Sun May Give Us Record

Either it will be the 9th warmest November.....or the 10th, depending on how warm it gets today!! I know several of you would love snow....but I sure appreciate the sun and warmth!
Yesterday was a pretty quiet day, didn't do any shopping, and the only time I left the house was to go to the CRHS girls hockey games. By the way the JV won again, and the Varsity didn't. Sad thing, the girls didn't get home till about 10 or so, and had to be back at the Rink this morning at 5:30. Hope they didn't have much homework, so they got some sleep. Hopefully it is just a one time deal.
The other interesting thing about yesterday was some surprise great memories. I watch Polka Spotlight everyday at lunch, and yesterday the band that was playing was the Tony Jambor band. Tony was the prior owner of the Bellrae Ballroom in Mounds View, and prior to that, he and his band played regularly for the KC dances that in the 70's Gene and I and a big crowd from Midwest Printing all went there for their dances. I can remember passing the hat to make Tony Play past 1 a.m., and he'd send his band home and he'd continue to play his accordion till 2 or 3 a.m. I guess I was a lot younger then! After dancing we'd sometimes go out for breakfast or back to my mom and dad's to party even longer. What fun we had. Yesterday, he had me dancing and smiling all the way to the kitchen to get my lunch. Then later in the day I got an email from Imelda Neis, who was one of the gang dancing at the KC's and her husband Joe was one of Gene's best friends. She also saw the show, and was remembering all the great times we had. Love it!!
Today, I have a dentist appointment to get my teeth cleaned, and then I'm going to Sheila Judd's home to have a Qigong treatment. Qigong is meditation and healing, and I'm really looking forward to it. Sheila worked at ARCC with me, and is now a Qigong Master.
No plans for this evening. I may do some shopping on my way home, but not sure. Two weeks till I go to Rochester Mayo for my CT scan so thinking about that a lot. Please say some prayers for a good outcome. Love and prayers, m

Winter Sun

Its cooler today...Swen says it's normal....but we've been so spoiled so far this Fall. I'm really not complaining, cause I haven't been out of the house yet. Just going by the weatherman.
I got up, I thought at 8 a.m., but when I got to the kitchen, all the clocks were flashing, and I had to turn on the computer to see what time it really was. 9 a.m.!!! So I guess I got a good nights sleep. I went to work resetting all the clocks. I don't know when we had to bleep in the electric. It could have been while I was out last night....I really didn't look at the clocks in the kitchen when I returned.
I went to lunch yesterday with the ARCC gang, and it was all retiree's except for 2. Pretty much the same crowd as get together at the retiree's lunch each month, except for one! Cindy Nutter joined us for the first time, she retired in June, but has been so busy she's never made the monthly lunches at Pizza Hut. She's never made the Retiree's lunches either, but we might see her in a couple of weeks for that too!
After lunch I did a little shopping, and picked up a few more gifts, and came home and waited to go out for dinner.
For dinner the FF group met at Claughdagh's Irish Pub in Maple Grove. Dinner was good, and the conversations are always good. On my way home, I again returned to Kohls, where I had shopped earlier in the day, but this time to return one item and get an adjustment on two others that they had rung up incorrectly. ($10 more than they were advertised) So now I think I'm finished getting those things I wanted from Kohls. Wish I could say that I was finished with all the shopping, but I'm getting there.
Today I have no plans, except maybe watching the Biggest Loser Make-Over show this evening. I need to see if the girls have a hockey game too. I need to find my schedule for that.
Still asking for prayers for my butt and all those other people on my list. Love and prayers, m

Sunny Cyber Morning

I don't know if many of you will be reading this today, as you'll be busy doing your shopping on your computer. But for those who are, I guess I better fill in the blanks from the Holiday weekend.
Dinner turned out great on Thursday....I didn't forget anything in the fridge....and everything was cooked and on time. We planned our shopping day for Friday, and the grandkids worked on their lists for grandma.
Friday morning, I met with Annie and Carrie and we shopped till we dropped. This year I was much smarter....I ordered the heavy Bath and Body stuff online, so I didn't have to carry them through the MOA. Also bought Old Navy stuff at Riverdale, so we carried it directly to the car, instead of waiting for the MOA....we only went to the stores that were not at Riverdale at the MOA. Mostly we went to the MOA for lunch at Tucci Bennuci...tradition to celebrate Carrie's birthday. When I got home I barely moved for the rest of the evening....but I didn't stop shopping....I ordered from four different stores online....not waiting for today to do that.
Saturday I thought I would go back out shopping, but only made it to a few stores at Northtown, and came back home to rest!
Sunday I started out early with church and then came home to watch the Vikings lose again! But at least they made it interesting. My FF team faired much better....I won by a lot. I read all the ads and got a little more organized as to who I still needed to buy for etc. But I didn't leave home to shop or buy anything online. I did get my laundry done, which I had been putting off all weekend.
Today I have lunch and dinner plans, and I may shop in-between. I have a $30 Kohls cash certificate that I can use starting today, so may go there for sure. We'll see how that goes. I'm way over half way there, but some years I'm 90% done on Black Friday.
So that's my weekend. I got up with another sinus headache and stuffed up, and a little sore throat where the sinuses were draining during the night. But hot coffee seemed to work for that, and also helped the headache...or maybe it was the sunshine.
I may try doing some Cyber Monday shopping before I leave for lunch...so better get busy. Love and prayers, m

Dodged the Snow

It was a dull gray day....with of and on spurts of drizzle....and a wind that blew in cold, but not cold enough to snow. The weather man said it will bring in some clearning at some point today....but so far it's about the same as yesterday.
I have church early this morning, and then I'll be home to watch the Vikings....I don't know why, but seems like a bad habit. I might venture out to shop....but I'll wait and see what the ads say.
I need to finish getting ready, so I'll write more later. Love and prayers, m

Snow Again?

Two weeks in a row? It was so beautiful the last two days I can't believe they are predicting snow again tonight.
As I warned you on Thanksgiving, yesterday I shopped until I dropped!!! I wonder why they call it Black Friday? I think it should be called Green Friday. Green for Go!!! and Green for money!! What's black for? Stop? Well any way I didn't stop, I shopped from 6 a.m. till about 3 or so with Annie and niece Carrie.(Annie went shopping a Midnight for a few hours, then went home and slept for a couple hours and then took her old mom and pregnant cousin shopping) Annie had to be back for a Hockey tournament the girls are in, and Carrie and Jason had a dinner date. So I then returned to shopping, but was actually home by 4:30, and then went to work at ordering some things online that I couldn't find in the stores, but I still have lots to do. I may go out again today, but I also have to get a few groceries....not many, but I'm totally out of bread, so I'll run quickly through Cub.
Don't have a lot more to report, I'm still fighting this sinus thing, and the weather doesn't help that at all. My feet were killing me when I got home yesterday, but they have bounced back this morning....so I can go out again today.
I couldn't believe how quiet Target and Kohls were at 6 a.m., I missed the hustle and bustle of the 6 a.m. opening, however, I found that even though the Mall of American opened at Midnight too, it was just as crowded as usual there, except for the line at lunch....walked up at 11 a.m. and got a table immediately....so nice!!!
All and all it was a successful day! Hope your's was too! Love and prayers, m

Happy Thanksgiving!!

God must know I like the sun....it's shining bright, and it's a start to what could be a record warm Thanksgiving day. I'm so happy. Thanks for all the well wishes I've already received by email, and also to Aunt Loretta and Janet for their calls yesterday to wish me "Happy Thanksgiving" I talked to Kathleen the night before last, but she said she'd call me back this afternoon to give me her wishes. I wish all of you a wonderful meal today, but mostly a healthy and happy day with family and friends.
I've been thinking of what I am thankful for this day, and over and over again it's you!! Thank you all for being here for me....I can't even begin to mention all the things you have done for me. I see God's love in each of you, and it is abundant!! You see it's not only the Son that shines on me....How lucky can I be?

Yesterday I managed to do some cleaning the last minute things like bathroom and living room. Then I got the stuffing made and the spinach dip....I ran to Costco in the morning and cheated and bought the buns, and some sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice for the kids. I asked Doug to stop on his way home and help me get the folding table in from the garage and set it up. With fourteen of us, I put it at the end of the dining-room table and made room for all. So I then set the table and all I have left to do today is put that turkey in the roaster and peel potatoes.....but I have all day to do the potatoes...I'm sure it'll be a great dinner. The rest is being made by the girls. Annie is bringing sweet potatoes, Ann scalloped corn and Kim is bringing cole slaw and raw veggies.

Tomorrow I'll be shopping til I drop as usual with Annie and niece Carrie....so probably wont write in the morning. Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but gotta get that turkey in soon....so better get busy with that! Love and prayers, m

The Sun is Here to Greet Me!

Love to see the sun. Yesterday I did run up to the cabin and as I drove some where near Maple Lake, the sun gave me a small glimpse, and I smiled all the rest of the way to the lake. I don't know how long it lasted....it didn't matter it just made my day. I was able to resurrect an old tree laying in my patio at home and think it looks pretty good where it is.

I did make it back in time to eat some dinner and head out to the CRHS Hockey games. The JV won and Allie got one of the goals. Varsity didn't fare as well. Matt and Carol were also there, so got a chance to visit with Carol.

Yesterday I finished my last of a 14 day dose of antibiotics for my butt, and I'm still not pain free in that area, so I contacted Sheila Judd, a friend and former ARCC employee. Sheila was in charge of some of the non-traditional health and healing programs, and left to work with Chun Yi Lin and became a Master of Qigong. She used to work on me fairly regularly and even came to the hospital when I had a couple of my surgeries, but haven't had any Qigong in over a year. I decided it was time, and she has been able to work me into her schedule twice before I go to have my CT scan. So hoping for a lot of good energy.

Got to get busy today....a little shopping at Costco, cleaning, cooking and then tomorrow I'll only have the turkey, potatoes and dressing to worry about. I'll be ready for Thanksgiving, and of course Black Friday!!!

Love and prayers, m

Yet Another Gray Day!!

I know the sun is above them somewhere, but I'd really like to see it! Gray, cold and damp, makes me slow, groggy, and cold. Thus I'm slow in writing this today.
I got up at about the same time as yesterday, but with no plans till late afternoon, and lack of sun, I'm just getting to this.
Yesterday, I started out with packing boxes for Thanksgiving dinners for 125 families. The parish has more than that, but single person homes, get a gift certificate to Cub, as they wouldn't be cooking a big turkey dinner for themselves. I guess we had a lot more people there then they expected, so it really went fast. We divided up into 5 groups of 25 boxes each and went to work filling them. Within 30 minutes we had filled all 125 boxes with everything you need for Thanksgiving dinner, plus a few extra's like fruit, breakfast cereal, napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, hand and dish soap.
I teamed up with Mary Holmgren, who happened to be Annie's track coach and teacher at CRHS and in turn Annie coached her daughters at Blaine HS. She has recently retired, but subs now and then and has seen Annie often throughout the years. So fun to catch up on her family and her mine.
When leaving, another friend and mother of Bill's long time friend Tim Koffski, needed a ride home, so I got to take Clarice home and visit with her as well. So not only did I do some volunteering, but had fun visiting too!
In the afternoon, I did a little more shopping, at a few more stores and got a few more things for Christmas. With 18 plus people to buy for, it takes me a while to get it all. I've got a few projects I've started, and today I have to run to the cabin to get all my scrapbooking supplies that I moved to the cabin for the summer, and bring it back to work on Christmas projects. So that's the plan for the day.
Later this afternoon, when I get back, I get to watch Nicole and Allie play hockey against Andover. Don't know if I'll stick around for the Varsity game, but we'll see.
Heard that Lottie will start chemo in December right before I have my CT scan and a few days later her husband will have surgery as well. So send lots of prayers her way in the next month. Louie, Ginny and several other's on my list still need prayers too. Even though the sun isn't shining.....I know the Son is watching over us all. That's what I am thankful for this year, how about you?! Love and prayers, m

Gray Again!!

I don't have a lot of time to write this morning, as I'm going to church to help fill the Thanksgiving baskets....and I have to be there at 9:30.
I finished watching hockey for the weekend, and turned to Football. Both the Vikings and my FF did terrible. I don't even have a Viking on my FF team. Oh Well, Gary my Brother-in-law will be doublely happy again this week. I have one player yet to play tonight, but a kicker can't get you 30 points. Yah, I lost by that much.
I went over to Michaels after the game and I got a few things. The store was really crowded, as they had a 25% off coupon for everything in the store. I got a few more Christmas presents....that makes me feel really good.
Other than volunteering this morning at church, I don't have big plans for the day. Got to start getting ready for Thursday. I've my shopping all done, just need to dig out the dishes and get the house ready. Most of the food I can't get ready till Thursday morning. So I won't worry about that.
Okay, must be off....till tomorrow, Love and Prayers, m

Sorta Sun!

A little cloudy....but the white snow makes it look really bright. Got up bright and early this morning, to be at the rink before Kennedy's 8 a.m. consolation game. But it was good....they won 6-0 and Kennedy scored!!! Hurrah!
Yesterday, I went to Kennedy's 1:10 game, and it was a doozy....tied 1-1 they went into a 5 min. overtime and came out still tied, so they had to have a shoot out, and the other team scored 1 goal and we didn't. Then we took off in the snow for Champlin to see the second and third period of the CRHS Varsity game. Nicole and Allie played in the JV game at the same time as Kennedy was playing her game. Allie scored and got an assist, and Nicole got an assist, in a 4-0 win. Then Allie suited for the Varsity game, but didn't see the ice....but they also won....I think 3-0.
After that, I headed to Carbone's Pizzeria and got some pizza to take back to the hotel where Karen was staying. Had pizza and visited for a short time, and the little ones wanted to swim, so Ann and Karen went to the pool, but pools chemicals bother my eyes so I stayed in the room for a while, and then headed home.
Went to bed early so I could get up early this morning to watch more Hockey. Now I'm hockey free till Tuesday when the CRHS girls take on Andover. My sinus stuff is getting better, at least I didn't wake up with a head ache this morning. My butt seems to be a little better each day too. Maybe some time in the near future it won't hurt at all.
Till tomorrow, Love and prayers, m

Waiting for the Snow

Dull, Gray, and humid.....snow on the way, and I woke up with a sinus headache. Ever since I got back from Georgia, I've been battling this silly cough and sinus thing that hasn't ever become full bloom, but just enough to annoy me. I know having the furnace running a lot more doesn't help either. I'm taking my allergy pills, mucinex, and flounase every now and then a couple of nights I've taken a decongestant. But not all at once...I've just kind of rotate trying to find something that will end this. Now I've added cough drops to the mix. They seem to make me feel better for a few minutes. My morning hot coffee seems to help too!
Yesterday Jimbo had my van, and left his truck so I opted to wait for him to return til I went shopping for my thanksgiving turkey. While I was waiting Karen, Emily, Kennedy and Presley showed up around 1 p.m. or so. What a wonderful surprise. Presley was so antsie after sitting in the car for hours that she just could sit still. Kennedy was just the opposite and looked like she needed a nap. Karen and Em were the only two looking fresh!! They only stayed a while and went on to surprise somemore of the Coon Rapids crew. Especially Emily!! She had told her cousins she couldn't come, and they were on their way to Nicole and Allies' hockey practice to surprise them.
The whole family gathered at the rink to watch Kennedy play last night. The rest of the grandkids huddled together in the bleachers talking and giggling and hugging. It is so fun to see them all together (well, most of them together....Jack's in college and Kennedy on the ice.) Kennedy unfortunately lost the first game, but it didn't seem to bother her. She was in with the gang smiling and talking with her cousins.
Today she plays again at 1 p.m. and I'll be there watching her, but the Stalboergers and probably Emily will be in Champlin watching the High School teams. Allie and Nicole play at 1 as well....and Varsity plays at 3 p.m. I figure this will be my only chance to watch Kennedy, so this is her weekend.
Don't know what this afternoon and evening will bring, but hoping we can do something all together, or part of us together. Jimbo and Nick left early this morning to drive to Naperville and watch Will's hockey game at 1 p.m. there, and then to see a Bear's game tomorrow. Tom was hoping to get tickets for him and Will, so that they could join Jimbo and Nick.
Nothing new to report on my prayers list. Even though I don't talk about it much, my butt still bothers me, and I could use some butt prayers. Love and prayers, m

Here Comes the Sun!

Followed by the snow tomorrow. The weatherman said we should enjoy today, cause tomorrow it will be a different story. Possibly up to 2 inches by the time it's done. So thankful Karen and the girls are driving up from Naperville in good conditions today. Hopefully when they leave it'll be all cleared up and great roads too.
I got up early this morning, as Jimbo came and took my mini-van to have an oil change and get a new set of tires. Hopefully nothing more than that. But in exchange he left me his big pickup truck. I was going to go shopping for next weeks groceries, but may put that off till tomorrow. I'm not sure I want to take that to a big parking lot full of cars. We'll see how brave I get.
This evening the Naperville women will arrive for a hockey tournament at the Super Rink in Blaine. Well, they better arrive earlier this afternoon, as they skate at 6:50 p.m.....the sooner they come the better.
We're all looking forward to seeing Kennedy skate, and she should have a good crowd of family members there watching. I'm guessing Presley and Matthew will spend a lot of time together this weekend too.
My friend Lottie is recovering well from her surgery of last week, will see the doctor on Monday to find out what their plans are for her. Haven't heard anything from Cousin Ginny yet, but I'm hoping no news is good news. Keep them and me in your prayers. I go back on December 13 for another CT scan, and hope that the spots are smaller or gone, or at the very least unchanged and I will have another 3 months of freedom from chemo.
Read my cousin Louie's caringbridge site this morning, and Mayo has told him they don't think there is anything more they can do for him than his doctors here are already doing. His autonomic system failure is incurable. He has strong faith and knows God will take care of him, and it is all in His Hands. So please keep him in your thoughts and prayers too. Till tomorrow, love and prayers, m

Another Sunny Cold Morning!

OMG in the teens this morning!!! It just doesn't seem possible with that bright sunshine out there. Coldest night since last March wheeeewwww!!! Their talking about snow possibility on Saturday.....really? Isn't it too soon for that? Hoping that doesn't happen.
Yesterday I delivered my Meals on Wheels, and it took almost 1/2 hour less time this week as I knew where the houses were. Drove right too each one, didn't even have to look at the list to see which was next a couple of times. I'll have to do that route more often.
After that I drove to Panera at Knollwood in Hopkins.....meeting Judy for lunch. She is flying to California this morning, and I hadn't seen her since we got home from the wedding a couple weeks ago. We talked for almost 2 hours...never a dull moment updating each other on our trials and tribulations of being husband-less! Judy had a rough week trying to put up Christmas decorations before leaving town.
Before I left to deliver MOW I realized that Doug's suburban was in my driveway. I walked out to the mailbox and then around to the backyard and there he was on a ladder cleaning out my gutters! What a great son-in-law I have!!! Thank you Doug!! Not only does he catch mice well, but he cleans garages and now gutters even better!!! I guess Annie knows how to pick'em!! What would I do without my family.
Today I really need to clean house and start getting ready for Thanksgiving next week. Only one week to get organized. Also have to try and figure out what to shop for on Black Friday. With 18+ on my list I better get busy.
Hoping all went well with Ginny's surgery yesterday, please keep the prayers coming for Ginny and all those I have on my list to pray for, and please include me too! Love and prayers, m

Sunshine Again!! Yipee!!

I love it!! I stayed in bed till about 8:30 this morning, but really had a good night sleep...I think I only got up once to go the bathroom....well twice if you count 7 a.m. this morning.
Yesterday I did what I said I was going to do....basically nothing. Didn't even get dressed. I did comb my hair....but I didn't leave the house. I spent a lot of time on the computer. Somehow the screen for the Burgenland Bunch (descendants of the Burgenland area of Austria) popped up in facebook, and I realized that some people had responded to my status I entered two years ago, and one of the women that did was online in the sight at the same time. She and her third cousin both have great grandfathers that were brothers and came to Winsted, MN from Deutchgerisdorf, like grandma's parents did. We have some relatives in common...so we are related somehow. One had a grandfather from Gerisdorf and a grandmother from Lockenhaus, and got married there. My grandfather was born there and lived there till about six or seven before coming to Winsted, MN. I looked up some pictures of that area from my trip I took with Kathleen and Gary in 2008. That took a while.
So that kept me busy, then I got an message on facebook from a women (Renee McLean Turnberg) I graduated from St. Margarets with that is living in California, and is hoping to help organize the 50th class reunion we will have next year (same as my wedding anniversary). So looked up some emails for her....only to find she was sending them on to BSM person I already sent them to....but atleast I have another contact from the past. I wouldn't mind working on the reunion again, but do not want to be in charge of it.
So that pretty much took up the afternoon and early evening. I did email Judy and we are going to meet face to face this afternoon after I finish delivering Meals on Wheels. She is leaving for California where her daughter lives, and spending Thanksgiving with her.
Other than that I'll come home and do pretty much the same as yesterday. Till tomorrow, ....oh today is Ginny's surgery....say some prayers for her. Love and prayers, m

The Sun IS Shining Today!!

It may be cold out there, but it's warm in here....and the sun makes me feel so much better! It did finally come out yesterday, but not until after my shower and on my way to the retiree's lunch. Was a nice lunch, but hate sitting at one end of a long table and only getting to talk to about half the people. I did get up and move at the end of lunch to talk to a few people at the other end of the table.
On my way to lunch a engine light came on (well I didn't know it was the engine light, but I called Jimbo and asked him what the yellow light that looked like a movie camera was) and so on my way home, I stopped at Doug's office (in the Northdale shopping center) but he wasn't there. Matthew had Pink Eye and they wouldn't let him in school even though they had put the drops in. I called him at home, and he and Matthew came over and put some oil in for me, and said he'd be back this morning with more. Then Jimbo said he would take my car in on Friday and get the oil changed and put on a new set of tires for me. If it's not one thing it's another. I haven't had any surprise expenses for a couple of months.
No plans for the day, I did the laundry yesterday, and do have one load of towels to fold, but that's about it. I'm sure if I look around I can find a project in seconds. So many to choose from!
I put out the word for Christmas Wish lists from the kids and grandkids, and even got one response back....now only 17 to go. But that one asked me what I wanted....and I could only come up with one thing on the spot....so I better do some thinking and get my list in order too! They did such a great job on the pictures for the cabin last year, I don't think I can top that!
Tomorrow cousin Ginny has her surgery for breast cancer, so please remember her in your prayers. Love and prayers, m

There May be Sun Today

I thought I saw it a minute ago, but now it's gone....where did it go? Monday mornings need sun. I was really hoping I had nothing to do today so I didn't need to get dressed and leave the house....but it's lunch with retiree's and wannabees at noon. So I need some sun to get me going!! I'm sure I'll be happy to be there once I get there. It's just the getting there I detest!!
You may have noticed over the years, that I am not a morning person. Just moving Sunday Mass schedule from 9 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. is killing me. But all my friends are there, or most of them, and I love the sense of community I get. I guess I'm not a morning person....but am a people person.
Anyway that's my plan for today, and then I'll come home and hibernate.
Saturday I did get the window boxes and planters near the front door decorated....a little early, but I wanted to get it done when it was warm. For the next week they are only talking about it getting cold. Minnesota type weather for November. Not 60's anymore. The house I think really looks good, however when I asked Annie what she thought about it yesterday, she didn't even notice....so I guess it's not spectacular. I like it, and that's what counts!
Went to watch Matthew at Hockey yesterday before the gang came for pizza. He is really a good skater. I think he may even out shine his older sisters in a few years. He did manage to get the puck in the net a couple of times, but he still doesn't have the hunger to fight for the puck. I'm sure that will come in time too! For now it's just fun to watch him skate.
Two of the families gathered to celebrate Doug's birthday, and the pizza, salad and ice cream cake all went well. For me just having them all there is what I like best. It doesn't matter what the occasion is.
Karen, Kennedy and Presley and maybe Emily too will come next weekend for a Hockey tournament that Kennedy will take part in, and we will get a chance to see them and watch Kennedy play too. Should be fun. Then next week we'll have Thanksgiving....so another chance for family to be together....love it all!!!
So I guess I better think about getting in the shower and moving. Love and Prayers, m

Happy 18th Birthday Emily!

I can still remember like it was yesterday the day Emily was born! Her mom tried for days to deliver her naturally, and finally had to have a C section, and poor Emily's head looked like a cone head!! And she was so chubby her dad called her a little piggy!! It didn't take long for her to become this beautiful young women she is today. I don't remember what the weather was that day, but I'm sure the sun was shining at the hospital that day. She was our second grand child, and our first granddaughter. Love you Em and hope the sun shines for you all year!
Must get dressed and run to church, so this will be short. I got to go to the new Hockey rink and see Coon Rapids, skate their first JV and Varsity games. Both Nicole and Allie skated well and played a great game, but neither were able to win! But their friends the Hannula girls, each got a special note by being the first to sit in the penalty box in the JV game and also to score the first goal in the varsity game. Today I'll watch Matthew skate, and then have the gang over to celebrate Doug's birthday. So for today, Love and prayers, m

What a Glorious Fall Day

Temps above normal, beautiful sunshine and just a light breeze....how can you top that? Fall is probably my most favorite time of the year, and hiking through a state park kicking up the leaves was something Gene and I loved to do. I can remember lots of trips south along the Mississippi listening to a football game on the radio and admiring all the spectacular fall colors. A few weeks ago driving through the Carolina's and Georgia brought back lots of those memories too.
Last night I went out for dinner with the birthday girl, Ann, and Jimbo to one of their favorite spots, P.F. Changs. Love it too. Great meal and fun just being able to visit face to face with them. Lot's of talk about the cabin and the Revised Progressive dinner. (The only thing progressive about it, will be the food and it's preparers.)
Today, I may go find some pine bows and decorate my window boxes and planters out side my door before the ground freezes and I can't get anything to stick in it. But later I will spend the late afternoon and evening watching hockey. Nicole and Allie will play in the High School JV game at 5:30 and then will stay and watch the Varsity play at 7:30 in the brand new Coon Rapids Ice Center (CRIC). First game of the season and first game in the new arena. It should be a fun evening.
Tomorrow I will host the Bill Kiecker's and the Birthday boy Doug and his family for Annie's (Colfax) deep dish pizza in the afternoon. Can't wait to see everyone, as I haven't seen them since before I went to Georgia for Joe's birthday. I'm thinking it must be at least a month.
Nothing else new to report. Love and prayers, m

Not Starting Out Well

I already missed the garbage pickup for the week, but the recycling gets picked up much later, so when I finish this, I'll get dressed and get it out there. With any luck that will get picked up, cause that's usually the most full anyway. With just me the garbage is usually one or two small bags in the bottom of the barrel.
Yesterday afternoon I went up to Billy's in Anoka, and surprised Val for her 65th birthday. It really isn't till Monday, but the college is closed today for Veterans Day, (or as most call it: Hunting 3-day Weekend) so they planned it for yesterday. Lots of people showed up....I'm guessing around 30. The 2 tables of 12 each kept recycling through out the evening. I left around 7 p.m. and there was still about a dozen there....but several of them were leaving too! Val was surprised, and seemed Happy. She had blatantly asked her husband to give her a surprise party and he declined. But she admitted that he did go beyond her imagination with a great gift of a new droid phone. So all and all it was a Happy Day. For me it was fun to see all of those that showed up, cause some I hadn't seen them in years....along with a few I see regularly.
Earlier in the day I did get that package mailed, but today being a holiday, I'm sure Em won't get it till Monday....but it will be close....as her birthday is Sunday. Let's see if I can remember that on Sunday.
I also did some shopping, hoping to spend $50 so I could use Cub's $5 off coupon, wasn't a problem....I ended up spending $80....have enough in the house right now for the next month....but of course, Thanksgiving is coming and I'll have to shop for that too! Turkey, Stuffing stuff and Potatoes all need to be purchased. I'm sure I'll be able to spend $50 again next week too!
Today I may be going out or may have company for dinner. Tried to get the family all together for Ann and Doug's birthdays as I usually do, but I couldn't manage that. So Doug and family and Bill, Kim and kids will come on Sunday afternoon for Pizza, and Jimbo suggested we do something this evening, minus their kids....as Jack is in Duluth at school, and Nick already had plans. Only problem they haven't told me yet if we are going out, or eating in. Hmmmmm! At this point I guess going out would be better, cause I haven't cleaned or fixed anything, but I'm sure I could get that done quickly if they decide to come here.
Well, I better get busy. Prayers for Lottie and Ginny....I heard that Lottie's surgery went well, but they changed the diagnosis from Stage 1 to Stage 3, and she will need chemo. I really need to talk to her about that. I'm sure she is worried.
Love and prayers, m

I Don't See Snow!

But I heard some places in Minnesota did. The neighbor is still working clearing leaves from mine and Wally's (next door) yards. He must be worried it will snow and there will still be leaves on the grass. I really appreciate all the work he has put into my yard....he has put in a lot of hours working on it. Thanks Jim.
I did get Emily's package ready to mail yesterday, and did deliver meals, I also made myself a pot of beef stew, and almost ate the whole thing. Between 3 and 9 p.m. I had four bowls. With the left overs, I'm gonna make Brunswick stew today.
I have to run over to the P.O. to get Em's package in the mail, and I get to go out for a college gathering at Billy's in Anoka later this afternoon. Looking forward to seeing some people I haven't seen in a long time and getting caught up on all the gossip. Don't have any other big plans....I may have to resort to cleaning.
Please keep Lottie and Ginny in your prayers....and please keep me in them too! Love and prayers, m

The Real Happy Birthday Doug and Ann

Okay, I've sunk to a new low....I can 't even remember what date a birthday is. I'm only pretty sure that today is really Doug and Ann's brithday is....not the 7th. But at least they got pre-birthday messages from me....I wasn't late like usual. I have no excuse, I haven't had chemo since Sept. 9, and I'm still young so it's not old age.
I had a nice lunch yesterday with a few woman from ARCC, and then headed out shopping again.....got Doug and Ann done, and almost done with Em. Then after dinner I voted and rushed off to the North Suburban Women's Club meeting. We made scarves for the ACBC Food bank, and I think we ended up with over 100 fleece scarves.
Today I have to deliver Meals on Wheels at noon, and then I have to get Emily's package ready to put in the mail. I'm tying not to be late for that, like I was for Will. Somedays I'm hopeless!!
Must get dressed or I won't make Meals on Wheels on time either.
Have prayers requests for cousin Ginny Martinson who has Breast Cancer and having surgery next week, and also a friend from the college who is having a complete hysterectomy as I write for cancer as well. Love and prayers, m

Sun is Shining Here!

But I here that south and east of us it's snowing! Hoping it's not snowing where you are! Unfortunately it may snow a few flakes this evening...so I better be careful what I say.
I had a great day yesterday, shopping for 3 birthdays, and then a movie (50/50) followed by dinner. The movie was really good even though it was about a cancer patient....he lives. I had a $25 certificate for dinner at "Paddy Wagon" in Coon Rapids, so I suggested we go there, but got there and found out they had closed and something new is opening there soon! That's the second certificate this week that is no longer any good. I purchased them at Restaurant.com and have used them a couple of times with no problem, but I'm on a roll of bad luck this week. Luckily restaurant.com does give me credit for them and I can get one for a different place. The trick is to use them before the place closes down.
We ended up going across the street to the Olive Garden, and had a fine meal. The company Lois and Bonnie was the best part, and I look forward to Bonnie moving back to the city for the winter months, so we can get together more often.
Today will be another busy day, lunch with a bunch from ARCC and then some more shopping, and then Women's Club this evening. Hopefully tomorrow things will quiet down.
Till then, Love and Prayers, m

Good Morning Sunshine! Happy Birthday Ann and Doug!!

With Daylight Savings Time, it gets light much earlier in the day, and I love that part, but I hate that it gets dark so early too! I guess we can't have it both ways till next spring.
I guess I should catch you up on my weekend, as I didn't have my computer along with me. On Saturday, I left at 10 a.m. and ran some errands....like getting some cash and a wedding gift for the wedding I was going to and then ran through the craft fair at St. Tim's all on my way to meet Judy in Hudson.
In Hudson, Judy left her car at Jimbo's Tire's Plus, and I drove us the rest of the way to Colfax, WI where the wedding was held. But before we gathered at Annie's restaurant which was right across the street from the church, we had a few snacks and did some visiting, and then headed to the church.
The reception was held at a "Sleep Inn" in Eau Claire, or near there on Hwy 29. We all checked into our rooms....well at least all of us from MN did....and that was a bunch.
Jackie, the mother of the groom, set up snacks in a "board room" later renamed "The quiet room" or "old peoples room". So after dropping off our suitcases, a bunch of us from MN or friends and relatives of the groom gathered to wait for the reception dinner and dance began. Later it was used as a retreat from the noise or loud speakers, and thus where the old people seemed to gather one by one as the evening wore on. Of course us youngin's danced the night away. I don't think I've actually danced anywhere since Gene died, and having an abundance of single women mostly cousins, gave me an unending supply of partners. But by 11:00 or so, I too ended up in the "Quiet room" visiting with the old people! lol
Luckily we got to turn back the clocks by 1 hour, so I was in bed in plenty of time to rest up for the Sunday celebrations. We checked out of the hotel at about 8:30 and headed back to Colfax and Annie's for the next party. Annie and Mike, her brother, had already started cooking much earlier, and greeted us with coffee, juice, cinnomon rolls, head cheese, poppy strudel, cranberry apple strudel and bagels (The head cheese and poppy strudel are family recipes we always had for the holidays). That was to tie us over till they brought out the real breakfast....egg bake, an egg scramble, peach french toast and breakfast pizza. Along with 2 bouquets of roses made out of bacon! Really.....I wish I would have taken a picture of it for you....maybe someone will send me a picture. All and all it was a especially enjoyable weekend of cousins, love, laughter, dancing, eating, and great conversation and stories of days gone by.

But the best part of the whole weekend was the visiting with a lot of cousins and Uncle John and Florence, who were celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary. I've included a picture of the Gendreau women (as mother of the groom Jackie is one of them, and Uncle John and Florence.
We left with some head cheese (both Judy and I) and I also brought home a huge garbage pizza, one of Annie's specialties. I can't wait to eat it!! But will save it for a celebration of Jimbo's wife Ann, and Annie's (my Annie not Uncle John's) husband Doug, who both were born of the 7th of November. So big week for the family, and in another week Tom's daughter, my granddaughter,Emily will turn 18. Grandma needs to get busy and do some shopping. Also next week on Wednesday, Karen, Kennedy and Presley will be coming to MN for Kennedy's hockey tournament at the Super Rink in Blaine.
So that leads me to today!! I have made plans to see a movie and dinner with Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke this afternoon. I hope to do some of that shopping as well, and tomorrow I have Women's Club in the evening and Wednesday I will be delivering Meals on Wheels....other than that no big plans! lol
Happy, Happy Birthday Ann and Doug, love you both.
Love and prayers, m

Did you Miss Me?

Sorry I didn't write yesterday. I woke up at 8 a.m. and didn't want to get out of bed right away as I couldn't eat or drink (12 hour fast) before they drew my blood. But then I fell back to sleep and didn't wake up again till 9:15 and my appointment to have my blood drawn was 9:30, so I rushed out of the house and got my blood drawn and then had to wait till 10:00 a.m to have my port flushed. I stopped on the way home and got some breakfast and coffee immediately. By then the blog was long gone from my mind.

I went down to put some clothes in the wash and low and behold I found two more dead mice. One that was poisoned, and one that was trapped. So I got poor Doug on the phone and he came over and disposed of them for me. He reset the trap for me too! It looks like they didn't get any farther than the laundry room, as the other decon I have out doesn't look like it was touched.

I then had to pack and wrap some gifts and get ready to go for today, and also shower and get dressed to go out for dinner at 5, and then the play at the college.

Dinner was great and visiting with Rosie, Sandi and Ann is always fun. The play was probably the best I've ever seen at the college. Only two performances left, so I can't encourage you to go, it's probably too late for that. But if you can, the "Anatomy of Gray" was fantastic. The acting was great, the story was as well, and theater in the round was so well done. I laughed and cried.

During dinner last night someone mentioned my blog, and I realized I hadn't written it....Judy was the only one who wrote wondering if I was okay. So I guess it wasn't a big problem.

This morning, I have to get moving pretty quickly again. I have a few things to do before I meet Judy at noon in Hudson and then drive the rest of the way to Colfax, WI for the wedding and then to Eau Claire for the reception and over night at a hotel there. Then early tomorrow morning we will go back to Colfax for Cousins Christmas and celebrate Uncle John (he plans on being there) and Florence's 51st wedding anniversary. So I won't be writing tomorrow morning either. I may write later in the day, or just wait till Monday morning.

I did get the results of my blood work, and every thing looks great. My cholesterol is 132 which is great, and my potassium is up in the normal range as well. My port flushed perfectly, no problems there either.

Love and prayers, m

Here Comes the Sun!

....however it brought a lot of frost along with it. It will however make it back to the 50's today.
I went to the cabin and took pictures of the steps and feed the birds and squirrels, who were back eating in no time at all. Here are a few pictures:

That medal work in the first one is the lifts that have been taken out of the lake and put on the patio area. I have lots more on facebook, also added pictures of the trip there.

Have a physical this afternoon. Need to get my Flu shot and have my cholesterol checked and stuff like that. Haven't seen this doctor at Health Partners since last Fall when I got my flu shot.

Uncle John may have gotten out of the hospital yesterday, I haven't heard....but he was doing well, so thanks for the prayers.
Nothing else new to report, Love and prayers, m

Where Has All the Sunshine Gone?

My trip had only one day without sun, and since I got home I've barely seen it....hopefully later today it will clear up. I hope to run up to the cabin and take some pictures of the landscaping. I'm so anxious to see it.
I also have to wash some clothes today....had a suitcase full that I brought back with me. Other than that not much planned.
Yesterday went well....got all the cleaning and cooking done in a timely manor. The ladies conversation and laughter made for a great evening. I even did well at cards, even though when it's at your house you can't win a prize.
I've made it through the stack of mail that had been held by the post office and then squeezed into my mailbox on Monday. Only a couple of bills there....mostly junk and magazines. It'll take me all month to catch up on the reading.
Talked to Karen last night too! I get to watch Kennedy skate in a hockey tournament in Blaine the weekend before Thanksgiving. We also talked about when they might be able to come for Christmas....at this point it looks like after Christmas....but what I learned over the years with Gene's crazy schedule working at a daily newspaper, Christmas can be celebrated whenever, as long as the family can be there. We might even get to spend a few days at the cabin and maybe ski in Kimball at Powder Ridge.
Karen also ran in a 1/2 marathon in San Francisco for Nike, and I saw on Facebook that Annie finished her first 5K at the Gray Ghost Run in Anoka last Saturday. Jimbo made the Kare 11 News on Sunday night with comments about Coon Rapids requiring prepay at the gas station to avoid drive-offs. Nicole mowed my lawn twice while I was gone, and while the cat was gone the mice played!! No other news!
Uncle John is back in the hospital, and really needs your prayers. We are hoping to celebrate John and Flo's Anniversary on Sunday and he is bound and determined to be there.....so say a lot!
Love and Prayers, m

I'm Home

but I hit the ground running. I had to rush home and pass out candy...I did leave Wally and Marianne some to hand out for me in my absence, but as soon as I got home I turned on the front light, and the door bell was ringing. I did get to see a few little kids, but it seemed the older ones were mostly left.
While answering the door, I got my suitcase unpacked and made myself some dinner....pretzels and tomato juice just wasn't enough.
I checked out the decon I left in three different places and all of it was gone...I must have had an army of mice here. I'll have to talk to Doug and see how many we trapped too!
It was nice sleeping in my own bed, but I was really tired so sleep came fast. I had to get up and start moving again this morning, as I have the women in the card club coming to my house this evening. I did have most of the cleaning done ahead of time, but today I have to work on the food....which means I have to go to the grocery store, and that means I have to get dressed.
Yesterday, I said goodbye to Judy around 8 a.m. as she left for the airport in hopes of getting on a flight at 10:30 a.m., but she called a little after 12:30 p.m. and she was finally boarding for home. Kathleen and Gary picked me up at about 10:15 and we headed to a Nature Presserve and took a walk before going to lunch. Sorry to say even though Gary had Yelped it on his iphone it was probably the worst meal we had on the whole trip. After that we played some Cut Throat and Gary won the first 3 games and I eeked out a win over Kathleen by one point in the fourth. We then headed for the airport, where I had to say goodbye to them as I was flying out of Delta and they were flying out of Frontier....opposite ends of the terminal. Hated to say goodbye, and can't wait to see them again, soon I hope!!!
Thank You Kathleen, Gary, Judy, Joe and Sandi for making this a great trip. I got on the scale and only gained one pound....or basically stayed the same. Not bad for all that great food. Love and prayers, m