Too late, too smart some would say.
We want to thank everyone who attended our party. We were glad that everyone came and had the opportunity to get together - for old times sake.
When a party is over, you think of all the things you should have done. Perhaps a little program introducing everyone should have taken place. Sorry about that. We should have all danced to the Anniversary Waltz. We could have had a review of all the arguments we've had. And all the reasons for staying married.
The main reason for that, staying married, was expressed by the wise words of Colleen’s mother, Dora. She said that if we decided to split that I [ Rodger] could live with her and Berlie, (Colleen’s folks) and that Colleen would have to live with Bessie and Hans – my folk’s. And it was known that Colleen would not be welcome there!
Also, Colleen's demands were too simple — all she wanted from me was to make sure that the other woman was better looking the she was.
At times we were really stretched, yet we remained compatible. The years Colleen worked nights and I worked days put a lot of other activities at a loss as the kids and family life suffered. But we pulled through.
Enough, now the facts.
We received 50 + cards from you all. (I’m a printer and so believe in the statement: it pays to advertise!) Again, thanks. We did not announce our party in the newspaper ‘cause we wanted this one to be just for our relatives; a chance to get together.
Here’s the stats: Bayaliss’, 13. Turner’s, 15. Christensen’s, 20 - some.
To our friends and our son Brian’s in-laws, Earl and Twila Freeman, and Chuck and Pam Frost who volunteered to serve and clean up afterwards, a special thanks.
To Joyce and Woody who bought my ‘little’ sister, Julia, from Joplin via Bloomington, IL. To Gary and Rose Christensen from Kansas City, Ron and Marge from St. Paul. Curt and Hope from Miami. (Curt is the ugly photographer!) John and Deb, and Joy and Eric from St. Louis. To our youngest grandson, Tyler, whose parent’s, Brian and Janet planned the event – took care of everything: they complied the guest list, sent out invites with our wedding picture — they even put Janet’s parents to work! Bill and Alice Pierce from Blue Springs, MO. Kathy Turner Ketchum, Colleen’s younger sister, and her husband Bern and their daughter, Anna, from Topeka.
High tribute to our three ninety-year-olds: Alice Christensen from Sheffield, Elizabeth Turner from Nora Springs and Eleonora Kelsen, from Hampton. All three ladies attended.
With the exception of some minor mishaps, everything went smoothly. We forgot serving the pieces; Lucille Meyer Bayliss Thies lost an earring. We had pounds of homemade potato salad left over.
Sorry about the people who could not attend. Those that made it missed you very much - there was anniversary cake waiting for you, too.
A special thanks to our sons and their families, who planned, saved and traveled. They made it all come together.
Last but not least, to Colleen – for thinking of having the picnic at the lodge – it was all her idea and the results thereof.
Rodger and Colleen