DK the Nautical Knitter

The first day of the festival was actually a half a day and a night. Most of the day was spent settling into the hotel and going into town to look around and take pictures. The evening was spent at the Sokol Hall dancing to the sounds of the Jodie Mikula Orchestra and dancing with my father in the Polka King and Queen contest.

Family Photos

Family photos were at the top of the agenda for day one. We took the kids downtown to take some photos of them in “costume”.

We managed to get a 5 generation photo at the hall that evening. These photos are quite rare and we actually have been lucky enough to get three different ones so far in this family. The family members are listed from left to right and there relationship to William is noted: William Fillmer, Bryan Fillmer (Dad), Deborah Fillmer (Grandmother), Grace Dubuque (Great-great Grandmother), David Platt (Great Grandfather).

We Are Famous

Wow, I couldn’t believe it when a reporter from the Ennis Journal called our house in Alabama and conducted a 30 minute phone interview with me about the costumes and the upcoming contest. The article she wrote was very in depth and I was tickled when some of my family members came up to me at the festival and said “hey, we saw you made the paper”. Too cool! You can read the article online through the newspaper link above or here.

Contest Photos

Last, but not least, here are some photos of the contest that evening. We were a little disappointed that we didn’t win, but there were 20 couples to start with, so we were not sure of our chances right then. Apparently the number 5 is not a lucky one for us. Any suggestions for a number choice next year? Enjoy the photos and leave me a comment if you can.

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Safe Arrival and Final Farewell

We arrived safely in the Dallas area on Wednesday and laid Mom to rest in the Dallas National Cemetery yesterday with a simple graveside service. The place where her remains are buried is so beautiful and I know she would be pleased.

Today’s Agenda

Today we had a family breakfast of Cream of Wheat, toast, and sausage. This is a traditional favorite in our family and my daughter-in-law to be is trying to learn the nuances of making it like my mother and I did (do). It is so nice to be surrounded by my family and this weekend is going to be so special and remembered for many years to come.

We will be leaving my step-father’s house soon to travel to Ennis, Tx and check in at the hotel. Then it is “get psyched for the polka contest” time. We will all be donning our costumes and heading for the hall where even more family will be gathering. Fun, food, good music and lots of dancing await us… Whoo Hoo, let’s go…

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I have been meaning to mention these for some time and since insomnia is my friend today, I have been given the time to do an extra post, so here goes.

My mother, Georgia, and stepfather lived abroad in France and Germany for a total of 5 years or so.  During that time, my mother kept a journal of their adventures, beginning the day they arrived.  She wanted to document their experiences as Americans living and working abroad.  Since Georgia’s death, Mr. K has taken her journals and begun the process of entering the entries into a blog located here.  He is doing a post every day or so and, when he can, he is finding photographs in their albums that correspond to the entries’ topic.  The posts are short, have been very interesting and, occasionally, very funny.

Mr. K also has several other wonderful blogs that you might be interested in.  As a prolific photographer, Mr. K has taken thousands of images over the years and he is now sharing these photos with any one who would like to see them through his image of the day posts on his blog.  He maintains a faith based blog located here, and of course, if anyone is in need of his web or photographic services you can find more information here.

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