Gary Stokes Message:
I am scheduled to receive the AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine. It’s a University of Oxford Vaccine administered mainly to those 60 plus years old. I was tentatively scheduled to receive the first shot this past Thursday, but AstraZeneca was not one of the Vaccinees received with this weeks supply. Hopefully next weeks. I am scheduled for the next supply too.
We foreigners are not being excluded from the Philippines administration of the covid vaccines. Same protocol as back in the states too. Front liners first, then Seniors over 60 followed with those under 60 with underline medical issues, then the general public. Less than 1% of the population has been Vaccinated. I feel very fortunate.
I will coordinate my trip back to the states around my Covid Vaccination. I may go between shots but not before the 20th of May. I don’t own any winter clothes. The first shot should give me enough protection to travel.
Current travel from the Philippines to the USA is over the Atlantic. From Cebu to ND it’s 10,000 miles over the Pacific and 14,000 miles over the Atlantic. That’s a long haul over the Atlantic.
Massage from Tom Hagen (’51 – Orvin’s Brother):
Dear family and friends,
We have moved here permanently to the Arbor House, which is an assisted living facility for more care for Dot as she has some problems and we thought it best for all. Two bedroom, large bath ,complete kitchen 3 meals daily, etc. Our address is. 1705 3rd Ave, Williston, Nd. 58801. Our phone will be the same.
Tom and Dot Hagen
Vickie Metcalfe Retires from 46 years of Public School Teaching
Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Gary Stokes Note:
Congratulations Vickie for your many years of dedicated service. You are to be commended. Being a teacher is not an easy job. I know you will be dearly missed in the Bottineau educational system too. Enjoy life now to the fullest.
Thank you so much for all your contributions to this blog too. Very much appreciated.
April 9, 2021
Hi Gary,
FYI, News in my life.
I’ve been pretty focused and busy since the end of March.
I have not been on e-mail.
As you may know. I choose NOT to use Face book. ( I am of the belief, people need to communicate in person
and think before speaking or writing to others or messaging via telephone etc. regarding significant thought and feelings.)
I retired after 46 years as an Educator , May 2020. What a big change for me in September! I’ve gone to school for most of my life in Sept.
Then, my beloved dog, Lochbuie died in Oct.
At the time, I told my Vet, “NEVER again, I felt broken with grief.”
Since last March, I have kept the ‘distance etc. around Bottineau due to Covid 19…and loss of Buie as my only companion was quite a blow. My thought, ‘I will never replace my little gem Buie, with just any dog.
28 of March 2021, I adopted.
I adopted 2 babies.
Yes Two! 12 week old Westie brothers.
Yup. Vickie’s gone totally bonkers.
My sister, C—- has been a willing accomplice, along with her daughters and grandchildren. I found a Westie breeder in Minnesota.
Then, I had to answer numerous questions?
“No, I had never committed any abuse against animals, my experiences with Westies, what kind of home and yard I live, how often I leave home, a list my vets, other pets, 3 references ” an almost contract…
1.Drover a wily little escape artist, does not have his longer coat. I wonder if I might be the runt of his litter? His bright dark eyes and nose, always scanning opportunity.
(In old Scots history, Hielan drovers in Scotland herded cattle to southern Scotland with assistance of trusty drover dogs.
Years ago, my first Westie, “Kin” wanted to be a cattle dog whenever he was trying to heel cattle at the farm.)
2.Finn acts like the older brother, has a longer, fluffy, white coat, makes his needs known by high pitched soprano howling. It took time to decide a fitting name for Finn.
C.— suggested Finn. Finally, a fitting name.
………..I am proud of my Highland Scots roots. I had to continue my past pattern for naming Westies.
‘”Fingal’s Cave is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, known for its natural acoustics. The National Trust for Scotland owns the cave as part of a national nature reserve.”
“It became known as Fingal’s Cave after the eponymous hero of an epic poem by 18th century Scots poet-historian James Macpherson. It formed part of his Ossian cycle of poems claimed to have been based on old Scottish Gaelic poems.”
“In Irish mythology, the hero Fingal is known as Fionn mac Cumhaill, and it is suggested that Macpherson rendered the name as Fingal (meaning “white stranger”) through a misapprehension of the name which in old Gaelic would appear as Finn.”
My current vocabulary, must be soft spoken. Potty? several times thru the night and day. No bite. Kennel.
….Uffda. Today, they ate like two lumber jacks. I have to find more puppy food today.
I need to do springs work. It may end up sadly neglected so once again gain “No Yard of the Week” for me!
Puppies needs are number one. at this time in their lives.
I want them to grow up to be well behaved, well liked dogs.
They need to be taught to get along with other dogs, neighbor animals, and be friends amongst people.
So, It looks to be UFFDA busy summer time for me!
Until Later.
As ever, Vickie
04-08-21
Passing of Joseph Pigeon
Obituary Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
https://prod12.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/dean-pigeon?fh_id=14585
Dean Joseph Pigeon
July 16, 1935 – March 29, 2021
Dean Pigeon, age 85, of Rolette, ND passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Heart of America Care Center, Rugby, ND.
Dean Joseph Pigeon was born on July 16, 1935 in Rolette, ND to Theodore and Cleora (Fassett) Pigeon. He was raised in Thorne and completed his education at Russell School until the 8th grade and then graduated from Rolette High School in 1953. Dean was united in marriage to Betty Rivard on October 17, 1959 in Dunseith. Together they raised three children, Lana, Todd, and Craig. Dean was a farmer and rancher in Russell Township who took great pride in his farm and enjoyed the work he put in each day. He served on the Board of Directors for North Central Grain Cooperative and was granted Rolette County Soil Conservation Award and the NDSU Outstanding Agriculturist Award. Going to auction sales on occasion was time well spent. Dean loved time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.
Dean is survived by his wife, Betty Pigeon of Rolette; children, Lana Pigeon of Spokane, WA, Todd (Michele) Pigeon of Rolette, and Craig (Nancy) Pigeon of Ellensburg, WA; four grandchildren, Collin Pigeon, Katelyn Pigeon, Claire Pigeon, and Sasha Pigeon; and siblings, Robert Pigeon, Alva Rumler, Margaret Fox, Renee Pigeon, and Laurie Pigeon.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Cleora Pigeon, infant son, Kirk Allen, brothers, Curtis, William, and Kenneth, and sister, Beverly.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND. A Private Funeral Mass will be held at a later date with Father Paul Raj presiding. Burial will be in St. Edwards Cemetery, Thorne, ND. Please follow Covid-19 guidelines when in attendance for services.
Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.
Passing of Evelyn Berube Seim
Obituary Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Gary Stokes Note: Having a Philippine IP address, I am denied access to this obituary, so I was unable to read it.
https://prod12.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/evelyn-berube?fh_id=14585
Gary and friends of Dunseith School,
I recall dear family friend, Eva (Berube) Seim sharing fond comments about her siblings.
Sympathy to the extended family of Evelyn (Vandal) Berube on her passing.
Thank you Gary.
Vickie Metcalfe.
Passing of Mrs Neil Arntzen
Obituary Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Gary and friends of Dunseith School,
Those of us who also attended NDSU Bottineau college recall with respect Mr. Neil Arntzen a long time professor and coach. He always remembered many of his former students through the years.
Mr. and Mrs. Arntzen’s, among many other attributes, were wonderfully supportive of the Bottineau community, Faith, Education, Sons of Norway and Veterans Organizations.
Sincere sympathy to the Arntzen family on the loss of Mrs. Arnzen a beautiful gracious lady on Mr. Arntzen’s arm.
Sincerely,
Vickie Metcalfe
04/09/21