On Eagle's Wings

This morning we enjoyed a signature Upper Bottle Lake breakfast made by Grandma Susie....Mickey mouse pancakes, poached eggs, bacon, coffee cake and more. As we enjoyed one another's company we spotted a bald eagle soaring right over the lake. Steve rushed out to take a picture and we all felt certain that dad was watching over us. Moments later we saw two other bald eagles. Myndy commented, "It must be Duane Olson, Jim Sponsler and dad watching over the lake." Jim and Duane were both next door neighbors at the lake who have also passed on. Today would have been dad's sixty-fifth birthday. I like to think about him soaring above the lake and keeping a watchful eye on all of us.

Riding Lawnmower

Nothing like a riding lawnmower ride! Simple pleasures.

Real Smiles

Looking back at photos it was always tough to catch my dad with a real smile. This photo is one of the rare instances when we caught his grin on camera. I am so thankful they were able to take this trip together.

Fourth of July Fun

This picture was taken on the fourth of July. Grandpa Myles was not a huge fan of the boat parade..."sort of a waste of gas if you ask me!" Stella clearly twisted his arm.

Deer Hunter

Any of you who ever hunted with my dad know that he was tough to keep up with. Steve always felt as though he had to start working out in the fall a few months before hunting season so that he didn't embarass dad and come off as a "city boy". Hunting season was one of my dad's favorite time of year and I think the thing he loved best was opening his home to all of his friends. It didn't hurt that mom made breakfast for anyone who stopped by.

Pontoon

This picture makes me think of summer and all of the great pontoon cruises we took with dad. There's nothing like a little time on the lake to put life into perspective.

Coon Truck

Ok, the secret is finally out. My dad was a little bit of a redneck. This is a picture of his beloved coon truck. We all teased him about the scene painted on the endgate but he loved it. One of his favorite pastimes was to get all ready for fishing at 4 am and then rev the engine loudly to let everyone in the cabin know he was heading out. When I'm at the cabin I still find myself listening for that sound in the wee hours of the morning.

Teachers

Two of the people who taught me how to be a good parent. Missing both dad and Grandpa Ru tonight.

Dreaming of Opening Fishing

Is this my dad, or what?

Good Times!

This picture was taken outside the Y Steakhouse. If I remember right we were celebrating mom and dad's Anniversary. As you can see from the crew pictured it was a not a quiet romantic dinner but memorable just the same!

Morel Mushrooms

Tonight we enjoyed a lovely dinner in Chicago. Steve had a filet mignon with morel mushrooms. I had to giggle a little because I thought about what dad would have said about the $62 price tag. "Why would you pay that kind of money when we have morels growing right in our own yard?"

Job News

As many of you know I accepted a new job with Rochester Public Schools that will start in July. I am excited for the new challenges this will bring. As I worked through the details of the job I so badly wanted to call my dad. He was always my sounding board when I made big life decisions. Instead, I tried to think about what he would have wanted me to ask. As long as I can hear his voice in my head I know he is with me but it sure would be nice to make a quick phone call to heaven.

Remembering this Moment

I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I had called mom and dad when I went into the hospital (finally!) to have Erik. Mom said, "Dad is helping some neighbors at the lake put in some docks and then we'll head down to see you and hopefully the baby will be here by then." It was only minutes later that Erik made his way into the world and into our hearts. A few hours later...after the docks were put in....grandpa got to hold his first grandson.

Labor of Love

This picture makes me think of summer and that makes me think of dad. He worked so hard to haul these rocks in to make a nice beach for the kids. Katy also put some muscle into this when we had to fix the frost heave last spring. We all spent some time hauling rock, shoveling dirt and raking and now it is a great place for the kids to play.

Yesterday was Grandpa Rufus' birthday and all day I thought about both he and my dad. This photo was taken at Bethany Church for the hundred year anniversary of the church. Four generations of Olsons.

An unusual spot

I was looking through old pictures today and found this one. Notice the location of dad in the boat. For those of you who fished with him how often did he sit in the back? He was usually running the trolling motor in front. Must have just been a cruise and not a serious fishing trip.

Reading with Grandpa

Tonight Ellie spent the evening happily reading. She finished one book and dove into the next. ( I wonder where she gets this?) As we were snuggling in her bed she said, "Do you think grandpa would be proud of my reading?" That brought a few tears to my eyes.

Love Note

Nothing like finding a note from my dad while looking for a recipe!

Fishing Friends

It doesn't seem like opening fishing is right around the corner as I look out at my snow filled yard but it's not many weeks away. Today I was reminded of the day that dad and Dave Christian met. Dad was out fishing in front of their cabin in one of his "hot spots". Dave and Lisa had recently purchased their cabin on Upper Bottle and Dave made the usual inquiry of a fellow angler, "Catching anything?" Dad mentioned he'd caught a few and Dave said," I need to learn how to fish this lake." Dad said, " I can teach you." This was the start of a long friendship!

Dear Dad

Dear, Dad I spent today visiting with teachers in the St. Croix Ed District. My friend Michelle and I decided to stay at the casino in Hinckley so we could do a little gambling (very little) and some dancing. I stayed away from the blackjack tables although I know that's where you would have been. The snow is supposed to be coming tomorrow so I hope we have uneventful travels down to North Branch. Don't worry...I will drive slow and leave the cruise off. Missing you, Heather

Erik's phone

Today Erik spent some time talking on the phone. When I asked him who he was talking to he said, "Grandpa Myles. He wants to go fourwheeling with me at the cabin." I'd give anything to have Erik's phone!