Wordless Wednesday

The State Fair

As part of my birthday present, Bruce agreed to go to the State Fair with me. I know he doesn't particularly enjoy the Fair, so I was appreciative of his effort. Part of the Fair's charm is that it's usually sweltering hot and you end up feeling like you have a layer of grime over your entire body. In the restroom, I mentioned to someone that I felt absolutely grimy and she said to me, "now you KNEW before you even came here, that this was NOT a clean place", which struck me as funny and I kept laughing about it whenever I thought about her. 

We went in the later afternoon, and it did cool down as evening approached, but there were still plenty of people to try to move around. One of my favorite places is still the poultry barn and this year we found some interesting rocking chairs to relax in on Machinery Hill, in front of the Aging Well building. Food? This year we sampled a gyro, fried green tomatoes, corn on the cob, a caramel apple, and some fries. We also sat on the grass and listened to Blue Oyster Cult perform at Leinie Lodge. We met up with Debbie & Bil and then Terry & Lee. At the end of it all, I was tired, but I do have another whole year to rest up for the next time.

Little Gift of Love

Every year, I buy Bruce a crate of Colorado peaches because he loves them so much. He stores the crate in the basement to stay cool and then lines some up on the windowsill to ripen. He's kind of cute when he's cutting them up and eating them at the sink. I think of it as an I Love You kind of gift.

Birthday Week

I'm having a wonderful birthday week, and I don't feel old at all! I love being able to spend time with my family and friends, and would choose being with them over receiving things any time. I made some birthday treats to share at work, which felt really good and Bruce made me a cool card and gave me some gorgeous long stem roses. I ate some Putanesca (love the name) at Christo's with the family, and am having birthday lunches with friends throughout the week. It's true, life just keeps getting better and better.

Townhouse

I drove out to visit Mom and Dad today, and check out how they're settling in to their new place. Their townhouse has a nice feel to it, very calm and peaceful. You can hear the wind blowing through the trees, and occasionally a train from some nearby tracks although they're not suppose to sound the whistle as they pass through. It was fun to see all their familiar furniture and things and it felt like I was going home. I hope the place works out for them for years to come!

Supper Invite

We are invited to Kate's house tonight for ribs! Jake asked if I could make some rhubarb dessert to bring, and I decided that I would give it a try. I know that it's the middle of August and I know that the rhubarb experts of the world would say that it can't be done because it is, after all, after July 4th. But, these days I am pretty much doing what ever I feel like doing despite what I am told to do, so... I made a rhubarb dessert last night and it looks good. I picked up a couple bottles of wine to bring, criteria being how much I liked the label. I'm not a regular at the liquor stores and I must look that way because I am constantly asked if I need any help. Today I just pulled out my phone and texted Bruce whenever someone approached and they pretty much left me alone.

Wordless Wednesday

Visit with Gwen

Gwen came for a visit from Colorado, and Debbie and I were able to meet her for a Girls Night Out in Duluth. We stayed at The Inn, ate wonderful food, and spent time walking along Lake Superior as we caught up on each other's lives. It's so good to have old friends in your life.

Love to Get Away

Bruce and I have been making the effort to get up to the cabin for as many weekends we can, even if it's just for a night each time. We take Jessie with, the cats stay home. We've been lucky to have Jake at home to take care of them, but that will be changing soon when he leaves for college in the Fall. I've been brainstorming and trying to figure out a way to still get away for a night here and there after he leaves, maybe we can make it work, but I'm going to have to think on this awhile. Bruce wants to fish as much as he can. I go along on the boat, but lately I've been content to spend my time reading instead of fishing. And I always have my phone close by just in case he lands a big one. The dog has to be on the boat with us. Today she was getting a little nervous that we might leave her behind, jumped on the boat before it was pulled close to the dock, and almost didn't make it. She's 12 years old now and even though the Vet has called her a Super Senior, she's slowing down. That was a scary moment. We're starting to get a little routine going when we're up there, too. We will often go to Players for supper Saturday night (they have good broasted chicken), but then try to cook at the cabin the rest of the time. We'll eat toasted English muffins and jam with our coffee in the morning, and at lunch we'll heat up leftovers or whatever we might have in the freezer. Today I found some pulled pork and baked beans. We've decided we like eating more often at home these days, cheaper and healthier, too. Last night we drove over to Curt and Teri's place to visit. Sven and Meg were there, and we sat around the fire and chatted. It was after midnight when we got back and it felt so nice to snuggle into bed and sleep after a day of sun and fresh air. We are blessed.

Today

I woke early this morning, not sure why, but the light of the early morning coming in the window over our bed was quite pretty. Today is Thursday and I generally like Thursdays. The work week is almost done and I think we can all coast a little until the weekend arrives. The weather has felt like Fall, with cool breezes blowing, and people are already saying that summer is almost over. I refuse to believe this. It's only the first day of August and I don't believe in rushing things, even though all the stores already have Halloween things in stock. Not sure what else is in store for the day, maybe I'll make a chef salad for supper and work on a pile of papers that is starting to grow on the table. Where do all those papers come from, anyway.