A special treat

We are blessed to have a church family that shows its love in wonderful ways. Today, Roy G. presented us with a hand-made 28th anniversary gift!

In the Christmas mood

Wesley has been finding the garland on the fireplace mantel a great perch from which to enjoy the days leading up to Christmas!

The first snow of the season

Charles was out this morning with our brand-new Minnesota snow blower! (We have purchased them in other states in the past but left them when we moved). When all was said and done, we recorded 9" here in Albert Lea!!!

Late night visitors

Every so often we are visited by a family of deer. They enjoy the treats that we put out for the critters in our neighborhood.

Thanksgiving Day in Albert Lea

We had a surprise invitation for Thanksgiving dinner from Kraig and Korla, members of the Glenville UMC.

It's party time at Belinda's work

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Staff: Val Lockhart, Executive Director and Belinda Alkula, Administrative Assistant

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Staff: Konrad Hawkinson, Executive Director and Holly Babcock

 

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency: Phillip Johnson, Executive Director and Noelle Viktora, Assistant Executive Director

Front Desk Receptionist: Reily Osness

Happy anniversary to us!

 

Osmond/Winside, Nebraska, 1998

Albert Lea/Glenville, Minnesota, 2025

Twenty-eight years of footsteps shared,

Of whispered hopes and love declared.

Two hearts that learned to beat as one,

Through storm-lit nights and rising sun.

We’ve walked through seasons, slow and fast,

Built gentle futures from our past.

Held on when life felt steep or long,

Found courage in each other’s strong.

In quiet rooms or laughter’s glow,

In dreams only the two of us know,

You’ve been my constant, steady, true—

My every day begins with you.

So here we stand, year twenty-eight,

Still choosing us, and calling it fate.

With love that deepens, soft and clear—

Here’s to us, another year.

Today at church

 

We had a wonderful morning at the Glenville UMC including the congregation celebrating our anniversary (tomorrow)!! 

4-H at the Fairgrounds

Belinda represented the Chamber of Commerce staff at the 4-H banquet held this afternoon at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

More bazaars!

Happy music for the bazaar crowd

A good crowd!

The place to be in Oakland, Minnesota

13 samples to vote upon, Charles voted on #2!

We were able to get in two more church bazaars today! The first was at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea which had some wonderful items (Belinda got a nice, knitted hat). The second was in a rural setting at Oakland Lutheran Church which had a fun atmosphere with an accordion player, silent action, bake sale, and a chili cook off with thirteen samples to vote upon! 

Christmas Tree Festival in Albert Lea

We've been framed!

The Thorne Crest tree is on the right

Creative people!

Convention & Visitors Bureau tree

Albert Lea Community Theatre

The Albert Lea Art Center is hosting its annual Festival of Trees, and this afternoon we had the opportunity to stop by and see for ourselves the twenty-seven creative displays!

Charles in Florida - pt. 6

The reunion with Charles' brother Dale was made yesterday extra special with the surprising addition of 75 buttons for Charles' collection!

Today at the inurnment, Charles' nephew, Jason, continued the button bonanza with an additional 43 buttons!

Charles in Florida - pt. 5

Presentation of the flag to Charles' mother

Jackie will be placed here (by the middle bucket)

Dale, Sandy, mom, Charles, Joe

Visiting Charles' dad's marker

Lunch at Cracker Barrel

The family gathered today at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg to offer our memories and prayers for Jackie. It was nice to see family and friends and to share this special day in the life of the Alkula clan.

Charles in Florida - pt. 4

Folding Jackie's flag

Presenting the flag to Charles' mom

Mom gives the flag to Jason

Joe, Mom, and Jason at Cracker Barrel

Jason gives a bounty of buttons to Charles

 

Charles in Florida - pt. 3

Another Scrabble match (Dale won)

The home in Largo (1966 - 1986)

Next to the hotel

Next to the hotel

We played a number of Scrabble matches today at the hotel. Mom and Sandy play quite a bit in Georgia, and we enjoyed sharing memories as we played. We also had time this afternoon to take in some of the changes in the area since last we lived in Largo. Included in this tour was the house at 1047 9th Ave., NW. Charles' parents paid $9,000 in 1966; the house is listed on Zillow at $381,200! We also saw the new Largo High School and the home of Charles' grandparents, John and Hazel Plants.

Charles in Florida - pt. 2

Charles enjoyed reading the Tampa Bay Times this morning, taking in the lovely weather and the beautiful flowers at the hotel

Charles in Florida - pt. 1

When Charles arrived in Tampa late last night, greeting him was the Phoebe the Flamingo statue, officially named "HOME."

The Lights over Albert Lea!

The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, made an appearance tonight in the skies north of Albert Lea. We could see them unaided as a faint glow and using the iPhone, caught a first-time glimpse of the phenomenon!