'WE THREE, WE'RE NOT ALONE'...THEY'RE ALL OVER 80, AND ENJOYING LIFE!

The poem I wrote for this 'trinity' is on the side-bar. All three were born in January; the 10th, and 24th....darling aren't they.

Such a bond they have - I wish this photo were larger.....

Marian/Mary-Isabel/Marie - Those 3....

OH HOW THEY DANCED! WHEN THE GOING GOT TOUGH, THE TOUGH WENT DANCING!

Mom and Dad - Vern & Breezy; they coped with the many difficulties, and when all was 'under control', they celebrated by going dancing - spinning around the dance-floor; laughing, and when they got home, they tossed their shoes, and danced again!

NO E-MAILS; NO COMPUTERS - POSTMAN DELIVERED THESE LETTERS.

In just a few days, it will mark the 67th anniversary of my Grandma Wilma's passing. Letters like this flowed into Grandpa's home; the mail-man was kept busy - we owe much to the mail service, as I can better see now.

Such kindness; such fluid writing - penmanship was well-taught years ago.

IN BREEZY'S OWN WORDS - SHE'S 83 NOW; A NOTE WITH A PICTURE - SENT 4/1/08

GRANDMA WILMA HOLDS 'BREEZY' - THE BLOND; 'SHORTY' - DARK-HAIRED, AND RICHARD IS BESIDE THEM...

One of my cherished pictures - taken about 1929. Such a beautiful mom - how she loved her children...don't we all.

WITHOUT THIS, THERE'D BE NO 'BREEZY'....

The Marriage License # is 17150 - filed in 1917. Mr. Reese R. Van Vranken and Miss Wilma Estella Rice - Reese is 22; Wilma is 23.

Reese was born in Alamo, Michigan - occupation is farming. Wilma was born in Galesburg; occupation is school teacher.

They were married on October 11, 1917 - witnessed by Reese's sister (Isabel - she lived to be 107 years old); and by Wilma's brother, Ward R. Rice. Reverend C. S. Rislely, Minister performed the ceremony.

One child was born about 3 years after they were married; died at birth. Richard Rice Van Vranken was born in 1923 - November 26; the same month and day that I was born - and my grandson was born in 1991.

OH HOW THEY DANCED....

When mom and dad weren't dancing, it was because my dad was playing his trumpet in the dance-band! Dad played the sweetest trumpet - so like Chris Botti (well-known as of the late 1990's).

Dad played with Larry Rolfe's band - I can't remember their name because dad called them "The Nine Nasty Nose-pickers". I guess Larry and his brother, Stanley would 'pick' their noses - something that really bugged my father. We were given countless lectures as to why one does not pick their nose......

Mom and dad enjoyed dancing at the VFW - they'd have square dances; round dances - what a great time we had when we grew up, and joined them for a few of these great Saturday nights!

I think the only one that has taken to the 'love of dance' with the same gusto, is my sister Nancy - she's the 'next' generation - but the only one who loves to head out each week to find a place to whirl around on that dance-floor (the rest of us chose instruments, and all of us play the piano or guitar).

My brother still entertains people each week - he's as good as Eric Clapton; even has started to 'age' like Clapton .. feature for feature, they look like brothers.

I'm guessing when mom joins dad in heaven, they'll start twirling around together again.

OUR FULTON FARM - DAD & BREEZY - HOW THEY MADE THAT 80 ACRES PRODUCE WITH BOUNTIFUL CROPS!

This is the oldest home in Wakeshma Township - the single story is the first log cabin; re-sided to match the two-story addition that was needed because it's pretty hard to live in about 500 square feet of cabin space, and raise a family.

This drive; 1000 feet of 'walking path' - was what all of us kids walked up each day to the school-bus (and another 1/4 mile down the road to reach the bus pick-up station). Each night after riding over an hour on the bus, we were 'let off', to walk it again - kept our legs strong; our faces rosey from the cold winter winds.

The colors of these photos are peaceful - they remind me of what a farmer once contributed to not only his family, but to this country - the USA. I miss those individual farms; possibly the farmer has an easier way of life now, but I guess I'm still 'wish-ful' thinking that the joy of feeding yourself and sharing the produce with the rest of your neighbors, must have given each farmer and his wife, a great deal of pride.

I love this farm; Breezy says she does too - she tells me of her many happy memories on the farm.

BREEZY'S MOM'S DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT - THE TOUGHEST THING - LOSING A MOM AT AGE 16

When I have more time, I'll type the announcement at the bottom of this blog - as you can see, it was a long obiturary because Grandma Wilma was loved so much, and did so much in her short life of 47 years.

I'm sure my mother will have a similar write-up at the time she leaves this earth; her mom would have been very proud of all that Breezy has done for others in her life of 83 years...still going strong too - cancer might just as well leave mom alone - it's never going to get her.

CORN FROM OUR FULTON FARM - AND THE OLD HOUSE NUMBERS ON THE FENCE-POST

Breezy and Vern moved to Fulton, Michigan in 1952 - the oldest house in Wakeshma Township. The old house was built in 2 parts; the original log cabin was sided - the 'wing' added many years later.

It was known as the Albert Rham farm; prior to that, Dr. Harold Stryker (founder of the Stryker bed) spent his youth on this same farm.

For 25 years, mother and dad made these 80 acres 'produce' - dad installed an old furnace that was in 'many parts' - all had to be reassembled to warm our home.

Mom and dad never had a hot water heater; dad made a 'system' of heating water during the winter, from the heat of the furnace - we were very poor many of those 25 years (I left 8 years after I moved there to be married).

The old home was falling down; wild 'critters' were living in a good part of the structure - mother and dad rebuilt it 100% from old wood they salvaged from older buildings on the farm. Mom was pregnant for my brother; she worked terrific hours, and how she would 'hurt' at the end of the day - her legs swollen; her back aching.

They built this home with love; determination, and little financial resource. This is the house that forever reminds me of what a person can do with will-power and dedication; it is 'my monument'. I will find another picture - the path - the driveway that was 1/5 of a mile long; the winters that dad plowed it to keep it open; the times we tromped through the snows as we walked from the school-bus..........

THE FARM WHERE I LIVED MY FIRST 9 YEARS - THE BURNED BARN WAS REPLACED WITH THIS BARN.

This was one of 3 farms, Grandpa Reese Van Vranken owned - all about 2 or 3 miles from each other.

Mom kept beautiful gardens; 'Breezy' worked long hours to keep the flowers and vegetable gardens beautiful. We had some grapes that grew up the side of a huge old tree next to the vegetable garden.

My dad worked with grandpa for 9 years; they farmed nearly 1,000 acres of land - raised about 350 head of cattle a year - chickens; rabbits, sheep - a few dogs and cats - we were quite a family!

"Breezy" and pop rarely had time off - when they did, they'd head to Florida to visit Great Grandma Grace and Great Grandpa Charles - how we loved those trips way back then!

Here is where I enjoyed my pet rabbits; my dogs (Spot, Happy, and Stubby) - dad would take Spot hunting for Pheasant...each Thanksgiving, we'd have this 'dish' for part of our meal - it certainly was tasty.

Asparagus grew wild on the fence-rows; we ate it 'cheaply' - not expensive like it is in 2008.

Wild black-berries grew for our delight. Mom cultivated Black Raspberries and Red Raspberries as well as Strawberries. We ate well; we had no idea just how well - and mother preserved all of it at the end of the growing season - buying groceries was pretty simple since we raised our own chickens; beef, and pigs to round out our store-house of foods for the winter.

THE MAJOR TRAGEDY IN BREEZY'S LIFE - HER MOM DIED WHEN MOTHER WAS 16 YEARS OLD.

Many letters of condolence like this were received by my grandfather after my Grandmother Wilma died at the age of 47. Grandma Wilma was a gentle soul; a gifted pianist - fortunately for me not only have I been given that same gift - but others in our family.

My own grand-daughter now plays with a beautiful touch - we've all been blessed with Grandma Wilma's love of the piano and music!

OH HOW THEY DANCED - NOT JUST ON THE NIGHT THEY WERE WED....

They were a beautiful couple on the dance-floor. They went dancing shortly after the night they met.

The huge barn fire that took Breezy's father's barn on one of his farms just outside of Climax, Michigan brought many of the resident's to the blaze to see this fire!

Mother was hanging off one of the fences; watching the fire - tears streaming down her face, and my father came over to comfort her. Sparks flew in more than one way - the barn burned, and so did their love - all the years they were married before dad died in May of 1993.

One of their favorite dance-halls was Ramona Park - the area by Long Lake is still a busy place with boaters and picnickers even though the original dance-hall has been torn down. My mother currently lives across that very lake - she can see the place where she and dad danced over 65 years ago.

This picture will keep re-appearing about every 5th post so we keep them 'dancing' to the music as they always loved to do.

BREEZY, HER SISTER 'SHORTY' - AND UNCLE DICK

The top picture is of Breezy; her twin sister (Shorty), and Richard - of course they're flanked by their Grandpa Charles who just loved them all so much.

As you can see in the bottom 2 photos, they are a darling three-some, and these photos were taken at the Van Vranken farm around 1935 - cuties indeed!

AN ASTONISHING WOMAN - GREAT GRANDMOTHER GRACE - '3-G'S' OF GOODNESS!

We just might use this again - and I'll type the actual words she wrote. Great Grandmother wrote this at age 92.5 years. Great Grandmother was going blind; she would 'space' each line by using her finger to write one line ABOVE her finger - the next line, BELOW her finger so no one would realize her eye-sight was fading fast.

In 1906 when she took 2 hired hands and a flat-bed wagon and headed from Climax, Michigan to Orlando, Florida, it took her a bit over 4 months to complete the journey.

Great Grandmother bought orange groves; 2 homes, and started a 'bed and breakfast' because she felt strongly with the advent of the automobile, the people of the north would head to Florida for their winter holidays - and they did.

Of course this was Breezy's grandmother - as mom tells me more about her memories of both Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather, we will add them here.

I've saved all the letters my great grandmother wrote me - her words have filled me with delight as well as encouragement to 'follow' in her foot-steps; to 'go forward' - to move to where your heart takes you, and to extract as much from your journey as well as reaching your goal.

As in all her letters after each child was born, great grandmother closes with: "Kiss the babies for me"....and of course, I always did.

REESE RILEY VAN VRANKEN - BREEZY'S FATHER - THE GREATEST MAN I'VE EVER KNOWN. DIANE

It's hard for me to make this entry because I miss my grandfather more than anything - my memories of him are so many, I could probably build a 'blog' just of those.

As a young man, he listed himself as 'farmer' when he married my Grandma Wilma. The farm they lived on all their lives, was a wedding gift from my Great Grandmother Grace and Great Grandfather Charles Van Vranken. For years the hard work paid off - it was a well-known farm on a state and national level.

As Breezy remembers: "My grandfather Charles would hoe in the garden; he'd pick the string beans - he'd walk the fields in admiration of the crops my dad would bring in each year". "Grandmother Grace would bake in the kitchen helping mom because mother had such a weak heart."

Great Grandpa stood 6'6" tall - his son was about 6'4" - as a child, both loomed over me like tall trees - loving trees with great patience.

This photo was taken so it could be used to publish the announcement of my grandfather winning the Swiftening Company's Centennial award to him as the "Most Outstanding Beef-Breeder in the United States" award. Not only was grandpa active in the cattle industry, but he worked with Ezra Taft Benson (Secretary of Agriculture) on a number of projects for this nation - as it served all farmers.

Grandpa was head of the National Cattlemen's Association for a number of years; head of the Michigan State chapter as well. Grandpa was President of the Republican Party in his county; headed up the Draft Board in WWII - involved with a number of the clubs and groups that served the local community and county so well.

Grandpa was a generous man - he worked in his community to give a hand to the less fortunate, and made certain his hired hands were housed in comfortable homes; given good wages, and was loved by all that knew him.

'WHOOPS' - A BIT COCK-EYED...ANYWAY, BREEZY'S HOME - BUILT IN 1861.

The top picture that's crooked, is of Breezy's home as it looked around 1937. The wind-mill was the source of their electricity (rare to have one that didn't just pump water).

The bottom picture was taken by me in 2003; in 2008, the home was burned since the farm and land were sold for a land-fill some years prior to 2003.

My daughter salvaged those shutters - repainted them; now they hang on her home in Ohio.

This farm was prosperous; it was one of the largest beef-producing farms in the state. Breezy-Marie and her twin sister took grand-champion honors at the state fair; their brother also garnered this honor more than once. When they weren't picking up the top ribbon; they came in second each time as reserve-champions with their Hereford calves.

My memories are many of this place - we'll reuse this picture again as we build this 'blog'...the landmark looks barren now that the home has been destroyed, but at least it 'lives here' - and in all of our memories.

BREEZY'S HUSBAND, VERNON - AS A YOUNG BOY; HIS HOME & SISTERS.

Betty; Donna-Jean, & Vernon - photos taken about 1937. The town is Climax, Michigan - at the bottom of this page there's a link to a bit of the tiny village's history.

This house was owned by Daniel Eldred; it is a historical land-mark. I took this photo in October of 1996 - the house looks very much as it did when it was built; it was owned by a total of 3 families at the time this picture was taken.

The enclosed front porch held a huge variety of African Violets that Grandma Anna (mom to the 3 children) raised and kept so beautiful. Her beauty-shop was at the far end of the house from the porch - she worked in it many many years keeping all the ladies of the town looking lovely.

This was a large farm; 2 acres were devoted entirely to strawberries. Grandma Anna would get up at 3:00 a.m. - work hours in the garden before she took her shower, and headed to the shop to do women's hair. People came from all over to buy her berries - she was generous with the price, and the quality was superior.

Her flower gardens brought people to a virtual halt as they passed by the house and gardens - today, there is little left of all her years of hard work. As with all the Rambow family, when their hard-work and eye for making a home unique and lovely passed after they did, few have come next to keep up with what it takes to cause passers-by to 'stop' and gaze with appreciation.

My cousin has taken beautiful care of Aunt Donna-Jean's home; it thrives - her mom would be very happy to know that her daughter has carried on the tradition.

This entry has taken on more of a 'factual' tone, rather than being 'conversational' - maybe we can use this photo again to create a 'memory' that gives a bit more life to this picture because there are so many in my head, at least.

OH HOW THEY DANCED! IN FACT, THEY WENT DANCING THE NIGHT BEFORE I WAS BORN!

Aunt Betty; Uncle Maynard - Mom, Dad, and 'me' (inside mom), dancing on November 25 - and what a snow storm mom says it was.

They were coming home from the dance; Uncle Maynard had to apply the
brakes, and they slid hard! Mom slipped toward the floor - guess what, the
next day her labor pains started...I ruined her Thanksgiving dinner, but I think
dad did bring her dessert after I popped into the world on 4:40 p.m.

I saw my picture - tons of black hair all over my head; after seeing
these pictures, I guess you can see where I got all that hair! I think my
parents are so handsome together - always were.

We're digging for more photos, but they
didn't have too many taken because it was a lot harder to develop film and what
they did have, were ruined (most of them) some years
ago.

We'll just do the best we
can.............

Diane

'SEE, BRITT - TOLD YOU IF YOU POSTED FIRST, I'D BE 'ON TOP'......'GOTCHA'!!!

Boy, I was glad to find this bunch of pictures of me when I was only one month old! Geez, look at all those crazy hats Grandma Diane put on me - we don't even live where we have snow, and it's hardly ever cold!

I'm driving a car too - growing up tall, and still remembering your
great visit when you came to see us.

I also had a fun time at the reunion in Michigan, and I'm awfully glad you're feeling good again!

We sure miss Cincy, but I think maybe Jessi (you remember our parrot)
might say a few words - parrots live a very long time; just like
humans!

Got to head outside - it's a beautiful day.

I love you too, grandma - everyone does!

Justin.

HI GRANDMA BREEZY! REMEMBER THIS PHOTO OF ME & CINCY WHEN SHE WAS A KITTEN?

I'm driving a car now; working for mom - doing
super! I've grown up a lot taller than I was in this photo - goodness, I think I was only about 5 or 6 in this picture! See how cute
Cincy was as a kitten - you only got to see her all grown up.

Well, since I've got to leave room for others,
I won't take up too much space.

Love you.
Brittany!

A MOM-LETTER DATED JANUARY 19, 2008 (portions)

Dear Daughter: I've been cleaning up all the cancer stuff today. All the insurance that people paid for me.

I am glad I have paid into Blue Cross so many years; it does pay to keep insurance. I can't thank you enough for the information you sent; the money, and all the phone calls - you'll never know how much it has meant to me.

This paper I'm writing on is some you sent me in the year of 1977 when we first moved here. I left all my Iris at the farm as this is a poor place to grow them. They love lots of sun.

The farm was such a special place to me with lots and lots of beautiful memories.

I don't know what I would have done without you kids - I have so many pretty things you have sent me, and I'd have never had them without you because my money has had to go for other things.

I worry about all of you kids with your health - at least you're all paying attention to it and that's good.

All of you kids have helped me so much with this cancer thing, and I'm so grateful to all of you for everything you've done to help.

Love, Mom

A 'MOM-LETTER' DATED 3/28/08

Dear Daughter:

Enjoyed the ABC's - they were done so nice.

We had to practice that every week in the country school.

Got the calendar and the sweet poem; too bad you didn't try to do something with your poems, but I know it takes money for this - too many people don't have that kind of money.

Woke up with snow on everything! The sun came out to make it beautiful! Love my little night-light; it is so pretty at night in the dining area.

Can't wait until it gets warm enough so I can work outside. Got to go in town to get some more bird food; this has been such a hard winter and spring - very hard for the 'little ones'.

Hope we have a nice summer; need to do some canning - things are getting so high-priced here. I want to put in a small garden - must close now, and get to work.

Love, Mom

"OH, HOW THEY DANCED...."

We'll be bringing this photo back up after every 5 entries or so - we need to keep them with the beautiful flowers; the music, and remember how they danced!

'BREEZY', DIANE, AND HANDSOME DAD, VERN!

Hey, a picture is worth 1,000 words - here's "Breezy"; a proud mama - and a dad all of us loved!

JUST A 'SHOUT DOWN' FROM HEAVEN, GRANDMA MARIE!

As you know Grandma, I joined the 'heavenly ranks' a year or so ago. I remember when you used to cuddle me; it was a great life I had with Kevin!

I've been running around with Lady (your dog), since
she also joined Grandpa Vernon about the same time I did - we have great times
together.

I've bumped into Spot - your dog
on the old Climax farm; he's a 'hoot'.

I located Stubby; Diane's dog - Happy - your
dog, and the one Diane had (they get me confused because they both have the
same names).

Let's see, Duke and Baron - well they are 'big
ones' - and loving it up here!

Laddie filled me in on all the things that happened right after you moved to that farm in Fulton you loved so much.

In fact, Laddie even remembers following your tiny son around the yard; the one that plays that great guitar...

Oh yes, I got in touch with your friend, Mike - he's
doing great (misses Jack).
Grandpa Vernon is great; never got to meet him
because he left this world before I did - but, he somehow recognized me, so we've become buddies too.
I've been such a gad-about; found your mom and
dad; your grandparents, and your brother, Richard. Richard & Phyllis are so happy to be with David and Susan - it's just one big happy family where I am right now.

I could tell you a lot more, but I don't want to take up too much space. I sure love that music you've got playing - Kevin used to play lots of great music.

Then when I moved to be with Tom, Sandy, and the rest of their family, I heard even more good music.

So, you gotta know I'm really digging this web-page because it makes me remember what a great life I had with all of the family down 'on earth'.
...Anyway, wanted to say
hello;
signing off for now.

Love, "Cincy".....

MOM, HER TWIN SISTER - AND THEIR HANDSOME BROTHER, RICHARD!

I'll 'kick-off' this 'blog', with a couple entries; it seems this is the first photo' that I can share, so you can see mother; her sister (who is still alive and also a wonderful woman - nick-named 'Shorty').

Uncle Dick (as I called him), and I shared the same 11/26 birthday - this man was just the happiest and most generous person; a productive life, but we lost him about 10 years ago.

They grew up on a large beef-breeding farm outside of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

My grandfather's farm (their dad) was known for breeding the finest of Hereford cattle; sheep - horses, and exceptional crops.

Grandpa was very active in the National Cattlemen's Association and spent many weeks traveling about under the guidance of Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson back in the 1950's.

Great Grandmother Grace, and Great Grandfather Charles bought the farm and lovely home that was built about 1861 outside of Galesburg, Michigan.

The farm and home were kept lovely for so many years - not until around 1997 (over 100 years later), was the farm sold; just this past year it was decided to burn the home after the land had been sold some years ago for a land-fill site.

Mother was diligent (even while recovering from cancer) in over-seeing the distribution of a few remaining items that she could salvage from the home-stead.

Mom wanted to be sure some of the family had a few things that would remain as a fond reminder of the home that meant so much to her.

From shutters that went to my daughter's home; a kerosene lamp that
shone brightly in my grandpa's kitchen (and now glows in my daughter's kitchen), whatever could be taken before the destruction of the home, was carried out.

Nothing was seen as 'not good enough' - nothing was 'too humble'; everything had meaning, and has meaning as we now cherish those few things in our homes today.

I'll wait until others have added some of their thoughts, before I get 'too wordy' - it's just I'm excited that we can make this a loving project so it will ever remain and be kept current, by those that survive all of us.

So, here's my first contribution - it won't be my last.

Diane