Football Schedule

A couple of you have asked about Tony's football schedule. The first two games were on the road, so I didn't post anything until now. The home opener is this Friday night.

Date	Time	Opponent	Result
Friday, September 2, 2011	7:00 PM	@ Hayfield	W 35-0
Friday, September 9, 2011	7:00 PM	@ Byron	W 28-13
Friday, September 16, 2011	7:00 PM	WINONA COTTER
Friday, September 23, 2011	7:00 PM	STEWARTVILLE
Friday, September 30, 2011	7:00 PM	@ Pine Island
Friday, October 7, 2011	7:00 PM	CANNON FALLS
Friday, October 14, 2011	7:00 PM	@ Kasson-Mantorville
Wednesday, October 19, 2011	7:00 PM	LA CRESCENT
Tuesday, October 25, 2011	TBD	Section 1AAA Quarterfinals @ TBD

Opponents listed in BOLD CAPS represent home games played at RCTC.

Baptism

I posted this on Facebook, but for the benefit of others, wanted to do so here as well.

The Lunde's will be in Wisconsin the first week of August and plan to have Anna baptized while we're there. Details below. If you'd like to attend the baptism or the after-party at my parent's house, please do! It'd be great to see you! Spread the word, I may not get around to speaking to everyone individually.

Annabelle's Baptism
Mary, Mother of the Church Parish
4pm Mass, 8/6/11

Baptism After-Party
Tim and Mary's House
5:30-ish till ???
Dinner, Drinks, Cake (Not in order of importance)

Visiting Jim

HEY - Its the blog, remember? Facebook blows.

I understand some of you are going out to visit Jim for his birthday. Could anyone who plans to go post the dates they will be out there? I'd just like to make sure that I synchronize my plan with the rest of you. There's a few things I need to work around, so I need to come up with a plan soonish.

Let the communication begin.

Bill's Brigade

I attended the team captains' kickoff on Thursday, and will be registering Bill's Brigade for the ACS run/walk. Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10th. More info to come!

Victory

GET TOGETHER

So the date is set, Friday night Nov. 26th, the venue is Tim and Mary’s house, the event is the Branson’s Thanksgiving get-together. Let the word go out to those near and far that the Branson’s, for the first time, have a plan more than 48 hours before the event. That’s right, we are being proactive, and that word is so foreign to me that I…, never mind it’s not important. What is important is that we have a date, time (5pm until ???), which can be translated as when we fall asleep, and we are such a sorry lot when it comes to keeping in touch that if you miss this you will not hear from us for some time. So come from Appleton, Iowa City, Rochester, San Diego or even the most remote areas of La Crosse. We seem to be the worst at getting together. Let’s show our children that we do love each other, (they will be shocked) and have a Branson holiday night to remember. Mary is providing the venue and some form of hot food. You should bring an appetizer, your beverage, unless you are a Miller Lite drinker, there will be plenty of that. Tim will wow the crowd with his potent potables, shaken not stirred for me. Hope to see you there!

Dome Worthy

If anybody wants to follow Tony's team playing in the state semifinal in the Metrodome, they play on Friday at 3:15. The game will be shown online at no charge at http://www.grandstadium.tv/

Hopefully you'll occasionally see #12 out there.

Is it time for a Branson family get-together?

Apparently this is Wilbur, and he's one of the world's most ugly turkeys. I thought he was kind of cute so I added him to this invite.

Is anyone up for getting together over Thanksgiving weekend? Jeff and I will be in town Friday and Saturday evening, November 26th and 27th. Either night would work for us.

Maybe some cocktails? We could sit around and one-up each other, talk loudly about how high our cholesterol is and what medication interventions we are using, and sweat profusely? My blood pressure is elevating just thinking about it.

Hope to see you all!
Love,
Karen

Girl Scout Cookie Time

Ellie is selling Girl Scout cookies until October 17th if anyone is interested. Just post your order, or email me, and I'll put you down. Cookies will be delivered between Nov. 8 and 28th, and you don't have to pay until they're delivered. If you don't live nearby we can ship them to you!
Thanks!!!

One Week Too Late

One week after the outstanding family support that Tony got from many of you (and he sends his heartfelt thanks for that), he got the start at running back this week. So that's one week too late for those who came to see him carry the ball (unless you were still there for his action in the 4th quarter last week).

The video in the newspaper story shows a few good runs by #12 this week. The first one in the video is a touchdown that was the only scoring if the first 3 quarters of the game. They ended up winning 21 - 0, but it was a nail-biter for most of the time. It was a little frustrating to watch as Tony had some success in the early parts of the game, but things stalled a bit in the 2nd quarter when our QB got hurt. The coaches tried some other kinds of runs (that didn't involve Tony) in the 3rd quarter without much success. He was back in there later on , but then left with an injury after making a tackle. Its nothing serious, just a deep thigh bruise.

Here's the video from the newspaper (very well done):

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=22&a=472249

Game on Friday

For anybody thinking about attending the La Crescent game on Friday, I need to tell you that I can't make any guarantees about how much Tony will play. His action has been spotty, but he has made it count. In the first two games he had 125 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns (playing tailback) He also intecepted a pass. But last week he saw very little action, so its hard to predict what's going to happen this week.

He'll definitely be out there for special teams, but the amount of regular offense or defense he will play is hard to predict. I just wanted to let people know ahead of time. Its a lot different than JV where he would be out there every single play.

Both teams are 3-0 so it should be a good matchup.

We're back from Denmark

I hope it's been a good summer for everyone (excluding quality assessments of the weather). We got back just before school started up and brought back a wirehaired girl dachshund, Millie. To those on facebook, this is old news, and yes, she's the cutest puppy on earth ;-)

I would like to share some sad news..

My mother passed on at the end of July. The last couple of months were very hard and had little quality of life in them. She was extremely brave and did not complain at any given time, it was the rest of us who thought it very, very hard to watch and only be able to do so much to help.

The last two days she was in the hospital, due to no lung capacity left. The worry was that she would suffocate but in the end her heart gave out and she slept peacefully the last hours.

After 3 months in Denmark it's weird and nice at the same time to be back here. We have not missed the humidity and the hot weather. We're all sorry to have missed all the events of the summer with you guys and look forward to seeing you all again ;-)

2nd Annual Branson Fantasy League???

I understand Tony is playing the real thing. But what about us old, sweaty, washed up athletes?
Anyone interested in playing in a fantasy football league again this year? I can speak for three teams that would be interested in playing again: Herman, Jeff, and myself.

Are others interested?

Football Schedule

Some of you have asked about Tony's football schedule, so I decided to post it on the blog.

They will be playing at La Crescent on the 24th. If anybody is interested in coming to a home game, we play at a very nice stadium with field turf (its a fast track). The game this Friday is as close to a lead pipe cinch as we will have the first half of the season. Let me know if anyone plans to come up for any.

• Fri, Sept 3rd Home @ RCTC Regional Stadium vs. Pine Island
• Fri, Sept 10th @ Cannon Falls
• Fri, Sept 17th Home @ RCTC Regional Stadium vs. Kasson
• Fri, Sept 24th @ La Cresent
• Fri, Oct 1th Home @ RCTC Regional Stadium vs. Byron
• Fri, Oct 8th @ Zumbrota/Mazeppa
• Fri, Oct 15th @ Stewartville
• Wed, Oct 20th Home @ RCTC Regional Stadium vs. Lake City

Graduation Party

All who read this blog are invited to Jimmy's graduation party. Its on Saturday, August 14. The official start and stop times are 3:00 to 7:00 but bloggers are welcome before and after (and can also stay overnight at our house if you would like.)

The boy will be heading off to college in a few weeks, so hopefully we can give him a good send-off.

Some have asked about the possibility of golf before the party. I think we could pull that off. If you are interested, let me know. We'd probably have to start around 9:00 if we play 18 or 11:30 if we play 9. Let me know if you are interested and what your preference is for the number of holes.

Onalaska Softball

Veronica has a softball tournament in Onalaska this Saturday (the 17th). If anybody wants to stop out to one of the games, here are the details.

All the games are at Onalaska Luther High School. Her first game is at 8:30 and her second game is at 11:00. The last game is either at 2:30 or 4:00 depending on whether they win or lose game 2.

The field they are on will also depend on whether they win or lose. Just look for the purple uniforms.

We're leaving for Denmark

On Monday we'll take off from Chicago and won't be back until mid-August, right before school starts. Unfortunately, we'll miss this summer's family events here and we'll miss seeing you guys and spending time together.

My mom's health has taken a turn for the worse, and she's currently receiving radiation for cancer cells in her hip. When diagnosed the breast cancer had metastasized to her lungs and spinal cord. The spreading of the cells to her hip has meant that she has a hard time walking and is in a great deal of pain. The hope is that with different pain medication and radiation her quality of life will once again get better for a period of time.

Sara and Eva send kisses and hugs to all, as do I - well, hugs ;-)

Bill's Brigade Reminder

I need to know who will be participating so I can get shirt sizes in to the ACS by 6:00 tomorrow (Friday, the 26th) night. If you haven't had a chance to register, just do so after you send me your info. See the link on the previous post!

Bill's Brigade

The ACS Run/Walk will be on Sunday, April 18th at noon. I have set up Bill's Brigade for online registration, so all you need to do is go to http://community.acsevents.org/UHCrunwalk and click on join a team. You should be able to use past login information if you've registered online before, and if you can remember your password.
I received a plaque and packet in the mail telling us that we were the second highest fundraising team once again last year. Our total was right around $4500, and Mary was one of the top individuals with over $1000.
The registration deadline is Feb. 26th if you'd like the team t-shirt with the Bill's Brigade logo printed on it. Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks again for your support!
Jocelyn

Ellie hates the Packers

She wouldn't take Pat's $10 to take off her Vikings jersey, and she sure isn't going to take some stinking Packers jersey.

Happy Birthday Jaymeson!

I know I'm a day late, but wanted to wish our little rascal a Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bill!

Hope you're enjoying your day up there. We miss you and we're toasting to you down here.

Branson Festivus

Dick and Diane will be hosting this year's Festivus on Monday. Dick is trying to arrange for bowling at South Lanes at 2:00, and family gathering at 4 at their house. Please bring an appetizer or dish to pass.

Two years...

It's been two years since we lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Dad, we miss you and love you.

And the Winner is... Monday

Monday was the clear winner in the Festivus vote. I can't see who voted for what, so hopefully no one voted against Monday (except the one smart-a** who cast the "hint" vote).

We had 2 volunteers to host, so whoever wants it more needs to claim it in a reply post. The host also gets to decide when on Monday we are doing this.

Once we get a time, please spread the word. Like I said, I can't tell who voted for what, so there might be people who didn't see the blog. Maybe people could post a reply to confirm that they know about it (and state if you'll be bringing anything).

Festivus Poll (to your right) -------->

No, your other right.

Take the damn poll! You may select multiple answers.

Festivus anyone...

Just wondering if there is any sort of plan for the Bransons to get together over the holidays?

Pressure is off for the 2010 baby!

I am going to be a grandpa.

Oh, and Jonathon and Heather are going to be parents.

I am happy to announce that the next Branson baby is due June 19th 2010. The happy couple told us Sunday just before the start of the Packer - Cowgirls game. I think they were trying to distract me from what they thought would be an ugly loss.

Pat

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Buxtons!

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Hey everyone!

This year I'm participating in a run/walk on Saturday, December 12, here in Madison for the Arthritis Foundation. Now, I'm assuming my dad isn't the only one who inherited the bad joints gene and passed it lovingly on to his progeny, so I'm hoping you guys will be willing to give some support to the foundation. I'm running the 5K on a team with the professional pharmacy fraternity that I'm pledging this year, Phi Delta Chi, and being a newbie to the frat, I'm hoping to show off a little by doing some awesome fundraising. I've pasted a link below; it should take you to the participant search page, search for me, and I'm pretty sure you're all tech savvy enough to find your way from there. Those of you who are cool enough to be my Facebook friends, there's a box on my main profile with a button that says "Sponsor Me." I really appreciate any support you can give, and my completely cartilage-less right femur head thanks you too! (I'm pretty sure my left one does too, but there isn't medical proof for that one yet)

http://jbrmadison.kintera.org/faf/search/searchParticipants.asp?ievent=313042&lis=1&kntae313042=B48431E872D946F78F3FAAFAA364464A

Blurb:

"The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, a 5K fun run/walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation...'Tis the season for giving! Won't [you] help in the effort to raise funds to fight arthritis? Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans, including 300,000 children, costing the U.S economy over $128 billion annually. The Arthritis Foundation needs our help."

Happy Birthday Leona Delores Branson Missouri!

I'm happy to announce the day of birth of our very own Leona Delores Branson Missouri! Happy Birthday! We all hope you're happier than a pig in poop today. Love you darling!

Happy Birthday, Tom!

What's up with the snow coming down today?? You say Iowa has two seasons, October and disgusting -- now, I'm not so sure that we're not down to just one..

I hope you're having fun with Bill, please say "hi" from us all. We think of you always.

The picture is from Copenhagen, outside a cafe in Bredgade, this July. We had a great time, once we adjusted to the rainy summer days again. We went sailing on the Canals and spent lots of time with everyone there.

We really miss you. Bebbe and Finn are here and we're having a really good time; they have been here a week and go back next Sunday. This morning Eva bought cloth to make a sleepover bag, and Sara started on a new batch of pot holders.

Next week is ITBS week, and they're both looking forward to it. Sara's first trimester in JH ended great with her strongest percentage in pre-alg., and Eva's is really enjoying being in the oldest grade at Lincoln with the big sister there. She started in Iowa City Girls' Choir this September.
Thinking of you, missing you. Love, PW.

Lourdes at La Crescent - Monday Night Football

Tony has a JV game on Monday night at 6:30 at La Crescent High School. Please come out if you can make it.

The weather HAS to be better than last year. Hopefully you'll be able to see #12 "light-up the Lancers".

6 Months!

William is 6 months today! Can't believe how fast the time is flying by. Thought I would post some pictures.

Oil Mystery

Dick noticed on Friday that one of our sections had a horizontal drilling leg showing up in it. I looked for some additional info and found that a well had been started back in Feb, and it went non-confidential 6 months later in Aug. That must have been when the information became public about exactly where they were drilling.

So I looked some more and found additional information about the well. There was a report that it was mentioned in that said #17980 – Tracker Resource, LLC, Dukart 3-1H, NENW 3-145N-97W, Dunn Co. 292 bopd, 801 bwpd - Bakken" (I googled bopd and it is an abbreviation for barrels of oil per day).

So it appears that this well is producing. I started to try to find out how to claim royalties or if royalties might just start showing up. As part of that I got a copy of the old registered letter (July 3, 2007) from Pat that told us a permit to drill had been granted. When I looked through the letter I was surprised to see that it was about our other section, not this one with the well on it.

I found all sorts of things that said if there is any confusion about who might be entitled to the royalties, the oil companies might not send out any royalties until the confusion is settled, i.e. we might need to do something here.

So for now, there are a number of unanswered questions or points of confusion. I'm going to keep digging, but if anyone has any additional pieces to the puzzle, please let me know. Here's a list of what I'm trying to find out:

1. What was the name of the company that bought the lease from us? (I believe it might have been Continental..., but I'm not sure.
2. If I call the company about the lease, I need the lease number. I haven't ever seen the lease so I have no idea on this one.
3. It would be nice to know if the lease was on both sections that we have rights to, or only one of them. The question here is whether the original lease covered the section with the well.
4. The company that drilled the well is called Tracker Resources. It doesn't seem to be the company that bought the lease from us.
5. To my knowledge, none of us got any kind of registered letter, etc. about the drilling at 145-97-10. As I mentioned earlier, the letter Pat sent me only mentioned 145-96-6. If anybody saw/heard about another registered letter (perhaps that they didn't pick up) let me know.
6. Getting a letter might be difficult. The one from 2007 only had correct addresses for Bill, Dick and Pat. Mary sent in new addresses for all of us, but we don't know if that got fixed.

So, please let me know if you know anything that I might not know, and I will continue to pursue...

Thanks.

Maple Leaf Road Races

Is anyone interested in participating in the Maple Leaf Road Races this year? Information is available here. This is the best "fun" run around as you run/walk the Oktoberfest parade route before the parade starts. There a lots of people already lined up to watch the parade and you're sure to be offered a beer and a brat or two along the way. You get a nice long-sleeve T-shirt and an Oktoberfest button with the registration.

All skill levels can participate - there's a 5K walk, a 5 mile run, and a half-marathon. Becky and I signed up to do the 5 mile run. I won't be setting any land speed records, but I'm sure it will be fun. The day of the race, Saturday, Sept. 26th, is Becky's birthday, so I'm SURE she'll have some fun.

P.S. Some friends of ours always have Bloody Mary's available near the finish line.

Fantasy Football Anyone?

I'd like to propose the creation of a Branson Blogger Fantasy Football League (BBFFL).

If we can get interest from 10 people by August 31st, I will create the league on one of the online providers. I'd propose an entry fee of $25, just to keep things interesting. Post here to reserve your spot. We would have to do an online draft I would imagine, some night between Sept 1-8.

Mark

Edit: In so far - Dick, Mark, Karen, Jeff, Josh, Mike, Elizabeth, Pat

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN

Happy Birthday Karen, hope you have a great birthday. We love your new house and the life you are building for yourself. It's hard to figure you're 29 and we are only 37 and 35, must be something in the water. Oh well maybe it's the new math or we forgot to count all of ours, have a great day.

Love,

Mom & Dad

Wedding details

Hello Bransons!

Hope everyone is well. Below I have pasted in the email we are sending regarding our wedding plans. I don't have everyone's email addresses, so I thought I would just put it out on the blog. Therefore, some of you may get emails in addition to the blog invite but most of you will not. Everyone is invited, please let us know your thoughts and questions.

Love, Jeff and Karen

Hello everyone,

Hope this email finds you happy, healthy, and enjoying the summer months.

Jeff and I have designed a wedding website with all the details necessary to book a vacation to Acapulco, Mexico to celebrate with us on Friday, February 19th, 2010. Feel free to email us any questions, and continue to watch the site for more details as we update it. Upon visiting the website you will be required to enter a password. The password is: jeffandkaren2010

Best,

Karen Branson & Jeff Peterson

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/KarenBranson&JeffPeterson

Happy Birthday to the man with many names.

Marcus Farkus, The Boy, Herman, he is known by many names. But he is the best you could ever wish for when he is refered to as Son or Dad.



Happy Birthday Mark

Love Mom and Dad

Charlie Buxton

Here are a few pictures of little Charlie. We will be leaving the hospital on Wednesday, just in time to get packed up and move to the new house on Friday.

Happy Birthday!

Welcome Charles Crawford Buxton!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Happy 3rd Birthday Ella!

Three! Can you believe it?!

We love you!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Jack, he turns 2 today!

New well 18049

Anybody check the oil rights site, there is a well not on our lot but if they move 5 feet north it will be. 145-97-10. Hurry up and strike oil, I'll be a fan of higher gas prices.

CONGRATULATIONS KAREN ON YOUR NURSING DEGREE!

Congratulations Karen on your graduation, and as the picture shows we had a party after. We are so very proud of you.

Mark, Mom and Dad

Fifty and Fabulous!

Happy Birthday Mom! Hope you have a wonderful day, you certainly deserve it! Enjoy one of those delicious "home brews" you love and stay away from the Ryan's Cream, will ya?
Love you, and can't wait to celebrate in Colorado with you in only two days!

Happy Birthday Jason!

Jason can't read this while he's at basic training in Georgia, but I'll print off the post and comments and send them in his next letter.


Happy 22nd birthday Pvt. Konop!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter everyone!!!

Happy Birthday Chad!

So my mom had to call to remind me to post embarrassing pictures of Chad on the blog for his birthday...I don't think she realized how many embarrassing pictures I have and how excited I have been to do this!

Happy Birthday to the best
Dinosaur .....

and Michael Jackson impersonator there is!

And the Winner is ...

Pat!

Followed by Jon and Rachel. Its a friggen Appleton sweep the likes of which have not been seen since Harry Houdini left town.

For those of you in the contest, you will have noticed it was a topsy-turvy battle. The Appletonians rose from the bottom half of the standings because of the final. Due to some genetic mishap, they all picked North Carolina to win the tourney. The only other possible winner would have been Jimmy if his MSU-all-the-way strategy would have panned out.

Now for the prizes. There are 6 units to award (one per participant not finishing in the top 3).
- 3 units go to Pat (Dick, Diane and Mark pay)
- 2 units go to Jon (Mike and Jimmy pay)
- 1 unit goes to Rachel (Tim pays)

So all that remains is for the winner's to name their unit (don't take that literally boys) i.e. pick their poison.

As I said before, for us losers, this is a great excuse to avoid your relatives.

Expanding...

So it's been a crazy year for me. On this date, one fateful year ago, Matt and I tied the knot (our legal nuptuals) in the Lawrence, KS courthouse in front of co-workers and classmates. Afterward, we went out for beer and pizza. A few months later on June 13th, y'all joined us in Madison for the big day. Well, we couldn't stop there. Matt and I decided that we were too big for Kansas (a state known for it's expansive, flat plains mind you) and saw it was necessary to occupy TWO states. So, he moved to Arkansas. He hasn't lost any teeth yet and continues to follow the advice of the PSAs he keeps seeing to wear deodorant.
What more could we do? Oh yes, adopt a puppy! He's brought nothing but joy to our lives, especially when he eats his poop, eats my shoes, or steps on Matt's balls.

And now, what more could we possibly add? How 'bout a BABY!!

Yep, I found this little guy via a google image search for "ultrasound, baby with big head". The mother's name is even ELIZABETH. I felt an immediate connection. Now I just have to figure out how to get him into MY womb. Until then, we'll leave him here for safe keeping.

Happy April 1st.

Happy Birthday Ellie!

Happy 4th Birthday Ellie!!

Please join us for...

William will be getting baptised Sunday, May 31st at Trinity Lutheran (the same church we were married at) at the 10:45 am service. We are going to do a lunch at our house afterwards. When it gets closer we will send out a reminder email/post to get a head count for lunch to make sure we have enough food!

Welcome Leona Delores

I'm going to post the shit out of this blog.

Sincerely yours,

Leona Delores Branson Missouri

Branson Blogger Bracket Battle

I've created an online NCCA bracket contest for Branson Bloggers, their families, and any significant others. If I know your email address, you should be getting an invitation message sent to you.

For those email addresses I don't have, post a comment to this blog entry with any email addresses you want me to add to the invitation.

The invitation will contain a link to the web site where you can go and make your picks.

Prizes? Yes, there are prizes (but for the most part we are doing this for fun and bragging rights). Here are the prize details:
- The entry fee is one "unit", unless you finish in the top 3. In that case, there is no entry fee.
- A unit is equal to one of the following, depending on the prize winner's age and/or preference. (A six pack of a beer, a bottle of wine, a 24-pack of pop - brand according to the prize winner's preference).
- The third place winner wins one unit
- The second place winner wins two units
- The first place winner wins the rest of the units
- Prizes are awarded by the losers to the winners the next time you see them (a good excuse to avoid your family)
- I reserve the right to make up new rules as we go along.

Get your picks in by Thursday!

Missing Tom

Three years since you left, some days it feels like it's been three months, and other days it feels like forever. The hurt is still hurting, the memories still stirring, we miss you, we all miss you. But you will live forever in our memories and in the ones you left behind. I had a good day today, I hope yours was as well.

Love

Dick

William Joseph Branson III

Billy & Lindsey had the newest addition to the family last night at 6:33 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs 14.2 ounces and is 19 3/4" long and has a lot of dark hair.

Happy 33rd Josh!

Pre-Birthday conversation

Josh: Can you do me a favor?

Jocelyn: What?

Josh: If you post something on the blog about my birthday can you find a picture where I don't look like a dumbass?

Jocelyn: (So many possible responses...) I don't know that we have a picture of you where you don't look like a dumbass. I'll do my best.

Ellie's fractured finger

Here is a link to our blog to check out Ellie's most recent injury. Check it out

http://lacrossebuxton.blogspot.com/