Veteran's Day

Thank you to all Veteran's but especially my Dad, Evert J. Erickson, who served honorably in World War II and bless his heart he came home safely!

Not many war stories were shared, but he was proud to serve his country. He did share a few close calls but never complained, that was his nature. The smile in the above picture pretty much tells the story of his life...I could not have asked for a more loving Dad!

Thanks, Dad!!!

Let us pray for peace!!!

The Ole' Ford Tractor-Oh the memories!

This Ford tractor has been around for many years...it was first Uncle Alfred's pride and joy, making his farming a bit easier. He gardened and also had a cherry orchard to care for. The orchard was located where we live now. His nephew, my Dad, inherited the tractor and it became his loyal friend! Dad plowed in the winter with it, making shoveling not quite as difficult for Mom & I ! In the summer the ole' Ford assisted Dad with one of the finest gardens around. We lived on M-22 just south of Elberta and the garden was right near the road where everyone could admire it and that they did. My Dad passed on back in September 1998 (9/8/98) and the tractor now resides at our place...part of why Ben needed a new barn to put it in. As you can see, Courtney decided she needed to take the Ford for a ride and she and Ben had a good time! One memory that never seems to fade away regarding myself and the tractor took place when I was a young girl (old enough to know better)...I was behind the wheel and nearly ran over our dog. Thankfully the dog was brighter than me and he scooted away in a hurry. Ben still plows with the tractor in the winter and in the summer he rigs up the bush hog and mows the field. Happy Memories, indeed!

Birthday Tribute to Dad!

My Dad was born April 22, 1916 and was a railroad engineer but his most important role in life was that of husband, father, and grandfather. Those titles brought him his most memorable and happy times!

It was an honor to be his daughter and when my husband and I provided him with two beautiful girls to love as his grand-daughters the smile never left his face and he loved them dearly!

So many memories of a man I called Dad, a fellow that was a gifted gardener, the best engineer the railroad ever employed, loyal husband to Mom, and I believe he invented "ditties" and interesting names for everyone.

I have heard from my husband that Dad taught him a lot...you know "the big boys told me so" stories!

Our dear golden retriever knew that Dad had become a different person, one with alzheimer's disease, quite unpredictable to say the least. Dad stomped on Vinnie's tail one day and that dear dog just looked at Dad and never budged!

How blessed to have had Dad in our lives and what an example he set!

Happy Birthday Dad...wish I could bake you a cake!!! I love you!!!