March Madness & The Carlson Crowd

For the second year in a row The Carlson Crowd has conducted a highly regarded contest during the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In 2007 Kirk won the first ever “Bragging Rights Traveling Trophy” award for picking the most correct victories among the 65 team NCAA tourney.

This year it was Mom Carlson who won the title. The winner of the annual contest wins the right to possess the “Bragging Rights Traveling Trophy” plaque for the year. This week the coveted plaque arrived via UPS from Kirk. Connie has proudly displayed the plaque in the family room for the year.

For the contest this year we used the Yahoo! Fantasy Sports Tournament Pick'em online format. This is a free online contest format that is completely automatic. All the scoring is done automatically after the actual teams in the tournament play each game. Each family member is able to log on to the contest web page to check his or her progress and post comments. It is a fun event for us every year and we look forward to the Carlson Crowd March Madness contest with eager anticipation.

This report was filed by The Commish!

Carlson Family RVing History

Last weekend we picked up our new 5th Wheel trailer. It was an interesting experience! The trailer is beautiful, comfortable and amazingly hi-tech with lots of cutting edge features. Still, camping is camping and we had a typical adventure over the three days of learning the ropes on the Keystone Laredo 265RL.

The day we did our orientation was like a beautiful summer day – although it was still March. We stayed in the campground at the RV dealership for several days to test everything out, and the day we left was a mini-nightmare. It was cold, rainy and we had a dozy of a time hooking up to leave. From that we both caught colds that resulted in laryngitis later in the week. Such is the camping lifestyle. Not always perfect, pretty, or universally enjoyable. But still, we love it!

All of this brought me back to our Carlson family history with trailering down through the years. Our first experience was when we borrowed Roy and Bev Hodge’s tent trailer in the summer of 1969. Kristy was just two, and we took her to Chattanooga and the Smokey Mountains for her first visit. I remember a cold, rainy and leaky night in the Smokies.

Then in 1972 we bought a Bethany Teepee trailer that we took to the Black Hills, Wyoming and Colorado. Again there were memorable experiences of cold nights in the Rocky Mountains and Kirk’s resulting trip to the hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In a few years we moved up to a fixed wall 16 ft. Shasta travel trailer that we dragged all the way to California. Later we acquired a 19 ft. Corsair that had our first bathroom and shower.

From 1978 to 2002 we were out of trailering, except for onetime in the 80’s when we rented a large pop-up camper that we took to Michigan and Indiana. Here are some pictures that remember our “traveling trailers” over the years.

Kristy & Brian's Trip to Wisconsin

Kristy & Brian made it to Wisconsin for their weekend visit to Maranatha. They had quite a time on Thursday night because of bad weather in the Cincinnati area. Their departure from Chattanooga was delayed and that caused them to miss their connecting flight in Cincinnati for Milwaukee that night. When they finally got to Cincinnati they had a difficult time getting a place to sleep, and, of course, their baggage was not available to them for the night. So, when they arrived in Watertown on Friday morning they were glad to go to the Jackson's house for a quick change before going to campus.

The rest of their day on Friday was a whirlwind of meetings, greetings and eatings. It's sounds like it was a very profitable time. They will appreciate your prayers for them in the days to come. There are decisions to be made by both the College and Brian.

On Saturday they were able to spend the whole afternoon with Kirk, Chad and Jen. Through the wonder of the internet they were able to send some pictures for all of us to enjoy below.

While the kids were playing and partying (well, eating), Connie and I were working. Connie has decided to strip the wallpaper in our Master bathroom in preparation for a new paint job. Then she also intends on redoing our bedroom -- in time, but I think that will be sooner than later. During all of this activity, I had the joyous privilege assembling our annual tax information for Corey Pfaffe, our faithful and favorite tax preparer.


Five for lunch -- Mediterranean we're told

The guys hanging out at Chad & Jen's place

Look at Brian -- no coat! A real northerner

Jen & Kristy enjoying the time together

Connie is at work tearing things up!

Gerry trying to keep us afloat -- kind of...

New Truck and Trailer

Today we bought a new (to us) 2003 Ford 3/4 ton truck and ordered a brand new 2008 5th wheel trailer. We went to the Raleigh RV Show on Feb. 9th to learn more about the kind of trailer we wanted to acquire. This shopping excursion had been planned since our extended RV trip last fall when we realized we needed a bigger rig.

To our pleasant surprise we found a new 5th wheel trailer that exceeded our expectations. Bill Plemmons RV World had an unbelievable offer for the "show only" and that sealed the deal for us. So, today we ordered a Keystone Laredo 265RL, just as was displayed at the show. Then when we got to the dealership to sign the papers we found that they had this beautiful Ford diesel 250 Super Duty truck that will be more than adequate to pull the 5th wheel. The truck has only 18,000 miles on it and is completely set up to pull the trailer.

Here are some pictures of the truck and trailer.

The 30 Days of Christmas

This year our Christmas celebration stretched to the ultimate – a whole month! It all began on Dec. 11th with our annual Positive Action company party, and it didn’t end until Jan. 12th in Madison, Wisconsin, having lunch with Kirk just before we left to return to North Carolina. In between were joy-filled occasions, plus some painful experiences for Kirk, but altogether it was a wonderful example of God’s sovereign leading and control.

After our company Christmas party we had the usual flurry of Christmas activity with a church concert, class activities and decorations. Then Kirk arrived on Christmas Eve (see Kirk’s Ordeal below) and things began in earnest. First, we had Christmas alone with Kirk. Chad and Jen were heading for a three-week vacation trip to Argentina on Christmas day, and Kristy and Brian were scheduled to spend Christmas with the Walker clan this year. We had a blast with Kirk, even though he was dependent on pain pills for comfort.

Next, was a fun gathering of the Fosmark/Mincy/Walker/ Carlson crowd on Dec. 29th in Rocky Mount and at our Positive Action facility. This was a wonderful time! We played the famous Wii video game and saw family and ministry videos on the giant screen at the PAFC media room. Everyone enjoyed the Pizza and goodies.

Then it was Christmas all over again with Kristy, Brian and Kirk. We had a great time celebrating and hanging out. Of course, after the festivities we got serious about Kirk’s Ordeal and the resulting trip to Wisconsin. Our trip up north also allowed a quick run to the Twin Cities for a delightful evening with Judy and Wes Brask and Greg and Becky Cutlan. We even squeezed in a day at Maranatha visiting old friends. When we arrived back in North Carolina on the 13th we were ready to put Christmas 2008 finally to rest. Wonderful memories!

Lots of good food!! Oh, oh -- diets coming!

Chad and Jen in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here's the fun (goofy?) crowd doing their thing

Cousins and spouses doing Pizza -- with Skye

Kirk hangin out with Wes & Wil Mincy

We are thankful for the special time together

Wonderful fellowship -- Front: Wes Brask, GBC, Greg Cutlan
Back: Judy Brask, Connie and Becky Cutlan

Kirk's Ordeal

Early in the morning on December 20th our phone rang and Kirk was on the line telling us he was in the Emergency Room at the UW Hospital in Madison. He informed us that he had been up all night with pain and finally drove himself to the ER. Little did we realize that wake-up call would lead us on a three-week odyssey that included a painful period for Kirk and an unplanned journey for us.

Kirk had been struggling with a painful condition since October. On December 20th he learned from a CAT Scan that it was a rather large kidney stone that was giving him the problem. But, because it was just before Christmas he was told he could not see a urologist, and that he should just drink fluids, and hope that he passes the stone – and that he could travel to North Carolina.

So, two days later Kirk started out on his trek to our house to spend Christmas, plus a week of vacation. Before he arrived we appraised our good friend, and family doctor, Ron Hughes about Kirk’s condition. Kirk had volunteered for a year in Dr. Hughes’ office, and therefore they were well acquainted. On the day after Christmas we got Kirk in to Dr. Hughes and through that visit obtained an appointment the next day at the Urology Clinic of Rocky Mount.

Dr. Frobose, the urologist, wanted to do a surgical removal procedure the very next day, but insurance bureaucracy back in Wisconsin slowed down the process. Once again, the holiday season limited Kirk’s access to swift medical treatment. But surgery was performed the next Thursday, Jan. 3rd, and we were told that he should be able to return to activity within a day. It became apparent to us after the surgery that Kirk could not drive himself back home, so Connie and I volunteered for the task. After all, we were just planning to leave that weekend for a vacation to the Florida Keys, and a change of plans toward a northern vacation was not too difficult.

After three difficult days of driving, we arrived in Madison with a “still hurting” patient. Through vigorous arm twisting the previous Friday, we had finagled an appointment in the UW Urology Clinic on the 7th. That day he was told he would get some relief. Did not happen!!

The next morning Kirk called us about 5:30 am (we were staying at Chad and Jen’s house) saying he had to go to the Emergency Room again – he was miserable. We wound up spending our whole day in the ER, without the benefit of shower, shave or real food. We felt like we were in the TV show – replete with gruesome wailings from other patients, tough and kind cast members, and a final resolution that was somewhat helpful – maybe. It was not until three days later (Jan. 11th) that Kirk was able to get some relief.

Finally, on the evening of the 11th, we were able to take Kirk to the Tumbleweed Steakhouse for a dinner that he felt like eating. During all of Christmas he had been dabbling at the goodies, but never felt like digging in with an appetite. We were so thankful that God directed all of these events so that we could be able to chauffeur and help Kirk through his unforgettable ordeal.


Kirk at his favorite Urologist's office


The fancy new Nash Hospital Surgery Pavilion

He is finally back home -- startin' to feel better

Merry Christmas from Warm Rocky Mount

It is great to have a non-white Christmas, even though Connie is feeling bad about missing the snow. We are so thankful that Kirk was able to duck the Midwest snow storm and drive down here to Rocky Mount for Christmas. We have had a great time pampering Kirk for a few days. Kristy and Brian will arrive on Saturday, Dec. 29th when we will also join together with the Fosmark and Mincy clan for a day of fun.

We follow tradition on Christmas Eve with "Beef Straganoff"

Kirk attended the candlelight Christmas Eve service with us at church.

Connie was her usual quiet, calm, and "not very excited" self on Christmas morning -- not really!!

Kirk got a digital camera for Christmas. Now he can join the rest of the family sharing photos over the ether waves.

Here is the Chef (actually the Chef's helper) cutting "the bird" for Christmas dinner.

Christmas Memories

Christmas has been been filled with fond memories in the Carlson family, and in both or our extended families. Just a few days ago we received a Christmas card from Connie's niece, Dana Huffman, that reminded all of us connected with the Cutlan family of a venerable Christmas tradition from Connie's mother. Here is Dana's excellent recollection of Grandma Cutlan's "manger scene" and its significant Christmas memory.

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.

Grandma was well known for her frugal and resourceful ways, but also for her many "finds" that she managed to acquire from various sources. One of her "used treasures" was an old color TV that had its early life in a hospital somewhere. It may have worked well in its early days, but never did work well after Grandma rescued it from the throwaway junk heap. Anyway, our kids would always razz Grandma about her less than perfect TV.

In 2002 Kirk and Grandma spent Christmas together at her Scandia Shores apartment. On that occasion Kirk presented to Grandma a new TV for her Christmas gift. She could not hear too well, but she did have to admit that she could see the evening news much clearer on "Kirk's TV." Kirk has that TV today as a Christmas memory of Grandma.

Kristy's Birthday Bash in Chattanooga

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.

During the time we were in Chattanooga, (while Connie and Kristy were at the Mall) I took a trip into the past. During the summer of 1966 I took grad classes at Tennessee Temple Seminary. I had to drive down to Chattanooga two weeks before Connie could come after she finished her teaching responsibilities. My job was to rent a place where we could live for the summer. What an experience! On Saturday, November 24th I took a picture of that place -- 41 years later. Here is what it looked like in 1966 and then 2007. It was kind of scary then -- but, now it is even scarier.

Hangin' Out With Family

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.

We spent about an hour and a half at Kari & Ted's house, and truly enjoyed the short visit. Kari's children are a lot of fun and "Aunt Connie" enjoyed getting them to laugh and giggle -- which wasn't difficult.

It was a blessing that Ted got home just before we had to leave for the restaurant with Cheryl & Dwight. He often works extended hours, but that evening was able to get home early enough for us to see him.

It was also a special blessing was to see how good care Kari is giving to Grandma Carlson's unique China Cabinet. Kari lovingly preserves this important slice of Carlson/Leir history.

Then last Friday Connie and I were able to see Gail and the Mincy
family on our way back home from a convention that we attended in Greensboro, North Carolina. Gail had arrived at Sara's on the day before, and so we arranged to meet the tribe for dinner at our favorite restaurant in Raleigh.

We happily introduced them to Ten Ten Chinese Restaurant which is on the southwest corner of NC State University. Ten Ten has the largest Chinese buffet that I have encountered. I may have a limited experience in Chinese buffets, but trust me , this one is worth it.

We had a great time with Gail, Sara & Dave, and the "grand-kids". It was fun!

Amish Country

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.

This is a wonderful area to visit. We did eat some of the excellent home cooked food, but tried to withstand the temptation of dining at any of the large, 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.