normally parked

Norm,

Happy 75th Birthday. You and I go back a long ways in the dairy business as working partners at the Lake-to-Lake plant (pictured on the enclosed card). What memory comes back to me as young fellows at that time was the snappy convertible coupe you were driving. ‘X’ on the postcard marks the spot where you normally parked coming to work. Those were interesting times, but it still interesting today in many different ways. We’re getting to the point in life where it doesn’t take a whole lot to make it interesting or confusing for us. Do that call that Old Age??

Norm, wish you many more birthdays and good health and God bless.
Bob Leitner

Christmas in Wauwatosa, Hummels, and Frisky

Just thinking back to the days of Christmas when the whole relation would file over to Grandma's house for the festive occasion. My dad was the one who played Santa Claus. Can remember taking home all sorts of gifts. Those were days to remember and enjoy reliving again.

Remember the days you were in the Army over in Germany, and you sent home information on how we back home in the USA could order Hummel figurines. Well I ordered 3 of them. There were probably more in the relation that also ordered some. The price probably tripled since I ordered them. If I'd only known then what I know now. . . .

Another thing going back to when you lived on Wauwatosa Ave., that little lamb called Frisky. I remember him, he was the cutest little thing.

Hope you had a terrific 75th Birthday and are still enjoying it with the Blog. I sure am enjoying reading all the stories. Again, HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY.

Love, Cousin Joy

who says we're old?

We're not old.

We're at our peak.

(snap! pop! crack! creek!)

Keeping fit is still a breeze

(pant! cough! hack! wheeze!)

At work and play we hold our own.

(ouch! oof! grunt! groan!)

We're coping great in all respects..

If we ignore the sound effects!

Dear Norm,

Knowing you, Mary, and your special family is a blessing for us. Hope your gentle voice and smile keep bringing peace to all of us many more years.

Best wishes and regards,

Happy 75

Aynur and Ferit Konar

P.S. I will always remember your help with the sewing machines at the quilting class and your patience for remodeling of your kitchen. Love Aynur

1962 normyu

Mary shields lens, clicks f-stops.
Something is starting.

the other house that norm built

. . . with some help from Tri-State Homes.

fogman saves the day

In the summer of 1993, Gibbons from around the globe flocked to gather for the annual reunion. There was feasting and glad merriment. But wait.

An uninvited blood-sucking guest had just arrived: the dreaded Minnesota Mosquito. And he brought his friends. It was the rainy season in Forest Lake and millions of mosquito larva had hatched just days before the start of the celebration. Pestilence beset the happy celebration. Toxic sprays and lotions were liberally applied; swatting and quiet swearing commenced and threatened to spoil the party.

Enter our hero. Norm knew there was no time to lose. The normally mild-mannered Gibbons-in-law sprang into action, first donning the mask, then the cape. His transformation complete, Fogman was ready. With jaw set in grim determination and with reckless disregard for his own safety he stepped into the battle with the hated Minnesota Mosquito. He fogged. He fogged and fogged and fogged. And then he fogged some more.

Who would emerge victorious from the fog-obscured battlefield? Would the reunion be saved? Mothers clutched their children close; some quietly sobbed; others cried out “Fogman, save me”! The reunioners watched with breathless anticipation. Then, from out of the fog, a figure strode toward them. Reunioners squinted to make out the shape. Could it be? Yes! Cheers erupted. It was Fogman, victorious! The mighty Minnesota Mosquito had been defeated! The reunion was saved!

These rare photos of our camera shy superhero were captured through the keen lens of Fogman’s east-coast niece, Helen.