Now you have to understand something:  here in Elk Point, South Dakota, on the farm, we use the word “neighbor” very loosely!  So, when I say that my neighbor Clarence Hanson is turning 100, you might want to think miles rather than feet or yards to define “neighbor.”  I had the privilege of a visit with Clarence and he graciously allowed me to take his portrait.  He was one of the first Norwegians I met when my husband brought his young bride home to a farm north of town.  Clarence is a quiet, stately man who has lived in the same house he was born in!  He has been the “keeper of the family farm.”  One of 5 brothers, Clarence is the one that stayed on to keep the land tilled and plowed and planted. 

I want to wish Clarence a Happy Birthday…… a bit early but why not?  His birthday will be June 12.  He will be 100 years old.