The News from Whispering Pines

Thursday afternoon visitor at the Mrs. Ardy Stevens' home was Mrs. Pam Brewer. Having the day off from her employment at the Trinity CancerCare Center, Mrs. Brewer braved the frigid temperatures and motored 20 miles out in the country to pay a visit to her aunt, who lives in the ancestral home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Loftesnes, grandparents of Mrs. Stevens, and great-grandparents of Mrs. Brewer. After years of living away from North Dakota, the Stevens' returned home to their North Dakota roots 20 years ago and restored the Loftesnes homestead. Their home maintains the look and feel of the original era, but has all modern amenities, such as central heat and air, finished basement, cable TV and high speed internet. Old, tiny windows were replaced with huge picture windows that let plenty of light in and allow one's eye to stretch across the prairie. Mrs. Stevens' home had recently been one of the homes featured on the Christmas Tour of Homes and was beautifully decorated. Ardy and Pam sat in the sunlight filled living room, drank wassail left over from the tour, and visited. Ardy showed her neice the quilt she had recently finished and also the pattern and fabrics of the one she is about to start. It's the "French Braid" pattern. The fabrics are beautiful and Mrs. Stevens is anxious to begin cutting and stitching, but will wait until after Christmas. Mrs. Brewer loves to quilt, as well, so that was a highlight of the afternoon. Mrs. Stevens shared stories of her children and grandchildren as well as stories of the past. Mrs. Brewer just happened to have pictures of her grandson to show off to her aunt! The afternoon flew by and before long Mrs. Brewer realized she'd better motor back to Minot before darkness set in. They wished each other a Merry Christmas and pronounced the visit a delight. Mrs. Brewer only regrets she didn't bring her camera to take photographs of Mrs. Stevens' home to show her dear readers. She promises to return at a later date and post photos at that time!