Betty MacDonald's sister Alison Bard Burnett
Betty MacDonald's mother Sydney with grandchild Alison Beck
Dear Wolfgang Hampel and Betty MacDonald fan club,
i am a huge fan of Betty's; I read "The Egg and I" hen I was a teenager and have always loved her books. I am glad you have taken the time and made the effort to promote her memory through your society, such a personality as Betty was should not be forgotten.
I'm sure there are very many of her fans worldwide who like me, have many questions and are very curious about what happened to her family in the years after Betty's death.
I did receive Wolfgang Hampel's books 'The Kettles' Million Dollar Egg', 'The Egg and Betty' and 'The Tragic End of Robert Heskett' and found them very funny and so interesting.
I think Betty was caught between a rock and a hard place at the trial. Writers are allowed a certain "creative license" and she may have embellished her characters a bit to make a good story, but of course she didn't want to lose the case, either. So she claimed some of her story was fictional. But I still believe she drew those characters from her life; good writers write about what they know and experience and it is obvious to me that her richly drawn characterizations of the Kettles and other families while she lived on the chicken farm were true for the most part. Even if parts of the story were fictionalized, I will always be grateful to her for writing some of the funniest and most unforgettable books I have ever read. She will always be my favorite humorist and I only wish she could have lived longer so she could have given the world more opportunities to enjoy her unique talent. Thank you for the second installments of the story.
I'm so happy to gain more knowledge about Betty's life and her experiences during the trial. Now I understand why the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce said there were still some hard feelings toward Betty by some of the people in the area. You would think that after all this time, though, it really wouldn't matter anymore. I guess some people can hold a grudge forever! I don't think Betty ever intended to malign anyone. She wrote from her experiences, and if she embellished a bit, that is her right as a creative artist. Her characterizations were indeed devastating, weren't they? And so very funny.
A hundred years from now her books will still be uniquely humorous. What a personality she was.
When my husband and I took the trip to Port Townsend last summer in search of "The Egg and I Road" I wondered why there was no marker. The letter from the nice gentleman who lives on the old homestead in Chimacum partly answered that question. I wondered why the descriptions of the mountains in "The Egg and I" didn't match what I saw on Egg and I Road, and that question too was answered by Betty's testimony in the trial.
I believe that Port Ludlow, Chimacum and Port Townsend were exactly as she described them. She may have had to stretch the truth a bit in the trial, but what else could she have done. It's indeed ironic that the Kettles were forced to live on EGG AND I Road. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM43RE_EGG_I_ROAD
Another funny anecdote to her story. I especially enjoyed Kimi's defense of Betty in her letter. In this age of "political correctness" which I find very tiresome, Kimi's letter was well thought out and well written. Betty was certainly not a racist. In "The Plague and I" Betty stands up for black people, and Kimi, who was Japanese, was her best friend. It was very different 60+ years ago but some people forget that.
It is so nice that so many people remember and care about Betty and try to keep her memory alive. Thank you for all your good works in her behalf. I agree that there should be more to commemorate Betty's life and her accomplishments, at least some kind of marker or memorial. At least they did name the "Egg and I Road" after her book.
I hope you can visit Washington state someday and take the ferry over to Vashon Island. It really is a beautiful, lushly green island with marvelous views in every direction.
I don't think Betty gets the recognition she deserves in this country partly because of the unfortunate atmosphere of "political correctness" (p.c.) that pervades the U.S.A. right now. Betty was critical of native Americans (Indians) in her book and that is a "no no" in the minds of many of the powers that be. They don't stop to consider that she was writing from the perspective of over 50 years ago or give her credit for her uniquely talented style and the marvelous, timeless humor of her writing.
She really is one of America's best humorists and fortunately many people all over the world do recognize this. I think her books will be read and re-read through the ages. There are so many young people that are becoming aware of her books now, and that really encourages me...they will keep her memory going.
I agree with you that "The Egg & I" is one of the funniest books ever written. I remember laughing so hard I was gasping for breath and almost fell off the couch the first time I read it! I was about fourteen years old then. I have re-read it many times and never tire of it, I believe it is timeless.
Perhaps you have heard of the town of Leavenworth? It is at the foothills of the Cascades, and is a world famous Bavarian style village, very picturesque. They have Autumn Fest, Maifest, and Christmas lighting celebrations and people come from all over the world to visit. They have many German craftsman living in the area, contributing their talents to the many shops in town. They have dancers, complete with lederhosen and full old-world Bavarian dress, performing in the open square during the summertime celebrations. Wonderful food of every description; I love their bratwurst and sauerkraut, bought from the street vendors. If you are interested in learning more about the village, you can reach the site at http://www.leavenworth.org/ It is well worth an online visit!
Betty MacDonald February 1951
"I have had letters from people all over the world - from England and from Bavaria - telling me that the Kettles lived next door to them.
I am looking forward to reading more of your society's publications about Betty and her life. She was such an unique personality, I will always love her and her books, they have given me so much pleasure and laughter over the years.
It is so good to know she has fans worldwide!
Keep up the good work and stay in touch.
Yours in Betty's memory,
Connie
Betty MacDonald Quotes
Don't miss this very special book, please.
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Wolfgang Hampel - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Wikipedia ( English ) - The Egg and I
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Wolfgang Hampel - LinkFang ( German ) Wolfgang Hampel - Academic ( German )
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Vashon Island - Wikipedia ( German )
Wolfgang Hampel - Monica Sone - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Ma and Pa Kettle - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Ma and Pa Kettle - Wikipedia ( French )
Wolfgang Hampel - Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle - Wikipedia ( English)
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Betty MacDonald fan club organizer Linde Lund
‘We Should Take a Drug Test’ Before Debate, Donald Trump Says
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Escalating his criticism of Hillary Clinton’s debate performances, Donald J. Trump
came to a state battling a drug epidemic and suggested without any
evidence on Saturday that his opponent had been on drugs during their
second debate.
“I
think we should take a drug test prior to the debate,” Mr. Trump told a
crowd of thousands gathered in the parking lot of a Toyota dealership
on a chilly afternoon.
He
continued: “We should take a drug test prior because I don’t know
what’s going on with her. But at the beginning of her last debate — she
was all pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like, ‘Oh,
take me down.’ She could barely reach her car.”
When
asked for comment, the Clinton campaign directed reporters to a
statement by Robby Mook, the campaign manager, that was put out earlier
in the day in response to Mr. Trump’s allegations of a “rigged”
election.
“Campaigns
should be hard fought and elections hard won, but what is fundamental
about the American electoral system is that it is free, fair and open to
the people,” Mr. Mook wrote. “Participation in the system — and
particularly voting — should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined
because a candidate is afraid he’s going to lose.”
Mrs.
Clinton stepped away from the campaign trail over the weekend to
prepare for the third and final presidential debate on Wednesday, and
Mr. Trump has spent the week criticizing his opponent’s public schedule
as too heavy on “debate prep” while he campaigns around the country.
In
recent days, Mr. Trump has made increasingly outlandish allegations as
he seeks to fend off reports of lewd comments and accusations of sexual
assault. Among other things, he has alleged a global media conspiracy
and told his followers that the electoral process is being rigged
against him. He has also personally insulted and degraded the women who have accused him.
Mr.
Trump, who said he was willing to take a drug test before the next
debate, directed a large portion of his remarks to the drug epidemic. He
praised the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act as an “important step in the right direction,” and he called for more drug courts and mandated treatment.
“I would dramatically expand access to treatment sites and end Medicaid policies that obstruct inpatient treatment,” he said.
Mr.
Trump said the government should reduce the amount of so-called
Schedule II opioids like oxycodone that can be made and sold in the
United States. He also criticized the Food and Drug Administration,
saying that it was too slow to approve addiction recovery medicines and
that “we need to move it along.” He promised that his border wall and
policies would help stem the flow of drugs into the country.
Mr.
Trump praised his running mate, Mike Pence, for increasing “mandatory
minimum sentences for the most serious drug offenders” as governor of
Indiana, although the candidate himself did not personally endorse the
idea.
Mr.
Trump has often focused on Mrs. Clinton’s health during the
presidential race. He claims she lacks the “stamina” to campaign, or to
be president. His campaign released an ad this week focusing heavily on her health.
Linde Lund shared Pictures of Heidelberg's photo.
Dear Aashish Bernd Rudi Friedrich Pascale Heiderose Nunzia Pieter Michail Waseem Ursula Thomas Tatjana Theresia Franziska Nicole Ernst Wolf, Michael Sabine Winfried Schwab Immo Sascha Karl Angela Ulrich Wellhöfer Perkeo Thomas Barth Kirsten Birthe Andre Horst Dawid Dr. Karl A. Lamers Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
and all our other friends don't miss Vita Magica on Tuesday 28 th, 2016
please. The subject is magical Heidelberg with Rudi Lerche and other
surprising guests. http://wolfvitamagica.blogspot.de/…/vita-magica-juni-2016-m…
Mr. Tigerli in China
Copyright 2016 by Letizia Mancino translation by Mary Holmes All rights reserved
Yes Betty, either or it seems he wanted to fly only with
Singapore Airways.
Boeing or Airbus, it’s just the same
isn’t it? Aren’t they both just fat birds with 500 passengers?
Yes, but Singapore Airlines has the
most beautiful airhostesses: delicate, fine, graceful… Mr. Tigerli had looked forward to the flight
so much!
So the little man was disappointed?
You just can’t imagine how disappointed
he was.
But thank God one of the hostesses was a
pretty Chinese girl. Mr. Tigerli purred loudly but she didn’t hear him because
the purring of the Airbus 380 was even louder.
The poor cat!
You’ve said it Betty. Mr. Tigerli was
in a very bad mood and asked me for a loud speaker.
I’m sure you can get one in 1st
Class.
“”Russian Girl” had even heard you over
the roar of the Niagara Falls” I said to Mr. Tigerli. “You are a very
unfaithful cat. You wanted to get to know Asiatic girls. That’s how it is when
one leaves one’s first love”.
And what did he say to that?
“Men are hunters” was his answer.
Yes, my dear cat, a mouse hunter. And
what else did he say?
Not another word. He behaved as if he
hadn’t heard me.
The Airbus is very loud.
I told him shortly “Don’t trouble
yourself about “Chinese Girl”. There will be enough even prettier girls in
China. Wait till we land in Guilin”.
Did he understand you?
Naturally Mr. Tigerli understood me
immediately. Yes, sweetheart, don’t worry. They will find you something sweet
to eat.
And he?
He was so happy.
No problem going through the immigration
control?
Naturally! Lots of problems. How could I explain to
customs that the cat had come as a tourist to China to buy shoes?
Fur in exchange for shoes…
Don’t be so cynical Betty!
Cat meat in exchange for shoes?
He came through the pass control with
no trouble!
Is this Mr. Tigerli?
 |
Betty MacDonald's Vashon Island is a paradise.
info to: Sandra Lorinda Traci Petr Dana Jana Michaela Rebekah Swiss Charrd Tru John Darsie Darsie Toby Jeanine Carol Justin Lila Daniel Mo Nika Steve Neal Jitka Jitka Tami Pete Laurie Maia Nancy Kelly Pam Mary Jan and all our other friends
www.bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/
info to: Sandra Lorinda Traci Petr Dana Jana Michaela Rebekah Swiss Charrd Tru John Darsie Darsie Toby Jeanine Carol Justin Lila Daniel Mo Nika Steve Neal Jitka Jitka Tami Pete Laurie Maia Nancy Kelly Pam Mary Jan and all our other friends
www.bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/
Take an illustrated day trip through Washington state’s largest city with artist Candace Rose Rardon.
gadventures.com
Linda White yes,if my health allows.I have a few problems but is something I have always wanted to do,especially as I reread her books.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · August 1 at 6:37pm
Linde Lund Dear Linda I'll keep you posted.
Like · Reply · 1 · August 1 at 6:42pm
Bella Dillon · Friends with Darsie Beck
I still read Mrs Piggle Wiggle books to this day. I love her farm on vashon.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · August 1 at 10:32pm
Lila Taylor Good morning...Linde Lund
