Now that I have the Attention of ALL the Scandinavian genealogists out there, I had better explain that tho' I am (obviously) not Scandinavian that I know of, I was raised by a Scandinavian Uncle whom I called "Unc" in the same vane as you would say Dad, or Pop, etc. So, my tongue-in-cheek Subject title in no way is meant to be demeaning to Scandinavians, but rather one who appreciates the Scandinavian heritage that we enjoy among our genealogy, and in our region of our country. I claim Scandinavian ancestry via the fact that the Danes, the Vikings, and the Swedes were among those who raided the East coast of England such as Yorkshire where my Lothropps/Lothrops/Lathrops were from in the area of Lowthorpe, East Riding, Yorkshire county, England. They intermingled with the Ladies, and populations of these areas, decided to stay awhile, and that is why I believe that I have found WHY I have such a taste for Lefse, even tho' I won't go within 75 ft. of a crock of Lutefisk in the costic brine which I experienced at Swan's Trail near Snohomish back in the late '20s and '30s at the Forseth's house on the Snohomish River at Swan's Trail. I loved the foot tall stacks of Lefse on the long dining table in the old farmhouse, but I held my nose as the Lutefisk went by, to be dipped in the melted butter. Eyes would roll back in the heads of those who savored the lutefisk. My understanding that fisk means fish, and the lute means light - translating, to my knowledge, into lightfish . Enough reminiscing: Ref The HERALD, Everett WA Date: Sunday, Feb 3, 2002 Page(s) NW Life section, pp. D1,D2 http://heraldnet.com/search/ Article: Tapestries of History by Diane Wright, Herald Writer & Photos by Stephanie S. Cordle, Herald Photog. When Scandinavians came to this country, they quickly assimilated into America's fabric. In the Northwest particularly, Scandinavians such as the Nordstrom family and Boeing Co's Phipip Johnson had an incalculable impact on developing the region's economy and culture, Sometimes, telling that story is not done in words, but with other tools: Linen. Wool. Swedish weavers' arts. Also ref to the Nordic Heritabe Museum with PIX COMMENT: Well known names such as VOLVO, SAAB, IKEA, WALGREENS, XEROX, HASSELBLAD, RADISON among the names that come to mind among many others stem from Scandinavian genes. I would like to Add te late Henry M. Jackson, or "Scoop" Jackson of Everett, WA and his sidekick Mon C. Walgren among the notables who contributed to our region in many positive ways -"Scoop" made a sojourn to the Swans Trail Church many times in recognition of his Norwegian Heritage and partook of the Scandinavian foods that he enjoyed there. It was a tiny church but the hearts of those Scandinavians there were Huge ! After you read this main Article, be sure to read the accompanying articles on p. D2: 1. Literally weaving tales is an old Swedish tradition, artist says By Diane Wright, Herald Writer and 2. Scandinavian women hold on to heritage also by Diane Wright, Herald Writer. The surname Linback, niece of Stan Boreson appears there among such expressions a Uff Da. Oh, Oh, I see mention of Finns, which I didn't include among my First comments, but we don't wish to slight any Finns among the Scandinavians. I have been to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, but never to Finland, so that may have something to do with my shortcomings. The English language was spoken commonly among school age kids in these countries when we visited there in 1971. We often go to Normanna Hall in Everett, WA where the traditions, the heritage, the friendly nature of the descendants of those early arrivals in America are in evidence. Their dances and events related to the ancestry are frequent and keep the heritage alive and well. Included in these articles is Info about the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle which you can avail yourselves for immediate or future reference, complete with names of various exhibits. Ref. for info. 206-789-5707 or www.nordicmuseum.com Tak, taka, munga tak, and just plain Enyoy ! Carroll in Snohomish &_/