My Wife

She’s the one that I call Honey,
The reason for my happy life
She’s the mother of our children
My winsome, lithesome wife
She’s there when ere I need her
Waiting at my beck and call
She’s quick when I say dress up
She likes to have a ball
She likes her children happy
She’s their cushion when they fall
She’s my pretty loving honey
The sweetest one of all.

Untitled

It's time to get up a new day is dawning,
You've had enough of that tossing and yawning.
Now this day that's here may look pretty rough,
But you can do it and you don't have to be tough.
Just grab it at the top with both hands, that's right.
Now shake it out up and down with all of your might,
Then one final flick and lay it out flat.
Now what may I ask could be as easy as that.
It looks like the day is laid out like a map
Plotting our course should now be a snap.
We can visit some friends and just sit and talk
Or we can jog over here or just take a walk.
Just look at those trees, the hills and the sky,
I'm sure they were meant for just you and I.
Whether it's raining or a bright sunny day
Keep looking ahead and we won't lose our way.
Now lets see with all of this time on our hands
There must be something our life style demands.
We have to have a place to eat and to sleep
And for all of our belongings that we tend to keep.
Most have to work and that's really okay.
We all take pride in paying our way.
As we reach the evening part of our day
The sun sets so pretty then the light fades away.
The day has slipped by as quick as a wink.
We haven't had time to just sit and think.
We enjoy all the things that make life so nice,
But to get this we have to make some sacrifice.
The runner has blisters, the boxer has pain,
The old adage in life is no pain, no gain.
So all things that happen won't cause us to smile,
But the good we accomplish makes it all worthwhile.
So accept the hard things, enjoy the best.
Now lets go to sleep and get our rest.

THE MILLERS

I showed my knife to all my friends,
they were properly impressed.
If I don't have it with me,
I don't feel completely dressed.
It is good for removing slivers,
I could shave with it, I know.
When I trim my fingernails
I'd better do it slow.
I could perform an operation
On a person who was sick,
the handle wouldn't get slippery
It would really do the trick.
I won't use it to cut wire or
loosen screws that are too tight.
I will cherish and respect it,
I will always treat it right.
Lets hope when I am fishing
I won't make the same mistake,
of using it to clean a fish-
then throwing it in the lake.

(to the Norm Millers for Christmas knife of '95)

MIGRAINE

There is a pain in my head
shaped like a 'chute canopy,
Now it's a white hot bubble
and on the inside is me.
If I could just go to sleep...
What happens if I don't breathe
Just to lay down and die
would be a reprieve.
Now I've completely disappeared
all that's left is the pain.
This, said the doctor,
is called a migraine.

Karl's poem to Jack's Memory

(The additional lines are between the stars.)

You think I'm here, but I have gone
I've joined the wind up high,
I've gone to visit the country where
I hunted in the days gone by.
When you come up to hunt the deer
I'm the breeze that rumples your hair
I'll spin the leaves around your feet
so you will know I'm there.
When you sit around the camp fire hot
swapping tales and lies,
I'll guide the wind that blows the smoke
in everybody's eyes.
*
When you are lying at night
in a high hunting camp
And the sandman just won't close your eyes,
I'll strum the leaves in the tops of the trees
and hum some soft lullabys.
*
I'll ride the breeze down the brushy draw
and find the new born fawn,
I'll dry it off and stand it up and then
go rushing on.
I'll do a lot of things with the wind
that I wanted to do before..
I'll riffle water on the streams and
help the waterfalls roar.
If you're fishing up in a mountain stream
and a quick wind flips your hat
Just ask yourself, and be truthful now,
'Do you think Jack would do that?'.
When you're hunting over in Klickitat
I'll drift with the wind through the oaks.
You notice the limbs are bent over double--
they are laughing at my jokes!
I'll go with the hot dry desert wind
I'll bask in the sun and get brown,
I won't need a drink and I won't need
a rest and I'll never lie down.
When you're driving along in your camper rig
and you hear the rush of the wind,
Put on a smile and have a good time
I'll be having one with you my friend.

CRIBBAGE BUNCH

I'm glad I'm a part of this crib bunch
I think the devil was out to lunch,
When we got together.

I remember all the fun we've had
I can't think of a thing that was ever bad,
except maybe the weather.

There's other friends who come and go
but this group is the best I know,
So stick around!

We've been together for a great many years,
We've shared lots of laughter and
mighty few tears.
You're the best I've found.

To be with you people,
I wouldn't miss a chance
Whether it is hunting or fishing
or out to a dance.
Just give us a call.

We would like to thank you
and give you a hand.
Strike up the music and start up the band.
We've had a ball.

KARL'S RETIRED 11/81

Just read your ideas of what a good
life should ought to mean.
There is something I should tell you,
I just as well come clean.
Everything you want is great,
no one will disagree.
But who will mind the store today
If everyone says, not me?
You want to live a life of ease
Do exactly as you please,
Live each day where the skies
are clear,
Dance to a tune you alone
can hear.
If you want to eat just hold
up your hand.
Your bed be made with a command.
With responsibilities you want
nothing to do.
Others can get by without
leaning on you.
What you want is way out of sight.
Look through the tunnel and
I'll show you the light.
I'm ahead of you and the rest of the mob.
I've already got that job.

Norm Raymen's Retired

We'll propose a toast and lift a glass
to a guy who's sharp, has lots of class.
We met this fellow years ago
a friend in need and we told him so.
He had an affliction not so small
Swinging a club at a little white ball.
We tried to cure this gentle soul,
of hitting a ball in a four inch hole.
But he braced his feet, he didn't care,
He'd lost his pride and most of his hair.
We followed him around, insulted his swing
He'd never amount to anything.
He's swing at the ball then he'd curse
Swing again, this time worse.
He'd slice one time, next he'd hook
We couldn't even bear to look.
As time went by his affliction grew.
We didn't care, we had caught it, too.
We swing at the ball like we've gone insane
But we kinda enjoy sharing his pain.

Dr. Gilbert

I went to our dentist,
Dr. Gilbert, and as I relaxed
There in his chair,
He was drilling, filling,
Joking, with quite a
Professional air.
Then, would you believe,
I went to sleep. I really
Blushed with shame.
But why should I? It’s
His boring chair side manner
That’s to blame.

Del Amar (Delamar, Idaho)

It's up in the pines where the sun
seldom shines
Where a sane person never strays.
It was there we went
Tho we weren't God sent
We stayed for quite a few days.

It's isolation without population
It's there you don't want to go.
We were there for a spell
It was lonely as Hell,
In Southern Idaho.

The town isn't small
It's not there at all
I'll tell you because I know.
But if you want peace
That will never cease,
Go to Del Amar, Idaho.

about 1941

Jim

I stood my son upon the table
And said, "jump to me, kid, I know
you're able."
Well, he leaped right out and I
missed him clean.
'Snap' went my tooth on his hard
little bean.
Now two months later and deeper
in debt,
I haven't paid for that false tooth
yet.
I say to fathers, bless them
everyone...
Shut your mouth before you say,
jump to me, son.

About 1956
This one he sent to a man on the L. Daily News and it was answered by Dr. Gilbert.

New Earrings 'Show and Tell'

When you enter the office and look around
Your earrings sparkle,
There are looks profound.
I can hear the ‘ohs’ that are
Tinged with awe,
The most exquisite things
They ever saw.
Your chin will tremble;
Your eyes will mist,
You're like a debutante
That’s just been kissed.
Your heart will fill
With over whelming bliss.
We are glad
We had a hand in this .
2-8-91 P.J.

Lisa Anne

I was there when you were born,

I got to see you when you first took form

And just to show you that I really did care...

If I'd had my way you would have had more hair.

One look at those wonderful eyes I could tell,

You would be a live-wire and a beauty as well.

I was there when you took your first bicycle ride.

It was a treat for me to be by your side.

Remember over in Colfax at the big county fair,

Your G'ma and mother left you in my care.

You rode all the rides with a zeal unsurpassed.

Just watching you, I had quite a blast.

I was there when you took your car driving test

You were pretty nervous, but you gave it your best.

'Your proof of insurance I have to see.'

The license man said and you looked at me.

I couldn't find it now what do we do.

We called your mom and she fixed it for you.

You went to college and marched with the band,

You and your trombone..you really looked grand.

You always stood out in any crowd,

You have made your parents feel so proud.

Now you are living a long ways away,

But our thoughts are with you

Where ever you stay.

We just want you to be happy, fulfilled and content,

Plenty to eat and money for rent.

No matter how far or how long we're apart,

You'll always have your own room in your

Grandfather's heart.

Written by Karl W. Jansen

February 17, 2005

(Your G'ma typed this out and you will always have your own room in my heart, too. Even if I don't write poetry!)

The 60th birthday of Lloyd Fink

Written by father-in-law Karl Jansen

We can make a toast and raise a glass.
The sixtieth year has come to pass.
It looks like Lloyd has weathered the storm.
His eyes are bright and his body’s still warm.

We think he should get some medical awards.
How many people get warts on the VOCAL CORDS?
Mom said “touching toads is the cause of this”.
One must have given HIM a big French kiss.

One day Lloyd’s doctor said, “Hey, Mr. Fink,
You’re out here golfing too soon don’t you think?
Well, if you HAVE to go out and play a short round,
Make damn sure you don’t hit the ground.”
Now of course, Lloyd listened and heeded the call,
But on his first stroke the divot outran the ball.

When Lloyd’s playing tennis he really looks great.
He makes all the moves the teenagers make.
He loses twenty years as he is playing out there,
But those same years keep him company
Later at home in his chair.

He’s a GREAT handyman, projects by the mile.
He can’t be beat when he is laying down tile.
When he laid some for Patti and Jim,
I went out to see if I could help him.
How he kept his concentration I really can’t say,
For the burglar alarm was screaming all day.

He likes his job, enjoys making dough,
But when he can retire he’ll be happy to go.
There are lots of golf courses and tennis matches to play.
Having a steady job kind of gets in the way.

Keep up your good spirits Lloyd and never despair,
Susie’s still with you.
You said her mail still comes there.

Jansen Family Reunion 2005

Strike up the music, beat on the drums.
Happy to see you, Glad you could come.
Another Jansen reunion ten years since the last.
Seems like a short while, time goes so fast.
The Jansen bench still sits on Main Street.
If you want to communicate, just take a seat.
Lean back, relax, say, 'Hi Charley and Zoe;
We are part of your family and want you to know.
Our family is a circle of strengths and love, none better.
With every new child and each union the circle grows wider
every good time and joy shared
brings us closer together.
A family of friends, no one's an outsider
No difference your last name always remember
In the Jansen Family you're an important member."

In Memory of Dick Bannister

A star winked over Kalama, it will never be as bright again. 

Dick Bannister has died and the light that he cast will go with him. 

He powered his family so they could show their own light. 

He was proud of his family and he had the right. 

 He was big and he was strong, a real impressive man. 

Standing out among the people as only a few men can. 

He wasn’t just big in stature, he was big in heart in deed. 

Always quick with his billfold for any worthwhile need. 

 He was honest in his dealing, always open and square. 

He wanted what he had coming but you can bet that it was fair. 

He liked people and he trusted them, he must have thought they were all like him. 

Most people that had dealings with Dick, liked his work and paid him quick. 

Those that didn’t wished they had behaved. 

For his friendship was worth more than the money they saved. 

 He worked hard and he played hard, used all of each day. 

If he was going to do something, he didn’t do it half way. 

He loved his children, took great pride in all they did. 

He never realized having him for a dad made a lucky kid. 

 The light of his life was his ever loving wife, she did everything she could. 

A lover, a mother, organizer, a partner, she did it and he knew she would. 

He watched over his mother, sisters, and brother, his concern I’m sure that they knew. 

He did his best to put their cares at rest after all what else could he do? 

He had many friends he liked being with, enjoyed B.S.ing with them. 

Bringing up fond memories shared, reliving them again and again. 

These friends will miss him but when they are hunting or on some they’ve all been. 

They’ll see a familiar hillside or a camp spot, and for a moment he’ll be with them again. 

 He inspired people to do better than they thought they could. 

May be it was a challenge to do things as they knew Dick would. 

Perhaps this is the reason they finished the job Dick was doing when he died. 

We feel it was and we know that Dick is satisfied. 

 By Karl W. Jansen November 21, 1989

Harry Becker

FOR HARRY

Most little verses are a labor of Love, but this is one that is not.
For you're retiring and we go on working and we don't think this is so hot.
You've worked long and hard for the county, This statement is made 'tongue in cheek'.
How can a man who has worked so hard look like he has just reached his peak.

The peg board bunch now salute you, Your friendship treasured by us all.
The fishing trips in the summer and the hunting trips in the fall.
A pleasant partner or foe at the card table. Never dull or down in the mouth.
You may skip a hole or peg backwards, why should you know north from south?

You're a leader who knows where he's going, especially on a camper caravan.
We're always sure of our destination, unless you go through Spokane.

May you catch all the fish that you want to, May you shoot the biggest deer that you see.
May you hear the words you've sought after..
For Martha to say, "You're right, Bus, I agree!"


Subject: Bus' retirement dinner 8-3-79

Dick Lindberg

'Mister Lindberg' heavy on the 'Mr.' he'd say,
He never thought of himself as a 'Mr.' any day.
"I'm not a Mister Lindberg", he'd say real quick,
I enjoy my life and I like being Dick.
He started real young in the school of hard knocks,
And he came out on top making his own building blocks.
Always striving to please and polite yesiree,
He would pay his own way, that's how it would be.
It wasn't always easy and he worried a lot,
He wanted the best for his family and that's what they got.
If the pickings were slim not much meat in the larder,
He would just bow his back and work that much harder.
This may sound like he was sober as a judge,
And if you asked for a smile he just wouldn't budge.
No, that wasn't Dick he was quick with a grin,
His laugh was contagious, you had to join in.
If you were down in Reno and couldn't make a dime,
If you were with Dick you had a fun time.
His serious side was observed at home.
"Walk the straight and narrow and don't you roam."
All he wanted was their happiness,
Maybe a few grandchildren to bless.
We've seen a ton of evidence
That he was a grandpa of consequence.
He worked at being a good husband all down the line,
I know Charlene will tell us that he did just fine.
She would tell us sometimes he would try the patience of a nun,
But looking back at it, it was all just in fun.
She will say he lived his life always on the straight and level.
And, oh yes, wasn't he a handsome devil.

Big Creek

Have a couple of minutes to spare so I’ll write a word or so,
Our agenda is really crowded, we are always on the go.
With Chuck and Lynn we went for a ride up in the Lewis River hills
Walked up Big Creek, no trail, so we took some trippy spills.

Thirty years ago, while fishing this creek I walked on a big petrified log.
Probably ages ago this whole area was just one big bog.
When I saw this log I was impressed but I didn’t mark it well
There were three big blocks of it in the creek that’s how I would tell.

The rains have come and the creek has raised many times of course,
Brought rock and sand and other stuff from up this creek’s great source.
Trees have fallen across the creek, giant cedar and fir,
I tried to remember exactly but my memory’s just a blur.

We didn’t find the log, just smaller pieces and two kind’a big blocks,
I turned my ankle and skinned my arm slipping on the rocks,
The weather was great, we had fun, wish you could have been there.
But I remember a rock we put in a stump up clear Creek somewhere.

When you are back over here and want something worth while to do
I’ll have this locked up in my memory just saving it for you.

Karl Jansen
6/8/98

Bob

It seems to me, as I think about it,
And seeing Bob I really can't doubt it.
That younger people are retiring now,
They just do it, I don't know how.

Most people have wrinkles, when they pull the plug,
But there sits Bob smooth and smug.
Probably led an easy life,
Thanks to the efforts of his sweet, little wife.

He just saunters along and doesn't worry much
I think that's a trait of his Pennsylvania Dutch.
He's a real good parent, even good to his pets,
His grandchildren think he's as good as it gets.

He has a special talent, that we all applause,
To hundreds of kids, he's a real Santa Claus.

by Karl Jansen

Granddaughter Sara

We have a granddaughter
named Sara
She is quite young and
so faira
She got in a bike wrecka
Though she didn't break
her necka
She looked like she'd
been clawed by a
beara

February 1993

Memory of Shirley in Scandia, Kansas

A few days after Shirley's funeral, I had a memory come and I had a visit back in time. I was only about five at the time of this little happening. I had been recovering from a sickness that left me unable to walk. I pulled myself around with my arms, dragging my legs. As time went by I improved up to a crawl. Needless to say, I got preferential treatment from everyone. Probably spoiled a little. I remember Martha swatting me then running. I did my best to catch her, but couldn't. I worked and worked and got to where I could get up on my feet and run a few steps before falling and finally actually staying on my feet, still trying to catch Martha..unintentional therapy. When Martha was in school at Paul, Idaho, she was the fastest girl in the whole school. I always thought I should get a little credit for her training. I put the pressure on her.
Back at Scandia, I'm still the spoiled little kid in the family. And then Whammo, Shirley is born! Everyone thinks she is pretty neat. All eyes are on her. I am five years old and my prestige has taken a fall. A few days later the neighbors acrosst the street, Mr. & Mrs. Hagmen who owned the drug store up on Main street, came over to our house and possibly thinking that we had enough kids and as they had none and wanted a sweet little baby like we had, that we would consider letting them adopt Shirley. This is in all seriousness. As a five year old spoiled kid, I thought, WOW, things could get back to normal. What a good deal, Shirley would have money and everything and I could still have my place back. I don't know if this decision came to a vote or not. I was just five. Anyway we kept her.
She probably is still saying, Ha, Ha, Ha!
April 2008

Susie is 60 by Zoe Wheatley

Susie is 60 - what can we say?
I know!!... HIP, HIP HORRAY!!
Getting older must be ALL the rage
Because so many I know are adding to their age.

Keep on adding, catch up to me
I'll stay the same - YOU keep adding - That's the way it should be.

60 is a depressing birthday to some
But it's only a number, don't be dumb.
Susie looks great (for her age)
Can still wear shorts to show off her legs.

She's a "hot mama" driving her Mustang car
Top down, sunglasses, blond hair - Lloyd, don't let her go far.

She loves to have fun - the party girl
She's the only one I know who kept
Her bathing suit and towel in the trunk
Just in case someone had a hot tub
And wanted to go for a whirl.

She can dance by herself and still have her fun,
And we can have fun watching - we've done that some.
I told you - she's a party girl -
Sometimes has a drink or two
Then gets on the phone (late at night)
To call who knows who.

If your phone rings late at night -
Don't answer - it's HER!
Sometimes with Caralin or Lynda
To spread her good cheer.

She's a great friend - we love her so
She lightens our life more than she knows.

When we went to Reno,
We went out to dinner and had a blast - Giggling and laughing like
"young" schoolgirls Remembering things we've done in the past.

Got a little worried the next day tho
She didn't remember going to dinner so.
She was sober - not too much to drink
Maybe her age - memory going? What do you think?

That happens when you turn 60
Sometimes even at 50.
We all hope you have many more birthdays 60, 65, 70, 75, 80
You'll still look great and still be the life of the party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear friend
From all of us who love you. Hope you were surprised!

Zoe Ann Wheatley - 2005

To the Bride and the Groom by Zoe Wheatley

I have a cousin-her name is Susie,
Behind her back I call her “The Floozie”,
You all know I’m kidding of course. It has to rhyme to make up this verse,
We went to Hawaii to lay in the sun,
Susie was going-yea-She’s wild, she’s fun,
But when we got there, what did she do? Talked of the phone to you-know-who!
She called in the morning-4 a.m.to be exact. She called in the evening-
Left messages-we couldn’t keep track,
She called to talk, she called to sing,
I’ll bet poor Lloyd dreaded to hear that phone ring,
When she talked on the phone, she sat on the floor,
We walked over, around her, wrapped ourselves in the cord,
She talked so long we actually got bored,
Even Lloyd tried to give her a hint, “Sorry you have to go,” he said-
She didn’t know what he meant.
Isn’t love grand-isn’t it great? Come on Susie-give us a break!
On one trip to Reno, while sitting by me,
She said, “I’m going to faint-What could this be?”
Not knowing what to do-I fanned her-to be nice,
She snarled and said, “My neck, get some ice!”
So out she went, just like a light, Scaring us all, it was quite a sight!
The attendants layed her down, scurried around her like ants,
When we knew she was okay, we were proud she hadn’t wet her pants!
She was weak and puny for a couple of days,
Out of love and devotion we became her best slaves,
We carried her luggage, her purse---even paid all the fares,
“Keep an eye on her they said- then she’d disappear,
One minute beside you, the next she was gone.
“Where the hell did she go?” became our theme song,
What are friends for-we really do love her
But thank God on the 3rd day she finally recovered!
We’ve had so much fun-all the things we have done
Parties, birthdays, trips, long talks and then some,
She’s kind, she’s caring, honest and true,
We now have a problem-We don’t know what to do
No more gossip or secrets and why do you think?
She has a new name- It’s Susie the Fink.
I’m sorry Lloyd-don’t be mad, Susie’s picked you and we are so glad
We have a large family to welcome you,
You’ll get so many kisses, you’ll be black and blue,
Let’s make a toast-everyone drink,
To The Bride and The Groom - Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Fink.