18 April, 2020 - South Dakota and Extended Family
Dear, Mom-
Today was a rainy, lazy day. I didn't have much motivation to get up and do much besides walk Elsa. I have so many projects I need to do, but some days I just can't seem to pick myself up enough to start something productive. The rain never helps these situations.
The other day I did start organizing the art studio. I'm trying to go through and organize all the stuff that has turned my art studio into a storage space. Right now, Goodwill and other thrift stores are shut temporarily, so I cannot take things I would like to donate there. Instead, I have to put it all together and shift it around - continuing to take up room - until the day comes that I can again take things to a thrift shop.
While I was going through some books, I noticed one of your old photo albums. Most of the pictures are from South Dakota (or thereabouts) and you are very young. I can see that we had a lot of strong women in our family. Pioneer stock. The Olson ladies all have similar looks, but diverse heights. I had not realized how much Great Aunt Grace looked like her mother. I saw one picture of you on a horse with a little boy and it was being led by two other children. There is another with Great Great Grandma or her sister (?) holding a small, terrier dog in her arms. Maybe a Jack Russell or some kind of ratter. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa are pictured, too. There is one of Grandpa in his mining gear. I suppose he was on his way to work since he still appeared quite clean. Uncle Wilhelm and Grandpa Arvo look quite a bit alike, as well. Very distinguishable Finns from the Swedes. I am going to ask Doran and Sue if they know more about where Arvo and Wilhelm came from in Finland. I want to say northern, like Laplanders, but I am not sure.
I can't wait to come see you so that we can sit and look at pictures and you can tell me who is who and what was going on. I know Grandpa came from North Dakota originally, so maybe Doran will be able to fill me in on more of the Finn side of the family tree.
I am glad to say that we have not found another tick on the dog today (knock on wood). Elsa wasn't rolling around in the grass or dirt today since it was raining, so I hope that helped!
I will make sure to include some of the pictures I was talking about above when I write to you again. The photo album is still out in the studio and I didn't take pictures of the pictures yet so that you can see them, but I will! Promise.
Well, it is almost 11 o'clock at night and I am drifting off.
I love you very, very much and there are constant reminders of you everywhere. I think of you often, Mom, and miss you terribly. I hope to see you soon. I hope with every fiber of my being.
Good night, Love you,
Sal
Today was a rainy, lazy day. I didn't have much motivation to get up and do much besides walk Elsa. I have so many projects I need to do, but some days I just can't seem to pick myself up enough to start something productive. The rain never helps these situations.
The other day I did start organizing the art studio. I'm trying to go through and organize all the stuff that has turned my art studio into a storage space. Right now, Goodwill and other thrift stores are shut temporarily, so I cannot take things I would like to donate there. Instead, I have to put it all together and shift it around - continuing to take up room - until the day comes that I can again take things to a thrift shop.
While I was going through some books, I noticed one of your old photo albums. Most of the pictures are from South Dakota (or thereabouts) and you are very young. I can see that we had a lot of strong women in our family. Pioneer stock. The Olson ladies all have similar looks, but diverse heights. I had not realized how much Great Aunt Grace looked like her mother. I saw one picture of you on a horse with a little boy and it was being led by two other children. There is another with Great Great Grandma or her sister (?) holding a small, terrier dog in her arms. Maybe a Jack Russell or some kind of ratter. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa are pictured, too. There is one of Grandpa in his mining gear. I suppose he was on his way to work since he still appeared quite clean. Uncle Wilhelm and Grandpa Arvo look quite a bit alike, as well. Very distinguishable Finns from the Swedes. I am going to ask Doran and Sue if they know more about where Arvo and Wilhelm came from in Finland. I want to say northern, like Laplanders, but I am not sure.
I can't wait to come see you so that we can sit and look at pictures and you can tell me who is who and what was going on. I know Grandpa came from North Dakota originally, so maybe Doran will be able to fill me in on more of the Finn side of the family tree.
I am glad to say that we have not found another tick on the dog today (knock on wood). Elsa wasn't rolling around in the grass or dirt today since it was raining, so I hope that helped!
I will make sure to include some of the pictures I was talking about above when I write to you again. The photo album is still out in the studio and I didn't take pictures of the pictures yet so that you can see them, but I will! Promise.
Well, it is almost 11 o'clock at night and I am drifting off.
I love you very, very much and there are constant reminders of you everywhere. I think of you often, Mom, and miss you terribly. I hope to see you soon. I hope with every fiber of my being.
Good night, Love you,
Sal
Comments