20210111 Sunday morning text from Jeff, “Wanna join us for virtual church and skinnies?” For the uninitiated, this was not about praying for a trim waistline. Jeff was offering to continue a tradition begun by his grandma more than fifty years ago. Skinnies meant pancakes that were as large as a dinner plate, but thinnerContinue reading “Four Generations of Skinnies”
Category Archives: Family
Shamu and Scott
Nearly 57 years ago on the eve of my 23rd birthday, I was blessed with my first child, John Scott Clapper – to be called Scotty. One of my favorite pictures is of me dressed for graduation in cap and gown and holding this marvelous creature in my arms. As he grew up, we becameContinue reading “Shamu and Scott”
New Office for GrandpaLyle
20210108 Ever since we moved here nearly four years ago, Marie and I have shared an office. It wasn’t much – a table from Ikea about six feet long and a couple chairs along one wall in the guest room. Marie’s days were spent at the offices of 8th & Walton, Jeff’s company. I occasionallyContinue reading “New Office for GrandpaLyle”
Christmas in the Time of Covid
20210108 Christmas season began with a bang. Or should I say a doorbell. When we opened the door, what to our wondering eyes should appear but an elf and two pair of jammies. It was The Elf on the Shelf. And he was especially exciting for us, having previously met his mates Noggin and WoodenContinue reading “Christmas in the Time of Covid”
The Pack-O-Fun Backstory
I was only ten years old when my parents, Edna and John Clapper, published the first issue of Pack-O-Fun magazine, but I can still recall some of their adventure. That they knew nothing of publishing is an understatement. * * * Dad’s family lived in Minnesota and had been hard hit by the depression. HisContinue reading “The Pack-O-Fun Backstory”
Real life priorities
19860101 In many ways, Marie grew up in a model traditional family. Her father Chet Reinke spent his days bringing home the bacon and his evenings reading the paper or perhaps grabbing a beer with friends. Hazel managed the household – taking care of Marie, cooking all the meals and keeping things in perfect orderContinue reading “Real life priorities”
Alice Mae
20161101by Marie Clapper Minutes after she was born, her father told us her name and her mother declared, “Her name is Alison Mae, but all her friends call her Alice Mae.” We are birthday twins, Alice Mae and I. She was born on my 70th birthday. My hope is that I will dance with herContinue reading “Alice Mae”
GrandpaLyle Day Care
20160820 If Daddy Day Care sounds a bit iffy, then GrandpaLyle Day Care must be a place responsible parents would shun completely. Yet one day while Alice was still wearing three-cornered undies, all other options were gone. Her regular school was closed for the day and Mommy, Daddy and Gria all had day long meetings.Continue reading “GrandpaLyle Day Care”
“Disco” flights for Payton and Alex
20180808 This morning I bolted awake with a frightening thought: In just a few hours my grandsons Payton and Alex will be at the airport looking forward to their first flying lesson. And they’re expecting me to be their instructor. Gulp. Yes, I’ve been flying for more than fifty years. Yes, I’ve logged five thousandContinue reading ““Disco” flights for Payton and Alex”
Three flyers on 911
20010911 For most, Tuesday, September 11, 2001 began as an ordinary day. * * * My first student of the day was Bryan. An excellent student, he had become familiar with procedures at Palwaukee so when it was time to land I had him call the tower for instructions. That was the end of ordinary.Continue reading “Three flyers on 911”