Running Out of Time

Lots of emotions going around in the house these days. Katie's flight is tomorrow, and all of a sudden it feels like our time together is up!

I think I need to pretend that it's not really a year that she will be gone, more like a long vacation.

One Last Lunch, For Now

We had one last lunch together yesterday before Katie leaves for South Korea. We still don't know what time her flight is, or even where her housing will be, but she thinks she'll find out tonight. And she says that she's excited now, though I think I'm getting more nervous.

I know in my heart that it will be okay. We've raised a strong, independent daughter who knows what she wants to do, and that's a good thing.

Valentine Anniversary Weekend

It's been a full weekend! We celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary yesterday by going to the Old Log to see Outside Mullingar, and then had a delicious steak dinner after the play. All the flowers, chocolates, and wine made it extra nice.

Jake came home for part of the weekend, and today we drove to Duluth to help move the rest of Katie's things home. We put most of her stuff in the dining room for the time being, but this week we'll have to find a better place for it all. So much moving, I'm a little tired. But, we did good work today. 

The cats were tucked away in bedrooms while we were gone, and we let them out all together once we were home. We then had cat drama as Pumpkin and Cleo tried to gang up on Trisitin, and we had to separate them all again. He might be big, but he's really just a big baby. I wonder it they'll ever get used to each other.

Chocolate Heart Strawberries for My Sweetie

The Kids

February is ticking away, and soon Katie will be leaving for South Korea. It probably seems like I've been talking about this forever, but I think I'm finally starting to get used to the idea.

Jake was home for a week's break and went back to St. Olaf last night. It was so good to have him home. He spent a fair amount of time with old friends, but he's also been designing a computer in a brief case. He calls it "PisToGo" because it's made of five raspberry pi computers. In March, he'll be traveling to Missouri to present it at a conference. That's a pretty big deal, too!

Nick is living at home with us. He's thinking about going back to school, and has taken a job at Holiday in the meantime. He's been making me breakfast in the mornings before I leave for work. Nick has and always will have a heart of gold.

Funny how kids can be so different, but all so wonderful in their own ways. I'm thankful for all of my babies and feel so grateful to have them in my life. I've learned so much from them about being a mom.

Sweet Happy Flowers

Today, I asked Bruce if we should drop hints to each other about things that we really like. Because our wedding anniversary is coming up this week. He said he'd give it some thought, and I told him that I really liked lilac colored flowers, probably because when Nick was born, he gave me the most beautiful lilac colored carnations. And then we happened to make a stop at Michaels this morning, and I saw these sweet, happy flowers! I hope the cats leave them alone.

Done

The hat is finished, and I'm pleased!

I've also decided to name my mannequin head, Laura.

My Loom

I've been knitting on my loom again. I've forgotten how calming it is, and how nice it feels to finish something that I've made personally. This hat is for Terry. I'm thinking that I need to carve out time during my day on a regular basis for things like this. And not tuck the loom and yarn away in the closet so it's forgotten.

Wordless Wednesday

More Color

I'm trying to bring more color into my life, and today I found these lampshades for the living room at Tuesday Morning. They were priced right, too.

There was a moment after we got in the car, that I wondered if I'd made a mistake. Maybe that was because they were tucked in the back where I couldn't see them, but once we were home I had no regrets. They add a softness to the room.

Little changes can make a big difference!

Day For Katers

Yesterday we rented a trailer and drove to Duluth, to move Katie's furniture and heavy stuff and store it in the basement while she teaches in S. Korea. Best of all, though, was being able to hang out with her for the day.

We went to the historic Fitgers building and saw where she's been working, Duluth Kitchen Co, met some of her coworkers, and had a bite to eat. Then we stopped at one of her favorite places, the Jefferson People's House, and had a cup of coffee/chai tea/spicy cocoa. They serve toast there. Also some soup, but that's pretty much their menu. Mostly the people there like to have conversations about things like social injustice, organic farming, and the demise of society. It was a warm, comfortable place, so I could see why she likes to be there.

We dropped the trailer off and were home by 9:30, ready to give attention to all the needy animals. Maybe caring for needy animals is another hobby of mine.