If any of you would like to write to my cousin in Iraq, here is his address:
SSG Vankleeck, Jason
194MP Co/716 MP Bn
(Babylon)
APO AE 09332
Any kind of letter would be greatly appreciated by him and by our family. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
We have told you about Maria's cousin in a couple of posts below. He was now written up in his local paper as well. click the link below to read.
Sally and Todd Van Kleeck are proud of their soldier son's bravery -- something that this month earned him a Bronze Star in the ongoing conflict in Iraq.
Sally and Todd Van Kleeck are proud of their soldier son's bravery -- something that this month earned him a Bronze Star in the ongoing conflict in Iraq.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
My cousin sent me this picture of him receiving some sort of medal for saving several of his fellow soldiers during battle in Iraq. He is the one in the middle. Just thought you guys might be interested to hear how he is doing. We are all so proud of him. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Does anybody know this guy? -- RHS grad wins Nobel Prize
Hey everybody,
Anybody know Peter Agre, RHS 67 and Augsburg 1970 who was just awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry? I guess he was a sophomore when I was a senior. I'll see ifI can find my yearbook...
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2003/OCTOBER/031008A.HTM
First, the Governor, now this...
John
Anybody know Peter Agre, RHS 67 and Augsburg 1970 who was just awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry? I guess he was a sophomore when I was a senior. I'll see ifI can find my yearbook...
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2003/OCTOBER/031008A.HTM
First, the Governor, now this...
John
For all you Simpsons Fans out there, here's a story about another fan who has way too much time on their hands:
Simpsons Fan Creates Real Tomacco Plant
Simpsons Fan Creates Real Tomacco Plant
Monday, November 03, 2003
Our church, Evergreen Community Church, has been involved in a church movement called the "40 Days of Purpose". It is a movement designed to help people realize their purpose in life, and to show them that it lies beyond themselves, in a greater purpose that God has for their life. We are about 20 days into the track, and it has been very eye opening thus far.
Over the weekend the Star Tribune had a story discussing the Purpose Drive Life phenomenon. It is a good quick read.
Also, over the weekend, my parents, brothers, Maria and I went to the funeral of Charlotte Davis at Hennepin Ave. Methodist in Minneapolis. Charlotte was a wonderful kind-hearted woman who spread God's love to others for her entire 77 years. We have known Charlotte and her husband Harry (who once ran for mayor of Minneapolis) for many years now, through our involvement in the Minnesota Christian Ashram where they were very involved. She always had kinds words for you, and I remember her just taking Maria under her wing when she came to the Ashram for the first time. She died last week with her family around her, and we know that now she has gone on to a better place. Thanks Charlotte for your Godly influence in all of our lives. We will miss you.
Over the weekend the Star Tribune had a story discussing the Purpose Drive Life phenomenon. It is a good quick read.
Also, over the weekend, my parents, brothers, Maria and I went to the funeral of Charlotte Davis at Hennepin Ave. Methodist in Minneapolis. Charlotte was a wonderful kind-hearted woman who spread God's love to others for her entire 77 years. We have known Charlotte and her husband Harry (who once ran for mayor of Minneapolis) for many years now, through our involvement in the Minnesota Christian Ashram where they were very involved. She always had kinds words for you, and I remember her just taking Maria under her wing when she came to the Ashram for the first time. She died last week with her family around her, and we know that now she has gone on to a better place. Thanks Charlotte for your Godly influence in all of our lives. We will miss you.
Friday, October 31, 2003
Transportation Footnotes
Recently, I was also looking to upgrade my transportation to and from work. I found a good solution at Kohl's in Roseville - a nice new pair of shoes that look something like this:
. These are very comfortable. I track my mileage using a "DigiWalker" purchased at Health Partners: 
(note: I don't walk ALL the way - I walk to the St. Paul campus and then take a bus 
.)
Recently, I was also looking to upgrade my transportation to and from work. I found a good solution at Kohl's in Roseville - a nice new pair of shoes that look something like this:
. These are very comfortable. I track my mileage using a "DigiWalker" purchased at Health Partners: (note: I don't walk ALL the way - I walk to the St. Paul campus and then take a bus .)
More Cars!
Maria had a 1995 Honda Civic LX (good choice on getting a Honda Tom- good cars!) that she has had for several years. She liked to call it her "baby car". Recently her mother decided that she wanted Maria to have something a little safer - something with side airbags and anti-lock brakes. So last week Maria got a 2002 Honda Civic EX (with a sunroof!). It is a beautiful beige color and is a great car.
So next time we all get together, we'll all have to show off our new cars!
Maria had a 1995 Honda Civic LX (good choice on getting a Honda Tom- good cars!) that she has had for several years. She liked to call it her "baby car". Recently her mother decided that she wanted Maria to have something a little safer - something with side airbags and anti-lock brakes. So last week Maria got a 2002 Honda Civic EX (with a sunroof!). It is a beautiful beige color and is a great car.
So next time we all get together, we'll all have to show off our new cars!
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Car troubles too
With three licensed drivers and one wanna be our transportation needs were being adequately served by two vehicles (99 Voyager& 86 Caprice) and my bike until one day several weeks ago when the Caprice started running too hot and leaking water. Not wanting to invest money in this longtime member of our family I parked it at the Roosevelt Auto shop with the intention of donating its remains to a worthy cause. This put us in a bad way since Tom must drive several miles to his work each day. Fortunately a woman from our church came to the rescue and loaned us her spare 89 Taurus for several days. Then some neighbors went to Africa for three weeks and gave us access to their Saturn, mini van and pickup truck. We started looking around for a permanent replacement. Tom found a Saturn station wagon that looked promising at a dealership. However when we took it for a test drive it quit a couple of miles from the dealership and we had to call for a ride back. Finally we found the suitable vehicle, a 95 Honda Accord with a five speed manual transmission. We bought it from a woman from our church who got it when it was new and has maintained it properly. To top it off the the auto shop guy at school thinks he can fix the Caprice cheaply so we may get few more miles out of it.
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Misc. stuff...
Sorry to hear about your cousin, Maria.
Just wanted to let people know that the musical at Como Park this year is "South Pacific." Liv is one of the nurses. If anyone wants to come, the dates are Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:00, Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30, Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30, and Sunday, November 16 at 2:00. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students. As in previous years, there is also a 5:00 "dinner theater" option on Saturday night, in which you can get dinner in the lavishly decorated cafeteria, be greeted by the cast, dance to a jazz band, and get reserved seats for the show. The dinner theater is $20--if anyone wants to go to this they need to tell me so I can make the reservations. Otherwise, you don't need to buy tickets ahead of time. Hope some people can come!
Here is Koko in his Halloween costume.
Just wanted to let people know that the musical at Como Park this year is "South Pacific." Liv is one of the nurses. If anyone wants to come, the dates are Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:00, Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30, Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30, and Sunday, November 16 at 2:00. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students. As in previous years, there is also a 5:00 "dinner theater" option on Saturday night, in which you can get dinner in the lavishly decorated cafeteria, be greeted by the cast, dance to a jazz band, and get reserved seats for the show. The dinner theater is $20--if anyone wants to go to this they need to tell me so I can make the reservations. Otherwise, you don't need to buy tickets ahead of time. Hope some people can come!
Here is Koko in his Halloween costume.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Hi Everyone,
I have an urgent prayer request. My cousin Jason is in the army and he has been in Iraq fighting throughout this entire war. He hasnt been in the midst of most of it until now. His mom wrote to me and this is her e-mail:
We would like you all to know that Jason was involved in the firefight in Karbala, Iraq, but fortunately was not shot. He called us at 5 this morning to let us know that he is ok physically, but emotionally he is not doing well. His battalion commander was killed as were two squad leaders that he knew well. One of his best friends was shot in both legs and is now in the hospital (stable condition) in Germany until the end of this week when he will be flown to Walter Reed Hospital. There were 7 hurt by shrapnel fragments. He told us that a rocket propelled grenade exploded a foot above his head. They were in an intense firefight that lasted for about half an hour.
I guess he wont be home until April. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. We would all be so blessed to see him come home safely.
I have an urgent prayer request. My cousin Jason is in the army and he has been in Iraq fighting throughout this entire war. He hasnt been in the midst of most of it until now. His mom wrote to me and this is her e-mail:
We would like you all to know that Jason was involved in the firefight in Karbala, Iraq, but fortunately was not shot. He called us at 5 this morning to let us know that he is ok physically, but emotionally he is not doing well. His battalion commander was killed as were two squad leaders that he knew well. One of his best friends was shot in both legs and is now in the hospital (stable condition) in Germany until the end of this week when he will be flown to Walter Reed Hospital. There were 7 hurt by shrapnel fragments. He told us that a rocket propelled grenade exploded a foot above his head. They were in an intense firefight that lasted for about half an hour.
I guess he wont be home until April. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. We would all be so blessed to see him come home safely.
Monday, October 20, 2003
CAR TROUBLES - R.I.P. '96 Dodge Intrepid
A week ago from last friday I began having problems with my 1996 Dodge Intrepid. This was by no means the first time that I'd experienced problems with said car, but as I was to find out - it was the last.
After starting it up, the engine began making a loud knocking noise, something akin to knocking a frying pan against your kitchen counter. I took that to be a bad sign. I turned the car off and decided I would take it into the shop on Monday.
Monday came and I drove the car through Savage, towards the service station in Burnsville. After crossing 35W on hwy 13 the "little Intrepid that couldn't" decided it would go no further. After a couple of final death gasps, the engine sputtered and died.
After sitting on the side of the road in rush hour traffic for over an hour, I finally had the car towed to its final destination at the Burnsville Amoco. They looked at my car and announced with finality that my engine was dead on arrival. They then informed me (with much delight) that installing a new engine in the car would cost upwards of $3000. I could tell they had already begun counting the money in their heads. I decided I had had enough. It was time to get a new car.
And here it is, my new 2001 Chevrolet Lumina, courtesy of Ryan Chev Olds in Buffalo.
A week ago from last friday I began having problems with my 1996 Dodge Intrepid. This was by no means the first time that I'd experienced problems with said car, but as I was to find out - it was the last.
After starting it up, the engine began making a loud knocking noise, something akin to knocking a frying pan against your kitchen counter. I took that to be a bad sign. I turned the car off and decided I would take it into the shop on Monday.
Monday came and I drove the car through Savage, towards the service station in Burnsville. After crossing 35W on hwy 13 the "little Intrepid that couldn't" decided it would go no further. After a couple of final death gasps, the engine sputtered and died.
After sitting on the side of the road in rush hour traffic for over an hour, I finally had the car towed to its final destination at the Burnsville Amoco. They looked at my car and announced with finality that my engine was dead on arrival. They then informed me (with much delight) that installing a new engine in the car would cost upwards of $3000. I could tell they had already begun counting the money in their heads. I decided I had had enough. It was time to get a new car.
And here it is, my new 2001 Chevrolet Lumina, courtesy of Ryan Chev Olds in Buffalo.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Koko's tale (tail?)...
Koko went to my parents' farm on Monday, as he gets groomed in Red Wing. My mother called yesterday and asked if I had time to listen for a while. She started out saying, "Koko is alive" (always an suspicious preamble). Turns out, after being brought home after his four-hour grooming appointment, Koko ate the mouse poison from under the refrigerator (my mother had told my dad to make sure he'd taken up the poison in anticipation of Koko's visit, but he left it there, assuming no dog could reach that far).
Anyway, my mom freaked out and called a vet after hours who turned out to be very nice. She told them to pour hydrogen peroxide down Koko's throat and wait 15 minutes for him to vomit (my parents first stripped so they wouldn't ruin their clothes!) He only retched a bit, so then they were instructed to get 2 tablespoons of salt down. He finally started throwing up all over the place, but my mother was still so upset that the vet opened her office and examined Koko, giving him four shots to absorb the poison. She reassured my parents and told them to get some sleep. All through this, poor Koko kept wagging his tail and looking around for something more to eat. They hadn't had time to clean up the vomit before they ran to the vet's, so when they came back, Koko went right to it and started eating again.
Anyway, my mom freaked out and called a vet after hours who turned out to be very nice. She told them to pour hydrogen peroxide down Koko's throat and wait 15 minutes for him to vomit (my parents first stripped so they wouldn't ruin their clothes!) He only retched a bit, so then they were instructed to get 2 tablespoons of salt down. He finally started throwing up all over the place, but my mother was still so upset that the vet opened her office and examined Koko, giving him four shots to absorb the poison. She reassured my parents and told them to get some sleep. All through this, poor Koko kept wagging his tail and looking around for something more to eat. They hadn't had time to clean up the vomit before they ran to the vet's, so when they came back, Koko went right to it and started eating again.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Swedes in Space (again!?) and China
Sven Grahn has been part of the Swedish space program since he was 16. He was project manager for the Lunar explorer I mentioned earlier. He's got lots of interesting stuff on his web pages - of current interest is here, his reports on the Chinese space program (Sweden has used Chinese rockets to put things in space - so Sven has been to their launch facilities).
Great pictures, Peter! Glad y'all had a good trip!
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Saturday, October 11, 2003
With apologies to Vincent
(click picture for full image)
I was reading an article about the Chinese space program online at www.astronautix.com and the sidebar had a quote from Vincent Van Gogh. I don't think there was a connection (they put a lot of different things on the side bar of their pages), but it inspired me to "edit" his Starry Night Over the Rhone. The rocket is a real one that Liv built and launched for some science fair projects.
(click picture for full image)
I was reading an article about the Chinese space program online at www.astronautix.com and the sidebar had a quote from Vincent Van Gogh. I don't think there was a connection (they put a lot of different things on the side bar of their pages), but it inspired me to "edit" his Starry Night Over the Rhone. The rocket is a real one that Liv built and launched for some science fair projects.
Monday, October 06, 2003
Braves vs. Twins World Series
Sorry about the Twins...I would have enjoyed rooting for them after the Brave's usual October swoon. There were almost as many Cub fans at the Atlanta stadium last night as Braves fans, and they hung around afterwards to celebrate...well, it's football season, and at least you all have a good team...Have fun...
J.
J.
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