Uncle Abben

This post has been a long time coming.

Last November, Mary and I were fortunate to be able to take a trip to Anaheim to visit my uncle, Abben Feikema. It was a great treat. He and I had stayed in touch on the phone and with frequent emails (normally inspirational ones from Abben).

While we were chatting one day in September, I vowed that we would visit soon. It finally worked out in mid-November. It was great. It was also timely as his health was declining.

We had a great time, playing dominoes, cards, talking at length, connecting. It was great for me to be able to get to know him even better. My Dad died twelve years ago, and since that time Abben had became a bit of a surrogate. He was a great father figure. Here is a shot of us at the kitchen table playing dominoes.


We had a great time. Abben seemed to too. He seemed to have an extra spurt of energy that weekend.

We also had a chance to go out to eat. We met near Knotts Berry Farm. Here are a couple of shots of the crew (thanks to Eliot Hansen).

I took a couple of snapshots of the garden.

And notably the adopted cats. They were quite a hoot. I am an early riser (as was Abben) and when I popped my head out in the morning they stood at attention. I am assuming that they thought that I was Abben, getting ready to feed them. Unfortunately they were mistaken.

Our trip was very important to us. It was certainly a great opportunity to celebrate life with Abben, to spend quality time with wonderful Marlene, and also to reconnect with cousins and their families.

It was also a time for me of reflection on a life well lived, a family well loved, and Abben, a great standard bearer.

Unfortunately, it was a short three weeks later when received a call from Ann Lynn. Abben was dying. My heart sank. I am so grateful that we were able to visit. He passed away shortly thereafter, having lived a wonderful life, loved by many, respected by most, and most importantly in love with his creator.

My cousin Coby LaVenture and I were privileged to be able to represent the Minnesota Feikema's and go to Abben's funeral in December. We met so many folks, old family friends, relatives, and reconnected. I know I can speak for us both when I say that we left with renewed friendships with family members too distant, and I know that I came away with a better feeling for what it means to be a Feikema and more importantly a friend of God like Abben was.

I look forward to continued (and more frequent) connections with my family.

I still miss Abben but I am happy that we ALL know exactly where he is today.

18th Anniversary

Last weekend, to celebrate our eighteenth anniversary we went to the Bayport Cookery. It was during their Morel Fest so we were in for a treat. A couple of sample images (not necessarily what we were served but a good indication):

Yowsa...it was great. Here is what we were in store for:

* ~ First ~
Alaskan Halibut
Pad Thai noodles and morel miso broth

* ~ Second ~
Sockeye Salmon
morels, jumbo lump crab and watercress salad

~ Third ~
Morel Mushroom Frittata
sweet corn, spinach and raw milk cheddar

* ~ Fourth ~
Charcoal Grilled Chicken
soft polenta and morel mushroom gravy

* ~ Fifth ~
Pork Tenderloin
eda mame, morels, and smoked applewood bacon

~ Sixth ~
Beef and Tuna
black & white risotto, port wine reduction, foie gras, and morels

~ Cheese ~
Taleggio
pate choux, morels and aged balsamic

~ Dessert ~
Strawberry Shortcake
morel maple mousse and rhubarb compote

* ~ Number 9 ~
Morel Mushroom Ice Cream
chocolate cake, almond tuile and red wine syrup
The Cookery also has an interesting tradition...a diary on the table, open to anyone to add their notes. We found our own note from our anniversary five years ago. What a treat!

Corvette

Maybe I should switch my allegiance to 'Vettes. Sweet!

Cool Studebaker

But this was the coolest...not exactly OEM.

Old Studebakers

I did find a couple of other Studes...

1951 Stude

I went in search of a 1951 Studebaker Landcruiser. This was as close as I got, a '51 Champion. Needs some TLC. The '51 I had was jet black and 35,000 miles (28,000 driven by my great Aunt Kathryn to church and back).

Mt. Rushmore

We had a beautiful day at Mt. Rushmore. This monument is absolutely awe-inspiring. Considering the work was done in the late 30's and early 40's, it's incredible to think about the accomplishment of so many dedicated workers.

A giant air compressor actually used on the mountain to power the jackhammers is on display at the site.

Scenic Badlands Loop

  

Some photos from the Scenic Badlands Loop 

Thelma and Louise

Well they are back. The girls had a great trip and we'll be uploading many pictures of the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Nemo, etc. Sounds like a great trip. Glad they had fun.

The Badlands

After a fun week in Nemo, visiting Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis and other places, the girls (Mary and Lynn) started for home today and stopped at Badlands National Park. While this is only a stock photo I hope to show many more originals in the days to come.

Lakeside Garden

It has been a very cold, wet spring. While it has restricted how much golf we've been able to play, it certainly has made the garden as lush as it has ever been. Several varieties of Hosta, lush Ferns (which seem to grow as well outside the garden as in it), Astilbe, and massive Bleeding Hearts have taken over this part of the garden.

Nemo, SD

This is the first post on the Feikema family blog. I expect it to be a mishmash for some time. First on the coming agenda is Mary's trip to Nemo SD. In the shadows of the Black Hills is the sleepy town of Nemo. Here is a Google earth shot of the hamlet.

I expect future shots when she returns will be more interesting.