Monthly Archives: May 2026
My nephew, Xander Spethman has had a year of emotional healing and many changes. While going through all he did in the past was very hard, he knows that he is ok now, and he is happy. Xander loves being back in Casper with his family, because they are all very close. It has just been the best move for him. These days, Xander and his brother Isaac are both working together on a work over rig at the petroleum reserve in Midwest doing the same job in the same field where their dad, Steve Spethman started out his 34-year oilfield career. The work is hard, but they aren’t afraid of hard work, and the oil field is a good career.
Xander is still very close with his 2 brothers, Zack and Isaac, and he still wants to be just like his dad. Recently, the guys took three weekends to build a fence for their parents. They were all working hard, and the fence looks like professionals built it. Their mom, Jenny and dad, Steve were so proud of their boys working together without the need to ask them. They have all grown into amazing young men. Their parents are very proud of all of them and of their sister, Aleesia.
Xander has really had a great year. He and his dog, Rocky are very close, and his dog waits at the door all day and gets so excited when Xander finally gets home. Rocky is definitely his loyal companion. The whole family has always loved the outdoors and still love getting out and 
hiking or just hanging out. The mountain has always been the favorite place for the Spethman family. With summer coming on, they will all be getting out there to enjoy it again. Things are looking up for Xander, and I know that God has great things in store for him. For now, he is just spending time with family and friends and enjoying life. Today is Xander’s 23rd birthday. Happy birthday Xander!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My sister-in-law, Brenda Schulenberg has worked in the banking industry since graduating from high school, but in July, that is all coming to an end. Brenda is busy planning her retirement, and of course, trying to help her employer to find a suitable replacement for her job. That is proving to be a rather daunting task, since they really haven’t had anyone apply for her job. I can understand the bank’s dilemma, because Brenda’s job is not one of those 9 to 5 “Bankers Jobs” we all think of when we think of banking. Instead, Brenda has been known to work from 8am to 10pm at times. A major part of Brenda’s job is to process payroll, not just for the bank’s employees, but for a number of companies around town. These are large companies, with many 
employees, so it is time consuming. In addition to payroll, she also prepares all of their tax documents too. It just isn’t a job that can be done on “banker’s hours” and that was explained to her when she took the job. Of course, any replacements will be told the same, hence the problem with a replacement. They may need to make a number of changes at the bank.
Brenda is really looking forward to her retirement, as we all do. She has been contemplating that day for a couple of years now. She stayed because of her boss/friend. They made a good team, but now that the boss is retiring, Brenda is done too. We all get to that place eventually. And after we retire, we begin to wonder how we ever had time to work. Staying busy is important to a happy retirement. Just sitting around with nothing going on, is one reason why some people go back to work. In the past, Brenda has enjoyed travel, so I hope she will be able to do some of that again. 
Her job has kept her closer to home lately.
Brenda hasn’t really said what her plans are, but I know she will get it figured out. Nevertheless, I seriously doubt is there will be much bookkeeping in her future…at least not on a regular basis. Once a banker, always a banker, and I know that her own bank books will still be meticulously kept, but as for mass amounts of bookkeeping and such, those are going to be a thing of the past. Whatever Brenda’s plans for her retirement, I am very happy for her. She has worked more hours than most people, and she has earned this. Today is Brenda’s birthday. Happy birthday Brenda!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
On May 21, 1960, a tremor struck Valdivia, Chile, kicking off a series of quakes that would devastate the region. By the time it was over, 5,000 people had lost their lives and another 2 million were left homeless. The first quake measured 7.6 in magnitude and was deadly in its own right, but it turned out to be just a foreshock to one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.
At 3:11pm the next afternoon, a massive magnitude 9.5 earthquake struck southern Chile, with its epicenter just off the coast beneath the Pacific Ocean. There, the Nazca oceanic plate plunged 50 feet under the South American plate. The quake triggered enormous landslides down the region’s mountains and unleashed a series of tsunamis along Chile’s coast. At 4:20pm, a 26-foot wave crashed ashore, sweeping away most buildings and structures as it receded. But the worst was yet to come…minutes later, a slower, towering 35-foot wave rolled in, killing an estimated 1,000 people, including many who had sought safety on higher ground. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was the most powerful ever recorded. It caused widespread devastation, tsunamis, and significant global impact.
The Valdivia earthquake, also called the Great Chilean Earthquake, struck near Lumaco, about 354 miles south of Santiago, with Valdivia hit the hardest. Lasting around 10 minutes, it caused intense shaking and set off a series of tsunamis across the Pacific. This massive megathrust quake happened when the Nazca Plate was forced beneath the South American Plate along Chile’s coast. The fault shift stretched between 500 and 1,000 km, releasing immense energy and creating both vertical and horizontal ground movement. Foreshocks, including a magnitude 8.1 quake in Concepción the day before, had already caused major damage and hinted at the disaster to come. Cities like Valdivia and Puerto Montt suffered extensive destruction. Buildings collapsed, rivers changed course, and soil subsidence created new wetlands. Electricity and water systems were destroyed, and the city of Valdivia experienced severe flooding. Two days later, Cordón Caulle volcano erupted, marking the first eruption in four decades
The earthquake triggered tsunamis that swept across the Pacific, impacting far-off regions. In Hawaii, waves up to 35 feet hit Hilo, causing 61 deaths. Japan saw around 140 deaths and heavy property damage, while eastern New Zealand, southeast Australia, the Aleutian Islands, and parts of the United States West Coast suffered minor damage. In Chile, economic losses were estimated at $400 to $800 million at the time (about $4.5 to $8.8 billion today), with additional damages in Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines from the tsunamis. The toll could have been much worse…thanks to a foreshock 30 minutes earlier, many people were already outside, 
avoiding building collapses, and the locals quickly evacuated the coast knowing that a tsunami was coming. After leaving Chile, the tsunami traveled hundreds of miles west toward Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan, where hundreds also died. In fact, the waves set off by this earthquake bounced back and forth across the Pacific Ocean for a week. Aftershocks were recorded for a full 30 days after the main tremor.
When I talk to his family about my nephew, Rob Masterson’s birthday, I always find that they always have the best things to say. Dustie so clearly loves her husband with all her heart. She says, “My husband…there are so many things, so many ways that he is amazing. Every day I fall more in love with him and everyday I’m more grateful than the last, that God put him in my life. It’s what most people call the “little” things, but I think they are really the most important things. Like the way he will spend so much time happily humming while finding something that I’ve lost AGAIN…for the hundredth time!! Or, when he sends me a goofy picture of our cat because he knows I’m having a rough day at work. Or, when he surprises me with a cup of coffee from the coffee shop…just because. The million times he’s brought me lunch because he’s worried that I won’t eat enough at lunch. Or the time that I got a hole in my shoe at work and he went to the store and bought me the exact pair of shoes that I wear for work in the exact size that I wear and brought them to me so I wouldn’t have a holey shoe at work. He does 90% of the running around because he says I work all day and that’s the least, he can do. He puts everyone in our house before himself and as much as it aggravates me!! I love him all the more for it.” What more can I say. Anything I said would pale by comparison.
Rob’s daughter, Raelynn tells me that her dad is a silly guy. She says that he always makes her laugh on the way home from work. Rob picks Raelynn up and they are both pretty tired by that point so it’s all stupid jokes…”Dad jokes,” if you will. While Rob jokes around, he is also thoughtful and observant. He genuinely just always knows when something is up with any one of his kids. even if they don’t realize it at times. Sometimes, Raelynn just spaces out to her music on the way home, not realize I’m doing a “thing” with her hands or my legs or just moving a lot, and he’ll ask what’s wrong, and then she realizes that her day had been bad. Rob noticed before she did. He complains that he’s too old for the kids’ antics, but he still puts up with it, and Raelynn thinks that’s just how her dad will always be. She says, “I love my dad for that. I get my humor mostly 
exaggerates it, with dad it takes a moment to realize he made a joke or sarcastic comment and that is its own kind of funny. My dad has always been a symbol of perseverance to me. Even when he’s in pain, or tired, or sick, he keeps moving, because the world doesn’t stop because you’re in pain, or tired, or sick, and it really helped when I was having pain in school with scoliosis, and when I needed surgery, and it still helps now. Knowing my dad can do it after everything his body has been through makes me know I can do it. I can keep moving.”
Sometimes, as in Taylor’s case, it’s hard to put in words, all someone means to you. Taylor said, “Oh, I’ve been struggling to find what I want to say, but for starters he’s always ok with helping us three (Raelynn, Matt, and Taylor) with whatever it is we need. The amounts of times he’s brought me things while I’m at work more often than not real early in the morning. I’ve honestly lost count. Dad has been such a strong presence in my life that I always think if Dad can do it, so can I. Dad has gotten me food despite me saying it was fine, because he knew I had a bad day at work he knew that nacho fries from Taco Bell would make it a million times better.” Taylor tells me that Rob, like so many people, doesn’t like having his picture taken all that much, unless it’s by his sister, Liz Masterson, who’s taking them of him with Pita, his cat cuddled up to him so we don’t have a whole lot with his face, because Pita likes to lay on his back. Taylor says, “There is not a single word or language known, unknown, alive, or dead that can describe just how much I love, appreciate and need my father. He is the image of strength and knowledge that I look to when I need guidance. He doesn’t mind driving me to work at McDonald’s at 4:00am either. I can’t believe I almost forgot that he refuses to let me walk to or from work because it’s either too early or because I’ve worked 10 hours and he doesn’t want me overexerting myself.”
Rob’s son, Matt tells me that his dad is his biggest supporter. Matt says, “He always has been my hero. I 
couldn’t do half the of the things I can do now without his support. My dad has always been wanting to support his family in times of need and in my times, he has always been there. I just want to make my dad proud, and I hope that he has an amazing birthday!! Today is Rob’s birthday. Happy birthday Rob!! Have an wonderfully amazing, “hero’s birthday!!” Your family is all in agreement that you have earned it. They are very proud of you…all of your family!! We love you!!
My sister, Caryl Reed was the middle of my parents’ five daughters, and the only blonde in our number. Our mother, Collene Spencer was blonde as a child, but her hair darkened after she turned sixteen. Mom always wished she had kept that blonde hair. As I was looking at pictures of Mom the other day, I saw a lot of Caryl in her, so I started looking at pictures at about the same age, and I was surprised. I think Caryl looks a lot like Mom. There are differences, but a lot of similarities too. Caryl laughs like Mom. I think Caryl was Mom’s mini-me, even if we didn’t realize it.
Caryl and her husband, Mike Reed love to travel. Every year they take several trips. The biggest one was to Japan, when her son Allen was stationed there while he was in the Navy. That was rather a once in a lifetime 
trip for them, mostly because after that trip, Allen was no longer stationed there. Still, they had a great time. They have gone to Texas, and over to Oregon, where Allen and his wife Gaby live now. And recently, Caryl reconnected with a couple of girlfriends from high school, and they have enjoyed that so much that they invited Caryl and Mike to Nebraska for a visit. They really enjoyed the trip, and it really solidified the friendships. They also take a Christmas trip to a cabin Mike’s daughter, Amanda and her husband Sean own in Ryan Park. It is a special time of being in nature in the snow-covered mountains.
Caryl and Mike decided they wanted a dog a year or two ago, so they bought a West Highland White Terrier (a Westie) that they named Joey. Joey keeps them busy with his antics, but they have to keep a close eye on him. 
They live west of Casper on a little ranch they purchased, and Joey thinks the antelope running around are great chase toys. The main work on the ranch is their hay crops. They usually have 2 or 3 cuttings, and they usually have no trouble selling it. Mike does most of the heavy work with the crops. They have a huge irrigation system on wheels, so it’s not bad, but sometimes he needs Caryl’s help with stuff too. Mostly, she does the house and he does the land. They make a great team. Today is Caryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Caryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
For my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens the last year has been one of major changes. My sister, Alena, who is Mike’s wife of what would have been 42 years this year. Mike has had a tough year. It’s hard to be the parent left behind after a loss, even when the children of the marriage are grown and on their own. Mike has had to try to be supportive of his children, while dealing with his own sense of immense loss. That was the position Mike found himself in, and through his grief, I can say he has handled it well. Mike knew how important all the family birthdays were to Alena, and they are to him too, but like many men, he had looked to Alena to keep track of the days, and then he would join her in wishing the happy birthday to the family member. After Alena went to Heaven, Mike contacted me to get a good list so he could continue to do so. He knew I would have that list because of my blog. I was so proud of him for making sure he could continue that tradition, and I know Alena would be proud of him too. It was such a sweet blessing to get that text from Mike on my birthday. He is carrying on the tradition started by Alena. 
There are joyful events coming Mike’s way too. His son, Garrett and wife Kayla are expecting a new baby in July, and his daughter, Lacey and husband Chris Killinger are expecting a baby in August. I know Alena has met these grandbabies in Heaven already, but soon the rest of the family will get to meet them. I know Mike is very excited to see his family continuing to grow, but I’m sure he wishes he could share these joyous occasions with Alena. Mike has a close relationship with his kids, and they all work hard to maintain that closeness. They are very supportive of each other.
In early April, Callie, the half miniature Doberman and half Long-Haired Chihuahua dog Mike and Alena had owned for 13 years passed away. It was hard that it was shortly before the one-year anniversary of Alena’s passing on April 23, 2025. After Callie was gone, Mike said the house felt really lonely, and since he had been 
around my sister’ Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike’s West Highland White Terrier, he decided to get one for himself. In early May, he got a male Westie, and names him Festus. I guess you can see that Mike is a “Gunsmoke” fan. While he still misses Callie, Mike and Festus are getting along very well. Westies are a small dog, so they make for a great lap dog when Mike is watching television or just relaxing in the evening. I’m glad he has a new companion in the house and Festus is a sweet little companion too. It’s a good thing for Mike. Today is Mike’s birthday. Happy birthday Mike!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My grandniece, Katy Herr is an amazing woman. She is an athlete, marathon runner, exercise enthusiast, but above all that, she is a wife and mother. Her husband, Dylan Herr and her son, Max Herr. They are Katy’s world. She loves then more than life itself, and she works very hard to bring happiness to their lives, to create the best home and life she can for them. Katy has a kind and loving heart, and it shows in everything she does for everyone she knows. Her smile lights up a room and makes everyone’s day better. It’s no wonder she is loved and respected by everyone who knows her.
I don’t recall when exactly Katy started her training for and running marathons, but I over the years, she has won several races both individual and as part of a team. I do a lot of walking, but running is just not something I could ever get into. I am in awe of anyone who can, and in awe of all the work and training it takes to get there. As her husband says, she “pushes herself at the gym to chase her goals and become the best version of herself.” You can tell that she works very hard, she looks great, and she is very healthy. I know that Max is glad she does too, because his mama can get out there and play with him as if she were a kid too. Not every mom can do that. He really is the recipient of her hard work.
Katy is also a great help to Dylan in all the charity work and business obligations he has. Dylan is one of the owners, along with his family of Red Wing Shoes, but he is also community minded, as is Katy. Their contributions to the community have been a welcome help to many people, and Katy has been a big part of that. Sometimes, I think she must be part “Superwoman” with all she does. On top of all that, add keeping her house up and baking…both things she also does very well. I just don’t know how she does it!! Katy has a heart of gold, and a sweet spirit to match!! Katy is a wonderful person, and a joy to know. Today is Katy’s birthday. Happy birthday Katy!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Coxey’s Army was a protest march in 1894, led by Jacob Coxey, made up of unemployed workers calling for government-funded public works and legal-tender currency. It arose during the Panic of 1893, a harsh economic depression that left over four million Americans jobless and created widespread struggles for both industrial laborers and farming families. Ohio businessman Jacob S Coxey organized the march to urge Congress to support a federally funded road-building program that would create jobs and boost the money supply through issuing legal-tender Treasury notes.
Coxey described the march as a “petition in boots,” a symbolic way to directly appeal to the government by taking to the streets. It kicked off on March 25, 1894, in Massillon, Ohio, with around 100 men. As they moved east, they passed through cities like Pittsburgh, Becks Run, and Homestead, Pennsylvania. Other groups, like Kelley’s Army from California and Fry’s Army from Los Angeles, tried similar marches but mostly fell apart before reaching Washington. By the time Coxey’s Army arrived in the capital on April 30, 1894, it had grown to about 500 people, with others from across the country joining along the route. They camped on a 260-acre site in Colmar Manor, Maryland, before attempting to present their demands to Congress.
When Coxey and his followers reached Washington DC, they tried to speak from the Capitol steps but were arrested for trespassing on the Capitol lawns. While the event drew plenty of attention, it didn’t lead to immediate policy changes. However, it did shine a light on the growing frustration among unemployed Americans and went on to inspire future protest movements.
Coxey’s Army was the first major protest march on Washington DC, introducing the concept of organized, mass demonstrations to push for changes in federal policy and inspiring the phrase “Enough food to feed 
Coxey’s Army.” Although the march didn’t meet its legislative aims, it represented the struggles of the unemployed in the 1890s, as well as showing the people’s readiness to take direct action for economic relief. It also highlighted the broader social tensions, like debates over currency, labor rights, and the government’s major role in ensuring economic security. The men must have felt better for having at least tried.
On May 15, 1765, Parliament passed the Quartering Act, setting out where and how British soldiers would be housed in the American colonies. The Quartering Act of 1765 required the colonies to provide housing for British soldiers in barracks supplied by the colonies. If the barracks were too small, local communities had to lodge soldiers in inns, stables, alehouses, food establishments, and wine sellers’ homes. If there were still soldiers without a place to stay after all these public houses were full, the act stated that the colonies must take or rent vacant houses, outbuildings, barns, or other suitable structures to 
accommodate His Majesty’s forces. All of this was to be free of charge to the British troops and funded by the colonies alone.
The wording of the act makes it clear that the idea of Redcoats kicking colonists out of their bedrooms to move in themselves was neither the law’s intent nor its actual practice. Still, the New York colonial assembly didn’t appreciate being ordered to house British troops. They wanted to be asked and give their consent before having soldiers among them. So, they refused to comply, leading Parliament in 1767 to pass the New York Restraining Act, which barred the royal governor from approving any new legislation until the assembly followed the Quartering Act. This was exactly the kind of totalitarianism that caused the colonies to declare their independence, and it was never going to be tolerated…at least not for long.
In New York, the governor convinced Parliament that the assembly had met its obligations. In Massachusetts, where barracks already stood on an island far from the unrest stirred by the Townshend Revenue Acts, British officers followed the Quartering Act’s rule to house soldiers in public spaces, not private homes. With few options, they set up tents on Boston Common. Living side by side with angry Patriots, the soldiers soon clashed in street fights, leading to the Boston Massacre of 1770, in which five stone-throwing colonists were killed and any remaining trust between Bostonians and Redcoats was shattered. That divide never healed, and the British troops remained in Boston until George Washington and the Continental Army forced them out in 1776.
