OPERATION DAY

It's 3AM and I am ready to go.
DEDE how can I ever thank you enough for the surprise package. What fun I am going to have picking out what necklace or bracelet to go with which outfit. I have had the slippers on everyday since I got them, cute dish towel too. What a calendar.
Have to run and will be in touch. I figure I can't be any worse off than I am.

I WISH I COULD GET PICTURES IN HERE

One of these days I will figure out how to get pictures on my blog. I did it last year but forot how.

THE HOLIDAYS

Skye was home for Christmas for 3 nights. I sure missed the rest of the family but Skye and I had a wonderful time. We made soups, cookies, a wonderful Christmas Day dinner. Rich, Jim's brother was here for the Turkey Dinner. We had, Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn caserole and peas. A friut salad that was yummy and I made a strawberry rubarb pie. We made a bunch of meals to go for both Skye and Rich. After everybody left I can tell you I took a well deserved nap.

When I woke up all the pain I had shifted from my right side to my left side. Very interesting. I talked to Dr Broadway's nurse because it was time to run me through the preliminary check in for the surgery I was to have on Wed. Turns out the Dr cancelled it and ordered me up another MRI, he wanted to see if there were any changes and now the surgery is this Fri. I will get a call again for getting me checked in today.

SAD NEWS - A PICTURE OF MY MOM JUDY AND MY COUSIN DAWN AS A BABY 1943

My cousin Dawn died on Dec 12th and I wasn't even aware of it. She was 68 and died of cancer. She was lovely and oh so talented. Her daughter got a hold of me after I had sent a Christmas card. It's so sad that we only keep in touch sometimes over the holidays. Life gets busy and things get in the way. It's just too bad. I am so glad her daughter Pam got in touch with me.

A WONDERFUL. DAY WITH FRIENDS

Lorretta and Paul, Nancy and Skee. A lovely meal, pork chops on the grill, had a new 9x13 cheesy potato recipe, Jim loved them,

BEST CHEESY POTATOES
1 stick melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 TB seasoned salt
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix and combine with a 2# package frozen hash browns thawed
Pour in a 9x13 pan sprayed with Pam
Cover with crushed corn flakes
Bake at 350* for 1 1/2 hours

We will see what you think. Heidi also has a recipe I want to try.

FUN DAY VISITING AND CLEANING

Went and spent part of the morning with June and Gordy across the street, over their garage there is a sign, "Lilyparch", tier last name is Lilyquist. Their daughter Linda came over and it was cookie making day. They started out with "Fruitcake Cookies". They are super, Linda brought over some cottage crecents. They are stuffed with brown sugar and butter. Yum.
Went home and washed floors, picked up and set the table for dinner today, having 2 couples over for lunch. I wish I had a ramp. Would be easier for company to do my 5 stairs.
I made an apple tart this morning,rolls and have the corn sufflet and cheese potatoes all mixed up. Have to go to town and check out and see if I can find corn flakes at the gas station for the top of my potato bake. We are having pork chops on the grill with the strawberry salad.

WED AND THURS AND FRIDAY

Had a super wonderful time at Judy's, drinking out of my new mug she gave me. it says "Be greatful for everything, For everything is from God.". I agree wholeheartedly, if that's a word I wonder how you spell it. Sharon where are you whe I need you. the luncheon was oh so wonderful. Just visiting.with Judy was a delight.

Wed I went in for a Glocoma test, was fine. Jim went in to get another shot in.his shoulder. They will call him for an appt for an MRI. He will need surgery again. We call us just a couple of cut up's because of all the surgery.

Thurs we went to my appt in Duluth, I have a ruptured disc and will get it fixed on Dec 28th. it's calLed micro discecotmocy. I will have to look up the spelling. I feel bad I will be missing the open house at Georgene and Bruce's on New Years Eve.

We got home in time to go to The Garden Club Party at Walt and Carol's home on Graves Lake. what a beautiful setting. their home is special. Whar a lovely setting and it so spacious. A very nice party. I think they go to Florida every year.

On Friday Jerry Birdie spent the night, he brought two bottles of lovely wine for our steak dinner. He and Jim left for Red Lake T 5:30 this morning. I think they took "The Bee". Let "The Bee" do the work. We will have some walleye to.eat soon. I need to spend today getting ready foe dinner tomorrow. having Paul and Lorretta, Nancy and Skee over for dinner after church.

I neglected to talk about my little all day outing with Audrey abd Lorretta on Friday. We left at 10am and didn't get home till 3pm. We even had lunch at the Chinese Buffet. Grand Rapids won't be the same. We did hit a lot of stores and had a great time at "The Yarn Shop". It was a fun filled day.

WHAT A LUCKY PERSON I AM

Dinner at Linda's was wonderful, what a spread, it was delightful And Lefse too.
Friday at 9am we had Bible study, I did the lesson I missed.
D.O.S.S. Friday night. I brought a Michael Buble' Christmas CD.
Gail got it and I got a lovely bottle of wine from Janet. We were 14 and Jean came for the first time.

Jim and I even managed to fit in shopping between gigs on Friday. Sat we did some cleaning and I got ready for dinner guests on Sunday. I managed to mess that up. I invited Jean and Roger and Teresa and Duane bur apparently never mentioned to Teresa what day. She and I are truly sisters because of our memory. Dinner was lovely anyway with four of us and after dinner we went to a concert at church. What Gwen does with an organ and piano is unbelievable, Pastor Dale is very talented and wonderful but it's the piano I love. I brought. Mom's Blueberry Delight. Was yummy. managed to bring a piece home for Jim. He went ice fishing. Left the dishes for me when I got home lucky girl that I am. he is having such a good time ice fishing. he tales "The Bee" with him.

I am trying to get my gift scarf for Judy Hendrickson done this morning. Janet and I are going there for lunch today. Will be so good to see her again. She is the wife of Pastor Al. We will be going to Canaan's Rest. That's what they named their home because they do so many retreats.

PRECIOUS TIME

How very lucky I am to wake up so early. I have time to work on my knitting, my Bible Study, we just started "Three Months With Paul". what I like so far about this Bible Study is it makes you think about others, especially fellow church members.
I made myself a wonderful hash for breakfast. Jim is working so hard on his weight. I don't even want to make cookies to mess with him. We have a concert on Sunday so I have to make some cookies for that.
I have "Bethany Crafter's" today at 9:30 and Three Months With Paul at 3: this afternoon.

I put more lights on the three tiny trees outside and the wreath. looks better.

I wish I could get together with the girls in Mpls. Dot and Deb, it's been forever. Wendy, Sarah & Gwen. Vera, Barb and Judy. Sharon. Ozzie, Tif and Susie and Dede And Carol are so far away. Jan will have to do.

Dinner tonight at Linda's. Will pick Janet up.

ROSES ROSES ROSES

What fun to get flowers. They are beautiful. trying to post a picture. it's not working for me.

DOT & DEANNE

I wonder if that is how you spell Deanne, I probably should go with Nancy but she is one of a few people I know that goes by either name comfortable.
The girls came up on Wed night and what a hoot. They got here by noon and we just hung out. I think we had steak and salad for dinner. I know we had wine. I wonder if that was the night We made Laura's potatoes. I messed those up but they were good anyway. I forgot to mix the cheese in, I just put it on top. Silly me!
We did go to Remer on Thurs. I made Heidi's egg bake for breakfast. With fruit of course. We also made Turkey Pot turnovers. Dot made a pudding cake that was to die for even though she didn't think so.
Of course we went to the Lion's meat raffle Thurs night. it was fun. Nancy Green came, Sue and Gary, Joyce Brown, quite a group of us. Nanct Green was the only winner.
Jim went down to Mpls on Thurs and had a wonderful time at Carries. Jim had a funeral Sat morning, a good friend from his childhood. Isn't it funny.thinking of Jim as a child. Wish I had a picture. I will get better at this blogging stuff.
Friday was our wine tasting, we also mixed up two batches of Lefse. We were to fry up one batch but I would say that the wine tasting got in the way. It was a hoot but I should have made sure we had a larger variety. As it turned out I have never met a Red wine I didn't like. I liked them all. HOW I appreciate the girls for venturing up to the North country.
I have wine tasting or D.O.S.S. in Jan. I am excited, Sharon will pop up, maybe we can snowshoe.
I go to the Doctor next week and find out about surgery for mt back. Always something.
It has been a busy week. Had Garden Club Christmas party yesterday. Sue drove and we has a very nice meal at the Harbor Grand.
We have dinner at Linda's Thurs and DOSS Fri
Well back to my knitting, have lots to do.

SKYE AND FUN

What fun I had with Skye and of course Nico Blue. I must say Otto just doesn't love him all that much. he seems to like Otto though. The only gift I want from any of my kids is to have them with me. To watch the Grandchildren grow. Nothing is more special.than time with them. there are always so many things I want to do when Skye comes up and she always helps me clean out some cupboards. Gosh it was fun and I will have both Alexis and Skye home for Christmas. I miss all the rest but I.will make sure I get River and Autumn up.

THANKSGIVING

What a wonderful Thanksgiving it was too.
Skye came home by noon. We ate at one. Jim went to get his brother Richard at ten am since he no longer leaves Hill City. He just can't see well enough. It's a shame. I am sitting here listening to 98*. Great Christmas CD.
Dinner turned out super wonderful. Made Pumpkin Streusel and Apple Raisin pies. Turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed spuds, sweet potatoes, corn souffle, peas, wonderful graveyard, yummy cranberry pineapple salad and jelled cranberries, I forgot to put the Lefsa out.
Everthing turned out so well this year, does it take until I am 70 to really get it together.
Skye and I had fun with sewing projects. On Friday we went to see the new Muppet movie. Cute!
We did not get into the crazieness of Black Friday.
I am working on a new style scarf. Why I don't know. How ever am I going to get all my hobbies done. I AM NOT.
I am having fun with dog and cat beds. I think I will make one for my sister Sonja in AZ. I can't make one for Dede because she has four cats. I would never get done. Where would she put them?
It sounds like Mac and Laura has a houseful what with making two turkeys.
Ali, Autumn and River went to a buffet with Jeff in Little Falls.

DORK DORK DORK

Sometimes Jim is a dork. I couldn't sleep so I got up, made my stuffing, mashed potatoes and a Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Pie. He is upset with me because I bought a book for my I-Pad. I have been dying to see how how a book would read. I am reading a series of three books based on a diary of a woman in Arizona territory. THESE IS MY WORDS is the name of the first book, the diary of Sarah Agnes Prine. The wine club is reading the series. Anyway as soon as I can figure out how to sign into my Library, I will.
We go to Brainerd for shots in our left eyes. What fun.
So glad I have a start on my Turkey dinner.

THE DEDICATION

The day with Mac, Laura, Hope and the STAR of the day "Hudson" was a wonderful day, Karin and Glenn were there and it was great catching up with them. Alexis, River and Autumn were there and of course Skye. The service was wonderful and what a meal. They really know how to entertain. We had a really nice time.

I was sorry to hear about Ali's car. What now.

We had to get back for a funeral on Mon. made a new Chicken hot dish. Not bad. The cake I tried had seven min. Frosting. Too die for, Sue bought me some at Holters and I can make it at home in a few min.

I also had a Lion's metering Mon night.

My goodness I went to bed by 9pm.

I hope I have a quite day today. Tomorrow we get shots in our eyes. The date seeks up on us too fast.

I would like to give Dr. Reynolds a shot in his left eye just once. Sometimes he just doesn't deaden it enough.

DEDE'S package

I wish everyone could see the cute booties that were sent for Otto. W put one on him and he didn't react too well. We will see when we go South. He needs them when we go for walks. Do I ever have fun opening surprise packages from Dede. Will be sending a Christmas package soon. surprise surprise.

DEDICATION

Well here we are on the road again. Got an email from River and look forward to seeing him. We will see everyone at Mac's for Hudson's dedication.
Talked to Alexis and she was working on Autumn's hair. BIG JOB! Tar and Sandy will be picking them up at 6:45.
I will call Skye but not for awhile. We started seeing snow in Aitkin.
I haven't blogged for awhile and as usual there is so much going on.
We had our annual craft sale yesterday and we did super well. We combine it with a bake sale. I made melt in your mouth Sugar cookies and my famous Russian Tea Cakes with wonderful King Arthur light whole wheat flour. I can't get it in my area but will check out Cub today. They all sold out. Bringing some to Mac's house. I made some dog beds thanks to Dot and her donation of fabric and stiff. Sold 2 of them for $20 each and sold many of my baked potato bags. They were fun to make.

FRIDAY WAS LEFSA DAY

CRAFTERS CLUB

It is today, excited because Loretta and I have a new project to work on. We are excited, mine is a variegated green for Sue Selinski. We will see.
CRAFTERS CLUB was a lot of fun. Loretta and I worked on our swirl scarves. hers is blue with sparkles on the fringe. Linda just moved and hadn't found her knitting yet so she worked on my potato bags, she cut out the liners. I think I am making 16 of them. We now have our set up At the school and I also have a quilt set up, all I need are volunteers to ma'am the tables.
I don't know, this quilt thing is turning out to be a bust, I wanted to sell $1000 in tickets and I am not quite at $500. I was able to also raise $200 for the making of the quilt.
I have to quite beating myself up over it. Almost $700 so far.
I made chili when I got home for this weekend when John and Andrew come up for the BIG OPENER.
I made pulled pork to take with and my home-made salsa.
We have tickets to go to

Wed with nothing to do.

Makes me laff. I got my days mixed up and went to "Crafters Club" but I was a day early. I did make a deposit in our WELCA account at church. I sell tickets after church every Sunday for our "Snowflake Quilt" and I received a $25 donation for the making on the quilt. I have only $25 to go and it's paid off. YIPEE SKIPEE. A wonderful reason to celebrate.
I haven't sold $500 in tickets but I am close.
I didn't do anything today. Hummmm what does that say about me, I made the pulled pork for this weekend. It's yummy.

Tuesday is "My Alexis"Day

I love going to Little Falls to sew with Alexis, we do lunch of course, only McDonald's but that was about twice a month I get my fix. I love their food. I am a sick puppy
We really like the curtain's for Autumn's room, hope she does, we have lots left to do. I get home before dark. It just makes life so much easier. The deer, the dark, the old eyes. I know there is humor there but is there.
Listening to an ols FRANK, he really should have stopped singing at a certain point. It's bad.

MONDAY IS TRAVEL DAY

Loretta wanted to go back to "Knitting Knight's" for some more silver thread, she makes the loveliest Braclets. We of course went out to lunch,too fun. She is such good company. It sure makes me wish I could get together with the girls and you all know who you are, some of you are so far away. So am I.

Wonderful Sunday

I know we went to church, oh yes, we had a brunch, I made an egg bake. Ginny Schultz sat next to me and went back for seconds on my egg bake so I sent the left over row home with her.
We had a Hymn Fest at noon, it was wonderful. Helen from wine club came, so glad because not lots of people came for the event. It was so enjoyable. I brought leftovers to Iva's house. Her feet bother her so much. It was a great day and three of us brought cookies for coffee after.

A DRIVE TO CROSS LAKE

What a fun day, we went to see Jerry and Mary Birdie, they finished their basement and talk about beautiful. going to their cabin is like going to a parade home. It's perfect. Poor Jim, he has to put up with my messes, and clean them up.
We then went over to The Bungalo for dinner in Emily. Had a very nice time but I should never have ordered Salmon, it was lousy.

THURSDAY

Made fish for lunch, it doesn't get any fresher, didn't even have to freeze them. Jim's brother Richard came over for lunch. He said it was the last time that he would drive. His eyes are that bad, we never mind picking him up, at least he knows it's time to stop.
Betty Evenson's husband Vern died last Friday at home when he took a nap. She had a lot of company coming in so I brought a hot dish over to her house.
I worked the meat raffle, trained in Walt. Now we have 5 of us trained in. Will only have to work once a month from now on. Joyce and I have worked it twice a month and this will help huge.

C.R.S.

You all know what CRS stands for, can't remember you know what. I have no idea what I did Wed. last week but it could have been the day that I shampooed the carpet. Yes I am sure it was. It always feels so good to get it done. Jim went fishing and filled out.

Tuesday - Can you stand it, HILLTOPPERS

I made my dessert last night when I got home. Now this is a recipe you have got to try.
BLACK FOREST PUDDING CAKE. No pudding in it of course but oh so yummy. I cut an inch off of each end so Jim could go nuts. It has two cans of cherries in it and pecans, chocolate chips and butter and a chocolate cake mix. Kill me now, I only had a bite. I am going to work harder at keeping my diabetes in check. Good isn't good enough.
We are having a German dinner today and listening to German history. Will be fun.I can't forget the Black Forest Rye bread I bought in Duluth.

I feel like we are going out in the woods today. You better not go alone.

Monday in Duluth.

OK, I am always up for a challenge, now I have Diabetic Neuropathy. That is what caused my extreme pain last month in my back and leg. Let's see, I did acupuncture twice, waste of time and $100. After the first appointment he let me know insurance doesn't cover it. Heck I was already for my second appointment so why not go for it, can't hurt. Big spender that I am I just threw my Visa at him. I remember I left there crying I was in such pain. Walked from his office over to the hospital, they are sort of connected. Second phase, a steroid shot in my back. Helped a little for two days because of the lydocain Then another appointment in Deer River for a hip X-ray. Another appointment in Duluth for a test for damaged nerves and muscle. All came back negative, then I see a neurologist and Walla - he has me diagonosed in 10 min.
Ya gotta love the system.

I am having an MRI on Friday to rule out back problems. I feel like a Transformer.

Pork chops and salad for supper. We were home by 5:45.

Sunday Sweet Sunday

Church as usual. I pulled our raffle quilt down from the rafters, had it hanging from the balcony in church ever since the fall gathering. It's back on a table, I sell raffle tickets after every service, the raffle drawing will be held on Dec 4th.

I will add a picture when I get from my IPad to my computer. One electronic device at a time.

Thank God for Jim. I haven't been able to thread my new sewing machine. With Jim reading the instructions it became clear and we did it together. My machine is a self threading Baby Lock sewing machine named Elizabeth. Isn't it silly, having problems with a self threader. Kind of an oxymoron.

DEATH AT CHURCH

Betty Evenson's husband died on Friday. He has been in a nursing home and the Lion' members and the men at church build a ramp at their house just about a month ago, he came home for a large dinner, used the ramp, went in his room to take a nap and died in his sleep. I think he just wanted to come home to die.
Will have to see how I can be of help to Betty.

BIG DAY AT CHURCH

We will be there from 9:30 to about 2pm. A pastor is coming in to discuss the future of small churches. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see the decline.
For my part I made split pea soup.
Hey you wouldn't believe the fog out today speaking of pea soup. it's at least that thick.

I got to see little Hope in the bath last night. Having face-time sure is a joy.

Lots to do and I need to get to G.R. To P&D sewing, I need help with my self threading machine.

The Wester's are here!

We had a wonderful visit. Pam and Rachael stayed in the house and John, Andrew and Mikee stayed in the barn. I never got cookies made for Alex but his favorite is Special K bars and I made a double batch for them to take for their weekend with him in Grand Forks. We had a nice dinner on Thurs night and on Fri. A big Chicken dinner with all the trimmins. Was fun and in the morning Andrew, Rachael, Pam and I played RACK-O. I sure enjoy games. Just never get to play them. It was fun having them around. I know the kids had a good time on the BEE.

Jim and John worked on the Fish-house. It seems it always need something. This time a new outside door.

You would think it was HOLLOWEEN what with all the green soup I have been making.

I have just been in a cooking mood. So far two batches of split pea soup, chili,two batches of cookies and I really need to bake some more. Pam, John and 3 of the kids are coming today and I want to make some cookies for Alex at college. Jim and I will have to run up to see him some weekend.

Have crafters at 9:30 so I need to get going.

TUESDAY - TO OZ, NO TO LITTLE FALLS

Off to see Alexis today to sew some curtains. We will see how the day goes. Nothing else on the calendar. Hip Hip Hooray!
I had a great time with Alexis. Next time I will bring more tools. To put up a rod takes 4 times as long because we just don' t have the proper tools.
They had 4 new windows put on the house this year and now that Jeff doesn't live there she can get some help with a roof. Time will tell.
I gave her my old sewing machine and she is sewing new curtains. We are putting up tiebacks and things are shaping up on the windows and we are having fun.
I don't seem to be able to arrive before 10am. I try to leave by 4pm because it is just easier not to drive after dark. The deer up North are Rutting right now so they are really on the move. I think that's what you call it.

I had to get up early on Wed. To get my Bible study done. We work With the "Gather" magazine, it's the old "Lutheran Women Today" magazine and it's updated and very good. It's nice that we don't have to purchase a study guide for the session. We are using the Gospel of Mark. It just so happens we are also reading "Mark" for the Pastor. He challenged us to read it 6 times. I am still on my first time, Jim has finished it twice already.
Some more coats came in to church. Got them ready for our coat give away after our WELCA meeting.

MONDAY

Had a wonderful day. I met Gail in the morning at Bethany and we worked getting ready for our Coat drive. We have at least 3 racks of coats.

Got my teeth cleaned at the dentist. They wanted to do full mouth x-rays. Are those really necessary every 5 years. I declined. Also went to Maureen and she straightened out my glasses. I sure do get them bent up.

Had a lazy afternoon because I slept so lousy on Sun. night.

Went to my Northland Lion's meeting at 6pm.

I so wanted to get my carpet shampooed today but each day the time just goes by like a bullet. I am not nearly so peppy in the afternoon as I am in the morning.

FRIDAY THE 14th

Well I thought I had already done Fri and Sat but no such luck. Had Fun Thurs doing the meat raffle, We made a bunch of money, stayed after for an hour talking with Joyce, she trained me in. I have a friend in Garden Club and she lost her son to suicide about 2-3 weeks ago, he was 44. Joyce lost her sun to suicide 30 years ago yesterday. How does one cope with that. I really have no idea. It has to be like loosing your mind.

Friday I went on an adventure with Loretta and Audrey, we went to Hibbing to do some craft shopping. Was fun, we went to Jo Ann Fabric's and Walmart and off to lunch at the Chinese Buffet and believe it or not neither one had ever bee to the Hull Rust Mine in Hibbing and Old downtown Hibbing, they moved the city you know so they could blast right next to it. Moved the whole town a couple of miles away back in 1920. After we were driving downtown looking for another Chinese eatery and found it, it was closed but on the way back to 169 to head for home Audrey spotted a knitting shop. Can you stand it, it was across from the Chinese Buffet that we ate at. We went in and were in instant heaven. Every nook and cranny was jam packed with yarn, Beautiful heavenly yarn. Let me tell you we had fun, I being the sch rood shopped I am only purchased from the 1/2 price sale rack. I still spent $53 on fun yarn. Shoot me now. I could start a store.

I no sooner got home and I had to get my hordorver ready for D.O.S.S. my wine group. Made a cheese ball and have a new lovely platter to serve it in. that I bought at the silent auction the day of the Fall Gathering. It is lovely. Picked Janet up at 5:15 and we went to Denise Green's house. She has to be the best cook in the county. She made a fall soup in a pumpkin and it tasted divine. She does a lot of entertaining and I can see why. She is good at decorating, cooking, being a hostess. Tough act to follow. D.O.S.S. will have Doe Camp in Nov and Denise will have the Dec Party and I picked up Jan. We will be leaving late Feb and I have only had D.O.S.S. once before and it was in the winter too. I need to get more chairs. Church is a good place for that. I don't think they let you borrow their chairs. Heck June across the street has 4 folding chairs and I am going to buy 2. We usually have from 10 to 17 people at D.O.S.S. By the way did I share with you. D.O.S.S. stans for the Diving Order of the Sipping Sisters. We even have denim shirts with D.O.S.S. on it. CUTE!

Busy day today

Getting to know my I-pad is getting to be fun. I was able to get the unline Bible Iwanted. We are reading the book of Mark. Jim is on his second time through it. We are challenged to read it through six times.

I shed my tears over Mac, Laura, Hope and Hudson not coming and I understand why we had to uninvited them. Jim is so very sick, we just couldn't have them get what he has. He has slept in a chair so many nights, I almost feel like the Day room is his bedroom. Poor guy.

This week the weather has been so beautiful, I had a fire outside a few times. Gordy is giving me all the cut up wood I want. I just have to take the BEE over to get it.

Yesterday I made chili and a dessert. Was fun even though the Pumpkin bars didn't turn out. We won't go into why not.

I have been ironing all the Bethany aprons for church. There sure are a lot of them.

I am getting a tank heater on my car today. It sure will be nice not having to warm the car up so long in the Winter.

Knitting crafts today and the gals want to go to Grand Rapids after. Why not! We will do lunch at the Chinese Buffet.

What necklace to wear, so many choices. It was so special of Dede to donate a necklace to our silent auction last Sat.

GETTING READY FOR FALL

Can you believe the last time I blogged was May 19th, Skye's Birthday. She is 36 and 1/2 now.

My how time flies.

It seems so much goes on and I get so mad at myself for not visiting my blog.

This last month has been challenging. My back went out the first of Sept or so and I haven't been the same since. I just went off pain medication yesterday and feel I can manage the pain. I have to because I just feel to weird on the meds. Pain levels have gone from 7-9 or 10 down to 2-4. I can live with that. Have had x-rays, a test in Duluth, many Dr. appts. and no results yet. Going to a Dr. in Duluth on the 24th to find out about my back. Enough of that.

What a fall we have had. No rain and that part is scary because of the fire danger but the burst of color is so beautiful.

I was with Sharon, Dot and Nancy last Monday through Friday. They got here Tue of last week just before Hilltoppers. We had about 30 out to our house for a Fish fry. Was fun.

Then we 4 gals took off for the "Crossing Border's Art Tour" from Duluth to Grand Portage. We stayed two nights at Lutsen Mountain Inn. It was a good time and we drove home Hwy. 1 through Ely and stopped in at the Wolf Center. The girls left Friday morning about 9am. I did nothing on Friday or Sat. Lazy - lazy - lazy.

I have had a super busy week - getting ready for our Fall Gathering at church. Worked at church 4 hours on Thurs, Friday and spent 7 hours there on Sat. the 8th.

DeDe I can't tell you how much I appreciated the Turquoise colored stone necklace with silver beads that sold at the silent auction, I don't know what it went for but the bidding started at $20 and we raised $250 at our silent auction. It was very nice and a big thank you to you DeDe for donating it. I want everyone to remember next year's fall silent auction. We won't host it but we always bring something.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

MON: We got home on Monday afternoon about 1:30 or 2pm. By 4:15 I was on my way to help pick up the ditch for our Lions Club and then off to a Lions dinner and meeting at 6pm.
Tired. Poor Jim that did all the driving to Remer from Las Vegas in 3 days.
TUE: Prayer group was cancelled because Janet didn't feel well. We had to run the truck to Grand Rapids because it kept overheating going up the mountains. We dropped it off and then Jim had a council meeting and I have been busy cleaning out the camper and washing clothes. Having fun hanging them out. What a wonderful day for it. Had a party to go to tonight at Denice's but skipped it. I did go over to Sues this morning and go for a 3 mile walk with her and Gary. Worked on the Rummage sale stuff.
WED: We had WELCA today at 9am and I left to pick up Jim at 11am so we could go to Sartel and get shots in our left eyes. We stopped in to give a quick quick hello to Alexis at Subway and grabbed a bite to eat. We were only 10-15 min. late to our appt. We were home again by 6pm.
THURS; Ronnie showed up and took Jim fishing. I have some more Rummage sale stuff to do today. Need to see Dan about the bulletin board in town and get flyer's printed and off. I mailed out 6-7 letters yesterday about advertisement. Only one to go and I need to verify their address. I am also running boxes in for the rummage sale. About 5 carloads to go.

WE ARE IN LAS VEGAS

We are in Las Vegas. Today is the day some of Jim's Army buddies will be coming over for Beer and Brats. We have to go shopping. His one buddy Bill and wife Lynn can't make it due to health reasons concerning her. We had dinner at their house in Lake Elsnore and she has just been getting worse and worse and they thought he illness due to a hip replacement and her rejecting it. It sounds like something else is happening.

OUR TRIP TO PARRIS AND THE NATIONAL CEMETERY AND TRAIN MUSEUM

Will have to post later.

SAT - OUR TRIP TO PALM DESERT THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS

Will have to post later.

FRIDAY - OUR TRIP TO THE WESTERN MUSEUM IN HEMET

Will have to post later

THURS - TRIP TO OCEANSIDE

Will have to post later.

Wed - A VERY HOT DOWN DAY

We needed a wonderful down day and part of it was taking a drive around the area of Hemet and San Jacinto. Of course we went to the pool and read and swan. Love the life of leisure. The sailing ship you see is in someone's back yark and there is a castle along the road. Weird.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO LOOK AT ANY MORE FLOWERS - I GO AND BRING MY CAMERA

Will add rest of photo's later. Out of time. Off to Oceanside today on Thurs.

Here are the pictures I took the day we went to UC Riverside. I usually let Jim do all the photos but I just had a hankering that day. Enjoy.

MARCH FIELD AIR MUSEUM

We had such a nice conversation with two volunteer's at the desk. One fella was with the Royal Air Force in England. So many wonderful stories. He was a navigator a B-29 or something. Jim knows. He knows all these planes. He sure had fun looking around. So did I. It just kept getting hotter and hotter. The temp gage on our truck quit so we don't know what the temp is outside when we are in the truck now. We are going back to the cemetery there. I must get Maryann's Dad's name. He is buried at the military cemetery in Riverside.

A copy of the poem High Flight is in one of the photo's.

TUEDSAY WAS UNIV OF CA RIVERSIDE DAY

Had to be. I will get the days straight if it kills me. Or did we go on Monday. Heavens, I am not quite sure, We always seem to have one or two down days in between. I need my coffee
We did two things today, we went to the Botanical Gardens at the University and We went to Wright Field. PLANES, PLANES, PLANES.
I think I will do the gardens first. We left the kids at home and it was about a 45-50 min driver over to Riverside. A really hot day so we couldn't take Makons and Otto. My favorite thing of course was the signage. I am so sick of snake signs. I sure won't miss that when I get home.