As long as we're featuring 'old people' jokes today.......

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch.  After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip.
When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes.
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute.  To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant..
As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, “While you're in there, you might as well
get my hat and the credit card.”

This coming week is National Senior Mental Health Week. You can do YOUR part by remembering to contact at least one
unstable senior to show you care……I have now done MY part.

Thanks, Jennae!

Your chuckle for the day

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, aged 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drug store. Jacob suggests they go in.  He addresses the pharmacist, "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds."

Jacob: "Medication for rheumatism, scoliosis?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely"

Jacob: "How about Viagra?" Pharmacist: "Of course."

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, agarol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."

Jacob says to the pharmacist: "We'd like to register for our wedding gifts here please.

"Gee, what should we do today? How about going out in the canoe?"

At 4:45 this afternoon, on a beautifully clear day with a temperature of 28 degrees, my eyes caught sight of something on the lake, looking much like a boat.  Grabbing my binoculars, imagine my surprise to find two people in a canoe, slowly working their way toward shore.  Are these people crazy???  Must have been a long day in the house!  Although it's very hard to see in this picture, if you look in the middle part, you'll see a sort of white tiny square, and right underneath that are the two people in the canoe, making their way toward shore.  Crazy!!



And they keep on comin'.....

Another two birthdays today...this time the guys take the limelight!  Celebrating today are Josh Korkowski (#33) and Evan Oxentenko (Shawn & Amy Korkowski Oxentenko) who turns 9.  Happy birthday, fellas, and have an awesome day!

Josh Korkowski

Evan Oxentenko

One of these and one of those....

Two different celebrations on the calendar for today:  first, we have Norb & Donna Korkowski who are celebrating 13 years of matrimonial bliss and then Mitch Korkowski (#33) is having another birthday.  Happy anniversary, Norb & Donna, and a happy birthday to you, Mitch!

Norb & Donna Korkowski

Mitch Korkowski

No word on when and where that fish was caught...secret location?

A big day today!

The drought of celebrations seems to be over...at least for now....as we have three birthdays to celebrate today.  First, we have Mike Korkowski (#56), Troy Magnuson (#41) and then Jan (Korkowski) Campbell (#45).  Have a wonderful birthday x 3!

Mike Korkowski

Troy Magnuson

Jan Campbell



Another day, another birthday...

Birthdays are really rolling in these days, and there is another today as well.  Ed Korkowski (#43) will undoubtedly have a lot warmer weather than here in Minnesota...or maybe not.  Happy birthday, Ed! 

Almost a full house.....

The house was bustling at Dennis & Christella's home yesterday as they celebrated Thanksgiving with everyone back in Minnesota except Ron, Sue & family (they were celebrating out in Colorado).  The weather was even nice enough for everyone to pose outside for this great family photo! 



Today is called "Black Friday" but the more important occurrence today is Nate Korkowski's birthday...and it's a landmark one at 30!  Happy birthday, Nate, and may it be a good Friday for you.

Nate Korkowski

Happy "Turkey Day"

Happy Thanksgiving to you all....let's not forget the real meaning of this holiday....being thankful for the many good things we have in our lives.  Bring on the turkey, stuffing and mashed taters!



This little 'essay' seems to be making the rounds this holiday season, and since it came into my inbox, I thought it worth sharing with all of you.  There is some real truth in what this says...now, go out and support your local businesses.

Skip the cheap goods from overseas, think local services:

Gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber

Gym memberships are appropriate for all ages. Who wouldn't appreciate a certificate for a car wash or detailing?

Need a bigger gift? How about driveway sealing, landscaping or winter plowing?

Certificates for rounds at the local golf course or court time at a racquet club.

A bazillion owner-run restaurants offer gift certificates.

Gift cards or goodies from a local bakery or coffee shop.

Massage, spa treatments or nail appointments.

Breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Oil change for car, truck or motorcycle.

Mom might love a maid service.

Plenty of small local shops can tune-up computers.

Big gift for mom or dad? Pay the deposit on their summer vacation rental.

Kids? How about season passes to a local amusement park or zoo?

Tickets to a baseball game or season passes.

Heck, even give the gift of Metro or Mass Transit (drivers thank you)

Lessons for skiing, diving, piano, golf, whatever!

Passes for bike rental or horseback riding.

OK, you were looking for something more personal and unwrappable:

Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.

Locally made jewelry, pottery, decorations or original paintings.

Flowers and potted plants.

Celebrate the season at owner-operated restaurants and LEAVE a JOLLY TIP.

See a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do we REALLY need to buy another thousand Chinese

lights for the house? When you buy a three dollar string of lights, about

10 cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to

burn, how about a nice BIG tip for the mailman, trash guy or babysitter?

Give JOBS this Christmas by spending at American small businesses!

Couldn't have said it better myself....

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...in this case, maybe more!



Birthday candles again today

Birthdays are starting to pick up once again, and today we have two more to celebrate...Matt Korkowski (#29) and Caroline Korkowski (#50....ooh, a BIG one!)  Wishing you both the best of birthdays...maybe a little 'red eye' for Caroline to celebrate??

Matt Korkowski

Caroline Korkowski

Are YOU ready??

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, "How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?"

"Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub." 

"Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup." 

"No," he said. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

So, how did you do?

Easy come, easy go

For all the family members and friends who enjoy warmer weather than in Minnesota, these pictures are just for you....forecast to be in mid 40s on Thanksgiving Day so hopefully "easy come, easy go" is true in this case.  However, the 4-6" predicted may be stubborn!



Ladies and birthdays...

We're on a bit of a birthday streak here with another birthday lady, and this time it's Cindy Korkowski (#57) who gets the special treatment today.  This would seem to warrant maybe breakfast in bed, a day at the spa, and then a tiny little birthday gift...just a tiny box (not a tiny gift!).  Happy birthday, Cindy!

Cindy Korkowski



Two special birthday girls today....

It's time to celebrate two birthdays today...first, Patty Korkowski (#58) and then Mya Pfeifer (Seth & Jean Korkowski Pfeifer) who turns 8.  Happy birthday to you both....lots of cake and ice cream coming your way!

Patty Korkowski

Mya Pfeifer

You're invited....

We got the word yesterday that the details for Cliff's retirement party are done, so we now know when and where (already know the who and what!) 

The party is on the 15^th of December at Majestic Oaks from 5 till 7:30 with a program at 6:30.

Just know that you are all invited to come and give Cliff a big send-off into retirement!

Our heritage.....

We owe a lot to the "farmer" in our lives.....narrated by Paul Harvey.......Http://www.youtube.com/embed/QuzhwkaNC40?rel=0. 

A changing of the guard....

After many years of this house in Brandon being known as the "Korkowski" home, it is now the "Campbell" home!  Roger & Jan (Korkowski) Campbell and the kids moved into Jim & Judi's 'old house', while Jim and Judi became residents of Alexandria, now living in what used to be called Washington Elementary School!  As you can see, there was the changing of the guard as the Campbell's moved in to claim it for their own...congratulations to you all as you enjoy your new quarters!



You could find some 'lost' money....

While reading the Star Tribune one day last week, I read an article about how there are thousands of people in the U.S. who have unclaimed monies that they don't know about, and it was then I realized it's a site that I've used in the past with success for others I knew...but not for myself unfortunately!  Most states have funneled their names/monies into this site for ease of finding people, so here's what you should do...go to http://www.missingmoney.com/. On that first page, just type in your last name and hit "go".  That will take you to the next page where it will ask for first and last name, city, state, etc.  On that page, type in only your last name again, leaving the rest blank, and where it asks for state/province, move your cursor to the top of the list and you'll find "search all states and provinces"; click on that and hit "go".  You will then find all those with whatever last name you type in, and yes, there are a fair amount of Korkowski names there!  I do believe one of them is a family member too.  On that page where whatever last name you've typed in brings up the names, it lists the names in alphabetical order using the first name, then the state the funds are held in, the last known address of the person, who has reported the money owed, and lastly, what type of asset it is.  Unfortunately, our names are not on that list, but maybe you have family members or friends who have their names on a list.  If you do see your name, click on it, and it will walk you thru on how to file for the asset.  Many times, it is money from an old insurance company you may have had, or interest at a bank, etc.  That being said, you may find that it looks like it could be yours but the state isn't Minnesota (or whatever state you live in).  Check it out anyhow as the company holding the asset is the state being used, not the state you live in or did live in.  So, hopefully you will see YOUR name or someone you know has some money coming...check it out!

Birthday girl

Hooray...we finally have a birthday!  Today belongs to Kelly Dupont (Mike & Brenda Magnuson Dupont) who now can claim double digits...she's 10.  Have a great birthday, Kelly!

Kelly Dupont





Better late than never!

With as much warning as I got from Austin,it's a wonder he even told me what time the fall play is scheduled for. Thursday ,Friday and Saturday November 17-19 @7:30 pm at the auditorium in Wadena. This year's play is "Wonderland"    Sorry for the short notice.   Too much deer hunting I guess!!!    Mark





It's a small, small world....

On Saturday, I happened to be flying back from a business trip in San Jose, CA, with a layover in Phoenix. In Phoenix, I had a couple sit down next to me, with the gentlemen having a pizza that he apologized for having, saying “I hate these people who bring food on the airplane”.

As we were talking, I told them that I was headed back home, and that home for me was Cannon Falls. They said that home for them was Albany, and I said, “I know exactly where that is, as I grew up in Alexandria, and consider that my “true” home”.  That was when he looked at me and asked me if I heard of Brandon, and I laughed and told him that I even knew where Millerville was.

After a few surprised exchanges, come to find out that they knew the Korkowski name pretty well.... even going to school with the likes of Jim and Dennis (at least, his older siblings did).  They seemed to know a lot about that Sr. Cordy person, and were at her 50th jubilee a few years ago.

So, on behalf of Bob and Inez Schwegler, I am to say hello to everybody.  It was a very fun flight indeed, and proof that we live in a very small world.

Paul

More of Fireball....

As promised, here are more of Fireball's 'moments'.....

Hmmmm...that shelf over there looks like fun.....

Yes!  It has much more potential.

Where did that fly go?

My 'mom' will NEVER think to look up here!

This is the sweet me...who wouldn't love me?



And, you think your kids (or grandkids) are sometimes "naughty"?

Every child can have their moments, but what if your 'child' was a kitty cat?  Well, it seems they behave just like any child....getting into trouble, making a mess, etc.  And, Deb Korkowski has that very kitty living at her house....alias: Fireball.  Here are some of Fireball's 'not so well-behaved' moments:

Shredder??  I know nothing about how that shredded paper got here!

Can you just show me how to do a simple hemming stitch?

Dang, where is the end of the roll??

When at the neighbors, I act just like I'm a human!



More pictures to come tomorrow....Fireball has lots of 'moments'!

This could be from any of our grandparents.....

GRANDPARENTS’ ANSWERING MACHINE:

“Good morning . . . at present,  we are not at home but please leave your message after you hear the beep.

BEEEEPPPPPP:

If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "arrival" so we know who it is.

If you need us to stay with the children, press 2

If you want to borrow the car, press 3

If you want us to wash your clothes and ironing, press 4

If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5

If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6

If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home,

press 7

If you want to come to eat here, press 8

If you need money, press 9

However, if you are going to invite us to dinner, or, taking us to the theater, start talking now as we are listening!!”

We honor those who served....

Every Veteran's Day is a special day for the United States of America, but probably none more so than today which is 11-11-11.  We thank all those men and women who have served, and especially so those who gave their lives for their country.  As a nation, we do have our problems, but we are a great country and we thank God every day we live in a country that allows us such freedoms. 

And, the Korkowski family did us proud....

Paul Korkowski, Air Force

June 1986 to January 1998

NOTE FROM THERESA:

The picture of the brothers and Paul gave me goosebumps. Also want to give honor to in-laws who served: Derald  and Ron - Army and Allen - Air Force.  We are proud of all of you!  Theresa

If Derald, Ron and Allen send their pictures and years of service, I'll either put them on yet today or save them for next year; would love to have them!    Bev

No, this is not Tony Krentz!  It is Derald in his Army uniform.



A new 'commander in chief'

With retirement days just weeks away, Free2B has a new man at the helm, and he may look familiar to many of you....Gary Levine, who was Cliff's dean of customized training at Anoka Technical College back in the day...and who for several years has been working at Dunwoody Institute, has been hired to run the ship starting December 1.  Cliff and Gary will work together until December 23 which is Cliff's last day.  A 'farewell and happy retirement' party is coming up, and I'll post details once everything is finalized. 



      

This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska , was a school computer project intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area. Much to the villagers' shock, over a half million people have viewed it.  Click below on 'here' to watch! 

                                                               HERE

Thanks, Chris, for sending my way.  Now, if we really wanted to show the world what a Korkowski holiday gathering is like, we could do this same thing, right?  We would just need to practice a teensy bit!

And more hay bales for fun!

In case you're still looking for ideas on how to use those hay bales, here you go....

Just in time for the holidays!!



When farm kids get bored.....

A friend of Cliff recently sent a bunch of pictures of things that could be done with hay bales, and you'll have to admit, these never surfaced at the farm!  But, think of the fun that could have been....

Come back tomorrow for a few more ideas.....