beating the odds, part deux

According to a recent study by the PEW Internet & American Life Project:

"The ease and appeal of blogging is inspiring a new group of writers and creators to share their voices with the world.

A national phone survey of bloggers finds that most are focused on describing their personal experiences to a relatively small audience of readers and that only a small proportion focus their coverage on politics, media, government, or technology. Blogs, the survey finds, are as individual as the people who keep them. However, most bloggers are primarily interested in creative, personal expression – documenting individual experiences, sharing practical knowledge, or just keeping in touch with friends and family."

Yep, still in the vanguard.

this is the house that norm built

This is the farmer sowing his corn,

That kept the cock that crowed in the morn,

That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt

That lay in the house that Norm built.

beating the odds

According to Google's calculations, a new blog is being created every second of every day, and the average blog is read by one person.

Norm...above average as usual.

living on the edge

It looks as though the apple didn't "fall" far from the tree. Perhaps there's a genetic disposition toward precarious perches and heart-stopping drops?

kind years

In 75 years you can touch a lot of lives...

you can share a lot of wisdom,

you can bring a lot of joy...

if you're someone as special and wonderful as you!

Happy Birthday and Happiness Always

Norm,

I didn't realize you were 2 days my senior when we worked together! The years have been kind to us and hope we have many more.

Our very best wishes,

Carl and Carol Huber

the man in the north

Congratulations Norm, on the occasion of you 75th birthday !

You are a great guy and you were a very valuable employee for Mid America Dairymen. In my view, Norm - "You were the Man" in the Northern Division of Mid Am. When the chips were down, I could count on you to take care of problems in the product manufacturing area. I depended on you a great many times and you delivered. You were a straight forward and honest person who worked hard to be successful.

I know you were a favorite among your fellow employees and you looked out for their welfare.

I occasionally see your old friend Keith Murfield. Keith is well respected in the dairy industry and he credits Norm Schwister for the guidance and mentoring that you provided to him.

I retired from Michigan Milk Producers and then I took an unexpected turn in my retirement plan. For the past 3 1/2 hears I have been commuting between Washington D.C. and Brookings, South Dakota, filling a job with the National Milk Producers. However, in 7 months, I will be fully retired.

Best wishes to you and Mary.

Warm regards,
Walt Wosje

P.S. I well remember the Super Bowl parties at your house. Thank you for hosting those parties.

a grand and glorious time

Bless the snail mail; Ray is into the computer life, but not me...

Life with the Schwister's was a grand and glorious time. First thing that comes to our mind is the W.C.T (Winthrop Community Theatre). Amazing the little ones didn't survived in all the "pigeon droppings" in the old city hall.

Dragging the props into the theatre, only to be told by Mr. Plath, they weren't what he wanted, so out they went and we tried again. You guys did so much lifting and hauling.

The fun picnic we had with people in Mesa up in the hills.

We miss you in Winthrop!

Ray and Margaret Sallstrom