Відео

Happy birthday, Brian. See you in November! Uncle Mike and Aunty Leta

A pictorial tribute to my stepson, Shannon Erkkila, who turns 58 today. Man, does this make me feel old! Not as old as Jimmy Carter, who turns 100 today, but close. Too damn close. Happy birthday, Shannon.

During their visit this past weekend, Cory and Tiana's kids got to stay at the Ducking Castle, a rental in Eugene that Chad & Leah reserved while they also visited the area. On Monday, the kids got to go see Beetlejuice-Beetlejuice with Kyle, Kelly and Jake, and on Tuesday they got to go play in McKenzie River here in Springfield as the temperature rose to 90 degrees. Shannon, his son Brandon a...

A gathering of family and friends made their way to Mike & Leta's place on Sunday, September 22nd. Folks came not only to visit with Cory & Tiana Hopper's family, but to celebrate their son Ryan's birthday, our grandson Jake's birthday and our wedding anniversary. We opted for a Mexican style bill of fare and as expected, Minnie's tamale and Leta's chicken enchiladas didn't disappoint. A few fo...

We fired up the smoker for a 12.5 pound brisket to celebrate my 74th birthday over Labor Day Weekend. We also had smoked ham shanks and baked beans, cole slaw and other goodines. Family, friends and neighbors stopped by throughout the afternoon on Saturday. Leta's cousins, Tera, Kelly and Karina stopped by. Tera and I both share August 31st for our birthdays. It was great to see everyone, and t...

This is the second post of this event. After posting the video I found some more pictures on Leta's cellphone that needed to be added. Sorry for the confusion. Anyway, the Texas Hold 'Em tourney we had at our place yesterday went remarkably well. 21 neighbors, family and friends showed up for a barbecue of brats, potato salad, cole slaw, fruit salad, mango salsa, cherry pie, cheesecake and ice ...

Our daughter Kelly had a booth at this year's Art and the Vineyard, which was held 4th of July weekend at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon. Leta, Jake, his buddy Dustin and I got to check it out the last day of the event. Despite the 100 temperatures, we were surprised to see so many vendors and attendees. The event organizers did a fantastic job on all levels that we could see and it appeare...

Patty, Leta and Mike make the return trip to Sandpoint, Idaho via Amtrak's Empire Builder. After arriving three hours late in Staples, Minnesota, the train continues to lose time as we headed west. By the time we arrived in Sandpoint our train was 10 hours behind schedule, resulting with the loss of one engine as passengers endured two shift changes before proceeding westward. In the words of G...

Patty got the chance to hang out at Denny's place in Crosslake the day before we caught the train home. She had a great time touring a couple of the Whitefish chain lakes, Crosslake and Daggett Lake.

A few more days in Wadena before Patty, Leta and I catch the westbound Amtrak for Sandpoint, Idaho. Several old friends from the South Minneapolis neighborhood showed up at Corey & Sue's, as well as a number of the Newton/Jepsen clan. Thanks for all of the awesome firewood, Denny! And Hans, a big "prosty toasty" to you!, my friend. Hope you and Corey have a great time.

Patty, Leta and I stayed a few days with Larry & Rose near Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. When we weren't there checking out the wildlife that passes through their back yard on a regular basis, we were off visiting old neighborhoods and hangouts in South Minneapolis. We also got to have dinner and reconnect with old friends, Jerry, Gary and Diane Wineman at Famous Dave's.

We stopped by to visit with Corey & Sue's family at the Airbnb they rented for Shelly & Cole's wedding. Big Swan Lake looked awesome, but a little too cool for swimming on the day we were there. We spent a few hours there before returning to Wadena before heading down to the Twin Cities for a couple of days.

Pictures and video clips taken from Shelly and Cole's wedding reception and dinner at Howard Lake, Minnesota on June 1th, 2024. I was not able to get a shot of the bride and groom, but I'm sure the photographer got some great ones that will be shared soon. Congrats to the Shelly, Cole and both of their families.

Pictures and short videos of our first week in Wadena, Minnesota at Corey & Sue's property between Wadena and Verndale. A thunderstorm rolled through the first night we were there, but only a few sprinkles the rest of our time there. Temperatures were cool and a steady breeze helped curtail mosquitoes and other flying pests. However, Patty and I got into some stinging nettles when gathering som...

2024 Amtrak Empire Builder, Sandpoint to Staples

2024 Naples, ID, June

2024 Kay Roemen's 75th Birthday, May

2024 Leta's Blooming Garden, May

2024 Mike & Leta's BBQ, Springfield, OR Memorial Weekend

2024 Arts & Crafts Fair, Bob Keefer Center, Springfield, OR

2024 Brandon's 31st Birthday

2024 Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA April

2024 Naples, ID April

2024 Willamette Fish Hatchery, Oakridge, OR April

2024 Easter Sunday at Schweitzer Ski Resort, Sandpoint, ID

2024 Port Orford Trip, April

2024 Hopper Tree Removal, Naples, ID

2024 Port Orford Trip, February

2024 Wildwood Falls, Row River, Dorena Lake, Cottage Grove OR