Adelbert Gardner's family and friends WELCOME you!

Ma always cared and loved each of us very much, no matter what.

Adele C. Dusablon

1924 - 1996

Here are Adelbert and Lilla in the early 1980s. Earl and Dixie had just been married and they went to visit all of Earl's siblings (the Original Gang of Ten). The newly married Dixie took this snapshot of the Gardners.

Thank you for your card. Tom Gardner	Photos by: Tom Watkin

Lorraine and Steve Shelton's wedding on November 25, 2017

Merry Christmas!

This is the view off our deck.

Love, Tom Gardner

Connecticut River Valley, Bradford, Vermont, November 26, 2012

Reflections on the Life of Lilla Mae Paradis Gardner

Personal reflections from Rebecca (Becky) O. Beaudoin (one of Lilla Mae's daughters)

When we met with Pastor Mark Mendes as a family to discuss this service for Mom, Pastor Mark suggested that we look through Mom's Bible to see if there was anything that had special meaning or significance to Mom.  Thank you Mark, we did just that.  We found a newspaper article tucked away in a little black book, called the "Book of Psalms".  This little book was "a birthday present" given to Ida E. Ewens, October 29, 1925, from Sister Laelia.  Ida Ewens, we think, was Lilla Mae's maternal Great Grandmother.  What I am about to share with you is this prayer that we found that reflected how Mom lived her life. 

My Moment with God

Dear God, help me tonight to relax, to rest with an untroubled mind.   Let me sleep in the knowledge that Thy love enfolds me.  Let thy healing power renew me for the day to come.

Where my efforts this day have failed, let me redouble them tomorrow.  Where new beginnings are required, give me strength to make them:  where new problems must be met, the knowledge to solve them.

If I lie awake, let the quiet hours bring awareness of Thee, for such awareness brings its own rest.

Fill the empty places of my heart with love, the dark rooms where none but Thee can enter.  Teach me this truth: that no heart can be lonely when it tries to help one lonelier still.

Tomorrow let me help, however little, each one I meet; for in doing so, I help myself and Thee.   Let me offer help thoughtfully, since those who need it most are often least able to accept.

Help me to desire what is right, to show fully what Thy love has meant to me.   Help me each day to come closer to my best, that I am truly be a child of God.

Through the day to come, let me show my joy in Thy love by sharing it with others.  And every day let me show Thy teaching in:  that our acts tomorrow are far better prayers that our words tonight.  Amen

Personal Reflection for mom

Cindy Dezotelle (daughter)

As I sat by a window of my bedroom in our Mom's home - a window I daydreamed in many times and stared out through at the world with my anticipations of the day's events - whether it was for worry or for fun, I wondered how I was going to bring all my thoughts together for all of you about our Mom and her life.  So many things to say, so many ways to say it, but none effective enough to bring out the essence and complete truth and love of who she was.  I felt like I could not possibly say enough to give her the honor she deserves.  But here goes something!!

The Lord has laid upon my heart a scripture that He gave to me while I struggled (and still stuggle) from the moment I spent with Mom on Thursday, June 24th, and saw her in so much pain.  She told me it was time - she wanted to go home.  I knew what she meant, but did not want to accept what she said.  So, in my denial or defiance, I said "You mean go to your home."

She looked at me with her pain and sympathy for me and said "Yes!"  I ran to the nurses' station to get her nurse to help and to give her something for her pain.

When I got back she refused oxygen and looked again into my eyes and said "It's time - I want to go naturally."

So, I asked her if I could pray with her and she said "Yes, please."  I cried out a prayer and she nodded her head in acceptance and said "Thank you."

I contacted the family and we all surrounded her.  Early Friday morning, June 25th, just before 4:00 a.m., Mom took her last breath for this world.  I know she is in heaven meeting her Dad for the first real time, as he died when she was 5 months old,visiting with her Ma, and Pop, brothers, Edith, and Dad's brothers and sisters and their spouses and other family and friends.  She also is taking care of Dad, and the grandchildren that never lived in this world and the one who did.  At least she doesn't have to change any more diapers!!  Most of all she is with God our Father.

The scripture the Lord laid on my heart is 1 Cor. 12 One Body, Many Parts:

1 Cor 12  One Body, Many Parts

1 Cor 12:12, 15-18, 21-26

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many they form one body.

If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?  If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. The eye cannot say to the hand,  "I don't need you!"  And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.  And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.

But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lack it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

When the Lord directed me to this passage I would like to share with you what He revealed to me about my Mom - who she was and what she wants for us to carry on, by re-reading it in the way He revealed it to me.

Our Family, Many Members

The family is a unit, though it is made up of many members, and though all its members are many, they form one family.  If the one member should say "Because I am not like another member, I do not belong to the family," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the family.  And if another member should say,"Because I am not like you I do not belong to the family," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the family.  If the whole members of the family were exactly like each other member, where would our sense of uniqueness and special differences and attributes be?  If the whole members of the family were exactly the same, where would our sense of learning and growing be? But in fact God has arranged the members in our family, - every one of us - just as He wanted us to be.  One member cannot say to the other, "I don't need you!"  And another member cannot say to another, "I don't need you!" 

On the contrary, those members of the family that seem to be weaker are indispensable and the members that we think are less honorable, we treat with special honor.  And the members that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable members need no special treatment.

But God has combined the members of the family and has given greater honor to the parts that lack it, so that there should be no division in the family, but that its members should have equal concern for each other.  If one of us suffers; all of us suffer with them, if one of us is honored, all of us rejoice with them.

The gift Mom leaves with us is not material.  It is the memories of her love for each member of her family.  Not just the ones born of her, but also the in-laws, the adopted members, halves and steps members, friends, neighbors, and even the stray ones that showed up on the back steps.  Her selfless acts of love and care to make each one of us special, significant were shown at each birthday with a cake that was decorated especially by her, getting up early to start that Thanksgiving turkey and the fixings, staying up late wrapping gifts with ribbons and bows and candy canes and lots of scotch tape, her special individual attention and talks.

She is one of a kind and will be missed.  Her whole life was about serving and loving others.

Personal Reflection on mom

Diane Gardner (daughter)

Fourteen years ago our father passed away and with this our family came together.  He left us with a deeper understanding of love, pride, hard work, teasing, and dedication.

Now has come the day when we must physically let go of our mom.  This is not an easy thing to do when she has been everything to us.

                Day care provider with unending supplies of fish sticks

                Holiday coordinator with special cake design abilities

                Counselor/psychologist/spiritual advisor with amazing levels of patience and grace

                Task master

                Medical expert with an amazing skill to work through fowl smells

                Teacher

                Baker of pies, cream puffs, woopie pies, and Special cinnamon rolls

                Game player with special talents in playing "I SPY" for hours; unsuccessfully spying minute objects only visible to the keen eyes of young children

I cannot begin to tell you all of the things mom did for us because the list would continue on forever. 

What I can tell you; however, is how she "put up with us"?  She was practical, fair and gave us unconditional love.

I can see why she had to be practical:  We had to be taught that certain realities existed. 

In our youth we had to understand that we could not have every bright toy displayed on the lower shelves at the supermarket because money does not grow on trees. 

In our adolescence we had to know that telling the truth was of the utmost importance if we wanted to be respected; and, more importantly, if we wanted to grow up understanding more about what is good inside us. 

Other practicalities helped like being "better safe than sorry" ... I can't tell you in how many ways this advice helped me work through my impulsive tendencies.  

One time mom and I were riding to Newport together and I made sure to stay within the speed limit.  Thank goodness I did because around the corner lurked a police officer ready and waiting to snatch yet another speeder ... guess what mom said, "Rules are there for a reason."

At the time, I was just thankful that I wasn't driving as fast as I usually do, but later I realized she was letting me know that some rules are there because they protect us from hurting ourselves and others. 

Mom's kind soul led to yet another one of her finest qualities ... Fairness.

Again in our youth we had to accept that each of us could only have two popsicles a week.  Taking more meant someone else would fall short.  I can't say we always resisted the temptation to sneak a third popsicle; but if mom knew that we took the third, she made sure we clearly knew we were in the wrong.

In my adolescence I learned more about mom's fairness by taking the time to think about how she gave us gifts.  Even though each person was fairly allotted the same budgeted amount, she really tried to buy us something that was special to us.  Her fairness came with loving thoughtfulness.  For me, my gift of a Dawn doll  and the book "Gone with the Wind" were treasures of love. 

As she got older and we were living our lives with our own families, she would sneak money into our birthday cards so we could just spend some money on ourselves. 

Finally, mom's unconditional love:  what can I say... my mom was a saint...  she managed with all that she had to do to make each and every single one of us feel loved.

Right to the end she would be thinking of us ... At the nursing home she would say: "What are you going to do today?"  We might have had to say it 3 times, but you could tell it was asked with the utmost sincerity and love. 

As we go through the grieving process, we will find that the special moments we had with mom will stay with us and help hold us together. 

Although the physical world did not allow us to give mom all that we wanted to because of how much she gave to us, - what matters now is that we muster all the courage we can and love as our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, adopted mom, aunt and friend ... loved ... unconditionally ... live for those moments when we see the beauty we have in ourselves and each other ... knowing that our love can shine like mom's.

There is no way of knowing how, when or where we will love unconditionally ... it comes with having the heart to accept what is here ... being practical ... sharing it with those who need it ... being fair ... by seeing the goodness unique to each of us ... showing love. 

There were times when mom would stay up late cleaning the stove ... It was probably the only time she had to get  away from us.  My guess is probably that the time was needed to  process the day's events ... wondering what she could do to make things better for her family - wanting to give us more when the world seemed to give us less.  I understand, even more now, why she had the "Serenity Prayer" verse on her bedroom dresser"

                "God grant me the Serenity

                to accept the things I cannot change..

                to change the things I can,

                And wisdom    .... to know the difference." 

Each of us were a part of mom ... now parts of mom will continue to be in us ... forever family ... forever kind ... forever loved. 

What helps my heavy heart is knowing that on mom's final day we surrounded her at her bedside - physically, spiritually, and through phone calls...

So the last sounds she heard were the sounds she most loved ... "us" being "us."

GO NOW IN PEACE, IN FAITH, AND IN LOVE.

Lilla Mae Gardner 1926-2010

Eulogy by Tyler Seeholzer (grandson)

                My Grammie taught me how to walk.  I would argue she did that for us all.  Not in the literal sense of course (not for all of us), but in a much more profound way. 

                To share time with the woman we are here to honor today was to slow it down.  She never cared what was happening anywhere else.  It was the present that had value.  The more people she had to share the moment with, the more precious the time.

                Look around you, the people here today stand as a testament to just that fact.  Today has value; today is precious.  She taught us all how to appreciate that.

                She taught us how to look at a flower garden and see not plant, but peace; to look at a kitchen and see not food, but love; to see a puzzle and see not stress (as I do), but serenity.

                It is the unique perspective she brought to even a simple walk that taught me more than I could possibly fathom.

                Imagine almost 20 years ago.  Picture four boys in the heat of summer anxious to get to the pool - Justin, Brendon, myself, and Kevin ... You are picturing leashes aren't you?!  Maybe a muzzle for me?!  Anything less would be crazy, though in our own minds we were always saints.  I have to believe Grammie was the only other person that saw us that way.  To allow us to be ourselves on Mainstreet in Essex required a kind of acceptance and patience that no one else had.

                For us all, through the summers of our childhood, Grammie / Mom / Ma / Cousin / Sister taught us to embrace who we are, to walk to our own beat, but to always remember the importance of family.

                From dancing to old 45's in the kitchen with a raccoon audience, to baking skills taught through slow, forgiving, trial and error, to spoiling each grandchild with her own brand of oatmeal cream pies and ice cream sandwiches that - I swear - you can't buy in the store.  Something happened to things that came out of 3 East Street - a special change that not one of us will be able to fully describe to you today.  It was all, undoubtedly, because of the love of one woman.

                Yes, Grammie taught me how to walk; she taught us all.  She let us learn and grow in our own way, but with careful attention to keep us on the right path.

                She taught us to stop and appreciate what we have ... WHO we have ... and to accept the things we cannot change.  She taught us how to walk.  But so much more.  She taught us all how to love.  For that, dear Grammie, we can never thank you enough.  We love you.

	Aunt Lilla's and Uncle Adelbert's Children - June 25, 2010 Photos by:  Cousin Rod Ames Click on the image to see it full size.

In Memoriam - Lilla Gardner

			Cousin Lorraine Gardner has entrusted The Gardner Newsletter to break the sad news of the death of her mother, Lilla Gardner.  Lilla was married to Uncle Adelbert, one of the Original Gang of  Ten members who died quite a few years ago.  According to Lorraine, Aunt Lilla died at 4:00 a.m. on June 25th surrounded by her sons, daughters and grandchildren.  Lilla had been a resident of a local nursing home for the past few years.  She was much loved and will be sorely missed.  Lorraine described her mother as a "gentle spirit."  Anyone who knew Lilla realizes how true that really is.  Visiting hours for Lilla will be at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home on Main Street in Essex Junction, VT  from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29th.  Lilla's funeral service will  take place on Wednesday, June 30th, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Essex Junction, VT.  A full obituary will be published in The Burlington Free Press on Sunday, June 27th.
			In Memoriam - Lilla Gardner
LILLA M.  (PARADIS) GARDNER LILLA M.  (PARADIS) GARDNER ESSEX JUNCTION - Lilla Mae (Paradis) Gardner, 84, passed away Friday, June 25, 2010, at Starr Farm Nursing Home in Burlington with her loving family by her side.  She was born in Island Pond, March 29, 1926, daughter of the late J. Oswald and Mildred Rebecca (Bemis) Paradis.  She was raised by her mom and stepfather, C. Earnest Rivers, known as Pop.  She graduated from Brighton High School, Island Pond, Class of 1945.  She worked as a telephone operator before marrying Adelbert C. Gardner in Island Pond on Jan. 26, 1952.  They had a farm in Morgan for many years where all her children were born.  In 1968 they moved to Essex Junction.  Her husband predeceased her on March 17, 1996.  Lilla Mae, Mom, Ma and Grammie, ALWAYS put her family first.  She was the definition of Love.She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.  She was always in the kitchen preparing meals and baking wonderful desserts, especially pies.  Birthdays were always a special occasion - a family tradition, with a special cake and everyone in attendance.  This happened every month of the year and then there was Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There was never a dull moment raising a family of nine.  She happily carried on these traditions with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  As a child, Lilla Mae loved the time spent at Trails End on Lake Seymour in Morgan with her Mom and Pop, extended family and friends.  As Wife and Mom she loved family gatherings, flowering plants, gardens and squirrels, car rides in the country, sunrises and sunsets.  As Grammie, she loved games, anything to keep the children engaged.  "I Spy" was a favorite of all.  And for her time at the Starr Farm Nursing Home, wheel chair rides with her family along the Burlington Bike Path with views of Lake Champlain and word finds.  With tear filled eyes we say thank you.  Thank you for your unconditional love and your gentle spirit.  A special, special lady.  We miss you already.  Lilla is survived by her nine children, Adele C. Dusablon and husband, Bruce, of Milton, Lorraine M  Gardner of Williston, Rebecca O. Beaudoin and husband, Russell, of Essex Jct., Robert D. Gardner and wife, Debra, of Fla., William A. Gardner of Essex, Cynthia D. Dezotelle and husband, Randy, of Belvidere, Diane Gardner and Dana Steinberg of Essex Jct., Thomas C. Gardner and partner, Thomas Watkin, of Bradford, Milton L. Gardner of Essex Jct..  She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Richard and wife, Cindy, Kevin and Megan, Jennifer and Justin, Jeffrey and wife, Jen, Nicole, Tyler and Chantelle, Justin and fiance, Jamie, Brendon, Bethany, Heidi, Nathan, Hillary, Megan, Zachary, Isaac, Stephanie, and Monica; nine great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Kylee, Katelyn, Abigail, Skyler, Regan, Riley, Willa, and Landon; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including special cousins, Charles Burroughs and Marion Cole.  She was predeceased by brother Glendon Paradis and wife, Edith, and three other brothers, Olan, who was lost at sea in World War II, Colan and Ralph.  She was also predeceased by a grandson, Brent, on Dec.2 6, 2009.  Family friends include Karen D'Agotino, Sharon Martin, Bruce Anderson and Brian Seeholzer.  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at A.W. Rich Funeral Home, Essex Chapel.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the First Congregational Church in Essex Jct. with the Rev. Mark Mendes officiating.  Burial will follow in the family lot in Fairview Cemetery, Essex Jct.  Memorial contributions may be made in Lilla's memory to Starr Farm Nursing Center, 98 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT 05408.  Those who wish may offer online condolences by directly visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements are by John D.  Workman of the A.W. Rich Funeral Home Essex Chapel, 57 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452. Published in The Burlington Free Press on June 27, 2010

June 8, 2007

Hello to All,

The Round Robin came about a month ago.  I'd better get this on its way.  Next stop, Uncle Raymond's!

Uncle Raymond, I admire you.  You are always mentally busy with something all the time, like book reading, sudoku, computer stuff, etc.  Dad was like that too.  I miss that.  Your description of your visit to the Railway Mail Museum with Raylene was very interesting to read.  The fact that your 22 years of sorting the mail on the trains made it particularly interesting to know.  WOW!  I hope you enjoy some of your summer at the camp with all your grown-up kids and theirs.  You have quite group when you all get together.  We have a huge group too, you know, but we miss Ma because she always organized and prepared the food for all.  Lots of work to make it happen.  Of course, we miss Ma for not being home each day.  She always cared and loved each of us, no matter what, as you do.  We are all going through a change in our lives that takes time to adjust.  Please say hi to Aunt Margaret for us.  How is Raylene doing?  Love to you and yours.

To Uncle Don and Aunt Beulah,

In this RR your news to us was back in January.  Hopefully, this next RR will fly a little faster.  Sorry for our part with holding up everyone's news to each other.  Promise we'll be better with moving the RR along and thanks for having us included in your RR group.  So, anyway, your news that was back in January needs to be updated for us to respond to.  How is Jay in Baghdad and Emily's and Joshua's health?  Oh, what about your health?  Let us know.  Love to you and yours.   

To Aunt Ruth,  

I was on the "Gardner Newsletter" website.  This website is wonderful!  Your daughter, Ruth Ann, keeps everyone informed of all that his happening to you.  Great!  You're now 93.  Goodness!  Any advice to share about being 93 years of age?  You sound great, according to Ruth Anne's notes from the website.  I'm glad for you.  The picture of you and Ruth Ann with the Christmas card was really nice.  What are you up to?  Let us know.  Love to you and yours.   

To Teresa,

Your last letter to the RR was awhile ago, - last fall, I think.  Now it is June 2007.  You're retired!  Congrats to you!  After 36 years of teaching, definitely RETIRE!  Going to California to see the kids?  What are your retirement plans?  It would be nice to have a "Gardner Family gathering."  I nominate you to organize the event.  Being retired, you'll have the time.  Just kidding - but it would be nice for all to get together.  Need help?  Your retirement is definitely deserved.  I'm sure you will be missed by all.  In your letter, you said your prayers were with us concerning Ma.  Thank you.  Your are right.  It is very difficult.  Alzheimer's disease is very hard to understand and deal with.  Ma understands and seems OK for the moment, but the next day she has no memory of what went on the day before.  Everyone with this disease is different in what they can or cannot do.  Like in Ma's case,  - she can spell anything, just like she used to.  You'll ask Ma, "Can you spell Alzheimer's?", - or any word - she can do it.  Amazing!  As I am writing this RR, I could use her help.  Instead, I have to use my dictionary.  Oh well.  We love Ma so very much and we keep on.  Our best to your brother, Glen.  Take care.

To Aunt Lois,

I went to the "Gardner Newsletter" website again to find out about your latest development of your ankle recovery.  I love the piano background music.  Cool!  Who set that up for you?  I'm glad that you have help from the family during your recovery.  Rod and Irene were wonderful.  What an ordeal you went through!  I'm sure you are home now.  There is no place like home.  Aunt Lois, enjoy your summer.  I'd like to think we'd come up.  Hey, maybe we will!  I have never seen your home on the lake.  Oh, thanks for the correct format on whom to send the RR to.  Love to you you and yours.

To Aunt Dixie,

Diane and I were glad you remembered us.  This RR letter will not be as fun as the last RR letter with my sister (the clown) Diane not helping me.  Diane comes up with the funniest ideas sometimes.  Last time we happened to be together because we were both at the hospital with Ma getting her ready to go the nursing home.  We had a lot of waiting time, so we decided to write in the RR.  This time I am by myself while everyone is busy with their lives.  But they do know that I'm writing to you all.  I've made copies of the letters for all of Adelbert's family to read at their convenience.  Busy world, Aunt Dixie.  Your letters are quite fun too.  Been fishing?  What do you catch?  My husband and friend caught some Walleye.  Plan to have a fish fry party soon.  Gong to another wedding?"  Be ready to dance up a storm.  I have such fun dancing too.  Your daughter seems very caring and thoughtful with the missionary work and being a nanny.  You sound very proud and happy for her.  You take care of yourself.  I'm glad your blood pressure is in control.  Love to you and yours.

To Uncle Clayton and Aunt Gerry,

Wow, those house prices are incredibly high out your way!  I thought ours were bad here in Vermont.  That is crazy what you folks paid for your home and now what that same house appraises for.  I'm glad a reverse mortgage works for you.  Property tax is a concern for everyone, - especially for folks with fixed income.  My mother-in-law had to do the same so that she would have money for her property taxes.  Did Ron find his house?  It's wonderful that you touch base with Uncle Raymond often.  Playing chess, doing sudoku and sharing computer skills make life interesting.  You both are always a challenge to each other.  Great!  Furthermore,  understand about going to the doctor and all the medications.  We'd bring Ma to several doctors plus deal with all the medications too.  They say after 50 years of age, "its all maintenance."  I believe that.  Overall, you guys are hanging in there, which is super.  How is Brenda doing?  Love to you and yours. 

To Rod and Irene,

I really enjoyed reading your letter, Irene.  You have a wonderful way with words.  Ever consider writing some short stories, etc.  You'd be good at it.  I did not know about the "North Woods Stewardship Center."  That is great!  We'll have to check it out.  Sounds like something for everyone to enjoy.  What was the concert that you guys went to?  Your granddaughter, Kylee, is the same age as my granddaughter, Katelyn.  She'll also finish kindergarten too.  And Kylee's baby sister, Makenzie, is probably the same age as Katelyn's baby sister, Abby.  Funny, huh?  Oh, your grandchildren and my grandchildren were at the same "Maple Sugar Festival" this year.  Katelyn was on the "Girl Scout" cart going through the parade.  Maybe we will see you guys next year.  Thanks so much for those blueberry recipes.  Can't wait to try them out.  I really appreciate the time you took to send them to me.  At our gatherings, I'll have those blueberry treats.  Take care.  Love to you and yours.

Now about our lives concerning Ma.  As I mentioned earlier, we are all adjusting in our own way with Ma not being in her own home.  The facility that she is at is very pleasant with lots of windows to look out at the beautiful grounds.  Also, there is a wonderful surround outside porch to leisurely enjoy the fresh air.  Ma likes to be outside when someone brings her.  She shares a room with a quiet 96 year old lady named Mary Rose.  Ma keeps to herself watching TV and Mary Rose keeps to herself reading.  Ma mentioned that two quiet people do not make a good match.  But it really makes no difference because Ma is a very private person anyway.  The facility tries to keep her active by having her use her walker to attend the dining room for meals.  She also has played bingo, etc.  She still knows us all and can carry on a good conversation.  On her birthday we used one of the conference rooms to celebrate it.  It is a beautiful room with an organ, fireplace, lounge chairs, etc.  It was a very cozy, wonderful day with us all there!  On Mother's day we brought her home for the day.  She spent most of it sleeping, but we finally got her to eat with us.  Corn on the cob was a winner!  Last weekend she went out again with Lorraine and Becky to various spots checking out flowers.  I'm sure Ma liked that.  Her brother, Glendon, from Maine came to visit with her.  Wish I was there for that one.  I was told by Bobby and Debbie, who were there at the time, that Ma's expression was priceless when she saw her brother - a combination of recognition and .. why was he there?  They had a lovely visit.  Anyways, 3 East Street still exists for all to come visit and stay if you'd like.  There's plenty of room!  Diane and Milton are there.  Or, you can call me at 893-6293, if you like.  If no one picks it up at the house (879-0348) leave a message.  Diane is currently busy placing flowers around.  We hope to have a gathering on June3 24th and have Ma come.  She'll enjoy the flowers.  Ma's current address:  Starr Farm Nursing Center, Room # 8A, 98 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT  05401.  I'll have to keep current by reading the "Gardner Newsletter."  Interesting stuff there.

Once again, love to you and yours,

Adele Dusablon and all of Lilla's and Adelbert's Children

  The lost Round Robin returns home!

Friday, January 7, 2007, Milton VT

We found the Gardner "RR" letter!  It was mixed up with some papers that Ma had.  We we were getting ready for the holidays, we came across the "RR."  Instead of sending the "RR" to Ma's address, could the "RR" be sent to me:  Adele C. Dusablon, 57 Cobble Hill Road, Milton, VT  05468?  I'll call Teresa this coming weekend to tell her we found the "RR" and to please send the future "RR" letters to my address.  Any questions or concerns, you can call at 1-802-893-6293 or e-mail to adelegardner@yahoo.com

Much Love to All!

Adele

January 9, 2006, Essex Junction, VT

Hi Round Robins,

So sorry to have held up the "Round Robin."  Your letters were a joy to read.  Uncle Raymond, we enjoy your wit.  Thanks.  Anyway, I am writing to you folks on Ma's behalf.  She is being treated for early Alzheimer's.  This last year and a half has been quite a challenge for us as a family.  Now, after all the ups and downs, we have a good routine happening for Ma so she will get good care.  UNA comes in each workday morning to help her out getting started for the day and then she goes to the "Adult Day Care Program" in the afternoon.  Diane is now living at the house so the weekends and nights are covered.  The rest of us help relieve Diane so she can have time for herself.  Ma does know all of us and functions generally OK, but short term memory is the concern.  So we keep things simple and safe.

Currently our lives are very busy.  Between working, kids, etc., there isn't much time.  Fortunately, we are all healthy and looking forward to the next year's events.  Ma will turn 80 March 29th.  Her second grandchild is due in June.  [Must be second great grandchild, Ray Gardner.]  Lorraine's youngest graduates high school, etc.  Life goes on!!   I hope to continue to write to you all on Ma's behalf and please keep the RR coming to Ma.

Oh, next time I'll be more descriptive of our lives.  You folks have a lot happening.  Hope the bad (health problems) get better.  Does Teresa write?

Much love to all, Adele C. Dusablon

Lilla's oldest 39 yrs. (joking)

August 22, 2005, Essex Junction, VT

Hi, Raymond and Margaret,

I'm sorry to have held up the Round Robin for so long.  As I'm getting older, I'm also getting forgetful more and more.  My intentions are good, but time does fly by.

We are all well throughout the family and grandchildren.  I hope yours are doing well also.  I'm not only getting forgetful, but my writing and spelling are also slipping by.  How have you been?  I hope well.  I was sorry to hear that Margaret isn't quite as well.  I'm going to ask you to drop me from the Round Robin.  I really enjoyed hearing about everyone; but due to forgetfulness, I think it is best.  That way, it will be on its way to everyone quicker.

Lorraine's oldest son has had two weeks vacation from service in Colorado.  He's looking wonderful.  Don't they all grow up fast!  Lois and two of her friends stopped by a few days ago.  She is looking real well, as she always does.  That's about it for news.

The rest of the time is spent on the usual daily chores and then we watch TV a lot.  I think I'll try making oatmeal cookies for supper's dessert.  I haven't made any for quite awhile.  That should be a treat.

Bye for now and hope you'll always stay in good health.

Love, Lilla

April15, 2005, Essex Junction, VT

Dear Round Robins,

It was nice receiving the Round Robin today.  I sat and read all the letters.  Hopefully, I'll get the letter done today.

Ruth, you and Ruth Anne sound so happy and satisfied with your lives.  So does Gerry and Greg.  I hope they have a wonderful trip to Alaska this summer.  It will be nice to see you if you come to Vermont with them this summer.  Love to everyone.

Hi, Lois.  Glad to hear you are interested in an early spring.  It was too bad that your car was hit.  I hope that the insurance will pay for it.  You were fortunate to go with Beulah and Don as they went to Michigan.  If you do decide to drive more, you should come down this way.  Will be glad to see you.  Hope summer proves to be a nice one.  Love to you.

Hi, Dixie.  It was nice to hear from everyone.  It's been awhile since I received the Round Robin.  We have been having very nice sunny weather, but there is a definite chill in the air.  I do have some crocuses blooming.  That's a wonderful sight.

The flu is definitely a bad deal.  Those tulips should be very beautiful.  I know we always enjoy the ones that Becky planted when she was here.  Adelbert also enjoyed them as well as the chrysanthemums she planted with the tulips here.  We both went out on the swing and viewed their progress daily.  Speaking of birthdays, Billy's birthday is April 17.  Doesn't time go by fast?  He was born in 1958.  He's still a bachelor.  I keep hoping he'll find someone nice and enjoy a happy marriage.  Maybe yet - Lois married later and was happy.  I'll still hope.  Do you still have singles in your family?  I hope you will enjoy summer and that your health will improve with the nice sunny weather.  Love to all your families and you.

Dear Beulah and Don,  I was sorry to hear that your eye had not cleared, as everyone was hoping for.  Cindy had cataracts and went for their removal.  She can now see in distance quite well, but reading is bothering her also.  I've sent for a large print Bible for her.  I had one, but it is just the New Testament and Psalms.  Maybe you'll have to buy large print books as well. I too am having trouble seeing well.  I hope to have the cataracts removed, but I've got to wait a bit because of the lung infection I have been having.  Maybe in another month or so.  Not seeing well certainly is irritating.  I put the glasses on, then take them off, etc.  So I hope I can give the operation a try.  I wish you well with yours.  Tell Don I hope he has good luck with his arthritis.  Maybe nice warm summer will help.  I've heard Aleve was a good worth.  It seems to last all day for some.  It's always being advertised on TV.

Walking on stilts looks like fun, but for someone else, not me.  Youth has what it takes, loads of energy, especially.  Have a nice year.  Love to everyone.

Hi Irene and Rod.  I hope your wishes are answered and that you enjoy all the wonders of the coming months.  I hope Dawn is doing well also.  The roads here are certainly in need of a lot of repair this summer.  So we will be having a lot of construction going on in this area.  Love to you all and your families.

Dear Clayton and Gerry, I'm sorry to hear of all your problems.  You certainly must have been really uncomfortable with all that stuff in your nose.  Diana is worried that she is gaining weight and that she'll not be able to get into her bikini bathing suit this year.  She is going down to Florida this coming Sunday and will be gone for a week.  I hope the weather will be good.  Florida weather is not always as nice as it might be.  I hope Gerry's foot problem will also be on the gain.  It's not pleasant being unable to walk as you'd like.  Maybe good summer weather and plenty of sunshine will help.  I hope so.  Love to you both and Ron, Brenda and granddaughter.

Hi Raymond.  I was very sorry to hear that Margaret is in a nursing home.  Her answer to you was good.  I will write her a separate note.  I noticed the stilts.  They really seemed to be having a good time.  I hope you all have a good summer.  Maybe that will make us all feel better.  Take good care of yourself and Margaret.  Love to you both.

Bye to everyone.  Have a nice year.  Say hi to all of your children for me.

Essex Junction, Vermont - November 9, 2004

Hello Raymond and Margaret,

Sorry to have held up this Round Robin.  I have been having some sort of a cold.  At first I thought it was possibly the flu.  Then I decided that maybe it was a reaction to medication.  I read the little pamphlet; one of them listed the side effects that I was experiencing.  I stopped the medication.  It helped some, but I'm not fully right yet.

I thought I'd just write a short note and say that I read all the letters and found them very interesting.  This year we have had very little snow here.  Billy is off on a hunting trip.  He goes up to Canada first, then comes back and goes to Maine.  Does Steve go hunting?  I haven't seen him in years.

Beulah, you certainly are having a real bad time because of your accident.  I hope everything turns out real well for you.

I'm glad to hear you are doing so well, Ruth.  You and Ruth Ann seem to be getting along just fine.

Lois, I was glad to hear your home in Florida didn't have much damage.  Now you'll probably be able to see it fairly soon.  Bob and Deb's home was fortunate too.  They have been very lucky.  The storms don't seem to reach them.

Dixie, you sound busy as always.  It must be nice to have your own vegetables and fruit.  You certainly raise everyone's spirits.

It was so sad about Nita, but a blessing also.  She certainly did a wonderful job all the way through.  Irene is doing such a nice job of writing.  Everything she does seems to go that way.

Clayton, I am sorry to hear about all the problems with your arthritic keens plus your many different prescriptions.  I am so glad for Gerry's successful knee replacement.  You certainly have a nice granddaughter!  I bet she will be real active in sports when she gets older.  Grandpa can enjoy them all.

Well I have a little visitor; she comes here after school.  It's Nicole, Becky's daughter.  She is quiet like a mouse, but it's supper time now so I'll close.  Love to all.

Always, Lilla

Essex Junction, Vermont - April 13, 2004

Hello Everyone

The first thing I want to say is "Happy Belated Birthday" to Margaret and Raymond, as I forgot to send them a card.  We are all getting up there.  78 years old.  I was glad to hear that Margaret has such good care.  This must help Raymond quite a bit.  I wish you luck on your chess get-together.

Dixie, I haven't seen a robin yet this year.  You have courage to go ice fishing.  You seem to be a good fisherman too.  We have had rain quite a bit.  In fact, today it came down really hard.  Everyone is trying to see how the flowers are coming.  I went over to Adelbert's grave and the crocuses are coming up fine there.

Our food prices are always rising too.  Adele and I shop together, so we try to watch the sales.  I, too,  think of Dick and wonder how he is.  I did get a Christmas card from him.  I had sent him one and he said it made him feel as though he belonged.  He is a real nice person.  I hope he is doing well.

The operation went well.  Adele usually takes me to the doctor.  We try to make dates on our shopping day.  It works out quite well.

I am glad you are feeling better, Dixie.  You were going through so much.  Let's hope it stays that way.  It's very nice that Laura can have a trip to France.  Wish her well for me.

I meant to write to you, Gerry, to congratulate you on your first grandchild.  We put her picture on the refrigerator with the other children.  She's a very pretty little girl.  Gerry, I am so glad you are doing so well.  Keep up the great work - also - for your dieting!  Adele, Cindy and I have been trying to diet, but haven't achieved much yet.  Adele has some.  She and her husband are both dieting for cholesterol.

Lois, your home sounds real busy with all of the visitors.

Henry's death was a very bad thing.  Too bad he had to pass as he did.  Ruth wrote me a short note saying that she will be with Ruth Anne.  I think that will be nice for both of them.

Glen and Joan really like to travel.  I'm glad to hear they have treatments that are helping Glen.  I'll be looking forward to you coming home.  Perhaps we'll see you when we go to visit Nita.  She was doing quite well the time we went up, but she says she rests a lot of the time.  She really does well with the computer.  It helps her a lot.

Dear Ruth, I see you are keeping yourself busy, which is always good for us.  You certainly have a wonderful family helping you.  Thank you for your prayers.  So far I'm doing well.  I have cataracts to do next, I guess, if I find a good doctor.  The one I had was removed from his business.  They say he was operating on cataracts too soon.  I never had a bit of trouble with him, but I do need to find another doctor.  My eyes are bothering me quite a bit, especially on stairs.

Hi, Beulah and Don.  You seem to be good helpers for everyone.  Your families are all doing well.  We haven't seen any of them for a long time.

Nita, I hope you keep doing the things you like.  Hopefully, we will be up to see you again soon.

Love to you all always.  I think of you all often, Lilla

Essex Junction, Vermont - September 18, 2003

Dear Round Robins,

I have read all of your letters and enjoyed all your news.   We do seem to have a lot of health problems, though.  I hope everyone takes care of himself or herself as well as possible.  I, too, have a list of health problems.  I had a mammogram only to find that I have a small lump in the left breast.  So we went through many tests and they found it to be cancer.  I'm waiting for a date set for an operation, perhaps in another week or so.  It's going to be outpatient surgery, so I'll be home the same day, hopefully.  So that is nice.  They seem to think things look very hopeful.  Adele came up with the same problem in her right breast.  She went through the same tests, but with better results.  Hers is not malignant, thank heavens.  She is to be back for a six-month checkup.  They say it is fluid.

Dixie, you certainly have had your share and more when it comes to health problems.  Your courage is something to behold.  Nita, you also have done so well - the both of you!  I hope I too do as well.  So far, so good.

I too am glad that Lois will have company on her way home.  Don and Beulah certainly are busy with all of Don's folks' problems.  It is very nice that they have the energy to do all they have to do.  I wish them well in all their efforts.  I hope Beulah has luck with her cataracts.  I have not gone for mine yet.  I was about to do so when I picked up the newspaper the same morning I was going to call.  To my surprise and disbelief, there was a picture and news write-up saying that the doctor had been sued for malpractice.  So, I have got to find a new doctor!  The things they accused him of never happened to me.  I don't understand it.  I have gone to him for years and always received good service.  You never know, really, what people are feeling.

In Clayton's letter - no - it was in Lois' letter - something was mentioned about the "golden years."  I probably shouldn't say this, but Becky mentioned that one of her patients was recently talking about the "golden years."   The patient said that the only thing she saw that was golden was "pee."  Becky was amused by that.  Me too.  It's so true.  And what a fun "share" story!

 Well, Raymond, I want to thank you for the Ruth Seymour diary.  I'll put it with the rest of your histories that you sent me.  We appreciate them.  I hope Margaret's anemia has improved and that she is gaining.

Ruth and Henry, I see you are as busy as usual.  Your energy is something to behold.  I hope the future does well for you both.

That was a very good picture of both of you, Clayton and Gerry.  It would be nice seeing everyone in person more often, though.

Well, I'll close for now, hoping to hear that you are all on the improvement list next time this letter comes about.  I wish you all the best.

Love always, Lilla

Essex Junction, VT - January 19, 2003

Dear Round Robins,

I hope you had a very nice Happy Holiday season.  We did here.  We had about 18-20 inches of snow.  Some weren't able to come to dinner, but came later.  Bob's family and Tom and his friend weren't here.  Tom is in North Carolina with Tom's mom this year.  She had a cancer operation.  Hopefully, all was taken, as they found it early.  They are still in North Carolina for a couple of more weeks.  After that, Tom is planning to go to Seattle with Diane and Jennifer.  He wants to because he wants to learn about growing mushrooms.  The girls want to visit Clayton & Gerry and some friends of Jennifer's.  I hope the weather is good for them.  We are really hit with a cold wave that has me very glad that I don't have to go out in.

The picture of Clayton and Gerry was a very nice one.  I was very surprised to hear about Brenda having to have a cancer operation, but very glad to hear she is doing well and is happy with her new job.

I hope Gerry will come along good right soon.  Those things aren't easy to adjust to.  The little boys you take care of are really active, evidently.  I hope Zac will be all right.

Lois, I was glad to hear of your trip home and about your nice weather at that time.  We are having a real cold stretch right now.  We have been below zero for a week with the promise of another week of the same thing.  I hate to even open the door.  The cold seems to go right through you.  Sorry to hear you have lost your friend, but you can still stay in touch by letter.  Maybe you can stop off and see them when you come back in the spring.

Beulah, you write a nice letter.  I was telling Nita what a nice family you seem to have - all in good health and all.  She then told me of Sheryl having quite a time with her operation and all.  The holiday must have been very busy for everyone.  I hope Sheryl is really doing well.  She certainly has a nice family to care for.

Henry and Ruth are busy as usual.  They seem to stay young and happy that way.  I hope you have a wonderful year ahead of you.

Nita was down to Burlington to see her doctor and had a lot of tests taken.  She had to stay overnight, so Irene came to stay and went back the next morning to go back home after they did a bit of shopping in Burlington.  Irene is a very nice person.  Nita is lucky to have such a nice daughter-in-law to help her at this time.

Raymond, you letter was interesting and informative.  Years have a way of changing things.  You all must have been very cramped in just two bed rooms when young.  Nita's home is nice and spacious for her to have reunions there.  She was wise to do that.

Dixie, I'm so sorry to hear of your son's health problems.  I hope he can make it back in time to keep his job.  Jobs are certainly needed these days, the way prices are and all.  Your grandchildren must be very proud of their grandmother for all she does for everyone.  Good luck to you and all your family.  I'll be thinking of you often, and hoping for the very best for everyone.

Nita has sold her house and farm which is a big relief to her.  She is especially pleased about selling the house to the Morgan minister.  She is trying very hard to have everything in order and she's trying new medications hoping to stop the rapid grown of the disease.  She is to be admired for all her efforts.

Raymond and Margaret, I hope your families are well, as well as yourselves.  You certainly have enjoyed all the reading you have mentioned.  Have a nice year.  I hope we get over this real cold spell we are having.  You have the same?

Love to all, Lilla

Essex Junction, VT - July 2, 2002

Dear Round Robins,

I hope you are all well and getting along with this hot weather.  It's bothering every one here.  They have been trying to put new roofing on and had to quit because the heat was too much.  With all the rain we have had, everything is growing well, though.  I was very sorry to hear of all the health problems.  Nita, I hope the new medicine the doctor gave you has helped.  I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion.  We are definitely looking older, but we are all still working and doing as usual.  We missed seeing Henry and Ruth.  I hope Henry will be able to do more with time.  I too had that operation done, but didn't need a stent put in.  The arteries were clean.  My problems are more lungs, it seems.  I hope Henry has a nice birthday on July 7th.  Just take it easier and enjoy taking your time resting for a change.  You both have been very active all these years.  You deserve to let up and rest and enjoy yourselves at home where you have peace and quiet with no demanding routines.  Thank you for your prayers and the very best to you and I hope all goes well for you both.

I agree with you, Lois, the sea gulls are a nuisance.  Adele and I shop together and usually have lunch together.  There is one place we go to where we can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.  There are some small birds that come and sit waiting to see if we feed them, and usually the gulls come in and take things away.  Here at home we have some trouble with the crows.  They seem to be fighting with the smaller birds, perhaps taking over their nests.  We can hear them, but don't know fully just what's happening.  Our guess is that they are after the eggs.  The small birds really put up a good fight.  It was nice seeing you at the reunion.  I think we had a good turnout, considering it was short notice.

Beulah, we missed you and Don.  We did see Len and Donna.  They were looking very well.  It sure is nice to hear that Emily and Joshua had a good report about their lung problems.  Let's hope next year will be even better.  You certainly have a beautiful family.  Sheryl was looking very happy about the time closing in for the new birth.  She and Gary have a very nice family.  I wish them all much happiness.

Dixie, you certainly have a busy life with all your family and friends around you.  You are also a leader in great grandchildren.  Grandchildren are cute and it keeps you in touch of earlier days when we were having our own children.  They (moms and dads) are having a much harder time when they have to be in the working field too.  I wish they could all be at home as it used to be.  Everything seems to be rush, rush, rush, with little time to enjoy themselves and family on a quieter scale.  They certainly should take good care of their health.  Good health is certainly a need.  I hope your bowling team won.  Good luck to all.

I was very sorry, Margaret, hat you couldn't have been at the reunion at Nita's.  We missed you.  I hope your problems of health are better now.  Raymond seemed to enjoy himself seeing everyone.  He was talking about Sharon and her interest in becoming a pilot.  She certainly has a lot more courage than I would ever have.  I wish her well.  I hope to see you folks sometime.  It's not too far from the camp.  Good luck to both of you.

Lorraine took her boys, Tyler, Justin, and Brendon, to Florida for a week.  I haven't heard all the news on that yet.  We hope to have a family get together for Tyler's graduation.  We didn't have time to work that in before their trip.  Brendon graduated from 8th grade too this year.  Justin went with them in his wheelchair and on crutches, as he broke his ankle and leg bone.  They operated and put in some steel pins.  He is doing fine.  Lorraine has worries about her job and is looking around for options.  She would like staying in this area where the young boys could finish school with their friends here.  We are hoping all things will turn out well.  Tyler has signed up for the air force.  He goes the first of October.

Adele has her job, still with IBM.  Right now she has tears over losing some beautiful trees they had along her front lawn.  They were getting old as people do.  They just had to be taken down.  Now they have no shade trees.  It makes a big difference.  She has a good time taking care of her granddaughter.  She is very cute and getting to the stage of walking by things.

Becky is busy as always with her family, working and gardening.  She loves flowers and is always working with them.  She is also busy with Nicole's activities, ice hockey, soccer, and violin lessons.

Bob's job is changing from Virginia to NH for a job at Dartmouth Medical Center.  Debbie, his wife, has been in Maine where they had a home.  With Brent graduated, they wanted to go to Florida.  This last year they had a new home built, and Debbie will be moving down in July.  They are as much apart as ever now.  Bob will be traveling there on his weekends off, and she will be looking for a job down there.  His job in NH starts in about two weeks. 

Billy has been working for Russ (Becky's husband) helping evaluate property in Williston.  That's Russ' job.  He hopes to work more in this area so he can be home more with Becky and Nicole.

I just talked to Cindy.  She says she has no new news.  They did have a yard sale to get rid of some things.  It left quite a few things, so they will get a dumpster and do it that way.  Of course they sit back from the main stream of traffic.

Diane and Bruce are doing well.  I haven't seen them since the reunion, but expect they might come up for Tyler's party.

Milton is busy with plumbing.  He and a friend have been putting on a new roof here, but it was so hot they had to quite.  They have one more to do.  It's for the front porch.

I talked to Tom the other day and they are trying to fine someone to put roofs on one small house they rent and also for a roof over a breezeway they are building between the main house and the garage.

We missed Irene at the reunion.  We did see her daughter and granddaughter.  They seemed a happy family.  Good luck to everyone.

Just found out I need a new washer.  Milton is working on it.

Everyone here is busy and fairly healthy.  I hope your families are too.  Sorry to be late with this letter.  I'll try to do better next time.

Lots of love to all.  Bye now, Lilla

Essex Junction, VT  October 28, 2001

Hi Round Robins,

    I haven't been doing too much lately, except watch the television news of the war.  It looks as if the war will be a long one, a bit different from the last one we had.

    I didn't have much of a garden.  Becky brought me some extra plants she had.  I had a few tomatoes and a few peppers.  This year I had a better yield of raspberries without the Japanese beetles.  That was ice.  I enjoyed the visit from Nita, Lois and Dawnita.  They weren't here long, but everyone caught up on the news of the family.  I was sorry Clayton and Gerry could not come out this year.  Lois must have left today, as it is the 28th.  I hope she has a nice trip back to Florida and I hope she doesn't have problems with the anthrax.  We had a slight scare here.

    Becky's patient in the hospital opened some mail while Becky was with her and there was some powder in it.  They sent the woman's culture in.  The results should be back Tuesday.  Then we will know more about it.  These things are scary.  They have had other scares in the state.  So far, so good.  I hope it stays that way.  The letter was trash mail about credit card advertising.

    Beulah's letter was very interesting, as usual.  They seem to keep busy and keep in touch with all the family.  I hope Jay doesn't get a call to be in the war.  Heidi, Cindy's step-daughter, was made alert, but she's a new mom.  The baby is only a couple of months old, so she was on maternity leave.  Now she is looking forward to going back to work in the laboratory doing something that determines the cause of death of a cadaver.  I think that is right.  She says she likes the work.

    Beulah, you and Don seem to have real busy families.  How many grandchildren do you have now?  I have two great grandchildren now; one is Richie's and Cindy's daughter, Katelyn Mae Gardner.  They named Mae after me.  Lorraine also has Mae for her middle name.  I think the name has come down through five generations at least.  Heidi and Glenn's daughter is Skyler Elizabeth Bird.  Skyler looks just like her mother.  She weights six pounds, 15 ounces, 19 inches in length.

    Dixie, you always seem so ambitious, always keeping busy.  You and Bruce seem to have real good luck fishing.  Sounds like fun.  Stay well and happy ice fishing too!

    I am sorry to hear about your breathing problems, Gerry.  I hope you can clear it up soon, or do they think it is a lasting problem?  Clayton, you sound as if you enjoy your reminiscing.  Twenty-two cars seems like a lot.  I hope you both improve in health and enjoy a nice holiday season coming up fast.

    Your new home seems nice, Ruth and Henry, and it is not far away from family, so you can have company now and then.  That's nice too.  I hope you do well in getting your church back in order.  How many do you have in your parish?

    Good luck to everyone.  I'll close for now and get this letter on its way to Raymond.  It really went around quickly last time.  Raymond, you certainly had a nice visit with Paul and Jean.  It is nice she comes here the way she does.  Her family must be all grown up now.

Love to all.  Keep happy and enjoy the coming holidays, Lilla

Essex Junction, VT  July 18, 2001

Hi Everyone,

I just got through reading all your nice letters and I'm trying to get the answer off real quick.  I was so sorry to hear of David's passing.  Things were looking more hopeful at Eric's funeral.  David was a wonderful person.  Everyone will miss him very much.

I see everyone is interested in their garden.  Right now I'm interested in mine, but the weeds seem to grow too fast.  I haven't kept up with them too well.  The raspberries had a problem with the Japanese beetles the last two years.  If they do the same this year, I'll just remove the whole of them.  So far, they look as if they are all new growth this year.  Becky had extra tomato plants, so she planted them over here along with three pepper plants.  Hope they do well.

I was very glad, Nita, that you thought to put in Henry and Ruth's address.  I'm glad they are happy and doing well with a parish of their own.  I know they always had special feelings for that parish.

I was sorry to hear of Laura's problems, Dixie, but she certainly has the right spirit to combat life's ways.  I certainly wish her much success and happiness ahead in the future.  Your family, as a whole, seems to have good spirits too.  That's wonderful!  What kind of fish do you catch out here?

Raymond, your spelling is a lot like mine.  But I don't have WordPerfect, so you will have to bear with the differences, - I hope not too much.  I, too, keep a dictionary handy.  I hope you and Margaret are doing fine and have a real nice summer.

Nita, I was glad to hear you had a real nice trip to Michigan with Nita and Dawnita.  Sorry for Don's loss of his uncle.  Three freezers are certainly a lot of food to prepare, but wonderful to eat, though.  Cindy has three also.  They had to get extra when they were selling turkeys.  This year Randy is going a different route, and is planting extra gardens.  I hope everything works for them.  They have trouble with deer jumping the fence and eating the plants.  Maybe he'll put up higher ones this year.

Clayton and Gerry, I hope your health problems will improve.  Condos are nice, especially for older people, I think.  I know Becky liked hers when she was living in one.  Now she is right out straight trying to keep everything going with nursing and all.  She has some beautiful flowers and likes taking bouquets to friends and family.  Flowers are so expensive these days.  It saves a lot to have your own.  She has a small vegetable garden also.

Thora, a step cousin, sent a picture of Matthew she clipped from the Newport paper.  He certainly did a brave, wonderful thing speaking as he did at his graduation.  I know his father would have been proud of him, as we all are.

I was sorry to hear of Patty's mother passing.  That was quite a lot to handle at one time, though it made for less travel, as Don had to do when they had to go back a second time.  I was glad to hear you didn't need an operation for your cataracts, Lois.

Ruth and Henry, I hope you have won over your health problems and that all went well in finding a good doctor.  At our age they seem to be a necessity.

Time certainly has a way of slipping by.  Greg and Geri are pretty close to their silver anniversary.  That will be a big one!  It's nice that your family has such nice get-togethers.

I am now a great grandmother for the first time.  Richie, Adele's oldest son and his girl friend had a daughter, Katelyn Mae, born July 10, 2001.  She is very cute, but I haven't had a chance to see her with her eyes open yet.  She favors her mother with dark brown hair and structure, - a very sturdy baby.  Adele is our first grandmother.  She is very happy!

Lots of love to everyone, Lilla

September 15, 2000

Essex Junction, Vermont

Dear Round Robins,

        Nita, you wrote a very interesting letter for the RR.  I agree with you Paul really does a very nice bit of work with the newsletter.  We haven’t seen Jean for quite a few years, her family must be all married by now.  The story of Jay’s amazing Journey was very nice to read, they certainly must be very proud of themselves.  I haven’t seen Raymond & Margaret either.  I didn’t go to the alumni banquet so didn’t catch up with all the graduates of our years.  Glendon offered me a ride but I was having trouble with my right ankle swollen & with some infection in it.  I had to keep my feet up.  I was pleased to see all of you  at Lorraine’s.  Her home now has all the siding on except for the shutters.  It is a very pretty blue & the shutters will be a deeper blue.  Billy is working inside  & practicing bow hunting on the side.  The 1^st of Oct is his time for hunting.

        I am glad to hear David is improving & that Eric is hanging in there.  The wheelchair must be a blessing for him.

        I didn’t work in the flower garden too much.  They were pretty weedy but still managed to blossom quite a bit, especially the flocks.  Yard work can take a lot of time.  Maybe next year I can stay ahead of it.  We had some sun today but expect rain for the next 2 or 4.  It is beginning to cloud in now.

        Dixie I was very sorry to read of the two deaths in the family and so close together.  Things have a way of coming in 2 & 3s in a large family.  A wedding and a new grandchild must have kept you busy along with your cataracts too.  Glad to hear it was a wonderful success.

        Lois I was glad to read your letter.  You had a very busy summer I see & with driving David to Hanover also was a lot of travel.  Now you will be on your way south.  They have been having some bad rain & thunder storms down that way by the weather reports.  I hope you have a nice trip back to Florida.

        Ruth & Henry I’m glad your trip was such a success & that you are still busy with more work & travel.  I had a call from Ruth Anne saying she is coming out this way soon.  She is going to Nita’s  but will be staying over Sept 24^th.  It will be nice to see her. It has been quite a while since we did.  It sounds as if your son Dick & family will be a little closer to you folks.  That will be nice for everyone.

        Clayton you seem to be doing quite well but I don’t understand what Ruth meant by you possibly having a laser treatment.  Are you  having trouble with your eyes again?  I wish you well too as Ruth is.  Your computer is a blessing to you evidently, or is it the typewriter.  I really not up to all the newest "computerization" aids.  What causes the problem with your fingers?  I hope Gerry is doing well, you both looked very well when you were her this summer.  I hope you make it next year.

        Well, Raymond, your picture of tomorrow is rather bleak.  That’s is why so many people are asking for donations for environmental aid.  I guess it is certainly a need.  Sometime I give & sometimes I don’t, depending on how the money is. Your party for ice skating at midnight sounded like real lot of fun for everyone.  Milton bought an outdoor confined fire place.  There is another name for it but I can’t think of it right now.  It’s been nice for the girls to roast marshmallows on and at night for late cookouts.  I enjoy sitting  out there eating marshmallows & watching the fire under the trees.  He wants to next year have an above ground swimming pool for them (his girls Stephen & Monica).

        You folks are really growing in numbers.  Does that (the 15^th baby due ) make Sharon & Tom even with Steve or is he still ahead.  Cheryl & Peter have a lot of new experiences ahead of them.  I wish them well.  Of course by now they should be settled in their new home.  I always found the best place for a ring or rings to be is right on my fingers.  It’s easier to keep track of them that way.  I hope Cheryl finds hers.

        I’ll close for now so this can be put in the mail.  I hope everyone has a real nice fall & winter.  It is coming so soon this year.

Love to all, Lilla

"I think of you all very often!"

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