Norman & Joyce

NICK, JOY, KENZIE AND BRYNLEE VISIT 02 12 2012

2012-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

HALLE AND PAPA

2012-02-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

KRISTEN AND HALLE VISIT 01 29 2012

2012-02-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

GOODIES FOR CHRISTMAS

2012-01-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

BIRTHDAY DINNER

2012-01-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Red Robin. Notice the small piece of chocolate cake.

BRYNLEE JANELL STRASSER

2011-08-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

The day before our anniversary, Brynlee Janell joined her parents and sister.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY #59

2011-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Gold for #50 and leather for #9.

NICK, JOY AND KENZIE AT IZZY'S

2011-07-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

VISIT WITH KRISTEN AND HALLE

2011-07-31T15:38:00.001-07:00

VISIT WITH NICK, JOY AND KENZIE

2011-07-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

VISIT WITH JOY AND KENZIE

2011-07-31T15:18:00.001-07:00

MORE FLOWERS

2011-05-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

FLOWERS IN THE YARD

2011-05-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

KRISTEN AND HALLE VISIT

2011-05-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

MOTHER'S DAY ROSES

2011-05-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

POSSIBLE REASON FOR VISIT

2011-03-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Work on installing news crossties on the railroad has been going on for several days. Heavy equipment has been going back and forth. The fox may have been nervous with all the activity.

Recent visitor

2011-03-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

A fox decided to pay us a visit. It rested under the large cedar tree located between our house and the railroad. It would prick up its ears, get up and look around, and lie down again. After about an hour, it left and we have not seen it again.

TWO WONDERFUL GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTERS

2010-07-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Halle was born one month early on June 23, 2010, at 4:50 p.m. She weighed 4 lbs and 11 ozs and was 18 3/4 inches long. She spent a few extra days in the hospital before going home. She is gaining weight and doing fine.
Kenzie was born on April 22, 2010.
Kenzie came to visit us in June. We are looking forward to a visit from Halle.

GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER HALLE KATE YUAN

2010-07-16T20:57:00.001-07:00

IRIS

2010-05-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Brandon and Kristen gave us iris bulbs a couple of years ago. This year they are showing their glory.

MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-09T15:43:00.001-07:00

2010-05-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

WHY IS OJII SMILING?

2010-05-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

KENZIE GRACE STRASSER

2010-04-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Kenzie was born April 22, 2010 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to Nick and Joy Strasser. She weighed five pounds and three ounces. She was seventeen and one-half inches. All are doing well. Nick has time off until Monday. Lagaytha and Isaac are in Rochester also.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

Picture taker and Sissy playing in the front yard (Tucson).

Preparing for the romp.

Sissy makes her move.

Sissy settles in.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

The first level of the barn: pull through where the men are standing; second story above and room to the right.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Windmills on the Tehachapi summit in California.

On the way home, we did not take many pictures.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T16:27:00.001-07:00

David does work for a farm near his.

Joyce likes these posts that David installed on the "Old Judge Bean Place."

This house is rented by hunters during deer season. David did work inside the house as well as on the fence.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

The picture is not square and level, but the foundation is. The saw horses are in the drive through.

The gang working on the barn raising.

The lumber has been salvaged from buildings that were torn down.

Nichola and her lunch (note the choice of sweet or not tea).

Brawner and Norm worked on the foundation to the barn before the team came for the barn raising.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Emma, Hanna, and Caitlin (with the "healthy stuff").

Caitlin and the Red Purse.

Emma (and Ruth's pies).

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

Ruth, Joyce, Stacy, Alyssa, and Andrew.

Ruth, Nell Howell, Joyce, Beverly, Jim, and Wayne.

Jerry.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T15:43:00.001-07:00

Joe and Gloria watching grandkids and Joe Allen.

Joe Allen, Brady, Emma, and Caitlin.

Swimming at La Quinta.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Beverly, Jim (and his boot), Wayne, and Marilyn

Beverly, Myranda, and Gloria

Joe Allen and Joyce

Joe, Harrison, and Hayden

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T14:54:00.001-07:00

Joe Allen, Claudette, and Gloria.

Joyce, John Randall, and Randy.

Joyce and Randy. Cousin Nell Howell (seated).

Alyssa, James, and Ruth.

Various family members.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

La Quinta Inn and Suites. Our home for 19 days.

The DQ was handy. Sonic is on the other side of the DQ.

Our stay in Eastland, TX.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

A barnraising at David and Nichola's. A group of helpers came to raise the barn. Nichola made delicious chili, cornbread, and salsa for lunch. The children helped make the cookies. Some of the Files Cane Syrup topped off the meal.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

Richard and Rachel and the candles that relight. Blow, Rachel.

Blow again, Rachel.

Rachel and Cathy.

Rachel is 14. Nell and Brawner had a party for her at their house because Cathy had been having difficulty with her pregnancy.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

Joyce, Nell, Reba Campbell, Rachel, and Brawner.

Keilah, Jakin, and Sarah reading books that we took to them.

David, Nichola, Travis, Jakin, and Sarah.

Ruth, Norm's sister and Joyce.

During our stay in Eastland, we visited with those who live close by. Reba Campell brought copies of Nell's new books that had just been published.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Our car the second morning with boots and gloves in the trunk.

Reno greeted us with snow and it continued to fall through the night. The next morning the depth reached nearly 20 inches. We decided to stay an extra night.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our nice location in Las Vegas. (Thanks to Isaac and Lagaytha.)

The pool viewed from our second story room.

Joyce in our room.

Our first trip through Nevada was on our way to Oregon in 1961. We drove from Las Vegas to Reno. On this trip we drove from Reno to Las Vegas. Both contained interesting sights and experiences. We have no pictures of the first trip, but we definitely have memories of both.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

On the way to Tucson, we drove over the Boulder Dam. Joyce took pictures of the new bridge from the highway that currently goes over the dam.

TRIP TO TEXAS

2010-04-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Bob and Norma's house in Tucson, AZ.

Joyce, Norma, and Sissy in Bob and Norma's backyard.

Joyce, Sissy, Bob, and Norma in Bob and Norma's backyard.

Texas Canyon near Wilcox, AZ.

Windmills in West Texas.

Who would have thought that we would be making a trip to Texas? Maybe not even us, but it happened. We left on February 19th, stopped for a few days in Tucson to visit with Bob and Norma, stayed for two and a half weeks in a La Quinta Inn and Suites in Eastland, Texas, visited with family who live in the Eastland area, met with over 40 family members in a meeting room at the La Quinta near the end of our stay, saw Bob and Norma for lunch in Flagstaff on our way home, and arrived home on the 29th of March.

A COUPLE OF STEPS DOWN MEMORY LANE

2009-09-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Joy (she broke her leg at Obaa and Ojii's house climbing a Japanese lantern).

Isaac, Joy, and Brandon Summer of 1983.

Isaac and Lagaytha at their apartment at OHSU.

BIRTHDAY

2009-09-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Bob and Norma sent a Thera Cane and rocks from Lake Mead.

BIRTHDAY FOR JOYCE

2009-09-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the 13th, Isaac, Lagaytha, and Joy came with food and gifts for Joyce's birthday.

COINCIDENCE

2009-08-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Norm's brother Joe in Texas has a Toyota that is the same model, year, and color. After the tree limb incident in Eugene, Norm talked with Joe and Joe told him that he also had a limb fall. He had just brought home a new Adirondack chair for their deck, drove the car to the back of the house and stopped under a big oak tree. He took out the chair and left the BIG box by the open trunk of the car. While he went to the front of the house to talk with a neighbor, his wife put the box back in the trunk and left the lid open. The box protruded quite a bit. He and the neighbor heard a limb break and fall and a scream. They ran to the back and Joe's wife was standing about thirty feet from the car and a large limb had crushed the box. The only damage to the car was a small dent in the bottom of the trunk lid.
The same week, we read of two other limbs that fell. One person was killed and the other was in a coma. We count ourselves lucky and blessed.

TREE FROM ABOVE

2009-08-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Both of us went to the ophthalmologist on Monday. Thanks to Lagaytha for driving us. We were sitting in a room with eyes still under the influence when a lady came and asked, "Does anyone in here drive a gold Toyota Avalon?" Norm said, "We have one parked in the handicap parking out front." She said, "I hate to tell you this, but a tree limb has fallen on your car. I will ask maintenance to remove it, take pictures for you, and give you our liability insurance information." She did. Joyce was waiting to see the doctor, so Norm donned glasses provided

and looked at the car as if "through a glass darkly." It put $897.23 worth of dent above the right front door. Two ladies who were sitting on a bench closeby stated that the limb seemed to fall from near the top of the tree. They were frightened but not struck.

JUNE 06, 2009

2009-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

NICK AND JOY'S WEDDING

2009-07-09T10:32:00.001-07:00

SHERRY'S QUILT

2009-06-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sherry and Norma

"Auntie" Sherry made a special quilt for Joy and Nick.

TED (CHOSEN SON) AND PAM (CHOSEN DAUGHTER-IN-LAW)

2009-06-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ted and Norma

Nick and Pam

Ted and Joy

Isaac, Pam, and Brandon

Ted, Grace, and Jerry

PREPARATION FOR THE WEDDING

2009-06-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

We are all dressed up for the wonderful day.

OVERLEAF LODGE IN YACHATS

2009-04-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our patio bench, driftwood, and spring flowers.

SUNSHINE AND THE OREGON COAST IN APRIL

2009-04-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

The coast trail is a few steps from our patio.

Our patio and the trail. One mile north is 6 miles of sandy beach.

Birds, rocks, cold wind, and fog.

Can you see the barge on the horizon?

A FAVORITE ACTIVITY ON THE OREGON COAST IN APRIL

2009-04-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tuckered out.

THE PICKUP

2009-04-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

Two thousand miles in three days.

TIRED TRAVELERS AND A SUNNY DAY

2009-04-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Who says Eugene can't be sunny in April?

A trip to Minneasota in a pickup and return by

plane can be tiring.

SPEAKING OF JUNE 6TH

2009-03-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Not only is June 6th special for two weddings, it is also the birthday of our chosen son, Ted. Norm stood with Ted at his wedding (Joy, the three year old joined them for a brief time). Ted and Norm took a flight that morning from Bend over the mountains in Central Oregon (Ted was the pilot Norm was the one with white knuckles). By the way, Ted was not flying with the da Vinci wings at the Worlds Fair in Vancouver, BC in 1986.

ONE DAY; TWO WEDDINGS

2009-03-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Joy and Jason will both be married on June 6th. Joy and Nick will be married in Oregon; Jason and Maya will be married in Texas. Joy is our granddaughter and Jason is brother Joe's youngest son. His twin brothers have been married for several years. James to Alyssa and Joe to Lisa. Joe and his wife Gloria attended Brandon and Kristen's wedding in Oregon. Norm attended Joe and Lisa's in Texas. This time, each will be busy at home.

WOODWORKING SHOP

2009-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

We began woodworking projects by making toys. The first larger project was a cradle for our grandchild Joy. The final project was twenty-five jewelry cases for family and friends.

JAN AND RON'S WEDDING

2009-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

Jan's son sang.

Ron's son played the piano and sang.

Jan and "Twin"

The reception was downstairs for Joyce's benefit.

Many people attended the happy event.

On February 14th Jan and Ron got married in the church where we met Jan. She and Joyce call each other "twin" because they share a birthday.

BEGINNING CELEBRATION OF 57TH ANNIVERSARY

2009-02-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Norm gave Joyce her engagement ring on February 14, 1952. The wedding took place on August 25, 1952. We celebrate both events as part of our anniversary. We went to Red Robin in Eugene last week. To Joyce's surprise, Norm turned the menu over and asked, "Can we share one of these milkshakes?" The waitress said that we could. Instead of bringing one big glass with two straws, she brought two separate glasses with whipped cream on top. Joyce said, "We have been sharing for 57 years." The waitress asked if this was our anniversary. We explained that is the beginning of the celebration. Another person came by and said that she understood that this is our first visit to Red Robin and she gave us additional bread. Joyce noticed other employees looking our way and talking. To our amazement, the waitress brought us not only our change but also another coworker and a beautiful bouquet and a card. The manager came by and explained that the service was slowed so that they could get the flowers and card. The next time that you are in Red Robin, have a chocolate milkshake. We recommend it.

THE WHOLE GROUP AT ROARING RAPIDS PIZZA

2009-02-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

The water level in the Willamette River is low so the rapids are not roaring.

Please look beyond the folks in front to the nice picture of Nick and Joy.

Even though the time was short, we found time for pizza at Roaring Rapids.

NICK'S FAMILY VISITS

2009-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dale chose the chair with the John Deere cushion.

Nick and his parents, Dale and Ruth, visited Oregon.

BIRTHDAY

2009-02-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Family and friends sent wishes for Norm's 76th birthday. Nick's sister, Portia, shares his birthday.

ALLEN AND JUANITA VISIT

2009-01-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Our friends (from the time that we were in college together in Texas) came from Madras to spend the day with us. The day was cold and foggy here, but our visit was warm and delightful. We shared the many blessings that our families have had and are continuing to enjoy.

MAP OF TEXAS

2009-01-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Ted and Pam gave Joyce a barbed wire map of Texas when they came for New Year's Day.

MORE NEW YEAR'S PICTURES

2009-01-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR'S DAY 2009

2009-01-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

Our chosen son Ted and his wife Pam came down because the snow was too deep in Portland on Christmas Day. Pam brought her famous apple pie. They brought Joyce a barbed wire map of Texas with bluebonnets and a windmill. They brought Norm a Loggerhead tool. Isaac, Lagaytha, and Brandon came also. Lagaytha brought a tray of veggies, dip, and pork loin that she had cooked.

EVEN MORE PICTURES CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

Norm (Ojii) made the boxes.

Isaac and his wonderful coat.

MORE CHRISTMAS 2008 PICTURES

2008-12-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Isaac, for the pictures.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2008

2008-12-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Joy, Brandon and Kristen brought food to us for a Christmas gift. Thanks, grandkids, it was wonderful.

PATIO TILES: THE REAL STORY

2008-11-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

The finished product of Bob's work looks great. The truth behind the finished product makes it even more amazing. The tiles are from Mexico. The size is not consistent and the sealing was a nightmare. (Note the nice step in the finished product below.)

POMEGRANATES

2008-11-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

They planted the pomegranates and now they are reaping the benefits.

SISSY POSES

2008-11-13T15:47:00.001-08:00

Norma was taking some pictues of plants in the house. Sissy invited herself and posed for the photos.

MAN OF MANY TALENTS

2008-11-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Bob has done many things to make their house more attractive. The last project has been the patio.

2008-11-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

2008-11-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

Trevor, a high school senior who lives across the street, came to the door recently with a cake. We had been having children come to the door selling items for various school projects. Norm expected a short person with candy

CAKE FROM TREVOR

2008-11-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

JOY AND NICK'S VISIT

2008-11-07T19:56:00.001-08:00

Joy had a week off work at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Her friend, Nick, had the same time off from Mayo Clinic where he is a resident. They visited his family in South Dakota and came to Oregon for four days. Nick, Joy, Isaac and Lagaytha came to our house on Thursday for lunch.

TRIP TO YACHATS

2008-11-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

The prediction was for nice weather for October 28-29. It was true. We had two beautiful days at the Oregon coast.

FLOWERS IN THE BACK YARD

2008-07-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

ROARING RAPIDS JULY 2008

2008-07-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

TRAIN PICTURES

2008-03-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

The track from Central Oregon to Eugene has been closed because of an avalanche on January 19th. The slide covered two parts of the track because of the switchbacks in the tracks resulting from the steep terrain. Snow, rocks, trees and other debris covered the tracks up to twenty feet deep. The only trains we have seen are those carrying rocks to the repair site. Some of the trees are stored in the town of Oakridge a few miles from the slide area.

SNOW HAT

2008-01-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

The lady was able to smile in spite of the extension to her hat.

ONE MORE MACHINE PICTURE

2008-01-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night we had about six inches of snow; Sunday morning one of the machines came by to pick up the used ties and load them on a truck that is travelling on the track behind. The pictures were made through our dining room window and falling snow.

2008-01-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

Norman's dad worked as a "Gandy Dancer" for the MKT Railroad in Texas. He and two other men operated a handcar (originally one operated by hand, but they had a motor. They went up and down the railroad removing old crossties, and putting in new ones. They dug them out by hand, pushed in new ones, drove in spikes with sledge hammers, and tamped (put crushed rock around the tie and packed it in) in the new tie. These pictures show how a few machines and a few more workers can do the job now. One machine removes the old tie. Another cleans the hole with a large brush. Another moves the old tie out of the way and aligns a new one. The next one inserts the tie in the clean hole and "squares" it with the track. A few men and at least one woman place a plate on the tie and tap the spikes in place. Another machine drives the spikes and tamps the tie. Finally, a machine levels the crushed rock, sweeps the middle of the track, and grades the rock on the sides of each rail. Norman's dad came home with salt on his clothes from sweating. We did not see any sweat on the drivers in the enclosed cabs. If the other workers perspired, it was not obvious.

WORKING ON THE RAILROAD

2008-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY

2008-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Bob, Norma and Sissy came through the snow, Brandon and Kristen came from the snow, and Joy came through the rain. Norma arranged poinsettias with lights. We had food and fun.

2008-01-26T14:53:00.001-08:00

David, Nichola and children visited her grandmother in December. Joy, Lagaytha and Norman met them at Jantzen Beach for lunch, a ride on the carousel, and ice cream.

DAVID AND FAMILY IN PORTLAND

2008-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

2008-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

2008-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING 2007

2007-11-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Isaac, Lagaytha, and Joy prepared a fabulous dinner for Thanksgiving. Afterward we played Mexican Train with dominoes.

SIGNS OF FALL

2007-11-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

The day lillies have bloomed much of the summer. We cut the final stalk with eight buds on it. All of them bloomed in the vase one or two at a time.

RETURN FROM YACHATS AND SUNDAY FOLLOWING

2007-10-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

We returned from Yachats on Friday to a clean house thanks to Lagaytha. She also had two casseroles in the frig. Sunday was a special day at our church and we hosted our Friendship Plus group that afternoon so the shiny house and delicious food was especially appreciated. It was commitment Sunday and our pastor's 50th birthday. Norm did a dramatic monologue for the occasion. The pictures show Professor I. Needa Soulchex.

THE OCEAN

2007-10-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

We took pictures of the ocean the first night, others during the calm before the storm, and some during the storm. We had wind gusts of 86 mph and heavy rain the one day. We had never experienced a storm like that before. We enjoyed it from our cozy, dry room. Kristen, these pictures are for you.

CONTINUING 55TH AT ADOBE RESORT

2007-10-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

We went to the Adobe Resort in Yachats, OR last week. We stayed from the 15th through the 18th. The weather was nice for three days and very stormy for one day. We had a wonderful room and access to facilities without going outside. The restaurant is a semicircle with ocean view. Norm enjoyed the fitness room and the pool. Both were close to our room. Ted and Pam arranged for the delivery of a fantastic fruit and cheese tray.

BIRTHDAY

2007-09-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Joyce is now as old as Norman. In addition to other gifts, she received flowers, cards, food, and telephone calls.