Lots of Driving

In the past week, we've driven to and from Winona (twice), Duluth, Northfield, and of course, the Cabin. We've brought Cleo and Pumpkin home from the memory unit to live with us. And we're now planning on going out an evening a week to help get my parents home ready for the market. Busy times! But, honestly I don't mind. I love all the people and animals in my life.  :-)

Onward

We made a quick trip up to Duluth last night to return Katie's phone to her. She was home over the weekend, left early Monday morning to drive back for work, and about half way home realized that she'd forgotten her phone. We also had a little table and chairs of Grandma Gloria's here for them to use in the new place, so we thought we might as well bring it all up to her. We stopped for supper at At Sara's Table and had some lovely food, drove back, and made it home a little before midnight.

Jake drove back to St. Olaf late Monday night and as he was walking to the dorm in the dark, tripped, and his phone slipped away and got smashed. Luckily that one was still under warranty, and he was able to arrange for them to ship a new one to him. I love that he can take care of these things!

Nick is now down in Winona staying with friends and trying to figure out what next.

And it looks like we might have Grandma Gloria's two cats, Cleo and Pumpkin, come live with us sometime soon. At least they're not big trouble makers, although we might need to bring Pumpkin in to be checked for a UTI.

I'm hoping that things settle down soon and we can enjoy what's left of the summer.

Birthday Weekend

We celebrated Jake's 20th birthday by going to Christo's to eat. His friend, Paula, came with and we were able to get to know her a little better. Everyone at our table was feeling stress from the week, and there came a time when we all just lost it, and started laughing and couldn't stop. It didn't take away the stress, but it felt good. I'm so thankful for the support and love of my family.

Long Day

It's been a long day, and I'm tired. Really tired. But, I need to remember that just because one has a bad day, it doesn't mean one has a bad life. Tomorrow is a new day.

Muggy July Days

July is here and it's been muggy warm. I try to get by without running the air conditioner, but sometimes the humidity just saps the energy out of you and I end up turning it on. We do have a house fan in the ceiling that helps, especially at night, but sometimes it's just muggy air that it pulls in.

Trisitin is now living in Duluth with Katie, and Minnie Mouse has claimed her position as queen again. Jessie went in for her annual vet exam and tried to be so good while she was there. I think she's pretty healthy, too, considering that she's almost 14. She has lumps and bumps but we've decided not to worry about them. Best that she be able to grow old as comfortably as she can. Old lady dog.

Nick and Jake are home this weekend, and it feels good to have them here. I guess I'm still adjusting to this empty nest thing. Quiet is good, but not all the time!

Katie's New Place

Today was a day on the road. We first drove up to the cabin so Bruce could mow, then on to Duluth to get the rest of Katie's stuff moved into the new place. She warned me that I might not like the neighborhood, but I really didn't think it was that bad. And, the inside of their place was clean and in good condition considering the age of the building.

Tristin moved up with her, and I miss him already. He has some new animal friends to get used to, a cat and a dog. (I wonder if Minnie and Jessie will now be bored.)

Her friend, Alex, was there and helped us move stuff in and hang art on the walls. Before we drove home, we walked to a little Chinese restaurant for lunch, which felt wonderful after sitting in the car for so long.

The Fourth of July

We had a nice family gathering for the fourth this year, with pretty much perfect weather.

I made pulled pork in the crockpot, vegetarian calico beans, roasted corn on the cob, a berry salad, plus chips. Mom brought cherry cinnamon applesauce jello and special K bars, and Bruce made lemon bars.

Nick brought his friend, Lauren, and Mom brought her bowling ball, hoping that one of us would like to keep it. (It is a pretty bowling ball.)

Katie went to see fireworks with Anna, but the rest of us decided to stay home. I thought maybe I could see some from the house, but the trees ended up being too tall. I heard them, though, and that was good. Maybe next year we'll brave the crowds.

Tomorrow Tristin goes back to Duluth with Katie. I grabbed him and gave him a kiss before he went to bed tonight, and I'm going to miss that little boy. He has a big personality.