Monday, December 26, 2016

Well done Dad, you really lived!


Life is changing, Dad taught me how to live, love, laugh and adventure. How to cherish family and good friends. How to listen to what everyone has to say even if they are mad at you or you don't agree with them and try not to worry about the small stuff! 


He was very good at telling stories of his life adventures.
The one thing that he didn't  achieve and not that he didn't try, was to have a campground but this gave him a few more stories:-)
Stories of land he bought, didn't buy or tried to buy.
Stories of skipping his confirmation to go fishing only to have his parents make him take two more years of confirmation classes! Stories of tipping outhouses, throwing dead cats into bars, greasing railroad tracks and watching trains slide through town, endless hunting and fishing adventures
and so many more!
Always ready for a visit!

 Dad was always ready to work and help with the next project! It bothered him a lot when he couldn't see well enough to help anymore but he still came to supervise!
His quote that we have to use on every project "it's good enough for a town this size"

 He was fascinated and loved hearing about Nellie's adventures!


 He provided a great home and many adventures to his 7 kids(5sons,2daughters)
 18 grandkids and 15 1/2 great grandkids! I guess mom didn't like being an only child growing up:-)

Mike, Barb, Steve, Doug, Mary, Bob
Dad, Mom and Tom are with us in spirit!



 Dad loved his job as a telephone installer/repairman mainly I think because he liked to talk and visit with people!




 He loved building and spending time at the cabin!

 Dad and Mom were collectors which shows from the collection of old signs on his garages!


 He also loved his old snowplow, made originally by his long time friend Glen. Built from a 50's willy's jeep, a tractor and ??? He plowed with it until last year!

Dad passed away Dec.21 2016 at the age of 88, one day before his 65th anniversary to mom! It's great he made it to her a day early!

He's been missing Mom for eight years and as much as we will miss him it's comforting knowing they are together again!



Steve and I had the honor of one last building project for Dad!
It is made from a cherry log that he milled, an old tabletop he had collected, some Catalpa tree lumber that I made Moms box from, elk and dear horns from Canada and a piece of my Airstream.

We are all going to miss you Dad but happy you are adventuring with Mom again! 
I will be thinking of you with all of our Airstream travels! Thanks Mom and Dad for setting a great example for us!

You lived well Dad!
Video by his Granddaughter Erin Bosman from youtube: Art Bakken

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Thankful of all my days

I have so much to be thankful for!


My parents and family I was blessed to grow up with, they showed me how to have and create love, fun and adventure in my life!

 Miss you Mom!




My father and mother in law who excepted the new "friend" of their daughter and have shared their family, life and traditions.





My wife who loves me, puts up with me and keeps  me focused on goals and the important things in life!


My kids who continue to impress me with their own ideas, adventures and what great parents they have become!




My Granddaughters!
 Nora
 Juniper
 Helen


My friends that have helped create adventure and supported me when I needed it.




My favorite son in law Isaac and my favorite daughter in law Kaia, I couldn't have hoped for better!




My church family for providing safety in a always troubled world!


Thankful of Our  airstream "Nellie" which is just a thing which means nothing as a thing but when we travel with her she opens the door to us meeting new friends wherever we go!




My job of 30yrs which takes me away from my family to much but has provided a very good life for us!
My dog and fur buddy Jake, I'm Thankful most of the time!


Life is good! Now lets eat!