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FALL 2003
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| Brandon is
back! |
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Brandon 11/30/03
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Sitting at Brandon's table L to R is Josh Shultz
who saved Brandon's life on the scene of the ambush, Brandon, cousin
Clark, Uncle Lee and Aunt Evonne
Brandon
Erickson is now home as of Sunday 11/30/03 with his recently awarded
Purple Heart medal signed by VP Cheney. Brandon was in the 957th
Army Nat'l Guard stationed in Iraq. Brandon's primary injury was
the loss of his right arm. We are deeply saddened the driver
John Fettig from Dickinson was killed. Their truck was hit by
rocket propelled grenades July 22/03. Brandon had been
recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center and now plans to resume his
education at UND. Brandon was
met at the Bismarck Airport by family and friends including Governor
Hoven and his family. We were pleased to be
in attendance to welcome home our nephew. Brandon ranks as one of
our many new American heroes.
Medal ceremony L to right:Rep.
Earl
Pomeroy, Ruth (Brandon's mom), Brandon, Sen. Kent Conrad, Gen Haugen, ND
Gov. John Hoven.
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| Family visit in November: |
Shirley and Kev, Bellingham |
Niece "Jo" getting married 2/04 |
Kev, Gwen, Curt, Tristan, and Gary in Littleton |
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Take
#1
There's a joker in
every crowd! Take #2
Liz Gary and Kev
Good Luck on the
Novel Liz! |
On this road trip we often talked
about the importance of family. It has really hit home
to say "I Love You". And we appreciate them so
much. |
Marie practices form. |
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| Fall camping in
Medora |
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Father
John, Lila Mom, and nephew Evan
Met us with their horses on our way home at Medora. It's a beautiful place to
ride. Jordan and Evan were 1st rate help at the Huufda this summer.
11 yr old Evan can really ride! |
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| President
Bush |
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Capt. Marshall
Erickson, brother in pic on right, pictured with President Bush.
Marshall, is full-time air force at Ellsworth. Marsh and Kat: Thanks
from KC'nME, dogs, and horses for your hospitality. Nice 40 in
Rapid. |
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| New Bike! |
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Birthday
Bike. Yes, Kev gave me a
Honda VTX1800 for my birthday this
fall. Nice bike! Fuel injected, tubeless tires, 150 mph, shaft
drive, Corbin seat; big, heavy, fast bike...Yeah! can you tell I like
it? If not riding horse I'd like to be riding that bike (over
40 degree days anyway--do live in North Dakota). |
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Oct bike trip to a
Alaina's kid Justin and new wife Jenny's wedding on a Sierra Mt top.
Very good 5000 mile weather zigzag ride. I'm glad they didn't get
married in February. |
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| The REAL
"HH" (Huufda Hotel) |
| "Things"
are coming together. The plans are for a two-story living area with
hotel rooms and bunk room. Our Bed and Breakfast will
remain, but now we will have more room and options for guests and
campers at the HH. |
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Kev removing big
trees for the building. Gone now and the foundation is in place. |
The electrical crew arrived. Transformers and elec.
is now updated and underground. |
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| Other? |
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Dad's new
'04 Christmas truck. He named it "Jane" (says it's
a plain jane dodge.) Mom has her eye on a 3 horse Cherokee
trailer that will look spiffy behind it. My folks are so cool.
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| NREMT.
Forest service requested first aid so in 2003 I'm a NREMT. |
| Recent
Horses sold: Cherry, Gretta, Gus, and Juliet left in Nov.
with new owners, John and Sue. I miss not seeing those
beautiful walkers around here. We hope they bring delight.
Sally and Aunt B were sold in January. |
| Kev
Prognosis: Very good and Kev is back at a works'
routine mid December. He's taken it pretty good as hospitals
try his patience. |
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New
Fargo race track and
equestrian facility opened this fall. Pic is Ron, Mom, and
Marie riding in the opening parade. |
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Local
Trail Riders: Lesa with Tank, Paige with Jazz, Beth with
Hunter, and Meagan with Ripley are out riding after the leaves were gone
down at Sica Hollow. It was a beautiful fall day -t'was a good day
to smile! |
| 12/14/03
Honolulu Marathon: I feel privileged to have run that big
(25,000+ runners 26.2 miles) beautiful race. Mom quickly
completed the 6 mi race/walk. Kevin and Dad were the support
team. I'd say that we are ready for 2004! News flashed to
runners that Saddam was captured that morning. It was a good day. |
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Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year |
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