us all a new appreciation for the food we so often take for granted. 

The milk is heating up and the stirring begins....

Some arm action is applied as well

It's beginning to look like cheese

Cheese forms...just hanging out and aging

Thousands of cheese wheels, aging gracefully

A closeup of the final product.....delicious!

The production they took us to was very, very small, and the setting was that of Millerville.  Basically this cheesemaking facility and the village surrounding it, that was it.  The master cheesemaker, a very prestigious job, demands dedication.  We were told they make very good money, BUT...they don't get to enjoy it until they retire as they must work 365 days of the year until they do retire!  So, next time you have a day off, think of how that cheesemaker would envy you. 

Brittany's birthday

There are going to be 8 candles on the cake today for Brittany Korkowski (Mitch & Lezlie) as she celebrates her birthday.....we wish you the best, Brittany!  And just think, school is almost over too! 

Today's birthday girl

There's bound to be some type of party today for Andrea (Magnuson) Zuidema (#32) as she celebrates her birthday.  Hopefully the wind and clouds from Saturday will give way to a beautiful spring-like day.  Happy birthday, Andrea!

This picture says it all!

So much for the weatherman's forecast of 80 and sunny....how about 60 and winds like that of a tornado???  Plant your feet and hang on....

Two celebrations today

An anniversary and a birthday today in the Korkowski family.....Al and Ann O'Donnell are celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary today, while Jean (Korkowski) Pfeifer (#29) is celebrating her birthday.   What a gorgeous week to have any celebration! 

A day all to himself

No sharing of the birthday spotlight today for Triston Korkowski (Cory & Jennae Korkowski Stadsvold) as he has his 14th birthday.  Happy birthday, Triston!

Birthday greetings

Birthday greetings today for Jacob Korkowski (Ron & Sue) who turns 6, and Lauren Nelson (Kevin & Julie Korkowski Nelson) who is 12.  Happy birthday to you both on this beautiful spring day! 

Little 'Stinker'

Exchange in the car b/twn Andrew and I after picking him up from pre-school.
Mommy:  "Andrew, What did you do in school today?"
Andrew: "Toots, toots, toots, toots."
Mommy: "You're so silly, tell me what you did in school today?"
Andrew: "Toots, Mom.  They're like magic.  Nobody sees them coming and nobody sees them disappear!"
Another proud mommy moment w/ Andrew............... :)

Have a great one!

Jennifer

Like father, like son....

The turkeys in the area will be mighty glad when Mike goes back to work, and things become a bit safer for them!  Mike and Monte Korkowski enjoyed success during their spring turkey hunt, this turkey being Monte's first.  Advice to gobblers:  stay low and be quiet!

They're back....and looking good!

They're back home in Minnesota......Ron and Faye Magnuson are enjoying the Minnesota weather these days, and it's especially fine today as they celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary.  Good to have you back home....congratulations and happy anniversary!

It's not a big fish, but a VERY BIG dog!

As I was sorting thru the picture files tonight, I came across this picture of Ellie and Andrew Majhess (Joe and Jen Korkowski Majhess) with one of the biggest dogs I've ever seen....don't know who this hound belongs to but the bill for dog food must be approaching the national debt!  Andrew looks a wee bit skeptical about touching this guy.

Fishing opener in Minnesota

No fishing pictures or stories on this opening weekend in Minnesota??

Friday afternoon in the town square, Italian style

We found the perfect spot to spend a Friday afternoon while spending the day in Florence Italy last week....their version of a farmers' market and/or 'art in the park'...complete with wine tasting and the ability to buy a large glass of wine to enjoy while strolling thru the market (what a deal!)  Here are a few photos of what you can sample and then buy if you so desire....

What kind of sausage would you like?

Dried fruits of any variety

Obviously a best-selling sausage of some kind

Olives, olives, olives!

And, you were thinking???

With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.  Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think,
“Good grief, look how smart I am!”

It had everything to do with mommy

To help honor his mommy for Mother's Day, little Andrew Majhess (Joe & Jen Korkowski Majhess) hosted her at his school's Mothers' Day Tea last week.  Just look at that gleam in the eyes....can we spell s-t-i-n-k-e-r? 

Remembering their special day

It's a day of celebration for Kellen & Felicia (Peterson) Morrissey as they remember their wedding on this date four years ago.  If memory serves correctly, the weather was much like it's been the past few days but there are warmer days ahead.  Enjoy your special day, Kellen and Felicia!

A really small world

You never know who you'll meet.....when we met the rest of our group over in Italy, introductions were made of those never having met, and one of the ladies who had joined us was a gal named Bea Steen from Helena Montana.  Turns out she was originally from Alexandria with a maiden name of Ekdahl.  Of course, Cliff and I ask her if she knows Jim & Ronnie Floding, and she says "I certainly do, but I know their son Steve even better as he's one of my customers".  (She sells advertising for magazines.)  Turns out she sees him all the time, and once she heard the connection, and that Cliff was Steve's godfather, she could hardly wait to get back home to tell Steve who she had met halfway around the world!   Bev

One intelligent dog?

This little dog may be teensy, but he appears to be very studious as he looks over the game board and plots strategy!  Jenny Korkowski (Ed) shows off her new puppy Jack who weighs in at a whopping 1-1/2 lbs.  Goodness, I have dust balls bigger than that!

The missing picture....

Here's the picture that Mark tried to insert along with his entry on May 4 re: the turkey!  Looking good.....

Grace's First Communion

Another celebration while we were gone....Grace Korkowski (Ron & Sue) celebrated her First Communion on Sunday, May 1, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Prior Lake.  You look so nice, Gracie...congratulations! 

We made it there and back...

With lots of emails wondering if we got back okay from Italy, just a very quick note for tonight (Monday) to say that we are indeed home again.  Got back to the house about 8 PM tonight, very tired to say the least, with no sleep in the last 40 hours, so a hot shower and our own bed is next on the agenda.  We were more than a bit nervous as we started hearing about the recurrence of the volcanic ash problem starting to shut down airports yesterday, and when we flew out of Rome last night, the flights to Munich were already canceled.  Then this morning, when our flight from Frankfurt was delayed for a couple hours due to the "ash problem", with no guarantee we'd be leaving even later, it made for some brief angst!  There was only one trans-Atlantic air path open to all of Europe today so you can imagine the problems.  We were fortunate to be one of the few planes allowed to leave, and after taking on additional fuel because we had to fly so far north to avoid the stuff (think into Greenland no less!), after over 10 hours in the air today alone, we are mighty glad to see the green, green grass of home!  Stories and some pictures will come in the days ahead.   Bev

Birthday shout-out to Florida

Birthday greetings going down to Florida today to Jenny Korkowski (Ed) who turns 14.  We wish you the best, Jenny...happy birthday!

Mother's Day Greetings

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are reading this today.  I did LOVE the Mother's Day article on the blog for today...how true.  Enjoy a little something extra today, including all of you who CARE for another in a maternal way.  We can stretch the meaning of this day in a few new directions. I  am going to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat" at the Paramount this afternoon.    Love, Sister Cordy

For all the moms out there, this is for you....
MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... it is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.

Birthday greetings go way southeast today

I can 'see' some golf, a bottle of wine and a nice dinner in the future for today's birthday guy....Ron Magnuson (#64)....or maybe that should be for Faye, as it's also Mother's Day.  Either way, you're covered...happy birthday, Ron....see you soon. 

A funny play on words

1. My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned...couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.
3. After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn't suited for it --mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, tried being a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but just didn't have the thyme.
6. Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it... couldn't cut the mustard.
7. My best job was a Musician, but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but didn't have any patience.
9. Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. Tried hard but just didn't fit in.
10. I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered I couldn't live on my net income.
11. Managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a Workout Center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
13. After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but had to quit because it was the same old grind.
15. SO, I TRIED Retirement AND FOUND I'M PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
Thanks to Judi for sending this my way!

The party continued for awhile....

More pictures so you can see everyone there....

Wally, the auctioneer, stopped by to join in the celebration too!

So, there you have the end of a wonderful day with family, friends, great food and good time!  Enjoy your new home, Norb and Donna....

More of the celebration....

A bit more of the partying....

Here comes the champagne.....

Donna giving her 'welcome' and 'thank you' pre-toast

Cheers!