Grandma’s Manger Scene
I have a manger scene that has been in my family for about 70 years. The old figures are beautiful but many of them are showing wear and have been damaged. Both the shepherd and the angel are missing their legs. Years ago grandma fastened cardboard to the bottom of each so they won't fall over. One of the sheep has been glued back together. The other has uneven feet and must lean against the shepherd to stay upright. And the donkey, he's a mystery. I think his tail has been pulled and he looks sort of chewed on. I'm sure if I took this bunch of characters to The Antiques Road Show they would be declared of little value because of their flaws. But to me, these little figures are priceless. They perfectly depict who Christ came to save.
The Christmas story comes alive when we feel it. I felt God's love and acceptance through grandma. How she treated these little figures is the way she treated me. In spite of my shortcomings she loved me dearly and never would have banished me from "the scene." She always set a place for me at her beautiful table and put a gift for me under her tree. How simply and powerfully she showed the love of God.
On the Carlson side of the family we also have many fond memories of Christmas past. Grandma Carlson was always known for her nicknacks, picture albums, and Christmas goodies. Kirk has a special memory that incorporated all of those remembrances, plus a special gift that he was able to give to Grandma.
Our final convention trip for 2007 was to Dallas just before Thanksgiving. This gave us the opportunity to stop by Chattanooga to visit Kristy and Brian. We were able to celebrate Kristy's significant birthday (we won't mention the numbers) a little early. Diets were set aside for the evening and we tested a new Chattanooga restaurant called Food Works. It was great, and we highly recommend the food and atmosphere. 
We've had two rare opportunities in the last month to spend time with family. On October 2nd we had the privilege to visit Rockford, Illinois a have a few hours with Cheryl and Dwight, plus Kari & Ted Tackeberry and their kids. It was a short visit, but we did have a great time.
Then last Friday Connie and I were able to see Gail and the Mincy
For two days we enjoyed the beautiful Amish Country in east-central Ohio, and about an hour south of Cleveland. We camped at the spacious Scenic Hills RV Park in Berlin, among the big rig expensive motorhomes and 5th Wheels. Our site was on the crest of the hill looking out over the valley, and with a great view of the lush hills.
picturesque restaurants that frequently dot the landscape of the area. Eating is a big-time sport in Amish country!
We visited Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron (a hardware version of South Dakota’s famed Wall Drug) and Connie combed the many interesting shops in Berlin, Walnut Creek and a few other tiny hamlets along the road. Of course, the fascinating experience in Amish Country is to see the horse-drawn carriages that are used exclusively for family transportation.
We took several snap shots of the buggies as we drove around the area. It is especially charming to see “hitching posts” with horses tied to them in the same parking lots that contain SUV’s and Mini-Vans.
Friday, October 5th, we ventured into Chicago for a trip down memory lane. Our first stop was the “new” Marquette Manor Church property to take a picture. I knew that Pastor Canedy and staff had already left for a men’s retreat at Camp Joy, so we didn’t stop for long. It is hard to believe that the present location of Marquette has become a neighborhood that now looks like the suburban areas of Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn from our days of the 50’s and 60’s.
Immediately upon entering the building, we were greeted by a smiling diminutive lady in jeans and a white “Hurley” T-shirt. She merrily greeted us and told us that she observed us taking a picture outside. When I identified myself as a Hurley alumnus, we were directed to the school office and soon were introduced to the principal – a dignified and professional Hispanic woman. I asked if I could tour the building and was told that “Miss Amy” could take us around the building, but that I could not take pictures of any students.
From there we went to see our two Carlson family houses where we lived in the neighborhood. 3735 W. 68th Pl. looked great and 3411 W. 71st Pl. looked tough. In fact, the entire 68th Pl. neighborhood looked pretty good, and the relatively “newer” 71st Pl. area was starting to look seedy. We also stopped in at the park board facility in Marquette Park at 67th and Kedize. We went there to use the restrooms, but found it to be another nostalgic visit to the dim past. I don’t remember hanging out much at that building, but it did bring back memories of a different day. 
But then we had the highlight of my trip – we visited Lindblom, my high school alma mater. That was an experience! Once again we found a police officer inside the front door, but he was friendly, helpful and directed us to the office. 
In the 90’s and early years of the new century, Lindblom struggled with many negative issues. The school was moved temporarily until the building renovations were complete, but when it was reopened in 2005 the academic program was completely changed and the school started over with only 100 ninth graders.
September 29th was an exciting day as we experienced a Wisconsin Badger football game with Chad, Jen, and Kirk. We had arrived in Madison late the night before after navigating the Chicago area traffic on the Tri-State Tollway through the Friday evening commute. Saturday morning we loaded our bikes on the truck and set out for Chad and Jen’s house. 
Early in August we took a quick weekend trip to our favorite area in North Carolina -- The Outer Banks. One of the days we took the free ferry over to Ocracoke Island to ride our bikes. Here are some shots from that trip. Note the beach highway "snow" (sand) banks. Out on the OBX they have to plow sand -- not much snow!
