Indecisivity

Seasons Greetings-- Epiphany, that is

2011-01-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

The annual Burk holiday-ish mailing, rendered in internet form:

Dear Friends and Family,

So here we go: the time has come—and gone—to be writing this letter. Naturally, many concerned people (“fans” comes to mind, but is dismissed with a blush) have been wondering why they haven’t received my annual Burk-update-and-so-much-more—as if we don’t all have enough to worry about, what with the world economy collapsing, climate catastrophe looming, and Stephen Colbert taking such frequent vacations. I can practically hear the collective sigh of relief as this modest missive is retrieved from mailboxes across the country and beyond. Here you have my little contribution to world peace: an Epiphany letter, wishing us all illuminating realizations in abundance.

And here we have Illuminating Realization (IR) #1: it pretty much stinks not to already have this mailing project done. School has started up again, our kids (and, more poignantly, grandkid) have left us, the Christmas tree has gone to the curb—but I still need to drum up some holiday cheer. (How am I doing?) I am struggling to resist the urge to expound on the complex psychological and environmental factors that are culminating in my excessive procrastination; quick—I’ll hold it off, while you read the Burk news for 2010.

Anna (26) and Travis got married! Whoo hoo--party time at last! (great party, beautiful couple, of course). This would be the place for some hilarious jokes, at Travis’ expense, about the nine years of courting—but I’m feeling like maybe we’ve milked that cow dry. Gotta get me a new cow…. There’s always their puggle, Bubba, the poster-puppy for People Against Dog Owning. At the top of the PADO bill board: “So you think you want a dog….” Then a picture of Bubba chomping on a brand new smart phone, and some descriptive bullets: “Barks non-stop” “Laughs as your empty hand reaches your mouth” “Wants breakfast at 3:00 AM” “Favorite game: Chase me! I got away again!” And at the bottom, the clincher: “This one is available—cheap.” (I can say all this because I’m one of the few who loves him.) He did help Anna and Travis meet one of their new neighbors (big year: a wedding and a first house!)—an unsuspecting man a couple doors down who discovered that the dog that had followed him in from his yard and was eating from his dog dish was not his. So sweet that Bubba is helping them establish a reputation in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul. Other news from the Young Holts: jobs are stable; Anna was recently promoted to manager and had an Illuminating Realization (IR): the excitement of the salary boost wears off quickly. It was a great week, though, after the news and before the extra work.

As of last January, number one daughter Elissa (29) made her biomedical engineering PhD official, and in April she started a job with a pharmaceutical company in South San Francisco. She and Ben and Ansel (now 2.5 yrs, and a real grandparent magnet) are still living in Palo Alto CA where Ben is working in a post-doc position. Elissa’s new job ended their 5-year experiment in car-lessness; they now have a Toyota Prius that gives a grandmother sci-fi chills. (Yes, a remote key is enough to set off the sci-fi alarm at my age.) Elissa’s job is challenging, but after 8 months she cautiously describes it as good; and it certainly pays better than going to school. But enough about boring jobs; you know you want to hear about Ansel (or at least you know you’re going to…). He is very busy honing several potential careers: duplo master, innovative chef (how many cooks do you know that keep a hand saw on top of the refrigerator?), professional ring bearer (already two employers on his résumé), and most recently, hockey player. To borrow an anecdote from his Grandma Joanne: he was recently studying up on the rules related to stick usage, and particularly inquired as to whether it would be considered an infraction to hit the Baby Jesus with his hockey stick. (Grandpa Dave set him straight on this.) Sounds like someone is ready for a sibling. We worked hard to Minnesota-ize him during their holiday visit, and he obliged us by whipping up a little ditty—an IR you might say—to be sung while driving back and forth between St. Paul and Bloomington: “We are tough in Minnesota!” He learned the importance of mittens, how to build a snow fort, and that he likes to whip around the ice rink on a sled; and we learned (or were reminded) that he is pretty much the sweetest thing on the planet earth.

Derek (24) and fiancée Amiee have had a somewhat painful IR this year: going away to graduate school involves leaving the Twin Cities. Derek is back in Chicago, this time on the north edge and this time with Amiee. (The omission of Amiee was a serious oversight when he spent his freshman year at the University of Chicago.) He started a PhD in sociology at Northwestern University in September; just 54 months—give or take a year—left to go! Amiee is counting them down, unless maybe she gets distracted once she starts her new job this month. Her B.A. in sociology (U of MN ’10) is about to morph into an accounting position and eventually an accounting degree on the Northwestern campus. So they should both be able to stay busy, and Amiee at least shouldn’t ever have to work at McDonalds with all the other sociology majors. They have a cute apartment in the Rogers Park neighborhood— think exposed brick, Juliet balcony, and building in foreclosure. Plus, they have a full time hobby: wedding planning. With their noses to the grindstone they should have everything ready to go in just five more months (the rest of us are standing by to help as needed). Just as an aside—I am making this document available as a Kindle-compatible .azw file at Derek’s request, as he prefers not to read the “old-fashioned way.”

Tom and I celebrated my 50^th birthday and our 30^th anniversary last summer with a family canoe camping trip. Our 3 kids plus Ben and Ansel made a quick 3 day/ 2-night trek with us into the BWCA, replete with IRs such as “6 adults to 1 toddler is a good ratio for camping,” and “Mosquitoes have no honor, offering no truce even during pit stops.” (Anna’s personal BW IR: “Ansel may be on to something with those diapers….”)

There’s a lot of status quo here on Valentine Ave: Tom and I are still in the same jobs, wearing the same clothes, eating the same food (just not so much that we can’t keep wearing those clothes), telling the same jokes that are still funny because we forgot that we heard them. We occasionally try to imagine what retirement will look like—still seems pretty hazy. We do have some new snow banks in our yard; Grandma Gerry—still in our basement apartment—has dubbed the mound of snow that blocks the view outside her window “Mt. St. Thomas,” in honor of the hard-working schmuck who keeps it from pressing its nose against the glass. Good thing we’re tough in Minnesota.

As I’ve now attained the lofty status of half-centenarian, I naturally experience new IR’s daily, most of them having to do with humility—and not just regarding the limitations of the body and the decline of the mind. There is a positive side to the humility of Christmas, that reminds us how every person we meet, despite any appearances to the contrary, has the potential to enrich our lives—even the helpless baby of a poor itinerant couple half-way around the world and centuries away. We are each of us blessings to each other.

With warm wishes for your New Year, and no room for expounding--

Barb(i) and Tom

About Angels

2010-12-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

You can see why grandchildren are about the best thing ever; everything is new.

There are a few more pictures of Ansel T's first 24 hours back in MN here.

Toes in the Pacific

2010-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure Ansel and I spent more time watching this video than we did at the beach. We had taken an old-fashioned train ride from Felton to Santa Cruz, and the return trip allowed only an hour of beach time. To see more of CA and AT in late July 2010, feel free to click here.

CA has some fun places, but the biggest draws are the chubby cheeks and blue eyes....

Winter Adventure to the Ladder Cabin

2010-02-04T16:36:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Tom and I broke out the cross country skis (actually Tom got new ones) and proved that we're not too old to live in Minnesota: we went with Mark H to the Rutledge cabin. Undaunted by the below-zero weather forecast (unlike some couples who will remain anonymous, but who will surely regret having missed this opportunity, if this post does its job), we made the 1.5 mile trek from the car late Friday afternoon and stayed 2 nights, reveling in the lap of winter. You can eat your heart out with these pictures.

I suppose our fortitude would have be more impressive if Mark hadn't gone ahead and started a fire at the cabin before we got there... and kept it going during the night....

Merry Digital Christmas!

2009-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s been a slow news year around the Burk house. Sometimes you just have to create your own news, like this shocker: BARB BURK TO MAIL CHRISTMAS GREETINGS BEFORE JANUARY THAW! [Denizens of underworld brace for climate change, invest in North Face.]

Last year, as faithful letter readers may recall, I experienced some awkward Christmas newsletter writer’s block. I’ve analyzed this for the past 11 months and diagnosed a mild-to-sometimes-crippling case of Over-Auto-Apprehensivity (OAA). This taking-of-oneself-too-seriously is not to be taken lightly. Or is it…? Regardless—the advice from my diagnostician is to type the letter and stop moaning over dead brain cells in my humorthalamus. (Ironically, my seriousness has to do with wanting to be funny; it’s just that I used to at least make me laugh….)

Anna, Travis, Derek, and Amiee—just kidding about the slow news year! (An emoticon might be nice here; maybe the foot-in-mouth?) Obviously, two engagements, and within two weeks of each other (!), are excellent fodder for holiday headlines. Engagement stories brimming with drama and romance beg to be told. Travis was the first to pop the question, which is about like saying that Methuselah was the first of the over-900 crowd to kick the bucket. For two years Anna has been—how do I put this delicately?—dropping subtle hints that she was favorably disposed to such a question, until finally Travis said, “How can I ask when you’re always bugging me about it?!” In all fairness, she had given him six years before she started with the hints…. ‘Nuff said, it’s a done deal now; Travis managed to surprise Anna in romantic fashion (so you know Bubba was involved), and the years of waiting are forgotten in the glow of the 2-carat sparkler on Anna’s finger—an heirloom from Travis’ family. An August 2010 wedding is being Planned (is that capital P too subtle? should I italicize, bold, and underline to make my point?). Meanwhile, the happy couple maintain their status quo: jobs in Plymouth (A) and Rochester (T), apartment in St. Louis Park, new couch arriving any day, and Dog from Hell licking his chops in anticipation. (O Bubba, wouldst a puggle by any other name so sweetly embody evil?)

I’m a little late to tell the story of Derek and Amiee’s engagement; it has already been immortalized (i.e. You-Tubed) in Blair-Witch-esque footage, courtesy of Amiee’s twin sister Allison. This tear-jerker (“Wedding Proposal Part I and II”) has all the right stuff: nosy neighbors/ intrigue, Winnie the Pooh balloon/ element of surprise, firelight, guitar music, boy, girl, ring and Happy Beginning (I’m not the only one who reached for the tissues; Brenda, aka Auntie of Stone, choked up too, so you know this was heartrending material). Emboldened by a college diploma and job-like-situation, Derek was ready to take the plunge into commitment and adulthood. True, the degree is in Sociology—but darned if he doesn’t now have himself a Real (albeit temporary) Job, right down the hall from his favorite dad, analyzing social science survey data in Forest Resources at the U of MN. Amiee will polish off her Sociology degree this spring, and there’s talk of graduate school for Derek next fall (and by talk I mean that I hope application deadlines are being met; I trust Amiee knows about the burden of nagging that comes with the ring). Happy Couple #2 has set up house in a cozy apartment on Grand Ave. in St. Paul, where a beautifully color-coordinated Christmas tree provides further evidence for my theory that males with messy moms marry nice neat niñas. (I know you’re not crazy about Español, Amiee, but I was on an alliterative tear.) We look forward to more wedding fun in June 2011.

Elissa—just kidding about the lack of news! Because of course it is news when someone slaves and moans and suffers and sweats and puts off procrastinating and finally produces and defends a biomedical engineering Ph.D thesis—and practically submits it!! (This is another case in which deadlines must be respected; if one submits the final version before the deadline, that date becomes meaningless, and thus not properly respected. Elissa’s deadline, in January, is not likely to suffer the fate of Rodney Dangerfield.) Elissa, Ben, Ansel (now 18 months), Tom and I were all in Boston for the defense of “Applications and characterization of mRNA expression compendia in genetic association networks” the end of October. Besides Elissa’s profound relief at having survived the ordeal, and our joy in her accomplishment, the highlight of the trip would have to be watching Ansel T. emerge from the bathtub au natural, climb onto the hotel bed and invoke Dr. Seuss with some spirited hopping on his supine gran-pop. This would have been first-rate footage to enjoy with Ansel during his sensitive teen years if only I’d been quick enough on the draw. Ah well, better to enjoy the moment, I’m beginning to realize. Such moments are all too rare, with the Young Cosgroves living in Palo Alto, CA while Ben serves out a 3+ year post-doc at Stanford, begun last January. Now Elissa will look for a job as well, so that they can afford to keep Ansel in daycare, which he loves; he generally feels that a two bedroom apartment, even one with stairs, cramps his style a bit. Being a mini-man of action (and few words), he often goes to fetch his shoes as a subtle suggestion that it’s time for horizons to expand. (Actually, he has a word for “shoes” that may display an aptitude for learning Klingon; his modes of communication are definitely high on the list of his endearing traits—i.e. CUTE.) Overall, life in Palo Alto is not too bad, once you get used the boring sameness of the weather. (Sunny and 70? Ho-hum.) (Sunny and 0 here today, with a fresh snowfall; exhilarating!)

Which brings us back to 2329 Valentine, the mundane-but-exhilarated site at which we began. And of course I underplayed some news here as well: Grandma Gerry, snug in her basement apartment, is now a card-carrying Minnesotan—with a steadfastly Iowan heart. She is happy to have the ordeal of emptying and selling her house over with, and can laugh at the letter from her former neighbors that refers to her house’s new occupants’ children as hellions. We admire her for this, and for so many things; she is a blessing to us, and I don’t just mean at the kitchen sink (can I help it that she loves to do our dishes?). No childhood homes left for Tom or me to visit, but happily Gerry and my parents have weathered the extractions well, now in their second year of exile. (My mom and dad are still in Moorhead, just at some crazy new address that I’m too old to learn.) Meanwhile, Tom and I have very little to report—here’s where the real newslessness resides. Tom would like you all to know that there’s nothing new you need to know about him; and I would like you to know that I did say something funny this year: a friend overheard someone asking me about my back/ herniated disc crisis, and she asked me, “What happened?!” “I lived too long,” I said. It just came to me. Why is it that when children advance quickly for their age they are admired, while prodigious aging later in life is so much less gratifying? Hardly anyone compliments me on my fast-graying hair, my slight limp (remember the back problem?), or my memory lapses. No more accolades for being ahead of the curve.

My practice is to save my sermon on the meaning of Christmas (and/or life) for this last paragraph; looks like my available space is commensurate with my available wisdom, so that works out well. Of course there are the bonds represented by this practice of exchanging Christmas greetings; the very fact that you’ve read this far in my letter means a lot to me, and we love hearing from all of you. Beyond that, my inspiration is to suggest, ala Love Actually, that we infuse a little Christmas into whatever we hear. From today’s gospel in Luke: “Bear fruit worthy of Christmas”; from everyone’s favorite coke commercial: “What the world needs now is Christmas sweet Christmas”; and from e.e. cummings: “christmas is a better fate than wisdom.”

With our warm and perhaps even timely wishes for a joyous Christmas— Barb(i) and Tom

She P-h-Did it!

2009-10-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

And we were there (Boston, MA)! I'd say she did it the Burk way-- stickin' with it through blood, sweat and tears. (Maybe I should make separate post, elucidating the Burk Way sometime....)

If you'd like to know more about the "Applications and Characterization of mRNA Expression Compendia in Inference of Genetic Association Networks," I suggest you contact Dr. Elissa Cosgrove-- or just watch for her publications in your favorite BME (Biomedical Engineering) journal.

Her proud (and supportive, to the nth degree!) husband.

With her advisor, who attended from Oakland CA via this modernistic device.

Thanking her muse (or was he an anti-muse...?).

Celebrating with French-Vietnamese style at the Elephant Walk restaurant.

Congratulations to our big girl!! We love you lots!

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T21:55:00.001-07:00

A fine celebration in St. Anthony Park; click here to enjoy.

The Triumphant Return of Ansel Thomas

2009-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

I can see that I did not take near enough pictures when the Young Cosgroves arrived last night; where's the picture of Ansel with his doting grandparents?? (One set thereof, at least...) Anyway, here you see him immediately finding the things I should have moved; although, when he crawled along our relatively new wood floors with a rock in each hand, it was easy to keep track of him. To see a few more pictures, including his reunion with Dalila Jeanne (both of them a bit underwhelmed) and a video of AT on his throne-- click here.

Canoe Camping in the Late Midde Ages

2009-06-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Now that we, together with camping cohorts Howard and Esther, have reached the combined age of 211, we thought it might be time to try a trip that didn't involve carrying canoes and supplies over steep rocky slippery buggy portages. This was a stroke of brilliance. We canoed about 4 hours into Dogtooth and Kilvert Lakes in northern Ontario, and secured an idyllic campsite, from which we waved at passing motorboats and caught bushels of fish. The livin' was good.

To see the trip highlights, including my not-quite-ready for-National-Geographic wildlife shots-- simply click here. Be warned: you will wish you were there (unless you are a shameless city slicker).

Turn up your volume to hear the birds on the video above; below captures the capture of a yet another walleye-- ho-hum.

Spring in California

2009-04-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

A new blog post can only mean one thing: we've seen the Number One Grandson! Our time in Palo Alto was perfect: plenty of baby, a few sights, and weather that was not only beautiful but aromatic.

Click here to see more!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Elissa, Anna and Derek so treasure our annual tree-decorating tradition: I trick them into coming over (food works well), turn on the Christmas CD's, then lock the door until they've hung their personal collection of ornaments (most of which I've given them over the years) on the tree. Now you can savor the tradition with them, with a mere click!

Above you see them displaying their Santa-theme ornaments, received circa 2003 (every year has a theme); Elissa named hers "Ugly Santa Head"; and now it has mysteriously broken....

(Last year's ornament theme was "The Ornaments I Bought In Early November, But Can't Find Since We Had The Floors Installed." A Christmas miracle: I found them last week!)

Enjoy the season!

Still poring over my pictures....

2008-11-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to leave a few shots for Elissa and Ben to put on their blog; but there are some cute ones I may have missed earlier. Although that doesn't apply to this particular picture, which I have up at least one other time; some are that cute.

Sunday Dinner

2008-11-03T19:17:00.001-08:00

The Sunday dinner crowd this week was well entertained by small creatures, some of undetermined species. This web album would have been a lot bigger if my camera battery hadn't died; I could have included a picture of those photogenic thrifty meatballs. Next time.

Web Album Alert

2008-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

And what might be in this web album, you are wondering...? I wouldn't want to give anything away. Click for yourself.

Gra-nanny

2008-10-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Look who came to meet Grandma at the airport!

I'm back with my blog-material source; so let the blogging resume.

I arrived in Boston last Thursday, and will go home a week from Friday; suddenly it seems I'm near the half-way point, way too quickly! Elissa and Ben are plugging away at their work while I get to be in charge of the not-so-wee one.

My work day starts while I'm still in bed (aka living room couch):

Number one priority is teaching Ansel how to swing, an invaluable life skill. Here are his first two lessons; next time we will work on smiling, then giggling hysterically. (Since he has obviously perfected irresistible cuteness while swinging)

I've also been building Ansel's manual dexterity, ie convincing him that he has hands. We named them Larry and Moe, and they operate something like a skill crane at the state fair (or some of your finer eating establishments). I hold an enticing item in front of Ansel, say Mr. Red Nose rattle or crinkle elephant, and Larry and Moe sweep in for a go; whether they get anything or not, they attempt delivery to the mouth. This can be frustrating in the case of the ladybug pictured below, which is attached to a bar above him:
A few more shots before I retire to the couch for the night--

Ansel in a sweater I knit for Trygve 27 years ago:
And Ansel in a sweater I knit for him (matching pants needing alterations, but forthcoming):

Ansel helping me with kitchen duty:
Ansel and me at our vertical blogging station (taken with camera timer; Elissa was at work):
And-- just plain Ansel being adorable:

ATC Gallery

2008-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

As part of my Ansel-withdrawal therapy, I've created one more album (notice I didn't say final) from his Summer of 08 visit. These are shots with an artistic element, in the opinion of this art bohemian (does that connote a total lack of sophistication in all things artsy? If so, that's the word I was looking for...).

In no particular order-- here they are.

From gas to true love: a progession of smiles

2008-08-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm quite sure I saw Ansel smile at his mother at about 3 weeks old; but the smiles weren't too easy to come by then, and some will argue that babies that young can't smile responsively. (Which is no doubt true of babies; but what about prodigies?) Anyway, I've collected an album of smiles for all to enjoy, with the first shots back in Boston, and then many more smiles in Minnesota (coincidence?).

I challenge anyone to look at them with a straight face.

DJ and AT

2008-08-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

Good news; today the computer and I are getting along better. Although I wanted the bottom picture on top and the top picture on the the bottom...

Cute Cuddly Cousins: Ansel T and Dalila Jeanne

2008-08-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here you are, baby fans: 29 pictures of the latest installments in the Krugler clan. This web album has everything serious Ansel-Dalila fans could wish for, from the first shoves-toward-one-another to the anatomical analyses. (Well, I am missing the Kissing Cousins shot, but everything else is here.)

And, I'll even add some pictures to the blog, as soon as the computer is in the mood....

Trying to keep up

2008-07-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have so many cute pictures of Ansel Thomas-- it's just not right to keep them to myself. Here he is celebrating the 4th of July. I have an album covering the last couple of days, in which he tried on a few outfits and met Uncle Andy and Grandpa Tom, plus broke in his new rocking chair from Grandma and Grandpa Cosgrove. For better or for worse, I didn't get any captions with them.

Check them out here.

I have another little album of Ansel in his papasan chair, an infant seat that vibrates and plays music. He's not crazy about it, but we did get some cute pictures.

View them here.

Enjoy your membership in the Babies R Cute club!

Not quite a fashion show

2008-07-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Auntie Anna asked us to dress Ansel up in all of his cute outfits and take pictures; we agreed he would love that, maybe even as much as the trip down the birth canal. But, sadly, the Boston weather doesn't call for clothes this week, so most of the pictures from the last couple days show off his manly physique.

Here they are, for Anna and all who haven't had enough yet--

That Ansel is so hot right now!

We've got him where we want him!

2008-06-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

This morning the hospital at last relinquished their hold on Ansel: Party time! Ben picked up a Zip car, the car seat was carefully installed, and we were off. It was high noon when AT emerged from the NICU with very little ceremony, looking fairly calm about the proceedings. Calm turned to "out of it" in the car, and he slept through the gasps at saucy Boston left-turners; couldn't they see we had a baby here?!

His day at home has been terrific; no cause for any neighbors to complain yet.... He did pretty good job eating, and Elissa is about ready to open a retail dairy business. Feeding time was a family affair, with Ben running the breast pump, and also taking a turn giving Ansel a bottle of breast milk. Ansel slept for 2.5 hours this afternoon, and is asleep again now; what will the night hold??

This might be the last of the daily posts; I'll leave you in suspense.

Here are the pictures of Ansel at home.

Special Post for Ansel Lovers

2008-06-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday night; Elissa, Ben, and I are back at the apartment; but we had to come home without Ansel Thomas. He ended up stuck in the newborn ICU, waiting for the results from some tests-- which all came back good, so we have high hopes for tomorrow. Really, I think the nurses just like him so much that they don't want to give him up; although he is a bit heavier than most of the babies they work with....

I've created another web album with pictures from Thursday- Friday- Saturday. Ansel got out of the newborn ICU on Friday morning; but we didn't get many pics that day, as we ended up spending most our day with Elissa, who was having some high blood pressure issues-- or, at least her doctor was having some issues with her blood pressure; she felt fine. Anyway, she is fine and was discharged today. In the meantime, Friday afternoon Ansel had what the doctor called a "dusky episode," meaning, as far as we can tell, he got upset (waiting for food) and held his breath until he turned slightly blue around the mouth-- classic childhood behavior, but if it happens at the hospital it warrants a return to the NICU, a battery of tests, and 24 hours of monitoring. No base shall go uncovered at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The nice thing about today was that since Elissa was released, she could spend pretty much the whole day with Ansel, and he could breastfeed regularly.

So, if you'd like to see numerous more shots of Ansel eating, sleeping, and breathing (he's also talented in processing his intake, but no one got any pictures of that)-- you've come to the right place. Click away!

The Cosgrove Family

2008-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

In talking with Grandma Joanne, I realized that I hadn't put any pics with Ben and Elissa and Ansel in my album yesterday; so here they are. (Oh, they named the baby Ansel Thomas Cosgrove; it will be official by tomorrow, I believe.)

Behold, a Grandson!

2008-06-25T19:16:00.001-07:00

After waiting an extra week past the baby's due date, we now can understand why Elissa was feeling as big as a whale; imagine trying to fit this fine specimen into your abdomen! Elissa's labor was slow and pretty miserable, but she was at last rewarded with a beautiful baby boy, yet to be named. He weighs-- as you can see-- 9 lbs 8oz, and is 21" long. Mother and baby are doing well, although baby is spending the night in newborn ICU getting glucose and antibiotics. Ben is doing well too, of course; except that we are all tired (perhaps Elissa most so; 2.5 hours of pushing after a couple days of labor has been known to tire). So this will be a short post, with a link to some pics of the amazing man-child!

Click here and be amazed.

(Assuming I did that right...)

2008-05-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

(My second attempt at this posting; seems I'm always learning new ways to trip over the invisible internet wires.)
As the official blogger for the Young Hansen family, I'm happy to offer the latest installment in the Adventures of Dalila Jeanne. These photos are from DJ's recent trip to the Turtle River Spa over Memorial Day weekend, at 3+ weeks old.

Click here for the fun!

(My first attempt ended with me bragging about how I re-learned how not to put the whole web-album address on the blog; but I'm humbler now....)

2008-05-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today the party moved to 1507 Eustis, where folks were waiting in line for a chance to cuddle Little Lila. Every move was exciting, as she was sleeping most of the time; but the highlight was when she peeked out through little slits and we saw the blues of her eyes!

Here's today's slide show:

http://picasaweb.google.com/brburk60/MoreDalila/photo#5196320255830868722

Before you jump to any conclusions about whether I was pinching her in the picture where I'm holding her: she was hungry.

2008-05-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of posting the first pictures of the latest addition to the Krugler/ Hansen/ Beseth line, Dalila Jeanne, born Thursday, May 1. She is 26 hours old here, and held by her Great Grandma Charlotte in the hospital room. There would be more pictures in this album, if my camera battery had not died.... Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/brburk60/DalilaJeanne

2008-04-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower for Lumpy

The weather was spring-like in MN for Elissa and Ben's weekend visit: two showers! (Get it?) Here are the pictures from the Burk-side gala for all to enjoy.

http://picasaweb.google.com/brburk60/LumpySBabyShower

2008-02-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

TWO DAYS IN A ROW

Just to blow Gram Barb's mind, and put off working on my taxes-- I've created yet another web album to share. Without even calling Elissa.

Having recently visited the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, I like to think that "Lefse 2007" is a study of the expression of cultural legacy in post-modern St. Anthony Park.

Enjoy! (ie Click Here)

Do you suppose I should tempt you with a preview, the way I've seen Lissa do? That would require remembering how to put pictures onto the blog....

Hm; well, I wanted it here at the bottom, but you do not want to know how long this has taken me already....

2008-02-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

No Promises, But We Must Have Hope

It has come to my attention that I have been somewhat neglectful of my blog-onality. At least, that's how some have chosen to interpret my failure to post in the 2007 calendar year. Well, there's bound to be a suitably wishy-washy explanation for this communication lapse, like a simple lack of material-- although not having anything significant to publish on one's blog is like saying you don't have any beans for your potato salad. Chew on that until I post again....

But, an exciting new development promises-- oops, there's that word-- make that suggests the possibility that I will easily be able to produce web albums and put links to them on my blog. I can now download pictures from my camera to my computer, thanks to the Wonders of Technology (and a lesson from Elissa).

So, to celebrate this possibility, I will attempt this technocratical feat:

Click here to see pictures of the Burk Family Christmas.

Now I have to publish this post, and then I can see whether the link works (I'm highly skeptical...) (More lessons may be necessary.)

2006-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a preview of the Burk Christmas picture. It may not look like much to you, but my expectations were very low, so I was very pleased. Tom would like you to notice the holy glow above him.

2006-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

Just to prove I haven't totally forgotten my sweet children in my Bubba-fervor....

2006-11-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Here is faithful Bubba, at Anna's feet.

Bubba loves to hug; anyone can see that from his expression.

Here is his patented "Can you explain that, please?" look.

Had enough Bubba yet? I didn't think so. Here's Halloween; oh, how he loved that dino-puggle experience.

2006-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

This is Bubba at 6 months. It was supposed to be a comparison to the other shot below; but the photographer, the dog, and fate were not aligned properly.

2006-11-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Here is Bubba at full height, about 3 months old.

2006-08-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Bubba

2006-08-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

What we've all been waiting for: picture postability! I guess the Administrator of my computer network has made some improvements, and I can now publish pictures. Here is a fine specimen, suitable for today: the Krugler grandchildren, oldest to youngest. Happy Anniversary to Gram Barb and Grandpa Bob!

2006-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Don't get excited; I'm just trying to see if I remember how this works. The site told me I had the wrong password; but will it still let me post??? A profound question.

2005-09-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

OK; it's time to take this blogging expedition to new heights. I'm going to insert a picture, or look like a fool neoattempting.

.....Hmmm; maybe I should try something easier first, like printing in color.

Let's assume that this attempt failed due to the capricious nature of free software.

2005-09-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Getting in on the Fun

Derek and Gram Barb have their blogs up and running; so, at the risk of behaving in a somewhat decisive manner, I feel compelled to consider actually making an entry. It occurs to me that my postings should always introduce a new word to the English language, to insure productive use of my (and any potential readers') time. To heighten anticipation and enjoyment, I'll embed The Word in the entry, leaving you to your own devices to recognize and define The Word.

It's probably Derek's challenge to Gram Barb (see "gbstuff.blogspot.com" 9/18 posting) that is bringing out the competarian in me. I'd like to think I can out-blog anyone in the family, once I climb the learning curve. And theoretically, I'll be moping around the house with plenty of time on my hands now that Derek, Baby of the Family, departed to the ivy-covered halls of higher learning. Except, this is garbage night; Derek took the garbage out, whenever he remembered.... I'm not going to cry; I'm just going to wallow in household garbage.