Aloha from Elaine

Thank you Mary,
Merry Christmas! Hope you are having a beautiful day! We will keep everyone in our prayers.


Love and Aloha,
Elaine

More Greetings from California

Love and Merry Christmas to all.
Jeff and I are at his sisters in Morgan Hill. Enjoying her children at xmas morning...
Tommorow we go to San Francisco for a little after xmas fun. Then we start the drive home. A pit stop for the night in Cambria and then most likely home by Monday!
I have a few clients to facial and then the new year celebrations begin.

We are looking at Palm Dessert property so perhaps a few days there so see what is up. There are a lot of spa's there so I should be able to find a job ...
The rain is plentiful today and hoefully not tommorow. But at least it is rain. Not snow.
Love you all ans missing you very much at this special time
of year..


Sue Marie

Merry Christmas!











Tom and I were over in Monterey, CA after visiting with sister, Dianne,
Dave and family recently and had a guy take this picture, with the tree
and the Pacific ocean as the backdrop, not a bad place to be. We stayed
at this great oceanfront hotel, Intercontinental, which was right next
door to where the pic was taken. We drove down the coast about 3 hours
to the Hearst Castle and did the evening Holiday tour, which was great,
the place was all decked out for the holidays, including people that
were pretending to be guests at the Castle.
We're expecting a lot of rain on Christmas Day, but are planning to
enjoy the day, as I don't have to work. Wishes to all of you for a
bright New Year and memories of a holiday time that makes you smile.
We're having a quiet day, maybe church in the morning, a friend is
coming over after she gets off work for a Christmastini (vodka,
peppermint schnapps and grenadine, with a candy cane) and I'm going to
make her favorite cookies (they're Kelly's favorites too), then we're
going over to a cousin's for a visit later in the day. Maybe a trip up
to the Mission Inn in Riverside on Friday.
I'm considering going to the Rose Bowl parade on New Years Day, but Tom
says that he'd rather watch it on TV, so it looks like I'm going to
have to find someone else to go, if not, I'll be watching it on TV too.
If the weather permits, on January 7-9th, I'm driving with friends,
Julie and Terry as they make their trek from San Diego back to Seattle,
I'll be the 3rd driver and I'm hoping that we'll stop in Phoenix, OR to
spend the night with our former neighbors, Bob and Patty while we're on
the journey. Hopefully, I'll get to see friends, Mary and Ed while in
Seattle, be I fly back to San Diego on the 9th. Time passes much too
quickly and I hate to miss all the fun!
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and good health and
prosperity in the New Year.
Love, Denise and Tom

Greetings from Snowy Minnesota

I wish a Blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to all.
Some prayers are still needed for Neva, Richards wife who is still in intensive care, Jackie is having lots of health problems, Frank could always use your prayers....and I hear my brother Bill could use some prayers too! I sure hope each and everyone of you have as good a 2009 as I had in 2008. Thank you all for your Christmas cards, greetings, phone calls, and gifts. I truely have already had a blessed Christmas. Love and prayers, Mary

At Rest at Last!

I know you're all busy with the Holidays, just wanted to update you on my situation.

I am finally parked back at the Resevoir after a grueling couple of weeks in Yuma. My new MH drives like a dream with the more powerful engine, bigger tires, back up camera that works, and a CD player. The inside cabin is outstanding with more space, stone counters throughout, 'real' light cherry wood cupboards with crown molding on all the slide-outs. Colors are 'SW desert' with windows all around the front and full wall of drawers and wardrobe in the bedroom, with a skylight in the shower. I also treated myself to a new pillow-top mattress with that memory foam, maybe help my memory?

All in all, cleaning out, packing up, transferring (not actually putting everything away) stuffing most for later organizing has left me pooped.

This morning, I slept late, made breakfast for the first time in all this moving, and am already energized to start going at it.

I hope Mark makes a safe return soon and that every one of you has a funfilled Holiday Season.

Jeannie

Christmas Wishes!

December 2008
Dearest Family and Friends,
As I watched “Charlie Brown Christmas” again, The Reason for the Season, hit me…the reason I’m here, the grace of the newborn child…then I found a Christmas card that read “our joyful songs, our humble hearts, our grateful lives…may these be the precious gifts we bring to lay before the newborn King.” And it was reinforcing to me how grateful I am for my health and my wonderful family and friends who have brought me through this year. Last December I wondered if I would make it through the year and here I am today so happy and healthy, that I know only God’s grace could have gotten me here. I had such a wonderful year. In March I spent 3 weeks hiking and healing in the warmth of Sedona and the company of a dear friend. Then in May I spent the month roaming around Switzerland, Austria and Germany with my sister Kathleen and her husband Gary. We made our cousin Karen’s home as our base and really enjoyed the warm hospitality that was extended to us. Her family was so fun to be with. In June I returned to a newly remodeled cabin that my kids had worked so hard to finish before I returned to surprise me! It was so wonderful. I loved it so much that I spent most of the summer there and rewarded them with a new speedboat for waterskiing in late July. Then this Fall, I traveled to Georgia and visited Joe and Sandi, on to Florida where I saw Jim and Linda Zimmer and then onto New Orleans where my friends Bonnie and Lois met me and we spent a week touring the town. Right after Thanksgiving I drove down to Naperville and watched the grandkids while Tom and Karen were in New York on business. So you see…life is short and I’m enjoying it while I can.
My family is also doing well, Tom and Karen are still both in “shoes” and their children Emily 15, Kennedy 8, William 6, and Presley 2 are such a joy. All active, Emily in Color Guard, Kennedy in Brownies and Soccer, William in Hockey and baseball, and Presley in being smart and cute!!
Bill and Kim are both busy working, Bill luckily from home and Kim at a Pain Clinic in Coon Rapids. Their children Katie 12, and Tommy 11 are also busy, Katie is now playing hockey along with her cousins and also ran cross-country quite successfully this fall. Tommy is active in cub scouts and plays soccer and baseball.
Annie and Doug have had a big change with Doug leaving Federal Cartridge to work for Jimbo. Annie is still teaching and coaching, and they both help with the girls’ sports. Nicole 13, Allie 11 and Matthew 3 keep mom and dad hopping. Nicole is playing hockey right now, but is also involved in soccer and a cross-country runner. Allie is also on the same hockey team as Colie and Katie and played soccer and softball this summer. Matthew is a real boy and into Cars and Trains and is just as cute as can be.
Jimbo and Ann, also haven’t let any grass grow under their feet. Jimbo and his partner have purchased their third Tires Plus. This one in Eau Claire, Wis. Their boys Jack 16, and Nick 12 are getting so old. Jack turned 16 a few weeks ago and got his drivers license that day. Nick was thrilled to be on the Coon Rapids National Little League team that went all the way to Indianapolis for the Midwest championship and played on ESPN in the final game only to lose to the Dakota’s. Jack plays baseball and football and Nick ran cross country this fall as well.
Grandma keeps busy trying to watch each of them participate in their chosen sports or activities. It’s hard to make them all, but I do my best. They are all smart and good looking, and I’m not saying that because I’m the grandma…they really are! My life is so blessed by them all.
Don’t forget the “reason for the season” and have a wonderful New Year.
Love and prayers, Mary

A Big Thank You to Darleen

Not only did Dar volunteer at the last minute to help host, she stayed and helped clean up....but she also lent me her AAA card and a $5 tip for the guy who came out to unlock my car. Some how with all my hands full I locked my car keys and purse in the car and Dar came to my rescue. Love you lots! cuz m

More from Jeannie....Plus some from me.

Hi all,

Words from Mark last Thursday; I am leaving for Kuwait tomorrow. I will be gone for two weeks then back home for two weeks over Christmas. We head back for two months after the new year with the full group. I am looking at the complete electrical distribution systems for all US bases in Kuwait. Large task and kind of daunting right now, but will get a lot clearer after we get there.

Hope you can keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers, again.

It's Monday morning and I'm getting the solar system removed from the old coach and will return with the new coach in a few days after I get moved into it. My walk through is scheduled for later this morning, and I will start moving in this afternoon.

Hope all is well with everyone and the blessings of the season are upon you.

Love, Jeanie

I talked to Aunt Loretta this a.m. and she would like me to extend Christmas wishes to everyone, as she doesn't think she will be getting cards out this year....also she is requesting more prayers for daughter-in-law Neva. She is in the hospital and doctors are giving her a 50/50 chance of surviving....but they are hopefull as she has opened her eyes and is aware that Richard is in the room with her.

Cousins Christmas was a success, but was slimly attended. Only those that had lots of miles to come came!!! John and Flo, Darleen, Linda and Sarah, June and Len, Janet, Aunt Doris, Phillip, Pat and Butch and me (I drove back from Chicago just to be there). I really want to thank Phillip for all the work he put into setting up and all the extra's he made, we had more than enough food just with Phil's contributions. Needless to say we all took home leftovers along with our lovely gifts.....beware next year they may be yours!! A good time was had by all! Love to all the cousins, m

The long and the short is that I bought a brand new, that's never been owned before, motorhome.

They've been pushing the 2008's at 40% off. I know I was going to hang on to this one, but lately the list of things to fix is growing. Of course, by the time I got to town, the 2008's are pretty much gone.

They did decide to get rid of a 2006 that never got sold. It seems when people are looking at new, they usually want big. This one was just my size, 30'r and happens to be a "Georgetown" motorhome, Cadilac of the industry which is owned by Warren Buffet. So the price, besides the size on this one, had probably turned people off. They lowered it by 30,000 gave me a hefty trade-in, and I am getting it for very little cash out of pocket. My credit union is giving me 4.99 interest, so my payments are 1/2 again the old one and a few more years to pay and I'm into it.

You won't believe how fancy this one is, larger slide in the couch and dinette, another in the kitchen, and one in the bedroom with twice the wardrobe and drawers than I have now. The ceiling is 7', and 1 more step coming up than I have now, so the whole profile is higher. Supposed to be ready Mon and I'll get transferred on their lot. This 2006 still has the full 36,000 mi or 36 month warranty.

The tires are 22's instead of 19' and look huge. I can't wait to get it on the road. That does not mean I will be home earlier, but am anxious for all of you to see it. Judy and Frank came to visit today and helped me get these pictures loaded. After looking at so much, one gets confused. I thought I remembered big roomy outside storage, a built in vacuum, and full body paint job. Well, that was definitely on a different one, these leave something to be desired, guess I'll have less junk to carry, hang on to my bissel, and reflect the sun better with white. See you soon, Jeannie

OOOPS!!!

Party room is on the 3rd Floor.

Have had several volunteers to help out for the party and to clean-up after....so it looks like we'll have a great time. m

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I was in the midst of baking the buns for late last nite when my oven quit. I guess everything else will have to be in the microwave or on the stove. Thank God I have an electric roaster for the turkey. I don't know what I'll do for bread. What a dumb thing to happen. Hope your dinner turns out! and pray for mine. Mom where are you now? m

SOS - Cousins Christmas Party

Phil Schoenecker (my brother) will be hosting along with Cousins Dar Huard, (Jeff and Sue won’t be coming, the annual "Cousins's Christmas Party". So we are sending a SOS to help. We need people to stay and clean up after….many hands make quick work!!! Saturday December 6, 5 p.m. till whenever. As always it is a potluck but we ask that you bring what ever you want to drink (Pop, Beer or Wine or whatever else you want) so that Dar and Phil do not have to foot the bill alone, and we will be exchanging exquisite white elephant treasures. Okay here's the scoop.
Phil's address is 401 E. Burnsville Parkway #136, Burnsville, MN 55337 thejagg@mindspring.com
Phone: 952.808.8909
There are 3 motels about a mile from me, all on 35w and Burnsville parkway. Theres are just a straight shot drive to my place. All of them are around $50 to $60 starting range.
1) prime rate motel is on the northwest frontage road of 35w with Perkins near by.
2) americas best value inn is on the southwest frontage road of 35w.
3) red roof inn is also on the southwest side of the frontage road of 35w. These 2 have a Hooters and timberlodge steak house near by.
Prime rate inn
12850 w frontage rd
burnsville mn 55337
952 894 8554
americas best value inn
1101 w burnsville parkway
burnsville mn 55337
952 894 3400
red roof inn
12920 alderich ave s (the southwest frontage road)
burnsville mn 55337
952 890 7431
Directions to Phil’s: South on 35W take the Burnsville Parkway exit and go East just past Nicollet to 401 – Looks like an apartment complex. Up on hill on Right side of the road. At the door you must ring the party room to get in, and take the elevator to the 2nd floor.

Any Help will be appreciated.

Greetings from Joe and Sandi

Greetings from Arizona (Jeanie Podzimek)

Hi Everyone, It's was 89 degrees yesterday afternoon when I was approaching Yuma. I pushed 500 miles from Deming NM and was feeling it last night. Stayed in Yuma to do some things before heading for the organic farmer and the Resevoir to park. Sorry my grandson Andrew can't join me in the vegetable hunt.

The trip was unremarkable as far as the Itasca, but the weather and scenery was very much remarkable. The ice on the ponds in MN turned to waving water in Iowa, parked the first night near the Iowa/Missouri border. Turned west 50 mi north of Kansas City to St Joseph. Checked fluids and the transmission's was low, but I couldn't find a place to add it. Found a mechanic and was told there is only the dip stick hole. The nice southern gentleman added my fluid and also filled the radiator fluid.

Went south on 59 and 4 to Topeka. Skirted it and went west on I-70 to Salina and parked. It got down to 28, the generator and furnace was good. Went south on 56 to Dodge City (memories) and dropped down to 54 to Tucumcari and stayed the night. When I got up in the morning, which was late, the temp outside was 68 and inside was 65. Not bad at all. Continued south on 54 and cut over to Las Cruces and on to Deming to stay the night. It was a lovely 75 when I parked and got up early for the first time this trip to get to Yuma. It's like the horse heading for the barn.

I have to thank my boss, Nancy for getting me out of the office early this year. What a far cry from last year with the ice, etc. Thanks to all who have gifted my with support, there are times when I needed every bit of it! I'm sorry to miss the cousin's Christmas party, but I'll have them all in mind while I basque in the sun.

I hope to hear from anyone who has the time to keep me up on what's going on, Love, Jeanie

Greetings from Georgia

Hi, I'm in Athens, Georgia staying at the Schieber (Biltmore) Bed and Breakfast. Their cooking rivals the Switzerland Bed and Breakfast I stayed at in May, and also Kathleen's husband Gary's. Loving it here, they play a mean "Spinner" but I managed to beat them anyway once!!! I'll be in Destin, Florida on Wednesday evening at childhood friends Jim and Linda Zimmers. I hope they can compete with the family. Then on Friday I drive to New Orleans to stay at a time share with Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke, friends I worked with and have traveled with of late. See you soon. (Well those who live in MN) Love ya all!!! m

Greetings from Ellen

Merry Christmas all of the family members!



Greetings from California!!!! Thought I should write and let everyone know that I still am around and kicking. It has been so long since I have seen or talked to everyone. Last year at the Cousins Christmas party I think for the ones in Minneapolis, and over 2 years for most. A lot has changed since most of you have seen me.



Well the biggest change is that I have achieved my goal of losing over 100 pounds! I am now a size 14 depending on where I am shopping. I don't fit any of the clothes in the big girl's stores, YEA!!!!!! Unofficially I reached my personal goal, which was to walk into a boutique in Laguna Beach and fit into cloths on the racks. Still can't afford to buy most of it, but at least it fits J.



Another change is that I do not work for 3M anymore; I left them a little over a year ago, to start my own business. It was based off Real Estate companies, and as most of you know that has bombed out here in CA. But if anyone is interested in getting into the Real estate market, there are a lot of Cheep houses here now.



Since that did not work out, I started working in May for a company in Los Alamitos, as the Safety and Health Manager. Similar to what I was doing with 3M but get pay more than 3M and only two miles from work. We make aerospace parts, a niche product, if it flies, we more than likely have a part on it; space shuttle, missiles, or planes.



Well, I am still not married, not seeing anyone either at this time. I have a dog and cat who are my kids. I am living in Seal Beach, about 4 miles from Sue Marie and Jeff and the beach. Love the area but wishing the Cali drivers learn how to drive.



I still have my business, but until the market turns around, I am working on a new business that is health related and brand new to the market. It is called Kyani. As Robert Kiyosaki's said in "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" multiple streams of income.



Here is the plug for it.



As most of you know, getting in to a MLM business when it first starts out is where the money is made. I am only 5 levels down from the Top and looking for people to bring in to the business. The company, Kyani, is going to be featured in "Your Home Business" Magazine in Jan. of 2009.

Web site: http://kyani.net or http://kyanimovie .com



If you are interested in a great Anti-oxidant juice made from Alaska Blueberries, and 6 other natural berries or an Omega-3 supplement made from Alaska Salmon this is for you. Of course it is all natural, and certified Organic.



I am looking for customers as well as anyone who would be interested in a business of their own. Check it out on the net.



Well, time to go, Hope all of you have a great Christmas and happy New Year. Come visit. The weather is great!

Love,



Ellen Schieber

12340 Seal Beach Blvd

B #191

Seal Beach, CA 90740



Ellen.Schieber@gmail.com

More Family Tree Updates!

Thanks for sending Mary. Just wondering, where does Dale's family enter into this? I know it's not a direct connection but I don't know the history of the Schieber/ Scheiber bunch. Thought I'd write a note by the timeframe where Tom Scheiber would've entered the picture.
Thought I'd update you a bit on a few things : Jimmy and Jessica Spence adopted a son ( Jalen ) born Sept. 16th 2008. Chris and Jim Spence are now grandparents. Then a day later, our daughter Briana and husband Mike had a baby girl, Allison Sept. 17th. We are really enjoying the little one ! Barb


Congrats to both families on the new grandbabies....I would like more information, I do not have the marriage date or Jessica's maiden name or birthday in the Family Tree program.....also can I get middle names of both grandbabies.

To answer Barb's question about Family Tree Outline I emailed out, I need to go back one more generation to show the Tom Schieber family and I apoligize for not doing that to begin with....I will send out a revised family tree, when all have finished updating me. Hopefully by the end of the week. Thanks to all for your help in sending updates to me already. m

Update on Jackie Patton

Hi All: I just thought I would give you all an update on my life.LOL.
On Oct 14, I was getting ready to go to a porcelain show. I have been having lots of problems with my back (disintegrating disks) and have had 2 injections into my spine, Well they really aren't doing much, but back to the 14th of Oct, I lost my balance and fell. I didn't feel to good, but continued on the show and vacation, and a painting seminar. Today Oct 31st. I started getting muscle spasms in the place where I fell on my back. So to the doctor, 3 x-rays showed I have a broken rib, nothing they can do for that except rap it. Now I'm on drugs, LOL So don't call if your looking for me to make since. I'm not used to taking anything, and they hit me really hard. They said it can take up to 6-8 weeks to heal, and I can't take another injection on my lower back, while taking these meds. So I'm on hold for that. I could use some prayers my way. I'm not dying, just really uncomfortable.
Love you all. Jackie Patton

Update on Uncle John

I thought I would let you know that John"s catotid artery repair went well. The Dr. put in a stent and all was well with that. He is having some problems with low blood pressure but that is not un common with this . He stayed overnight but is able to monitor his pressure at home so came home today.

William is 6 today!

Happy Birthday William....William is 6 today! Hurrah!!! Love Grandma

Prayers Requested!

Your Uncle John is having carotid artery surgery on Monday the 13th. The doctors are going to try a stent. If they can't do that, he will have the actual surgery when it can be scheduled. We're hoping we can still get to June's wedding but that all depends on the outcome on Monday. I'm going to have some varicose vein surgery the 21st. Then, I'm to have a knee replacement sometime but have to grt the veins done first. Always something ! As they say - these Golden Years! Hope to get to the wedding. Take care
Love, Uncle John and Aunt Florence

MY BABY is 40 Happy Birthday JIMBO

Love you so much, and thank you for all you have done for me this last year! mom

Update on June's Fire

OK They are starting the cleaning process downstairs, everything has to be packed up and washed or cleaned, before it goes back into the house. It has to be done that way so that is it garenteed. This is all Brenda's things. She won't be allowed back in until they gut the upstairs and have all the burn't stuff out and washed the studs and repainted with a smoke retard. Depending on whether they have to replace the roof. Then the reinsulating, and sheetrocking. They are taking inventory now, they can only save things that are metal, that can be cleaned. Otherwise the work won't be garenteed. She will have Mom's China cleaned professionally, and a few other things, otherwise it is a total loss.


She does have replacement insurance, so she feels that she should be ok. They are renting a house, and renting the furniture that they will need. Beds table and chairs, TV couch, and so on. They are giving her a date of 4 mo. before she will get back in. If everything goes well. The insurance pays for the rental.
She will have to go shopping to replace everything, once the inventory is over. I'm sure thats really going to hurt her feelings LOL. You know how June hates to shop. NOT(smiling)

Everything is still on for the Blessing of the wedding on Oct. 18th ALL are welcome. This will take place at St Gregory's Catholic Church in North Branch, 2 pm. Lunchoen will follow at the Legion Club. Also in North Branch. She will be signed up at the Registry at Target under June & Len Gebhart.

Jackie

Do You Know Who These Little Girls Are?

I found this picture that someone gave me a few years ago....so long I don't remember who it was....maybe Joe and Sandi???....maybe not!....anyway does anyone recognize them and give me more information? m

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Matthew is 3 today! Hip Hip Hurrah!!!

Happy Anniversary Judy and Frank

Judy's Picture is below....don't have a picture of them together. Hope you guys have a happy anniversary. m

June and Len are still planning on Wedding

The wedding celebration for June and Len is still on dispite the fire. October 18, 2 p.m. in North Branch at the Catholic Church. June wanted me to let everyone know. m

Prayers Requested!

Dear Family,

Mom and the family are asking if you would please send Neva prayers.
She is currently in the hospital. We do not have a lot of
information to share at this time. Thank You!

Our Love To All of You!

The Hauge Family

Happy Birthday Judy V.

Hope you are enjoying the sunny California skies! And all those grandkids! Happy Birthday! Love all your younger cousins, and sisters! Oh....and Jeannie too! m

Sandy V. is Turning "40" You're Invited

It's Time to Party!
Sandi is turning 40!

Please join us in celebrating Sandi's 40th Birthday on Nov. 29th at 7pm at Turtles Social Centre in downtown Shakopee.

No gifts please! just come and help console her :)



Kids are welcome - Music (maybe a little Joan Jett?)/Dancing/Cash Bar

Turtles 1890 Social Centre
112 South Lewis St.
Shakopee, MN 55379


Please RSVP to Mike Vermeulen at:
952-890-1128 or mpv1986@aol.com

Fire at June and Len's Home

Hi All: If I have for gotten anybody please send it to them. As you may have heard. There was a fire at Junes house on Tues. morning. It started in the clothes dryer. Brenda was downstairs sleeping. She woke from a phone call at 10 a.m. and then discovered a smoke smell. As of yet the smoke detectors had not gone off in the basement. Investigating,she opened the door to the room under the stairs, and then the smoke detectors started. She saw flames from the door on top of the stairs, and called 911 and got out safely.
I was over at Junes yesterday with Brenda and Julie, and the fire inspectors. The upstairs is a total loss. She will be able to salvage anything that didn't have cloth, or wood. The loss is GREAT. All of Tom's sculptures she had hanging are gone. That's just the tip of the Mountain. As you can imagine. She and Len will be returning home, this weekend, and will have to find a place to stay for probably 4 or 5 months. Next week, they will have to start inventorying everything that was inside. This I'm sure will take a couple of weeks. Keep her in your prayers.

Jackie

A Picture from the Past

September 9, 1933
Phillip Gendreau, Betty Schieber Gendreau, Theresa Schieber (sister of bride)Maid of Honor, Sam Gendreau (Brother of Groom)Best Man

Happy 17th Anniversary Jimbo and Ann

Hope you have a great year just like the last 17. Love ya lots, mom

Happy Birthday Nicole

Oh my gosh....a teenager!!!
Colie Rose is 13!!!

I couldn't find one good picture of Nicole by herself....so I had to put three pictures in the blog. Katie one of her cousins and Matthew her little brother share the limelight. Happy Birthday Nicole...Love ya lots, Grandma K

More Pictures for your enjoyment

Grandpa Schieber cutting one of the boys hair next to the house in Canada.





















Elizabeth, Mildred, Loretta, Art, Ed, Leo, Joe and Theresa

Addition and Corrections

I talked to Aunt Loretta last nite, and have some changes to Phils story....she says she was about 6 weeks old when then went to Canada....and was about 5 or 6 when they returned....she remembers coming home on a train....and thinks that Ma Blewitt took a train up to get them, and that they originally took a train to Canada...that explains the paths for roads.
She also remembers Leo carrying gartersnakes in his pockets. That explains mom's fear of snakes too!
She says she thinks she stayed with Ma Blewitt for awhile and then moved to Winsted where she started school....before moving to Watkins. So that fills in a few blanks. I wonder if Millie has anything to add to this? m

Final Story

As we all grew up, being the children of the children of Joe and Mary Schieber, we all heard the stories about living in Canada.






They had no electricity no running water, phone, TV or even a radio. They lived in a land that was still very unchanged and unfamilier with the white settelers. Joe worked the fields with horses and a single blade plow. He cleared trees by hand and worked very hard. I have a hard time imaginning how hard that must have been. None of us could do today what he did back then. Yet they survived and here we are.
I remember mom would say they had to run to and from school to keep away from the indian kids.






















They would get let out of school 15 minutes early just to get a head start. The indian kids wanted beat them up or get them in the bushes as I've also heard. The paths were just that from house to house and no real roads. This school was called the Grand Narrows School. It later change names, closed and was moved.
At one time I remember my uncle Ed saying that he traveled back to try and find the farm again but I don't recall if he found it or not. This has always been in the back of my head as one of those memories as a kid.
This trip all started one day at my sisters house when we were looking for old pictures of the family for another big project of mine. We came across a land document.





























On this documeny was the exact location of the farm.
When checking on this I found that this was an offer from Canada to come and farm the land. You had 2 years to make it work and the land was yours. I believe Joe was trying to grow corn on the land and the crops failed because the growing season was too short. The first year there uncle Ed was born. and 2 years later uncle Art was born. I think with the 2 little ones and the farm not working, Mary and the kids had to return to Minnesota. To do this, Mary's sister Rose drove by herself and picked them up and brought them back home. Joe stayed another year and work in the little town of Togo. I'm not sure what he did there.

I wanted to see the farm and realize this journey, and collect video for my other project so off I went.

It started off a little funny as I was talking with my boss about taking a week of vacation and he said he too was going to take some time off to go fishing in Canada. He is planning to go there in a couple of weeks. I told him about this trip (that wasn't a trip at that time) just as a bit of conversation. I thought I needed a passport to get to back from Canada. I didn't have a current one. Well the friday before my vacation was to start he came to me and said have a good trip to Canada. I told him about not having the passport and he said he checked into it and found that if you drive in and out all you need is a birth certificate and photo drivers license. So I thought, I have those...and so the trip was on. That fast.
Armed with a small internet map and credit card, off I went.

Arriving in Togo, a couple of ladies brought me across the street to a building. Inside was another gal that told me to go to Roblin and find the library. It was called R M of Shell River.
Once there, another couple of gals showed me a map on the wall and told me the stories of the area. She agreed the growing season was too short for corn and said that's why it's pasture land now. They also told me the name of the school was changed at one time to United Farmers of Manitoba before it finally was shut down. It shows up this was on the map but she said it was the Grand Narrows school. She also new the people that owned it now and where it was. I was out of there with everything I needed to find the farm and the school in an hour. The best part was it was still standing and only about 25 miles away.

Here is a section of that map.







The farm is in the upper left at box 18 and in the lower righthand corner and the school plot is in the lower right of the picture, next to square 33 upper right corner. The school now stands on the corner lot of Kevin Dixons land and was on the lot of his brother Edwin Dixons land.

It's 740 miles away from here.

It really was a fun adventure for me. I returned to the library before leaving for home and thanked the ladies for all the help that allowed me to make this happen.

I hope this helps to know a little more about our past.
Mom was always afraid of snakes and yes they're still there too.

See you all at Christmas!
Phil

Leo Steffan

I've been seaching for years to come up with a possible father for grandpa (illigitamate). The other day I went into Ancestry.com and found this: Leo Stephan born April 09, 1854, Speicherz, Unterfranken, Germany. It is found in the LDS library Batch: 2170493, Sheet 25 Source Call Number: 1553898. I need to do somemore digging, but the age is about right....and maybe he was in the service at the time and met ggrandma that way. But it's a start. Also he is the son of Jesepha Stepan...note all three different spellings. The evolve over time. m

He made it!

Today went very well. I stopped into town and got a lot of info to head out with. The main thing a map. I'll tell you another time the name of the place because I left it in the car. Anyway, 2 ladies there gave me pictures of the school and a map of where Grandpa Joe Schiebers farm was. It's a few miles futher north than Togo is and closer to San Clara.
First stop was the spot where the school stood. The energy I was getting from there was awesome! The road to get there is 1 mile south of the road to San Clara. It's called 168th, the parallel line on a map. I quess they couldn't think of a better name but it works well. To get here you travel up hwy 83 to this road and turn west. Go 2 miles, (the roads in here are gravel and set at every mile os it's very easy to find. Turn south and about 300 feet in is the place the school stood. It was shrouded with woods and wet land to the north side. I stood in the school yard. The site is about a mile south of Lake Cucumber. The lake next to the farm.
The school, the ladies told me, was moved to a farm 2 miles west of there. They even gave me the guys name and number. I didn't need it as you can see from the pictures it's near the road. They have gutted it and it's now a garage but at least it still exists. The road I turned onto to get the picture of the front of the school, looked like it went close to the south side of the lake that touches the farm on the far side. I took a chance and drove as far as I could and walk onto someones land and saw most of the lake but not enough to see Joes farm.
Not out of luck yet.
The farm is not on any road and it's now part of the San Clara Community Pasture. Government stuff. Well it turns out that just another couple of miles down the school road (168th), the road comes to a T. The ladies told me to turn north there and I'll come to the main gate to the pasture and gave me the name of the guy in charge. Well getting there I came across 2 guys leaving and I asked if I could walk in and see the land. They said sure just don't break a leg.
They left and it was just me there on my own.
From this point the farm is about a mile to the east of this gate. The first thing a did was drop and break part of my camera. My heart sank! I still had 2 smaller video cameras along but this was my good one. I picked it up and it's covered in mud. Well only at the view finder. My wide angle button is a little weird now but, it worked!
I said to Mom, "all this way and you play this trick on me?"
I walked in and spent about an hour and a half enjoying the view of the lake and walking the land. It was wonderful!
I'm sending a few stills I clipped from the videos.
I'll be home tomorrow.
Phil
P.S. Janet, I have soil samples from the school yard and the farm for you.

Happy Birthday Tommy

Tommy is on the right!


Tommy Kiecker is 11 today! Happy Birthday Love, Grandma

Getting Closer!

Today I was at Togo. Immediately I was sent back in time.
They're right on the time zone line. Very small town.
I talked with a couple of ladies there and they said the township on the document is not near Togo but didn't know exactly where it was.
The document also says Joe Schieber OF walkerburn. They pointed that out to me but then said that could be because the post office was there. That town is gone but they said someone now lives in what used to be the post office.
One of the ladies remembered a school that burned down and said there was nothing left of it.
They directed me to a library in Roblin Manatoba where I'm staying tonight. The library was closed before I could get there. Tomorrow I'll see if they can help.
If that doesn't work then it's off to Dauphin about 100 miles east of here. That's where the stamp on the document is from.
The ladies told me that in 1924 the area was all forest. The only paths were wagon paths from house to house.
I drove through some very deep valleys to get here as this area is near a mountain range that would have blocked the path for travelers, and still does. On my way home I'll stop and shoot some video of the valleys.
The rest of the trip is all flat farm land that was also thick forest lands. Everywhere!
440 miles of nothing and 60 mph single lane highway.
I'm staying at the Harvest Moon Inn. A very nice place for out here in nowhere land. I have a bedroom and a living room with a couch, tv, fridge, microwave, coffee pot, kitchen sink and two entrences. If anyone ever plans to do this same trip, this is the place to stay.
Until tomorrow everyone!
Phil

Ain't it the Truth!

Got this from Gary Hauge in Florida. But we have Jim, Bill, Carol, Paul and Monica and most of Gary's family living there.

Trip to Togo

It's 10:15 and I'm in Grand Forks. Hope to get an early start tomorrow and video sights along the way.
By now Rose would only be about 120 miles from Minneapolis.
Drove through a rain storm for about 50 miles with visability about 100 feet. Enough to see the truck in front of me. I just followed his tail lights. It stopped about 20 miles from here.
Later.
P

My brother Phil has camera and computer in hand and is on his way to Togo, where in the 1920's grandma and grandpa took Betty, Theresa, Leo, Joe, Millie, and Loretta to live....and while there Eddie and Art were born. Phil's remark about Rose was Ma Blewitt. Can you imagine her driving a car all the way to Canada by herself to get Grandma and the kids and bring them back to Minnesota? The roads were almost none existant. Woods, indians and wild animals all around! How brave and tough she must have been. I'm sure there were no rest areas....or truck stops....much less motels! m

Lloyd leaving for Iraq

Hi Everyone,

Cathy here. Lloyd has left to Iraq. Please keep him in your prays for a safe
return home. We are really looking forward to having grandma and grandpa come
stay with us.

I also wanted to let Mary and Jackie know that lloyd played in a breast cancer
awareness golf tournament in their honor while he was home. He got a little
goody bag that I will give to grandma for you guys.

I wish everyone a warm winter up Minnesota.

Cathy

June and Len

June (Martinson) Gebhart & Leonard Gebhart Invite you to join them on Saturday October 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Geregory The Great Catholic Church, North Branch where they will be receiving a blessing of their marriage. Followed by a reception and dinner at the American Legion Hall, North Branch, Minnesota.

Tomato Jam

Hi Mary.
While at the reunion someone was asking for a recipe for tomato jam.[I think it was one of the D’s]. I have found a recipe from the 1940’s in one of our old cookbooks. Maybe you could pass it along in the chronicle.

Six cups peeled,finely cut tomatoes

Six cups sugar

One lemon,peeled and sliced

Mix tomatoes and sugar and let stand overnight in cool place. In morning add lemon. Cook for two hours, very slowly. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Seal in small, hot jars.


The woman from St Paul, that wrote this, said that she used a heavy aluminum kettle, which also helps prevent burning, and if you needed more information to call her at VA5832. Joe

Living the Dream!

Doris's Party at Christines

God Bless Gary!!

Lordy, Lordy, Look who's Birthday it is today!

Great News From Diane Massa

I got a bit of good news the other day. I saw both my oncologist and radiologist had my mamo, chest xray and blood work done and I am free and clear of cancer. I also did my first cancer survivors walk on July 19th. It felt so great.
....and then today she writes:
I saw my surgeon today and I'm going to have my chemo port taken out on Sept 2. The last step for me, oh happy days. Dave had hernia surgery today he's doing fine. He'll be off work until Tues. and no golfing for awhile he's kind of bummed about that.

Thanks for the good news Diane, it's nice to know our prayers are working.

News From Judy and Frank

Family's last big outing in park close by home in Temecula
Cathy pinning on Lloyd's new Major pins

Cathy and Lloyd in Virginia 2008

Hi Mary, just to let you know that Lloyd ( Cathy's Husband ) was promoted to Major while attending school in Roanoke V for his new assignment as a civil affairs officer.Cathy was able to fly out there for the ceremony. He's home now on leave and will leave for Iraq Friday the 22 nd of August. They are spending quality time as a family this week, before he leaves again.
Judy and I are going out to stay and help Cathy with the kids until some time in February, besides we want to get the heck out of Minnesota for the winter anyway. Iv'e seen all my doctors for the rest of the year and feeling better than I have in a long time, and Judy is looking forward to spending some quality time with the grand kids. We will stop in Golden CO first and see Bob and Beth and Kids before venturing out to CA.
Frank

Presley is TWO Today!

Presley Kiecker is "2" today!!!
Happy Birthday Presley!
Love, Grandma

CC mailed by snail mail!

Just a note to let you know that I emailed the CC and snailmailed it last Friday/Saturday. If you received both....let me know so I can save the postage. If you didn't get either let me know, so I can figure out why. If you are reading this I assume you have an email address....so I should have you on my list. cce m

Also on the Move!

Mindy (Steve and Lynn Schieber’s daughter and Ray and Doris’s granddaughter) checking in. I just bought a house in Buffalo and would like to be added to the mailing list for the monthly news letter whether it be through the mail of emailed to me, your choice.
Mailing address:

Mindy Schieber

1307 Dale Avenue

Buffalo, MN 55313

Or email:
Minschiebs2005@yahoo.com

Thank you,

New Home Address for Janet

Janet Gendreau
9134 Holly Lane North
Maple Grove MN 55311

Still working on a phone service. Qwest does not service my area. Checking
into other options.

I have enjoyed all my company that have stopped by to wish me well in my new
HOME and the greenary
is multipling. Thanks to all that have stopped by.

Have a great day.

Note from Phil re: reunion

Hi everyone, the reunion was a lot of fun this year. If you missed it, shame on you. Hats off to all the workers that put it together. I know David had a lot of help being as busy as he always is out there. You guys really did a great job! Terry, those chops were awesome! I took home a half dozen and some potato salad just to eat later.
It was also a lot of fun kicking butt again at softball!
Until next time everyone!
Love ya
Phil

Other news from Jackie

I feel a drum roll is necessary....PPIO(Porcelain Painters International
Online) presents a gallery of members paintings on Youtube.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMntyTdpoCE

I hope you like it, now we need to get people looking at it so it might be
an idea to put a link on your websites. i have the html to link it if anyone
wants it

Now I'm going to post it on as many forums etc that i can find, if you have
any ideas where to post it let me know

A Bit of Good News

Hi All: I don't usually send these out, But I feel so good about whats
happening I just had to share.
I think you all know I've been having alot of trouble with my back and
legs. Well after MRI's and appt. after appt. I was finally sent to a pain
clinic. Their first and most appealing thing was an injection of somekind of
fatty tissue with steroids, injected around the spinal cord to cussion the
nerves. I do have disentagrating disks. But that would only be helped by
surgery, Not my options yet. In my opinion. Well I had my first injection on
Wed. He said it would be 3 or 4 days to feel any relief. And I do. I go back
on the 13th, and if I'm still having any problems, they will do 1 more
injection. This I am told may or maynot work. It depends on whether my body
will accept the fatty tissue injected. What it is?? I don't remember what he
called it. This is not a permanent solution, But for now it's starting to
work. He said if it works for me, it might last a year or up to 3. It can be
repeated If my body excepts these treatments. At least I'm walking fairly
good today LOL.
Hope you are all doing well.
Jackie Patton

Aunt Doris is a Great Grandma Again!

Amy Schieber daughter of Tim Schieber who is son of Doris and Ray would like to anounce the birth of Jaydan Frederic Schmidt on July 30 at 2:26 a.m. weighing in at 6lbs 5 oz wow a big baby boy. Grandpa Tim reporting!

Look Who's Back In Town!

Doris is back on Minnesota Soil...Please help us celebrate her return:

Where: 1617 Tyler Street, Hastings, MN(Tina's house)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM

Tina will be grill'in hotdogs and hamburgers(weather permitting).

Please bring a side dish and the beverage of your choice.

Doris is excited to see everyone!
Doris is back on Minnesota Soil...Please help us celebrate her return:

Where: 1617 Tyler Street, Hastings, MN(Tina's house)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM

Tina will be grill'in hotdogs and hamburgers(weather permitting).

Please bring a side dish and the beverage of your choice.

Doris is excited to see everyone!

Directions to Tina's:

Take 94 East through St. Paul
Exit Hwy 61 South about 22 miles
After crossing the Hastings Bridge to to 15th Street
Take a left
Go to Tyler St. and
Take a Right
House is at the top of the hill. 1617 Tyler St.
I couldn't get Tina's map to print....but I'm sure if you go to mapquest you can get a map.

Sorry I missed It!

Golf Winners






Please let everyone know that Joe really had a great time visiting with everyone – it was so good to see the aunts and uncle and the cousins he hasn’t seen in 40+ years. Sorry I couldn’t make this one but I won’t miss another one.

Sandi

I took Loretta to the airport this a.m. and she wanted me to tell everyone that she really enjoyed the reunion and seeing everyone. I talked to her kids and they all wish they could have been here with her as well.....maybe next time.

I also want to Thank all the Country Cousins....for doing such a great job of hosting the reunion, and David and Jenny for all the extra work they had to do to have it at their place. It was the prefect spot for it, and I haven't heard from one person who didn't have fun and had more than enough to eat.

Also just incase you didn't hear:
Uncle Ed's Debbie and husband Gary and sister Denise, along with Darrin Helgeson, husband of young Mary Jindrich Helgeson won the golf outing.
Team Theresa/Loretta won the Softball Tournament. With a little help from William.
The Bill's (Bill Schoenecker and Bill Kiecker) won the Bocci Ball Tournament.



Denise got the award for coming the farthest, Aunt Millie for the Oldest at 90, and Gentry Helgeson (Mary Jindrich's grandson) got the prize for being the youngest at 2 weeks old. Again, a good time was had by all, and I can't wait to do it again. m