Reunions: Sweet Journeys

October 4th, 2015

The Fredonia High School class of 1980 just celebrated our 35th reunion!  What an amazing journey we had with old friends and renewed connections.  We have mostly all moved away from Fredonia, but several classmates traveled hundreds of miles to attend our special weekend.

We began the weekend with a casual cookout at a country cabin sitting above a pond surrounded by oak and blackjack timber. A bonfire was burning, burgers were on the grill, coolers were full of refreshments, and laughter was abundant!

Stories of high school gatherings at the cabin were told, family and career updates were shared, and great side dishes were served to compliment the burgers and hot dogs.  A popular classmate drove up from Texas to attend our reunion for the first time!  His arrival was entertaining and bittersweet as it was obvious he was happy to join us.

Saturday morning saw several of us gathering to ride in the huge Homecoming parade.  A classmate and her husband provided a pick-up and trailer with newly bailed hay for us to sit on.  Where in the past we have all climbed onto the trailer, this year our driver provided a step stool, and most of us were not too proud to use it!  

That evening we all gathered for a casual evening of appetizers, beverages, more laughs and the obligatory class picture.

A wonderful weekend!  Everyone seemed to have a good time, and there was none of the "drama" or disagreements that seems to be ever-present in high school. Really, a perfect weekend.

So, why are reunions so important?  Why do we get so excited to see people we have not seen in five, ten, fifteen years--- or in some cases for 35 years? 

Simply put, we have a need for making connections.  We, as people have a desire to share about our lives, to renew common ground with people from our personal histories.  The connections you make with people you knew just in passing, in the 1970s, is rewarding and interesting.  Noticing how much fun someone is to be with, when in high school they seemed reserved and shy is like a new discovery of great importance.  

Some really love the high school experience, and some of us really disliked high school.  Without the positive experiences later in life---reunions, we tend to dwell on the embarrassing moments, hurt feelings, and "wrongs" that were monumental in school.  All of those negative aspects of surviving high school are not nearly as important at 50 plus years of age as they were for the 18 year old.  People do mature, grow, change, and relax! It is great to just visit and laugh with other adults who have one common connection: classmates.

I had the pleasure of being part of the organizing effort for this Class of 1980 Reunion, and truly enjoyed the events of the weekend.  As the gathering last night was winding down, I heard plans for the 40th reunion being explored and tentatively planned!  How wonderful that we were already looking forward to our next gathering.

Thank you FHS Yellowjackets of 1980 for a sweet journey!

Journey Back in Time

September 29, 2015

Last Thursday our school's third through sixth graders traveled to Arrow Rock, Missouri for a step back in tme.  The day's event was organized and presented by the Friends of Arrow Rock, and was designed for the students to experience a taste of life in the mid 1800s.

This amazing village is a vital community with beautiful homes and businesses. At the same time, several buildings from the 1800s are used to sponsor activities and events to teach American History. A National Historic Landmark, established in 1829, the beautiful village is a must see location in Mid-Missouri.

Businesses and homes share the landscape with preserved historical buildings, dating back to the 1830s.  Our students were treated to several interactive lessons from voting in the courthouse with a quill pen, to assisting in crafting a rifle barrel. They enjoyed two home tours, observed the making of lye soap, washed laundry with a washboard, and observed how newspapers were printed.  Everywhere they looked, they encountered a new avenue to explore.  

The gunsmith shop.

In several areas through the town, the sudents were exposed to the games children of the 1800s played.  Our students were enchanted by the simplicity of playing with wooden hoops, competing in sack races, and finally enjoying an intense boys against girls tug-of-war!

All those presenting the lessons and guiding the tours were in period costumes and enjoyed their roles in educating over one thousand children from across the state!  Questions were answered and explanations easily given.  I happen to be a "detail" visitor, and the guides were very patient with my questions, or when I would point out a cast iron match box or a feature of the architecture.

The Department of Conservation had excellent displays, and pioneer era re-enactors exhibited powder loaded muskets.  It was a wonderful day in a beautiful setting.  Even though we moved continually through Arrow Rock for over three hours, we missed several things, and I can't wait until I can convince Keith to travel back with me.

This walk back in time is a great way to spend the day. For more information about Arrow Rock, go to www.arrowrock.org.

Local Destination: Moving Wall

September 28, 2015

Yesterday, my husband Keith agreed to another history trip.  We traveled to Jefferson City, Missouri, a short 30 minute drive, to visit the Viet Nam Memorial Moving Wall on the state capitol lawn.  Although I do not know of family members who were lost in this conflict of the 1960s and 70s, I have always had an interest in this controversial time in our American History.

A neighbor girl babysat for my parents during this time, and my brother and I liked her a lot. She was fun and loved to spend time with us.  One Saturday, instead of going outside "to explore" she wanted to stay inside and watch TV.  This was not usual, as we only received one channel, and the good TV was in my parents' room. I can still see her sitting on the floor in front of the TV, watching the draft numbers scroll down the screen as she held a piece of paper with her brother's draft card number written on it.  As I remember, his number was not called.

 I remember watching President Nixon announce the withdrawal of American troops from Viet Nam, and asking my mom, "Who won the war?"  She was very quiet for a moment, then answered that no one had won.

As a young adult, I watched the popular movie Platoon, finding it very dark and disturbing.  Another movie, Purple Heart starring Ken Wahl and Cheryl Ladd, really touched me as it explored how suddenly cambat can be in your back yard. And then there was the famous Good Morning, Viet Nam!, starring Robin Williams.  All of these films, as well as the popular television show Magnum P.I., seemed to expose war in a rough, scary, and uncertain way that had not seemed to be the case with previous hollywood productions.  Granted, I was not a good history student while in junior high, but these films triggered an interest and sadness in me that I cannot explain.

Recently, while teaching a geography class to fifth and sixth graders, and trying to inspire a desire to learn about countries far from the United States, I reflected on a conversation I overheard as a child.  My parents and their guests were talking about the Viet Nam conflict and about how we were sending boys off to fight in country most could not find on the globe. How terrifying that must have been for young men who were younger than my own sons are today. In an era before SKYPE, video phone calls, email, and texting, how did mothers make it through the day without knowing how their sons were surviving in a foreign land?

Yesterday, Keith and I met a friend of ours at the Moving Wall in Jefferson City.  I wanted "to experience" this memorial as an important part of American History. Our friend Laura wanted to visit the wall and obtain a rubbing of her cousin's name.  We moved quietly before the wall, pausing to view the many tributes left before the wall by family and students who had visited earlier in the week.  A lovely woman, a volunteer with the memorial, walked with us until we found the name of the cousin.  Silently, reverently, with great respect, the volunteer created a rubbing for Laura.  I was so moved.  There were so many names!  As we had waited in line and walked along the wall, a woman was reading the names engraved in the memorial.  During the entire journey before the wall, the names all began with the letter "S"!  One letter of the 26 in the alphabet.  Tears came.

Beside the Moving Wall was a small round table set for one.  A very solemn reminder of the men who have not come home.  I did a little research on the symbolism of each aspect of the display, and plan to use the information with my classes.

The three of us moved through the outdoor museum exhibits from the Viet Nam conflict and it was a wonderful display of photos, soldiers' memories, and photographs.  We all recognized music references and other artifacts of the time. I saw a photo of a priest saying Mass, and am positive I have worked with said priest...another moving moment.  I overheard a gentleman explaining to his daughter that the photograph taken from the helicopter over fields in Viet Nam was a true representation of what he saw nearly everyday while serving in Viet Nam.  She was very animated, asking questions and trying to use the military jargon when referencing artillary and guns in the picture.  Her father was very informative, yet his voice was calm and seemed reflective.

The entire visit to the display and memorial was amazing!  How truly honored we should all feel that we were allowed to see through this window into history.  As Americans, I feel we take our liberties and freedom for granted, and we do not want to really think about the cost.  It has become so very easy to use our First Amendment right of "freedom of speech" to voice our opinions, offer criticism, and pass judgement of those who have walked through life before us.  As historians evaluate and politicians vocally reflect on our past, are we demeaning the men and women who were livng the events?  Mistakes were made, choices were not always what we would want, but the vast majority of decisions and choices were made for the better good of our country. Humans made these decisions and choices, and humans are fallible.  We must remember that the soldiers we send forth to foriegn lands to serve us, each one of us, follow orders and risk their lives daily, hourly, to accomplish those orders.  Many, many times, those soldiers give their lives for us.  Visiting the Moving Wall today reminded me how humbled and grateful we should be.

for more information on "a place setting for one" see

U.S. Navy, Oct, 6,2014,www.navylive.dodlive.mil,2014/10/06-powmia-table-a-place-settling-for-one-a-table-for-all.

Amazing Destination: Milwaukee (part 2)

September 27, 2015

A week ago, we had a memory-making day in Milwaukkee, our son Mark's new home.  After a journey for doughnuts led to a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan and a late breakfast, we were ready to check out the downtown area.  Keith and I had traveled to Milwaukee fourteen years ago to attend a NCEA convention, and had loved the riverfront area that runs through the heart of downtown.

Our daughter Coby had been tagged our driver, as she does a great deal of city driving for her job.  Leaving Mark's apartment, we were soon driving through Marquette University campus.  The campus was very attractive and much larger than UCM in Warrensburg, Missouri.  We followed my phone app to immediately and easily find the Skylight Theatre where Mark would be working the next day.

Around the corner was a charming bar and grill called Charlies.  We ordered a snack and beverage and just soaked in the energy and sites of the city.  A large group of bicyclers, mostly children, traveled by with laughter and determination.  A group of six sitting next to our table had just finished up an Alzhiemers walk and were very friendly.  I felt very positive about Mark working in this area with a pretty little park across the street and a bus stop just blocks from the theatre.

A long term parking spot was our next priority, so Coby and Keith headed out on the search, and Mark, J.T., and I began walking through downtown.  We all decided on a meeting spot, but with the modern technology of cell phones and texting, there was no anxiety about getting lost or not meeting up later.  After two blocks of refurbished buildings and lovely landscaped parks, Mark saw the boardwalk along the river and guided us to the water front.

Micro-breweries, restuarants, quaint apartment patios, and boat slips run the length of this amazing riverfront through the city.  By the time all five of us met up, we all had ideas about what we should see next.  We continued to explore as much as possible until 2:30 p.m., then found a wonderful place for a late lunch: Milwaukee Ale House.  We sat on the patio and continued to watch the boats pass by. The food was excellent, and the service was even better.

Several people along the boardwalk were taking photographs, so the kids weren't too bothered by my insistance to record nearly everything with my phone camera. Everywhere we turned, people were walking their dogs.  In fact dogs were welcomed at the patio restuarants.  We noticed that that dogs were served water before the owners were served!  All of this added to the "welcoming" atmosphere we enjoyed throughout the day.

After lunch we drove back to the lake shore, and spent some time just watching the boats and soaking in the sun.  I wanted a picture of the three children, and prepared for the struggle that always brings on.  Theses three adults were much better behaved as children. After several pictures, I came up with a couple of "keepers".

We worked in a WalMart run for kitchen necessities, and then headed back to downtown.  Mark met with his employers as the rest of us held a table outside Charlies.  Mark joined us shortly and we watched the first half of the Packer game.  J.T., being a Packer fan in a Chief's family, was happy to enjoy the game with other fans who enthusiastically cheered and celebrated every scoring play.

The day was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable days I can ever remember having with the kids and Keith.  We were all exhausted as we said our good nights, but we were all smiling and talking about the next day.

Mark started his new career on Monday, and we met him that morning in the park across from the theatre.  After a few jokes, some laughter, and tears from all, we drove away as he walked into the theatre.  A bittersweet end to a glorious weekend, a weekend we will all cherish.

Amazing Destination: Milwaukee

September 26, 2015

A week ago we moved our middle child, Mark, to Milwaukee.  He charged into the adventure as he always does; enthusiastically and with a smile full of hope.  We all worked diligently to get him unpacked and somewhat settled in on Saturday.

Sunday, we explored the city of Milwaukee.  Our daughter, Coby, my husband and I decided doughnuts were necessary for the first breakfast in Mark's new apartment. We found an amazing bakery, Regina's Bay Bakery, just north of our hotel. Using the wonderful Google Maps App, (my newest best friend) we ventured into the day , searching for food.

While Keith and Coby were inside selecting the perfect breakfast, I became facinated by the neighborhood.  Everything from the flower containers outside the shops to the tree lined residential streets was lovely!

After securing breakfast, the three of us headed out to meet up with the boys at Mark's apartment.  We decided to take a lake view drive I had accidently found on Google Maps when searching for our hotel the evening before.  This scenic drive was a true treasure.  Beautiful homes and huge trees lined a wandering route toward the shores of Lake Michigan.  By the time we came upon the second road/beach side park, Coby was searching for a parking spot.  Breakfast forgotten, we walked through the park to the observation deck to view Lake Michigan.  What a beautiful sight.

The sun shining into our faces, and the fog burning off the suface of the lake was inviting and peaceful.  Although we were already running late to meet up with the boys, I couldn't resist the lake's invitation.  I didn't ask, I just announced:  I going down to the shoreline.

We decended several flights of stairs and arrived at the lake.  Coby and I quickly shed our shoes, rolled up our pant cuffs, and headed for the water!  Poor Keith was left with shoes, two phones, and instructions to take pictures!

The water clear and chilly, but the experience was worth it.  Coby and I gathered a few pebbles from the shore, then we all three began the trek up the seven flights of stairs to the car.  We were now very late for breakfast, but too excited to care.  Coby drove us further along the scenic drive toward downtown, and we discovered another beach area we decided to visit later with the boys.  As we drove by a marina, Discovery World, and through downtown, I was amazed by the cleanliness of the city.  I was also startled by the amount of traffic before 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning.  Our hometown of Fulton, Missouri is still a little sleepy on a Sunday morning.

Finally, we delivered the doughnuts to Mark and J.T., and planned our day!  Exploring the riverfront and finding Mark's new place of employment were our two priorities.  By noon we were downtown, searching for a parking spot, and energized for a great day in a new city.

Moving Day!

Mark has officially moved to Milwaukee!  In true Jacobsen style, we enthusiastically departed Fulton in a three vehicle caravan yesterday morning before six o'clock.  Right out of the gate, we discovered the heater and defrost doesn't heat in the Edge, our car. Windows slightly opened and the A.C. fan blowing kept the windshield fog free until the sun came up.  The driver, that would be me, was a little COLD, but we forged ahead.

I wanted to reflect on the things we learned on this trip, but to be honest, we were well prepared, so no real surprises.  Tolls are higher than 14 years ago--the last time I was on a toll road.  Gas prices were very close to what they are in Missouri, so better for the fuel budget. Stopping for a liesurely breakfast took too much time.  Apartments are not always what is featured on a company's website. We can have a great time full of laughter, even when driving nearly five hundred miles in a single day.  That about sums up our "lessons" of the day.

About six hours into the drive, I was thinking how fortunate we are to have some of the amazing technology of the times.  Goohge Maps is a life saver.  A phone that works as a glorified GPS saved us a great deal of stress, and enabled us to enjoy the drive.  When we reached Milwaukee and ran into heavy traffic on an interstate under construction, we all lost sight of the other cars, but we all arrived at our destination within minutes of each other.  I was driving in the lead for most the trip, with just my phone and car radio for company, and I was able to keep us on the route without a great deal of confusion.  I will admit I missed the exit at Hannibal, Missouri, and did miss a state highway junction in Illinois, but was able to turn around and get us back on track quickly, due to the Google Maps App.  Thank you, Google!

Mark's apartment is charming and pretty well set up.  Today we will explore the city, and I will hopefully remember to take pictures.  The lesson for today: relax and cherish the memories we will be sharing for a lifetime.

"Jesus, take the wheel!"

A Journey of a Different Kind

So, I have been off line with this blog for nearly two monthes. Why? Life. Both adult sons worked out of state this summer. The youngest was home for ten days before returning to college.  The oldest son finished up a summer job, then moved home to continue looking for full time employment. Throw in a twenty-first birthday celebration for the youngest, classroom prepartion for the new school year, and the organization of my 35th high school class reunion: life!

Our middle child, Mark, has secured a job in the technical theatre profession; fitting in with his college degree and life plan.  Wonderful!  He is now moving out!  To Milwaukee!  We Jacobsens always pitch together to assist in big projects, like a move 450 plus miles away. This weekend all five of us will head northeast to get Mark moved to his new home.

After my summer journey back east, this trip is not intimidating at all, and I am very excited for Mark.  I am looking forward to exploring a new city and a different countryside. My husband and I visited Milwaukee several years ago for the NCEA National Convention, and we found the city to be lovely!  With the modern conveniences of Google Maps, I have been exploring Mark's new neighborhood on line, and cannot wait to see the city again.

Although this journey has a tight schedule and serious goals, it will be an adventure.  The true blessing is I will be traveling this jourrney with my husband and three grown children.  It will be well organized; Mark takes after me in the list-making department.  It will be loud! It will be full of laughter, a few arguments,  and some tears when we return to Missouri on Monday.  Most importantly, it will be full of memories to last a lifetime.

This journey may not be what most people envision as a family trip, but for us, it is perfect way to enjoy each other. It will be a journey of a different kind.

Days Ten and Eleven: Parkersburg, West Virginias

June 23rd & 24th, 2015

Parkersburg, West Virginia is a true gem!  Mom's GPS took us on a tour of the residential area above HWY 14 before we arrived at the hotel.  Some of the homes and lawns were beautiful!

We decided to be adventurous and just start down a list of sites, visiting the ones we really wanted to see.  Our first stop was the Julia Ann Historic District.  This was several blocks of Victorian homes, many dating back to the first years of the state's founding history.

As we were walking through this amazing neighborhood, we met a very nice woman who was sitting on her huge front porch reading the paper.  She gave us an overview of the founding of the neighborhood, and even encouraged us to move to Parkersburg.  She, like many people we have met, was amazed that mom and I are driving this trip, and seemed to believe Missouri and Kansas were a wilderness beyond the Mississippi.  We so enjoyed our brief visit with her, and took her advice for our next stop.

As we left the Julia Ann neighborhood, we went one block to the district's cemetery.  Most of the founding fathers of the city, and many of the founders of West Virginia are buried there. The trees, huge trees, were facinating.  Mom, who is rather camera shy, was convinced to stand at the base of the tall pines on the west of the cemetery.

Mom is the white dot in front of the car!

Next we ventured down to the Blennerhassett Hotel.  This amazing structure was constructed in the late 1800s, just a short distance from the Ohio Riverfront.  We enjoyed a healthy and tasty lunch in the Spats Lounge, then walked around the downtown area.

Blennerhasett Hotel

Mom, in front of the Blennerhassette

Wood County Courthouse, Parkersburg

Next we just began driving toward the river front to see what we would find.  We found an amazing park right on the Ohio River.  The view was spectacular, and we took many pictures.  A tour paddle boat from the Blennerhassette Island docked during our visit, and mom took pictures, striding up an down the bank; a woman on a mission!

Paddle boat returning to dock

As we were leaving the park, we noticed a marker on the levy wall, marking the birth place of Stonewall Jackson!  It was a great find.

The next morning we were headed out to Lexington, Kentucky, but took a brief side trip to Fort Boreman, on the bluffs, across the river from Parkersburg.  Another great find!  Amazing history, beautiful grounds, and "picture" perfect opportunities.

Parkersburg was one of the best places we have visited on this adventure!  I will share more detailed information about each venue after we return home.  Just a lovely city!

Days seven, eight, and nine: lunch, Harpers Ferry, & Casino

June 20th, 21st, & 22nd, 2015

The internet connections in Frederick and Charles Town were not great, so I am behind on this blog.  Saturday was a day for resting, especially after Gettysburg on Friday.  Mom and I read until our lunch date with one of my college roommates who lives in Virginia.  Caryn Hardage and I hadn't seen each other in ten years, and it was wonderful catching up with a true friend.  The three of us entertained the afternoon crowd at Ruby Tuesday's with lots of laughter.

A terrible thunderstorm blew into Frederick that evening, but we had a wonderful view out our room as the clouds and lightning moved in from the mountains!

The next morning we headed into Harpers Ferry, Virginia, crossing the Potomac River, then the Shenandoah, River.  Too beautiful for words.

The Historical Park was lovely, and there was a lot of information beyond John Brown's pre-war raid on the arsenal.  Can my students tell me which Coonfederate General enjoyed a huge victory at Harpers Ferry?

We opted not to take the scenic tour, but drove through town ourselves.  Mom got amazing photos as I crept through town.  Some local residents might have become frustrated with the two women in the blue SUV from Missouri.

We had a wonderful time, an felt very accomplished. We then moved down the road to Charles Town, West Virginia, arriving at the Hollywood Casino early in the afternoon!  Lovely accomodations, great food, and extremely pleasant people!  A late, but fun evening.  We didn't come away bigger winners, but we had a fabulous time!

This morning we left the Hollywood Inn and discovered that both of our GPS Apps had very different ideas about the correct route to depart for Parkersburg.  Dueling GPS voices in the car was too much!  Mom and I ignored them both and found our own way onto the interstate!

Again the views were beautiful!  Mom took numerous photos as we drove down the interstate, mostly to share with our family when we return home in a week.

Parkerburg has a lot to offer, so we are exploring different venues tomorrow.  Other than our GPS Apps arguing, mom and I have done very well with navigation and exploring the countryside.  This is a true adventure!

Days Five and Six: History, Scenic Drives, and More History

June 18 & 19, 2015

We have seen amazing things these last two days!  Yesterday, we visited Antietam and it was an experience I will never forget.  Words really cannot do justice to beautifully preserved battlefield.  The grounds, visitor's center, and the multitude of monuments create a reverent reminder of the bravery and sacrifice the field outside Sharpsburg, Maryland witnessed in September of 1862.

The driving tour was very well marked and allowed us to take in a lot of information and beautiful scenery across the rolling hills.  Mom patiently waited, as I would abandon the car and go striding down Bloody Lane, or across a field to view the cannons up close.  She was a true sport about the entire tour.

Now, a question for my students, all of whom have been invited to follow and comment on this blog:  Can you tell me the significance of this next photograph?

Today, Mom and I took a scenic route through Catoctin Mountain National Park on our way north to Gettysburg. We stopped at the Grotto of Lourdes and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, enjoying breath-taking views and beautiful gardens.  

We arrived at the Gettysburg Visitor Center a little before noon, and were shocked by how many visitors were there!  I parked way back in Lot #3, a five minute, fast-paced hike away.  The facility was very nice and the cyclorama of Pickett's Charge was definitely the high point of the visit.  We enjoyed the bookstore, and some of the exibits, but found the crowded atmosphere daunting.  After two hours, we retrieved the car from "the back 40", otherwise known as Lot #3, and proceeded on the driving tour into the town of Gettysburg.  The streets were more crowded than the Visitors Center, so we stopped at a great restaurant and had a late lunch.

The staff at Gettysburg were friendly, helpful, and very enjoyable.  I cannot say the same for most of the visitors.

We have now arrived at Frederick, Maryland, and hope to enjoy a restful day tomorrow before we take out Sunday for our next adventure: Harper's Ferry!