More Below Zero

Neta and I are enjoying our time in Sweden here. I sometimes might complain about this and that. But, in the end, Neta and I are really fortunate. We have friends, neighbors, and family here and in the U.S. who care about us and whom we care for. Whatever little problems we have are just that "little" in the whole scheme of things.

The New Year has started great. My job with our neighbors has started out fantastic. Working together and solving problems. Our son Fredrik in Southern California has just bought his first house. One of our grandchildren has one more year in college, two of our grandchildren have just started college, one has one more year in high school, one will be starting 1st grade in the fall, and one is in pre school. Our daughter in Hollister and our other son in Seattle are doing great. It is truly amazing, Life that is. It reminds me of that detective television show "The Naked City". There are 8 million different stories in the city. I read the newspapers from the Oakhurst and Mariposa area where we lived and worked for many years. There are friends and customers who are no longer with us, there are customers children who are now grown, like Hilary who is now married and expecting a baby. It is truly amazing. All of us are writing history. I sometimes get philosophical and emotional.

I wonder about Brian Lunquist, who used to work for us. He is a great kid and a joy to be around. He became a Sheriff in Mariposa county and I heard he just recently got married. I also wonder about Brian Bates (Little Brian). He would come in with his mother at age 4 or 5 to buy chicken food and dog food. He was a little man, by that I mean he was mature for his age. Later he sold eggs at a stand by his gate at his home. And he even worked for us at the feed store for a time. I think he wanted to make a career in the Military when we left. I wonder how he is doing. I hope he is safe.