Another Picture of Phil Skiing

This is a picture of Phil when he and I went skiing in Belcourt (circa '65,  '66).  I fell so many times... and plowed into the hay bales that protected the woods at the end of the run... that my ankles were swollen to the size of my head (and that's big)!   In any case it cured my need to become a "ski bum". 

It was quite awhile ago.

Jack

Skiing in Big Mountain, Montana

Attached are pics of Phil skiing with Barb and I at Big Mountain, Montana in about 1988 or 89. We linked up with three of his kids (Paul, Greta and Chris) who just happened to be there also with a bunch of friends. Phil put the entire shibbang up in a single motel room. We saw the arrangement and believe me that is "crowding".

Later, Phil and I sat with drinks in a hot tub with snow falling on our heads at the base "log cabin" What a grand time and what a hoot to relive again.

Tom

The Sibs in the Summer of 1981

Guys,
We were looking through our family albums and found this photo of the sibs taken in 1981 at Marsha's place in Minnesota. No one was ready for the photo except Jack. I guess we had already started partying.

This is the only photo we have of that event. I remember taking a group picture in front of marsh's house. Does anyone have a copy?
Bill

PS. I left the image fairly large in case you want to copy it.

Hi all, I have a mystery photo here. Who is in this picture and where was it taken? I have left it a larger photo so if you click on it it should get larger. I have an idea who these people might be, but it was before my time, so just guessing.
Sure is nice to see people uploading pics and dialogue again.
It is a rainy day here, in the 60's and somewhat windy. I'm on call for work so I have to kind of just hang around waiting........ I might do some painting and reading later.
Talk to you all later, take care, love, Marsha

Some Photos I found

i got up early and saw these photos.  That's me and the Poopster on the Chilkoot...  all of us in front of the old Grove House... Bill, Poopster, and I at Chris' wedding flyin' a little high on designer beer.

Jack

Amy (daughter in law) Will Open for Clint Black

Amy Scruggs Myerchin, Joe's wife, will open for Clint Black in AZ on July 4th.  She's pretty excited about it.  She has a website at:  amyscruggs.com

Let's keep the posts coming...

Jack

Hi all. As my Mom had mentioned, I just ran in Duluth's annual marathon. It was definitely an interesting and humbling experience. It only took 5hr 15mins. Not too bad for signing up on a whim and only training for 3 months! The course is fairly scenic and takes advantage of the local topography, if you're curious you can see it here.

I had to chuckle a little about the heat in CA, I'm currently wearing a wool sweater and wool socks. The wind off Lake Superior keeps things here pretty cool at times.

Besides the marathon, life in the zenith city is pretty good. About a month ago I started working from home and telecommuting to a place down in Minneapolis. It makes things a little interesting working out of a house you're trying to renovate. But so far, so good.

Sam

a visit

Hi all,
Amy and Sam stopped in Saturday night, the same day Sam ran the 26.2 mile marathon. He was walking a little stiff legged. He said he might post a pic of himself if it turns out ok, I hope he does. 5 hours 15 min. I am amazed.
I'm posting a pic we took Sunday morning, I know it is a little odd looking but I think it has some fine artistic qualities.
It sure sounds hot in CA, I wish we would get a little of that heat, only made it to 78 today. I see Anchorage was in the 50's and Nashville was in the upper 80's. It is a hot one in CA.
I did make it out sailing today. It has been a little windy here for my little boat, but I did make it out tonight. There were no white caps on the lake, that is what I like.
Well take care all, love you all, talk to you later. Marsha

Hot, hot, hot.

As you've probably seen on the news, So Cal is experiencing an intense heat wave. Laura and Jon's air conditioner was very old, so they decided to replace it. Jon now owns a toolbox, a measuring tape, has a working relationship with duct tape, and Laura has learned what we fondly call "a toolbelt moment" means in terms of women's roles. These things build character, don't they?

I have only three days of school left, thank goodness, and we are still waiting to see how Bill is feeling before we finalize a few days trip to San Diego. With gas prices so high (about $4.65 around here now) we would like to maximize our vacation time, and fortunately San Diego is close.

We say farewell to Alex soon - he flies to Chicago on the 30th. Our buddies at Souplantation will toast him Friday night. The contact via cell, computer, etc. will keep up access, so it shouldn't be difficult. Meanwhile, having sold his car, he's using mine, and Bill is being very cooperative sharing the one remaining vehicle. Our part in both saving gas and sending off the kid.

The rest of July will be just that -- rest. I hope to have better kids next year (I say that every year) and being one year closer to retirement is just fine with me.

Have a good summer, everyone! Stay cool! -- NM

Me 'n B in Banning

We arrived in Banning at about 6 pm and got B organized at the campground here.  It was 108 in the shade... far cry from the weather in Tok, AK.  When I took a shower last night, it was like after a long trip in the sailboat.  I was still rockin' and rollin' from the motorhome.  It was good to crawl into my own bed and get a good night's sleep.

Talked to the guys last night and it sounds like the Poopster is in a good place.  Great to hear from everyone.  

B starts his medical stuff on Wed.  I'll probably help him move his motorhome on Mon to a more permanent location down the hill.  Ann and Buddy apparently found him a hooch at an RV/trailer park.

I'm including a picture of me 'n Alisa Joe taken about a month ago.  She "decorated" me with all her toys while I was watching CNN.

Jack

Sitting at a campground on the Yakima Reservation

Just a short note telling everyone that B and I are doing fine. We are a little south of Yakima in WA. We finally get some cell and wi fi communication. We should be in OR tomorrow night. B is feeling better and is setting up doc's appts. The trip will have been 4000 plus miles. Highest gas was in the Yukon at over 6.00 per gallon. A lot of 30 mph driving on rough roads. All in all we made good time. Glad to be in the US.

Jack

The Classic Imbibing Scene

Friends and Relatives: This is the classic scene with the J&L Myerchin Siblings. Notice that we each hold a container as we discuss ethics, politics, religion and the State of the Union. We always agree on these very important matters.......... Cheers.....Tom

05 at the Grand Maris

Hi all, I was looking through my photos for some to post and these looked like some good candidates. This was up at the Grand Maris, Phil and Tom are trudging up Eagle Mountain, highest point in Mn (2300 ft, I think). Next photo at the top. Next photo: 3 wild and crazy guys taking pictures........ Was a good time by all.
Love you all, Marsha

Dizzy kids and Adults

To All: This is a picture of Germaine's and MC's kids playing musical chairs while Greta played the guitar. It looks like a lot of fun. We wish the other Sib's kids had their kids in the act. What a scene that would be!!!! Cheers.....Tom

Singers all!

I remembered that Jack or Angie was going to send updated "country music" cd's that Aimee has completed. We were also going to send one to Greta. She is very interested in the "bluest" of Blue Grass music. I've attached a photo of her and Ken leading a "sing-along" with kids and adults. As soon as I get the word on the timing of "Fan Fair" (Nashville's week long concerts on the Cumberland River)this year, I'll get the word to Greta. Maybe we can talk her and her boyfriend to come to Tennessee. Cheers.............Tom

Homeless Vets

Just a note on the "other stuff". This evening, "Operation Stand Down Nashville" Bd of Dir met and we noted that a flood of homeless vets will start in about 18 months - most with Traumatic Stress Disorder Syndrome. The reason for this is that we now recognize "shell shock" (as it was called in WWI and beginning WWII). We are now seeing a lot of Iraq and Afganistan vets. They will increase as there is limited support for these poor bastards here in the US. I will work with a planning group to establish a satellite post near Fort Campbell (about 45 miles from Nashville). If I could find someone to pub my book, the awareness of vets living in cardboard boxed might be increased. Right now, not many in the public seem to care.

Tomorrow, its off to the SCORE office to help some young guys and gals with starting their businesses. A guy that I helped in 2004-5, was named the "TN entrepreneur of the year" this past month. The guy is a high school drop-out and started out making "chess pies" in his home. He now makes about 50,000 pies a week and supplies all the major food market chains. I'll bet there are "Turner pies" even in Alaska. The guy credits all to us at Score and God ( he is very religious) and now a multimillionaire (though to speak to him, he would sound like an illiterate bum on the street). He is very humble and extremely likable. ..........one success for us!

I have included a picture of Phil and Marie at the "05" reunion with people that I don't know. Maybe some of you do. Cheers.......Tom

Where was this taken? Jack's Cucumungua home?

Barb had this on her computer. I don't know the date or location? Your opinion....

We had a very good chat last night. Phil - you sounded clear and strong ----- the Phil that we are so familiar with. Cheers for now.

Congratulations Alex! You have our best wishes for a super future.

As usual, life proceeds like a tempest in a teapot in Anchorage. Friday, Uncle Jack arrived around 2:30 pm to help Bee drive his motor home back to California. Understandably, Bee was anxious to leave as soon as possible ( Bee was recently diagnosed with spots on his lung --- Doctors in Soldotna suspect they may be cancerous). Uncle Jack just finished his ham sandwich and coke when Bee call to let us know that he arrived in Anchorage and was ready to move on. We dropped Jack off at Fred Myers around 3:30 (their rendezvous). Twenty minutes later, after hugs, brief exchanges of plans, illnesses, etc., and buying two cases of water and coke they were off. The last time we heard from Uncle Jack was on Saturday around noon when he called to let know they were in Tok, Alaska eating fried chicken at the Three Bears.

Friday afternoon and evening we helped Mary Carol and Chris pack and get the boat ready for a weekend halibut and king salmon fishing trip in Homer. They should be back on Tuesday, I’ll fill you in on their results. Even little ’A’ had his pole and claimed he claimed he was going to fish.

Mom also helped Germaine pack and get ready for fish camp. If all goes well, they will leave on Wednesday.

We were up bright and early this morning, 5:30 am, to wish Greta well on her return trip to Fairbanks. Greta and Ken plan to leave for the North Slope Tuesday morning.

Paul will be in Nikiski Monday through Wednesday.

Alex's UCR Graduation 2008

To all,
Well he made it! It was a great father's present to see him finally finish up at school. Both Naomi and I were really proud. Now, he needs to go out and do something. He needs to thank Naomi, especially, for all the help she has provided. Anyway, a great day for my family.
Bill

Our Favorite Watering Hole

To all: I needed to update our presence at the favorite watering hole ---- Your garage. We cooked and imbibed there. Here is a the most recent picture of us. This time, while we exercised our drinking elbows, Phil was swimming 60 plus laps......"A penny for your thoughts while swimming - Phil".

Happy Father's Day !!

Happy Father's day to all the Myerchin dads and hello to all. It's a sunny Sunday (hot) here in Ft Lauderdale. Cinthya and I are just trying to stay cool inside today. Much love to everyone... TM Jr

happy father's day

Good luck on your journey Alex. I hope life in Chicago goes good for you, I hope you enjoy the winter.... just kidding.

The tornado sirens went off last night in Peham, no tornado just a lot of rain. I carted a few items down to the root celler(tea pot, cell phone, water) just in case, priorities. We are getting some more rain today and it is cool.

It sure would be great to hear from you Phil. You might be interested in that librivox web site, there are very good books out there. I sure hope you are feeling ok.
Below are a couple images of the picture I was talking about. I can't find Jack or the some of the Belland boys in it.

So I'm graduating in 8 hours...

Hello all,

So it's just after midnight on June 15th (Happy Father's today to everyone, especially my dad) and I have to get up in 6 hours to get ready for graduation. That's right - I'm graduating from Univ. Cali. Riverside with a BA in Theatre (formally Physics, formally Chemistry, formally Philosophy, formally Biology). And yes, that's really true.

For those who didn't know, a long involvement with acting during high school, and now in college as well, has caused me to choose to live an actor's life. It's something I'm passionate about and nothing compares to the feeling of being onstage making art in front of 2000 people (my largest audience so far).

On June 30th I will be moving to Chicago to follow this dream, which I am fortunate to have the support of you all with. In Chicago I will be waiting tables and bartending at The Cheesecake Factory in the basement of the John Hancock Building. I'm moving out there with my best friend since high school (she has a real job though) so I won't be completely alone, although I'll miss you all.

Uncle Phil - I am so sorry I couldn't make it up in this past month with everyone else - I had a show and finals to do. I'm not too worried though - when I make it onto Broadway I'll fly you and Marie out first class to come see the show. I still rank my trip to Alaska with you, Dad, Uncle Jack, and Uncle Tom as some of the BEST moments of my life, and I'll try and make it back soon to thank you personally.

Sorry for the long post - it's been a great night for me to reflect and it seemed appropriate for me to post. Class of 2008!

Alex

the picture is a composite of some of my performances...

Glacier and the garage

Phil: As per usual after visiting this Glacier near your home (Exit?), we enjoyed liquid refurbishment in your garage.....Tom

Opening the Pool

Phil: Today, we opened the pool for the summer. The effort brought back memories of our TN reunion of several years ago and our fun playing vollyball in the pool. I think the teams were 1) Phil, Joe "the toe" and Bill against 2) Jack, I and ...... (who am I missing?). We had a great time.

I think we played a second day. A great time was had by all. I am enclosing a picture of Phil and others as we started out on the 2008 Joshua trip. Phil, you were definitely loaded down! You definitely had strong back. Cheers.....Tom

Bill's Update

Guys,
Talked to phil last night. He sounded really good. A lot of activity going on at his house. Jack is on his way back.
I am going to see "The Happening" today. I hope it's a good story.
Tomorrow, Alex is grqaduating from UCR. I'll post his photo.
later,
Bill

Phil-let us know what you are up to.

Checking in

Hi all,
I was "surfing" my usual sites on the Internet and I came across this one.

http://librivox.org/siddhartha-by-hermann-hesse/

This is a free audio download site for books in the public domain. The book Siddhartha I'm sure you all probably know. I just thought I'd post it because we are kind of a family that likes interesting ideas and ideas that ask questions about life.

Love you all, Marsha

Hawaii picture

Phil: This is the picture and the valley that I mentioned to you. I don't know it's name. You would be familiar with the area.......Cheers...Tom

John's "Turnagain" Trip to Alaska

What a surprise!  John will be visiting with Phil and Marie, again, tomorrow.   Actually, he is excited about the trip because he gets to see Phil and he thinks Ak is so beautiful.   When we were sitting in the airport on Sunday night before take-off, he told me that he felt a little disappointed about not getting to make the trip back to California with Arlan.    Well, sometimes you get what you ask for.   

Just wanted everyone to know how much I valued our good times in Alaska last week.  It was good to be able to talk about the "good old days" with everyone.   Marie, you made our visit a pleasure.  You are wonderful.   Visiting and connecting with all your children and grandchildren was a great experience.   They are a blessing. 

Love to all,   Angie

Phil, send us a Post...

I agree w/ Tom... I hope Phil is on the right blog site.  When B and I stop, I'll be checking the blog if I can get any internet access.

Jack

New York Times article "Godless"

There is a an excellent article on politics and God on the NYT editorial sheet today. It is an interesting piece and could stimulate some discussion........cheers -- Tom

Where's Phil?

I have not seen anything from brother Phil. I wonder if he is on the net yet. We can check this out in tomorrow's con. call.

North to Alaska

Mr. B called this morning.  He seems to be in pretty rough shape.  He asked me if I could help him bring his motorhome back from AK.  B is a pretty independent guy and wouldn't ask for help if he didn't need it.

I'll be flying into Anchorage tomorrow at 12:30 in the afternoon on Alaska Airlines #87.  Marie, do you think you could pick me up at the airport?  I want to see Phil for as long as I can... I imagine B wants to head south ASAP.  

I'll bring some of Amy's (Joe's wife) cd's ... think of all the money I'll save on postage!

As much as I hate flying, it will be good to see the Poopster and give B a hand.

I might call later tonight in order to confirm.

Jack

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in Washington DC at a research conference (I speak tomorrow at 10:30am so send happy/excellent public speaking vibes my way). I'm going to present a qualitative study I did on Barriers and Facilitators to Diet and Nutrition Counseling with Latino Patients. I've been at this conference the last two days and it has been going really well - I just found out one of the top names in the practice based research field (he's basically a rockstar for the type of research I do) knows who I am and what I'm working on so that's just super cool!


So, I just wanted to say hello and let you know Uncle Phil that Jon and I are thinking of you.
Below I've included some pictures from a trip to the beach in Malibu from last week - Jon and I took our pug, Olive, for the day.

- Laura

Swimming Time

Phil and all: I particularly liked going to the "Y" with you for your swimming event. I got a good work-out and was able to have some private time with you to talk about the great times we had and will have in our blog site and more visits......Tom

size of image posts

Hi all,
I did find there is a 1G storage for images. So we have to make the images we put on the blog small and I'd say mostly just text with an occasional picture. I did send invites out to Barb, Laura, Alex and Mary Carol, so hopefully we'll hear from them soon. And all the rest of you that come out here just say hi and let us all know how things are going for you.
This might be a great place for everyone to get to know each other somewhat.
Take care, love you all, Marsha

Finishing up the school year...

Hi, people,

This is a nice idea. The school term is almost over. With year-round we go until the 25th. The teachers are exhausted and the kids are restless. The end of the social studies curriculum is the Roman empire...try teaching that to undermotivated kids in four weeks!

Bill and I are hoping to go to San Diego for a short visit in July. There are a couple of museum exhibits (including Pompeii stuff, actually, speaking of Rome) that we want to see.

Alex graduates college this weekend! Boy, it's a little weird having your youngest done with school... We will have brunch afterwards for him and to celebrate Father's day as well. Happy Father's day to all you dads!

We're thinking of you, Phil, every day.

Lots of love,
Naomi

Hi all! Mom told me a bit about the trip to Alaska... sounds like good times were had by all. I really wish I could have gone. Life on the East coast is going well. Camp is keeping me very very busy, I am very excited about this summer. It has been a bit crazy joining the Peace corps while working here because I am so busy. Right now I am just trying to finish up getting my medical and dental cleared so then I can actually get a placement. I hope it goes well. Anyway I hope all is well and it will be nice to stay in contact with you all this way.
Cheers,
Camille
Love you

June 2008 Myerchin Siblings

Myerchin Siblings, June 2008

To All,
In early June we all traveled up to Anchorage, AK to visit with Phil and his family. It was really a great time. Much laughter and good times. We took this picture for a poster to celebrate the event. Enjoy.
Bill

At the left is an image of lilacs blooming, they are white, but have the same wonderful smell. I just finished mowing the lawn, we've had a lot of rain here and the grass grew like crazy. Still a little cool but should warm up. I had a very good time in Alaska. Thank you all for the hospitality. Talk to you all later.
Love Marsha

Bill's Post

Guys,
just checkin. This is neat. What are the parmeters of what we post?
Bill

myerchin blog

Marsh,
Thanks for setting it up. Be sure to tell Phil how log on. I think it is a great idea. Please, while we are just starting, set up a way to archive the blog. Great.
Bill

That was a long flight back to ca

Phil, I hope Gretta gets you blogging right away.  I have to tell you, Phil, I thought about you all the way back on the flight.  After a few hours I found that the only thing that could make it pleasant was to think about all the things we've done together... the hikes, the sailing trips... a lifetime of good stuff.  Once you get connected, I'd enjoy writing about them.

Jack

Hi all, this is a blog to post information we want others to view with out a direct email. It looks like we all need a gmail address, but I guess you know that if you are reading this info.
Try posting a blog. We will also need to add other email addresses that are sent an invitation to post. So far I have added the 5 sibs, my kids(marsha's), Tom Jr. and California Joe and Laura. That is all the addresses I have. To add more click on settings and then permissions. You should be able to add the addresses there.
I hope this works.
Talk to you all later.
Love Marsha