We were able to see our grandchildren, Aishah, Dylan and Morgan two weeks ago and when I asked Dylan about his accident, he responded, “Grandma, I’ve never had so much pain in all my life and I must have been hurting because they stuck me with needles all over and I didn’t even care.”

Dylan is 10 years old. He is back to school and though he is not allowed to ride his bike or participate in contact sports for a while, he is recovering nicely. His sister Morgan said he definitely is getting better because he is being mean to her again. Leave it to a sister to tell it like it is! She also informed us that when her dad went to her school conference that he was told she is working at fifth-grade level in reading, spelling and math and she couldn’t have been any prouder of the report. She is 8 and in third grade.

Her great-grandma, Julie, would have been so proud that she has become such a good reader. They spent many days reading books when Morgan was very young.

Aishah, one of their older sisters, has joined the U. S. Marines and will be leaving for basic training in about six weeks. She is excited about her future as a soldier. Time certainly doesn’t stand still. Our granddaughter Sesley, the other sister in this family, has gone back to college and her little girl just turned 4 a few weeks ago.

We have children and grandchildren all over the U.S. and abroad. My son Matt is working in Yellowstone National Park. This is his 11th year and he loves it. I look for him to settle somewhere in Montana or Wyoming. Our grandson, Ryan, is teaching in South Korea and he is enjoying the opportunity to travel and explore while there. Arnie’s children, Stacy and Dean, both live in the Twin Cities and are busy with their families and jobs. Their children all live and work in the metro area except Ryan.

As you think about your family history, have you ever thought about keeping a journal or just occasionally writing down what has been happening in your family? The prior two paragraphs are examples of what I might write about my family in a journal to be read by my great-grandchildren.

The museum will be hosting a library lock-in on Friday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. At the lock-in, we will help each person individually search records for family information and give material and guidance on writing individual family stories among other tips on the subject of genealogy. Everyone has a little different approach to what they would like to accomplish and among our volunteers we have many years of experience to share. You must pre-register for this class, so call the museum at 373-8003 to reserve your spot or to get on the list for the next class if this one is already full.

Our next big event is “An Evening Tribute to John Denver.” This event is a fundraiser for the Freeborn County Historical Society and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. with coffee and bars and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. The acoustic guitar performance is by David G. Courey with special vocalist Beth Crosby. Courey has worked hard to prepare an evening of special entertainment for your enjoyment and to benefit the programs offered at the museum for our community. We want to thank Farmers State Bank of Hartland for sponsoring this event. Tickets are $12.50 and are available at the Freeborn County Museum, Library & Historical Village, Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Office, Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau in the Northbridge Mall and at Farmers State Bank in Albert Lea. Seats are limited, so buy your ticket soon!

The museum will host a four-hour AARP defensive driving class on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lower level of the museum. The cost is $19 and you must register for the class.

Today is the birthday of our hometown star, Marion Ross! She is currently playing a part in the television series, “Brothers and Sisters.” She will be appearing in a new Hallmark movie this fall, “Flower Girl,” where she plays the grandmother of the bride. She will also be a guest star on the television series “ The New Adventures of Old Christine.” When I talked with her a week or so ago she said she was going to New York to tape a part in a daytime cable show and I know there are other performances in 2010. She is quite a lady, but has not forgotten where her roots are. Happy Birthday, Marion!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in Albert Lea.