Cabin in the Woods

Duane's 50th reunion weekend was so much fun that I can't say enough about it.  One of the most entertaining evenings was spent at the pre-reunion party the night before the reunion.

 

What a gorgeous setting!  An authentic log cabin built by the owner, Jim Schomberg, who was nice enough to open his home to classmates from 50 years ago.

 

 

The furnishings fit the house perfectly, and here are Duane, Jeff and Kathy enjoying the ambiance.

 

 

I was fascinated by Jim's skills as a taxidermist.  The animals are all shown in natural poses.  I especially liked the elk and the mountain lion up above.

 

 

 

 

 

In the backyard was a spa, and ponds in a garden setting.

 

 

 

Even the bathrooms were rustic.

 

 

The jukebox was also authentic and held every 50's and 60's hit we could ever ask for.

 

 

 

Everyone took pictures, and a good time was had by all in Jim's cool basement.  

 

 

 

Many of Jim's 28 acres are mowed and are just breathtaking.  I hope we are invited back next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Were The Chances?

Duane and I met when we were in our 50's.  He grew up in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, and I was born in Chicago, Illinois, then moved to McHenry, Illinois when I was eleven.  These two places were less than 100 miles from each other.  I have always believed in Fate.

 

Duane was actually born in this house in 1945, and lived there until he left to join the army.  He tells me that it was much prettier when there were two large elm trees in the front yard.  The house is on Green Bay Court in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.  I think his street name is fabulous considering the amount of Packer Fever in that state.

 

 

 

Charlotte, who was born in 1946, wasn't born at home, but lived in this house on Woodard Street in Chicago until the family bought a new house in McHenry, Illinois.  That might be an elm tree in front of the house.

 

 

Duane graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1963.

 

 

 

Charlotte graduated from McHenry High School in l964.

 

 

 

After enlisting in the army for 3 years, Duane met Mary Jo Briley.  They married, moved to Southern California in 1967, and had two boys, Scott and Pete.  Scott, the oldest is in the middle of this photo, and Pete is on the left.  When they were born, they lived in Chino, California.

 

 

 

Charlotte married Dave Armit, and moved to Southern California in 1969.  Their two children, Heather and Adam were born in San Dimas, California, only a few miles from Chino.

 

 

 

By the grace of God, somehow we met in 1999 when we were both widowed.  We married in the year 2000, and blended our families.  Here we are on our wedding day with Scott and his wife Kim.

 

 

 

We each had a house. His was in Chino Hills, and mine was in San Dimas.  Since the San Dimas house had more land, we decided to sell the one in Chino Hills, tear down my house, and build a new house.  That was an experience I'll never forget.

 

 

 

We have truly been blessed.  Our family enjoys many holidays and good times together.  We are so proud of our grandchildren, Amanda, Valerie, Madeline and Reese.  Fate has been good to us.