In a hot basketball game today at Hamline University between the majestic Centennial High School Cougars and the hum-drum St. Paul Highland Park High School Something-or-Others, won by the fab Cougars, young cousin Moriah took a hit to the lip and was injured. Blood flowed, and a medic on the scene put on his rubber gloves to attend to our Mo, who 
Aunt Anna Sprick Smith, at 88 our extended family's matriarch (that's her above in her Navy uniform during World War II), wrote this for the blog just for Thanksgiving Day 2008:
I was born in 1920, when women first got the right to vote. I'm thankful that I could vote for a gentleman who is black for president of the United States, and also that it would have been possible for a woman to be elected president.
Since 2006, I've been especially thankful for my wonderful family and friends, who have helped me deal with a mild stroke.
A niece [Patty] calls daily to check on what I may need. A brother [Elmer] phones often and brings fish and the best cookies, baked by his dear wife [Mavis]. A nephew [Sam] writes newsy letters and sends picture of his three sons [Tyler, Alex and Zachary] in their sports uniforms. A sister [Florence] calls weekly from California. A niece [Pam] keeps me informed with a blog of family news and visits often with a tasty meal. A caregiver friend [Jan] visits often with soup and grandchildren and also orders my medications. My sister [Kate] helps me with banking and organizing. Even the mailman hands me the mail with a smile. 
The sunshine in my living room lights up the world, and the evening sunsets are beautiful. My apartment building hallway gives me a place to walk with my walker without dogs, mud, snow, bugs or snakes.
Friends in Apt. 202 bring the church news and the large-print sermons to me every Sunday. Other friends take me to a special communion service each month.
Meals on Wheels are brought five days a week by friends who are so welcome.
My [very large, Pam notes] armoire photo of our new president with my nephew [Dave] is a bright spot, also.
My table often has a bouquet or plant sent by a lady who was a little red-headed first-grader in Mrs. Smith's class in 1956.
I am thankful that age 88, I can read, write, enjoy my food sleep well, walk with a walker, have no pain, no headaches, and best of all, a loving family and friends.
Love,
Aunt Anna
We're thankful for Anna! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
_______________________________________________________
Cousin Sam wrote that he's grateful for:
"Our family ... our faith ... our health ... our friends ... and our future."
_______________________________________________________
Cousin Pam is grateful for the basics this year: good health, a good job (for now!), good friends, great siblings and cousins, a wonderful son, food, shelter and HER FABULOUS LITTLE PLACE IN LAKE CITY!
Zack examined the mortal remains of a small forest creature.
The Cub Scout with his Uncle Dan and cousin Marty and the Broberg families' pooches.
Sarah Heisler Sprick (Nov. 25), with two of her three daughters.
Steve Pepin (Nov. 25), with son Nathan.
Tanya Cook (Nov. 26), with brother Monty Leiser and mom Cindi O'Donahoe.
Having completely run out of vintage family photos, we were thrilled and delighted to be sent this 1936 gem by Elmer of Ed and Elmer hulling walnuts with a corn sheller. Elmer-Joe wrote this: "Ed cranked the corn sheller while Joe fed the walnuts into the hopper. We dried the nuts and cracked them during the winter. The squirrels had to fend for themselves!"
Can't resist posting this photo of cousin Chris using daughter Moriah as a pillow a few years back. We stole it from Mo's Facebook site.
At 88, our Anna is still being honored and lauded. This story was in the Red Wing Republican Eagle last week, and an identical story and photo also appeared in last week's Lake City Graphic. Yay, Anna!
And, below, with Harry Greason and Harry's daughter, Jan Greason, in San Diego:
Florence Sprick Bye and Harry Greason at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., this fall.
Harry at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. During World War II, Harry fought from Tarawa to Okinawa in the Pacific.
All our thoughts are with Aunt Mavis, who had pacemaker surgery today. Her 81st birthday is tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 7, 2008). All best to you, dear Mavis!
Saturday update: The surgery went well and Mavis is recovering. She might even be well enough to watch the Vikings-Packers game tomorrow. Though we're not so sure that is good for her heart!
We're a day late in wishing Michael Northrup Happy 54th Birthday! Here he is a few years back with cousin Chats at Hilton Head, N.C.
Izzbee Miller was a princess for Halloween, and not at all scary. The kitten was cute, too.
