Happy New Year-2005

What do you know this foursome is still celebrating together, this year we
decided to stay at the Courtyard Marriott and just walk over to the
Red Lobster, have dinner and walk back to play Yahtzee and watch
the New Year 2005 on TV.  No smokey ballrooms, no dancing,
but fun was had by all!!!!

On top and in the picture on the left is our favorite Red Lobster waitress "Queen Bee" aka
Jocie Burton.  All the rest of  Jim and Gloria Foster and Swede and Virginia Swenson.
Looks like we are having a good time as stated above.
So 2005 is up and running and what lies ahead will be featured here for all the
family to enjoy.

St. Patrick's Day Parade-2005

An exciting day in Topeka for all the Irish and the Topeka Jayhawk
Club.  However our beloved Jayhawk Basketball team did
not share in that same excitement when they lost In the First
Round of NCAA Tournament, otherwise known as
"March Madness".  We Swenson's have a 'wee bit' of Irish
in us because our Swedish Grandfather married  a Scotch
Irish lash, Jennie Arbuthnot.  One of her Grandmothers was named
Esther McMarlin, she was married to Samuel Arbuthnot.

Mike and Char's New Home

Mike and Charneil have moved from Lawrence to Leawood, KS.
This is in Johnson County and Mike enjoys a very short 15 to 20 minute
ride to work and Char enjoys being close to the Grandchildren.

Blake's Graduation Party-May 23, 2005

Blake graduates from KU with a degree in Political Science. He has
a thesis to complete which he plans to finish this fall. The two
happiest people are shown with Blake, his Dad and Mom.

Above are pictures of family and freinds who enjoyed the party and the food
prepared by Blake, his Dad, and his Uncle Scott with kibitzing from several
others! HA!

It was also his Aunt Debbie's Birthday

Debbie is the birthday girl on the left. Jackie Fromm
is serving the first piece, think she baked the cake.

Debbie and Mike-picture courtesy of Brother Scott

60th Reunion-BHS-Class of 45

This a picture that includes classmates and spouses.
(c) denotes Classmate

Seated L-R Marian Kallman(c)-Ardith Drummond(c)-Bob(c) & Eleanor Dusek, Bob Saylor(c) & his wife
Donafae Kadavy(c)-June Tuma(c)-Mrs. Karl Fry

Standing just behind L-R Norma Zehms(c)-Don Becker-Ellen Joyce Becker(c)-Bernadine Wolfe(c)
Virginia Swenson-Mary Henderson(c)-Libby Hallack(c)-Donna Pruitt(c)-Mel Pruitt-Mary Popelka(c)-Anita Beaudin(c)

Standing Back Row L-R Joe Hanzlick(c)-Marcy Chaloupka(c)-Karl Fry(c)-Clarence Kelly(c)-Alice Kelly-Joe Adams(c)
Burton Canfield(c)-Swede Swenson(c)-Duane Henderson(c)

We were sadened by the loss of our classmate Leo Everhart, who was looking forward to coming
when the first notice went out in the fall of 2004 according to what he told Audrey Westrick. She came late to the
brunch and is not pictured but did attend the evening banquet as did the rest.  Had a great time chewing over the good times we had in High School.  Some of us played golf after the brunch.  So with Audrey that would make 23 in attendance out of 41 still living.  We had 61 in our graduating class.

September 24, 2005-New Baby in the Family

Avery Lyn Money born 9-24-2005 shown above with her parents
Kris & Mike Money-Great-Grandma Virginia and belowis
the happy Mom Kris Money.  She weighed 6lbs and was
18 inches long. More pics to follow I'm sure.

September 25, 2005

Brady Swenson and Alicia Erickson announce their
engagement and plan to be married in May 2006.

*********

Courtny Lane-Cheering with the Topeka West High Chargers. This was
a program that parents of girls in Kindergarten thru sixth grade could
attend a 1/2 day clinic for Cheerleading and then participate in the Homecoming
game between Topeka West and Hayden. Courtny is Swede's, oldest
Great Grandaughter and is on the left above. Other pics to follow:

32nd Honeymoon Trip-October 18-October 26 2005

We chose to just drive short distances around the Great State of Kansas
staying mostly at Bed and Breakfast places, two Motels where there was no
B&B.  We drove a total of 1331 miles starting by going to Fort Scott, Coffeyville,
Hutchinson, Dodge City, Scott City, Hays, Belleville, Chapman, and back home
to Topeka. The pictures that follow will, we believe show what a great time
of relaxation and fun we experienced.
At Fort Scott-The Lyons Mansion



Our gracious hostess, Miss Pat Lyons help us get the open air Hot Tub cover off and we then
enjoyed a relaxing time as you can see.

We still had about a hour or so before we were to have what
hoped would be the piece-de-resistance of this trip, an
hour Massage for two in the Paradise room.  So we relaxed
in the porch swing.  I took some of the following pictures also
besides the the first picture at the top.

Beautiful old Victorian home-Stairway to the Bedrooms-Two full Dining rooms
and the Parlor which was probably the Gentlemen's smoking room in the 1890's.
We will have a wonderful five course candlelight dinner here
in the evening.


Well, we have both just had our Honeymoon Massage and
are now having the Therapist take our picture before he
shows me the art of the Massage.  After each excercise
he would have me perform it also on Virginia.  Needless to say
she was quite thrilled since she was now receiving her
second and third massage of the day, can't beat that!!!!!

Our bedroom called Nate's Kansas Sampler was very comfortable.

While this was just the 18th of October, we decided this would be
the place to celebrate our 32nd year of wedded bliss.  What a perfectly
delightful and elegant candle light dinner we had.  We were given a short
history of the house and what the residents of the late 1800's surly
experienced.  Because our servers had another party in a different
room, we were given instructions to ring the bell hard twice when we
were ready for the next course of the meal.  On the left you
see Miss Pat having prepared and served our breakfast the next
morning taking time to have her picture taken.  She is a very
delightful southern lady, having owned this house many years.

In the morning prior to sunrise this window gives the effect
as one moves past it thru the room of many gleaming
candles, the camera may not do it justice but it is true.
Miss Pat pointed this out to us so I took the picture.

Virginia was looking for a couple of graves of her Cousin, Ann Palmer's
Dad's parents.  Having found them I took this picture because
it might be the most colorful trees we would see in a group.  It was!!!

We also visited the Fort Scott Barracks and Library where
Virginia had placed some years ago a book of Civil War letters from Private
George Flanders to his parents and brother in Topeka.

From Ft. Scott, we stopped in Girard to pick up Virginia's ring at John's Jewelers,
where we left it the day before to have them resize it.  Also took the picture above,
because Virginia's, Dad, delivered papers on his pony. His Dad was City Editor for the
Girard Daily Press. Then on to Pittsburg where we met
Joyce Cumiskey, Virginia's cousin for lunch.

Our B&B in Coffeyville

We did not take pictures in Coffeyville but we did visit the Dalton Gang Museum
and saw the First National Bank building that they robbed.  The boys were
trying  to do what Jesse James never did by robbing two banks at the same time.   However the
good citizens of Coffeyville armed themselves and gunned down the Gang during a fierce battle.
All were killed but one, Emmett Dalton.  He had 23 shots but survived to serve a Life sentence
at the Lansing State Prison.

Hutchinson, Kansas

This B&B was very near downtown Hutchinson, Karen Darrah is
the Innkeeper.

The pictures above show the different rooms.  Very comfortable and they have quite an
extensive library of VCR movies and we did watch one that evening. While in Hutchinson
we toured the Dillon Nature Park and Museum, very worthwhile if you are ever in
Hutchinson. Our breakfast was all prepared and in the refridgerator, consisting of
a breakfast quiche, bacon, orange juice, and two huge blueberry muffins (saved those
for snacks the later in the morning. Just had to microwave the quiche and bacon.   So
if you like the privacy of not seeing the innkeeper, the Prairie Moon has that to offer.

Dodge City is next!!
Well again I didn't take any pictures in Dodge.  Boot Hill is not open except for the
Information Center.  Virginia wanted to see the DAR Library, since she is on the
State Library Committee.  It is located right south of US 50 bypass.  We stayed
at the Silver Spur and had dinner at Montana Mike's.  The worst weather we
had was on the drive to Dodge, a lot of fog most of the way but as most know
Dodge City sets down in a valley and just like that the fog was gone and
beautiful sunny day awaited us.  I took advantage and played nine holes
of golf at the Mariah Hills Course.  Very nice grass greens, fairways and
I got my usual 50 for a score.

Scott City is next!!

This was chosen since it was the first place I taught school back in the 1951-1952.  
I started in the middle of school year, January, 1951.  My only daughter, Debbie was
born May 23, 1951, in the Scott City Hospital.  She was Dr. Galen Fields, Diamond
Jubilee baby. # 75.  I taught in the Grade School, Paul Loveless was our Principal and
no doubt the best I ever had. There were three or four young couples and a few of the
single's that had fun teaching and getting together on weekends and after school hours.
Bob and Susie Larson and the Swenson's made numerous trips to the Scott State Lake
Park.  Bob was the Coach and asked me to help him teaching the fundamentals of
Football.  I also coached Basketball the next season. The building above was the
Grade School at that time so I was glad it was still there since I don't believe
I ever had any pictures of it in 1951.  The pictures that follow are taken at the Lake.



These three pictures above are what remains of an Indian Pueblo and
the mounment and historical marker provide the history of this area
when the Native American Indians lived on the Kansas Prairie.
We always thought that one could just imagine the Indians lieing wait
for the White man as the country was developed in earlier years. Well
that might just be one on the top of that mound below but alas at
closer inspection it just a rock!!!!



While these pictures are just a sample of what this park offers, I think you can certainly see why we made numerous
trips to this area.  When one gets back up out of this area, Kansas becomes, as the Banner acrossed the street when
Marge and I made our first visit to Scott City to seek employment, Scott City "Where East meets West at it's Level Best".

Our Bed & Breakfast

This is the Hedges home and they have our Guest House behind and a larger abode also in back
to the right of their home.  They are on Fifth St. or K-96 as one is coming west into Scott.
the place is just across from the Methodist Church and two blocks east of Main Street.



This was a Saturday and our hosts, Thane and Dee Hedges were in Manhattan for a K-State
game, thus we did not get to meet them.  However they have neighbors and another caretaker
Carla, who upon reaching her by phone, let us know that our Guest House was ready and waiting
for us.  A delightful place as one can see and 'Mr. Jeeves' was there with our keys.  Also the cutest
little dog greeted us and made sure we were welcome.  Breakfast was again already prepared
and just needed warming up in the Microwave.  Delicious Yogurt was in the tall goblets.
I played golf in the afternoon on a beautiful day, though a bit windy as western Kansas can be.
Had a par on #8, a par three, chipped on and about an eight foot putt, simple game, if one
could just do that every time. Next we will stop by the Monument Rocks, in Gove County,
about six miles east of highway 83 and 10 miles before one gets to Oakley and I-70.

These are truly magnificent formations, made when this area was under water after the Ice Age melted.
I don't know why I never stopped to see these before but they are certainly awe inspiring.

Hays is next!!!


                      
Above are pictures taken out on the "Old Fort Hays" grounds.  While there
is much to see in Hays, most of it we had seen on a previous trip.
Virginia had not seen all of the plaques that have been posted downtown
depicting the history of Hays in the middle to late 1800's.  They don't take very
good pictures but are certainly worth reading, all 30 or more of them.
Lots of Wild West history took place in Hays and the days of Wild Bill
Hickock and others.  The Sternberg Museum is also a very interesting
and worthwhile place.

Our B&B The Tea Rose Inn




Having breakfast Monday AM

Belleville is next!!

Well, this of course was my home town, born on a farm now located
two miles north and 1/2 mile east of US 81.  We stayed at  the Super 8
Motel and I played golf again, this time 18 holes.  This was my first
to play 18 since my heart surgery in July.  Got along just fine, a beautiful
day to play, and I shot an even 100. Had two pars this day but alas too many
not so par!!!!!

We stopped in Abilene before going on to our next destination so some pictures
follow that were taken at Russell Stover Outlet and in Abilene.

Been by this place quite a number of times but decided to stop
this time and appears that our sweet tooth hooked us
because we made some Halloween candy purchases and couldn't
resist this photo op above.

The Lebold Mansion is on the left and what a delightful and historic tour
this was.  The two men who own this are refurbishing as they can to
resemble the way it was in the early days of Abilene.  Well worth your
time to take the tour. 
We had lunch at the Kirby house on the right, a delightful place to eat.

Chapman is next and we may not have known it before but this became
our most favorite B&B after Ft. Scott.  So the best thing about the trip
was it had a great beginning and a great ending.  Can't beat that now can you?

The Windmill Inn

This B&B is located 9 miles south of I-70 at the Chapman Exit 286.
The Innkeepers are Tim and Deb Sanders.  The home was built by Deb's
grandfather, Henry Delker, as a wedding gift to his bride Emma.  Tim and Deb
have been here about 15 years, they farm about 1200 acres, raising
wheat, milo, soybeans, Brome Grass and raise some cattle also.  Well we
came just in time to help Tim finish up combining some beans, and Deb was
preparing food for a catering job that night in Chapman.  Needless to
say I was thrilled to get to ride along with Tim to the field of Beans.

Talk about having fun, as I told Tim, my Dad had me driving the tractor pulling a Combine
in the field when I was 10 years old and remember how tough it was to be going with
the wind and all the dirt and chaf from the wheat seem to just overwhelm me.   Here we
sat in a completely enclosed cab and can actually enjoy watching the machine do its work.
Thanks Tim for this memorable ride, reminding me of my days as a young boy on the farm
near Belleville.

Virginia is on the porch welcoming home the Harvesters, and now we get ready for our dinner
that evening.

On the left, Tim cleans up quite nicely and serves us some wonderful hor d'oeuvues and also
our entire dinner as Deb is on her catering job, busy people but most accommodating. Fine
dining by candlelight again, we have become very spoiled on this trip.

This country setting on a working farm in Kansas could not have been a more
pleasant way to spend our last night and morning of our 32nd Honeymoon.
Deb and Tim join us for breakfast, we have probably both gained a few
#'s on this trip.  Tim has to leave soon after finishing breakfast as
he is taking some calves to market this day.  Deb prepares
our picnic lunch and we are joined by one of their dogs and his favorite
toy.  Shortly, after taking the picture, Deb was mobiling down the road to help Tim
with the calves.  If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of
the city, The Windmill Inn is the place to be.  Thanks Deb and Tim for
a most delightful visit.  Hope maybe we can bring some of the family back
in the summer sometime during Harvest time of the wheat.

Homeward Bound after  a joyous Journey thru Kansas

Topeka High Class of 1938 Luncheon

Nice group of Trojan Ladies going strong in 2005

Virginia, a young looking 86 with her flowers from
Bob, Susan, and Brian Fox

November 12, 2005
Aimee's 30th Birthday

Aimee's sister, Kris Money under the guise that she and Mike were taking
Aimee out to dinner for this special 30th birthday. Well lo and behold
while all are not pictured, Aimee's grandparents, her Uncle Mike and
Aunt Charneil, her mother Debbie and her daughters Courtny and
Adriana were already waiting at Bennegans for her arrival.

Of course the usual cards and presents were opened and read before dinner.

Thanksgiving-2005 at Mike & Kris Money's

Now is this little girl Avery Lyn Money enough to be thankful for! You bet but
there are more pics coming to show what we have in addition
to be thankful for in 2005.

Adriana and Courtny Lane are the oldest great-granddaughters in our family
and we are very thankful for them.

So on the left we Debbie, her two daughters Aimee and Kristen and
Aimee is trying to put Avery, her
niece to sleep. Yes, even more to be thankful for. And on the right
Swede and Virginia, and we are surly thankful for our good health
after a somewhat stressful year.

The Money's and there first Thanksgiving Turkey!!
Looks like the bird turned out OK!!!! HMMM Good also!!!

A new generation of cooks, and I must say 'Well Done' and
all that with good German wine thanks to Mike for bringing it back from
one of his trips to Germany-directly from a small winery
they have visited while there, good food, and a happy time for all.

And so after Turkey, we are going to play a card game called
"Duck" and Grandpa, who is taking the picture never
even came close to winning, never got above Zero!!!!
I think Debbie won with Virginia a close second.  We then
played another game which the kids have, and while Grandpa
ended on the winning side, not sure what he contributed except
to role the dice in a most favorable way.

Christmas-2005 at Mike and Charneil's in Leawood, KS

All of the above are the many different poses of Miss Avery Lyn Money
and all her handlers, so she survived very well and next year and years to come
she will be running with the rest of her cousins.


Courtny and Adriana Lane with Marti Fromm,
Charneil's grandaughter waiting not too
patiently to open packages.

On the right the folks seem to laughing about a word that
has been proposed in a the great game of Scrabble played
by several in the family during the day. On the right the family
open the presents.  Each member has one name and of course the
little ones receive gifts from Parents and Grandparents.

Part of the day is spent playing Charades-Women against the Men. And this year
the Men won the game.
Most of these pictures are from Debbie and if anyone else have pics, that are
different that they would like to have displayed on the Family Web, please send them.

Merry Christmas and a Prosporus New Year to All in the Family

Below-Christmas picture from
our Cousin, Carolyn Parsons
from Colorado.

Harry and Carolyn Parsons, a Swenson Cousin,  by virtue of her
lineage to Isaac Swenson and Johanna his third wife.

Christmas 2005 at Ann & Jerry Palmer's Country Home

A gift from Cousin Ann, from the Supreme Court's
gift shop in Washington DC.

All of the above are simply candid shots of Christmas dinner at the Palmer's
Country home between Topeka and Lawrence.  Your photographer apologizes
for not getting all the little kids in pictures. Next time.  Below are pictures
of the beautiful sunset that happened as we arrived in the country.  They
really show off the sunsets we have in Kansas.

This now completes our 2005 Year and outside of a few bumps in the road
we have put our best foot forward and looking for an even better 2006
Happy New Year

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