Good food

Last night Tim's high school friend John flew back into town on his way back to Hawaii from Washington, D.C. We met him at the airport, and proceeded to discuss dinner plans. John had called from the airport--he was wearing a suit, so we dressed up, too, and tried to figure out wear we could eat without breaking the bank and also a place everyone could agree on. (We brought our 13 year old daughter along, too.)

We finally settled on Tejas--and wow, what a good choice! I had a chicken/wild rice burrito, Tim had the pork chop special, Christina had salmon, and John had scallops. The presentation of the dishes was simply marvelous, and it was delicious as well. And the best part was I didn't feel too full and sick later, like I do when I eat too much at fancy places because I feel I should clean my plate. The bread was great too--a brownish/blue cornbread and white bread with wild rice.

Mmmmmmmm, mmmm.

If you're ever in Mpls., try the Tejas restaurant at 50th & France area in Edina. And they also have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair (which ends on Labor Day.)

Till next time,

Suzi

Summer's end........

Well, today is the last day of summer vacation (not counting the weekend and Labor Day), and Tim needed the boys to get up and work. They were out late last night, and Mark didn't sleep well because his sister took the fan that was in his room (the temperature dropped overnight, so we didn't have the air on, but Mark's window was closed and I suppose he was too tired to open it or find another fan.)

Inga wanted to go back to a party that was an overnight, so Tim took her there. Christina is having a friend over this morning. So much for quiet summer mornings. At least Raven and I got our walk in and it was fairly uneventful. I did see the boys at the gas station by our house and they said Tim had worked hard at getting them up (my words, they were a little more negative).

Ahhhh well, we look forward to new routines next week. Hopefully everyone will be so tired at night that they'll sleep well adn be all set to get up for school bright and early!

Maybe.......

Till next time,
Suzi

God's handiwork

I got a cool e -mail from my sister, who lives in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Like me, she walks her dog every morning (at 5:30 am--I am usually later than that!). Yesterday she saw two really cool sights--one was Mars setting in the southwestern sky--a big orange orb, was how she described it.

Then, as they were heading back home, she saw a medium-sized Northwoods bear lumbering down the road (away from them, fortunately.) Way cool.

Even though we live in a metropolitan area, God's handiwork is evident here, too. I went to pick up my son Mark last night about 10 and we drove by a lake. Several people were lined up near the shore--one with a telescope. We pulled over and looked in the southeastern sky for a glimpse of Mars. flickering in the early darkness.

Then, as Mark and I pulled into the driveway, we spotted three animals crossing the apartment driveway next to our house. I thought they were cats, but as the headlights illuminated them, we saw they were raccoons.

Okay, so they're not bears, but not cats either.
I'm keepin' my eyes peeled.

Till next time,
Suzi

Driving, driving

Well, yesterday was one of those crazy days carting kids and working out schedule conflicts. Inga had soccer practice, Christina had her school open house/potluck, and after that Inga had orientation at the high school. Somehow we managed to get everyone where they needed to go in a somewhat timely fashion. Inga and I had fun roaming the circular halls of her high school, seeing some familiar faces, and finding her classrooms.

I am looking forward to next week, when the school bus (and my son, Luke) will take over the driving and I can get my stuff done while the kids are at school. And, hopefully the gas bill will go down--I paid $1.79/gallon yesterday!! Yikes!! Well, only 6 days till school starts!

Till next time,
Suzi

Happy birthday honey!

Today is the day I wait for for nine months! No, not the birth of a child, but for my husband Tim to catch up to me in age. Now, for three months, we can celebrate being 45 together. Then, this year on Thanksgiving again, I again become the "old lady."

I also like this time of year as I anticipate the return of the children to school!!! Schedules get busy, but I don't have to worry about juggling them during the day at least.

But one thing is different this year--we have had a very dry August. And the leaves on the trees are starting to fall--covering the pathways in the woods where I walk. I don't remember the leaves falling so soon--is this just a local phenomena? Is it related to the dry weather? Most of the trees are still sporting plenty of green leaves--it seems to be affecting the elms the most.

Maybe the leaves are just aging to join Tim in his advancing years. I hope this trend doesn't keep up!

Actually, years are a blessing, and we are very grateful for every day, month and year the Lord gives us. Luke will graduate from high school this year, and two years hence, Mark, two years later, Christina. Time will fly!

In the meantime, enjoy your day today, Tim--I love you!

Till next time,
Suzi

Gathering of family and friends

Last night we had the family over for Tim's birthday supper. (His birthday is actually tomorrow.) Also joining us was a neighbor of Tim's brother, David, who enjoys playing board games with the family. And Tim's old high school buddy, John, was on his way from Hawaii where he lives to Washington D.C., so he stopped by for the festivities as well.

Mark grilled the hamburgers and brats, and the girls did a wonderful job helping me clean yesterday and set things up. I showed Inga how to do the fancy veggie thing I call Laura and Larry in Love. (Laura is a carrot and Larry is a cucumber in Veggie Tales.) Anyway, you peel a carrot and cut a cucumber in half, then push the carrot into the center of the cucumber. Then you take out a fancy blade to chop up the cucumber, and you end up with these cute little circular appetizers--a carrot surrounded by a cucumber.

The Dairy Queen cake was also a hit--first time in a long time I haven't had cake left-overs. Yeah!

Now I don't have to plan a birthday or going away or graduation party till Christmas time (or November, if you count my birthday). Wahoo!

Till next time,
Suzi

Hanging on for dear life

Last night Tim and I went sailing. This is his new passion, although I guess it has been a lifelong wish of his. Who am I to deny him of this? And, since I am his wife, I should partake in his joy as well, this, of course is reasonable.

The first time we went out there were hurrican gusts on our little lake. "Finally, some wind!" Tim exclaims (I guess you can't blame him--it has been still or rainy or he had been busy for weeks). So, I try to share his enthusiasm. After minutes out in the gale, however, I am screaming for shore. Seeing our hopeless predicament, Tim, being the kind husband he is, complies and manages to steer us back to safety.

Never again, I think. Then, Tim finds a spot for the boat on a bigger lake, with "easier maneuverability." So, I agree to try again, and this time I am pleasantly surprised. We enjoy a romantic afternoon on the lake, I hardly get wet, the view is spectacular, and by the end the waves have almost lulled me to sleep.

So, yesterday, I agreed to try this venture again. It was a bit breezy, but not like our first voyage. We get out in the boat, sail filling, and head into the warm waters of Medicine Lake.

Well, about the only thing I was grateful for on this trip was that the lake was warm. (And that we didn't completely tip.) We did severall 45 degree angle maneuvers, we took on water (Tim took out the plug--to drain the water, he said...) and I was soaked from stem to stern. My head ached from resting on this shelf part of the craft--I should have used Tim's soggy life jacket that he discarded the moment we set sail. It would have made a wet, but comfortable pillow.

Finally Tim agreed to steer us in. (Really, I did not scream as much this time, and I even offered my help.) Just as we were getting close enough to wave to our friends on shore, "the wind" (says Tim) took us out again. I spent more time hanging on one side or another, hoping my weight would be enough to keep us from tipping to the other side. This is probably the only time in my life I wished I weighed more (not that I'm fat........... or any thing.....)

Well, the second attempt (after going all the way across the big lake) was more successful. We trimmed the sail and Tim paddled us to safety. We did hop out several feet from shore (we were soaked already--why didn't I wear my bathing suit!!!???), and plodded through the swampy, muddy bottom to the rocks of the docking point.

Will I go again? Stay tuned........

Till next time,
Suzi

Posting twice?

What we do for our pets.......

Raven has been scratching and scratching so I decided it was finally time to take him in for a vet visit. Getting there wasn't bad--he leaped into the car eagerly enough. Once we got to the door, though, he put on the brakes. I managed to get him in the first glass door, and I had to find a rug for him to step on before we could go through the second (he is afraid of slippery floors.) Finally I got him checked in and sat down, and more and more dogs kept arriving. Raven barked is greeting at each one, sometimes too enthusiastically.

Finally we got our own room, after we dragged him over to the scale (the pregnant tech was no help, bless her, although I'm sure she would if it weren't for her condition). Then, we had to muzzle him while the tech checked his temp (in his ear). Finally the doc came, and it was determined that he has a skin infection--and the recommended medication--benadryl. We also got a special oatmeal plus other cool stuff to give him a doggy shampoo.

Well, I went to the pharmacy, thinking, I know what benedryl is, and then there was a wide assortment of choices--gel tabs, tablets, children's liquid. I had assumed he would be getting liquid (because I thought the Rx said mL, when it said mg). So, I finally asked the pharmacist, who thought it would probably be mg, soooooooo, I bought the little tablets. Meanwhile, Raven was waiting out in the car, and I thought I'd be just a minute, so I hadn't left the windows open. Plus, I still needed to go to the butcher for hamburgers (for our birthday dinner tomorrow (happy 45th, honey!).So, I walked back to the car, opened a window for Rave, and stood in line at the butcher's. Finally we were on our way, and I gave him his shampoo and pill (mixed with peanut butter--the pill, that is, not the shampoo!) He wasn't too happy about being squirted with a hose, but I hope he'll get over it and get better.

At least he didn't have fleas!

Till next time,
Suzi

What we do for our pets.......

Raven has been scratching and scratching so I decided it was finally time to take him in for a vet visit. Getting there wasn't bad--he leaped into the car eagerly enough. Once we got to the door, though, he put on the brakes. I managed to get him in the first glass door, and I had to find a rug for him to step on before we could go through the second (he is afraid of slippery floors.) Finally I got him checked in and sat down, and more and more dogs kept arriving. Raven barked is greeting at each one, sometimes too enthusiastically.

Finally we got our own room, after we dragged him over to the scale (the pregnant tech was no help, bless her, although I'm sure she would if it weren't for her condition). Then, we had to muzzle him while the tech checked his temp (in his ear). Finally the doc came, and it was determined that he has a skin infection--and the recommended medication--benadryl. We also got a special oatmeal plus other cool stuff to give him a doggy shampoo.

Well, I went to the pharmacy, thinking, I know what benedryl is, and then there was a wide assortment of choices--gel tabs, tablets, children's liquid. I had assumed he would be getting liquid (because I thought the Rx said mL, when it said mg). So, I finally asked the pharmacist, who thought it would probably be mg, soooooooo, I bought the little tablets. Meanwhile, Raven was waiting out in the car, and I thought I'd be just a minute, so I hadn't left the windows open. Plus, I still needed to go to the butcher for hamburgers (for our birthday dinner tomorrow (happy 45th, honey!).So, I walked back to the car, opened a window for Rave, and stood in line at the butcher's. Finally we were on our way, and I gave him his shampoo and pill (mixed with peanut butter--the pill, that is, not the shampoo!) He wasn't too happy about being squirted with a hose, but I hope he'll get over it and get better.

At least he didn't have fleas!

Till next time,
Suzi

Morning has broken

This morning my husband got up for the second day in a row at 5 am. (In the summer, it's been closer to 7). Instead of crawling back in bed after dutifully doing the wifely thing (making his lunch, giving him a hug and kiss good-bye), I stayed up after my wifely duties and walked the dog. I was surprised how dark it's become in the morning--at the end of June it is very bright by 6, even by 5 it is light out. But I enjoy watching the sky light up in the morning, wandering through the shadows at the beginning of our walk, and then seeing clearly by the end as the sun starts to peek over the trees.

It was even cool today--I wore a jacket. A nice change from the 90 degree days with high humidity! (But I hear they will be making a reappearance.) We opened the windows for the first time in weeks, it seems. Although it is a bit sad to see summer ending, it will be a nice change of pace. It's weird, because this will be Luke's last year in high school--although he is taking college courses (complements of Minnesota) and they serve for college as well as high school credit.

Yesterday I got out the More Time Moms calendar (Sept 2003 - Dec 2004) to get all the kids stuff on the school calendar. I love the calendar, cause it is nice and big with big squares to write in, as well as fun stickers. So much is going on this year already, so it was good to feel a bit organized, anyway. Now I just have to remember to check the calendar!

So, it's fun to greet the summer days early while I can. (Although I may sleep in tomorrow!) The fall and winter will be here soon enough!

Till next time,
Suzi

The State Fair

Well, today is the first day of the Great Minnesota Get Together, otherwise known as the State Fair. Every year we face the decision, are we going to walk around for hours in the heat, spending all our cash, eating junk food--just to say we experienced this event one more year? The answer usually is yes. It's especially fun for exchange students to see everything--the livestock, the midway rides, all the vendors peddling everything from tractors and new cars to the latest kitchen gadget. It's fun to visit the radio and TV booths that broadcast live from the fair, and get a peek at our favorite "celebreties."

One year, our exchange student from Ecuador, Marcelo, ran right up to a horse at the livestock exhibit. He proudly grabbed one by the mouth and said, "I can tell you how old he is by counting his teeth!" We were a little concerned, but he had had experience with cows and horses, so he left unscathed. We did leave in the middle of a huge downpour, which he loved, too. If we go this year, I am hoping for cool weather with little or no rain. I hope to leave with plenty of money, a full, but not sick, stomach, and happy children. Then it will all be worth it.

Till next time,
Suzi

Rain, rain, come today...

Finally the promised rain has come to water our parched lawn. On my morning walk with Raven, I brought along the umbrella, although we met only sprinkles with one short burst of something more than that. Raven slurped up the puddles he encountered and splashed in the rain water.

I was surprised to see a ground cover of yellow leaves (elm?) on the wooded path we walk on. With temperatures in the 90s lately, I'm certain we are not in fall weather, but maybe the heat is stressing out the trees. We still have lots of green trees, and hopefully the lawns will green up again with the advent of rain.

Unfortunately, the mugginess and high temps are forecasted to continue, at least through the day, with the possibility of severe weather. Well, as they say in Minnesota, if you don't like the weather, wait till tomorrow!

Till next time,
Suzi

Wandering parents

Most people worry about their kids--when they get sick, when they venture out on their own as they take their toddling first steps, as they grow into teenagers and drive away from home for the first time--as parents wait up late for the young person who has violated curfew.

I don't worry too much about my kids (well, I don't think I do, but they are always saying, "don't worry, mom......."), and I have been up at night waiting for them, including exchange students. But I find myself worrying more--well, maybe that's not the right word--anxious--concerned? about my parents who often slip away undetected, when I think we should have radar on them as well as on my own kids.

Most young adults have parents who are fairly stationery, who are predictable for the most part, who can be reached at a moment's notice. Mine were chomping at the bit from the moment my younger brother (the baby) left home for college. They were off to overseas work for GE--first to Saudi Arabia (???!!!), then to Egypt, and finally to Romania.

I have to say, however, that even though they were not always easy to reach, we did have many benefits from their overseas travels--gifts from exotic places, fun pictures to view, and the best gift of all--our daughter who was born in Romania while my parents were there, and they (especially Mom) did all the work to get her safely to our arms here in Minnesota.

They've had a tough year, now, with my Dad's diabetes causing some difficulties, such as eye problems (corrected with surgery), and then the need for a pacemaker for Dad as well. Also, my Dad's younger brother was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away earlier this month. The funeral was on my parent's 50th wedding anniversary.

So, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to receive an e-mail from them last night stating that they were off doing their honeymoon reunion tour--up to Niagara Falls and round about that part of the country. After all, they had planned this trip before my uncle became very ill at the end. Now, they are enjoying old memories--memories made before I was even a glimmer in their eyes.

So, even though you didn't e-mail me a specific itinerary before your trip, you deserve the privacy and all the joy of travel back down memory lane and relive those wonderful years, as you enjoy the blessings of this stage of life, as well. We all love you and hope you have a terrific trip--even if we kids (well, maybe Cheri knows......... ;) ) don't have a play by play of all your plans.

Till next time,
Suzi

Back home again

I am still enjoying memories of our weekend on the North Shore. As Raven (our dog) and I walked by Crystal Lake, I was aware of how small it was compared to the great Lake Superior whose shores we had just visited yesterday. I appreciate this vast source of water more since we haven't had much rain here for over two weeks. Our poor lawn could really use a good drink.

One of the incredible things we observed on our weekend away was the sky. Mars is shining closer and brighter than it will again in our lifetime, I guess, and we managed to pick out the blinking pinkish planet above the trees on Saturday night. Later, after playing a board game, Tim and I and the kids headed down to the lake to see the moon rising and the stars shining. Venus was in the eastern sky, glowing like a beacon.

Poor Mark is sick again with a bad throat (read, doctor's visit again), so he was up early in the morning. He had been sleeping in his cousin's cabin on the floor, and decided to bring his blanket and pillow back to a camper bed for some better rest. But on the way, he stopped down at the lakeshore to watch the sun rise over the mighty lake. He even walked down to a little creek flowing into the river, and carefully balancing his bed gear, he walked on stones across to the other side and back again.

God's creation is so vast and marvelous--it is good to take time from our busy lives to enjoy his handiwork and praise him for all his good gifts.

Till next time,
Suzi

The North Shore

Wow, we had a terrific weekend up north. It was my first time past Duluth, and it was so fun to drive up Highway 61 and be able to see the coast of Lake Superior along the way. I kept wanting to sing "The Edmund Fitzgerald" song by Gordon LIghtfoot, but fortunately for my family, I guess, I couldn't remember all the words. So, instead we visited the Maritime museum in Duluth to read more about the sinking ship (November 1975) and see actual pictures taken when the wreck was discovered a few years ago.

Anyway, I won't be able to write everything tonight, but it was really nice. It was still pretty warm when we arrived up there Friday evening. The kids ran down to the lake for a dip and were refreshed. We got our camper set up and enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. We were able to camp together, except for Greg and Kari and family who stayed in a mobile home by the lake (read, lovely view). Even though the kitchen colors were salmon and it was definitely rustic (read, sagging beds)--it was a beautiful location and very spacious. We all had nice wooded sites for our campers and the only thing to really complain about were all the flies. Not too many mosquitoes or bees--although Luke managed to get stung just as we finished packing up--by a hornet or something. It wasn't too bad, though--we got some ice on it right away and then he was fine. It was Mark that concerned us a bit more with a recurrent sore throat and now ear ache. We may visit the doctor again tomorrow.

Tim and the kids enjoyed cliff jumping--a terrifying sport to witness from shore. They climbed up these craggy rocks to a height that seemed to be 3 stories or more, and jumped off into the deep, icy water below. It was a great way to cool off, but nerve wracking to a worried mom.

Raven, our dog, loved the water. It was cool and tasty--nice and clean. He couldn't quite figure out the tide, though--he would quickly lap up some refreshment, then be hit by the incoming tide--so he'd retreat, then go back in, retreat, go back in, etc. We did find a little creek that flowed into the lake that was calm enough for him to drink away without fear of incoming tidal waves.

One of the coolest things about the weekend, though, was on our way home. We stopped in Duluth for lunch, and for one more look at Lake Superior. As we walked down the boardwalk along the lake towards the maritime museum, someone coming from the opposite direction called my name. It turned out to be Tim's cousin, Mark, and his wife, son and father. His Dad, Uncle Rick, had had a stroke a couple of months ago--and we really didn't expect him to survive it. But there he was, in the sunshine, being pushed along in his wheelchair by Mark and Brenda and their son Jesse. (Son Justin was back home in Stillwater, MN). We hadn't seen them in a long time, and it was so good to see how well Rick was doing. Even though he couldn't speak clearly, he communicated a lot to us by his smile and expressions. We hugged and chatted. Tim told me after we got home that Uncle Rick and Aunt Joanie (who passed away several years ago of a sudden heart attack) had taken him camping several times when he was young. What a wonderful reunion we had, miles from home, in a lovely lakeside setting.

Well, it's almost 10 pm and I'm planning to blog in the morning, so till next time.........
Suzi

Heading north

Well, today we are heading up north--to the north shore. I have lived in Minnesota for almost half of my life but never been to the elusive north shore. I'm looking forward to seeing the craggy cliffs by Lake Superior and enjoying the cool weather. Although we are not suffering power outages or extreme heat like Europe (I won't even compare it to Iraq!), it's been mighty warm here for the northern folks, and our electric bill was almost $200 last month.

So, a dip in the lake sounds nice, a change in latitude is in order, and some good family time will be had by all, we hope! Hopefully the van will have no more problems (read, flat tire, starter outage, blinker trouble in the last 2 weeks!) and we'll come home ready to face the world Sunday evening.

Till next time,
Suzi

Driving again

Well, I think God is trying to teach me not to be so proud and depend on myself (or my husband) so much for everything. It's okay to ask for help once in awhile, and people are often happy to be there. Dawn picked me up and we went to lunch, picked Adam up, even stopped by the girls' soccer field till we found out that Inga had a ride home, ran errands, etc. Then I had to find another ride for Inga and me to get to the soccer dinner, but that all worked out, too. The car was fixed by early evening (but not in time to get to the dinner), and the starter was under warranty, and I had a $10 coupon for labor! Hurray!

So, today, I was a bit calmer when I found out the turn signals were not working (and I thought the radio, too, although I had just failed to find the power button on our new fangled radio/cd/cassette player--sometimes too much technology is not a good thing!). So, I stopped back at the service station, and the manager looked at the van, and found that a fuse had gone out. So, he replaced that on the spot and just charged me for the part (under $6.) It turned out to be just a coincidence that the fuse had gone out after they had worked on the car, so I lucked out. Tomorrow we are going camping for the weekend, so it is good that the turn signals will be working!

God is good, even when I am whiny. Thanks, God!

Till next time,
Suzi

Yesterday computers, today, cars

I was hustling and bustling today--Inga was a bit late getting up and I needed to get her to soccer practice, then come home, shower, pick up my nephew to babysit for my other sister-in-law. After I picked Dawn up and dropped Adam up, we were planning to go to a lunch/church book club, and then I'd drop Dawn up, pick Adam up, drop Adam up, and then go home before I'd pick Inga up from soccer practice, come home, and get ready for the soccer banquet.

So, we went out to the van this morning to begin this routine. The engine turns over, the lights and radio go on, but it doesn't start. *%$##@@@!
Of course I didn't say this (or even think it........). My husband, who is working close by, has a lot on his plate and in hesitant to come to my rescue. I call my son, who is supposed to be heading out of town with a friend, but is still sleeping at his house not far away. After hearing, "I'm sooooo tired" several times, I convince him to come home and drive Inga to practice.

Next, I call our service station, and they will try to squeeze us in. So, I call AAA for a tow. I then call my sister-in-law, who is willing to pick me up and our nephew as well. (She'll have to haul the kids to do this.) I run in to the shower, bringing the phone in with me in case AAA calls (they said the driver will call 5 minutes before he arrives.) Two wet phone calls later (telemarketers), I get out of the shower for good. I race out to the van to retrieve some things, then see the tow truck drive by and pass our house. Oh, well--it's a dead end down the road, so he'll end up back here eventually. He does come back, hooks up the van and tows it away. Thank goodness for AAA. (By the way, Tim just ran down to the post office downtown last night to get our membership dues in the mail--they are due tomorrow! Yikes!)

So, my van is on the way to being fixed (hopefully), I hope to get a ride for Inga at 2:30, and I should enjoy a nice luncheon with new friends, and I won't even have to drive!

Stay tuned for the next mishap, I mean adventure.......

Till next time,
Suzi

Problem fixed, I think

Well, I downloaded something from Windows (I should check those updates that pop up more often) and hopefully the problem is fixed. I've been online a while and have not been bumped off. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Till next time,

Suzi

Problem?

Last night I was chatting with my sister when I got a shut down message on my computer. I quickly shut down the computer before it could be shut down and then restarted it. Then it happened again. I guess my Windows XP is more prone to nasty things than other versions. Hopefully it is not a big problem. I did run my Norton update, but I suppose I should do some further investigation.

Computers--you sometimes hate 'em but don't know what you'd do without 'em.

Sigh.

Till next time,
Suzi

Lake cabin

In Minnesota, it seems that most people go up to "the lake" as many weekends in the summer as possible. We've never had or taken the opportunity to rent or buy lakeshore property "up north," but yesterday we were invited to some friend's lakeshore land and we had a blast.

Our German shepherd-mix dog, Raven, was a bit unsure about mixing with the other German shepherd looking dogs there, but after a while, they all seemed comfortable together. The Andersons (who have the cabin) roasted a turkey on the grill and all the families who came (4 of them, including us) brought something to share. It was a delightful day, enjoying the nice weather outside, jumping in the lake--even Raven took a bit of a swim.

Everyone there had hosted or was planning to host an exchange student, so we swapped fun stories. All too soon, evening came, and the thought of facing traffic for all those returning to the Twin Cities from "the lake." Traffic was snarled a bit, but not too bad--and they are only about an hour from home. It was a wonderful day.

Till next time,
Suzi

Farmers Market

This morning we took Inga and some friends to the Minneapolis Farmers Market. I was expecting the wide array of fruits, vegetables and flowers, but they also had many stand with cooked food--brats, hot dogs, baked goods, etc. Inga loves fresh fruits and vegetables (she doesn't go too much for bread or sweets), so we bought strawberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, cucumbers and corn on the cob.

They also have many wares for sale--clothing, items from around the world--jewelry, wooden carvings--we saw some Thai purses and other things that reminded us of our Thai student, Noh, who left us in July. It was like going to another country to an open air market--lots of fun. Christina and Inga ate some strawberries in the car on the way home.

We'll have to visit again--or try our local Robbinsdale market, which only has 4-5 vendors right now (but good produce!) and is easier to park!

Till next time,
Suzi

PS--Happy 50th anniversary Mom & Dad!!!!

August

Even though it's more than three weeks till school starts, I think this is the last week of school-free fun. Monday we register for school for Inga, and soccer practice starts for her. Luke (and maybe Mark) will begin marching band next week. Christina registers for school next Thursday. And, she is growing like a weed, so most of the clothes she could wear only a few months ago no longer fit.

Which brings me to another sad tale--we tried taking some nice clothes that she had quickly outgrown to a consignment store--3 bags of stuff. They only took one pair of jeans and a pair of new sandals--we got $5.75. I guess I shouldn't complain--we should probably just give them away anyway. Maybe she'll stop growing soon!

In the meantime, I should just be content with the ages and stages we are all in now--not anticipating summer's end too quickly.

Till next time--
Suzi

Comments?

I am testing to see if I installed a comments tag line correctly. Maybe I will get feedback????

till next time--
Suzi

Reunions

Last night Tim and I went to see my "Quito mom" Helen Broach, who is visiting in the Twin Cities. I last saw her about 3 years ago when she was visiting her friend Ruth Jordan, and she came over to our home for dinner. Last night Ruth hosted about a dozen people who have known Helen over the years and are currently living in this area. It was a delightful evening, especially hearing about Helen's engagement to a longtime friend, Wally Swanson. Helen's husband Dick died about 9 years ago, and Char, Wally's wife, died 2 years ago. Now these friends of 40 years are planning a California wedding this December.

It was amazing all the connections in the room--not only to Helen, but in other ways as well. One couple had 2 children who attended Bethel College with Tim and me (well, only one of them was actually there during our time at Bethel.) Another couple was related to a friend Tim knew from North Park Seminary. We found out that Ruth and Helen both know Elisabeth Elliot quite well, and they were also well acquainted with the men who were martyred in Ecuador in 1956, in fact, Helen went to school with one of the wives.

We shared about our exchange students, including our current one, Inga (Moldova), as well as Marcelo from Quito, Ecuador, and the others--Carla from Bolivia, Mai from Japan, and Noh from Thailand. It was fun to reminisce and hear about others' lives as in more recent years as well.

This morning I picked up our son Mark from the bus stop. He is just returning from a week-long youth convention, and he was happy but very tired (riding on a bus for the past 24 hours from Knoxville to Minneapolis). He seemed to have a new conviction about his faith and I was very happy to hear wonderful things about CHIC (Covenant High Congress)from him. Of course, a highlight was white water rafting. I'm just glad he survived that--but I guess a bigger challenge was surviving the bus ride home--the driver backed up on the freeway after missing an exit, several times, drifted to the side of the road, etc. But now he is safe and sound and sleeping in his own bed.

Till next time,
Suzi

Internet fun

Last night I showed Inga how to get online with our computer. Hopefully, this is not the beginning of a love affair with the internet for her, but I don't think so, as her family doesn't have internet access, adn she is used to going to an internet cafe to get online. But I'm glad she can communicate with her familyback home, and she's been really delightful so far. I think we'll have a terrific year. She is trying to compete with our daughter Christina to see who can talk the most! Good thing they share a room and we can send them down there! (hahahaha)

This morning I saw our Thai exchange student online. He's still really busy with school adn everything, but he doesn't sound as desperate to keep up as he did a couple of weeks ago. We miss him a lot, but hope he can come back to visit someday.

Now my husband has called and needs a tool for work, so I better get moving.

Till next time,
Suzi

Adventures

Well, last night we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of our exchange student, Inga. I checked on the last leg of her long flight from Moldova, and found that her plane from Cincinnati had been canceled due to weather. Fortunately, she was on the next Delta flight to Minneapolis, and arrived safely, 2 hours later than originally scheduled.

My husband and kids decided to use the extra time to play a board game. I, meanwhile, was madly dashing around, doing last minute cleaning, etc., and saying, let's go, let's go. My husband's philosophy is it's really time to get moving when I'm in the car. Until I'm out the door, there really is no crisis (or hurry). I guess I can't blame him--he's spent too many Sunday mornings waiting while I search for my purse, struggle with my pantyhose, or encourage children to move it.

Anyway, last night, my husband dropped me off at the ticketing terminal while he and the kids went to park. I decided to see if I could meet Inga at the gate since she was an unaccompanied minor (17) traveling from so far away. Nobody was at the counter. So I picked up a Delta courtesy phone, and they said, try the baggage claim area. I arrived, no line, gave my sad story, and after checking on Inga's name and viewing my driver's license, I was issued the sacred pass to wait in the security line.

I had visions of being strip searched, setting off alarms, and missing Inga entirely. I checked my watch. Inga's plane should be at the gate right now, and the security line said estimated waiting time, 15 minutes. I got out my ID to show with my pass. So far, so good. I watched a young woman take off her belt ahead of me in anticipation of alarms. I saw another woman holding her arms out at her side as a wand was waved over her for whatever set the beeper off. I saw people questioned about laptops. My main concern was that I would have to dump my purse which contained personal, uh, feminine items. Several.

Anyhow, I sailed through the security line. I even fielded a cell phone call from my husband during my wait--he assured me that Inga's flight had not yet pulled in to the gate. Not convinced, after I gathered my purse, cell phone, and the welcome sign we had made that somehow survived the scanner, I raced down the terminal. It was rather eerie. I hadn't been down a terminal since before 9/11/01, and it was like a ghost town. No one was coming off flights yet, so I assumed that was a good sign. But there were not the usual throngs (in pre-9/11 days) of people going to meet loved ones (or associates.) So, I got to Inga's gate--no sign of anyone--no one was at the check in place either--no sign with the arrival time of her flight--I suppose, because who would be there to read it? I waited around, and then saw people starting to get off the plane. I held my sign proudly, realizing later that my daughter had colored the letters in the color of the Moldovan flag, so the yellow letters were not visible from a distance. Somehow, she realized that W LC ME I GA! meant her.

She was exhausted, after 48 hours of no sleep, long plane trips and delays. But she was in good spirits. We snuck up on my husband and kids as they waited at baggage claim (they were looking for us at another entrance). After waiting and waiting, her one bag finally descended from the carousel, and we were on our way. My husand decided to take a more scenic route home (a lovely view of the skyline)--but unfortunately, we hit a pothole and got a flat tire. So, we were fortunate in that we had a wide shoulder to pull over to, and Tim, (my husband), Luke (our 18-year-old) and I got out to change the tire. Our 13-year-old daughter Christina and Inga chatted happily in the back seat, enjoying the view, as we worked. Within 30 minutes we were back on the road.

This morning, bless his heart, Tim got the van up to Tires Plus, and I met him up there so he could make an 8:30 am meeting. So, I write this at 9:30 am and I already have my van back with my new tire and ready to face another day of adventures (Inga needs to get vaccinations). Cudos and kisses to Tim for getting me back on the road!

Till next time--
Suzi

Sad events, happy anticipations

This weekend we received word that my uncle, my dad's brother, has died. He had been suffering from brain cancer for many months, and finally is resting in the arms of Jesus. We are saddened by this loss--especially for my aunt and cousins (and their children), and my dad and my mom and my dad's sisters. We pray for comfort for all of them--he was only 67.

And tonight, we welcome our new student into our home. Saying good-byes, saying hellos. We have been madly cleaning and organizing to prepare for her arrival. My husband's Saturday to-do list is only partially complete, but we are pleased with the progress.

And our 15-year-old son called Saturday night--from his youth convention in Tennessee. (His friend had a cell phone with free weekends.) I was so surprised to hear from him, but it was good to talk to him and hear he had arrived safely and had survived a white-water raft ride. We look forward to saying hello to him again on Thursday when we comes home.

We know that we will see my uncle again some day in heaven. Good-byes are always hard, but it helps to know you can say hello again at some point. Reunions here on earth are wonderful, but nothing to compare with that big heavenly hello when we see our loved ones again--and better yet--see our Savior face to face. That won't just be hello--for he is with us in life and death--but he will say, "welcome home."

And then there won't be anymore tears or good-byes.

Suzi

Saturday happenings

Today is Saturday, and my husband is home (he often works Saturdays). Since our foreign exchange student is arriving in two days, and since he is getting fed up with unfinished projects and house work, here is his list for himself and the family today:

paint south side of the house, pain shed, remove wood retaining wall, paint north wall of poch, lay pavers in place, clean out porch, clean: kitchen, living room, dining room, family room, office, bathrooms, get rid of furniture (not all of it, though!), go to the dump

Heading this list is NO TELEVISION

Hopefully we can check off at least one thing by day's end.

Suzi

Reading

I love to read--love it much better than cleaning or diong yard work. I fight the urge to pick up books, magazines, newspapers, every day when I know that I have responsibilities here at home. I also love to read on the internet--e-mails, articles on line, and now blogs.

In one of my e-mails this morning, I discovered a new website: http://bookcrossing.com It explains how you can read a book, register it with bookcrossing, and then after you receive a special label for tracking the book, you give it away or leave it somewhere where someone will find it. Then you can check in at the website to see where you book has been.

We have a good size library and have trouble passing books along. It might be a good idea to start culling some of the books and letting someone else enjoy what we have read.

Suzi