The photo is of Barbara's only niece (Rachael LaFollette Jones) and her family - hub Ron, two little ones ' Keegan and Makenna (the newest Jones).

Rachael is the only daughter of Barb's only brother - Hugh LaFollette. They previously lived in Providence RI, Saint Petersburg in Flo and are now in North Carolina. She is a financial whiz and her hub is in business.

Barb's only nephew - Tim (son of Hugh) attended the same college as Bill's Laura and still lives in Greensboro where he has business interests.

Hugh conducted the interview with Phil and Marie and we are now developing strategies for publishing the many CD's of it for the family. Thanks Hugh for your timely and very significant work for our family.....Tom

Crow Wing River '07

Wow, it's hard to believe a year has passed already!! I will never forget the good times of that trip, though. "Nursing a 4-day hangover on a river bank in Nimrod, MN.... priceless." The best part for me was just hanging out as a group, and sharing beers, tall tales, & laughs. It was cool to be with the siblings in the natural surroundings of their youth, and it was also very cool having Josh there. I hope to see more of the next-gen Myerchins on future excursions. I really can't wait till the next time!!
Well, Cinthya and I are now officially West Palm Beach residents. I will miss Fort Lauderdale after almost 7 years, but it's exciting to turn a new page in our lives. We met 2 years ago (just before the AK trip), and have been an "item" for 1.5 now. It is truly something how the time goes by. Anyway, we're looking forward to our new digs. There's an open invitation to visit us here. Oh yeah, speaking of the AK '06 trip, can anyone post some pix? Mine are unfortunately lost, and I'd love to see them as that was such an awesome adventure also. Well, lotsa love to all... Tom Jr :^D

Taking advantage of the "moment"

To all: Following on Marsha's commments, the Crow Wing was indeed an exquisite adventure. Josh was the nephew of the moment and Tom Jr. was the "guy".

Shown is the end of the trip with Phil and Jack - seeing an opportunity "from Hell" taking advantage of the situation.

A good trooper always figures our ways to get a few moments of rest.

Here are brothers Jack and Phil (infamous yellow shirt) taking a breather.

Cheers....Tom

Back from Las Vegas

Angie and I just got home from Las Vegas. It was a good trip with B and his son Buddy. It's also good to be out of the Casinos... especially Whiskey Petes.

The first photo shows Angie and I in front of "Dutch Shultz's bullet riddled car". The second shows B, I, and Buddy in Whiskey Pete's.

Jack

Hi all, it has been almost 1 year since our Crow Wing trip, though I'd upload a few photos. The first one we are starting out. You will notice the time! It did get dark before we were able to camp, but was fun. The second one: jumping in the lake. The third one: Philly taking a snooz and a beautiful place to rest and camp. It just brings back wonderful memories.
Love to you all, Marsha

Earthquake shmerfqauke... 5.4. It wasn't a jerk or a shake. It was more like a roll. It did last over 10 seconds though. Kathy and I were on the phone at the time. I am in the Rancho Cucamonga area and she is in the Laguna Beach area. We both felt it at the same time because the epicenter was between us. Of course, Joshua being a teenager was asleep and he said he almost was rolled out of the bed. Ashley was the closest to the epicenter. She was working with the junior high cheerleaders in Upland. Her friend hates earthquakes so she screamed running for the doorway and scared the younger girls. The only problem that I encountered was the phone lines. The cell phones were jammed and calls were lost for about an hour. The land lines lost their ring tone for about an hour as well. So... if the big one does come, we need to be prepared that we will be on our own for quite a while.

Hawaii 2007

Monday, July 28, 2008

Hawaii 2007

I am posting photos of our Hawaii Trip because it was our first family trip ever!! I hope you all like....

Laura Myerchin Edgar

Monday, July 28, 2008

Laura Myerchin Edgar

Hello everyone,

I was looking for our most recent photo of our family. Right to left is Joshua, Ashley, (Dieter, the newest member), Darrell and myself. Ashley was getting ready for prom 2008 and in the middle of the rush, we decided to do a family op. (Did you notice Dieter??? He imprinted on me but I am only 4th to Kathy and her two poodles.. Tappy and Shawna. Our children are growing up. Ashley will be a senior next year. She is really getting the opportunity to develop her leadership skills this year as she was selected to be co-captain of the cheerleading squad. She was also invited to be an Alpha Leader at her school. Ashley will be a spiritual mentor for a select number of underclassmen during the 2008/2009 school year. She has also signed up to work in the children's ministry with her Auntie Kathy. They chose to work with the three year olds because Alisa Jo (Joe's daughter) just turned three in May. Josh is becoming a fine young man. You know how everyone would talk about Grampa Joe saying that was the "salt of the earth...", Josh is reminiscent of his character traits. He participated in the canoe trip 2007 with Marsha, the brothers and Tom Jr. and loved it. He really appreciated the interaction and the love that was there. Josh has his drivers permit and is will get his license in November. Darrell is becoming the man that God had created from the beginning of time. Everyone has rough patches but ours was a... I guess the Grand Canyon comes to mind. As most of you know, we struggled with addictions for many years and I would say it is safe to say that we now have a strong recovery. I am delighted to know my husband now... I mean really know him. He is becoming emotionally available to most people he comes in contact with. He is the daddy that Ashley needed. He is the mentor that Josh needed. He is the solid, principled man that I needed. Darrell loves us and we are so grateful. Of course, we don't live in the land of perfectionism but the fruit of the spirit is so good. Love, peace, joy, kindness, faithfulness, patience, endurance and self control is refreshing. And life giving. He is willing to work a solid recovery program and we are all reaping the benefits. Darrell's a good man and I don't think anyone would have said that a few years ago. Oh, and he loooves Dieter. We used to be cat people until this little raggamuffin came into our lives. Darrell used to call Dieter vermon but now he is the "best dog ever!". Me, I'm giving back and just being so thankful.

Posted by Laura Myerchin Edgar at 9:25 AM

The Jungle is all around!

Greetings from Tennessee

I have enclosed several pics of the jungle growing around our home - as compared to last winter.

It has rained every week and the ground is soft. A strong wind will easily blow down some of these trees. Still, that is a better risk than that of fire which we faced last summer.

The humidity is almost 100 percent and the heat a comfortable "95"

Wish you were here! ...........Cheers, Tom

How was the earthquake today

It would be good to hear from you all living in good old California. Drop a post and let us know.
Take care, love, Marsha

Slovakia revisited

Shown are three images of our trip to Prague and Cernerne, Slovakia in 2005. One of the pics depicts the graveyard in Cernerne - Jon Myerchin (Majercin) and Michael Majercin's widow who Barb and I visited. The last is the Charles River bridge with the medieval shops on it with the castle in the background. These edifices were there for the last thousand plus years etc.... I want to do this trip again - God willing!.....................Tom

7 kids in a rustic cabin

Hi all, I've been going through some old photos and found this one from 1983 when Phil and Marie and the kids came to visit. Sam was a little baby, Joey is holding him on his lap. Nice looking kids all. The other photo is looking the other way in our 1 room cabin, with Phil and Marie. You can also see the old wood burning cook stove. There was a 2nd level, where we slept and a root celler. A little rustic but a great experience. It was always a good time when Phil and Marie came. Always

Phil being gracious to Alex

Well Phil, Alex wanted to see what you looked like as a pirate. You complied and he was one happy toddler.

Bill

Ole and Lena Jokes

Guys,

A little humor from Naomi and Bill

1

Ole and Lena were driving back from Minneapolis. Ole put his hand on Lena's thigh. Pleasantly surprised, Lena said, "Oh, my Ole, you can go farther!" So he took her advice and went all the way to Duluth.

2

Ole and Lena were looking for a used car. After touring the lot they found one that looked pretty good. Lena decided they ought to check the signals. "Ole?" she asked "Go to da back of da car and tell me if da signals verk." So he looked at the rear of the car as she turned the signal on. "Ole, is it verking?" she called. Ole answered, "Yah, no, yah, no, yah, no..."

3

Ole and Lena were getting ready for bed. As she undressed Ole called out, "My gosh, Lena! Your butt is as big as a six-row reaper!" Lena didn't answer but she wasn't too happy. A few minutes later Ole started to get frisky but Lena pushed him away. "Lena, honey, what's wrong?" Ole asked. "Oh, Ole," she told him, "You're mistaken if you think I'm revving up a six row reaper for that one little cob of corn!"

4

Ole and Lena were invited to a costume party for Halloween. After waiting for her downstairs, Ole looked up and finally down came Lena. To his surprise she was nearly naked. All she had on was a ribbon around her waist, with another shorter ribbon tied to the front, and a lemon hanging from it. "Dat's what yer wearing?" Ole asked. "Yah," she said. So Ole sped up the stairs. Pretty soon he came down wearing only a rope belt with a short rope attached and a potato hanging from it. "Ole?" asked Lena, "Dat's all you gonna wear?" "Well," he responded, "I figure if you can go as a sourpuss, I could go as a dictator!"

Enjoy,

Bill

The two pictures depict our gathering at the Tabor Church at the Myerchin Family grand reunion in Aug 2005 (just about this time of year!). One is the typical photo of the five of us and the other is taken in front of the SIOUX monument at the North Dakota Hockey auditorium. Brother Bill is blurred as were some of the other pics that I took – dirty camera lens…………..Tom

an old picture in 2 views

Hi all, I photographed a picture I have, I think I got it from Dave a while ago. I've been looking for a good picture of the 3 "tantes." This one is pretty good, the best I've been able to find so far. I think Armeline looks very good here and too bad Cece had her eyes shut. Mom looks pretty good too. The original had, I think, Wally in it. Maybe before he went over seas. That might explain Armeline's serious look. I was wondering if any of you know approximatley the date of this picture and who's house it is in the background? Both pictues are interesting and the character of both is different. I do like the 3 sisters standing in front of the house. Art and Armeline had some very handsome children.
Talk to you all later, love, Marsha

How the heck do ya blog??

Thanks for the invite Marsha......I have no idea what this blogging is about but will give it a try. I've really enjoyed the photos, especially the ones of the Gold Rush trail. Lots of good memories.
My son Buddy and I will be leaving tomorrow for State Line, Nevada for a little R & R. Trying to talk John into coming for a couple of days and show him Red Rock Canyon. I will be checking the site often and try to figure this blogging out. B

Maine and Smokies Hikes

The top left picture shows Dave (son of Gary - husband of Sally) and me on a big rock in the Smokies last fall. We were on a three day hike and it was fun, but quite exhausting. The top right photo shows Dave, me and Gary during a rest stop on the trail. The bottom right is another pic on the same hike. The lesson is: don’t ever do a hard hike with young people; only go with old-age peers!

The bottom right is taken in 1988 (June) on the way up the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. It was a weekend affair for when I was at Harvard. Two of my buddies and I drove from Boston to a motel at the base of Mt Khataden in Baxter State Park in Main. We got there late (at motel) and in the morning made it to the mountain base by 5:30am. Since we were in good physical shape and arrogant, we decided to climb to the top (highest mountain in Maine and the northern end of the AP trail) without any real preparation or equipment. We carried only one bottle of water and each had haversacks with some sweets. We did not take the improved trail but took one of the unfinished because it seemed faster. What a mistake! About halfway up we encounterd the large granite blocks that you see in the photo – some so huge and jumbled that we had to help each other with handholds. We finally made it to the top around 1430hrs and rested about 30 minutes. Then, we started down one of the improved trails. We got to the base about 1830hrs, virtually worn out. There was a small store in the Park and we each drank an entire six pack to rehydrate ourselves. Honestly, I think this was the hardest physical effort in my life – made so because we did not enough water nor food to sustain the labor involved. That night, we slept like logs before returning back to Boston the next day.

Phil and the Pink Poodle

Phil was the only one with enough "guts" to have his photo taken with a "pink poodle."  They both look pretty happy.

Jack

Joshua Tree March 2008

Guys,
This photo is from Marsha's camera. It was one of the shots that didn't make it.
It is still kind of neat.
Bill

Dumber than Dirt

Attached are some pics of familiar digs in Hollywood, Florida. These were shot in early April of this year.
The first pic depicts the renewed boardwalk that is five miles long. The view is looking north with the Sheldon being out of sight but would be on the left.
The next two shots were taken from our balcony and take in the Sheldon where “Dumber than Dirt” presided over all of you hotel residents.

A chuckle for the day

Since We're Kinda Goin' Over the Top With Photos...

Phil said he wanted to see a few photos from the Chilkoot.  The first one is our bilingual "certificate" for doing the Chilkoot during its centennial year.  The second is a photo of a frame I made about the trip.  Hope they're clear enough to help relive the journey.

Upper left is me trudging up the "Golden Stairs".  Phil had gallantly offered to carry my pack to the top.  I said. "hell no.  I can do this."  Phil had scrambled to the top (the scales) and was waiting for B and I.  He got tired of waiting and dropped his pack and scrambled back down.  I don't know how the hell you did that, Phil.  (Note to Phil's kids... your dad's a bear of a guy... always a kind and thoughtful bear.)

Phil, that was a kind offer and, in retrospect, I should have taken advantage of it.

Lower left.  That's me and B ascending the "Golden Stairs".  This is the classic shot of the Chilkoot, i.e., AK license plate.  Jack London wrote of the unending line of climbers,  "One could hear the loud huffing long before anything came into view."

Upper right.  Resting at the summit.  That look of desperation on my face?  I was six weeks from my first three coronary stents.

Middle right.  The summit shack which sits on the US / Yukon border.  Here is where the Canadian scales sat, thus determining if each climber had his 1000 lbs of gear.

Lower right.  The three of us waiting for our ride back to civilization.  This is 28+ miles later... after Lake Bennett and miles and miles of those damn narrow gauge tracks.

It was a grand trip.

Jack

A "Kayaker" from Hell

In 2003, we had our family (the Lafollette – Bertram Clan) reunion as we did so many times before and had a great time. The site was the Barron River State Park in Kentucky – where we had rooms at the last get together here in Tennessee. The Cumberland (in the picture) was very high with rains and the lakes were heavily filled.

I decided to kayak. The pictures depict one cousin (of Barbara’s) “Butch” helping me get in the kayak and getting last minute instructions. The other bystander is Mike Coursey who was the husband of Debbie who died of cancer last fall. All of you met Mike and Debbie – wonderful and kind people.

The kayaking was fun and believe it or not, I toured the entire lake in about six hours. I learned that a kayak is millions of times easier to work than a canoe.

What a time. So Marsha, you are not the only kayaker in the family! ……..Tom

Can't Remember the Dates

The four of us in Joshua Tree.

On Top of the Tramway

Around 2000 or so (I don’t remember the exact date); Jack, Bill, Marsha and I went to Palm Springs to catch the Tramway to the top of the Cochillea Valley and associated Mountain Range. The day was very hot and we had to park our car a fair way from the Tram “get on” and as I remember the heat and sweat just to carry our heavy backpacks up the hill to the Tramway ramp from the parking lot was a “hump and a half”; no doubt, that this was going to be a “bummer” of a hike.

My hesitation was greatly rewarded by the beautiful sights and the cool air as we left the Tramway on the top for our hike on one of the trails. I believe the altitude on top was about 9 – 10 thousand feet (just a guess). We heard coyotes all night and the air actually got quite cool. I do remember staying up with the gang until the wee hours of the morning as we talked about everything under the sun. We literally talked ourselves out! I think we were plumb exhausted from everything and fell into our pads. I heard the coyotes howl and carry on. They never disturbed our encampment. What a glorious time we had.

I don’t know why Phil was not there, nor do I remember the exact date. I’m sure we invited him to be with us; something obviously interfered with his being there.

Still, this was one of those experiences that we don’t talk about very much, but still represented a fabulous time and a very precious moment for all of us to be together. How I would love to do it again.

Tom

Some of My Favorite Photos

I thought I would include some of my favorites.  

The first one is the five sibs at Bill's house when we were a bit younger.  Everyone seems to be in great spirits.

The second one is "B" and Phil on the Chilkoot trail.  The old cabin really did lean this much.

The third one is taken by Tom in Joshua Tree.  It is when we went camping in the winter rain.  Tom later abandoned his "bivy sack" (which was laying in a large puddle of water) for the security of Bill's tent.

The last one is a really memorable trip to the High Sierras in Sequoia Natl Park.  The picture is taken by B.  It was spectacular.

Jack

Kids and More Kids

Here we have pics from the clans of Jack & Angie M. and Bill & Naomi mugging for the camera during the get together for Jack’s 60. It was just a few years ago. We sure had fun at the gathering

How fast the “young uns” grow up and time flies by.

Amber Waves of Grain

In In 2005, we visited the Schiller farm which I think, included parts of Mom's parent’s original farm. The operation was huge and certainly an "eye popper". We checked out the machine shed and counted four "Combines" - roughly 850K to 1 mil apiece. He had several "18 wheelers", other self propelled implements and numerous storage warehouses. Then when we visited his grain elevators at various locations where he stored and dried the grain. These things required continuous 240volt power to run the blower motors.

All in all, this was the equivalent of a major business and represented several millions, possibly as much as 10 mil plus - counting the acreage - definitely not a substance farm. I would expect that with corn and its relationship to Ethanol, the business has picked up immensely.

The pictures show Phil and Bill next to our second cousin (name escapes me) and one of his combines. All of had a chance to ride in the combine for a trip around a massive grain field. The combine was air conditioned and quite comfortable. All it lacked was a latrine. Of course it was only a big hop and a step to use the field for our comfort. The second picture is a perspective on the seemingly endless grain fields. Phil is modeling his infamous and omnipresent "yellow shirt".

A Game of Chase

Did he make it?...You make the call.

Wearing a hair net

Two years ago, I thought I was getting "little strokes" and got all my local doc's excited. I was pretty excited myself because I thought the "big one" was just over the horizon. Funny thing, the more I mentioned my weakness to the Doc's, the more they thought I was just plain nuts. In time, they figured out that I did not have a head problem, but a heart problem and stuck in a pacemaker which works out just fine. During the camping trip in 06 to Joshua NP, my heart would stop in my sleep as much as 90 seconds. Fortunately, on that trip and just by luck and the smell of Phil making breakfast; he could make the best shit in town, I'd wake up and crawl up to the best meal you ever ate!

Still I had to wear the contraption in the pictues on my head for a steady seven days - could not even take it off for showers. I had business in town and worn my head band and freaked everyone out! What the hell; I think I just might make for a bit. I'm not so sure that I want to wear the harness again.

Cheers......Tom