Gathering at Christmas

It was great to see Joan, Anne and Diane today for coffee. Nice to reminesce and laugh! We have to get together more often. Here are a couple of pictures from today. It looks like we were down on another level than the fellow who took the first picture but he was just tall I guess.

Feliz Navidad

Here is a JibJab video of the Issies.
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/3S3DFQa7F7722nUb

The Weather Outside is Frightful

Well, I think I'll go sledding. This is the view outside my front door.

Another Happy Memory of Gerri

This video was made after my birthday party and makes me smile when I see Gerri laughing toward the end of the video.

In Memory of my Good Friend, Gerri

This video is in memory of Gerri who has been gone a year now. I'm glad she was able to see it and know how much she meant to all of us....she was a very good friend. Memories that I will treasure forever.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Here are a couple of pictures of our winter wonderland up north. I had to get the thermometer in the one picture so you know why I am staying close to the fire in the cabin.

We enjoyed a nice birthday dinner last night for Bill. We went into Park Rapids to a nice steak/fish restaurant where Bill had prime rib and I enjoyed shrimp.....and of course, we toasted to Bill's good health in the coming year.

We watched the Vikings win today which topped the day off for me. I hope you all had a nice weekend!

Thanksgiving in Denver 2010

Diane & Jim invited me to join them on a roadtrip to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with Cassandra, Mike and family. It was a wonderful time with some sightseeing besides. We went to the Air Force Academy and saw the beautiful cathedral. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in the car but Diane took pictures so hopefully, she will post some on her blog. The weather was great...quite warm in fact. We also celebrated Jim's 65th birthday. Here is a tiny movie of our Thanksgiving!

Sitting with Santa

While visiting Denver, we happened across Santa and decided to ask him for some Christmas gifts. He was a jolly old chap and didn't mind us sitting with him. Diane, Michele (Jim's sister) and I had fun as you can see. ;-)

First Heavy Snow of the Looooong Winter Season

Yes, this is what I woke up to today, November 13th.....lots and lots of snow.....and it's still coming down. I went out and used my loooong handled shovel (about 16 feet long) to bring the snow down off the roof close to the gutters. That meant I had to bring it in through the garage through the kitchen (I managed to knock over a few knick knacks on the way but no damage was done) and out the front door so I didn't have to tramp through all that high snow on the sidewalk. The heavy wet snow tends to freeze and clog up the gutters so thought I better do that (even though it hasn't stopped snowing yet) as our Association has someone come and clear the driveway and walk....didn't want to have to shovel what I cleared off the roof after they have left Yes, let THEM have all the fun of shoveling and this way I know my Association dues are put to good use! The way it's coming down I'll probably have to get out there again. :-(

Yesterday

Diane and I enjoyed getting together with Jenny, Kathy, Payton & Jim in Cottage Grove. Here are a couple of pictures of the cousins and 3 generations.

Week in New England

Diane, Heather and I just got back from Vermont yesterday and had a great time. We saw a lot of beautiful trees and cherished our time together with Nate and Natalie. It went way too fast.

We enjoyed going to the Vermont Country Store, the Yankee Candle Factory, the Haunted Hayride, the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, a trolley ride in Salem, MA along with going into a 3D Haunted House, and shopping in small towns in between. Here is a tiny movie of our trip.

Fun in Vermont

We are having a great time in New England. Here is a picture of 3 generations. We spent the weekend with Natalie and went to Salem, MA yesterday. Lots of great pictures were taken and I think a great tiny movie will be forthcoming in the near future!

Jane's ?? Birthday

This weekend I had a few of my Issy friends up at the cabin. We celebrated my birth....day and had lots of laughs. Thanks so much for helping me celebrate!

An Early Birthday Celebration

It was great getting together with family for an early birthday celebration. Sometimes I'd like to forget my birthday though. ;-) Here are some pictures.

Indian Summer

What a beautiful weekend we have had. I was up nort' getting the cabin ready for guests next weekend which I hear is supposed to be in the 70's. :-)

I was wondering where the term Indian Summer came from and found this in Wikipedia:

The expression 'Indian summer' has been used for more than two centuries. The earliest known use was by French-American writer St. John de Crevecoeur in rural New York in 1778. There are several theories as to its etymology:
In The Americans: The Colonial Experience, Daniel J. Boorstin speculates that the term originated from raids on European colonies by Indian war parties; these raids usually ended in autumn, hence the extension to summer-like weather in the fall as an Indian summer. Two of the three other known uses of the term in the 18th century are from accounts kept by two army officers leading retaliation expeditions against Indians for raids on settlers in Ohio and Indiana in 1790, and Pennsylvania in 1794.[2]
It may be so named because this was the traditional period during which early American Indians harvested their crops of squash and corn.

I like the second theory best. Let's hope our Indian Summer continues for many more days.

Ready for Halloween!

Put together a little Jib Jab video for you: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/cGCQezUNFbPWPGuG

Fall In Maple Grove

Diane and I went for a walk around the Elm Creek Park Reserve today and saw some pretty colors. Here's a tiny movie of the colorful trees.

A Walk in the Woods and a Drive in Wisconsin

Yesterday, Diane & I took a road trip over to Wisconsin to see if the fall colors were out yet. Unfortunately, we were a bit early for that but did enjoy stopping off of WI Hwy. 35 near Prescott and seeing the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park with a beautiful view from the bluffs of the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.

We continued our drive down Hwy. 35 and were going to go to Stockholm but ended up stopping in Red Wing where we ate lunch and did some antiqueing before heading back home. It was a fun day but it seems the beautiful colors on the trees were in our own backyard!

Diane's Retirement

Here are a couple of pictures I took at Diane's retirement party. I thought she would be putting some on her blog but haven't seen any so here goes. Very proud of my Sis!

Oh, Give Me A Home, Where the Buffalo Roam....

While driving home to Maple Grove today, I took the more scenic route and was pleased to see the buffalo have returned to this farm. For quite awhile they have not been there when I've driven by and the field had become overgrown with grass since they weren't there to eat it. What a beautiful scene it was and I wasn't even in Yellowstone!

For all the Poker Queens, I found Diane's camera laying on the fireplace hearth in the bedroom so all is well with the world again and she can continue taking great pictures.

Weekend at the Cabin with the Poker Queens

Here is a tiny movie of our weekend at the cabin....we played games, ate, drank and laughed a lot (remind me not to laugh while filming my tiny movies from now on). We missed Anita, Corrine & Pat and hope you can make it next time although I know it's impossible for you to be there, Pat. Turn up the volume to hear the music. It may take awhile to download but it will come in eventually.

I also went to Diane's retirement party today at Brookdale and was glad to see such a large turn-out of her friends. She has worked hard for 28 years and deserves to have some fun now! Congrats, Sis!

A Night at the Theatre

JoAnne and I went to see Wicked at the Orpheum last night and it was fabulous! The singing and acting were spectacular. We had seats right behind the orchestra....thanks for getting the seats, JoAnne. It was such a fun night...I marvel at the actors.

Our State Fair 2010

Diane, Joan and I went to the State Fair yesterday and really enjoyed ourselves....the weather was perfect and we tried a few different foods although no "camel-on-a-stick" for me.

We enjoyed the Salem Lutheran Church restaurant where they served egg coffee and great pancakes. We even chatted with a few people over egg coffee while we were waiting to eat.

We went through the Energy building where Diane and Joan decided to hop on the bikes and creat some energy to light up the bulbs. Me....I just took pictures.

We went through the Creative Arts building and enjoyed all the fine art....my favorite was the moose.

Stopped at O'Gara's and had some rueben balls deep fried (of course). I really liked the new addition of O'Gara's restaurant to the fair...great building and fine Irish beer and food with a bagpiper to boot.

We stopped at the International Market Square and listened to some neat dixieland/jazz music while eating Peaches and Cream....It was a little too sweet for me and way too much to eat....but I managed anyway.

We went to the Horticulture building in search of fine Minnesota wine which we found and imbibed in some while contemplating our next roadtrip in search of more vineyards in Minnesota.

We sat and watched the parade go by with people blocking our view so mostly we just watched people passing by which is kind of fun to see too.

We saw a booth with two very good looking young men manning it promoting Harlequin Books and were given a romance mystery novel for it....they even posed for me. :-)

We stopped at the Library tent and were able to get a great book for free on Minnesota's State Parks called, "Prairie Lake Forest" by Doug Ohman and Chris Niskanen. Doug even signed it for me and knew just where I lived...halfway between Itasca State Park and Park Rapids!

We stopped and watched a great show called, "When Radio Was". Prudence Johnson sang songs from the 1930's and I can't remember the fellow's name on keyboard but he was great too. Joan said they performed on Garrison Keillor's show, "A Prairie Home Companion" quite often. I just happened to watch a show on PBS last night on Keillor and actually saw Prudence Johnson singing on it. We were given a free CD, "Moon Country" by Prudence Johnson which was neat.

We took the Skyride also across the fair...Diane & Joan hopped on before me so I followed them. I was able to take a few pictures to remember the fair by.

I hope you enjoy my tiny movie of "The Great Minnesota Get-Together".

Packin' Up

Well, today I went over to the antique store where I have been displaying my knick knacks, etc. and packed things up. It didn't go as well as I had imagined it would so after 3 months of trying to break even, I gave up. I had to pay $50/month to display my things in a locked case and since my items were not high priced I barely broke even each month. Too bad. I may go back to trying to sell things on Ebay...I had good luck selling antique postcards so maybe my other things will sell as well.

I'm glad to be back inside my cool condo though...it's nasty out there. Soo hot and humid. Glad I'm not going to the state fair today!

A Trip to Stillwater

Yesterday, Diane, Heather & I drove over to Stillwater and met our cousin Kathy for dinner at the Freight House where the onion strings were delicious! It was fun antiqueing also and checking out the stores on Main Street. The reason I wanted to go over there though was because of the Northern Vineyard where they make Lady Slipper wine which Bill loves. We always have some when we go to the Lodge at Itasca State Park. We did a little wine tasting while we were there and I also bought a bottle of Okterberfest wine which I really like. Too bad Stillwater is so far across town from Maple Grove because I really enjoy going over there...next time I'll check out my old stomping ground of Hudson....I hear there are some great stores on Main Street too.

Nice Weather....finally

I enjoyed playing poker last night with our new member, Heather! Didn't win much but had a fantastic meal and dessert and lots of fun visiting with everyone. And today the weather is beautiful. Can't ask for more than that. My brother is going to help me put up my new blinds since Bill isn't here so that's another good thing. I'm lucky to have brother and sister living close by when I need their help!

Celebration Dinner

Marcie, Diane, Joan and I went to the 50's Grill to do a little celebrating last night. It was Marcie's birthday and Diane's retirement that we were celebrating...more milestones in our lives. The food was very good but the company was the best!

Yesterday

Yesterday, Diane & I drove down to Rochester and went to the Gold Rush Days (antiques for sale) and spent about an hour at the fairgrounds before we were feeling faint from the heat. We decided to pack it in and head over to the mall where it was air conditioned. She proceeded to get a haircut and I had my nails done and we found a few items of clothes on sale. We left the mall feeling "much" better. We then drove to Lanesboro (stopping on the way at a Pure Pleasures store to get directions). I was going to make Diane get out and go in but we were saved by a store clerk leaving work and given directions and so were on our way without red faces. ;-)

We met up with Jim, Heather and other family and friends for dinner in the quaint little town of Lanesboro. It is known for its bike trails and for tubing down the Root River so it was bustling yesterday. We had a drink at one of the many restaurant bars and then proceeded to dinner after which we attend the play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile". It was a quirky little play written by Steve Martin. It was set in a bar in France and included Picasso, Einstein and Elvis among others. Had some good laughs out of it. Diane and I then drove back to Maple Grove where we arrived home around 1:00AM. It was a long day but filled with good memories and fun.

Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow

Today, as I was sitting at my computer a tiny bird flew into the window. I have heard that by holding the bird in your hands you can bring it out of the shock of hitting the window and dying. I went outside and found it laying on the cement and its wing was bent. I picked the sparrow up and held it gently for quite awhile. It was almost in a trance but it did slowly turn its head and look at me when I picked it up. I set it down after awhile and it didn't move so I picked it up again and held it some more. I finally went to a fir tree and set it on a branch....I went back to check on it a few times and it was still there after 15 minutes. I got busy with things and went back sometime later and it was gone! It wasn't laying on the ground dead either. It had come out of its shock and flown away. I felt pretty good about helping one of God's creatures. So often, we are gone and come back to the cabin to see dead birds on the ground from hitting the windows so at least this time I was here to help it.

Celebration

We went out and ate dinner to celebrate Wayne & JoAnne's birthdays which are a day apart. We decided to go to Boston's in Maple Grove and it was delicious....so nice to be able to celebrate our birthdays together when we are all in town.

Oh My God!

Bill just sent me this picture from the cabin. Yes, there is a REAL bear wandering around the yard! I bet he saw the metal one from a distance and came over to see it. Bill said the bear was actually sniffing it. The one time there is a bear up there and I miss it! Bill says he is carrying the gun around with him now just in case he sees it again. Wow!!

Woe is Me

I woke up to water on the floor in the laundry and kitchen so checked out the water heater and it was leaking. I called a plumber and we need a new one so it is going to cost an arm and a leg. Then to top it off, he needed to move the water softener to get the water heater out so that's going to cost more yet. Woe is me! I'm just glad I was in town when this happened.

Gerri's Memorial - August 1, 2010

Here is a video of Gerri's Memorial yesterday. I want to thank Marcie, Nancy & Preston for sharing this special day with all of us. It was good to share our memories of Gerri and to know that she is at peace in a very special place.

Diane & Jim's Anniversary

Last night, Diane & Jim invited me to join them for their 41st anniversary dinner at Pittsburgh Blue. I had almond crusted walleye and creamed corn with a hint of nutmeg. It was yummy and they had a special on a bottle of wine for $10 so we had a nice Merlot with our meal. We enjoyed reminiscing about our wedding day and honeymoons. We both ended up staying at a cabin in Ely which was a coincidence. I think it's wonderful that they have been married 41 years and wish them many more happy, healthy years of wedded bliss. Here are a couple of pictures I took of the happy couple.

Loading Up the Woodshed for the Winter

Here is a picture of me helping Bill load the shed with firewood for winter. It is stacked 6 rows deep so we should have plenty of wood to survive the winter. You can't see it in the picture but my face is beet red as it's really humid out there today. It's good exercise though. We may have to take a ride on the pontoon to cool down.

Wildflower at the Lake

I went for a walk down the lane today and saw some delicate purple wildflowers...I don't know what they are called but thought they were so pretty. Here are a couple other pictures of my flowers also....double petunias and geraniums.

Poker Night at Linda's

It was fun getting together with the girls for poker (or dominos) after being away for 2 months and great to see Corrine this time. I enjoyed sitting outside in Linda's beautiful backyard by the pool. Here are a few pictures I took.

An Issy Get-Together Before Vera Leaves for Up Nort'

We were invited to Joan's for a get-together before Vera leaves for International Falls. Thanks, Joan, for the lovely lunch and chance to visit. We then went over to Como Conservatory and the Japanese Tea Garden. We even saw the Polar Bears at the zoo which were beautiful. It was a fun day and we wish all the best for Vera as she heads north. We will definitely have to take a road trip up that way one of these days.

Visitor at the Cabin & Paisley Artwork

Diane drove up to the cabin last weekend and we enjoyed going out on the pontoon with Bill as the captain....saw some loons....in the water. We went into town and Diane bought a purse to paint (kind of like paint by numbers) for her granddaughter at Ben Franklin. It looked very '70ish with the paisley/psychedelic pattern. I know Natalie will love it especially since Grandma did the artwork!

I tried sending this out yesterday but the internet service at the cabin was soooo slow that I gave up so now that I'm down in MG, here goes nothing!

4th of July 2010 at the Cabin

We really enjoyed the 4th this year with the kids coming up to the cabin. Nikki's friend, Anthony came along and helped the girls water ski and canoe. Bill's handmade canoe was finally put in the water and he was thrilled to be out in it. Here's a tiny movie of their stay.

Sculptures in Vining

We stopped in the town of Vining to see the sculptures that were displayed there. This is the hometown of one of our astronauts, Karen Nyberg and her father actually did all of the sculptures.

Weekend at Wayne & JoAnne's Lake Home

We really enjoyed our weekend at Wayne & JoAnne's lake home and the chance to get together and really visit. The hospitality and food was great! Diane even caught some fish...I hope she can post the fish picture (the real fish) soon. JoAnne won all 3 games of Scrabble (remind me to hide the Scrabble game next time). ;-) Thanks again for the fun weekend! Turn up the volume so you can hear the music.

Swarovski Rhino

Diane & I went to the Mall of America the other day and we came across the Swearovski (because everything is too expensive to buy I do a lot of swearing) store and saw this beautiful rhino for sale for a little over $4,000. There are only 10,000 made. I wanted to take a picture at least to show Anne. It was beautiful.

Prissy's Birthday & Memories of the Issies

We had a fun time celebrating Prissy's birthday last night and wish that Vera could have joined us but her life is so busy right now that we totally understand...hopefully she will be with us next time. After dinner we checked out the new Library in Maple Grove where Joan took a little break in one of the comfortable chairs. ;-) Here is a tiny movie of our dinner and also memories of times past.

Window Cleaning Day

Yes, I have been cleaning windows all day - inside and outside, from ceiling windows on down (okay, I didn't do the skylights cause that would have meant crawling around on the roof and possibly breaking a leg in the fall). My cousin introduced me to a great window cleaning cloth not long again and ever since, I haven't minded cleaning the windows at all cause there are NO STREAKS. Yes, it's wonderful and all you need is water - no windex or soap or anything. There are two cloths and one you wet with just water and the other dries the window. It's amazing. You just throw them in the washing machine with regular soap to clean them but you can't use any softener on them. I let them air dry. The company is called Norwex Enviro Products and if you want the toll free number to order one, let me know. It is a bit costly but I don't mind as I'm not frustrated anymore when I clean the windows. Mind you, I have two homes with lots of windows to clean so maybe I am more enthusiastic than I should be but anyway, thought I'd mention it to you. It costs $36.36 with tax.

Now, I can just sit back and look outside through my nice clean streak-free windows and maybe take pictures of the clouds from inside even. ;-)

Weekend at the Cabin with Sister Diane & Niece Heather

Diane, Heather and I decided to head up nort' on Thursday afternoon and we were just ahead of the tornado that hit Wadena. Luckily, we took the backroads to Park Rapids instead of going through Wadena and I noticed the wall cloud the closer we got to the cabin. I had the local radio station on and we were being updated as to where the tornado was a good portion of the way. Luckily, we didn't have any hail and were able to get the car in the garage before the rain came down. Anyway, after that horrible afternoon/night, we had a great time....even treated my sister and niece to a facial (for Diane's birthday). The only thing we didn't get in was a game of scrabble...guess we'll just have to do that down in MG. Here is the tiny movie of our weekend.

What a Night to Look at the Clouds

I'm lucky to have a nice view of the clouds behind our condo and took a couple pictures of the beautiful clouds that were constantly changing tonight. If you have a little imagination, you might even see an elephant in one of the clouds.