Health
Aunt Charlys Schulenberg was born Charlys Stull on May 11, 1942, in Glendive, Montana to Edward Stull and Vivian née Heath Stull. She was born the third of seven children. Her siblings were Jackie LeRoy, Carol, Layne, Kellys, Douglas, and Kimberly. Over the years Charlys and her family lived in Montana and North Dakota. I don’t know much about her family really, but Aunt Charlys is so sweet that I wanted to know more about her background, so I did a little research. Of course, knowing her parents’ names and the names of her siblings doesn’t really tell me anything much about her, but it does tell me that the family did a little moving around. While the family moved several times, and some of the kids moved away permanently many returned to Montana, because…well, Montana was home. Charlys was one of the ones for whom Montana would always be home.
Charlys met the love of her life, Andrew “Butch” Schulenberg and they were married on June 26, 1966, when he was 25 years old, and she was 24 years old. And that was how she became my future aunt. She married my future husband, Bob Schulenberg’s uncle. Charlys and Butch were so very happy, and over the years they 
added three children to their happy marriage, Andi Kay, Tadd, and Heath. They loved Forsyth, the town of Uncle Butch’s birth, and that was and continues to be where they have made their home. They are both wonderful people who are much loved and respected in Forsyth.
Aunt Charlys has proven herself to be on tough lady. She doesn’t let anything beat her. Because she began suffering with neuropathy, she wasn’t supposed to be cooking…something that was very upsetting to Charlys, who loves to cook and is exceptional at it too. So, Uncle Butch had to start doing the cooking. One night, they were going to have spaghetti, but they needed French bread and other groceries, so he went down to store. When he came back 45 minutes later, Aunt Charlys was laying on the floor. She had decided to start the spaghetti, and as she was boiling the spaghetti, her feet went out from under her. She hit the pan of boiling water as she fell, and the pan fell on her, spilling the boiling water and hot spaghetti in her lap causing 3rd, 4th, and 5th degree burns from her knees to her chest. Uncle Butch called an ambulance, and they got her to the hospital, and then, she was flown to the University of Colorado Burn Center. While her burns must have kept 
her in excruciating pain, Aunt Charlys never lost her sense of humor. She joked with the nurses, even though she was the one in so much pain. She somehow managed to dig deep within herself and become a blessing to those who were supposed to be helping her. That was typical Charlys. Today is Aunt Charlys 84th birthday. Happy birthday Charlys!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Would you ever consider taking the job of pet food taster? The very idea would make most of us cringe, but the reality is that there are approximately 90 million pet dogs in America, and that’s just dogs. There are many other pets too. As far as we know, none of these pets can talk, so the only way to tell if they enjoy their food is to, well, try it ourselves. Ok, maybe that is a little extreme, but there needs to be a way to know if their food tastes good. We already know that pets tend to like “people food,” so that should give us an idea of their taste in food, right? Still, to actually taste the food the dogs are going to eat. I just don’t know. I suppose that the $45,000 annual salary might be some incentive…for some people.
More and more pet foods are becoming more of a gourmet kind of cuisine these days. There are brands like Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Spot and Tango, The Pets Table, We Feed Raw, and A Pup Above, just to name a few. All these gourmet pet food brands need refrigeration, because they have “human grade ingredients” in them. As any pet owner will tell you, a cat or a dog won’t hesitate to show their distaste for a meal. So, is there really a need for a “Pet Food Taster” to decide if the food tastes good. Of course, taste is not the only purpose of the pet food taster. They are primarily there to evaluate the nutritional value of pet food. For so long the nutritional value of pet food was severely lacking and really considered unimportant. Then as the health of the pets declined, veterinarians, pet owners, and dog food manufacturers began to understand that pet bodies needed 
more than just meat byproduct fillers in their food. And the taste of that old pet food…well, maybe a human needed to taste it once in a while.
While I can see that being a pet food taster might be an occupation with some value, it is definitely not the kind of occupation I could see myself in. Not being a pet owner could be part of the reason, but even if I were, I think I would have to take the manufacturer’s word, or that of the veterinarian as to which food would be the best.
Depression is a disease that affects many people all over the world. That has become an accepted fact over the years, although not always looked upon as anything more than being a person of weak countenance. What many of us have never heard of, however, is that pets can also become depressed. There can be a number of reasons for this, with one of the most extreme being the loss of their owner, especially through death and especially if the pet witnessed the passing. While there’s still much we don’t know about the millions of species sharing our planet, scientists and everyday people alike generally agree that animals are capable of experiencing emotions just like we do.
One of the most documented incidences of depression is a police dog, or a military dog that loses its handler. 
These animals work so closely with their handler that they almost become one unit. They can anticipate their partner’s every move, and when their handler is killed or even retires from the service, the animal is left with a hole in their heart than is hard to fill. If the dog happens to see their partner killed in the line of duty, they take it especially hard. Like any police partner, they can even feel a measure of blame…even though they were not to blame and could not have prevented the death. House pets, who have learned to trust and live closely with us, can sometimes show signs of depression or anxiety, often through unusual behaviors like losing interest in their favorite activities. For reason, other than the loss of an owner, pets can become depressed. When a household has more than one pet, the loss of companion pet can bring noticeable sadness to the remaining pet, as well as the pet owner.
In the past, these animals would be left to deal with their sadness on their own, as many still are today. 
However, these days, pet psychologists can help identify these issues and provide advice on how to improve their well-being. That is rather a strange occupation, in my mind. I really don’t understand how a human psychologist can communicate with an animal to identify depression, PTSD, or any other problem…aside from possibly fear of thunder and lightning, which presents itself in a very clear way. Animals can’t tell us what is bothering them, and yet professional psychologists profess to be able to understand the problems they have. Nevertheless, Pet Psychologist is a very real profession that pays in the vicinity of $52,000 a year. I guess in might be a profession for a pet lover to consider.
We all know about the growing season of plants, but were you aware that children grow faster in the spring due too? That growth spurt is due to several factors, among them, increased Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth. Longer days and increased sunlight in spring boost vitamin D levels, which play that very key role in supporting a child’s bone growth. Another factor is that of hormonal regulation…increased daylight hours can lower melatonin levels, which may enhance growth hormone secretion, promoting faster growth. In addition, more time spent outdoors during spring allows children to engage in physical activities that stimulate growth. In the spring, fresh produce is easier to find, making it simpler to enjoy a balanced diet that encourages growth. Altogether, these factors make spring an ideal time for childhood growth.
It might seem surprising, but research shows that kids often grow faster in the spring, thanks largely to more sunlight and better nutrition. Several studies have found that the biggest growth spurts happen during these 
months. For example, a 2015 study of 760 Danish students revealed peak growth in April and May, while a 2022 study of thousands of Texas children also reported strong growth rates in spring and early summer.
The second-best growing season is summer. One of the most significant factors driving summer growth spurts is the relationship between sleep patterns and growth hormone release. Of course, when the kids don’t have to get up early to get ready for school, many of them tend to sleep half of the morning away. Growth hormone secretion occurs predominantly during deep sleep, particularly during the first third of the night when deep, non-REM sleep is most abundant. During summer months, children typically enjoy more relaxed schedules, allowing for longer and higher-quality sleep. This extended rest period provides more opportunities for growth hormone release. The combination of less school stress, warmer weather, and longer days often leads to better sleep quality for children. Without early morning school schedules, kids can follow their natural sleep patterns more closely. CMC Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene year-round, but particularly during these crucial growth periods. Children experience a rush of growth hormones both when they fall asleep and when they wake up. Longer summer sleep periods allow these hormones to work more effectively, contributing to the dramatic height increases many parents observe in their children.
Of course, another big part of growth is good nutrition, and when your child suddenly seems hungry all the time, their body is likely preparing for or experiencing a growth spurt. Their increased caloric demands are very likely part of the need for extra energy as part of that growth spurt too. Growth happens all year round, but kids often experience a boost in spring. Longer days, better nutrition, more time spent being active, and improved sleep all play a role in this seasonal spurt. Parents can help by encouraging outdoor fun, offering balanced meals, and making sure their children get plenty of rest during these lively months. Oh, and plan on needing new clothes before school starts again, because that is just a part of the deal.
When my husband Bob’s grandfather, Andy Schulenberg, was 14 years old, he was involved in a hunting accident that severely injured his leg. Things were different back then, and medicine wasn’t as advanced as it is today. While 1920 wasn’t exactly the dark ages, doctors have learned much more about saving limbs since then. Maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference, but maybe the years could have changed things. Unfortunately, Grandpa’s leg didn’t recover, and after battling multiple infections, likely gangrene, it became clear that to save his life, they would have to amputate the leg.
After the accident and subsequent amputation, Grandpa spent 14 months in the hospital. That’s a long time for anyone, but for a 14-year-old boy, it must have felt like forever. He missed a year of school, and all the fun 
things kids his age were doing. He also missed helping his parents with chores, which is something that might not seem like a loss, but when boredom sets in, you would definitely rather work on the farm than lie in bed…for hours!! Television was still in its infancy, far from perfected, so his entertainment came from visitors and books. Not exactly thrilling, especially since many boys aren’t keen on reading. Thankfully, his family rallied around him, sending postcard letters that he eagerly awaited. Mail delivery became a highlight, and he devoured every word, even if the writers didn’t always choose them perfectly. It was his lifeline to the outside world.
Grandpa was fitted with a wooden peg leg, and it was going to be a long journey learning to walk again. I never knew exactly how high the leg went, but I think it was probably mid-thigh. During this time, he showed incredible determination. He could have stayed in bed, giving up and letting others care for him, but he refused. Instead, he got up and worked tirelessly to regain his mobility. He knew life would never be quite the same, but he had things he wanted to do and was determined not to let this sideline him.
He eventually became the Sheriff of Rosebud County. You’d think he’d want nothing to do with guns after his accident and all that followed, but while he didn’t see much need for them in his law enforcement role, he could 
still handle one just fine. Serving from 1955 to 1972, he earned the nickname “the sheriff without a gun.” It’s hard to picture a sheriff pulling off the job, arrests and all, without carrying a firearm, but that’s exactly what he did. Whether guns bothered him or not I can’t say, but if they did, he never let it show. He was no quitter. He was a great sheriff, and an amazing person Today is the 120th anniversary of Grandpa’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa Schulenberg!! We love and miss you very much.
When I think of my husband’s aunt, Esther Hein, I am reminded of the relationship she had with my mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, Joan Schulenberg. These days they are both in Heaven, and I can just imagine them reminiscing about the old days. When Esther was a young girl, her family lived on a ranch in Montana. By that time, her brother, Walt Schulenberg (my father-in-law) was married and living in town. Montana winters can be harsh, making it tough for kids from rural areas to get to school. To solve that problem, from time to time, Esther stayed with her brother and his wife, my mother-in-law, Joann Schulenberg. As kids often are, she could be a bit rowdy and mischievous…not a bad child, just a kid. My mother-in-law, being a mom herself, had to maintain order, so 
whenever Esther did something she didn’t like, she’d say, “Don’t, Esther!” She might spank her own kids, but dealing with a sister-in-law was different, so her go-to discipline was just that phrase.
When my mother-in-law was older, she was afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease, and eventually, it all clicked. I’d always known who she meant but never understood the connection to me. Esther and I had a good laugh about it, and I told Esther it was better for her to take the blame…after all, she was far away and didn’t have to deal with Mom actually being mad. As for me, I decided that if I ever did something my mother-in-law disapproved of, I’d just say, “Esther did it!” It figured it would be sure to keep me out of trouble…sorry about that Esther!!
I think Esther forgave me for my little fib when putting the blame on her. In fact, when I told her about it, she 
thought it was really funny. When you are dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, each day is a new story, and you have to learn to “roll with the punches,” so to speak. When my mother-in-law said, “Don’t Esther,” it gave me an out, and as her main caregiver, sometimes I needed a way out of taking the blame of “bossing” her around. Alzheimer’s patients often need to be told when to go to bed, get up, when to eat, and most other activities as time goes by. Blaming Esther gave me “a way out” of being the bad guy.
For a couple of reasons, I have always had an interest in the Lakota Sioux Native American tribe. The first is that I love visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota which is closely tied to the Lakota Sioux tribe. The other reason the Lakota have interested me is that my great uncle, John Spare was actually adopted by a Lakota Sioux chief named Walking Cloud, who had lost his son, and been impressed with Uncle John. So, he decided to adopt him, even though Uncle John was a grown man. I guess that if people can have dual citizenship, they can also have dual parentship…or whatever it might be called.
Now, I found another reason to be interested in the Lakota Sioux…the “Lakota Grandmas.” The term “Lakota Grandmas” refers to four Lakota women who, in 1953, founded the Lakota TB and Health Association to combat a tuberculosis outbreak among the Cheyenne River Sioux. These weren’t your typical grandmas, but rather were four Lakota grandmothers who took management of the outbreak into their own hands. These women…Phoebe Downing (Standing Rock), Eunice Larrabee (Cheyenne River), Alfreda Janis Bergin (Pine Ridge), and Irene Groneau (Sisseton-Wahpeton)…banded together to serve their tribal health communities by tackling a variety of health issues, including tuberculosis, mental health, and alcoholism. These women saw a serious need and took it upon themselves to work together for the common good of their people and their reservations. Their work contributed greatly to the development of the Community Health Representative programs under the Indian Health Service (IHS). These women were instrumental in shaping health programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS), including starting the Community Health Representative (CHR) program.
Apparently, Lakota grandmothers have long been valued as keepers of knowledge. To this day, they remain vital to their communities, playing important roles in healthcare, intergenerational care, and tackling social factors that impact health. Their role intensified in 1953, amid a tuberculosis outbreak. That was when the four Lakota grandmothers banded together for the common good. One of the diseases most commonly dealt with by the Lakota grandmas was diabetes. Intergenerational caregiving is on the rise as challenges like unemployment and violence put more pressure on families. That brought a need for grandmothers to step up in vital ways. Among the Lakota, grandmothers are deeply engaged in community advocacy, from boosting health literacy to guiding 
advance care planning, making sure their voices shape important healthcare decisions. The Native Americans have always placed great value on the elderly, and maybe that is a lesson we should all learn. Whether all of our elderly are in a position to make such astounding changes or not, these four women certainly were, and together, they made a difference.
We always loved when Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jim Wolfe came to town for visits. They were fun-loving people who kept things lively and had us laughing all the time. They usually brought their three kids…Shirley Cameron, Larry Wolfe (who passed away in 1976), and Terry Wolfe. Sometimes they came with friends of Larry and Terry or with Shirley’s husband Wayne “Shorty” Cameron, and children, Tonnya Cameron, and Larry Cameron. It was especially fun when the kids were there. The boys were rowdy and rambunctious, and while my sisters and I couldn’t “take” them in a wrestling match, that didn’t stop us from trying…or them from pretending we might win. The boys’ style was just like Aunt Ruth’s. Their whole family was full of laughter, and I dearly miss those who have gone on to Heaven. 
Aunt Ruth was a talented musician who could play any instrument she picked up, which was a favorite memory of her daughter Shirley’s. Shirley loved her mom’s talent in both music and art, and she was so proud of her mom. I had no idea Aunt Ruth was so gifted until we visited Shirley and Shorty after Uncle Jim passed away. Shirley showed us some of Aunt Ruth’s paintings. Sadly, many of Aunt Ruth’s belongings were lost in a fire that destroyed the home she had shared with Uncle Jim. By then, Aunt Ruth had passed, but Uncle Jim still lived there, next door to Shirley and her family. The fire marked the moment it became clear Uncle Jim, who now had Alzheimer’s, needed to move to a nursing home. It was a difficult time for everyone, not just because of the lost pictures, paintings, and instruments, but also because Shirley could no longer visit her dad every day 
since the nursing home was too far away. Aunt Ruth was also a skilled equestrienne and often raced her horses.
Aunt Ruth passed away much too soon at the age of 66. She had a fast-growing form of cancer, and before any of us could fully process the fact that she had Cancer, she was gone. It was such a heartbreaking time, and we all miss her deeply. She passed away on May 11, 1992, and it’s hard to believe how much time has passed since then. Today would have been her 100th birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Aunt Ruth. We love and miss you dearly.
My niece, Cassi Franklin’s partner, Wesley Burr is a first-time dad, and he is loving every minute of it. Being Daddy to a toddler is a big job, but Wesley takes his job seriously. He wants to be the best Daddy ever to is daughter Alicen. Wesley is also stepdad to Cassi’s older children, Lucas and Zoey Iverson, and he has been very uplifting and encouraging to them and to Cassi. He is also very adamant about their future and making it the best future ever. Wesley is going to be taking some college classes this next semester and has plans to open a bakery sandwich food truck soon. Wesley enjoys making bread, so the idea of a bakery sandwich food truck is a logical next step. He is very excited about this new venture.
Wesley has been fighting an auto immune disease, and in the last year, he has become 
really health conscious. In fact, watching what he eats and working on healthy, clean eating has enabled him to cure a whole lot of that auto immune disease. He has been working really hard on growing their own food in their garden, which has helped with his diet, I’m sure. Auto immune diseases are so hard to live with, but many people have found that changing their diet and eating what is known as clean foods. “Eating clean foods means consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This approach encourages the use of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while avoiding or limiting processed foods, sugars, and additives. Clean eating can be a holistic approach to health that supports long-term well-being and may contribute to weight management and improved mental 
clarity. It is not a strict diet but rather a lifestyle choice that promotes mindful eating and a balanced diet.”
Wesley is a smart man, and he has decided to put his abilities to work at home. He is homeschooling their daughter, Zoey this year. That is going to be an exciting time for them. Wesley loves learning, pretty much all learning, but his favorite things include history and war information. These will be things that he can happily share with Zoey. Wesley and Zoey get along very well. He is such a sweet natured man, and he makes life fun for the whole family. Wes loves the “nerdy” things, like Xbox and Star Trek, and he is always game for some fun with those. I’m sure he and Zoey have great fun with those. Wesley loved off-roading and really any outdoor activity with family. They love to go camping, and lots of other outdoor activities too. Life is good. Today is Wesley’s birthday. Happy birthday Wesley!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My aunt, Jeannette Byer is an amazing woman. She just never gives up. Aunt Jeanette has suffered with Macular Degeneration for a number of years, but that does not prevent her from going out and walking every day. Her path varies from walking around her apartment complex to walking downtown. In the Winter, she walks the hallways inside the apartment complex. She used to walk down along the Platte River and even cross the railroad tracks, but her family rightly asked her not to do that because of the obvious dangers there. I’m grateful that even though Aunt Jeanette is stubborn in some things, like continuing to walk and stay fit, she was not too stubborn to agree to avoid possible danger. I am so proud of her for her continuing dedication to staying healthy, active, and vibrant. She is truly and inspiration to all of us.
Aunt Jeanette and my uncle, Larry Byer spent much of their married life living in the country east of Casper, but when the Texaco Refinery here closed down, and Uncle Larry wasn’t old enough to retire, they accepted the transfer to Louisianna. While everyone missed them very much, we all knew that it was only until his retirement, and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience a different place and culture, and the warmer weather wasn’t a bad thing either. They enjoyed their time in Louisianna, and hosted a number of family members there, which blessed everyone that took the trip. Grandma Byer, Uncle Larry’s mom, got to go, and she had a wonderful time. We were so happy that she got to go. They had a great time showing her the sights.
Aunt Jeanette doesn’t drive anymore, obviously, but she does enjoy the trips she gets to take with her daughter 
Tina Grosvenor, often to the casino, where they do a little gambling. If Aunt Jeanette has a vise, gambling would be it. She enjoys it, but she never gambles to excess. She just dabbles in it, and that’s ok. A girl’s got to have a little fun…right!! Aunt Jeanette might not be a “young girl,” but she is young at heart, and in many ways, young in body too, and that is all her, because she never gives up!! She works every day to stay strong and active. Today is Aunt Jeanette’s 89th birthday, and she seems more like 65 to me, for sure!! Happy birthday Aunt Jeanette!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
