tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65809891677873344512024-02-19T12:05:50.656-05:00Life is GuidLiving the Guid (Scottish for "Good") LifeTexas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-52630613627237542952018-09-09T14:50:00.001-04:002018-09-09T14:55:56.841-04:00North Shore Trip Part 2–Bucket List Item<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">For the second half of our trip, we rented a wee (and I do mean wee!) cabin right on the shore of Lake Superior. I wanted a true lake experience for our trip and was fortunate to find this gem had a vacancy for our stay. That’s no small feat, as the majority of accommodations are booked very steadily.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GEkS7zIkzwQ/W5VrYBvuQ-I/AAAAAAAAKYg/lZY1x7S9TX0ugdCMUq1A_JCe-KoQqdKRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cabin-13"><img width="391" height="209" title="Cabin 1" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cabin 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlOL6XKTgVc/W5VrYpq50pI/AAAAAAAAKYk/9KjEfdqu4d4PYVAYlpGhNZ9n-oLms2i1gCHMYCw/Cabin-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Our cabin located in Croftville, MN, just north of Grand Marais. The ground drops off at the side of the cabin down to the rocky shore. Yes, the lake is right there!</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">This cozy abode is just the right fit for us with everything one needs, including lots of windows with lake views and a fire ring! </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbG240oA4aI/W5VrZAXSRKI/AAAAAAAAKYo/YT2SvBbw0fMh7T_lKU8AjI_IwhyhdmYVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cabin-2-090720183"><img width="279" height="209" title="Cabin 2 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cabin 2 09072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2TDPYamk_I/W5VrZlkMefI/AAAAAAAAKYs/OEKHYEo-aNc5d-jn7xfHxVFAW2jyUt3PQCHMYCw/Cabin-2-09072018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>View of Lake Superior from cabin porch</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S__-xIPPsnU/W5VraO7Oi7I/AAAAAAAAKYw/cLcr0FWhQf8EHADKgIiqMJMJgE-LpL3EQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cabin-3-090720183"><img width="418" height="209" title="Cabin 3 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cabin 3 09072018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifw8lq7Vxv9kqkD-c891lXDAVawbZCBZiqzt2yt0xvb9bILvK2Kta3vZS1Blt5SkfK4vj19mCGvZM5Y9PjINuRJFUQFAewwswEVoa-AKXTCiJfX7j_6P0Nwq5oHZyC-JIQovl5Lc7C0JK/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>View of cabin from the beach</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22R5SOKC-88/W5Vra2n7mII/AAAAAAAAKY4/NLLVwwrOVMkPb7q3xlKxJYXtOwY05ZP-gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cabin-4-090820183"><img width="279" height="209" title="Cabin 4 09082018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cabin 4 09082018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWLUzRQhHFA/W5VrbRa7ykI/AAAAAAAAKY8/I00Wv6dzQokQlOZJs8MCL6xqJt9mWhN5wCHMYCw/Cabin-4-09082018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Looking out the kitchen table window</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8HGwJ878-8/W5Vrb4O-CfI/AAAAAAAAKZA/oxajQut0cyQqwPiqrk_if7KbjdAN1aohQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cabin-5-090720183"><img width="279" height="209" title="Cabin 5 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cabin 5 09072018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdCMKReFIvIod9oFeZ5l7amm1vwtgy_ksBduYWOzmKX-Pf90iuwSDH3bDxlwpDNnMS2erxVyQGFGJXCag0S32ZKSoToWh1q1GfNX_uhePm5gEMjyNPlyxlpGCf1Ki4JlVdefP_cOnkJG9/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Start of campfire on arrival night. First campfire in 4 years!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">As you can see, we are right on Lake Superior. Boy, is it noisy with waves crashing onto the rocky shoreline! It’s more like being at the ocean shore! The first night it took me a while to go to sleep, perhaps combined with the excitement of being here. Last night, well, the waves lulled me to sleep.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Grand Marais is really a tourist mecca, and the cost of food and goods reflects that. Another factor is that it is really away from cities of any real size. We’re not really into touristy stuff, spending most of our time here at the cabin. The “lake experience” is what this is really about for us. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We’ve had campfires both nights so far and will again on this final night here. This … the sharing of time spent by the fire, the simplicity of just <em><strong>“be-ing”</strong></em> is what makes our memories.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Being here, it’s really about the lake. She is majestic, powerful, beautiful and fascinating. And huge! </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">------------</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Here’s a few Lake Superior fun facts from <a href="https://www.lakesuperior.com/the-lake/lake-superior/how-big-is-lake-superior/" target="_blank">Lake Superior.com</a>:</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">World's largest freshwater lake covering 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometres), or roughly the size of Maine – and holds 10 percent of the world's surface fresh water.</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Length: 350 miles (560 kilometres)</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Width: 160 miles (260 kilometres)</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Volume: 3 quadrillion gallons, or 2,900 cubic miles (12,100 cubic kilometres)</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Shoreline: 1,826 miles (2,938 kilometres)</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Average depth: 483 feet (147 metres)</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Maximum depth: 1,276 feet (389 metres) - Note: Some sources put it at around 1,333 feet in depth</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Note: Another source says it is the size of all the other Great Lakes + 3 additional Lake Eries</font><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">------------</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We can’t even see the coastline on the other side from here, something one can do at other points. We also are not on shipping lines (there’s a website for that, too!), so we don’t see ships from here. Lake Superior has “tides” of a sort twice daily of around 0.5 to 1.5 feet. Seriously, sounds like one is at the seaside here with the waves crashing against the rocky shore. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We have had campfires both nights and will again tonight. Once the fire is out, we enjoy looking at the night sky. What was that line from <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em> – “My God. It’s full of stars!” Well, yes, it is. I don’t think either of us can remember a night sky so filled with stars. It is seriously awesome. The only thing that would top off our stay here would be experiencing Northern Lights, but that’s not in the forecast. We were told they appear straight up in the sky, not on the horizon like at home. Just. Look. Up. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">It is simply amazing to be here … this experience. Wow.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Along the lines of the beach house we rented for some holidays in Cape May during our years in New Jersey, this cabin is a place where we would return.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">This trip has been pretty much of one of reconnaissance. We have learned that we <strong><em>can</em></strong> make the trip here in one day, although it would be a long one. We know that this cabin is a good fit for us. We know that we would plan our entire stay here, and would bring our own food provisions and grill to do meals here at the cabin. Eating out in Grand Marais is extremely expensive and choices are limited. We find it more relaxing to do our own meals, anyway. Of course, that doesn’t preclude a trip (or two) to <a href="http://www.worldsbestdonutsmn.com/" target="_blank">World’s Best Donuts</a>! Today was our second visit there!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I would like to get up to Grand Portage and perhaps even Thunder Bay in Canada; however, we just don’t have time this trip. We’ll save that for a future visit!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All in all, we’re having a lovely holiday. We head home tomorrow. It’s nice to get away, and it’s nice to return home. We’ll have two full days before returning to work. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">With that in mind, I’m outta here to go soak up the environment!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-27093599141146192142018-09-09T11:55:00.001-04:002018-09-09T12:15:09.175-04:00North Shore Trip Part 1–Bucket List Item<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">One of the things I wanted to do when I lived in Minnesota years ago was a trip to the North Shore, including Grand Marais. Well, it’s finally happening, albeit 11 years later. I’m ticking off a bucket list item!</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">We started last Tuesday, the 4th, with our destination for 3 nights being Two Harbors, MN. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5w_Rq3nxLGE/W5VCREszMHI/AAAAAAAAKW4/srL2oP3GHHMyzlZXCQYGw1ASMw2-d_WYgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lighthouse%2Band%2Bship%2B2%2BHarbors%2B09042018%255B6%255D"><img width="356" height="254" title="Lighthouse and ship 2 Harbors 09042018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lighthouse and ship 2 Harbors 09042018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-raNeQy84zCk/W5VCRoNT-yI/AAAAAAAAKW8/tajq6g9pd94FUepRTATBBgLnlkrJ4bI5gCHMYCw/Lighthouse%2Band%2Bship%2B2%2BHarbors%2B09042018_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>First evening, down to the harbor</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Dave rode his bike each morning, and we had two lovely main meals out during our stay. The big thing here is the harbor and the iron ore docks, which are still in use today.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yT2t1W7AMCg/W5VCRx3cePI/AAAAAAAAKXA/qQ4ybLdeV8s1LcdwbafBgleFOCZ3RZ9-QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_4584%255B3%255D"><img width="433" height="158" title="IMG_4584" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_4584" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDyrUXGxh2k/W5VCSXPwONI/AAAAAAAAKXE/dlM2YuDizgUli9uXIOezAT2oHuOQfirhgCHMYCw/IMG_4584_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Cargo ship taking on iron ore at the docks</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AbcZKF6Rr4/W5VCSjAW2oI/AAAAAAAAKXI/KGl522FQXJMM_LBRaCYSaPnGji7d660YQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Night%2Bship%2BTwo%2BHarbors%2B09062018%255B3%255D"><img width="433" height="122" title="Night ship Two Harbors 09062018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Night ship Two Harbors 09062018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IM-yMKuaeXM/W5VCTP2WViI/AAAAAAAAKXM/I6mkaoon9OkT0m7jGxDCa4WXplquSecdgCHMYCw/Night%2Bship%2BTwo%2BHarbors%2B09062018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Dave having worked in the taconite mines a bit during our time in <a href="http://www.hibbing.mn.us/visitors/facts-history" target="_blank">Hibbing</a> (on the Iron Range) and with his history of being a pipefitter on naval vessels, this was interesting to both of us. Using a website that lists harbor traffic, we made two attempts at being down at the harbor for their arrivals. Unfortunately, shipping schedules allow for quite a bit of leeway. We did get to see one fairly close to the harbor entrance, but its ETA was bumped out a couple of hours, so we decided not to hang around. Good thing, because the ETA was later extended until 11 PM! Really was interesting to see one that close, and would have been awesome to get a truly “up close and personal” experience as it entered the harbor but … oh well. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">After a relaxing stay in Two Harbors, we headed off on the 2nd part of our adventure up to a cabin on the shore of Lake Superior just outside Grand Marais. Check-out time at the hotel was 11 AM with check-in at the cabin at 4 PM, so we had 5 hours to travel about 87 miles. We had plenty of time for stops along the way!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NoZKIGChJgCqLzpQwIDNSJRrx4Dntv54bU48hjo9Yx1W1HZEnd_5hyUcA8055Nhuj6dCva21IhkcmNpnLr1cqP9kHIOwDbpU6gvzc9EqZUCgvI9dxIQMNEx1mOd8nlaYwDpcQHONmElr/s1600-h/Cascade+River+Falls+09072018%255B5%255D"><img width="170" height="241" title="Cascade River Falls 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cascade River Falls 09072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cZ_ZrqXOUgI/W5VCUDb6ITI/AAAAAAAAKXU/UuBq3jdb4mMNEJhAVPJNCYv0nDPajZVqACHMYCw/Cascade%2BRiver%2BFalls%2B09072018_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>We stopped at </em><a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00133#homepage" target="_blank"><em>Cascade River State Park</em></a><em> and took a short hike to view the falls</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Whenever we saw an interesting scenic overlook (and there were a bunch!) along Highway 61, we’d pull over for a bit. Our next planned stop was <a href="http://www.mnhs.org/splitrock" target="_blank">Split Rock Lighthouse.</a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85LBPkc4vik/W5VCUQTx7iI/AAAAAAAAKXY/nYjX8e9GO9QNZQE5lrzaWiHL-crQibLEgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Split%2BRock%2BLighthouse%2B1%2B09072018%255B3%255D"><img width="433" height="185" title="Split Rock Lighthouse 1 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Split Rock Lighthouse 1 09072018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs7SzErsFx73EFfHMXzdQ0gxmztO2vHKrpa-4BbEj1s-DndGyUu2jDqBVpXmEaTtPtZ-bCD-QcAyfYeS85FVWjNySPYNm9-d1K23GQZKjChqtzTTO0276OImv0ZN3oJZsFKoC9VUfsfDN/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>View of Split Rock from scenic overlook</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fq-lTRHY8EztL4IXwqYguAWL0_5KrmjmTSTTr2_xcOtXuMeBBJdGHCLLORrUHPz61i5Zij_vC18MvmSVWY4LUOBKwyM6uQRAeOhNSktgVvMU8XS-BQhrdAOK74PwI2hEUD5E-KyHsS5z/s1600-h/Split+Rock+Lighthouse+2+09072018%255B3%255D"><img width="139" height="209" title="Split Rock Lighthouse 2 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Split Rock Lighthouse 2 09072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jReZkb-38U0/W5VCV8A0J7I/AAAAAAAAKXk/iFZPCiCvMqUjXS1_Lx_wQ6tjST2M8VgzQCHMYCw/Split%2BRock%2BLighthouse%2B2%2B09072018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9YgOgUf5g6cqc7vDKGyrlIDXb4Yhdt2hi5sngzd-7oNwt8q091oE59hGL_gDD85lPgcluwAuhQKHvKPh2od0F7vu0J307ltZsfiRPixDszPH7NgKZxfEL-xm2fYBQQ9Prk-SkAEeek0t/s1600-h/Split+Rock+Lighthouse+3+09072018%255B3%255D"><img width="423" height="209" title="Split Rock Lighthouse 3 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Split Rock Lighthouse 3 09072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beq0VXj7lk4/W5VCWezPO6I/AAAAAAAAKXs/0f63nMids5U-vkxfyi2OyccQLF63grUkgCHMYCw/Split%2BRock%2BLighthouse%2B3%2B09072018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>View from base of lighthouse</em></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZeredbuJk1o/W5VCW3sigqI/AAAAAAAAKXw/ADR-aB5j2F4BZjrtusOyiR28PN7tkh7mgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Split%2BRock%2BLighthouse%2B4%2B09072018%255B7%255D"><img width="433" height="159" title="Split Rock Lighthouse 4 09072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Split Rock Lighthouse 4 09072018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbbVx6nGvnFCPvx4FfcpyhB7ePJxJzbs2TCIZHiwIxIYIUZ0zgSqbgkxWtlKF99nwWgUu3qVhkTW9EuVB4vb2A_4RB0VNTWGJ9DUodJiwNFFN3pnFMvg4IBNMVeheJ8Gswyv16PzAg746/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">You’ve probably heard about the </font><a href="https://youtu.be/K6DUFPNILvM" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Edmund Fitzgerald from Gordon Lightfoot’s song</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Interestingly, the maintenance guy for our community had a grandfather who sailed on the Edmund Fitzgerald, although he was not aboard that fateful night.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Traveling north on 61, Lake Superior is to one’s right. </font><a href="https://www.northshorevisitor.com/communities/scenic-61/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">There is so much to see and do</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, but the predominant feature is the lake herself.</font> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYOkZCj0l14/W5VCX2_ptGI/AAAAAAAAKX4/UylguJVp_UApSpIGwSzjva_TmOM3n6VRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BSuper%2Bat%2BKnife%2BRiver%2B09052018%255B3%255D"><img width="387" height="209" title="Lake Super at Knife River 09052018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Super at Knife River 09052018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT-gjkQ_bZFt8Jg0bSQzVkD6XoRs5R9XLGW02cqZisUg5XrQ1gudxJfHkPjTqBJpt8liIyUw5mTyFeDyVImAkKSb_PRPSmxJLZtrZfYNB1ND6zyWY_nn2Vxa8N-pfk_qMiIh40jZmSVUH/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Lake Superior at Knife River</font></em></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Looks like this will need to be a two-part effort, so I’ll end here for now!</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><p align="justify">Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-88502215826920669492018-07-25T12:46:00.001-04:002018-07-25T12:46:53.078-04:00Summer is moving along<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4">We are moving right through summertime, and I’m definitely fine with that. It has felt like we’ve had warmer weather this year as compared to last and, sure enough, there have been days when I’ve checked. Last year there were days when we were 20+ degrees cooler on the same date this year. Wow. Still, it’s much better than parts south of us, and there’s no 80-degree days in the forecast for the coming week. </font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">The annual Water Carnival was held earlier this month, and we went for a stroll through like we did last year. We first went in the afternoon, but there really wasn’t anything going on. We decided to return again that evening.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HCCL2IvmDdM/W1ipa96R65I/AAAAAAAAKVc/4g_E3nOpafEz4zjun-gDxfziT5puhv7fgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B3%255B10%255D"><img width="382" height="287" title="Water Carnival 07032018 3" style="margin: 0px auto; border-image: none; float: none; display: block;" alt="Water Carnival 07032018 3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pCV_ZNK_YvA/W1ipbNGxxgI/AAAAAAAAKVg/MYmfJmFeMDIF6UjSJUXwlYPET1Fp48jMgCHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B3_thumb%255B8%255D?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">We’ve decided that evening is indeed the best time to go. More people, music and lights from the rides … just much more “festival-like.”</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k1pkVpZui2s/W1ipbdtXrXI/AAAAAAAAKVk/zqhxAIsjVtAzz9kE1mMl1zDga4G-swlMgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B4%255B5%255D"><img width="433" height="209" title="Water Carnival 07032018 4" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 07032018 4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wf-epwE9xCM/W1ipb3k3r7I/AAAAAAAAKVo/D-J7AFlfeFcJYFGFcGL4RyNDWIpSyE_TwCHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B4_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-21zBFnKZFu4/W1ipcHCHXQI/AAAAAAAAKVs/PsHaYpu4FIM65wsjthpX6sNru6HxzdTSACHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B6%255B3%255D"><img width="429" height="259" title="Water Carnival 07032018 6" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 07032018 6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPTAnOwuw4k/W1ipcW5-F6I/AAAAAAAAKVw/Tf2H-Vvfb14HUFPGBpyGiIFhzn_ygtI2wCHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B6_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6qpRQEKHPo/W1ipczC0F1I/AAAAAAAAKV0/1B__-PxOPbgB1nEae4DARFA3z0ijB37DQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B1%255B4%255D"><img width="294" height="392" title="Water Carnival 07032018 1" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 07032018 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MTUM_uVP6RU/W1ipdMCXeyI/AAAAAAAAKV4/7RTqRJ-m_rY3L0fSXCbfLxkcvh57UYyOACHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B07032018%2B1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://www.visitbemidji.com/" target="_blank">Bemidji</a> was voted <a href="http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/Minnesota-Life/Best-MN-Town-Bemidji/" target="_blank">Best Minnesota Town in 2017 by the magazine <em>Minnesota Monthly</em></a>, so for a week in July we had this down at the Visitors Center by Lake Bemidji …</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WwPm08vUOM/W1ipdvLIh4I/AAAAAAAAKV8/Oqc1QzsLsgcSMOBlDNH2e7-tmxqmxzwFACHMYCw/s1600-h/Only%2Bin%2BMN%2Bsign%2B07122018%255B4%255D"><img width="499" height="233" title="Only in MN sign 07122018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Only in MN sign 07122018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JpXSJmdBTFs/W1ipdzgcCoI/AAAAAAAAKWA/aRntLTynkvwKhUDA5gijYWOIatRXZfXEgCHMYCw/Only%2Bin%2BMN%2Bsign%2B07122018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Snapped my own photo late on the last night it was here</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Early in July I attended volunteer training for our local animal shelter, <a href="http://www.greatriverrescue.com/" target="_blank">Great River Rescue</a>. I’m enjoying socializing kitties and looking forward to helping out in other ways in the future. We’re still contemplating adopting a kitty later this year. We’ll see!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">What else? The tomatoes keep coming off our hanging basket plant. We’ve started playing chess again on one of our “weekend” evenings, and our games are intense and fun as usual. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SepNWs1EoZY/W1ipeO6MnFI/AAAAAAAAKWE/tpAJYq1LekcTiPTvwkb51Y-DckfrdsfZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Evening%2B07082018%255B3%255D"><img width="401" height="267" title="Evening 07082018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Evening 07082018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VcYJ7tP9osU/W1ipeQBHfMI/AAAAAAAAKWI/yiZnMtjXB4IhMiGdZEVeOgKQ3C_q4ya9wCHMYCw/Evening%2B07082018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>July evening from our porch</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">In family news, my uncle Virgil passed peacefully earlier this month at age 92. We talked frequently by phone and, a couple of weeks before his passing, I took a day and went to <a href="http://www.hibbing.mn.us/visitors/facts-history" target="_blank">Hibbing</a> for an in-person visit. It was a good-bye visit, and we both knew it. Such a special time spent together, and I’m grateful I was able to see him one last time. He was my “second dad,” and I’m also grateful for his presence in my life all these years.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iuGuRR9uoFs/W1ipevvpr2I/AAAAAAAAKWM/NqNRIoGkoRwEVceFb9nsvEcXaC7Hg9lNQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Nano%2BVirgil%2BBetty%2BCedar%2BPark%255B3%255D"><img width="257" height="297" title="Nano Virgil Betty Cedar Park" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Nano Virgil Betty Cedar Park" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mEuJ37hECjc/W1ipe5LaGgI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/ApbbyeYWY2Aa5ckiSD7e8_9dKu11jp8dACHMYCw/Nano%2BVirgil%2BBetty%2BCedar%2BPark_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Aunt Nano (who passed several years ago), me, and Uncle Virgil in 2009, on their visit to us in Texas</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Our North Shore trip is booked for later in the year, and we’re soooo looking forward to that! It will be our first “real” vacation in 4+ years. We’ve booked a wee cabin right on Lake Superior for a few nights. Yay!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Life is percolating along nicely. The days and weeks fly by! It won’t be long before Winter is on our doorstep once again, along with snow! We did well last year by purchasing quality winter gear, so we’re all set and looking forward to the magic that comes with that season. <em><strong>Season</strong></em>, heck. If it’s a repeat of last Winter, we’re talking 7 months with snow on the ground. Hahaha!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">“Bring it,” I say. It wasn’t so bad at all, and will be even easier now that we have a garage for our car. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Okay, stuff to do, so I’m outta here for now. Life is Guid!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Ya’ll be safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><font face="Calibri" size="4"><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p></font>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-26841615030211111912018-06-07T12:47:00.001-04:002018-06-07T12:47:02.717-04:00Summertime on the patio<p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O19edKZKV9U/WxlheA3Lj0I/AAAAAAAAKUE/fuatlEr6mnUVj-7Jm6twOV8frHzE2UnpwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Patio%2Bin%2Bevening%2B05252018%255B3%255D"><img width="432" height="265" title="Patio in evening 05252018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Patio in evening 05252018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cy_OG_tBNC4/Wxlhemj69BI/AAAAAAAAKUI/koXgYl5XNx42kq4aeenwr4_eR4KEXkOrACHMYCw/Patio%2Bin%2Bevening%2B05252018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Our patio area in evening</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It’s back to work today after a pleasant “weekend,” our two days coming during midweek. Can’t say we did anything exciting, but we do enjoy our days off just “be-ing.”</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We’ve started playing chess again, usually at least one of the nights we’re off. See the table in between the chairs in the photo above? Turns out it’s just the right height for a chess table. As we progress through the summer months, you may just find us set up on the patio for a match or two in the evening. Right now it’s still a wee bit on the chilly side for that, so we’ve brought the table indoors and have the chess set on it.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8AjyZaJnPc/WxlhfEwVavI/AAAAAAAAKUM/XGOY6BZTNdk4XCXib1wErKaY5QPFl62XwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Flowers%2Bin%2Bfront%2B06052018%255B4%255D"><img width="427" height="280" title="Flowers in front 06052018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Flowers in front 06052018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fY282Baj-NM/Wxlhfggf87I/AAAAAAAAKUQ/FcSv7qRbPYoxqZXgLZ4513V4jbY9Ca3VACHMYCw/Flowers%2Bin%2Bfront%2B06052018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Residents in our community are not allowed to plant <em><strong>in </strong></em>the flowerbeds, but we can place pots around. Flamingo now has a bit of company and color to the front of our townhome. Folks have all sorts of decorations, potted plants and bird feeders in their flowerbeds and on their patios. It’s fun to walk around and see what everyone has. I’m pleased with ours this year. Last year being our first summer her, we really didn’t do much with our area. This year, however, it’s cozy, cheery and pleasant.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’m grateful that we do have a patio area where we can just step outdoors instead of a typical apartment with no immediate access to the outside! We feel we have the best location in the community located on the far side. Our entrance and patio area are both very private.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">One needs to remember that whatever one puts out on the patio, one will need to bring in once Winter starts to appear. The plants will succumb to Mother Nature’s chill and the decorations will be stored in our garage. Put the Summer things in and bring the snow shovel out!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73eBnv9Fe0c/Wxlhfxh0MEI/AAAAAAAAKUU/3R-UUGyXX848xJC99kPVbNkByP1H11X6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Clematis%2B06052018%255B2%255D"><img width="206" height="274" title="Clematis 06052018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Clematis 06052018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-84ESlacF92E/WxlhgcdjcZI/AAAAAAAAKUY/7trNSTT3cu8hfQlStxK8FO9ov-FjvQWBACHMYCw/Clematis%2B06052018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">At our site in New Jersey, I had a lovely clematis. Have been wanting another and found this cutie the other day. Repotted it and am hoping the blooms will indeed be the dark violet/purple color. Should find out pretty soon, as there are a couple of blooms waiting to open! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6LkY6g744Fsqe1qT-UICcxywEwTGYDQmgYXKsVVWVeZlD4DQqXMUU4XWymBr9I3FdGNV4eJslEo1PXJBRtmukpdNP4thTrV4z1NaZ8B2lr8HeFs76jAxFOx9HJcM5gve0gErVC9PJnM_/s1600-h/Roma+tomato+plant+06072018%255B2%255D"><img width="214" height="274" title="Roma tomato plant 06072018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Roma tomato plant 06072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nun8Qh4Ar7o/WxlhhX5ANRI/AAAAAAAAKUg/gd6EfaHF0r0BFsQE9CuLdQx98XYLLvJugCHMYCw/Roma%2Btomato%2Bplant%2B06072018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">The newest – and probably final – plant addition this year is a Roma tomato! We’ll see how that does. If it and the cherry tomato plant produce, we’ll have tomatoes galore!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It’s June, but feels more like April with the exception of about 2-3 days of temps in the high 80s. No complaints about that, but thinking it’s going to be a short summer! Realistically, we have about 2.5 more months of “summer.” With the arrival of September, it’s anybody’s guess. We could ease into a nice autumn phase or … it might just start snowing with Winter fully upon us! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">For now, it’s enjoyment of the sunshine and warmth!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Hope your days are sunny and pleasant!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Ya’ll stay safe out there, okay? Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-27606633873337965422018-05-31T12:32:00.003-04:002018-05-31T12:36:36.599-04:00Wrapping up May<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We had a lovely 4-day mini vacation, staying home but making day trips. <a href="http://lifeisguid2013.blogspot.com/2018/05/day-trip-to-itasca-state.html" target="_blank">One of those included an outing to Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River.</a> We’re fortunate that so many state parks are just a short drive from home!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Weird – I notice the date on my post about the Itasca State Park outing is May 16. Really? We were on vacation from the 21st through the 24th, and the trip occurred during our time off. Looks like Blogger was off about a week on that post. I’ll be curious to see what date shows up for this one.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We wandered over to <a href="http://parkrapids.com/" target="_blank">Park Rapids</a> one day, just because we could!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-APmV35K5CvQ/WxAjrIqOCdI/AAAAAAAAKTE/3v8-YQH_jeUGGb6gm25irYm9yKGbu0xrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Park%2BRapids%2B1%2B05232018%255B5%255D"><img width="403" height="366" title="Park Rapids 1 05232018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Park Rapids 1 05232018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOz2AuGLZTU/WxAjrvwKQqI/AAAAAAAAKTI/myRi4c-LvEEPKpUkne3ngzrboVhZXgwxACHMYCw/Park%2BRapids%2B1%2B05232018_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We strolled down the main drag, stopping in a few shops here and there. Just playing tourist a bit. The population of Park Rapids is just around 4,000, so it’s not large by any means. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zP9_wWpfBh8/WxAjsL19q_I/AAAAAAAAKTM/3WRbWM2TJy4cBLKB8YlMri6BX_j4FYtKQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Park%2BRapids%2B2%2B05232018%255B4%255D"><img width="482" height="205" title="Park Rapids 2 05232018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Park Rapids 2 05232018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1L89n9syoY/WxAjsY-qPpI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/Q2xvalHDNTILCowgxahbksqZeCT0kg0dQCHMYCw/Park%2BRapids%2B2%2B05232018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>That’s not traffic in the middle of the street; it’s parking! </em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I had not seen a Ben Franklin store in … well, I just don’t remember. It’s been that long, and I had no idea there were still any in existence. Just had to duck in there for a wee look around. It contained literally just about everything! It was like stepping back in time a few decades.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">One thing we did notice was the high cost of goods, even in Ben Franklin. Yikes! I wonder if that is because it is such a small town and is pretty much geographically away from everything. There is a Walmart there, but we didn’t see it. Park Rapids does have community activities and festivals, and I bet during summer months it is busy due to its proximity (there ya go, Sue!) to Itasca State Park.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">At any rate, it was a nice run for the Wee Beastie and for us. Yes, it really was that cloudy in the photos!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3y0jxu-moMI/WxAjs02JAII/AAAAAAAAKTU/FeYSB_zfnxkZ5baNwFMMLMVyDMf2k9rrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Patio%2B05312018%255B4%255D"><img width="421" height="303" title="Patio 05312018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Patio 05312018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LpbyqNeJDCA/WxAjtAkNAoI/AAAAAAAAKTY/30vQmxQG8ogcQ9HBoDHEYRlWt_hXKwUngCHMYCw/Patio%2B05312018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Our patio with some new additions this year. The yard crew will be around soon to mow the grass.</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AyX1bdkeyUw/WxAjttllgpI/AAAAAAAAKTc/VNPVUdbZovUdXWnmYFbyKx2kGJBXLz87ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Raining%2Bsomewhere%2B05252018%255B3%255D"><img width="401" height="301" title="Raining somewhere 05252018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Raining somewhere 05252018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F0j54xiE3yw/WxAjtyUhD9I/AAAAAAAAKTg/0Yz4TuLd-8YJ6zplMAOS89XJWux4kol3QCHMYCw/Raining%2Bsomewhere%2B05252018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">It was raining somewhere on this evening.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtEosntuUj8wGSevLm2YhduBjP0JcYKeADhM_z3cIOVYWnaHY_k8Rgt8rj6IuSUGM6MqKqvkDE3k_Yb7CHJZ2vctMJTS5EFBgIeSyRdj47bCsCnDZCO33xMThXlWuHKRp0hTKjODUQv8I/s1600-h/Sculpture+walk+05222018%255B4%255D"><img width="405" height="304" title="Sculpture walk 05222018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Sculpture walk 05222018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHmMt1uq2rk/WxAjuu6OfxI/AAAAAAAAKTo/EN3b4x2mD8ANSs10q3F8xyoytcp0lx-KgCHMYCw/Sculpture%2Bwalk%2B05222018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">One of the pieces from Bemidji’s 2018 <a href="http://www.bemidjisculpture.org/" target="_blank">Sculpture Walk</a>. (The website has not been updated for this year yet.) In addition to the sculptures, there are various painted dogs throughout downtown this year. This one was, of course, outside Lucky Dogs, a hot dog café!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We’ve resumed our usual routine of work and life after a pleasant respite. It was good to get out and about, but we also enjoyed just hanging out at home and truly relaxing. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">There is another vacation in the planning stages, this one a #MNbucketlist item for yours truly! We’re looking at doing <a href="http://www.northshorevisitor.com/attractions/mile-by-mile/" target="_blank">the Highway 61 North Shore drive</a> in early Fall. As former full-time RVers, this is not a massive undertaking, but will take a wee bit of planning. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Looks like fun!</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Stay safe out there, okay? Thanks for stopping by!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-8374835599549389572018-05-16T19:57:00.001-04:002018-05-16T19:57:14.198-04:00Day Trip to Itasca State Park–Mississippi Headwaters<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4TMqsaUMYUoxPuXm12DhoAKjozaAitIqaXAPRa0GCSE7D1aSJwbOzvX4ADk4Oa-8sbe-E3lanwGQ3FSfXmazX5GZhCCQcAYVZIQtnQMwtZBHtwX9E3hNfxpV_LxbtxgL_JrCOUlEnNNG/s1600-h/Itasca+SP+05162018+8%255B4%255D"><img width="319" height="480" title="Itasca SP 05162018 8" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jz8cEdQhwCo/WvzFQqnmgrI/AAAAAAAAKRg/5Pu09GnmNP4omvfNz6PFwJc8ikmL_T0WACHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B8_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Dave had a bike ride this morning, and then we hopped in Wee Beastie for a run of about 35 miles south on Hwy 71 to <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage" target="_blank">Itasca State Park</a>. As you can see from the photo above, this is the origin of the Mississippi River! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3nAPOwKI4to6R4RxttpLiIzvwdCOdEyb7HoeGdb16EWuPWvjSq8bQNG2LQthqIeTXgz1UkrEjHfy4ISWnqHVhgatjv5yaRnfnJVNAvnSVI73lJQX7M9Kyf8sZBHp3kszYVZxbtDnINy_/s1600-h/Itasca+SP+05162018+9%255B4%255D"><img width="421" height="279" title="Itasca SP 05162018 9" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZL1rGN5tc0/WvzFRv_j7fI/AAAAAAAAKRo/h4cAcd04Yt4d7LNH3z-1xmJJk4jYzcyQQCHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B9_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>There is a small beach there, and we both put hand in the water. <strong>Cold</strong> water, that is.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We could not have asked for nicer weather today! I think we peaked at 85 F, which was warm but comfortable. I took along my “real” camera, but didn’t use the telephoto lens. At least the camera got out of its bag for an outing!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7p1g6JNsF88/WvzFR3-txKI/AAAAAAAAKRs/SBpQWOf2rM4JvafTRfAmn4RFnizNcwxhACHMYCw/s1600-h/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B7%255B4%255D"><img width="457" height="219" title="Itasca SP 05162018 7" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hDs31MdVJFg/WvzFSMc5TvI/AAAAAAAAKRw/5Gpw1fRHZLwfO2WrZeGAOLucRJJLLIy3ACHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B7_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Here is where the water spills out of the lake and begins its journey as the Mighty Mississippi</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park, having been established in 1891. It’s pretty large at more than 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes. <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#information" target="_blank">You can read more about the park’s history here.</a> </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We parked at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, strolled down to the headwaters and then walked the Schoolcraft Trail.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRwnSrPphmo/WvzFSU-mWDI/AAAAAAAAKR0/VOLrEX-5u_Qmz36uRZlLV4SoJ1YVw_V6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B10%255B4%255D"><img width="464" height="272" title="Itasca SP 05162018 10" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kgPrvRlY9gu7_J6yR7krZlmaZ-nMYo9Qlsabb-ZpeaxhMiJ0YmqoHZgTVSxLtad-e2ts3dxjwEFGL6_KLuprmmr0xrwlzWEHM-VT1BV4lemErFwXmUpIKRuoxkZKjISfXJCL3lyglLub/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>There’s a café and gift shop at the Center, but it’s still too early in the season for them to be open.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j5jNz63VCXU/WvzFTPdGHeI/AAAAAAAAKR8/biF-rMZA6nkvlTUu_l5LYl6LAwvJ8KkvACHMYCw/s1600-h/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B1%255B4%255D"><img width="466" height="254" title="Itasca SP 05162018 1" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hI1XVw8Oz5k/WvzFTpsGYtI/AAAAAAAAKSA/FrjS6ZVAzoc8RqVAETUJ5IZ02ewn8RfwQCHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-onTCghKJyMU/WvzFT0qDQaI/AAAAAAAAKSE/n43G28mM2-8tiL-6I_kE6r9HwS2JnJqRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B4%255B4%255D"><img width="461" height="307" title="Itasca SP 05162018 4" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8AMFDcXmyM/WvzFUMO8mcI/AAAAAAAAKSI/AUR9QS8vkS8qRWjay8vHByd7RMhiMdRFwCHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B4_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCTnbUbxU_w0pAtvg19HXFvFRmRP70sshVusz1gCBRar3fosLU7lUlUu-nCQhUTnk3zv_0PMcmwXwbp0Ht6z2NLqqBcdpspHtV_Jlwv7uR_kIdxfBj1fitr4TA3zb0n_UHbI1_VLd52WI/s1600-h/Itasca+SP+05162018+6%255B4%255D"><img width="461" height="307" title="Itasca SP 05162018 6" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KeCVyMVlRY/WvzFU-xaEKI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/08RfW-EnMDsKdFayH9e4t7SfPM9QDW-MACHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B6_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_BNsSD30F6ZfzZGnDOIg7kClM-CCLQuON4yD2ghMppRZzYDqJlJA76HN_xt6FErN6m6apdhd7AcP_NNSsRJ32Pj1KXAMwi_EFMYRkXopAUG6NAKpB78r5fE91vyIZcVV0RWTLDP17uZ/s1600-h/Itasca+SP+05162018+5%255B4%255D"><img width="475" height="228" title="Itasca SP 05162018 5" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pAiGn4sE1-s/WvzFVRWQJ_I/AAAAAAAAKSY/NrWWmKKClM0jZ1HoWXSFaYoHzhpxdqQWACHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B5_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>The 2 “dots” in the center of this photo, those are birds on the lake.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">After completing the trail, we drove the Wilderness Drive, which is a 10-mile, one-way loop. It begins at the Headwaters Center and brings you back to the main park office.</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HtP-3ATo2Q/WvzFVw5eBEI/AAAAAAAAKSc/36QIL4BXz8gxmTkjGGvt2Kh-Phd1GVSTgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B11%255B4%255D"><img width="552" height="195" title="Itasca SP 05162018 11" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Itasca SP 05162018 11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eCci0YTNrfQ/WvzFWJmNJ6I/AAAAAAAAKSg/6jockBIwvTYaNMfqD5qDwSQmv5DHg1mbgCHMYCw/Itasca%2BSP%2B05162018%2B11_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>To the left of center is a good-sized beaver dam! Biggest one we’ve seen in the wild.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We also saw a porcupine, but by the time we got close enough to get a really good look, he/she was meandering back into the forest. Oh well, at least we can say we’ve seen one in its natural environment!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Another reason for moving this far north is the fact that we are so close to several state parks. We hope to get out and make use of that proximity throughout the months of good weather.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Back home a few hours later, relaxed, and fed with leftovers from yesterday’s dinner. Getting out for a wee day trip – out in Mother Nature – makes me feel like I’ve had a <em><strong>real</strong></em> weekend.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We have a short work week of 4 days starting tomorrow, and then we’ll be taking a wee staycation of 4 days. I already have another couple of day trips in mind.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Hope you’re having a great week!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Stay safe out there, okay? Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-41377179860699070322018-05-15T14:17:00.001-04:002018-05-15T14:20:12.440-04:00We talked about a cat …<p><font face="Calibri" size="3">We talked about getting a cat, as cats are permitted in our townhome community. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’ve lived with cats before. Funny, cats don’t live with <strong><em>you</em></strong>; they condescend to allow <strong><em>you</em></strong> to live with <strong><em>them</em></strong>. Ha!</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">One of the cats I cohabitated with over the years was Rocky. He was indeed a Soul Mate.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cynLU8YF-VA/WvskH8UiIuI/AAAAAAAAKQM/MeMoGDAI5U8HWgkHQYxrxb5KQu2N_D5CQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Rocky%2Bin%2Bleaves%255B2%255D"><img width="365" height="250" title="Rocky in leaves" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rocky in leaves" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVttbR7LsLg/WvskId_apEI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/e7_nmaSSbK4yV-csNYWHHXVzrdqxtbAdQCHMYCw/Rocky%2Bin%2Bleaves_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Can you spot the cat?</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">He was such a character, a playmate, my buddy, and exhibited some dog traits in being my protector. And I was his Mom, his companion, his playmate, his protector.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">When someone would come to the front door, he would run to it and growl. On a few occasions, he positioned himself between me and dogs, growling. Yes, a <em><strong>cat</strong></em> did that! We would play … him up in a tree at about my eye level and we would play peek-a-boo … him “hiding” behind a branch and then “peeping” out. Oh, those were just some of the shenanigans we had! Often I would wake up with Rocky sitting on my chest, watching me. Yeah, okay, probably because he wanted me to get up and feed him, but …</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzQorZOcaQ4/WvskI8ljEVI/AAAAAAAAKQU/_qiJtOgdUskEhs-5_r4PjIrlQPWBAPVXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Rocky%2BChristmas%2B1986%2Bon%2BChantilly%2BLane%255B2%255D"><img width="365" height="250" title="Rocky Christmas 1986 on Chantilly Lane" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rocky Christmas 1986 on Chantilly Lane" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uoh9YgH84-A/WvskJKRSHOI/AAAAAAAAKQY/o8n1BMOXSlUxXIXTp2UDsWYYAWgJUU4egCHMYCw/Rocky%2BChristmas%2B1986%2Bon%2BChantilly%2BLane_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Rocky – Houston, TX – circa 1986</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I have lived with cats – usually more than one at a time - at different points in my life throughout the years, starting in my college days. Here’s a few …</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LLzKqDek3WY/WvskJrrMUSI/AAAAAAAAKQc/aTNE9fyK5iYOy6Hf_qWxoxGLUQMB0l9FgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Toto%2Bin%2BHouston%2Bin%2B1984%255B3%255D"><img width="365" height="256" title="Toto in Houston in 1984" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Toto in Houston in 1984" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50bOt8_9HiY/WvskKDpExrI/AAAAAAAAKQg/pOfblGKhKEk3ccW63hMUtrp34WsfOaQbgCHMYCw/Toto%2Bin%2BHouston%2Bin%2B1984_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Toto</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-muh9Qgu5Css/WvskKU6yAyI/AAAAAAAAKQk/1-B5g17DxSMnEcE66H8GDP4jNkyYOBQ7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Samantha%2B01%255B3%255D"><img width="173" height="274" title="Samantha 01" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Samantha 01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IfFZikcKqdM/WvskK6JdydI/AAAAAAAAKQo/epin3jvym9cVCLjsL5GtE3uvGp7aMp7qgCHMYCw/Samantha%2B01_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Samantha</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Rocky, Toto and Samantha were offspring of the cat who resided at the baseball park in El Paso where I worked. Their sibling Napoleon was also part of my life during that period.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0_3x2daV1CLIG1ifqzv935PPC0LTjONBtaWS5RQLkPOtpVrdRYMvMx7NNHv4Wjb2hGhyUJ0LGRSsBIWaLV7bS61XHzVZpz1m9ejkyfbQsv4_DDJhBqycvCbTEJG_1IaWXeqS0GxiXZ08/s1600-h/Quita+and+Snookums%255B3%255D"><img width="365" height="247" title="Quita and Snookums" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Quita and Snookums" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0eN8_1-uTAk/WvskLk9C0bI/AAAAAAAAKQw/l-OfLYnVPcgGJPmCgBFKm6E6aFSaEt-SgCHMYCw/Quita%2Band%2BSnookums_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Quita (left) and Snookums (right) circa 1990– These 2 were bonded and “adopted” off the street during a cold Winter in Houston. Quita showed up early one Winter morning. Fed her “just once” because it was cold and she was pitiful. Well, she again appeared with Snookums, the next day. The rest was history.</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnHpmvetdKA_I3_u4J4UUnPaqdYmFDCZq64mF8saws9PcBdVKYxQvGirOQTM8SkhAMHyiaGrnc36lWERfD3d7ZWoDGSxZKqTG6pP0geJUDL1on1KrtPOpH0P8Kx0sLM9Fa1cr0MjgfX5r/s1600-h/Red+September+2000+in+Brenham%255B3%255D"><em><img width="365" height="218" title="Red September 2000 in Brenham" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Red September 2000 in Brenham" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AvOHVjfzt-E/WvskMmWPfSI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/483VpLCRVOkrbe4zxIcJLzBrXj5MM0jXACHMYCw/Red%2BSeptember%2B2000%2Bin%2BBrenham_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></em></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Red (Brenham, TX, circa 2000), who abandoned his former home (complete with tags) where he wasn’t getting what he needed. This boy was the “thorn in my side,” the perpetual “awkward teenager,” one minute with my hand in his teeth, the next instant gently touching my face with his paw. I was “his,” as he so obviously indicated once by marking me! Never a dull moment with Red.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Each of those feline companions have left a paw print on my heart, but … Rocky and I had a <strong><em>connection</em></strong> that resides in the spiritual realm.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">So. Dogs not being permitted in our community, we have been tossing around the idea of bringing a kitty into our home. I even was looking at cat supplies in Walmart yesterday. I cruised the local shelter’s pages of adoptable cats. Yikes!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It has been 13 years since I have shared my home and life with a cat.</font></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’ve spent some time researching different setups for the litter box. <a href="https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-litter-boxes-and-accessories/cat-litter-boxes-and-pans/furniture-and-hidden-litter-boxes#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:3&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&" target="_blank">Did you know there is furniture for housing a litter box?</a> There are systems with which you can (supposedly) train your cat to use the toilet. Want a laugh? <a href="https://youtu.be/KpdYPhvLnGk" target="_blank">Check out this YouTube video of a woman’s attempt at toilet training her kitty.</a> Best outright laugh I’ve had in a while. You’ll “get it” if you’ve lived with a kitty.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">However. Much like attempting to configure space for a dining room table with no success, there simply is no practical place for a kitty litter box.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Yes, folks, it boils down to that. The litter box. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’m still toying around the with idea of volunteering in some capacity with our local shelter. Looks like that is the most viable option at this point.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">And that’s not a bad thing.</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Stay safe out there, okay? Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-21354596621688931552018-05-13T12:10:00.001-04:002018-05-13T12:10:22.653-04:00I Miss Being a Doggie Mom<p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Yes, I miss being a doggie mom. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVe19-gE-eE/WvhjaPhFLuI/AAAAAAAAKPs/Pvk4y0pLAasUoVIibAcNzvt6XqEJUFxlACHMYCw/s1600-h/Maggie%2BHappy%2BFace%2BSikeston%2BMO%2B2010%255B3%255D"><img width="309" height="314" title="Maggie Happy Face Sikeston MO 2010" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Maggie Happy Face Sikeston MO 2010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aRzLv58p9F8/Wvhjal332oI/AAAAAAAAKPw/yi1esrNnB1AB7SjgrmL-4ZQICND4cvSdwCHMYCw/Maggie%2BHappy%2BFace%2BSikeston%2BMO%2B2010_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Maggie Mae Barnes shared Life with us from 2010 until October 2016.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Most days I’m okay with a dogless life, but hey, it’s Mother’s Day. No card “From the Dog” again this year.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It is by choice at this point in my life that there are not paws heard in our home. One of the reasons we chose this senior community is the fact that dogs are not permitted.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">While that means our home is without a canine presence, my heart simply can no longer withstand seeing others treat their dogs in ways we would never dream of doing with one of our own. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Our dogs were family, and we treated them as such.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">That being said, if management were to reverse the no-dog policy, we’d be hightailing down to the shelter.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zs2MSe8x1r0/WvhjbDChqnI/AAAAAAAAKP0/wvfachNCaNYY3GiPqgIbRqqp4rZwmLFhACHMYCw/s1600-h/Baby%2B02192009%255B2%255D"><img width="365" height="274" title="Baby 02192009" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Baby 02192009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oEqn_ds_rDs/WvhjbeUqmtI/AAAAAAAAKP4/dlegJliUcMk9Ff2jVtIlxdl-6iJE7ELCwCHMYCw/Baby%2B02192009_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Baby, who shared Life with me – and then us – for about 12 years until crossing over The Rainbow Bridge in 2010.</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Maggie was the child Dave and I never had together. Baby, on the other hand, spent most of her years with me before Dave’s entrance on the scene. She was my protector, my strength, my playmate, my Soul Mate. She truly had more of the protector instinct in her and less of “being the child.” Perhaps that was the Shepherd in her makeup. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Maggie had health issues off and on during her life, and required quite a bit of care at times. Baby had no health issues her entire life, except those associated with age in her last year. She was pretty much “rock solid.”</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Maggie had the innocence and spirit of a child. Baby was a wise Old Soul and, although playful and silly, she tended to look after me probably more than she needed looking after.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Perhaps that’s why Maggie felt more of the “child” and why I’m missing her particularly fiercely today. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’m fine, really, and this will pass. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’m so very grateful for the years with Baby and Maggie, for the memories and love I carry in my heart now and always. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I can just picture the two of them together in the Afterlife. I am positive they are together and having fun, restored to youthfulness and health.</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I know, <strong><em>absolutely know</em></strong>, that they will be waiting for me when my time comes to cross over The Rainbow Bridge. </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Stay safe out there, okay? Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-14017533746419801122018-05-09T19:28:00.001-04:002018-05-09T19:28:55.524-04:00New cancer center progressing nicely<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We can see progress on the new <a href="https://www.sanfordhealth.org/newsroom/2016/01/sanford-bemidji-will-name-cancer-center-for-joe-lueken" target="_blank">Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center</a> from our front porch. All the buildings in blue are the new additions. The hospital complex are the brown/tan buildings to the left of the new construction. It’s been interesting to watch, especially the roofing endeavors over Winter.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wr786XJGUrk/WvOEMz-TJZI/AAAAAAAAKPU/ArnKribqlMsKv4DVEiyCsQP9jXoiU8dugCHMYCw/s1600-h/Construction%2B05092018%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="162" title="Construction 05092018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Construction 05092018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycHxktj3mAS1F4L_d2rnVMOf8hq3x1MRgSlzIWZa6x9iSgTHdLKFAB5kyruEF4C3tFsttu0VY_nzg2N1Blohd-xKnCE40dlkkGaOS46psim_NzUBxH__A2ywVyKk39crREDTfIkMDwA7U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Scheduled for opening in 2018. </font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All the land between here and there belongs to Sanford, so any future construction should be related to the medical center and not general commercial businesses. I like that. It’s also very convenient to be so close –walking distance - to healthcare. With other medical buildings to the west of the hospital, our immediate surroundings are essentially within a non-commercial area. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Today is our Sunday, our “weekends” being Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The day started off gloomy and chilly with light rain, a carryover from yesterday. Ugh. I got a head start on the work week by preparing Dave’s dinner for a few days, a chicken stir-fry. All done! Yay! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">About the time I straightened up the kitchen from that, it was decent enough for a walk. Yay for that, too! Really need to take advantage of these months and get outside, as Winter will be knocking on our door before we know it!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I think I’m liking the new look of the blog. I’ve always thought photos stand out better on a black background, so I’m pleased to have this looking more like it did in “the old days.” </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Hard to believe I’ve been blogging for almost 13 years, starting on a different platform back in 2005.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Two posts in 2 days! Woot! Don’t hold your breath for the next one!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Stay safe out there, okay?</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-14952831240784447452018-05-08T13:19:00.000-04:002018-05-08T14:27:10.674-04:00We Survived Winter!<p><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Yes, it was a long winter this year, having snow on the ground 7 calendar months.</font> </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGCF0TVJLY8/WvHr0AZ7qQI/AAAAAAAAKME/BRbgTiYmvxU5HtdLOqUHyGG3RU39cR6TACHMYCw/s1600-h/Plane%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B02242018%255B7%255D"><img width="501" height="190" title="Plane on Lake Bemidji 02242018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Plane on Lake Bemidji 02242018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOFWMPJd54BGwwxSQZaSaF_WGfEbGpeoLddeiS9UFLarXuXaizKNb_gmYjzjjYp2lR4HjsPREUyKEkQ6I6F-NiF648fYVc7PfqFVS3p1JNy6v1xL9ecZBzW0L8_Od1Vt8qlY0TdMc_VSv/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Plane on Lake Bemidji – February 2018</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">We didn’t have any real issues with the extreme cold temperatures and snow. Having lived in </font><a href="http://www.hibbing.mn.us/visitors/facts-history" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Hibbing</font></a><font face="Calibri"> years ago, we knew what to expect, so we were prepared both mentally and physically. Well, okay, there were a few times in April when we wondered if we would ever see bare ground again. Living with a white world for 7 months is … <strong><em>really different.</em></strong> Still, it is a relief that Spring/Summer is finally here! Things are greening up outside and our town’s inhabitants are once again enjoying outdoor seating at local restaurants, walking dogs, riding bikes, and the like. Convertibles are seen around town with tops down. I’ve even seen an RV or two already and a couple of boats being towed through town. During the height of Summer, there will be RVs all over the place, including clusters in the Walmart parking lot. </font><a href="https://www.visitbemidji.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Bemidji</font></a><font face="Calibri"> at times takes on the feeling and appearance of a cozy touristy lakefront community. Love it!</font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Our indoor plants provided us with greenery during the winter months. This aloe was one of the first plants I purchased when we arrived last April. It’s been doing some pretty cool things lately.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENRqPATuf48/WvHr0xdMFgI/AAAAAAAAKMM/Yk7ygpDZ_24jstQD71EJrcfEs8i-Bg5agCHMYCw/s1600-h/Aloe%2Bbloom%2B03252018%255B1%255D"><img width="245" height="436" title="Aloe bloom 03252018" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Aloe bloom 03252018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Y3QWbXzruM/WvHr1GAMNiI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/fGTvzlPmVoMucxZTopx1Cu5GZoD_iJSjgCHMYCw/Aloe%2Bbloom%2B03252018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>This stalk is close to 2 feet in length now and continues to produce new blooms.</em></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk79jIbeIGI/WvHcFySYCTI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/7ZiJ_qE7pFQSEAuHBfKB_AwSlDfV_P-1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Aloe%2Bbloming%2Bagain%2B05072018%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Aloe bloming again 05072018" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Aloe bloming again 05072018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dyL1fU3yAnA/WvHcGcbPq7I/AAAAAAAAKKU/JRwGWIjY8mophHvHIrJDwEBh00is8vPpACHMYCw/Aloe%2Bbloming%2Bagain%2B05072018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Yesterday I noticed a new stalk!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We zoomed up to a high of 83F yesterday, but today we have a steady, light rain falling and we’ll be lucky to kiss 60 outside the next few days. That’s okay, because we do need the rain.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">A couple of weeks ago, I satisfied my need for windshield time and went up the road about 25 miles to the town of </font><a href="http://www.blackduckmn.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Blackduck</font></a><font face="Calibri">.</font> </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fqsH9onpa4M/WvHr1VC-HkI/AAAAAAAAKMU/MBsb7g0aTdg6XNuCqgFpGMU-kOOy2sSDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Blackduck%2B04252018%255B1%255D"><img width="394" height="296" title="Blackduck 04252018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Blackduck 04252018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PRqD4Qnl2Hw/WvHr5kObR4I/AAAAAAAAKMY/BhSM3fUZoJwLoxzMcw2RnD3MV8hcMY_pACHMYCw/Blackduck%2B04252018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Minnesota bucket list item – see the Blackduck statue! Check!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">There’s a few parks, access points to Blackduck Lake, a few shops, surrounding resorts, and a café I’d like to try at some point in the future. The weather was absolutely stunning! Turned my tunes up to “blow out the windshield” volume and cruised through the countryside. Perfect.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">One has to make the most of the good-weather months up here, hence the road trip. I have a few more of those in mind for the coming months. Speaking of making the most, I added a few things to our patio area this year. Last year I had a couple of hanging baskets, and not much else. Knowing that </font><a href="https://www.naturesedgegardencenter.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Nature’s Edge Garden Center</font></a><font face="Calibri"> had tomato hanging baskets, I headed out there last week to get one before they’re sold out. Apparently they go quite quickly!</font></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJx97xCyRaE/WvHr6F8ZbkI/AAAAAAAAKMc/Wr44aruwkh8o0iFJGXC55f5piIwJsUg5QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Tomato%2Bplant%2B04302018%255B1%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Tomato plant 04302018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Tomato plant 04302018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypbjYpA6pWI/WvHr6RbdGCI/AAAAAAAAKMg/En_66iVQ2RwibpZiN20TjGK62ZlNgdWaACHMYCw/Tomato%2Bplant%2B04302018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>If all goes well, we’ll have cherry tomatoes!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Oh, I tell ya. I could have done some extreme damage to my bank account out there at Nature’s Edge. So many lovely plants, containers, outdoor décor … oh my!</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YBVh3XqeU5s/WvHr69IOAbI/AAAAAAAAKMk/OCWRfNCKeLgUm1TPi6eDgZo1aJDSzmhEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Natures%2BEdge%2BGarden%2BCenter%2B04302018"><img width="371" height="279" title="Natures Edge Garden Center 04302018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Natures Edge Garden Center 04302018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5MezznOvhAQ/WvHr7EZMKFI/AAAAAAAAKMo/JozX-E7T8vgGHWJ6uohpEGjyYi9Kq0kEQCHMYCw/Natures%2BEdge%2BGarden%2BCenter%2B04302018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>See what I mean??</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Menard’s is one of my fave places in town. They have a wee bit of everything. The rest of the patio decorations came from there.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CBJWKUij6Yo/WvHr7jCHuTI/AAAAAAAAKMs/_V9AxUp0HMsBzsnoAKH18dglabkdMy7GQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Entrance%2Bdecorations%2B05012018"><img width="353" height="265" title="Entrance decorations 05012018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Entrance decorations 05012018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xeKUzFrHla0/WvHr71GXJ2I/AAAAAAAAKMw/vpYWMYUGECwNXhRJ82sJ7erd7YqF89ZDgCHMYCw/Entrance%2Bdecorations%2B05012018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJ1kcfwmhVE/WvHr8XR0RrI/AAAAAAAAKM0/WB1Y8riVg3MvmAZWM1jYCgGrgAcX0NUbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Side%2Bpatio%2Bdecorations%2B05012018"><img width="245" height="327" title="Side patio decorations 05012018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Side patio decorations 05012018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B8NJgZy33BY/WvHr8nJmenI/AAAAAAAAKM4/3w5KVa1ayZ49Tb-11P5nN6tqMyzk_Qd5gCHMYCw/Side%2Bpatio%2Bdecorations%2B05012018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">We had 2 “pink chickens” aka flamingoes at the New Jersey site, and I saw these at Menard’s a few weeks ago and kept thinking about them. Finally asked Dave what he thought, and he voiced his approval, saying that they would remind him of our good times in NJ. So! Back I went to Menard’s, and these 2 cuties came home with me.</font> </font></p><p align="justify"><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUIyHb_A20Q/WvHcJoAJo-I/AAAAAAAAKLA/rPz-CWAuvXsrcoNWEpy8bSfBrtUVEZdCACHMYCw/s1600-h/Toad%2Bhouse%2B04252018%255B3%255D"><font size="3"></font></a><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DOjeDvXO7kU/WvHr9GuVq2I/AAAAAAAAKM8/Z1SB3dZjEjYy1iL4-5jhGrBuvz4CPNGxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Toad%2Bhouse%2B04252018"><img width="377" height="214" title="Toad house 04252018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Toad house 04252018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_S3tF4T3c4/WvHr9eVOs5I/AAAAAAAAKNA/S9Q6ALXeA1s-87A0pOKdscMKUjepP-G6gCHMYCw/Toad%2Bhouse%2B04252018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">If you look at the large boulder above from a certain angle, it really does look like a toad. In fact, we named it “Toad” pretty much on our first day here last year. We also did have a real-life toad visitor last Summer, so … Toad House seemed appropriate!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">You may notice no hanging decorations, no pots or patio table set, or anything really tall. That is because of the wind. Our townhome is on the back side of the community, and the wind on our patio/porch is incredible at times. We seem to get whirlwinds on windy days, including accumulations of leaves and what resembles tumbleweeds. It is quite often windy, so I really don’t want to risk hanging whirly-gigs and the like. We can place decorations in the flowerbeds, but planting is not allowed. I satisfy my “digging in the dirt” needs with a variety of indoor and outdoor potted plants. I’d love to have a large container with daylilies, but I just know they would be battered by the winds. Oh well!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">One has to also keep in mind that whatever goes out on the patio has to come indoors during Winter due to the extreme cold temperatures. The shepherd hooks stayed out and fared well, but everything else will need to be stowed indoors once cold weather begins. Spending a lot of money and acquiring large items just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We finally got a garage a couple of months ago!</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlY68XgxKfU/WvHr9x7gCrI/AAAAAAAAKNE/Seb0JIzmlYohtbWGLbeJw1hSX9T1ZfqUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Car%2Bin%2Bgarage%2B04282018"><img width="365" height="274" title="Car in garage 04282018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Car in garage 04282018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQndU3NIGiU/WvHr-DVWZeI/AAAAAAAAKNI/az-jInJYMfkx5O9HDBYqDYhGdnFdGi3CACHMYCw/Car%2Bin%2Bgarage%2B04282018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">There isn’t much room on either side; in fact, one can’t open the doors all the way. There is some room at the front for storage, but all that’s inside other than the car are a few things hanging on the wall – snow shovel, snowshoes, etc. It’s such a relief to have the car under shelter, not only during the Winter but in the event of severe storms during the summer months. We did have some hail last year, but no damage to the car. Yay for a garage!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"></font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"></font><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">After the weekly housecleaning on Sunday, I drove down to the south shore of Lake Bemidji for a wee stroll.</font> </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBtGkpQR_BsBn09nWzvuR-3YEmKFWb5yNz87SwuFi1lrxj6Lx6RgO4_ihBv7_0FOnPySDxEnOEF3CK4u7eRrWA3eMp16YujFp3DvGwjBk3Eb_XCBwYMUh9zp59Xzacx293H9WBpooO50b/s1600-h/Lake+Bemidji+05062018"><img width="361" height="226" title="Lake Bemidji 05062018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji 05062018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoVAKbpJnmGmyYAyJb0e1DjYxK7vnmnmVTBoqfdbZHZoKGQhWMyOtjT68yhQk9hbf8nx14I4bS4z93Qzkt3297NJ2QfVxq0NYKbTAOwLCn2sPKji5owIuOh2NXsIlIXm7RDEQwXgsgCml/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Quite the difference from February, eh?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We have been back up here for a bit over a year now, and still say it has been a good decision. Our townhome is comfortable and nice, and we’re all settled in. I confess I’d still like a proper dining table and chairs, but there’s really no room with the bikes. Believe me, I’ve measured all different ways! Ha! Perhaps we’ll find a set that will suit us and the space at some point. I’ve met a few neighbors and, while we don’t have what I’d call an active social life, it is nice to talk to neighbors now and then. I’ve been invited to a few group gatherings, but I’ve never really been a “joiner” and prefer to nurture relationships on an individual level.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Our jobs are percolating along nicely. Dave is well liked and respected at his, and he is finding it to be a much better situation overall than in Texas. My telecommuting work as an administrative assistant is still enjoyable, and my responsibilities continue to expand. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Days are full and have fallen into a comfortable routine. We have a mini vacation of 4 days scheduled for later this month, with plans for some day trips both together and my solo windshield time, cycling for Dave, walks for me, and just “be-ing.”</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcvjAoh59L4/WvHcLjjtjNI/AAAAAAAAKLY/Cv7M-_LwGWcWIou74RGQ2qfMkSeGP-XagCHMYCw/s1600-h/Sunset%2B05042018%255B3%255D"><font size="3"></font></a><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDtLTT92l6Q/WvHr_Bwi3fI/AAAAAAAAKNU/Ox2nWNxpnngoAiu8O-zxWwh-SSbZdCOaACHMYCw/s1600-h/Sunset%2B05042018"><img width="382" height="212" title="Sunset 05042018" style="margin: 0px auto; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Sunset 05042018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A85VCOgkC6M/WvHr_i5x40I/AAAAAAAAKNY/E83ui5HUWlMXPFAUDdl8ciBgByVK_BWSACHMYCw/Sunset%2B05042018_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Sunset from our patio – May 4, 2018</em></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Yes, I have to say … Life is Guid!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><font size="3"><p><br></p></font><p><font size="3"></font><p align="justify"><font size="3"><font size="3"><br></font></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-4774038240461749302018-01-30T15:19:00.001-05:002018-01-31T10:16:45.575-05:00January Winding Down<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Here we are at the tail end of January already. Seems like the weeks just fly by! We’re really into Winter now and experienced a “January thaw” a couple of times. Our world outside has been white since – what? – November. This morning it snowed for a couple of hours and now the winds have kicked in and powdery snow is blowing. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Still, it is somewhat amazing to live where everything is white outside for … months. </font></p><p align="justify"><strong><font face="Calibri" size="3">Questions I Get from Friends in Southern Climes</font></strong></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><em><strong>Are you staying warm?</strong> </em>You betcha, indoors and out. Structures are built differently here, as is outerwear. Furnace thermostat is set at 70, and we stay comfortable. We have appropriate outerwear – parkas, boots and cleats for them when needed on the ice, and warm hats and gloves.</font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><em><strong>Are you snowed in?</strong></em> Several friends I’ve talked with ask if we’re buried in snow, snowed in, and so forth. Nope. There’s way less than a foot on the ground, maybe 6 inches. <strong><em>Maybe.</em></strong> When it does snow up here, the flakes are so fine … think flour falling from the sky and lying on the ground. Really light and powdery. Takes <strong><em>a lot</em></strong> of “flour” to build up to any accumulation of note. It’s also often just too cold to snow up here. </font></font><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-meaning-of-th/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Technically, that’s not true, but … well … it sort of is, too.</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Let’s just say that when it’s –35 F out, you’re probably not going to get snow.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><em><strong>Aren’t you going crazy or getting depressed?</strong></em> Nope. Nada. We did purchase an exercise bike, since Dave’s not cycling and I’m not walking – both outdoor activities. We’re both very happy to be back Up North and sure glad we made the leap! </font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><em><strong>Is this it? Is this where you plan to stay?</strong> </em> Had another friend ask recently if this is “it,” where we plan to be. Yep. This is <strong><em>it</em></strong>. Even if we did move from this specific spot, we’d still stay up here. No plans – or urge – to relocate. We have traveled quite a lot, both individually and together. While I bet there will be road trips around the state and perhaps even out-of-state, I think it’s safe to say we’ve gotten the “hitch itch” out of our systems. We certainly have no plans to travel back to Scotland. We’re done flying.</font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We’ve talked about “escaping” to a cabin for a few days at some point. Have a campfire again and a wee holiday. That should be doable at some point in the not too distant future. We sure won’t have to travel very far, as those types of accommodations are plentiful up here.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><em>You were smart …</em></strong> One friend said we were smart to move “where no one wants to go.” Yep. I think so, too.</font></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Sure do like our town and the life we have carved out for ourselves here. Sometimes on our days off we just hang out at home – like this weekend – and watch the snow fall. I’ll cook a bit, Dave’s been tinkering with his bikes, we may get in a game of chess later. Other weekends we explore the town a bit, prowl a bookshop or two, or perhaps take a wee drive. Of course, when it’s not Winter, we’re out cycling, walking, hanging on the patio, and out-and-about around town. Or not. Ha!</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOHBInz0eLz5sRWVj2z-zKVnC3avEssELdF3lNe2i13VH8wUTHPKn2jtdCZwDB5DNm7UbPl-6mUanXCAMrKOjAHWKHlrDP6xm1scARxdQTZ3JZRFGIP-EvFqn1zYMZYQziTTbi6TEQ6RF/s1600-h/Icehouses+on+Lake+Bemidji+01262018%255B8%255D"><img width="503" height="154" title="Icehouses on Lake Bemidji 01262018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Icehouses on Lake Bemidji 01262018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f5IGzNXmxnI/WnDTYhYJ81I/AAAAAAAAKI4/UlXoK9d65Tw6SiwRhbpsceiRExjUM7sUwCHMYCw/Icehouses%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B01262018_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Looking out at ice houses on Lake Bemidji</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Snapped the above photo when out running errands last week. There are usually a bunch of ice houses on the lake, and there was an ice fishing tournament coming up the next weekend. What’s an ice house? </font><a href="http://www.glaciericehouse.com/new-index/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Check out this dealer’s web page.</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Some of them are just about as nice as a regular travel trailer!</font> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3w2OGRbAguGXrx6Ln_RaKH0r8TOk-GipOcRLzwjXuFYSYwey0GoLAnPHWFOXruXhf7SpMxCG0TiOjhqF0ob-ti4Fq5N8wO3T8z3T6pAKv0HbWoX837jArSGJHAsnu2PZuxvjEawYAsRM/s1600-h/Repotted+plants+01242018%255B4%255D"><img width="382" height="286" title="Repotted plants 01242018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Repotted plants 01242018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igZ2wT5oG2g/WnDTZRz6b2I/AAAAAAAAKJA/sQKTv8gG8h4cgQvr49lN5xLAiwB7KB5SACHMYCw/Repotted%2Bplants%2B01242018_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">These two have been growing, so they got new “homes” last weekend.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I still read RV blogs, most of which I started following and/or reading years ago. One I’ve tapped into recently is </font><a href="http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Travel with Kevin and Ruth</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. They are currently serving as wagon masters for an RV caravan touring Mexico. There are so many RVers who venture south of the border, some for short visits and others for seasons at a time – or permanently. I applaud Kevin and Ruth not only for taking on the trip and responsibility, but for telling it like it is! It certainly sounds like an adventure! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Bemidji was named </font><a href="http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/Minnesota-Life/Best-MN-Town-Bemidji/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Best Town in Minnesota for 2017, by Minnesota Monthly</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Not don’t ya’ll all get the idea about moving here!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Well, that’s it for today. I think I’ve rambled on enough. I really should keep a notebook handy for the blog ideas that pop into my head at random times. I’ll try to start doing that …</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-29228009492286423622018-01-02T19:59:00.001-05:002018-01-02T19:59:50.269-05:00A First for Me Today<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">It was a bit warmer today at around 5 F and sunny at times. We ventured out to L&M Fleet Supply for new headgear for Dave. He walks to and from work – just under 10 minutes – and could use some new gear truly designed for this climate. I have taken him in the car when the weather’s been really nasty, but I think he enjoys the walk when it’s doable.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3CpEQumYUA/Wkwq-UFmzbI/AAAAAAAAKIA/jw2H1g4ADpAT-Ds9f62sYzubckK4Y4ZYACHMYCw/s1600-h/Dave%2Bnew%2Bheadgear%2B01022018%255B6%255D"><img width="282" height="386" title="Dave new headgear 01022018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Dave new headgear 01022018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jCMMKM10vsw/Wkwq--CXzjI/AAAAAAAAKIE/_uK-qXwDGXYRjpNSZ9vyYmWIJUDGbl6agCHMYCw/Dave%2Bnew%2Bheadgear%2B01022018_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">He’s starting to take on the appearance of The Invisible Man just a wee bit, eh?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Our first stop actually was the recycle station not far from home. We had a couple of boxes to “donate.” One was from a new ceramic heater. We use a couple of those in different rooms to supplement the gas floor heat now and then. The other was from …</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uWcL9clUcm0/Wkwq_PHL3-I/AAAAAAAAKII/FMdHEXtfW7cIGpaNppqVAPAMAgE0nrSSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Exercise%2Bbike%2B01022018%255B5%255D"><img width="263" height="353" title="Exercise bike 01022018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Exercise bike 01022018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhuWP-EJ4g8/Wkwq_lSelNI/AAAAAAAAKIM/TosfJt9x2Z0NBxtUjEvpRznRPrA0Yw13gCHMYCw/Exercise%2Bbike%2B01022018_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Half of our living room looks more like a bike shop/workout area. Ha! Good thing we aren’t wanting a dining table, as the bikes and this piece of equipment are where a table would be. Unconventional, but it works for us.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Now that Winter has settled in for real, Dave obviously isn’t getting any bike time on the roads (or anywhere else, for that matter) and I’m not getting my walking. We initially talked about joining a gym for the winter months – him for the cycle/spinning equipment and me for walking equipment - but this makes much more sense and is less expensive than a membership. At least we can keep the blood flowing and retain some sanity during these really cold months. This way we don’t have to pile on coats and gloves, drive someplace, change into workout gear, use public equipment, pile on coats and gloves again … you get the idea. Again, it’s waaaay less than a membership would have been for both of us. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">After those two errands were done and dusted, we decided to drive down to the lake and take a look. Ended up at one of the various parks in town, and ended up doing this …</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fbLhlwQZNbI/WkwrAL9JWJI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/ThyC9FP1uUEg3OhMrufiriqES1DHIpTXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Betty%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B01022018%255B5%255D"><img width="220" height="295" title="Betty on Lake Bemidji 01022018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Betty on Lake Bemidji 01022018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqdIz7vcgnM/WkwrAZQCnYI/AAAAAAAAKIU/Z0UcZhuBKac_TmJIT1otW8zJKZY2BcWLACHMYCw/Betty%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B01022018_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Me on Lake Bemidji</font></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_y2JNKYp0yo/WkwrA2-IcyI/AAAAAAAAKIY/2ZYsHMgZp50WYzIyM4LiR1yYXMVLYDZJACHMYCw/s1600-h/Dave%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B01022018%255B4%255D"><img width="221" height="296" title="Dave on Lake Bemidji 01022018" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Dave on Lake Bemidji 01022018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0g-Sh0P18Q/WkwrBFCBulI/AAAAAAAAKIc/cIq6TAgHSXYTuDVwmMxDWnCg1JFstpvFwCHMYCw/Dave%2Bon%2BLake%2BBemidji%2B01022018_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Dave on the lake. Note the truck cruising along in the background!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">That was my first time to walk <strong><em>on </em></strong>a lake. Now I can say I’ve done it. Guess we’re adapting to and embracing living back #UpNorth.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Oh! Yes, it’s been incredibly cold, even for up here. Bemidji now has a hashtag - #brrrmidji. Ha!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">So our wee outing today was fun! It’s so easy to just stay indoors and at home when it’s cold out but, you know what? Life goes on up here and one just needs to get out and about when it’s safe to do so. Errands still have to be run, and there’s some silly fun to be had around town and the area during Winter.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">This sure as heck beats sweating and being miserable in warmer climes, and we’re happy and grateful that we’re back up in the #MinnesotaNorthwoods #UpNorth and #brrrmidji.</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe and warm out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="center"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-29406994465405685222017-12-26T20:16:00.001-05:002017-12-26T20:16:29.076-05:00Happy Boxing Day<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4">Here we are on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. Spent a good chunk of ours getting a jump for a dead car battery and then over to the Ford dealership for a new one.</font> </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZE8qNQHlzvM/WkL0WTfJmsI/AAAAAAAAKHA/shA7SkYsXIM72z13v6fkEtKl_A5VWZXjQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Hanging%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bdealership%2Bdoggie%2B12262017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Hanging with the dealership doggie 12262017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Hanging with the dealership doggie 12262017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iyN-8kvVeDs/WkL0W5NwWOI/AAAAAAAAKHE/d2O3Fee-qaQ5AMOlRyMjJ4r7CIWwKnD3wCHMYCw/Hanging%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bdealership%2Bdoggie%2B12262017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Dealership doggie has the right idea, soaking up some rays.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">This was the original battery, so it was just time for a replacement. We have complementary road assistance with Ford, and it was prompt and courteous. Opted for a slightly “bigger” battery than the factory-installed version. So, our Wee Beastie is happy again. It, and us, will be happier once we score a garage, but there have been no vacancies, so we remain 3rd on the waiting list. Since our temperatures are consistently subzero now, the Ford tech recommended running the car about 30 minutes each day when we fall below zero. I <em><strong>have</strong></em> been running the car for a while, but not every day, and even doing it 30 minutes/day probably wouldn’t have helped the old battery. It was just time.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">So we’re on day 3 of our 4 days off for the Christmas holiday. Wow. Christmas Eve I spent making goodies, and snacking was enjoyed instead of a proper meal. So nice to have a larger kitchen and big oven again, although I did all this in the RV for about 7 years. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Christmas was the major cooking day, turkey breast and the usual side dishes. Didn’t do this at Thanksgiving, so made up for it this holiday. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ywEM9Q0cllc/WkL0XYUQLCI/AAAAAAAAKHI/nPB5vNHp6Okyf7zRrb2af149dK2k0d46wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Christmas%2Btree%2B12102017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Christmas tree 12102017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Christmas tree 12102017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j5L-im7Af2s/WkL0X6Fnr_I/AAAAAAAAKHM/u2xfHNJ7zlETF78lvjmZfjQk7z1NmBsHgCHMYCw/Christmas%2Btree%2B12102017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Our tree turned out pretty well, and we’re enjoying feeling festive this year.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJihv2YGqD1YzxXaJbCpujUHklzAns1U8oMgMWS2CoSjzmh1nF3WrLYntIBrcAi1dcQsr1Bdy84EbqCewxmEt5KOGXNsEnQTFU4y_OEm1PjxI_haz0olZXO9zn9SAfJO_qSARvMUC8w0ow/s1600-h/Snowshoes+with+boots+12202017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Snowshoes with boots 12202017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Snowshoes with boots 12202017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYO8YOCRP9Y__FXiFZhkDX3vNhXncgQQEaPDsOwrzygE7jQoG5XYep68e6w7le_ePd39brMSmF8e4avApCKEaBhv3lc4l01wp30EJw9Fx91GjS6_LmY-FGgQzFr7nC5JMbNM8tA5Dgp9_/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Figured out the bindings on the snowshoes, but haven’t had a chance to try ‘em out yet.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Visions of snowshoeing, taking walks and other outdoor activities over the holiday have not been made realities, as it’s just too darn cold. Yes, too cold. Warnings for dangerous/life-threatening wind chills and really low (even for MN at this time of year) temperatures have kept us inside for the most part. It’s just 6:30 pm, and the outside temperature is –18F with a wind chill of –33F. And it was <em><strong>warmer</strong></em> today than yesterday! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwWuL1SPOjk/WkL0ZOQNwwI/AAAAAAAAKHY/wbclIIINFeY1x4G6Alk1duJvXIJUz6HMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Early%2Bmorning%2B12212017%255B3%255D"><img width="346" height="260" title="Early morning 12212017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Early morning 12212017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2k2fU_vxgNSJeUnwHdtqd5QbhubJW_ImNuWioDPq7BHQDnJdM-VBA3pyYULrtIg9r19Ff_CoJOSadmyhNhhZmRaHueF5gZ01rcc-s6McdHhAn6zuZWl2GxSZJwy2u4kRO-YgpCe19hdu/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Early morning – December 21, 2017. We’ve had snowfall just about every day, often for hours or even most of a day, but tiny flakes. None since the temps dropped into the deep freezer, though. No big storms yet with significant accumulation, but we’ll see what January and February bring.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Oh! On Christmas Day morning, we had sundogs! I couldn’t get a decent angle for a photo, but you can read about sundogs <a href="https://www.weather.gov/arx/why_halos_sundogs_pillars" target="_blank">here</a>. Pretty darn awesome. Just a gift from Mother Nature for enduring the harsh Winter.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7e5UXT0D7v0/WkL0Zx4Q9uI/AAAAAAAAKHg/Oz7j49tNqzkmu1AD6G9eklfjUFE6QpENACHMYCw/s1600-h/Roof%2Bworkers%2B12132017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Roof workers 12132017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Roof workers 12132017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V8yDrqwCkdY/WkL0aNu4aPI/AAAAAAAAKHk/PyaqEponYzUKYvwDh8DxVhX_9GscNnbAgCHMYCw/Roof%2Bworkers%2B12132017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>See the 2 specks on the roof peak? Work has continued on the new cancer center down the street, even in the cold weather. And snowfall. And winds. Gotta admire these guys!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">It’s so nice to feel festive again for Christmas, this is the first time since 2013. Last year really was a nonevent, with only having 1 day off and <a href="http://lifeisguid2013.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-maggie.html" target="_blank">having lost our wee Maggie in October 2016</a>. I can’t even recall last Christmas. We were still in Texas, so I imagine it was <strike><em><strong>warm</strong></em></strike> <strong><em>hot</em></strong>. This year, however, we are in a much better place – geographically, financially and spiritually. What a difference 12 months can make!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I do still miss our Maggs and having a doggie around, but did get out to the shelter to donate the dog sweaters. That helped a bit, and they seemed glad to get the sweaters. One of these days when I ever have spare time again, I’d like to volunteer my time. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">We sent out Christmas cards again for the first time in a few years and received some. Certainly isn’t like “the old days” of receiving a lot of cards. Everything and everyone seem to have transitioned to electronic greetings. Don’t get me wrong, that’s nice, but there’s just something about Christmas cards. I miss that. Received some holiday phone calls, and those were very special.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">My annual viewing of <em>White Christmas</em> took place on Christmas Eve; it’s just not Christmas without seeing that movie. I’ve been watching it at this time of year since childhood. Tonight <em>It’s a Wonderful Life</em> is on tap, and I’m looking forward to that. It’s another holiday tradition in our home.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I don’t know that anyone really reads this blog these days. It’s different now that we’re not full-time RVers. Its purpose is more of an exercise in recording our life … I just don’t seem to have the creativity to even write … just write … at this point. Probably because I’m too dang busy living life. Working, my life with Dave, routine chores/housekeeping/cooking/errands … by the time I think of something to write about, I just don’t have the time or ambition to do so. Too, it’s easier to toss out a simple post on Facebook vs. putting together a blog post. I know I’m not the only one experiencing this, but I do miss those evenings of purely … <em><strong>writing</strong></em>. Oh well. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">If you have made it this far, thank you so much for stopping by! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3lVoOOrkkik/WkL0agU8lrI/AAAAAAAAKHo/mDmkqNDKeYEVtO795SW2WHvnhc7Pg3bnQCHMYCw/s1600-h/winter-2896970_1920%255B6%255D"><img width="390" height="220" title="winter-2896970_1920" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="winter-2896970_1920" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDQYN8Sfk5U/WkL0bC3ZzqI/AAAAAAAAKHs/Cx72HMc0_M0uMtVmu7tFcTtPKdnleyDDgCHMYCw/winter-2896970_1920_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Wherever you are and however you celebrate, I wish you the peace, magic and joy of the season.</em></font></p><p><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-47146327543565165372017-12-03T23:29:00.001-05:002017-12-04T00:11:00.364-05:00Let the Holidays Begin!<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All that snow I talked about in my last post disappeared with the mild temperatures we’ve had lately, but … forecast is for possible blizzard conditions tomorrow with 4-10” accumulation. We’ll see what happens!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It’s almost 10 pm on Sunday night, so this will be a quick post.</font> <font face="Calibri" size="3">Really this post is for Sue, as I promised to put up some photos of our Christmas decorations. So … here ya go, girlfriend!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I confess to this being the earliest I have put up decorations, having them out and up about a week before Thanksgiving. I know that’s early, but there was snow on the ground, it was cold, it’s our first holiday season in a sticks-n-bricks home again in about 8 years, and Dave and I both really like Christmas.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYti2NMkCEs/WiTO9xAHiSI/AAAAAAAAKEc/vHquN4duHFYO0aER5xmnEa2LlN1mgpgkACHMYCw/s1600-h/Christmas%2Bdecorations%2Bbox%2B11132017%255B4%255D"><img width="315" height="421" title="Christmas decorations box 11132017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Christmas decorations box 11132017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrX8wiJoMqU/WiTO-TMb1yI/AAAAAAAAKEg/z_7kIR-gMuUAbpJvKvuGWUSPmFYrF3y8wCHMYCw/Christmas%2Bdecorations%2Bbox%2B11132017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Decorations box – items we used in the RV</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9tOrQp04JT0/WiTO-6045ZI/AAAAAAAAKEk/9f15Q1vUsdsT3roPRAnOamLXNGC6rHfFgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Stocking%2Bfrom%2BScotland%2B11132017%255B3%255D"><img width="290" height="387" title="Stocking from Scotland 11132017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Stocking from Scotland 11132017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnBvf9yex0c/WiTO_ZGuezI/AAAAAAAAKEo/tbycrecWDX4dLmK6VoJVOxv-9tXf2Y1vgCHMYCw/Stocking%2Bfrom%2BScotland%2B11132017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>The stocking Dave gave me Christmas 2005 in Scotland. It became the doggies’ stocking after that.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">In the RV, we had a small – about a foot high – tree that had fiber optic lights on it powered by a battery. We wanted something a bit larger now that we have more room. So we bought a 4-foot artificial tree, some ornaments, a topper and … icicles!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4vnDI4US9YBIPMw8p480PrbNfle9aeOL79o1Bjlp3FZnTy_ygi7Z_QWjNNv2YDMkYXOpm76fYQ_wzRKDKq6ICN4_A_eol6boZEmHkPic0d5wvF_lCBJrmqkjufm_1AX3drwpT7_ihzHu/s1600-h/Tree+icicles%255B3%255D"><img width="274" height="366" title="Tree icicles" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Tree icicles" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KgnlJHZS4W0/WiTPAbgOKnI/AAAAAAAAKEw/7TX9goka2x4yiQncro0_RNLDeGWgK5G1wCHMYCw/Tree%2Bicicles_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>I’d either forgotten how to do this or was the victim of poor packaging!</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gllxobEVqZY/WiTY2lQ3fII/AAAAAAAAKGk/YFespDoAo2w3OsV8Nv6xRC0bI4GQhb5EwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Christmas%2Btree%2B11142017%255B2%255D"><em></em></a><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hs8_554R1Ps/WiTY3dW04fI/AAAAAAAAKGo/yop35G8RI54KP0DMRTJcJrpTULUj1No9ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Christmas%2Btree%2B11142017%255B3%255D"><img width="267" height="356" title="Christmas tree 11142017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Christmas tree 11142017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1JbIDQSvy5c/WiTPCdkEDlI/AAAAAAAAKE8/66Ov-Rw7oKgNbrRXOiTxden_xKQdh86RQCHMYCw/Christmas%2Btree%2B11142017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>The end result wasn’t bad, after all! The “snow” at the bottom is the old-fashioned cotton kind, but has iridescent fibers in it, so it shimmers or “twinkles” a bit when the tree lights are on. Pretty nifty, actually.</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EvhA3fnKayg/WiTPCxOCobI/AAAAAAAAKFA/dQDWP103fNYrPJx-7iLidNCukKAOk8EwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Window%2Blights%2B11242017%255B3%255D"><em><img width="349" height="238" title="Window lights 11242017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Window lights 11242017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgH69-mRT0I/WiTPDSVMfpI/AAAAAAAAKFE/56c-qxhBXJkVvkabK-HOGya19o-EQunewCHMYCw/Window%2Blights%2B11242017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></em></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>That’s the little “RV” tree in the center. That’s the front living room window.</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VllyUrm1yI/WiTPD9ooZ3I/AAAAAAAAKFI/a6G_n-mjPrsAgy_Gkw1qVqJoeGB_u4x4gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Door%2Bwreath%2B11212017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Door wreath 11212017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Door wreath 11212017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_PMdX_FWwU/WiTPEZXh4vI/AAAAAAAAKFM/I6TqjjM6y2I0UXJDpxuFFzmDLSiqkttOgCHMYCw/Door%2Bwreath%2B11212017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Front door</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bzLtGQlOCZs/WiTPE0k7gJI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/cMzyE_y07AsVg5gITLD9KiRZpmG0eg-5ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Christmas%2Boffice%2B11152017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Christmas office 11152017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Christmas office 11152017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PzhnoyU6GYs/WiTPFeM4Q5I/AAAAAAAAKFU/0bZqRcGyIlIKa3_dZub0H8WDJBk8fBe6QCHMYCw/Christmas%2Boffice%2B11152017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">My office</font></em></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Last Wednesday, we drove down to the visitors center/park at the lake. The town lighting ceremony was the weekend prior, but we didn’t attend. That’s an evening of “lighting” downtown for the holidays, a parade, bonfire, and cider/hot cocoa at the visitors center. Maybe next year! </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2V-Nfw9mpU/WiTY3wJkU1I/AAAAAAAAKGs/Cg1RnzFEW_4XqMzr_-_q2Dxuv168xAeEACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B1%255B3%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lejfPjbWN_s/WiTY4yyYLTI/AAAAAAAAKGw/A8FnlrmmNoMg2M6aySOWq3Cpb0OeaVyfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B1%255B4%255D"><em><img width="377" height="206" title="Lights at the lake 1" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lights at the lake 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PWi1pTQfSn8/WiTPHJbbznI/AAAAAAAAKFg/hKBHADYHTJQO-IrMEa7YiVGDE-9i8yLeACHMYCw/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></em></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Trees in the park at the visitors center</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEpmXkV9y4kjwQ9ODjkDB9_BalD5ck_M295lBVg06LOWtnSOC-YMnAXtfM-m2GfyrGLc32n9UoMCL7sXZsXk53JoMbeAI5DC6i5xtS7YFr0-aJOPcaT8xFaJoiLV3bQ1a4iJ1QdpEh3mL/s1600-h/Lights+at+the+lake+2%255B4%255D"><img width="372" height="226" title="Lights at the lake 2" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lights at the lake 2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R45u1BzikNU/WiTPIVHBWaI/AAAAAAAAKFo/Ah5tM96XcjcWqtfN50gEAecozajOsV1dwCHMYCw/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B2_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8krRDYz4XBT1zvxuHuuO4eXeAL5GD0BsGIS0kaLnAX8Opg4Ua2Ww_zhFWQpKCOvGbwZYTayaxfNeeBDL95_1piFBeO2JcRLl1l2nr4i5qrfgEuUJpYCwzoxe_TEzWeYmYPeII9C8vACg7/s1600-h/Lights+at+the+lake+3%255B4%255D"><img width="376" height="235" title="Lights at the lake 3" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lights at the lake 3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVFBsnpIGn0/WiTPJedwYDI/AAAAAAAAKFw/5y0rAf8Ac4Mq2eqHfGS6b0-3HQuCLSLZwCHMYCw/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B3_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuGGWXZ04y2stocKd80SI54Ilg8T2v4tDcHFpXld_TZiez93shHZTkCLxnajpF_i89Nr5kDxB1gYmrQaA4cdZhjWAwO823kgcQJsawHA7b9P_iPrJTmgv-86H-l2B10d1llIa7XV47F4M/s1600-h/Lights+at+the+lake+4%255B4%255D"><img width="356" height="267" title="Lights at the lake 4" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lights at the lake 4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-toqmjCeXIs0/WiTPKUiJJRI/AAAAAAAAKF4/dXHYJa_FYK4gqkHotyR14U9hYmCDG6JYACHMYCw/Lights%2Bat%2Bthe%2Blake%2B4_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">It was really breezy that night, so the trees were swaying – interesting effect with the lights.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IxgOmrzRmC0/WiTPK4R7ldI/AAAAAAAAKF8/KsPeHxKcgbUf65DOmWVvs_W6HvPuGOObwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Snowshoes%2B11172017%255B3%255D"><img width="231" height="374" title="Snowshoes 11172017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Snowshoes 11172017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-Wkb2BTBlE/WiTPLUW4_lI/AAAAAAAAKGA/WZGRK8xUEL0QqUSgn2sO6LXy_orzn3ZCACHMYCw/Snowshoes%2B11172017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Hey! Look! Now I just need some snow! And figure out how to lace my boots to ‘em!</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hgEIkrnAz_k/WiTPL1A-QII/AAAAAAAAKGE/G_EgOF60iCM4ieLB5dcsnQoQQrC3D91FwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Car%2Bwash%2B12012017%255B3%255D"><img width="338" height="254" title="Car wash 12012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Car wash 12012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w5U-b7lESPo/WiTPMXw7nGI/AAAAAAAAKGI/s83cjpb15yI2JGzedF_VbzfJlah4G_JrACHMYCw/Car%2Bwash%2B12012017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gotta get the car washed frequently up here with all the snow and salt.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJywBR3khdE/WiTPM8RyiSI/AAAAAAAAKGM/lOhbJFXux7UfSUdF6YFjoXxofvKoqd8LACHMYCw/s1600-h/Doggie%2Bsweaters%2B12012017%255B3%255D"><img width="346" height="260" title="Doggie sweaters 12012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Doggie sweaters 12012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SR_Ktpe8PBw/WiTPNU4qKnI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/8VM5fKqA7x8BK4o5R2nbm35RWlwMt_q1QCHMYCw/Doggie%2Bsweaters%2B12012017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Bought some sweaters which will be donated to our local shelter.</font></em></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Ciao for now!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Ya’ll be safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-63364941755058145782017-11-04T14:34:00.001-04:002017-11-04T14:34:33.232-04:00Mother Nature Enters Reboot Mode<p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8KXZ4of_qA/Wf4IMVaUDSI/AAAAAAAAKEA/1RzAVTmgFn02HgeDq2Ssl1peIuZK6CGTACHMYCw/s1600-h/Front%2Bporch%2Bview%2B11042017%255B10%255D"><img width="480" height="362" title="Front porch view 11042017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Front porch view 11042017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0g9dZmWqjg/Wf4IM4yyHTI/AAAAAAAAKEE/CTOz3EOLkRwsQLth6kRZeJjLfMmaPGWPgCHMYCw/Front%2Bporch%2Bview%2B11042017_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Our view from the porch until April.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">So. Here we are. It’s early November and this is what our world looks like. We’re anticipating that the view won’t change hardly at all until April. </font></p><p align="justify"><strong><font face="Calibri" size="3">Mother Nature has entered reboot mode.</font></strong></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">It gets so cold here that Mother Nature literally reboots herself. It’s like the slate is wiped clean with the subzero cold and snow, ready to start over again with the arrival of Spring. I dig that idea. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">This is one of the many reasons we decided to return to northern Minnesota. No, we don’t ski or snowmobile. We don’t ice skate or ice fish. Dave doesn’t put knobby tires on the bikes and continue cycling. I <strong><em>may </em></strong> take a shot at snowshoeing at some point, but that remains to be seen. That doesn’t mean we’ll be housebound for months. Dave has a short walk to work. I can still walk when feasible, i.e., not blowing a gale (literally) and conditions outdoors are tolerable. One still gets out and about with errands or whatever, but I do try to schedule my outings to days when it’s not actively storming. The main reason for that is it’s just less messy with bringing in groceries and the like when it’s not actively snowing.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Not only does one still need to run these types of errands, but you really do need to get <strong><em>out</em></strong> during Winter. It would be too easy to sit indoors and become a total hermit. Even if it’s just a stroll around the parking lot a few times, get out and acclimate, embrace the environment. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">I’ve been known to fire up the outdoor grill during snowfall when we lived in </font><a href="http://www.hibbing.mn.us/visitors/facts-history" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Hibbing</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> years ago. Almost surreal, that.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Towns up here are equipped for harsh (yes, I used the term <em>“harsh” </em>) Winters. Snowplows are of the “we ain’t kiddin’ around” variety, with plows on both the front and side.</font> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3XBXe7qGSc8/Wf4INbN5Z3I/AAAAAAAAKEI/gs6uVng6EMU87HPPQLd3f2t_6aBL06y4wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Betty%2Bin%2Bsnow%2B02132014%255B6%255D"><img width="547" height="298" title="Betty in snow 02132014" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Betty in snow 02132014" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n_h7OpT7ayM/Wf4INzztlPI/AAAAAAAAKEM/ByEUg3Qf7AoO2FLt9YE7yiy5PCiZBCWfgCHMYCw/Betty%2Bin%2Bsnow%2B02132014_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">When we were on-site security in New Jersey – February 2014. That’s me clearing a path. What amazing times those were. What adventures. What memories! We’ve done stuff, ya know?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">A year ago, we were in Texas probably sweltering in the 80-degree November weather, occasionally commenting that we wondered if we’d ever see snow again. Perhaps that’s when our idea of returning to Minnesota at some point began to emerge.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">So here we are. Momma Nature is in reboot mode. We have it easy compared to the photo above. Living in a 55+ community, management clears sidewalks and parking lot. We don’t have to buy propane to fuel the furnace in our townhome. Dave doesn’t have to get on the roof to clear snow. Makes a difference!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Experienced my first Face Time chat a couple of days ago, connecting with a dear girlfriend from college days. We visit via phone now then, but the addition of video to our “yap session” was such a joy! We carried on like a couple of … college gals … and it was such fun! Of course, visiting with her always does my soul good, but this was just about over the top fun. We’ll be doing that more frequently in the future.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Life percolates along smoothly, and I am very grateful for that. Seems like I have a lot to be grateful for these days. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Better water the plants, then get geared up for another work day. Yes, working from home is another thing I’m grateful for <strong><em>every</em></strong> day.</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-8779759927744197652017-10-30T12:25:00.001-04:002017-10-30T12:25:31.976-04:00First Winter Snowfall …<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">… and it was a doozy! </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Folks are referring to it as a blizzard. Snow accumulation wasn’t spectacular, but let me tell you – it was pretty darn wild Thursday afternoon and overnight into Friday. I haven’t seen horizontal snowfall since our time in New Jersey a few years ago when we were still full-time RVers. Winds here were absolutely howling; think snow hurricane! A local used the term <em>“blizzarding”</em> to describe what was happening. Didn’t know that was a verb … ha!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1O1JGmDtGc/WfdScPczvKI/AAAAAAAAKDc/1HKLJhZ9d_oGmh0FZ3eyW3pOlXjLKzP2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Blizzard%2B10262017"><img width="421" height="316" title="Blizzard 10262017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Blizzard 10262017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7NGMuy1OfS0/WfdScvSgNSI/AAAAAAAAKDg/0kOej3jcFfoZMI9qdJTAlfk7YW4DmNk1ACHMYCw/Blizzard%2B10262017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>View from my home office Thursday afternoon before the winds <strong>really</strong> picked up.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mAEIxqejN5M/WfdSdMMAWxI/AAAAAAAAKDk/Well3al_Al493UY1WO48Sxj4NwCAGrS0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Baby%2Band%2BMaggie"><img width="416" height="267" title="Baby and Maggie" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Baby and Maggie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iaAfeDU9X5Q/WfdSdhbtq-I/AAAAAAAAKDo/uZyix4N2IkoFJIF9Ic5HI7MqyZd1EobvQCHMYCw/Baby%2Band%2BMaggie_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Maggie on the left. Baby on the right. They’re waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">October 25 marked the first anniversary of the passing of our beloved Maggie. You can read the post – <a href="http://lifeisguid2013.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-maggie.html" target="_blank">Our Maggie</a> - from last year about our Wee Widget. I miss her every single day. She and Baby both loved snow; Baby was with us when we lived in Hibbing. I know they’d be having great frolics outside these days!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Although it was 28F out this afternoon, it wasn’t snowing and the winds had abated, so I ventured out for a walk. Layered clothing is “the thing” up here, so I was quite snug.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-io1TYMzYwG4/WfdSeJpUDHI/AAAAAAAAKDs/5LZ3o0mxlsESDqwRyqx4hkCur0Bsj7oGACHMYCw/s1600-h/Thirsty%2BMoose%2Bhoodie%2B10282017"><img width="430" height="288" title="Thirsty Moose hoodie 10282017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Thirsty Moose hoodie 10282017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2cWdC39zvjY/WfdSejc07uI/AAAAAAAAKDw/9EKhE6PrA8c0_gn6f0Q1PA1hUV4mtAgDACHMYCw/Thirsty%2BMoose%2Bhoodie%2B10282017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> <a href="http://thirstymoosebargrill.com/" target="_blank"><em>Thirsty Moose</em></a><em> cozy hoodie</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We lived in Hibbing, MN (about 100 miles east of here) from 2005 to 2007, and enjoyed burgers and pizza at the <a href="http://thirstymoosebargrill.com/" target="_blank">Thirsty Moose</a>. During one of our visits, I picked up the hoodie in the photo. It’s really, <em><strong>really </strong></em>warm. I wore it a few times around campfires we’d have in NJ, but the only other place it’s been cold enough for it is … you guessed it … northern Minnesota! Wore it during my walk today and I certainly was cozy. My comfy hoodie has come full circle, being back in northern MN again.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">We have snow of some degree and intensity the next couple of days, with a break on Tuesday, and then it kicks in again. I also learned this past week that we are apparently living in Blizzard Alley. You’ve heard of Tornado Alley? Well … same thing, only blizzards instead of tornadoes. I’m okay with that. Lived in Tornado Alley for a while, and I’m content here, thank you!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>“Pssst … Momma Nature … it’s October, not January!”</em> Another local mentioned that we’ve gone from October straight to January. Hmmm … what happened to November and December?! Well, I’ll still take the occasional snowstorm over December 90-degree days in Texas any day.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Tomorrow (Tuesday) is looking pretty good right now, with sunny skies and a high around 31F. Did major grocery shopping yesterday, so just have a couple of errands to run. Today (Monday), we’re back to sideways-blowing snow! I have to say, the management here did a fine job of clearing the parking lot and sidewalks. Sweet.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Tuesday is also Halloween, and we’ll be off. That hasn’t happened in a few years, and we’re looking forward to ordering pizza and watching some appropriate movies.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">So it’s now our Friday – a couple of days have passed since I started this post – and we’re looking forward to our usual Tuesday/Wednesday weekend! </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><p align="justify"><br></p></font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-5230359207842694292017-10-21T16:05:00.001-04:002017-10-21T21:48:21.696-04:00Another Month Flew By!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRODxgDeiUyp_DPYCge8anF2XbpTqixzSyaYbqY3qlK2EGM0n5XEeNwCjDzphWFmZryhVLF16BU9aJiebCpoKNeFVR4NPhR0U9SxTGCVwutfdBeu63Kv8o2JxHTh3lRAV2pZVCHbbWx0y-/s1600-h/Office+view+10142017%255B4%255D"><img width="420" height="316" title="Office view 10142017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Office view 10142017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWDJG1_BCFM/WeuohzNulrI/AAAAAAAAKCY/_Ko0nJ7xRVEoix5F9yyGJkXK6doC24imgCHMYCw/Office%2Bview%2B10142017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Evening view from my office</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">October is just about on its way out the door and the number of daylight hours are dwindling. Before you know it, Christmas will be rolling in! So will the snow!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">With that in mind, I took our car in for a coolant flush and replacement with “the good stuff” for subzero temperatures. In visiting with them about prep and maintenance of our Edge during the <em><strong>really</strong></em> cold weather, one of the techs at the dealership told me about a solar-powered trickle charger for the battery. Newer cars don’t come equipped with block heaters, and the general thought is that the newer models don’t really need them. Since it looks like we won’t have a garage any time soon, I’ll pick up one of the solar chargers. Turns out my uncle in Hibbing used one, so that convinced me!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Dave has been taking advantage of the surprisingly mild weather lately to rack up the bike miles. He doesn’t have to be at work until 2 PM, which allows time for shorter rides during the work week. Days off see him getting in 40+ miles lately. I’m tickled he’s enjoying the cycling up here.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">A bit after 2 PM now, and it’s so gloomy out that the parking lot lights next door are on. It’s in the mid 60’s, which is probably the last of the mild days we’ve been having lately. Not that it’s going to plummet drastically starting tomorrow, but we’ll be getting more seasonable weather. Cooler weather.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oe9Zh4Nqz7Y/WeuoiQytPWI/AAAAAAAAKCc/pFV487pHX7Qzr_YgC-zPaiKRGs1JdqWWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2B1%2B10182017%255B5%255D"><img width="408" height="242" title="Lake 1 10182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lake 1 10182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YloSfoO4YK4/Weuoir1MruI/AAAAAAAAKCg/MGLrj1W30QcW47BF2ExkJBcxiZY_0jFSQCHMYCw/Lake%2B1%2B10182017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Went out to the lake last Wednesday while out running errands. Looks gloomy that day, too, doesn’t it?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ia_pA8bI3qY/WeuojHkqWzI/AAAAAAAAKCk/2nzFFL9rEA4UeRPVypRi3uFKirh2f0TuwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LAke%2B2%2B10182017%255B5%255D"><img width="398" height="214" title="LAke 2 10182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="LAke 2 10182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oCebIF8Rr64/WeuojWH9hDI/AAAAAAAAKCo/iZyTo8XJ1oAhP_ovh0ZS3x69gTN-EZbXACHMYCw/LAke%2B2%2B10182017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Looking back towards </font><a href="http://www.bemidjistate.edu/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Bemidji State University</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2H4LkCjghU/Weuoj2duf4I/AAAAAAAAKCs/beC8i-lHIygtxfCASEA8NDntcJjt0LfoACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2B3%2B10182017%255B4%255D"><img width="401" height="146" title="Lake 3 10182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lake 3 10182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2h1gBgMIFM/WeuokYglZhI/AAAAAAAAKCw/VRGqPr0lTbQiQ-VtNMouNYTgrKjEZlEPQCHMYCw/Lake%2B3%2B10182017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Geese and gulls hanging out. That building on the left is the old </font></em><a href="http://www.savethecarnegie.org/" target="_blank"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Carnegie Library</font></em></a><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and there’s a project in the works to restore it.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWujO9TE4yE/WeuokobY1hI/AAAAAAAAKC0/eA1MSkT6_HIA3WSlX6QwDWuXpnQJVck7gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Visitors%2Bcenter%2B10182017%255B5%255D"><img width="404" height="295" title="Visitors center 10182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Visitors center 10182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-90a_1_kQzVE/WeuolON5l4I/AAAAAAAAKC4/LLodTJtKrEgNllOLwkiIRTmyTqBfbQikACHMYCw/Visitors%2Bcenter%2B10182017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Inside the visitors center down at the lake.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YkL5RBdlPmg/WeuolRmDz1I/AAAAAAAAKC8/zUbp4wB-E9wGPyhZgOUjgS3Nkqw1TIv6QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Downtown%2Barch%2B10182017%255B4%255D"><img width="413" height="152" title="Downtown arch 10182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Downtown arch 10182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aS6quPHELK0/Weuol0y7s5I/AAAAAAAAKDA/kTiY6Xtz6xgOOHGtlmbeKbNHUpJbplZ3gCHMYCw/Downtown%2Barch%2B10182017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Entrance to downtown Bemidji from the lake park. That arch is a new addition this summer.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> We have a new addition to our home …</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0TeLEzHg5k/WeuomH1zaHI/AAAAAAAAKDE/_wb11687NKULpDIJSDDW5XlDACQrBokuACHMYCw/s1600-h/Fireplace%2Bdark%255B4%255D"><img width="298" height="302" title="Fireplace dark" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Fireplace dark" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcAN9HalSZ8/WeuomsRgTYI/AAAAAAAAKDI/ZQwm7oi9TuULIF63wdQ2dVsKE9GwzfJIwCHMYCw/Fireplace%2Bdark_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Electric fireplace heater!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Our RV had a built-in fireplace/electric heater. We used it a <strong><em>lot</em></strong>, especially those years in New Jersey. It helped keep the rig warm, reduced the use of the propane furnace and, well, it just looked nice. We enjoyed the ambiance of the simulated flames. Although we have gas in-floor central heat here, the living room is a larger area with no carpeting. This will help keep that area a bit cozier, reduce the use of the furnace (right, who am I kidding when it’s –30 F out?) or at least help us keep the furnace thermostat turned down a bit. And, again, it gives a cozy feeling to the space. Tested it on some chilly days. It has a thermostat and timer, so running it for an hour 2 or 3 times during the day kept the living room cozy, indeed!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Halloween falls on our days off this year, so we may just have a scary movie marathon! We haven’t been off on that holiday in years.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Speaking of being off from work, we will have 4 days off at Christmas this year! Woot! Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the 2 days following. That hasn’t happened since 2013, while in Jersey. I’m really, <em><strong>really</strong></em> looking forward to Christmas and decorating our new home. We have some decorations we used in the RV, but this year we are talking about getting a slightly larger tree – going from 1 foot to about 4 feet. Ha! Although I’ve never gone overboard decorating my homes, we’ll probably add a few things here and there to supplement what decorations we already have from our full-timing days. There’s a good chance we’ll have a white Christmas, too! Yay! We both love Christmas. It’s such a magical time. It’ll be nice to have a few days to relax and enjoy it.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Well, it <strong><em>is</em></strong> a work day, so I’d best wrap this up and earn some money! Still enjoying my telecommuting job as an administrative assistant, and grateful for that opportunity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Until next time …</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="3">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-85141502448668853812017-09-12T20:55:00.001-04:002017-09-12T20:55:20.246-04:00Autumn Is Coming. But Wait …<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Autumn here in northern Minnesota is definitely making its presence known. Well, except for today and tomorrow with highs in the upper 80s. Even at that, it has been a stunningly gorgeous day out. One evening a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a touch of Autumn in the air. You know … that <em>feeling</em> that’s hard to describe. Is it a change in humidity? A slightly different scent to the air? Not sure. All I know is that it is a <em>feeling</em>, and it was there. Sure enough, since then our weather has definitely been trending towards Autumn. Except today and tomorrow but, even so, the warm temps have a different feel to them. Mr. Sun comes to us from a slightly different angle these days, too. Ran the A/C for a wee while at one point this afternoon, but other than that … we rarely have anything going having to do with temperature control in the house.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Windows open a lot of days lately. How wonderful is that?</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjimxczQLvQ/WbiBzo_3XgI/AAAAAAAAKAs/UWWa47EO7ZI6Dyda863vMJmw4m5yfU5fgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Winter%2Bboots%2Bin%2Bstore%2B09012017%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Winter boots in store 09012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Winter boots in store 09012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vxHFmdsDJ2s/WbiBz60U9cI/AAAAAAAAKAw/0cnFyA5SYJgFKOzuB2FrgwMtzpHO8LbeACHMYCw/Winter%2Bboots%2Bin%2Bstore%2B09012017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>This year’s first spotting of winter-rated gear in Walmart last week. Yes, those boots are rated for <strong>–25F</strong>. Winter’s coming!</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Scored my parka since last post, too. I knew what I wanted – a Columbia parka like the one I had years ago when we lived in Hibbing. Wasn’t sure I could find one locally and was prepared to order it from Columbia if I couldn’t find one here. At the very least, I hoped I could find similar Columbia jackets to try on in order to get a feel for sizing. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">We have an </font><font face="Calibri" size="4">L&M Fleet Supply here, so a couple of weeks ago I thought I’d go check them out. Hadn’t been in one before but … yay! It’s like Tractor Supply! Woot! We really, <em><strong>really</strong></em> enjoyed Tractor Supply up in New Jersey and picked up some quality clothing there, including winter wear. Although L&M had not officially put out winter gear yet, I noticed a rack of Columbia men’s jackets. Again, thought I could at least get an idea of sizing. Looking through the rack … wow! There was <strong><em>the</em></strong> jacket. Okay, so it’s a man’s jacket, but that’s fine. It’s the same thing. Best thing yet? It was on sale at a price that would be less than if I ordered straight from Columbia. Tried it on. Checked it out thoroughly – took out the inner jacket and put it back in (it’s a 3-in-1 – waterproof outer with a removable fleece inner jacket, removable hood, etc.), tried all the zippers and pockets. That puppy came home with me. Score!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">We also had a bit of celebration recently with the newest member of the Barnes clan making his appearance! Weighing in at a bit over 8 pounds, Lachlan Joseph came into the world over in London, the first child of my youngest stepson and his wife, and my third step-grandson. He’s sure a cutie, and we’re looking forward to our first Skype video chat with the new family tomorrow.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Isn’t technology cool?</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I kept vigil from afar the past couple of weeks for friends and family first in Texas – specifically the Houston area- during Harvey and then again during Irma’s visit to Florida. Everyone came through safely, although with some property damage from flooding in Houston. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Say what you will about Facebook, but it does serve a purpose during times such as Harvey. I was able to look up a post with rescue extraction phone numbers at 3 AM while on the phone with relatives in Houston in need of leaving their home due to flooding. They were having no success with 911, but were able to reach someone at one of the Coast Guard numbers and were able to safely leave their home. So yeah, Facebook and social media has its flaws, but … it can also provide a valuable service.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wh9p0s-aKo/WbiB0O8Sc6I/AAAAAAAAKA0/ZzK821c5pMghojLM2N7pHyZAly2YYKZhgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cookie%2Bjars%2Bdowntown%2B08232017%255B3%255D"><img width="402" height="228" title="Cookie jars downtown 08232017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cookie jars downtown 08232017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Qa5Do4x8Xk/WbiB0f6vl_I/AAAAAAAAKA4/R8qxnByDoyILGZcLG-cgRkTq5LShbAHBgCHMYCw/Cookie%2Bjars%2Bdowntown%2B08232017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Cookie jars in the window of <a href="http://www.gr8buns.com/" target="_blank">Raphaels Bakery Café</a> in downtown Bemidji</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Can’t say I have anything terribly exciting to report. Life has been going on to the hum of our usual routine. We look forward to our “weekends” and are grateful those two days can actually be spent relaxing.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Last Wednesday I spent just about the entire day in the kitchen cooking up Dave’s meals for the coming work week and … I made a cake!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-exgWf1kH_zA/WbiB0mI6DBI/AAAAAAAAKA8/PbMzAmIEOQQe24udA4SX4RbQPhyp2fv9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cake%2Bkit%2B09062017%255B3%255D"><img width="346" height="260" title="Cake kit 09062017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cake kit 09062017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfLenMlI2SQ/WbiB8V98zqI/AAAAAAAAKBA/R2Ff6QBneK4F88urswK5fMxzpWjv92JEQCHMYCw/Cake%2Bkit%2B09062017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Spotted this kit at the store and thought I’d give it a whirl.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Dave and I don’t eat a whole lot in general, and a regular-sized cake would just go to waste between the two of us. This seemed like just the size, so thought I’d try it out.</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlrHjDSWOCk/WbiB8jHziII/AAAAAAAAKBE/KBZlcKOgjvUHBV0QD_szYwt8s48TMQ2nACHMYCw/s1600-h/Cake%2B09062017%255B3%255D"><img width="306" height="287" title="Cake 09062017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cake 09062017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wSv2apAn3I/WbiB8wLshVI/AAAAAAAAKBI/U344KIHTYq01zwz2p0LSJF1jZsoqCn9zQCHMYCw/Cake%2B09062017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>It turned out pretty darn well! Yes, I still have a plastic cake container(?) – not sure what the correct term is. It’s not exactly a stand, but it has the cover and is definitely designed for a cake. Hadn’t used it since the Montana RV rally in Lancaster, PA back in 2012. </em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZSX0XYq8af8/WbiB9SUFOvI/AAAAAAAAKBM/pfwMfw0y9vAT9QGZ4yNjs6zWqvBy7ffdACHMYCw/s1600-h/Autumn%2Boutdoor%2Bdecorations%2B09062017%255B3%255D"><em><img width="392" height="240" title="Autumn outdoor decorations 09062017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Autumn outdoor decorations 09062017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8aGXZwm5Ts/WbiB9xkcV6I/AAAAAAAAKBQ/kaw0Iq4CtygC2XIhqMNf0WemD-nZ9fw2gCHMYCw/Autumn%2Boutdoor%2Bdecorations%2B09062017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></em></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>My outdoor Autumn decorations.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I think that about wraps up this post. My days are full and I rarely have quiet time to simply write. Oh well. One of these days …</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Until then, Life is Guid, indeed! We continue to be grateful every day for being up here in the Minnesota Northwoods!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Be safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-36119282205378114982017-08-20T12:59:00.001-04:002017-08-20T13:03:48.222-04:00In A Groove<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">We seem to have a nice groove going on here. Our work week is Thursday through Monday. Although we miss most of the festivities around town and the area on Saturdays and Sundays (and believe me, there are a <strong><em>lot </em></strong>of festivities!), we do enjoy the uniqueness of being off on weekdays. I suppose quite a few people would consider our life uneventful but, ya know what? We’ve experienced <em>eventful </em>during our years as full-time RVers. Besides that, neither of us has to be entertained by external stimulus. Age creeping in? No, don’t think so. I’ve always found enjoyment in simply <em>“be-ing.”</em> </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Now that’s not to say we don’t get out and about or are just cocoons in our comfy recliners.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TWAYLVHQSUM/WZm_6pfIkCI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/iRFsO9Kjmk0Kh7bZb_4XfJgNRmsjCjqhQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Park%2B3%2B08092017%255B5%255D"><img width="304" height="405" title="Park 3 08092017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Park 3 08092017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGp4Lth8BNQ/WZm_6_ToxwI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/GyI3fH4Y348UXbUZvppqkXR5zvsMnwwoACHMYCw/Park%2B3%2B08092017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>We found exercise equipment at a local park on one of our walks together recently.</em> </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDOqOXslmp8/WZm_7W4Xi1I/AAAAAAAAJ_c/mPljTDFxQZo_HM18mEdiJgzPRthpip1AQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Park%2B2%2B08092017%255B4%255D"><img width="317" height="330" title="Park 2 08092017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Park 2 08092017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rvp_mPiCy0/WZm_7jkrGZI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/DVxs1-mf2HkApTJsZxDV58bnrWFyP38HACHMYCw/Park%2B2%2B08092017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>I thought this was pretty neat. It’s a rope climbing … cube?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">My work is keeping me busy, which is almost an understatement these days. My job is morphing and expanding yet once again, but I’m absolutely okay with that. My boss scheduled a virtual happy hour recently, and we four gals had a good video visit via Skype. Much needed for all of us after a crazy week, and it was nice to put faces and voices with the other two gals I work with. We communicate and collaborate during working hours via Skype messaging and email, which is wonderful and productive, but it was fun to hang out “in person” with video chat.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Virtual happy hour … what a great idea! I’m looking forward to more of those. I think we’re gonna need ‘em. Ha! I’m so grateful for my telecommuting job and my colleagues. We rock!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lPphr6GJ7co/WZm_7_g7U9I/AAAAAAAAJ_k/E8L0kUogbTULVRvCMe2xfHIiSYBtp2wmgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Plants%2B08022017%255B4%255D"><img width="364" height="273" title="Plants 08022017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Plants 08022017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LtFv2i8x9uQ/WZm_8PzyCDI/AAAAAAAAJ_o/aMVUrqo9z1s56BluILeiMItFLLSo8JzgACHMYCw/Plants%2B08022017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>We get morning sun through our front living room window, so the plants catch some rays.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3OHUwrtsPW0/WZm_8UaYSQI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/XaCvd3z3RYgQFoAtcVnyzJ5Kbu4cINneACHMYCw/s1600-h/Porch%2Bflowers%2B08092017%255B7%255D"><img width="393" height="239" title="Porch flowers 08092017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Porch flowers 08092017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUJ4h0yxwxreJS1-t119kvQDNWm13wEONy_N8f9EYNAjanQDSO3QKAsRciUi-hWbc6efMiYOvglDCQWFMceLDqvDZJwuDu5UopGmrWCMjoHHCZC6GxWk02y2cDMNH9ouoe6mKsUFwOfID/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Speaking of plants, I got a couple of shepherd’s hooks and hanging baskets</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">You see quite a few shepherd’s hooks with hanging baskets in our community, since actually planting something in the flowerbeds is taboo. You can place things in the flowerbeds, just can’t dig in ‘em. Quite a few cottages have really nice and cute patios set up. We haven’t done much because we don’t have a garage yet and, therefore, no place to store things when Mr. Winter arrives. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcGLgy4Z2KU/WZm_8sJMFmI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/CH5HFRZG37otUIcSWCqhBJiGiC-r3jQjgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Hanging%2Bbasket%2B08092017%255B4%255D"><img width="273" height="364" title="Hanging basket 08092017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Hanging basket 08092017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VCi1T0Exdb8/WZm_87cIWMI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/sgBNSYdVLjMsXktsf16Mks5wwl7w6nVJQCHMYCw/Hanging%2Bbasket%2B08092017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Dave commented a few times about how nice other residents’ hanging baskets were, so … I scored these on sale at Home Depot! Hopefully we’ll have a garage by next Summer and can spruce up our patio a bit more. At least we have some color out there now, and flowering plants are always nifty.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Last week a Healing Powwow was held at the hospital, which is right down the street. I could see the marquee tent set up and, when I saw the colors being taken in and started hearing drums, I bugged out of work and walked down.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I hadn’t been to a powwow in around 10 years. This was a small one, but oh so very awesome. The “real deal,” not something contrived for tourists. After the Grand Entrance, dance was opened to anyone/everyone there, not just the registered dancers. Well …</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I could hear my mentor Lyn whispering in my ear about embracing Life, joy, the moment and who I am spiritually. I think I also felt her give me solid yet loving nudge. The spiritual 2x4, if you will. So … </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>I danced.</em> </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Just a few minutes. But in those few minutes, my heart was full and I experienced such joy. Amazing. It was one of “those” moments. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I was away from my office for less than an hour. How terrific is that?</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4310731-video-healing-powwow-honors-health-care-workers" target="_blank">You can see a short video of the Grand Entrance and read about the powwow here.</a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQ_hmAhJu3g/WZm_9MunkMI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/e7hdd5zikMUUawyubW_-L18aoKRyZWsNACHMYCw/s1600-h/Rainbow%2Bhalf%2B08042017%255B4%255D"><img width="293" height="325" title="Rainbow half 08042017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rainbow half 08042017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzMl0wCxnhs/WZm_9fq5guI/AAAAAAAAKAA/DUiTGENITM4W5i1pIU3bNaTqqd6TU0D_wCHMYCw/Rainbow%2Bhalf%2B08042017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>We have seen several rainbows, including doubles like this one, during our time here so far. We could actually see both ends of this one …</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CQCczNzTK78/WZm_9j3sceI/AAAAAAAAKAE/DZpafCpvZw8w1Sdenk73P9dEeO1UxPeGwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Rainbow%2Bother%2Bhalf%2B08042017%255B4%255D"><img width="334" height="251" title="Rainbow other half 08042017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rainbow other half 08042017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLojnPT36uk/WZm_-k1tKpI/AAAAAAAAKAI/gN8NtDUEckgyJJcGDGq7Is0zntWKPiY_ACHMYCw/Rainbow%2Bother%2Bhalf%2B08042017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>I need to learn how to take a panoramic photo with my phone. Here’s the other end.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldnGgbZvnvoY3vaFSXvA8X4KFgk4_C589yKv74DjiNzM2re5AJaXpjb6Gzu7n5LyPbRv64e1_eMV05_QPjdJJjJvUDkTnGAZpHTtICiJRemuicLvZmhdLyJfbkXITkxpTMjRC_oT4rPZg/s1600-h/Sunset+08122017%255B3%255D"><img width="398" height="127" title="Sunset 08122017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Sunset 08122017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNiOqvoS3Ts/WZm__B__ePI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/8TNzpQ7wIsMOSPKMRQKaL4Ag-qI2jjeHgCHMYCw/Sunset%2B08122017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Sunset from our patio.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">So today is Sunday and my day for housecleaning. That’s working out to be a good schedule. Once a week means no chore is really difficult because I’m doing it weekly, and it doesn’t take that long. That also sets us up for a nice, fresh home on our days off and I have those days relatively chore-free. Even though I get groceries and do laundry over those 2 days, it still leaves plenty of time to chill out and enjoy quality time together.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Running errands is pleasant and stress-free here. Doesn’t take much time, either, in a small town. I’m also giddy at the fact that I don’t have to perform <a href="https://www.hasbro.com/en-us/product/twister:C71921FA-5056-900B-10D3-25880E1E5284" target="_blank">Twister</a> moves to clean the bathroom like I did in the RV!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">This “weekend” we’re planning another trip to the secondhand bookstore downtown to restock Dave and perhaps a wee road trip to <a href="http://www.blackduckmn.com/visit" target="_blank">the town of Blackduck</a>. There’s a scenic drive on that route and our Wee Beastie (the car) could use a good outing. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Yes, Life is Guid!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Thanks for stopping by!</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></em></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-76313898627150759192017-08-01T20:42:00.001-04:002017-08-01T20:42:01.122-04:00Living Near a Lake<p><font face="Calibri" size="4">We’re finding that living in a town with a lake such as our Lake Bemidji is quite pleasant. This weekend will be the <a href="https://bemidjidragonboat.com/" target="_blank">Dragon Boat Festival</a>, festivities starting tomorrow and culminating with the main race on Saturday. There will be entertainment, vendors and the like … you know, a festival!</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="4">It being our “Saturday,” we went down to the shore to check out what was happening so far. </font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TwOrFk2JzF8/WYEfxyOJoeI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/AJe3UsOG1foaLMThvEGWJWHxHyULcA8TgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Practice%2Bdragon%2Bboats%2B08012017%255B5%255D"><img width="453" height="287" title="Practice dragon boats 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Practice dragon boats 08012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62TNPqoU1EE/WYEfyINHKSI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/O9VZWBqgNzcS5QRkdFmPlnB5UCvFV1ITgCHMYCw/Practice%2Bdragon%2Bboats%2B08012017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>The boats will be decorated for the actual race.</em></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPLs2Ln2xzKMxezliCHnREyLjiyT_9Z42_1cCDqe1_pm2RQK_s99TSJPdz5X8oUclkTiumuIS3c6bHjYC4vXWgP88rz14_1mICLFLfoehVyk1oSvfB-N9XOX3jB_5rgWqC-xqoyBamr3d/s1600-h/Dragon+boat+team+coming+in+08012017%255B4%255D"><img width="467" height="183" title="Dragon boat team coming in 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Dragon boat team coming in 08012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVpm3nrvp20/WYEfykRU7dI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/YaDOoDqAi3ExXVHsL_NgmuIV3oKsjH2KgCHMYCw/Dragon%2Bboat%2Bteam%2Bcoming%2Bin%2B08012017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Team coming in from practice run.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUevpr3YdJZHuJ6E0E_2clrjsCdGd-olFSCSP7f5gkZjZkfpckfi8y4982fe46YBX8QG_NlQNuoFgUjE3666UtA13IAbhEsbKLPoSCn33QK0KeifC-i07EnsyBPneORFRoDUaxrn5FeW_h/s1600-h/Rain+coming+Lake+Bemidji+08012017%255B5%255D"><img width="476" height="243" title="Rain coming Lake Bemidji 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rain coming Lake Bemidji 08012017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixw8DkFoFuWtRON3CJ6Wjwzols8eNvVEWAefMxDzhdKocRvLGkNRlJVpkR1ier7sqTmHVV0K8scYMzo_5kXrw0prHK7OPDXQhApHr35q_1RyeJJhHKoKjg6tUEeCvlboF0hHrUUeA7YnAE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Rain tonight and tomorrow is in the forecast. Looks like it, doesn’t it?</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUMoF5pIVDM/WYEfzeeCtEI/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/YlPX_aPeyiEYqF_-llhnJ9_FeBt33wnsgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Dock%2Bat%2Blake%2B08012017%255B5%255D"><img width="358" height="402" title="Dock at lake 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Dock at lake 08012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYc2bmwetwI/WYEfzhrLP6I/AAAAAAAAJ-c/h-1mtczFCx8QfM9l9wUrJqJPs_tCda_NwCHMYCw/Dock%2Bat%2Blake%2B08012017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Hey! I got one of those “dock” photos of my own!</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-68MLtAH77EQ/WYEfzwl_hnI/AAAAAAAAJ-g/9a7dBtf5hVoSerx8AbDROjzl7PkP8FOgACHMYCw/s1600-h/Me%2Bat%2Blake%2Bwith%2BShaynowishkung%2B%2B08012017%255B4%255D"><img width="327" height="380" title="Me at lake with Shaynowishkung 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Me at lake with Shaynowishkung 08012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V702l73Yo6Q/WYEf0GXALrI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/UTw8Gcb5IRATGezYn13fjgdZoFdr_h1rwCHMYCw/Me%2Bat%2Blake%2Bwith%2BShaynowishkung%2B%2B08012017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Yours truly with Shaynowishkung, “Chief Bemidji.”</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5L_k5Zk7fPs/WYEf0ah2OBI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/4ktQdGJpEtYU2xZgQRCvBL3ae-q0EceWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Flowers%2Bon%2Bpath%2Bat%2Blake%2B08012017%255B5%255D"><img width="414" height="301" title="Flowers on path at lake 08012017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Flowers on path at lake 08012017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bKSEipk5DUQ/WYEf0xAyyoI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/QgqeMC0ms2olUJPT9bgHxRk_YbHD9wmigCHMYCw/Flowers%2Bon%2Bpath%2Bat%2Blake%2B08012017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Along one of the walking paths.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Today’s weather has been stunning. So much so that, after Dave returned from his morning bike ride and I had a walk, we returned to C.K. Dudley’s for a midafternoon lunch on their patio. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Can’t beat this.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of Sanford AirMed, so I walked down to the open house at the hospital. Tours were being given of the air ambulance. Since it was so close and they fly (low) over the house on their landing approach at the hospital, I had to go check it out. Well, I also just dig flying things.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vT-tIq-rnFRb6sbvPIuxh2Tom8TMIpSJI1y1sm5oms3SCkUsyFgwvQ4mAdXYcHb_NOZ87G504jQ8YlOropJ9a6e_lf7UiM3TwJPf2CFLFwc1rj4mUCATCzzAamsoSXIh708d_sXz5Ev5/s1600-h/Sanford+AirMed+open+house+07312017%255B4%255D"><img width="445" height="220" title="Sanford AirMed open house 07312017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Sanford AirMed open house 07312017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XNUx2tarjMM/WYEf19TnJeI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/nXuOPqzKBWIEGRwA2mgdGPJ9xZ42kQ0zwCHMYCw/Sanford%2BAirMed%2Bopen%2Bhouse%2B07312017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>I’ve flown in choppers before, but thankfully not an air ambulance.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">So far, it’s another nice weekend here in northern Minnesota. We’re planning on a stay-at-home day due to the weather forecast, but I have cooking to do and a few projects around here. We don’t get bored, even if it’s kicking back in our recliners to watch a movie … or two. Nothing wrong with that on a day off!</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4"><br></font></em></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-11104143509522175242017-07-25T15:38:00.001-04:002017-07-25T15:50:04.541-04:00Another Week Flew By<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">And so another week has flown by here in northern Minnesota. Is that we’re of an age where time does indeed seem to move faster, is it our work schedule with Thursday being our “Monday” and Monday our “Friday,” or is it that Life is flowing along at a fairly smooth and pleasant pace?</font></p><p><font face="Calibri" size="4">Perhaps a combination, or all, of the above!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">With Thursday being the start of our work week, everyone else’s weekend is almost upon us. Sunday is my housecleaning day, with the start of that after Dave goes to work. By evening, I’m “done and dusted,” literally, and settle down at my desk for a few hours’ work. When everyone else in the working world is bemoaning the fact that it’s Monday, we’re doing our happy dance that it’s our “Friday” and our weekend is about to commence. Yay us!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Whatever it is, I’ll take it.</font> </p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Remember the celebration of the new Cancer Center in </font><a href="http://lifeisguid2013.blogspot.com/2017/07/5-days-and-5-years.html" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">my previous post</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4">? There was a giveaway drawing one could enter, which I did. Didn’t give it a second thought. Heck, I never win anything. Of course, I typically don’t enter contests and don’t play the lottery. Yesterday morning I received a phone call telling me I had won! Well, alrighty! Swung by the Sanford Health offices while out running errands and came away with this puppy:</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgi5Fu7MdxI/WXeeMc6WwRI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/4ZliCo562DUU4fJpUcqHcCm_Rto3e9DYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Rolling%2Bcooler%2B07242017%255B4%255D"><img width="246" height="422" title="Rolling cooler 07242017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Rolling cooler 07242017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLvxFcNsP0s/WXeeMpPnOoI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/xi7r0MSwJdQ08pkchcfwfUTsz4i1_H6KgCHMYCw/Rolling%2Bcooler%2B07242017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Rolling cooler with retractable handle</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Pretty spiffy, eh? We currently don’t have a small cooler, so this is great when we decide to pack a lunch for a day outing. It may also come in handy for grocery shopping if I need to make several stops. Cheers to Sanford Health!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Here’s some synchronicity for you. The building I thought I should go to for the prize pickup was the “wrong” one. I ended up in the Center for Optimum Health, School of Integrative Medicine; again, this is at the end of the street where I walk, across from the hospital. Turns out the proprietress, Jeanne is – among other things – a Reiki person! We had a lovely visit and agreed my ending up there was certainly no “accident.” All sorts of groovy happenings take place there … Tai Chi, yoga, Reiki, massage of various kinds, and Reflexology are among the offerings.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">With rain in the forecast and having done grocery shopping yesterday morning, this is a stay-at-home day for yours truly. Accomplished this just a while ago …</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPDs-wGWiVs/WXeeMxERGnI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/0f2-crIcu4Maw0SBF8lXaEtSt7Jokb7XgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Living%2Broom%2Bwith%2Bdrums%2B07252017%255B5%255D"><img width="480" height="310" title="Living room with drums 07252017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Living room with drums 07252017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tm1zsl-fLuo/WXeeNBHiE6I/AAAAAAAAJ9c/vxvoL4Auz6M0Y5jf3j90lko74mdDoEBEQCHMYCw/Living%2Broom%2Bwith%2Bdrums%2B07252017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Drums are finally up and into the Light again!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">First time my drums have been hung since 2010, as it just wasn’t practical to do so while living in the RV. During that time, they were snug and protected in their respective bags and cases. They have been with me since 2002/2003, have taken part in countless drum circles over the years, and have served as teaching aides in my Reiki classes. It does my heart and soul good to see them on a daily basis once again. Makes our cottage feel even more like home. Yep, there’s my Bear, the artwork created after I explained what I would like to see on the drum, and my relationship with Bear. Dear Bear. Guardian, Protector, Giver of Strength, and Provider of Comfort and Peace. </font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">I hear you saying, <em>“Bear? Really?”</em> Yeah, Bear. Turns out I didn’t consciously realize Bear’s role/presence in my life until about 2002. He’d always been there, I just had not realized it … or Bear hadn’t chosen to reveal his constant presence until then.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBS6lkCZQEg/WXeeNUDj_dI/AAAAAAAAJ9g/3SkrrA6IUZEh6GhFWORzxyqBxLx0-uH6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Bear%2BDad%255B4%255D"><img width="350" height="262" title="Bear Dad" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Bear Dad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zs6ogcZpzlc/WXeeN2V7OdI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/suqKRiXwnDIU9anN0jBxrz37xUBdIFhdACHMYCw/Bear%2BDad_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Standing 2”, this fella has been with me throughout my life since the day my Dad got him for me on a trip to Yellowstone. That’s 50+ years at this point.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Once again, as with many things spiritual, this is an influence of my Dad. More of how Bear has been a presence in my life over the years, but the wee Bear above has been with me since that day in Yellowstone when I was a kid. He went to college with me and has survived all the moves to different homes and my life in general since that day long ago. Okay, he’s missing his right ear now, but still stands strong. Posed for the photo above, his normal habitat is on the shelf of my desk.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Dave is back from his bike ride around Lake Bemidji and other parts, and the laundry is just about done, so before long it will be time for dinner and whatever else we get into this evening.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Ciao for now!</font></p><p align="center"><em><font face="Calibri" size="4">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-11609413924034374662017-07-19T19:06:00.001-04:002017-07-19T19:06:49.430-04:005 Days and 5 Years<p align="center"><em><font size="3">“Peace to all within these walls.”</font></em> </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BEbwmn1LJME/WW_l_P0bakI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/gKJX7GJS36IAMGKWwh_rwuV4ysfZhcwcQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bsign%2B07182017%255B4%255D"><img width="336" height="259" title="Cancer center sign 07182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cancer center sign 07182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uc99LsF7Ark/WW_l_qp3QvI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/VBxSnySfTXE8O5S4mCEjUpKw62LkLmdkwCHMYCw/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bsign%2B07182017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">I’ve mentioned before that the hospital is right down the street from us. More buildings related to healthcare are scattered about this area; the home health/hospice offices are right next door. Well, not <em><strong>right</strong></em> next door; there’s a good-sized grassy area and ditch (both nicely manicured) separating our properties. Anyway, the hospital is within walking distance and is on my walking route, so I pass by it all the time.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8S3RDhiHtog/WW_l_31C0VI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/avfkmWSDu-Q24Y2yXHoQcJ6xPcWmQaQUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2Bmarquee%2B07182017%255B4%255D"><img width="377" height="137" title="Cancer center celebration marquee 07182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cancer center celebration marquee 07182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_k59imFw_Oc/WW_mAWn-r1I/AAAAAAAAJ8c/mHps34BiZ5I2J9gtmsxzUil6Uc4EsZ7NwCHMYCw/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2Bmarquee%2B07182017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Marquee last night, all ready for today’s event.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Tonight is the celebration for the new Cancer Center being built; we can see the construction from here. There’s a picnic, program and beam signing, the latter being the reason I wanted to attend. So, I strolled down the street a bit ago, chatted with a few people and then signed the beam with the phrase at the top of this post.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RqD7dQjrWWg/WW_mAmnaVTI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/H3YcOOew84UPYVOBajeEjQRSNJpoJZe7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2B1%2B07192017%255B4%255D"><img width="367" height="229" title="Cancer center celebration 1 07192017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cancer center celebration 1 07192017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RkV8gLH3IZg/WW_mAwy7L3I/AAAAAAAAJ8k/3LZ9efzBulAqfCtjr3Y0-VxJAk3rte6IwCHMYCw/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2B1%2B07192017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We all want a cure for <em><strong>every</strong></em> cancer. We don’t want anyone to hear the words, <em>“I’m sorry, but you have cancer.”</em> We don’t want anyone to have to endure the path of being diagnosed with cancer at any point in their life. We want everyone with such a diagnosis to come out the other side hearing the words, <em>“No evidence of disease.” </em>Every. Year. Thereafter.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Sometimes, though, all one can hope to attain is peace. Peace when struggling to come to terms with one’s diagnosis. Peace when undergoing treatment. Peace when resuming life after treatment. Peace at end of life.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Hence, the phrase I chose.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXsQZFHzZ7A/WW_mBNvDQGI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/C9jsMDDO-fc0_D9ojrkPhK7-nG5Hx472QCHMYCw/s1600-h/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2B2%2B07192017%255B4%255D"><img width="234" height="404" title="Cancer center celebration 2 07192017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cancer center celebration 2 07192017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u_yVwaF9oK0/WW_mBc5jVjI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/nhtZarokAropq4CGBX0VE_9Svzr4f1sywCHMYCw/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2B2%2B07192017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Today is the fifth “cancerversary” of hearing my second cancer diagnosis. The synchronicity could not be ignored. I felt a need need to sign the beam, my inscription being instilled with energy of hope, strength and … peace.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xp185DPxxMgKhEAqQgJodOeDjnN9EUk4IKF_hfDb9t99N6yd3QV66BcPyPWZGh9gS0Ct2a8sZk5gGeg0hBxMqJHXvt6e4-wO0v0ZkIB5t4E0bQY1Ap1EwXXQ6fzJbzRQX1SPugOe5nxo/s1600-h/Cancer+center+celebration+3+07192017%255B8%255D"><img width="287" height="383" title="Cancer center celebration 3 07192017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Cancer center celebration 3 07192017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YB-yuWmrlSQ/WW_mCFyaWnI/AAAAAAAAJ80/7Sc90_5sk-YMSGZe86opvRoSYQfLPp9OwCHMYCw/Cancer%2Bcenter%2Bcelebration%2B3%2B07192017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">This Cancer Center is going to be great! All services – oncologists, chemo center, radiation therapy and so forth - will be under one roof instead of being spread about the neighborhood. A boutique for cancer patients will also be part of the new Center. Kudos to Sanford Health!</font></p><p align="left"><font size="3"><strong>Five Days</strong></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We are in the late afternoon of Day 5 of our vacation-at-home holiday. It sure is/has been a great one, and we’re not done yet! For the sixth day in a row, Dave was out on the bike this morning after watching a bit of the Tour de France. I did a few things around here while he was gone, and then we treated ourselves to a late lunch at Mi Rancho, the amazing Mexican restaurant here in town.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">A bit after our return, I went down to the Cancer Center celebration, as above. My sole purpose in going, really, was to sign the beam. Mission accomplished, I returned home shortly after that. I’m about to wrap up this blog post, and I suspect there will be a chess session on the porch in a wee while. </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We have really, <strong><em>really</em></strong> enjoyed our holiday. We haven’t spent a bunch of money, there was no travel to a destination, we did a few things but weren’t rushing around with a schedule, and it was all done in the comfort of sleeping in our own home every night. Such a deal!</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">There were a few home improvement things done – a few “nesting” activities – and we’re just about set for Winter when it appears in what will seem like a short few weeks. Yes, I know it’s July, but this is Minnesota! Ha! We’ll need to add some winter outerwear geared for this climate, but house-wise, we’re settled in, looking and feeling cozy.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">I totally like our cottage/townhome – not just the floorplan and location, but the way it’s shaping up, the way we’re making it “our own.”</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Life is, indeed, guid!</font></p><p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="center"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-11924023442502498682017-07-18T23:44:00.001-04:002017-07-18T23:44:52.548-04:00Vacation Days 3 and 4<p align="justify"><font size="3">After Dave’s bike ride yesterday morning, we headed into downtown to explore. Our first stop was <a href="http://www.gallerynorthbemidji.com/" target="_blank">Gallery North</a>, which showcases local authors and artisans. We checked out a few other shops in our meanderings, including <a href="http://www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com/" target="_blank">Bemidji Woolen Mills</a>. If I played and hit the lottery, I’d go shopping there. In the meantime, I’ll probably just admire the quality items in their retail store. It reminded me of the woolen shops in Edinburgh, so it was a pleasant bit of “window shopping.” Being the warmest and most humid day of the year so far, we didn’t spend much more time walking around, but headed on over to <a href="https://www.kegncorkbemidjimn.com/home" target="_blank">Keg ‘N Cork</a> for our meal of the day. They boast as being the first Irish pub on the Mississippi. Dave had a couple of Killian Reds on tap; after all, we’re on holiday! We figured the last time he had a beer in a pub was in New Jersey. Tells you how much we go out and party. We both had burgers with a few fries, which were good, but absolutely too much food for us. The food combined with the heat and humidity resulted in prolonged napping after we got home.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We were just zonked!</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">The front porch was the scene of two heated chess matches yesterday evening, with Dave winning the first and the second resulting in a draw.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QikIUduVlDY/WW7Vrz3zUeI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/6WSMRrxLDYo0PmgBzkqY3rHOrHI0rn3OQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Chess%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bporch%2B07172017%255B4%255D"><img width="381" height="286" title="Chess on the porch 07172017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Chess on the porch 07172017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Gh7p-SEjL0Vt4GkZD6Q61DCoagVHoH8a_cy-Cg1g-B0ySgseo_6ZmfyQ800pP2fxd01HyEAiubL5PNnrEr-_H-djKYqx80j5WLKt91FyugMSFuGuew3Rhv4CVMCqwf1A81K5pQA72hM9/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Ominous skies as we were winding up chess last evening.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We got maybe 2-3 big drops of rain from those foreboding skies, but that was it. Until … Around 2:45 AM this morning, I got a Special Weather Statement on my phone and immediately heard wind and hail pinging on the windows. Yikes! Went to the front door, opened the main door to look out the storm door window. Marble-sized hail. Lovely. I really couldn’t get back to sleep thinking about our Wee Beastie sitting out in the open. I sent it good protective vibes and, on checking our nifty car this morning, found that it did just fine. Sure will be glad when we get a garage!</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">It’s the evening of Day 4, and it’s been another lovely day! Originally intending to make a scenic drive and get lunch in <a href="http://www.blackduckmn.com/visit" target="_blank">Blackduck</a>, we opted to just stay at home. It was warm again today and looked like a rather dull day, and we’d rather make the drive when the weather’s a bit cooler and nicer. So! Dave had his usual ride this morning, and I did a bit of laundry and the marketing; that way I have tomorrow to kick back before we return to work Thursday.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9a5DOPKHa2E/WW7VsuXgiBI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/cjfIEuReIJkxdMphYGcyRZDboF53uVd8gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Shelving%2B07182017%255B3%255D"><img width="245" height="327" title="Shelving 07182017" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Shelving 07182017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxI3HFlce0w/WW7Vs0pJ66I/AAAAAAAAJ7w/WbpEk1ex71IIq0jNuDOn7tkz6yGxrdEewCHMYCw/Shelving%2B07182017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p align="center"><font size="3"><em>The last of the shelving is in place, but still needs to be organized. Hope to get my drums on the wall tomorrow.</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We’ve been doing a bit more “nesting” with Dave getting the last of the shelving units in place today. I still need to organize the shelves, but at least it’s there! Makes the living area cozier, looks less bare and takes up some of that reaaalllly long wall.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Dinner was at home today, followed by another chess match on the porch. It’s such a nice change to be able to enjoy sitting outside in the evenings. </font><font size="3"> </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Time now to wind down the day. Errands are done in prep for our return to work, and that leaves one more day to chill out and play! A trip to the Mexican restaurant may be on the agenda tomorrow. We’ll see.</font></p><p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><br></font></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-54148383496725109002017-07-16T18:40:00.001-04:002017-07-16T18:40:12.082-04:00Vacation Days 1 and 2<p align="justify"><font size="3">Dave tagged on 3 vacation days to our usual Tues/Weds, so we’ve officially been on holiday starting yesterday. Yay for us! Although we were off almost 3 weeks when we moved here from Texas in April, that was a <em><strong>relocation</strong></em>, and it was <strong><em>work</em></strong>. Now that we’ve been in our usual routines for a bit, a relaxing real holiday was in order.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Dave had a nice bike ride yesterday morning and I hit Hobby Lobby, which was having a 50% sale on just about all decorative items. Plus, I had a 40% coupon. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a couple of things for blank walls, one in the bathroom and one over the kitchen sink.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--c7yUfyfQLs/WWvrOPpSvjI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/-rNt1YKyPKIVSMRVkA2fwTH16y07xSzJACHMYCw/s1600-h/Gecko%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="293" height="347" title="Gecko 07162017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Gecko 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYmRLyHYzkI/WWvrObivKUI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/VFVbCEvq-4Qmnj4S11smHbqrxxadHGQUQCHMYCw/Gecko%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">A bit of Gecko whimsy and good vibes for the bathroom</font></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JULbbyG6vTU/WWvrOq_aaQI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/7AwxCX4e3MIwxkpn9dNo6RpjIurjH2uRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Celtic%2Bkitchen%2Baddition%2B07162017%255B6%255D"><img width="416" height="278" title="Celtic kitchen addition 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Celtic kitchen addition 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nltxas8d0w0/WWvrOxPsllI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/Ak-0emhnKDw4VSK2gm74jO5u8kppdkKLQCHMYCw/Celtic%2Bkitchen%2Baddition%2B07162017_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">And some Celtic good vibes for meals in the kitchen, which is often the heart of one’s home.</font></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ho2bbS-hkTo/WWvrPLWIT-I/AAAAAAAAJ6U/s2eT50yETPMCibdu9_CjPHdPRrjABxJbgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_4507%255B6%255D"><img width="233" height="351" title="IMG_4507" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_4507" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjL6JqgOusQ/WWvrPWndWgI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/sZpTb55fU4sHWQgELD88GCQ84x4k7a12wCHMYCw/IMG_4507_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">One of Dave’s projects is putting place 3 new bookcases, the first of which is on the right. We’ll end up with 4 units on the really long living room wall, and the grouping will be staggered a bit in height. The shelves are a mess in the photo, in transition. Hope to have the other 3 complete by the end of our holiday.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Although we said <em>“No cooking, we’re on vacation,”</em> we had pasta here at home last night, followed by chess on the front porch. Well, it’s our <strong><em>only</em></strong> porch. It was remarkably chilly in the evening, especially considering we’re used to sweltering Texas evenings in mid July. </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">This morning saw Dave out on the bike again, while I took my time doing a few things around here (houseplant therapy, hanging the item over the kitchen sink, changing bed linens). Once he was home, showered and changed, we headed out to </font><a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji/index.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">Lake Bemidji State Park</font></a><font size="3">, which is about 7 miles from our home.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Dave cycles through here all the time on the </font><a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/paul_bunyan/index.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">Paul Bunyan State Trail</font></a><font size="3">, but had never explored the park proper.</font> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AwVb34D16fE/WWvrPh-VZbI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/Ng7UnvYVVJgmVXVY54mBjrgc7_uKjLp1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Dave%2Bat%2BLake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="430" height="205" title="Dave at Lake Bemidji SP 07162017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Dave at Lake Bemidji SP 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Th-kbRFqQlA/WWvrP6M52TI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/vRQYdYVpdTI6lezfAshUmWW88SOgJxCkQCHMYCw/Dave%2Bat%2BLake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Dave, the intrepid explorer</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gufv3wpJ3hw/WWvrP-nndfI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/DWBeL6sTWBYk6C6nYv3Kbli3ijZIy3nEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B1%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="452" height="200" title="Lake Bemidji SP 1 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 1 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hq4h1YpDzeQ/WWvrQH1fxCI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/M3kd5YATlqg8Hf-FbkpizdhPQCo98nLVACHMYCw/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B1%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">There are walking trails all around the lake.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wRtB1fph1F4/WWvrQfb-tGI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/0WqkWwb3-nMhm6itY5J_M_ULphHEhsL6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B2%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="444" height="296" title="Lake Bemidji SP 2 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 2 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PR_7JMNS49w/WWvrQs_WlgI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/WzF-9tCHREgPFQYzlDXRqXB7PZZ73UIXACHMYCw/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B2%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Access to the lake from one of the several boat launch areas.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-7xaDv-pKQ/WWvrQ95VDfI/AAAAAAAAJ60/7jbswTzxDsIxJL08uEv7vzBV9waOOdd3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B3%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="456" height="214" title="Lake Bemidji SP 3 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 3 07162017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK901lGZiRs6o-o5hOq_0ejMaaAb88bVsaqwl9spJwXoyBk_FD8ekWmY6NPT3kT5klhtZGF58deXk1dD9EFdb9pPSnvYo4HsIS9FlaFkn87RJdo4X7Hl39VtyBFp_B189NuHqDT9Z5F5z/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">This is where the boats come from that use the access above.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U8C5UxvEnyg/WWvrRZe6zHI/AAAAAAAAJ68/0n_zPc9-Kug5VsSCkNyrkM4YNxnCCmocACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B4%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="446" height="297" title="Lake Bemidji SP 4 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 4 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BcZ6nfE4OYA/WWvrRtql7jI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/ChrUKsuqKowtTHBo9tGeo8NFVdu6BTm1ACHMYCw/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B4%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Part of the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a section of the </font><a href="https://www.railstotrails.org/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Rails to Trails</font></a><font size="3"> network.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNqORCD5kwI/WWvrRjNo4QI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/_861_pjt9dEU5FW3b6cgnJ2576qW9JlfgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B6%2B07162017%255B6%255D"><img width="426" height="283" title="Lake Bemidji SP 6 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 6 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4tf08L8YKA/WWvrR9g-r8I/AAAAAAAAJ7I/ZirtSua0DrEqPeMZCu9Cl82aJZCaafFeACHMYCw/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B6%2B07162017_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Don’t have your own bike? No problem! You can rent one at the park.</font></em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8gNHhiAzGU/WWvrSMzmdqI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/q2k8uXQouOc5fsu3zcD2kGSixutT_xIrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B5%2B07162017%255B5%255D"><img width="421" height="281" title="Lake Bemidji SP 5 07162017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Lake Bemidji SP 5 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPETYQ5xlTk/WWvrSREuMoI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/9oYFcK3xKLgo5s62R3d3W2T_NAupWNfnQCHMYCw/Lake%2BBemidji%2BSP%2B5%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Another view from our walk.</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">(The above photos were taken with my “good” camera, a Canon Rebel DSL which I haven’t used in … well, probably since New Jersey days. Was fun putting it back into service.)</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We did have a nice walk about the park, not all of it, but a decent bit. Went through some of the campground sections with tents and trailers; even saw a Montana 5th wheel. It’s pretty tight confines, and I really would not want to put a big rig in one of the back-in sites.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Earlier in the week, I made a list of things we wanted to do while off and places to consider for meals. Noticed </font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/C.K.Dudleys/" target="_blank"><font size="3">C.K. Dudley’s</font></a><font size="3"> was right on our way to the state park, so we stopped there on our way back, choosing to dine on the deck outside.</font> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qHhTNKf_Szg/WWvrStTnsuI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/E3ig8iiyOnYvaNKD-vmJtJ3eRpwZ5JLJACHMYCw/s1600-h/Lunch%2Bat%2BCK%2BDudleys%2B07162017%255B4%255D"><img width="266" height="357" title="Lunch at CK Dudleys 07162017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Lunch at CK Dudleys 07162017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gALkarJbZuM/WWvrS_y60SI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/doNO--eR-cspM2letVllV9sdwzmDqrPKgCHMYCw/Lunch%2Bat%2BCK%2BDudleys%2B07162017_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Didn’t notice until I downloaded the photo, but it looks like the “Exit Only” sign is a wee drink decoration in Dave’s glass!</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">We both chose the BBQ Brisket wrap, me with chips and Dave with fries. Oh my! It was very good and too much for us for one meal, so we each brought half home. Service was very good and friendly, meal was yummy, and it was so nice to enjoy sitting outside. We will definitely return.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Chilling out a bit back home now, with possibly more home improvement projects still for today (or not, after all, it’s vacation) and a chess session later. There’s supposed to be a decent chance for auroras tonight, but not sure we’ll be up that late.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Tomorrow’s forecast looks a bit dodgy with a hefty chance of rain and thunderstorms. That’s okay, because our itinerary (loose as it may be) is to drive into downtown, park, and explore on foot. </font><a href="https://www.bemidjidowntown.com/bemidji-attractions" target="_blank"><font size="3">Downtown Bemidji</font></a><font size="3"> is … well, pretty darn cool. There is a sculpture walk, all sorts of wee shops and various cafes and pubs. We have been downtown on errands with specific purpose, each time saying, <em>“We should come back sometime and just explore.”</em> Well, I think tomorrow may be the day! Even if it is raining a bit, we can duck in and out of shops.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Our holiday may not sound exciting and it surely is low-key and inexpensive, but it suits us just fine and we’re enjoying ourselves!</font></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Thanks for stopping by! Stay safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="center"><em><br></em></p><p align="center"><em><br></em></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580989167787334451.post-72370228005494204332017-07-05T13:20:00.001-04:002017-07-05T13:20:58.197-04:00Life is Totally Different These Days …<p><font size="3">… and I have to say I’m enjoying it!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Smam2Fo_tYQ/WV0f7HLBq9I/AAAAAAAAJ5E/ZLBxXeP7pj8kbg-qxMpcS8SkOp7u3zzcQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Apple%2Bpie%255B3%255D"><img width="268" height="360" title="Apple pie" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Apple pie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_NVVqewW84/WV0f7ilTp-I/AAAAAAAAJ5I/_wqv4cO7Dzg_KpA5WCeUkTmbuS7XmxrAgCHMYCw/Apple%2Bpie_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">First apple pie in quite some time</font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">When we were in New Jersey, I did honest-to-goodness cooking. Well, we left there 3 years ago and I don’t think I’ve made an apple pie since then. So! It was about time! Dave enjoyed having this as dessert with his work dinners.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">This is the first time we’ve both had July 4th off work since our Jersey days, too. Dave had a nice bike ride and I did the marketing in the morning. In the afternoon, we went to check out the </font><a href="http://www.bemidjijaycees.com/water-carnival.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">Bemidji Water Carnival</font></a><font size="3"> held on the shores of </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Bemidji" target="_blank"><font size="3">Lake Bemidji</font></a><font size="3"> here in town. Neither of us had been to a carnival in … well, as the Scottish saying goes … “donkey’s years.” That’s a long time, folks.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_IQDlSM2VIA/WV0f7zUbneI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/lOG-YY93TaAzJBzA6CDueQx2xPsAgsiTACHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B2%255B4%255D"><img width="423" height="256" title="Water Carnival 2" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvfqxC40ybE/WV0f8Jbxh9I/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/2D-yDVW6gOMNuxNlravi-HpDTjxuF2oQwCHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B2_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDRMpJtoA78/WV0f8d5k9AI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/br3nNvo7yME1vM-BSVRMwnwwFRj9P6UegCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B1%255B4%255D"><img width="416" height="229" title="Water Carnival 1" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-17HVQckHU2U/WV0f8mNo-QI/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/wFsHECDDNEc-CTcOCqZGMH-kiEKOM7WlACHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M5XCOT959UU/WV0f89biSDI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/SkX0vPt3cDAiJu0w72SkeyiunGo8hAkCwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B3%2B07042017%255B4%255D"><img width="431" height="211" title="Water Carnival 3 07042017" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 3 07042017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WXiS6FACqnvcQe_hZiuLSvrrs-IBr4jSdmXkPTK8ZMQWGDoFKLUXYQkY8SxtBxh08kYsylcsDveExUBV8TFXMCghvhJU1MduFwU9bqy6J5P0pC5ssh9ojdFZP-pt-siU6JEU_kuErkP-/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMgZrqQGIuY/WV0f9dTdEqI/AAAAAAAAJ5k/RUtF9szbNb4V_jJ9YqjpupxeSGf9dpDzQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Water%2BCarnival%2B4%255B4%255D"><img width="166" height="332" title="Water Carnival 4" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival 4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NIiJxS1FiKk/WV0f9yDD7JI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/S_wvhZ32p_gMkUD3-O3zGzwOU8JnfsPbACHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2B4_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Fun to watch from the ground</font></em></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT1086iY1_H7PY2TBhpAWvuUEqqy4nD1Tf8t0KXHwh09XyZeTHq-E2fjOke0twKgXuEfgdxgrRISnqqF8PdGl6nDfbdh1mh2OZmcxIQRGEsNei4OrvCp-fKUgUobYIrTe5X5V3-YTIG2X/s1600-h/Water+Carnival+Zipper+ride%255B5%255D"><img width="420" height="314" title="Water Carnival Zipper ride" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Water Carnival Zipper ride" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LwWCU3xmzcg/WV0f-ZqJNSI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/0X8qah9jOIUD30boFtRuPLQ3HldS3fmMwCHMYCw/Water%2BCarnival%2BZipper%2Bride_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Another one fun to watch. The center piece rotated, giving each of the cages quite a ride. The screams at the carnival were coming from this ride. </font></em></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">No, we didn’t go on any rides and didn’t give any money to the games hawkers. We went just to stroll around and enjoy the sights and sounds. Free event, free parking, a chance to get out and about and relive some childhood memories. The weather was perfect – Summer has arrived in Minnesota, but it’s rather pleasant – parking was easy and there weren’t tons of people around. The fireworks display on Lake Bemidji was the final event of the carnival last night, so I bet there were quite a few more folks around for that. We certainly heard the fireworks quite well from our porch and could see the display reflected in the hospital windows. Cool. </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Thing is, we’re actually able to get out and do fun things once again! It’s so nice to have our days off truly be that … days<strong><em> off</em></strong>. There’s no RV maintenance to deal with, amenities are so close and hassle-free that I can get errands run quickly and without stress, laundry can be done any time, etc. Oh … and the weather is now a positive contributing factor versus a negative influence. Yes, summertime is here, but it is not so hot that outdoor activities are unthinkable. Our lives are no longer controlled by what <em><strong>has</strong></em> to be done within certain times. We’ve reduced our stress level – physical, emotional and spiritual – enormously with our change of lifestyle and moving to a more tolerable climate.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">I know, I know. I can hear you saying, <em>“Yeah, but what about Winter?”</em> Well, Winter is Winter. We know what to expect. Still, check with me in February. At least we won’t have to shovel our sidewalk.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Long and short is that our quality of life is much better now. </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">So that was Day 1 of our weekend this week. Dave is off cycling, I’m venturing forth to my first hair appointment since we arrived (and you know that can be either a grand experience or a traumatic one with a new stylist) and then there may be a midafternoon meal at the Mexican restaurant. </font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Guess I’d best toddle off for now. How was <strong><em>your</em></strong> Fourth of July?</font></p><p align="center"><em><font size="3">Thanks for stopping by! Ya’ll be safe out there, okay?</font></em></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Texas Yellow Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416672836387064595noreply@blogger.com1