Trick or Treat!

I'm alive and well!! in Atlanta, and should be home this evening about the time you find the last kids at your door!!
I wasn't able to blog on Saturday, as we were at Joe and Sandy's. Had a great day before we got to Joe's. Gary missed a turn on our way to breakfast, and we ended up in Black Mountain at a Farmers Market. Kathleen and Gary love the town so much, that they think they'd like to retire there in a few years. It had a great farmers market. Fresh breads, veggies of all sorts, a petting zoo of sorts, chickens, bunnies, and a goat you could milk, as well as a demonstration of a dog herding some ducks. They even had some musicians playing music in the middle.
When we got to Joe and Sandi's we took them out for dinner at a great Mexican Restaurant near their house. Another great meal....we've all had to have gained weight, we've done nothing but eat at great restaurants.
When we got back to their house we played liar's dice and Sandi won the first game and Judy the second (notice it wasn't Gary either time) then we played Domino's (Train). Judy again won at Domino's and Gary didn't!!! I think this is an all time record of Gary losses. We played again on Sunday afternoon, and I won!!! Hurrah!! and Gary didn't!! What is this world coming too!
After a great bowl of soup that Sandi made, (not a restaurant...but great!) We headed into Atlanta, the last leg of the trip before having to return home. Judy and I got dropped off at our hotel....not the same as their hotel....and after settling into our room, we headed across the street to an Italian restaurant for dinner, and yes again it was great food. We've been lucky to eat our way across the south!!
Judy had to head out to the airport early, and I get to wait for Kathleen and Gary to pick me up around 10 a.m. and then we will head out and have lunch and make our way to the airport for late afternoon flights.
Tomorrow I'll be back to my regular schedule and will talk to you then!!! Love and prayers, m

In Life a Little Rain Must Fall!

and so it did today....never a down pour, but a constant drizzle of mist in the clouds. We started off by checking out a Craft Guild this morning, and then went into downtown Asheville and checked out a few more stores with crafts and such. In one I was buying myself a scarf, and I got a allergic reaction like an asthma attack, and had to run out side and get fresh air to breath....then when I could I went back in and paid and got out of there as fast as I could.
We then headed out of town and found a little restaurant in a small town not too far out....maybe 15 miles or so...but up the mountain on windy roads. There we had a great lunch and each of us had a bowl of Parsnip soup and a sandwich...to our amazement it was all delicious....we weren't expecting much....as the town didn't have much to offer.
We then headed up the mountain road and went through about a dozen little towns nestled on the side of the mountain which had a stream and maybe a railroad track running through it. We finally came to one that Kathleen and Gary had been to before that had a great pottery shop. Nobody had room to take any home on the plane, but Kathleen did find some beautiful earrings.
The next town was the destination we were heading for all day, and Gary had made dinner reservations for us in advance, as it is a small but wonderful gourmet restaurant in this little town of Spruce Pine, 50 miles from nowhere. To my amazement the food was spectacular and Kathleen and I had the last 2 of 5 servings of a stuffed Pork Belly which the baked for 3 or 4 hours and then grilled it. It was served with roasted red potatoes....wow was it good. Gary had lamb, and Judy had a trout....I think Kathleen and I got the best!!!
Earlier in the day, at lunch we played some cards as the weather wasn't great for hiking etc. I got to be Gary's partner again, and we did really well in criss-cross, winning two games, but Kathleen and Judy beat us in Spades....the first time Gary has been beaten in anything the whole trip. Too bad I had to be his partner when it happened.
Tomorrow we are leaving for Athens, and should be there around dinner time. Hoping to meet Joe and Sandy for dinner somewhere near their house. Will call them in the morning.
Don't expect much for blogging tomorrow night, as they don't have good reception at their house. But will get back to you for sure on Sunday night from the hotel in Atlanta. For now, time to sleep....love and prayers, m

6 a.m. Alarm

It went off, and Judy decided to reset it for 6:30, but she didn't, she set the clock ahead to 6:30, and when she woke up it said 7:24, actually closer to 7 a.m., but we were supposed to meet Kathleen and Gary in the breakfast area at 7:15....we thought it was 7:24....so called and said we had just gotten up and we'd be in at breakfast as soon as we could. We skipped the shower and flew out the door as fast as we could, and when we got to the breakfast area it was only 7:25 a.m.....Thank God!! We really weren't as late as we thought we were, but still late. We left for Ashville at around 8:00 a.m. and Gary sped all the way here....averaging about 70 mph and made it in about 3 hours or so.
We stopped at their favorite restaurant, Tupelo Honey's, and had the most wonderful lunch so far. It seems each one has been a little better than the last best one. Gary had Shrimp, Crab and Grits (Oh and last night it was cooked clams, not oysters) and Kathleen had a Po Boy, and I had a salad and a cat fish taco...which housed the whole catfish minus the head and fins. Judy had the house specialty Tomato Basil soup and an open face veggie sandwich. Everyone loved what they had. It really was one of the best.

From there we headed to the Biltmore House and spent the afternoon wandering through it and the gardens and the grounds surrounding it. It was really spectacular, and the Fall colors were brilliant close up, but the smokey mountains made them look hazy in the distance. I took about twenty pictures of the flowers and plan on making some great cards. The house was almost completely decorated for Christmas with one or more tree's in every room. Each with a little different theme, I loved that. The house was really over the top of opulence, and I can't imagine raising a family in it.
This evening, we headed for a Italian restaurant near the hotel cause Gary was beat from the driving and all the walking,.,,no less than 5 miles this afternoon....but it was no longer in existence. So we headed to a J & S Cafeteria, and to our surprise, it was so good, and no ones meal with beverage and all came to more than 10 dollars, and actually 3 of the 4 were no more than $7. Judy's eyes were bigger than her stomach, and she got turnip greens, fish that came with cole slaw, a dish of fruit and a biscuit and ice tea.....and couldn't finish it all.
We came back to the room and Judy and I took on Kathleen and Gary...almost beat them in the first game of spades and held it close the second as well. But got blown away in criss-cross....we were getting tired by then....so called the cards to an end.
We have another big day planned for tomorrow, so must hit the hay, love and prayers, m

Great Day in Charleston!

Got up early and hit the road running. Drove into the city and parked at the Visitor's Center, and hopped on a free Trolley and road it to the Market St Market. After a little shopping we had a carraige ride around the historic district of town, and when we got off the carriage, we went looking for a bicycle taxi. Made Judy walk a couple of blocks, and she was beat, so sat her on the corner and I went looking for the taxi by myself. When I shagged one down, he took me back to where Judy was sitting, and then he sped off to the Ft. Sumter National Monument, where we met Kathleen and Gary and took the boat out to the Island where we got a long lecture on the reasons Ft. Sumter is a National Monument today. It was very interesting and quite educational. After returning back to Charleston, we hopped back onto another free trolley to the Visitor's center and got the car and headed out to the Middleton Plantation, and spend a couple of hours walking through. Saw lots of birds: egrets, cormorants, blue heron, peacock and even a couple of small alligators and turtles. Was a beautiful afternoon, and beautiful plantation with a live oak 37 feet in diameter and reflection pools and a working rice plot....where they grow Carolina Gold Rice!
After that we drove back into town to go to a restaurant that a local woman had recommended....It was called Pearlz, and it's owned by Bill Murray, and it's an oyster bar. Gary pigged out on both raw and cooked oysters, I had shrimp cocktail, with some of the largest shrimp I've ever seen, and then had Wild Boar Sausage and grilled Shrimp with Jalapeno cheese and grits and black eyed peas. Oh my, it was so good.
We came back to the motel early and plan on leaving even earlier tomorrow, as we are heading off to Ashville. I'm sure we will find some great food there, but will be hard to beat the meal we had this evening. I'm beat....heading to bed. Love and prayers, m

90 miles in 7 Hours!

Gary took the back roads again.....when he suggested it, I didn't think he could stretch out a 90 mile drive to 7 hours....but some how he did. I was thinking more like 3 or 4 hours at most.
We did find this great little town Beaufort, SC on the water, with beautiful old homes and also had a great restaurant that had one of the best meals of the trip as far as restaurants go. Had this great low country shrimp cobb salad. Had a hot bacon vinegarette dressing on it, We started the meal with a cup of lobster bisque soup too. I'll probably gain a ton on this trip.
We finally made it to Charleston around 5 p.m. or so, and then headed into town and parked near the Marketplace, but it was just about 6 p.m. and everything was closing, so Gary and Kathleen wanted to take a walk through the historic area, and Judy and I stayed in the Market St. area. They finally came back from their walk and we decided to head back toward the motel in North Charleston, and Gary had Yelped a restaurant, but we couldn't find it, and then he found out it closed at 2:30 in the afternoon, so then we tried to find another, and it was a Irish Pub, but it was now about 9 p.m. and I was starving, and so was Judy....Had great Irish stew and Corned Beef and Cabbage, but now probably won't beable to sleep for awhile.
Going on a carriage tour in the morning, and then on a boat over to Fort Sumpter. Got to get up early and start moving, so will try to sleep soon.
Having a great time.....love and prayers, m

Great Day in Savannah!

We started out the day with a Old Town Tolley Tour, and it went on all day...we could get on and off anytime we wanted to stop and see something. We actually did the whole tour twice, but had four different drivers, so heard lots of different stories about the town, buildings, and it's inhabitants. At one point across from the park where they filmed parts of Forrest Gump....he actually got on the trolley with us. Pretty funny!!
We stopped for lunch at Mrs. Wilkes, which used to be a boarding house, and now just serves lunch, family style, and with about 25 entrees, I've listed most of them on my facebook site if you are interested. After that it was time to walk off all the pounds of food we ate. We also took a tour of the Mercer House, that the book

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

murder took place.
We also toured the the first Catholic church in Georgia, after they took off the prohibition for Catholics in the colony. Along with the 3 other prohibitions: drinking rum, lawyers, and slavery.
We got off the trolley about 5:30 p.m. and then drove out to Tybee Island to see the lighthouse, but never did find it. It was where they filmed "Love Song" that I saw a few years ago. The beach we took pictures on looked like the place it was filmed. From there we went in search of a bar to have a drink and a light snack....Gary looked up one on Yelp, and his GPS (Heidi) took us into some gated community with no bar anywhere in site. Pour Heidi, I think she's sick of us.

We finally found a little locals bar in Old town Savannah, and it was called Master Pinky's Bar. A real dive!! But a interesting place where mostly only locals go. At the bar Gary got into a conversation with a priest and a doctor. Only about 4 or 5 others in there, but we had a seat and played a game of spades and another of criss-cross. Judy got to be Gary's partner today, and they won both games.
Since the bar had no food, and we hadn't eaten anything since Mrs. Wilkes, I wanted something before we got back to the motel, so we stopped at a seafood place near it. I had Gumbo, Kathleen had Conch Stew and Gary had Crab Stew. Judy was the only different one, and she had an appetizer which was stuffed crab. Any way we all are exhausted and came back to the hotel and are getting ready for bed.
Tomorrow we head for Charleston to see the sites there. Having a great time. Love and prayers, m

Another Great day in Georgia

Left Athens this morning around 10 a.m. and headed towards Savannah....about a 6 hour drive. I think we saw maybe 2 gas stations (but not until after Judy was about ready to die she had to go to the bathroom so bad, and pulled off the road and let her go behind a bush!!) and not one restaurant the whole way till we got within a few miles of Savannah....but Gary was driving the back roads. Wow a lot of wilderness and poverty! Gary was surprised he didn't see more poverty and businesses closed, and I commented their weren't any to close.

Once we arrived we almost immediately headed into down after finding our hotel. A really super Super 8....probably the nicest one I've ever stayed in. In Savannah we headed to the Bonaventure Cemetery, but it was closing in 1/2 hour, so we only had a short time to walk through, hope we can maybe go back at some point, cause we didn't see all of it. Then we headed down towards the riverfront and found a great restaurant called "The Pink House" Had great reviews in "Yelp.com" Gary's bible when looking for a place to eat. It is a historical house an it was a great restaurant. Thanks Gary!! and Yelp! Had some fried green tomatoes, collard greens, crab cakes, along with pecan crusted chicken breast with a blackberry sauce drizzled over it and sweet potatoes with carmelized pecans on them. YUM, YUM!!
To top it off they had a big screen TV and Gary got to see the Packers beat the Vikes! We were surprised the Vikings did as well as they did.
After that we came back to the hotel and played cards....I got to have Gary as my partner and we won at spades as well as criss-cross.
We will go back downtown tomorrow and take a trolley tour, and have lunch at Mrs. Wilkes a old boarding house that it supposed to have great food. Do some more touring around town, and see what other interesting sites we can find.
I hope to write again tomorrow nite....love and prayers, m

Here I Am!

I'm alive and well, in Athen's Georgia....but the trip was a long one. I left home about 1 p.m. on Thursday, and didn't get into bed until 1:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Got to the airport in Atlanta at 9:30 p.m. and then found out that Judy was coming in on a plane at 10:45, so had Kathleen and Gary wait till she came in to pick us up and head for Athens and the motel....well by the time we left it was 11:30 and it was a 90 minute drive to Athens.
Got up at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and by the time we got to Joe and Sandi's it was after noon already. We were quietly visiting with Joe's three sisters when who should walk in but Janet and Debbie....what a surprise. The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation, jokes and stories of growing up Schieber. What a great day. All Joe's kids and spouses are here as well as a few extra's. They did a big shrimp boil for dinner last night and feed about 20 of us, and had shrimp left over to make shrimp and grits for breakfast this morning. We unfortunately weren't here to enjoy it. But we had found a great restaurant in Athens called Mama's Boy that specialized in peach stuffed french toast and ate there. Judy, June, Len, Kathleen, Gary and I all had a variety of southern treats, some of that french toast, salmon cakes with hollandaise sauce, grits and cheese, biscuits, and other tasty stuff. Loved it.
We are now waiting for the big pig roast to begin....just sitting around visiting and helping prepare for the onset of people. Expecting about another 30 to join the 20 of us already here. Peeled eggs for deviling, plating up treats, and taking pictures for all to see. Can't wait to see Joe open his special gift we brought, I'll get a few pictures of that later.
Tomorrow we head to Savannah for two days.....hope to write again soon....till then I'll keep laughing with the cousins! Love and prayers, m

Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder!

Judy is already at the airport waiting to get on a plane, but I don't leave till 3:20 this afternoon. I'm already to go, just have to shower get dressed and put my computer in my backpack.
Had quite a night, at about 3 a.m. I woke to Constance emptying out all over my pj's. I grabbed the bottom of the bag and ran to the bathroom, but had to stripe me and the bed and remake it before I could go back to sleep. Thank goodness this happened at home. Don't know how it came open, the Velcro usually hold really well. Must have caught it on my pjs as I was tossing and turning. I'll have to be more careful. Now I have sheets to wash!
On to more interesting things, today is actually Cousin Joe's 70th birthday, and the reason a bunch of us are on our way to Georgia to celebrate with him. Hope you have a great day and a super weekend.
Didn't catch anymore mice, but have replenished the Deacon and bought some more traps, so hopefully they won't catch any while I'm gone.
Will try to keep up the blog while I'm gone the next 10 days, but don't panic if I don't write on schedule, I might be busy having fun. Love and prayers, m

Three Blind Mice.....See How They Run!

These particular mice were not moving fast. On my way to the laundry room I saw the first one....and he wasn't moving....or at least not very fast, and I immediately called Doug (got Annie as he was at Hockey with Allie). So Annie said she would send him over on his way home. By that time the mouse had moved twice, but I was able to still see him, but when Doug got here we couldn't find it....assuming it had gone for water as I had Deacon set out since last Fall, we figured he had gone toward the drain. But we didn't see him. So he said he'd be back this morning and set some traps. Well, I couldn't stop looking for that stupid mouse (or maybe I was the stupid one). After several trips to the laundry room, I finally noticed the mouse near my shelving in the laundry room, and again he wasn't moving. So I took an ice cream pail and put it over it....hoping it would still be there when Doug came back in the morning.
This morning, I woke up at 9:20 and jumped out of bed as I remembered that Doug was coming to set traps. Well, to my surprise, Doug was already here....or had been....I couldn't find him, but his car was in the driveway and the back door was open. So I went back down the basement looking for Doug, and what do I see but a mouse about 4 feet from the ice cream pail that I had put over the mouse last night. So I immediately ran back upstairs and called Doug on his cell....but got no answer....left him a message and figured he was at Boes's as I saw Ryan's truck there. Sure enough, when Ryan left so did Doug, who came back to hunt mice with me.
We went down and I showed him the mouse still in the same spot I saw it about 15 minutes earlier, so he got another ice cream pail and the broom, and swept it into the bucket...he was still moving, but not very quick. So then I said check under that pail and see if that's the one we caught or were their two? Sure enough his tail was still sticking out from under the bucket, and he was almost dead not moving at all. So now we had two mice caught....pretty good work before 10 a.m. Doug will come back at noon, and set a couple of traps and place some more deacon around the basement, as all I had seems to be gone. Me, I'm just creeping out, watching each time I open a cupboard or closet, expecting to see another mouse!
Other than that not much excitement around here....still packing and cleaning...got a few packages (Halloween cards etc) to deliver before I leave tomorrow, but first I need to take a shower and get dressed and go buy those traps and deacon before Doug comes back at noon. Love and prayers, m
P.S. A big thank you to Doug for demousing my house!!

Bring Back the Sun

It started sunny this morning, but the sun quickly disappeared, and it's not supposed to be back till Thursday when I leave. I can't believe how cold it actually is, and that it's not going to get out of the 40's today....brrrrrrrr.
I don't have anyplace to go, so I guess the cold won't bother me too much, but I do have to go get the mail, as I didn't do that yesterday either. It comes so late in the day now that I forget to go get it. When I say late I mean really late.....like 7 or 8 p.m. I guess our PO laid off about a dozen mail carriers, so everyone is doing double duty to get the mail delivered.
Which reminds me, I have to go online and cancel my paper and put a hold on my mail delivery, before I forget.
I have most everything done here in the house, going to do the kitchen floor today and get some laundry done....then tomorrow I'll actually pack my suitcase, I've been gathering stuff for the last couple of days, so it won't take me long when I do pack.
I feel like I'm coming down with a sinus thing, I'm sure it's cause the furnace is running so much, and the wind is blowing up so much junk. I'm hoping a change of scenery will help.
My hair turned out pretty good.....at least the process didn't make it all fall out. Jan started by moisturizing it (with 10 minutes under a dryer) then she cut it, and then colored it. Tried to lighten my new jet black eyebrows....but that didn't happen much. Eyebrows? For some reason, maybe the steroids I was on during chemo, have made my eyebrows come in thick and coarse,,,,kind of the Groucho Marxs look. So even though it fell out from my scalp, the eyebrows grew. It looks like I have more hair.....it's still very thin. The new hair is only fuzz on my scalp and will take a couple of months to grow out. Maybe by Christmas.....that would be a great gift!
Must get busy, say a few prayers, that this sinus thing clears up. Love and prayers, m

Sunny and Crisp!

I love seeing the sun....but I wish the wind would die down. It was windier yesterday on the lake then it was the day before. The weatherman said today was going to be a carbon copy of yesterday, so I'm sure the waves are still white capping on Sylvia.
I did a bunch of cleaning and then rushed out of the cabin a little after 1:30, I told Judy that I would bring my old lap top half way to her when she got done lunching with her widow group. She was in Eden Prairie, so we figured the Panera at Knollwood (169 and 7) was about half way for each of us. So I needed to get home, and get the computer before she called to tell me she was leaving. She thought it would be about 2:30 so I was already late in my mind. Luckily Judy didn't call till about 3;05, I was already home and had put all the stuff I brought home away, and gone through my mail.
I no more than got home and I was back in the car again. When I got to Panera, I decided I'd have a bowl of soup and an ice tea. Not thinking of how caffeine affects me later in the day (after noon). Sure enough, I was awake till after 4 a.m. tossing and turning...even though I was yawning when I went to bed about 11:30. The black bean soup I had didn't help either....as my gut was rumbling and bubbling all evening. Stupid choices.
I made the mistake of watching the Vikings get tramped on by the Bears too, but I was playing Fantasy Football against Jack, and he had Forte playing, so I wanted to watch my FF score. I was pretty close before the game started, and thought I would have a chance of winning this week, but I only have a wide receiver playing tonight and I doubt he'll get me the points I need to beat Jack. I was hoping to win this week (well every week) but now I'll slip to the middle of the pack. Congrats Jack!!
I have an appointment to have my hair cut and colored today....I'm braving it!!! If it all falls out (what little I have) I'll just get a wig. Otherwise the color will make me feel better than these gray roots I have. Two inches of gray make me look like I have even less hair than I have...so a solid color will help. I hate my gray hair. I also think the color will give me some body. We can only hope!!
Then I have to get a few more things done around the house. Love and prayers, m

It's All Judys Fault!

I've been talking to Judy since I got up as she has to leave in a few minutes....so that's why I'm late in writing. Okay, she's gone, and I can write!

I'm including a picture of the white caps from yesterday, and the lake is still like that if not worse. So windy....and from the North, so not a warm wind.

The guys (Jimbo, Bill and Doug) came up yesterday and got the pontoon and dock out well before noon yesterday, luckily I had the sloppy joes ready cause they were starving and scarfed down about 3 each before they left. Thanks Guys!!!

Judy and I worked on our craft projects, and had them done by noon too. So we did get a few more practice games of criss-cross in and then had a light snack in before getting showered and cleaned up for the evening. Actually we ate about 3:30 and didn't get in the shower till 6 and 6:20 p.m. Got into town about 7:30 and then proceeded to ruin the days food intake allowance.

The Road-House was not crowded like we thought it would be, getting there at 7:30 so we could get dinner and a good seat before the band started at 9:00 was foolish thinking. But I highly recommend their food....it was great...I highly recommend the deep fried pickles!!! It just wasn't low cal., low fat....or low carb food on the menu. But we tried to do our best. I had an order of pickles and a olive stuffed hamburger....Judy had chips and salsa and a Rachel. (like a Reuben....only made with Turkey) The Turkey and sauerkraut with the dressing on the side wasn't bad...but it was grilled and a lot more fat than Judy wanted....but it was delicious anyway. I wasn't worried about the calories so I ordered the pickles and of course Judy had to eat some as they were so good, and once you had one you couldn't stop!! The only redeeming thing about them (for her diet) was the veggie in the middle. Oh and Judy had a light beer and I had a captain morgan and diet coke. Sorry Judy....that was all my fault....but Jimbo or whoever told me about the pickles gets part of the blame.
The band didn't start till a little after nine, Andy was thrilled to see us, and his brother Steve and sister-in-law Lynn also showed up....oh, and so did his daughter. So he had some family there. It was a pretty young crowd, and playing music for us old people didn't please the youngen's so he would throw in one for us every now and then, (like especially for me "Help Me Make it Through the Night" and Martin Zeller's Zamboni song.) but by 10:30 our ears were ringing, and we snuck out of there.
When we got back to the cabin we were so wired we had to play one more game of criss-cross, but both of us were so out of it, that we weren't concentrating very well. I did manage to out concentrate Judy and win by a few points....but it was close.
Got some cleaning and laundry to get done, and then I'm on my way back home too! Won't be back for a couple of weeks, but I'll be off to a new adventure!!! So looking forward to that. Maybe when I get back the landscaping will be done..not that I'll be holding my breath!
Till another day, Love and prayers, m

New Day Dawning

Thought I'd be up and at'um before the guys got up here....but at 8:15 I heard them and jumped out of bed. Judy and I both thought we would be up before they got here and have the coffeepot on....but I guess not!!!
We've already had breakfast (one of Judy's veggie omelets) and coffee and am writing this and I haven't been up an hour. Judy is already working on a craft project and I had to uninstall a program before I could get my computer to work properly. (Constant Guard) was hindering me. I uninstalled it once before, but when my computer got updated by comcast this week it brought it back....supposedly better...in my case even worse.
Yesterday after running several errands and zigg zagging across Coon Rapids...I got all the way to Northdale and Hanson before I remembered to pick up a prescription at the Walgreens on University and Egret by my house, so I had to turn around and go back there before I could leave town. Then I stopped at the bakery in Elk River, and then on to the cabin. I did arrive about 1:15 so not too bad. Judy got waylaid and didn't get her till about 4:15, by the time she got here, I had finished making my tally cards for next months card club and the score sheets.
Almost as soon as she got here we started playing cards and put some pork tenderloins in the oven. About 90 minutes later, I had beat her in the first game of criss-cross and was on my way to beat her the second time....but waited till after dinner to do that. Then she decided to change the game to Gin and I beat her in that too....I was on a roll!! Don't know what got into me!!! But then we brought out the cribbage board and I went down in a fluery!!!
Today we will make sloppy joes for the guys (Jimbo, Doug and Bill) for lunch....and I'm sure we'll be practicing our cards some more too. Then this evening, we are off to the Road-House in town to see Andy's band play. Neither Judy or I have heard them before, and I don't know if we'll be staying long or not. I guess it will depend on what kind of music they play. I don't think it's hard rock, so if we recognize a few songs that would be great....if not we could come home by 10.
No big plans for tomorrow....Judy has to be back in by noon, so she'll be up and at'um early. I think I'll linger awhile....do some laundry and dusting of some cobwebs I saw yesterday. Till tomorrow, love and prayers, m

Gusty Winds but Sunny Sun

When I reached out the door it looked a little frosty out there and the wind is blowing, but as long as the sun is shining, I'm fine. I'm headed for the cabin, and I bet it's white capping up there.
Cousin Judy is meeting me, and we will do some crafts, and play some cards and then go see another cousin (Andy) and his band play at the local (old JJ's) Road House. So we should have plenty to do all weekend.
Today I'm almost ready to go....I just need to get dressed and finish packing the food I'm taking up with me. Then on my way, I plan on stopping at that great bakery in Elk River for some good bread. I hope to get a couple of loaves so I can serve one to my card club. It freezes well.
Got a call yesterday from another cousin Sue Marie, who lives in California and is coming home next weekend when I am headed to Georgia. It is her class reunion in Annandale, so she'll be in Annandale and I've invited her to use the cabin.
Unfortunately I won't be there to serve her breakfast! But it's a nice place to crash!
We must get packing! Love and prayers, m

Fall Has Arrived

Unfortunately it didn't bring the sun with it....well at least not this morning. It's only going to be in the 60's today which is normal October temperature, but the first 12 days of October were in the 80's. Along with the cooler weather it did bring rain. I know my lawn appreciated it, and the whole area loved it as well.
Yesterday the weather also brought me a dull sinus headache and with that clouds and rain took all my motivation to get anything done. I didn't even get dressed! After dinner I finally broke down and used Afrin nasal spray, which worked fine on taking away the headache, but I hate to use it, as it causes me to have the munchies....I usually can't stop eating for a couple of days after using it...crazy I know!
So even though today is a similiar day....cloudy.....damp.....cool...I have a few plans on moving. I want to get the house in order, and the food shopped for that I will need for the card club, as they will be at my house the night after I get home from Georgia. I can't buy perishables, but getting pop and crackers etc. I can plan and purchase now, and then make a list of those I need to buy the day of the party.
Also want to do some deep cleaning, so that running the vacuum and dusting is all I have to do when I get back home. I don't have very much time left....I plan on going to the cabin for the weekend.....so that leaves today and next Monday - Wednesday to clean and pack.
I did start putting stuff aside yesterday that I think I will take with me....but I know I'll change my mind a couple of times before next Thursday. Wow, I really don't have much time left do I.
Doesn't sound like it's going to be lake weather this weekend, but I'm going to the cabin anyway, and I think the boys will be up to take the pontoon, dock and lifts out of the water. Seems right....they always procrastinate and end up taking it out when its cold and rainy. Who would want to take the boat out when it's warm and sunny....you might want to use it!!! I think I'll make them some sloppy joes for lunch. Already thinking about food!
Nothing else exciting to report. Love and prayers, m

Out Comes the Sun

I slept in late this morning....and then as I was waiting for the toast to pop, I got a call from Janet (from another planet! my cuz) as I had called her yesterday and left a message and asked her to call me back. Sooooo, I now have a ride back and forth from the airport arranged. Anyway, that is why I am writing this so late, and as soon as I started, the sun came out! I'm sure it is the SON!
I stayed in bed late this a.m. as I think this low pressure system that is coming in and supposed to be bringing us rain today, is also giving me a sinus headache. The coffee and allergy pill haven't done a thing for it. Actually it started yesterday afternoon....after I got home from the greatest lunch.
Not only was the food terrific, but the company was even better. I had lunch with my cousin Louie and his wife Nancy Grams. Louis is the only child of my dad's sister Lonie. He is the cousin I've asked you to pray for several times in past blogs. He has a Caringbridge site (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/louisg/) that I read everyday. His autonomic system is slowing deteriorating, and causing lots of problems, like breathing, swallowing and things like that....that we take for granted. He also has had both hips and both knees replaced and lots of back problems and surgeries. When I start feeling sorry for myself, I just read one of his entries on the site and thank God for all my blessings. He also has a great support system, a good sense of humor,a strong faith and a close relationship with God. His writing is always an inspiration for me.
We talked about our families, our lives that have come together at different times in the last 66 years, pictures of our folks when they were young that I brought to show them. I explained the history of my last 16 years of life with cancer....he didn't need to tell me his medical history, as I read about it every day....but I've caught them up on mine. I think I ended up doing most of the talking. Surprise, Surprise!!! But Louie is a good talker too, so next time I've told him, he gets to do most the talking. It was just so nice to talk face to face and see the smile on his face. We did discuss how we think we look, and that everyone tells us how good we look (they lie to us to make us feel better)....but as I was walking back to my car, the thought came to me that we look pretty good for the shape we're in!!!
We spent almost 4 hours at the restaurant but it seemed like minutes. But after getting home and eating dinner....that sinus headache started creeping in, and I couldn't make myself go to the Women's Club meeting....actually I took a nap instead. Then after napping didn't go to bed till midnight, and then slept in this morning.
Okay enough....must get dressed!! Love and prayers, m

My What a Beautiful Morning

I love waking up to beautiful sunny fall days. Must get out and enjoy it. I do have a great lunch planned. I will be meeting my cousin Louie, who I haven't seen since his mom's funeral....must be at least 10 years. It seems like I know him so much better than that....as I read his caringbridge sight nearly everyday. He is one of my cousins from my dad's side of the family. He has more things wrong with him than I can begin to tell you about, but he can really use all your prayers. I'm really looking forward to actually visiting face to face.
I had a great day yesterday, cept on my way to lunch I thought I would mail Williams package...but the PO was closed. So poor Will is going to have to wait till probably Thursday before he finally gets it.
Lunch with the retiree's was fun, and we had a surprise addition of Mary Fields who is retired....but left ARCC and worked at the System Office after leaving and retired from there. She was Mary #2 at ARCC, Mary Brue being Mary #1 and I was Mary #3. It worked out alphabetically, seniority at the college, and in age. I got to eventually be Mary #1...moving up the ladder as they left or retired before me.
I got some laundry done and even unloaded the dishwasher and started filing it again. But other than that....nothing to report.
I do have Women's club meeting this evening. Going to the 911 Center up at the Anoka Police Department. Should be an interesting day all around.
For now, Love and prayers, m

Chemo Brain Grandma

Hope you all take the time to see the second blog I did yesterday....I'm blaming it on Chemo rather than "old age" but then again it could be either. It was a good day....and God must have been shining on William too!
Nicole and Allie came early, so Nicole could mow my lawn...with all the warm weather we've been having it really also needs to be watered, so hoping for rain soon. It was so strange having Nicole to come without her dad to help....she is driving now, so her folks were at another birthday party. Having a driver's license makes you so much older...or at least the person getting it thinks they are.
The rest of the gang came about 4:30 and started to eat almost immediately after they all arrived. I made a large crock pot of chili, some corn muffins, chips, salsa, some good sourdough bread and ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and when they left it was all gone, cept two slices of bread which I ate this morning. I guess they were hungry.
After eating we called William, who was on his way home from Detroit, and we all sang Happy Birthday to Will. Then after Jimbo talked to him, I got to apologize to him for not getting his package in the mail, but promised him it would go today. It is already to go, I just needed to take it to the post office which I was going to do last week on Wednesday. Don't know where my mind went after that.
Got all the dishes washed and the kitchen cleaned, but now I have to put all those dishes in the dishwasher away. Also have laundry to do, but I'm off to the post office and then to lunch with the retirees and wannabees.
the sun is shining for now, but possibility of that rain my lawn needs this evening. Hope the sun is shining on you too! Love and prayers, m

Happy Golden Birthday William!!!

Okay I'm officially knocked out of best grandma on earth status!! Will's birthday present still isn't mailed and I had forgotten till everyone got here for Jimbo's birthday celebration. Jimbo called William and we all sang happy birthday over the phone for him, and I got a chance to talk to him and personally wish him happy birthday, it was an especially good day for him, cause they had traveled with his hockey team to a tournament in Detroit, and his team took the championship. Great job Sabres!!!
He's an all season sportster!! Hockey, Soccer and Baseball! Happy Birthday will Grandma loves you. gmm

Calm and Serene

Beautiful morning here at the cabin. The lake is calm the sun is shining, and the wind. (Sorry at this point the computer ran out of power and shut down this morning. I was about to say the wind has stopped blowing. The last two days at the cabin the wind was blowing like crazy. It pretended to rain twice yesterday....but didn't even get the deck wet....but during the night or early this morning it rained nicely. About 3/4 of an inch in the rain gauge. We really needed it. but now that I'm home it doesn't look like it rained here at all.
Judy and I played a bunch of criss-cross a 4 handed cribbage game. We named our partners Gene and Frank of course, and had to use their top card from their pile and that way we got a chance to practice playing. Gene and I won three out of five games, and Judy beat me in Gin twice....so I guess we are even.....or close to it.
This morning, we made a big breakfast, and striped the beds and did the wash and had it all folded before leaving at noon.
I got to listen to the Viking game all the way home, and got here and the TV on before the first half ended. I hope now that I'm watching on TV they continue to do as well as they did in the first quarter. Haven't had a chance to check my fantacy football team yet....so we'll see how that is doing shortly.
Got lunch with the retiree's tomorrow, but today I have all the kids coming for Chili super to celebrate Jimbo's birthday. Got it all ready to go, just waiting for the game to end and everyone to come. Have to squeeze it in between their busy schedules. Quite a feat for this family.
I'll try to be more prompt tomorrow...now that I got the computer plugged into the wall. Love and prayers, m

Here Comes the Rain

Had to turn the light on over the dining room table, as it's so dark in here this morning. It'a not cold....68 aleady....or still. Judy is reading a book "Children of Holland" that she got from her sister-in-law last night. She is reading the chapter about St. Nicholas to me out loud. So talking about winter and snow and ice skating and building snowmen and actually having St. Nick come to the house and talking to the kids about being good....and bringing them fruit and candy and nuts. I am reminded that Dec. 5th isn't that far away.

I left my power cord for the computer at home....so I only have 1 hour left in the battery...so I have to type fast...or think faster. So this may be short.

Had a wonderful brunch with Rita yesterday and we sat at Panera talking till well after noon. I bet you don't believe we talked that long....well we did. It was so fun to get caught up as hadn't had a chance to see each other since spring. (I just heard thunder...it's gonna rain soon) Rita and Tom are going to Florida this year. They usually go there, but last year they went to Arizona for a change....but decided they really like Florida better. Last Spring, they came up to Sedona and took me back to Phoenix for the night and then took me to the airport the next morning.

I didn't get to the cabin till around 3:30 p.m. but Judy didn't get here till 9:15 or so....I was watching the last 3 minutes of the Lynx game, and couldn't go up to greet her till the game was over....and they WON! First National Championship Minnesota has had in twenty years....that's when the Twins last won. Great game to watch.

Today we will have to play cards....to get in shape for Georgia....besides if it's raining, there isn't much else to do. Whatever we do, it will be fun having company and visiting.

Must go and help Judy make our omelets for breakfast.

Indian Summer?

I heard they had snow yesterday in Salt Lake (poor Kathleen and Gary) and we've had 5-days in the 80's. I think they call that Indian summer. I've been suffering from allergies in this beautiful weather....but I'll take it....not ready for snow yet.

Yesterday I came back about 1:30 and the kids didn't run till 4:30, so I had plenty of time. What a beautiful day for watching....but wasn't there long before my eye started watering. Soon after getting back home it got better. The kids all did well, and I get to visit with all the parents and grandparents so social event for me. When at the cabin this week other than the guy who ground out the stumps and the neighbor who walked up to see what he was doing, I didn't see a sole. So I enjoy social events!

This morning, I am meeting Rita Culshaw for brunch at Panera, and I'm still in my pjs, so I better get moving. Then this afternoon I am going back to the cabin and later this evening, cousin Judy will join me. Well, time is up....love and prayers, m

Breezie But Beautiful

My largest tree is nearly void of all leaves, but in todays breeze what few I have float to the ground every now and then. Across the lake the trees make a fall beautiful picture of red, yellow and oranges with an evergreen mixed in. The morning sun makes it even more spectacular.
Yesterday was spectacular as well....not only was it Jimbo's birthday, but the stumps got removed too! Here are pictures of the remote controlled equipment that did the job:

It was like an adult toy. He was in and out of here within 30 minutes...what a good deal that was. Will recommend him to anyone who needs some stumps ground-out.

Today I'm going to pack up around noon and head back to the city to see the grandkids (Tommy, Katie, Allie and Nicole) all run in a cross country meet in Blaine. Then tomorrow morning having brunch with my friend Rita, and then hope to come back to the cabin for the weekend. I think Judy will come up tomorrow afternoon and practice playing cards with me....so we can beat Kathleen and Gary during our trip. Gary's trying to come up with a tournament plan. What ever it is....we'll be playing cards for sure!!

No chipmunks this week....hope they are hybernating for the winter and that the local cat that has been hanging around didn't get them. Just saw the mother cat and three kittens come up the steps from below the hill. They were hanging around the bird feeder till I went out and chased them away. Don't know who they belong too, but I wish they would stay away from my chipmunks. Funny, haven't seen any squirrels either. I wonder if they have gone back into the woods for the winter too? Or has the cat got them as well?

I'm feeling good, and almost no signs of the rash on my face. I see signs of regrowth of fuzz on my head...but not enough that it is covering the bald spots. Can't wait till Jan (by beauty operator as they called them in the old days....what do they call them now? beautician or hairdresser? dear friend?) can cut and color it. I hope to have it done before I go to Georgia in a few weeks, until then I'm using a tinted shampoo, but doesn't seem to make any difference. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming, Love and prayers, m

Happy Birthday Jimbo!!

I can't believe Jimbo (my baby)is 43 today. It seems like yesterday when he was little (well he never was little) My dad would carry him around and sing Jimbo, Jimbo where you going to goio...Instead of the real words bimbo, bimbo...and from then on he became Jimbo. Hope you have a Happy Day!

I'm writing a little late this morning, as I had to drive back to the cabin....the guy I called yesterday morning to grind out my stumps called back and said he could do it this morning, and he would only charge $100....so I said YES! He thought he would come about 10 a.m. so I got up early and drove back to the cabin. Waiting for him now.

Last night I went to Card Club, and did well till the last round of four games, when I went 340 in the hole....needless to say I wasn't the high or low....ended the evening in the middle....but the high end of the middle. My allergies were also bothering me before I got there, so I took a extra clariton which is supposed to be a 24 hour pill, but even the second one for the day didn't seem to help me out. My eye is still red and itchy this morning. Sandi used to have a cat and a dog...but doesn't anymore, and it started before I got there....so I don't know what to blame.

I plan on staying overnight again tonight, and then driving home around noon tomorrow so I can go to the cross country meet in Blaine. It will be my first chance to see the girls run this fall. Hope the weather is as nice as it is today.

Hurrah the stump grinder is here!!! Gotta go, love and prayers, m

Good Morning, Good Morning, It's Great to Be Alive

....Good Morning, Good Morning, toooooo youuuuuu!
Mom always used to sing that in the morning when we needed to be awaken....and I used to sing it in the morning every now and then for my kids....I don't think any of them appreciated it....but right now it seems apprepo.....It's Great to be Alive and at the cabin. The lake is calm and the leaves across the lake are near peak. Sadly most of the trees in my yard that are not cedars have already lost their leaves. But that does give me a better view of the lake. Wish I could stay all week, but have to go back to town later this afternoon....and have plans for Thursday and Friday, but maybe I can come back up for the weekend.
Yesterday I packed up and then stopped at Cub and got some groceries, mostly for at home, but a couple of things for the cabin, and then headed to the cabin....I was here by noon or shortly thereafter. Was sad to see that the landscaper wasn't here yet, and now I found out he won't be till next week...with any luck. I guess he had two guys quite on him last week, and he is still trying to finish his big job that he has been working on for the last month. No stumps removed yet either....that guy isn't even returning Jimbo's calls, so today we started looking for another person to grind out the stumps. Maybe the first guy will surprise us and come through. I'll say a few prayers that both jobs get done this fall.
Today I'm just going to feed the birds and just enjoy being here. I'll have to leave around 3 or so as I have card club this evening, but I'm in no hurry to leave so it might be even later than that. Cards isn't till 7 pm.
I still have a few birds around, chickadees, blue jays, nuthatches and sparrows. But the orioles and hummingbirds have gone to warmer climates. But I'll still feed what I have. Haven't seen a chipmunk yet, but if I throw out some fresh food they may come around too.
Nothing else to report....I'm feeling well, and don't have too many cares in the world, except those mentioned above. Pray that the spots stay at bay or disappear all together. Love and prayers, m

Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Oh What a Beautiful Day!

I've got a wonderful feeling....everything's going my way. Well almost everything. I went to church yesterday, and then off to the Marathon to see Bill and Kim cross the finish line. Annie and Nicole had gone ahead of me and were there to see the first runner cross the line, and I just missed that by minutes. Then we proceeded to watch thousand of runners pass and across the finish line....also heard hundreds of names, but never saw Bill or Kim....did see a few others we knew....like Nicole's confirmation moderator, and Dorothy's daughter (Dorothy is a friend and fellow teacher of Annie that also had joined us in the watch) and even a boy from the cross country team at Coon Rapids....but still no Bill or Kim. Finally Tommy found us and told us his mom and dad had passed us an hour before and we missed them. At first we couldn't believe that all four of us could have missed them. But we did get to see LeAnn, Katie's best friend's mom. Then we proceeded to the area where you meet the runners and congratulate them. We had to confess to Bill and Kim that we missed them, but figured out that Bill had passed a Mascot dressed in a pig constume that was running the marathon, and the announcers had told everyone to watch the pig and cheer her across the finish line, so we were watching the pig, and because of the pig Bills name didn't get called either. But Bill said at least we came.

I forgot about the meds that make me sensitive to the sun....and didn't have sunscreen or a hat and paid the price. My scimpy amount of hair left my head unprotected as well....luckily after about 3 hours of direct sun on it, Dorothy loaned me her baseball cap. But by then my forehead and the backs of my hands that I had been shading my eyes from the glaring sun had really gotten burnt. I came home and slathered the coconut oil all over my face and lips as well as my hands, and this morning my face and lips are much better, but my hands are still burning, and are sensitive to heat and cold....like when I had those chemo drugs last year. They don't look red...but the skin is very sensitive to the touch. Unfortunately it was a beautiful day and hit 80, and fortunately it is going to be just like that again today. I'm going to the lake as soon as I get ready this morning.
Sadly I have to come home again tomorrow, but I'm missing it a lot....withdrawal symptums.
Kathleen called yesterday afternoon, and we managed to make reservations at all the hotels for our trip in a couple of weeks. So that is exciting. Judy and I are both so looking forward to traveling with Kathleen and Gary....but seeing cousins we haven't seen in years will be great too!
Must get packing! Love and prayers, m

A Beautiful Day to Run

not me....I'll be watching....but Bill and Kim will be running in the Twin Cities marathon. I'm going to church and then joining Annie and Nicole at the finish line. Tommy and Katie will be with a friend and her dad following them at many stops along the way. It's supposed to be 75 today, so not too hot for the runners.
I'm thinking about heading to the cabin for a couple of days....need to be back Tuesday evening for card club. Thats what I think right now, but we'll see how I feel when I get back from the marathon.
Yesterday I went to the Schoenecker Cousins Picnic sort of a family reunion they have yearly and each year a different family or a couple of families make all the arrangements and make the main meal, and other attendees bring the desserts. This year Bud and Lorraine Schoenecker's family was in charge, and they took a German theme and had brats and hot dogs on the grill, and then put the brats in a big roaster of sauerkraut, and along with that they had German potato salad and sauerkraut soup that was made with a beef broth and lots of beef, carrots and onions to go with the sauerkraut....it was delicious...I need to get that recipe. Seeing and visiting with all the first cousins was great, and then meeting some of their children and grandchildren was fun too. I'll never remember all the names, (I consider myself good to be able to name all of Herb's kids and their spouses a big deal) Mary Kay, is the family genealogist (like me) and she was handing out family tree copies...but only to her brother and sisters. One per family....as she figures Herb and Lou now have 386 descendants...so thats not counting spouses of any of them. I am guessing they had about 150 there yesterday....only 2 of the living first cousins were missing...but they still had kids representing their families. This is the third year I've attended and it's been really delightful.
Well, I better get dressed and get going. Feeling good, but don't stop the prayers, I'd love those spots to be gone in December, or at least stable!!! Love and prayers, m

October Sunshine!

Up early this morning, as I am playing grandma Taxi driver today! Bill and Kim are leaving early to go to Duluth to watch the cross country meet. Leaving Tommy at home as he has a scout project to work on. He needs to get to and from another scouts homes for this, and I volunteered to do that.
Luckily the sun is shining....or I'd still be groggie. I can't believe it is already October....Yikes.....Jimbo's birthday is almost here.
Besides playing taxi...I need to do some birthday shopping...that and run to the bank etc. So I'll have a busy morning. This afternoon, I'll be going to the Schoenecker Cousins Picnic. Always fun to see those cousins....fraternal cousins....mostly I see maternal cousins. I don't want to lose contact with the Schoeneckers and other than Facebook this is my only contact right now.
Yesterday I met June and Len at Judy's house, and then we headed to Dangerfields in Shakopee for lunch. Took our time, doing a lot of talking and laughing. The food was good, but the company was better. Following lunch we went back to Judy's and continued the conversations. Then headed home in massive traffic....should have left earlier.
Well this taxi driver better get dressed and get moving. Love and prayers, m