Grandma Emma's Days

Today I will tell more of Grandma Emma's special story. It has been seven years since her passing. Can't quite believe that, but the years have gone. I am Emma's oldest grandchild, the first of many. Twelve of us , and many more great grandchildren. She gave a piece of her life to all of us. Even one who is named after her. Grandma was a remarkable woman. A woman of history. She lived in a time when life was sometimes hard and cruel. Yet, she lived till ninety eight years of age. Her journey began in Norway, born into a family of six children. Leaving there as a young adult and immigrating to the United States. It was not an easy decision, but she and our grandfather, made a life in the new world, just as so many did before them. Learning a new language and living in a new unfamiliar place was challenging. But she made the best of life wherever she was. She cooked, cleaned, grew a garden, sewed, tended her children and even milked cows on the farm in Mukilteo. She was a survivor. Her attitude is what saved her so many times. She was my Grandmother and also my mentor. When I had a problem large or small, she usually had the answer. I'm glad that I spent time with her over the years, she made a difference in my life. I miss her and will never forget the sound of her voice and her saying " Uff Da"(smile) She was a teacher, but did not know it.... She always enjoyed the simple things that life had to offer... a beautiful sunset on her last day.....Sandra

mukilteo garden

This was a huge surprise! On our grandparents property where the barn was there is now a "garden patch" where volunteers raise produce for the local food bank in Mukilteo. They now have several sponsors, church groups and a host of volunteers tending raised garden patches. The past year they gave over 1100 pounds of mostly vegetables to charity. The mukilteo "Beacon" reports on their status often as do other news agencies. I was amazed to see the photos of their accomplishments and how they have transformed the old"cemetary"into a very nice garden area. You can view the photos at www.mukilteogarden.org, nice website also. One never knows what the past had and what the future will bring...from raising cows and fruit trees, to once again feeding people. Interesting wouldn't you say? Maybe a simpler way of life is better...