Now they're both off to school

The kitchen was again a busy place in the morning, as Tim and the kids ate breakfast and prepared lunches for the day (well, I prepared Tim's lunch anyway). Mark and Christina both showered and gathered their books and papers. Christina had a good day (for freshmen only) yesterday, but said it was boring--most of the class sessions stressed rules and consequences for breaking rules.

But there must have been more going on than a litany of rules, because she had some homework in Latin and Religion. It was fun to sit at the table with her and Tim as they discussed how should would answer some questions about what is the Bible, how we know it is true, etc.

Christina was pretty quiet when I picked her up yesterday, I'm sure tired from listening so hard for hours. Today will be a more normal day, so I'm excited to hear how it went for both Mark and Christina. They left today in the rain (just a gentle sprinkle, not a downpour), but I think it will clear up later today. Hopefully their day will be brighten up too, as the clouds dissipate and their minds clear and real learning can take place.

Note I said, "hopefully." Reality may be something else, but I will still hold out hope that they can learn and enjoy it--especially in their new surroundings.

Till next time,

Suzi

This is the day....

Today Christina begins high school at her new school, West Lutheran. Tomorrow Mark will join her, but today is only for freshmen. I walked Raven early, and now as I blog, she is up and getting ready.

The folders, notebooks, pens and pencils have been purchased. Now we just need to get out the door and travel the 8 miles or so to school. I'm ready. Tim is ready. Christina is ready. Stay tuned to hear how Christina's encounter with 9th grade unfolded.

Till next time,


Suzi

A new occupation?

Yesterday Christina and I were on our way to the mall (lately, a too-common occurrence), when we got the call. Tim and Luke were finishing up a house, and could use our help cleaning up. So, we turned around, and headed to south Minneapolis.

I was proud of myself, driving downtown at rush hour without freaking out (actually, the route I took wasn't too bad). We found the house on the Lake of the Isles (a rather exclusive neighborhood) and trudged in to the house. Christina resisted for awhile (especially after Tim playfully, but really accidentally, dropped some taping mud on her face, just missing her eyes. She had just taken a shower and was not amused). But eventually, I took to scraping floors and sweeping, Tim finished touching up things, and Luke helped clean and carry stuff out to the vehicles (Luke's truck, Tim's truck, my van. Tim lent his trailer to some friends who were moving.) Christina got a rag and started cleaning off the stairs and banisters, which were dusty with the mess from sanding the walls.

After we were finished, we felt good because we had worked hard to help Tim and Luke. Our reward--dinner out with Dad, and Christina got to go the mall to get her tennis shoes after all. Now, maybe she and Mark can start a regular thing after school, helping Tim and Luke clean up after jobs. Could it really happen? Stay tuned.......(BTW, Mark was taking the day off after working hard for the past couple of weeks. Since school starts for him on Tuesday, we're letting up on his work schedule a bit.)

Till next time,


Suzi

Mai's plane safe, birthday celebrations a sweet memory

I checked the Northwest Airlines site this morning, and Mai's plane from Minneapolis to Tokyo has arrived safely, about 45 minutes ahead of schedule. I hope she was able to sleep on the plane--she has been going pretty much non-stop since she arrived here--staying out with friends till after midnight, yet up in the morning, usually by 9 or 10. She doesn't have a lot of time to catch up on sleep--her classes start on Wed, Sept. 1

At the airport, she had to empty out five pounds of candy because he bags were overweight. I told her she should eat some on the plane so she wouldn't have to carry so much, but she just laughed. I promised I would send her Extra gum and American chocolate bars.

Mai got through security all right, then turned to wave good-bye. All of us turned, saddened to leave this precious family member, but hopeful for her return in the near future. (Next summer, she said, if I get a job!)

So, we headed to the nearby Mall of America. I had told Tim about the Magic Pan Crepe Stand, so this is where we were planning an early supper. The boys were a little unsure--would crepes really be good, and filling? Mark ordered a BBQ meat crepe, filling and delicious. Luke got ham and cheese, Tim got turkey and cheese, Christina returned to her Sante Fe crepe, with tomato soup, and I got a spinach souflee crepe. Tim and I also got orange almond salad. The only disappointing part was that we couldn't order complimentary water (so we shared 2 bottled waters. Later Christina and I snuck off to get some drinks at the pretzel stand.).

Tim found a game store directly across from the Magic Pan, and ended up buying three games after spending about an hour in the store. Then we headed to the bookstore, where he found some other gems, including a reverse dictionary. Now his birthday was happy and complete.

Luke had left early for his first night of classes at the college, so we managed to get through traffic and get home in time for Mark to leave to hang with friends. Tim took a nap while Christina and I caught up on 7th Heaven. When Tim woke up, he and Christina spent the evening playing the new strategy games.

It was a good day. A happy birthday for Tim, and a bon voyage for Mai.

Till next time,


Suzi

Happy Birthday Tim, school changes, Mai is leaving

Happy birthday to my sweetie! He is now my age, 46 (I almost typed 26!). Things have been so busy lately, I haven't made a lot of plans, except to have a family (Nelson) birthday party for him last Sunday.

Mai is leaving for Japan today. Ten days goes by so quickly! She has been out almost every night with friends, so we've had to jealously guard our time with her during the day and on the weekend when we could. We'll miss her--but hope she brings the sunshine (her screen name is sunshine Mai) back with her soon--today is muggy and overcast!

I went up with Luke today to buy books for his college courses. Yikes! Expensivo! Luke offered to pay for half, so that will help.

And, more unbelievable news--Mark has agreed to attend West Lutheran High School! Last night we attended Christina's freshman picnic as a family, then we spent about 30 minutes talking with the principal. After we got home, Tim and I spent some time talking to Mark, letting him know that if he didn't like West, he could go back to Cooper at any time. So, he is in! This morning, after going to the college bookstore with Luke, I stopped at home, called West, and then went over there to register him. We even got his class schedule--classes for grades 10-12 start on Tuesday (Christina starts on Monday). Whew! What a day!

Today, after the airport, we plan to meet at Mall of America and enjoy crepes at The Magic Pan, now a fast food type restaurant, but still very good. Then, Luke will go on to his class and we will thank God for 46 wonderful years of life for Tim!

Till next time,


Suzi

The last full day

Tomorrow Mai leaves to go back to Japan. I'm sure she'll want to pack as much as possible into these last two days--she leaves tomorrow afternoon. Tonight we have a picnic at Christina's school, and Christina also wants to get her nails done today. I plan to take Mai to the grocery store with me, take her to meet a new Japanese student, and tie up other loose ends.

School starts for Christina on Monday, and for Luke, tomorrow. Lots to do!

Till next time,


Suzi

Test, test

I wrote a blog earlier today, but I don't think it posted on the internet. My Blogging for Light blog worked, but not this one (Swansmith). So, here is a test. If it doesn't appear by tomorrow, I will try to reconstruct my profound thoughts at that time.

Till then,

Suzi

PS Okay, I see now that I've posted this one, the earlier one has posted below. Halleluia! ;)

Chauffeur--one of my many titles

As a stay-at-home mom (for the most part), sometimes I think my life is unfulfilling. The same stuff needs to be done every day or at least once a week. Grocery shopping, cleaning, walking the dog, keeping in touch with the kids, driving them around (although this is easier since Christina is the only one without a license.) I also run various errands, and really never quite know how a day will unfold.

Yesterday, I thought I'd get caught up with cleaning and paperwork. Wrong. After I had walked Raven, cleaned his infected paws and put the prescribed lotion on them, I blogged, took a shower, and prepared to face the challenges of the day. These included picking up Christina from an overnight at her cousin's, and taking Mai to the mall.

Then, I discovered that the man who was doing our landscaping needed more bricks to finish our sidewalk. So, I headed off to pick up Christina on the way to the paving store, to get a band of bricks.

Christina hadn't eaten, and she isn't a morning person, so I left her in the car as I went in to see about getting my stones. Well, they didn't have them. So, they said I could go to a pile (they gave me some vague directions) and collect as many as I could find. Now, these are heavy stones--about 3-4 pounds apiece (maybe more), and rough. I didn't bring any gloves. And it was difficult to maneuver around the yard, as many contractors were coming in with their big trucks and driving around the various fork lifts that were careening about the place.

So, seeing my desperate need of help, the man behind the desk told me to follow him in my van as he walked down to the brick pile. Well, it was muddy there, so fortunately, he ventured in alone, but found only 4 bricks that matched. I needed at least 20. So, we went back inside, and I waited for Tim to call them and decide what to do.

After waiting for 20 minutes or so, Tim and I decided that it would be best for me to try Patio Town up the road. Fortunately, Christina had fallen asleep. But when she awoke, she was fairly agreeable, and I promised her I'd get her something to eat as soon as we took care of this brick thing. Tim called home to get the Patio Town phone number from Mai, who looked it up at Switchboard online. Tim called up there and they were waiting for me when I arrived.

We got the bricks loaded up--very close, if not exact, to the ones we needed. Just as I was going up to pay for them, Tim called and said our landscaper was running out of red bricks too. So, I went back and got another couple of dozen bricks. Mission accomplished. Christina and I headed for McDonald's, then home. Ed, our landscaper, who really does sheetrocking full time, unloaded our bricks and finished the sidewalk. Yeah! I felt like I had really accomplished something, although I didn't get anything done at home. Oh, and then I did get Mai up to the mall.

The adventures of a homemaker/mom/wife. Can't wait to see what will happen today.

Till next time,


Suzi

A sad sight

Yesterday morning, Raven and I were walking down the Victory Memorial Parkway, where trees and plaques memorialize those from Hennepin County who gave their lives in the Great War, as it was then known--World War I. I enjoy walking down the tree lined drive, looking at the beautiful homes and greeting joggers and walkers as they enjoy the scenic route as well.

I remember on March 17 of this year, it was not such a peaceful setting. I didn't witness this, but on that night someone had been drinking (it was St. Patrick's day), and crashed his car into one of those trees lining the drive. People called 911 for help, and came out to lend assistance. The passenger was able to get out, but before they could rescue the driver, there was noise like a gun going off in the car--as if it were firing itself. So, the rescuers stood back for a moment, then the car was engulfed in flames. The driver died in this tragic way.

Yesterday, Raven and I passed the tree as we usually do--still scarred from the accident, but healthy nonetheless. Tied to the tree were balloons that read: "Happy Birthday!" and one that said "Goodbye--we'll miss you!"

At the base of the tree were two roses and 5 empty bottles of Miller Beer. It seemed a strange picture, the balloons, roses, and empty beer bottles. A contrast. Life and death. A reminder that drunkenness can kill.

Today, I pray for that family and friends of the young man who died that day. And may all who pass by remember to drive carefully, and if they must drink, not to mix it with driving.

Till next time,


Suzi

Raven got religion?

Raven is now a collar-wearing dog. No, he didn't become a member of the faithful or join a mainline church, or decide to go to seminary. This collar is to protect him from scratching and licking. Scratching his face and licking his toes.

Poor Raven. I took him to the vet yesterday, as I mentioned in my last post. He has allergies, as I suspected. His stomach problems are getting better and aren't serious, but the allergy thing will probably be a lifelong event--hopefully only seasonal--at least for the next couple of years.

Raven's feet are infected. He's been licking them for several days now, and they are a breeding ground for bacteria. So, the vet gave me two things to put on in between his toes. First, a clear solution, applied with kleenex or a cotton ball. Then, when that dries, a rub a creamy solution between each toe. Raven loves this. (NOT!)

Besides this routine, I need to give him something that looks like a vitamin E capsule, one a day for the rest of his life. This is supposed to help his skin and coat. I'm also giving him benedryl to help him with this allergies (he's got conjunctivitis on top of that). Plus an antibiotic for his sore feet (and maybe to help his eyes too.)

He can be without his collar if he is under supervision (meaning, he can't lick his feet). This is difficult if not impossible, for every time I turn around he's licking his feet. So, he's wearing the collar for now. I did save him the humiliation of facing the world with the collar on this morning--I figured I could keep a pretty good eye on him as we were walking and using a leash.

Hopefully in a day or two his feet will begin to heal and we can wean him off the collar. In the meantime, it's two applications of foot stuff and a bunch of pills rolled together with peanut butter. Twice a day.

Till next time,


Suzi

Raven is sick

Today I'm taking Raven to the vet. His eyes have looked droopy for a few days, and for the last day he has been licking his paws, especially in between his toes, constantly, and scratching like crazy. I think he has allergies and maybe the vet will prescribe Benedryl, like last year about this time. Last year, his coat was dry and flaky too, so at least that isn't the case this summer.

His stomach has been a little upset, too, so I will have that checked out as well.

Meanwhile, Luke has an eye appointment this morning--and we all need to get back to the dentist. Too bad none of these things are covered by insurance!!!

I'll give an update on Raven tomorrow. Meanwhile, Christina and I had a great time at the Mall of America with Mai yesterday. However, I grew tired much more quickly than the girls, and waited for them on a bench as they checked out several clothing stores.

Oh, I almost forgot the best part of the day yesterday!!! In the Mall, I rediscovered my favorite restaurant, which I haven't been able to find in years--The Magic Pan! There it was, heralded as a crepe place--in a fast food format. But the food was just as good as I remembered--I ordered a ham and cheese crepe, and had to include my favorite mandarin orange salad. It was so yummy, Tim and I will have to go there to revisit the tastes of our early married days. I asked the workers how long the restaurant had been there, and they said two years!!! They said there were plans to open one in the Chicago area, too.

After our visit to the vet, I just hope Raven's tummy will be as happy as mine was after the Magic Pan experience.

Till next time,

Suzi

An overnight

Last night Mai spent the night at a friend's house, and Mark was out late recording again. So, Tim and I fell asleep to the sounds of Christina singing in her room below us. We didn't even hear Mark come home, but he did come home (not that there was any doubt) because he was here when Tim got him up to go to work this morning.

Mark's spent the last two afternoons/evenings recording in a studio with his band. The band won a battle of the bands several weeks ago, and the first prize included a certain number of hours of studio recording time. This is the week for it, and Mark's been pretty excited (although tired). His CD is scheduled to come out around Halloween (hope that doesn't have any implications).

Mai will be back this morning (her friends have to work), and I hope Mark will be able to spend some more time with her since he doesn't record for a few days now. Luke's stopped home just about every day, so that's been nice. We only have a week more with Mai--the time is already flying! But she's packing a lot in to her stay, so I think she's having fun.

Till next time,


Suzi

Adventures with Mai

Yesterday Mai and I joined our friend Judy at her husband's pharmacy. Since Mai is studying pharmacy at a university in Tokyo. She got to see how the pharmacy operated and met the pharmacist (Judy's husband is out of the country right now on a missions trip in Ecuador.) I was able to parallel park (in a large space), so we had a couple of hours to wander around downtown. We walked down Nicollet Mall, which is a long street with no regular traffic--only buses and taxis drive down the road. To my surprise, the places Mai chose to go were Target and TJ Maxx--places we can get to easily in the suburbs. But she enjoyed a taste of the Tokyo in Minneapolis (a fraction of the excitement and people), but at least it was an urban setting.

Today I'll drop Mai and Christina off at a suburban mall. Then I will go home and rest till we think of the next adventure.

Till next time,

Suzi

Mai is here!

Mai arrived safely in Minneapolis yesterday, 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, she was one of those in a random search of carry on bags, but this only delayed her a few minutes. We greeted her happily and excitedly as she came through the customs area. Christina, my 14-year-old, hung back a little bit as I made a spectacle of myself (according to Christina) by running up to Mai and shouting my greeting.

She is now booking up her social calendar. It didn't take long. Soon after she got out of the airport, we were shopping at Marshall's, and a friend of hers from high school here came up to her and gave her her phone number. Last night she was on the phone and on line, connecting with old friends.

Today we are going to a friend's pharmacy--Mai is in the university studying pharmacy now, in Tokyo. Here she'll get a picture of what a small pharmacy in Minneapolis is like. And maybe we'll do some shopping downtown, too, where the store is located.

Till next time,


Suzi

Mai is coming!

Today our former exchange student, Mai from Japan, will be arriving for a 10 day stay. We've been anticipating her arrival for several weeks, and are excited to see her, to hear about the changes in her life, and to eat her Toppo snacks!

It's a rainy day, but since she bills herself as sunshinemai (her screen name), I told her not to worry, she would be bringing the sunshine. I've got a doctor's appointment this morning, but after I come home, I'll check Northwest's website for flight information, and Christina and I will dash off to the airport.

Stay tuned for some adventures with Mai!

Till next time,


Suzi

Three days and nights

Luke has spent three days at his new house. I guess that means he's really moved out. He has a bed, dresser and TV. Last night we went to Target with him as he purchased a hamper, a DVD player, and other "essentials." He and his housemate Alex went to Sam's Club yesterday and bought $200 worth of food (hopefully it will last a while!)

Last night he came and got his computer. Still in his room is his drum set, and he also left behind his collection of model cars and the "town" he made in his large walk in closet--a model town on a plywood slab, complete with roads, shops, grass and trees, and several old cars. Mark plans to move in there eventually, and that way Luke gets out of repainting the walls. (We told him a year or two ago when he painted the walls black--yes, black--and red that he'd have to repaint them when he moved out. Mark doesn't seem to mind the color scheme.)

Being down to two kids seems strange, especially when we've spent so much of the last few years with four (including an exchange student). But, we are looking forward to the return of our student, Mai, from Japan--she arrives on Monday! We'll have a fun 10 days together, and when she leaves it will be almost time for school to start.

So, a new chapter in our life begins. But, that's what makes life exciting, change and growth.

Till next time,


Suzi

God is good

Sometimes our pastor will say to us, "God is good all the time," and then he'll say, "All the time," and we respond, God is good. I know that God is always good, but it is so wonderful to see answered prayer and feel his presence in a special way.

Friends and I have been praying all week for Mark at camp. Last night was a concert his band performed in--a big venue and an exciting opportunity for them. There was talk of going to pick up Mark at camp, and then bring him back before he was missed (he would have been gone at least 8 hours!). Our son Luke went to the concert, and Mark wasn't there. He obediently stayed at camp, and others considered our wishes and didn't go bring him down for the night (or else they decided the 10 hour drive (2 1/2 each way, 2 times) would be a little much, especially in the north woods of Minnesota in the dead of night.

A good friend of mine called last night to see if Mark was at camp. Her daughter was up there this week--Mark and their daughter Christina have been friends since birth. They went to different bus stops, so they missed each other at the initial point of contact. I was so glad to hear that Christina was at camp, and that she and Mark could buddy together--usually Mark is surrounded by his entourage of friends, but this year his usual circle of buddies couldn't go.

And, my friend Lis and I decided we would let our husbands off the hook for tomorrow's wedding of a friend. Tim's been so crazy busy at work, and neither of the guys were crazy about going to the marriage celebration ("it's more of a chic thing," I think one of them said. Sigh). But this way, Tim will be available to pick Mark up from the bus stop and hear all about camp. I'll have to wait till the "chic event" is over, but I'm anticipating it will be worth the wait.

Till next time,


Suzi

Backyard Bible Club

Last night was the last of three nights of our church plant's Backyard Bible Club. Our theme was Lava Lava Island. We had a great time with the kids, 10 children the first night, 12 the second, and 17 last night. I was in charge of treats, and my 14-year-old daughter Christina helped me.

A highlight of last night was listening to the Bible story of Jesus' death and resurrection, and how he had died and rose again to save us from our sins. Each of the children had a cloth tied to their wrist with the next day's date on it. The teacher explained that this was the day they would have to pay for their sins, and we all deserved to die for the sins we've committed in our lives. She explained how Jesus took our place on the cross, and after her story, we took each of the children to a small wooden cross with a bowl of water (and red food coloring) as a symbol of Jesus' blood. One by one, the children removed their cloths, and dipped them in the water. As they watched, the date of their condemnation vanished as they soaked their cloth in the liquid! Then, we wrung out each cloth, and hung it on the cross as a reminder of how Jesus removes our sin.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the hearing of the Word, 6 (or possibly 7) children prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior. I was personally touched, not only by seeing these new lives committed to Jesus, but as my daughter explained the story of Jesus as our Savior again to a little girl who had grown up around idols, and without parents in her home (she lives with an uncle and grandparents.) Our snack was a lifesaver, made of 1/2 bagel, spread with white frosting, and tied with a licorice rope and 4 fruit roll up strips place on it. When finished, this snack resembled a life saver, like one you'd toss off a boat to save someone, or in a swimming pool.

Christina patiently explained how Jesus is our Savior, reminding the girl of the story. It was thrilling for me to see how my daughter, who is sometimes a challenge during these turbulent teen years, had so clearly understood the story of Jesus and applied that to her own life, and now was imparting it to this younger girl. Of course, I knew that Jesus was a big part of Christina's life, although, like me, her actions do not always reflect the faith she has. So this was a special moment.

Now, we need to keep in touch with these children--many of them live in the neighborhood of the pastor and his wife. We will pray for growth and understanding and peace--the kind only Jesus can give.

And I will pray for that for my own life as well.

Till next time,


Suzi

Snap, crackle, POP

As Raven and I were walking today we came upon an unusual sight/sound. About 100 feet ahead of us, I head a crackling sound and saw some sparks flying. I looked up, and the pole with electric wires coming out of it was sparking. This only happened for a couple of seconds, and then I heard a loud BOOM down the line, as if a transmitter blew. No wires came down in that immediate area--the weather is overcast and cool, but not stormy at all.

I continued on my walk, and didn't notice any power outages along the way. People were leaving for work, using their electric garage door openers, and I could see lights on in houses, since as I said, it was overcast.

As Raven and I came up to a gas station, I saw our neighbor and assistant fire chief. I flagged him down before he left, and told him about the incident. It just so happens that the owner of the station is the fire chief, and he recalled (as I did) that this section of road had been closed a couple of months ago for a similar incident (although I think at that time the wires were down, too). Both men said they would drive by to check it out.

When I got home, the power was on, but I decided to call the electric company to report the incident anyway. Even though it was an 800 number I called, they answered my call promptly and seemed competent to take care of it.

It's nice to live in a small town where you know the fire chief and assistant fire chief, and can just happen upon them on a daily walk. But, aside from neighborhood friendliness, I like to think God's hand was in my "chance" encounter with the firemen. Hopefully a more serious problem can be averted because of our meeting in the parking lot of the Robbinsdale Sinclair station.

Till next time,


Suzi

Weird weather

I know I've written about Minnesota weather often in the past, but it is so variable and interesting that it bears repeating--or at least it so affects our daily lives that I feel the need to blog about it again. This weekend was warm and muggy. We were sweating and complaining, but because we didn't get the air conditioner on early enough in the day (it takes awhile for it to cool down the whole house), we waited for the promised advent of cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

Well, the weathermen were right (this time!). The windows were left open in our office, and the fireplace came on because it got so cool in there. Raven and I walked this morning, greeting people bundled up in jackets. Some of the trees are already starting to turn a bit, and our birch tree has dropped a few leaves. I don't think this is due to cooler weather, since they were turning when it was warmer, but just another reminder that fall is just around the corner.

My dad (who lives with my mom in Tennessee) always says that there are two seasons in Minnesota, winter and August. Well, there may be debate about August, at least today.

Till next time,


Suzi

(BTW, highs this week are predicted only in the 60s.)

Another one off to camp

This morning Mark is leaving for a week at camp. Last night he was out with a couple of friends before he leaves town, and his truck died. Tim had to come and tow him to the place where we had already planned to have the truck serviced, only now instead of just fixing a leaky gas tank (that's right), they will have to discover the reason it doesn't run. Well, at least Mark will be off having fun up north. This week is supposed to be unseasonable cool--high in the 60s here in the Twin Cities, but maybe only in the 50s up north for Mark. Well, he should still have a good time--playing volleyball, games, going to chapel, having small group Bible study, eating great camp food, climbing the climbing wall and doing the ropes course, going to the craft hall...

He is missing a show with his band this week. One of the band members threatened to come pick him up at camp for the show--but I don't think he is really serious. I tell you, I think sometimes teenagers delight in seeing how vexed they can get their parents to be.

Ah well, have fun at camp, Mark. May you grow in your walk with God and come home refreshed.

Till next time,


Suzi

Three signs of manhood

I've been blogging a lot about how Luke is growing up (age 19, high school graduate). Yesterday, there were three very big signs of this.

#1 He bought a used Dodge Ram truck. This has been his dream truck since he saw the latest version come out in matchbook cars/trucks over a decade ago.

#2 He finally made the change from glasses to contact lenses. He was able to put the lenses (soft) in and out at the eye doctor's office, and wore them for 11 hours yesterday (he was supposed to wear them for 4).

#3 He made his college tuition payment. Last year, since he was a high school student, he didn't have tuition to pay since it was going for high school as well as college credit. Now, he is truly a student with his very own bills.

Welcome to the adult world Luke. Enjoy your car (truck), contacts, and classes. You have truly arrived, and we are proud of you.

Till next time,


Suzi

Routine work, routine number

I went to the hospital yesterday. By myself, for myself. I was just going in for routine blood work, since my diabetes appointment is coming up in about a week, and the endrocronologist's office doesn't do the blood work there. This way, the doctor can discuss my results at my appointment.

Things went very well and the outcome was good (that is, the needle went in easily, the blood was drawn, and I got my free parking pass as a reward for going under the needle.) But, the path to the lab was a little confusing.

The hospital is undergoing renovations. My first sign of confusion was when I went down the ramp to park--I usually go up, and I think the employee parking is down. Anyway, I think I was following signs. So, I got to the elevator, remembered to press up, and got to the plaza level.

I've only been to the lab a couple of time, and at 3-month intervals, so I'm always guessing and looking at signs each time I come. As I entered, I walked almost the length of the hospital before I asked at an information station. I was directed back to where I started, just outside the elevators from the ramp.

I checked in at a registration area there, and was told to go up one level. I did so, and took my red folder to a window. "No, you need to go over there." I was told, so I went to another window directly behind me, where a woman was on the phone under a sign that read "radiology." I looked at a seating area between the two windows, and a patient/friend of a patient beckoned to me. "This is where you need to wait," she said. Grateful for some direction, I sat down and looked about me.

This is where we waited for my father-in-law to come out of prostate surgery, I thought to myself. (BTW, he is doing just fine now.) I hope this remodeling project is done soon so I can easily find the lab next time. Finally, someone came out. And called out, "number 19."

Okay, I was already disoriented. I am used to being called a number at a fast food restaurant, or at the licensing station when I am renewing my tabs or driver's license. But I hadn't been given or taken a number. I'm used to being called by my full name: Suzanne--at medical places. But number 19?

Then I looked at the red folder. It had a number 19 at the top. "Oh, I guess that's me." I stood up and followed the lab person through another vaguely familiar area.

Oh, yes, this is where I had the biopsy when my mammography looked a little funny. I remembered that I had been alone then, too. But, that had turned out well--it was my first mammography and there was nothing malignant detected.

I entered a small room with the lab person. She sat at a desk with a computer, and entered some things before approaching me with a needle. "Does it matter which one?" she asked. Confused at first, I suddenly realized she was asking me if I preferred a stick in my left or right arm. "No, either one," I replied.

So, my blood was drawn. She said, "Can you find your way out all right?" I almost said, no, but decided I could always follow signs or ask someone, and hopefully not end up in the emergency or biopsy room. At least this lab visit wasn't among a crowd of preschoolers, where at my last visit, they took turns crawling off their mothers' laps.

I went back to the elevator. The arrow said "down" which was where I needed to go to get to my van. The people inside said they were going up, but I decided to get on anyway, along with a gentleman who also wanted to go down.

We ended up going up, to the top level, and got a nice view out the door from the roof area of the hospital. Then we went back down, picking up fellow travelers.

I made it to my van. I gave the attendant my parking pass, and was on my way home. At least I knew the way from there. And I had a big bandage on my arm to prove that I had endured quite a bit that morning.

Till next time,


Suzi

The van is back

Today I got my van back. It was in the shop for u-joint repair and recharge of the air-conditioning. Of course, this morning, August 5, the temperature hovers around 60--a beautiful day for having the windows open and enjoying the summer breezes. Ah well. We should get at least a couple more hot days before the winter winds blow.

The creaking/chirping noise has stopped as well. I love our mechanics--Sipe's of Robbinsdale, MN--now a Shell station (it has been Phillips 66, Marathon and now Shell). We have grown very found of them and they always do good work on our vehicles, never charging extra or doing work we don't ask them to do.

A good mechanic is worth a lot. I just wish we didn't have to visit them quite so often--maybe just to get gas and not repairs. But, it's nice to know they are there for us if we need them.

Kinda like the dentist, the doctor, the plumber, the air conditioner repair people, the furniture repair people, tile setters, landscapers, computer repair personnel....etc.

It is such a joy to own a home and vehicles and have great people to pay to fix all our stuff.

Till next time,


Suzi

Countdown to school daze

Well, here it is, early in August, and of course that means--back to school! I supposed I shouldn't feel bad that summer seems to be slipping away--after all, my brother's kids in Tennessee go back to school in a couple of weeks, I think. Usually our kids have started after Labor Day, but this year Luke is starting at the end of August, as is Christina. Luke's tuition is due the end of the week, so that means he'll need to get books soon too. And Christina got her list of school supplies as well as her class schedule, so of course she was on the phone or online with all of her friends to see who got what for classes. She is taking Latin second period, and is pretty excited about that. I am too--I am hoping I can learn along with her, since I have only studied Spanish as a foreign language.

Luke will be taking business classes as he works to complete his accounting degree. Mark will be taking the usual as his junior year begins--although as he becomes an upper classmen his schedule becomes a little more flexible.

I will begin my BSF classes again. This year we are studying Acts and the epistles. It should be a great year, and a nice change of pace from last year's Minor Prophets and the History of Israel study (which was a great study, too).

Even a few leaves are changing color and falling. But, I will cling to summer while I can, and look forward to the new season when it comes. After all, the winter winds will come blowing soon enough.....

Till next time,


Suzi

Decisions, decisions

Today our van is getting fixed. Is is a nice full-sized van, 1992 Chevy G-20, but lately it has been in the shop, sometimes I feel, more than on the road.

The air conditioner is not working. And now it is making strange rattling and chirping noises in the back. But only at low speeds, and usually when the engine is cold. So, if it's not a hot day, and I can get on the highway to travel somewhere, I can enjoy a comfortable, relatively noiseless ride.

Did I mention that it has over 140,000 miles on it? It's been a good van--seeing us across the country (or at least south to Illinois and Tennessee) numerous times. It's been a good towing vehicle for our travel trailer. It's big and comfortable, so when we have loud teenagers riding along, they are not hanging over our shoulders with their laughter and chatter.

But is it time for something else? Christina will need to have a ride to school every day starting the end of this month. We are hoping to carpool, but that means we need to be willing to drive another student(s) too. The van is rather a sled in the snow, and I have wished for 4-wheel or at least front wheel drive for years on snowy slippery days.

Tim is thinking of a new vehicle too. With his remodeling work, he never seems to be able to find or fit all the tools he needs into his pickup truck. He's been looking at cargo cube vans, ones where he could have shelves and organize and find his tools readily.

He'd like to get the cargo van and then give me his pick-up, a Toyota Tundra. The Tundra does have 4-wheel drive, seats six (it is an extended cab) and is pretty reliable. I've just never seen myself tooling around town with teenagers in a pickup.

So, we have decisions to make. Keep putting money into the van? Get something new for Tim? Time will tell. I hope we have the wisdom to decide what to do and the patience to listen to each other and our differing (sometimes) points of view.

Till next time,


Suzi

Obsessing about little things

Yesterday was an action-packed day. To read Tim's take on it, visit his blog. It was full of delightful surprises and some moments of frustration. As Raven and I were coming home from our walk, I spotted my friend Lis riding her bike. I almost didn't recognize her, because she's losing so much weight (not that she really had so much to lose), that I'm afraid if she doesn't stop, she will fade to nothing! Anyway, I invited her over for a drink of water, since she still had a couple of miles to pedal before she got home. We had a fun time catching up while she sat sipping at my counter and I took the opportunity to tidy up in the kitchen a bit.

After Lis left, I decided I should hurry and get ready for church and the two outings we would be attending later in the day. Tim decided we would visit a new church that morning, so I had to adjust my thinking. But, the church was close to home and would get us home earlier so I would have time after church to prepare for the outings.

Church was fun and fine, and we connected with some old friends there. We took the kids to Arby's, and then came home to get ready for outing number one: a boatride on the Mississippi with our small group. We were planning to eat on the boat, and I had volunteered to bring fruit. I worked, meticulously piercing watermelon and cantaloupe pieces on small toothpicks, as well as making strawberry/blueberry kabobs. I thought this would be the most convenient way to eat on a flying speedboat. Finally, I tired of the monotony of it (and I was running out of time) and threw the rest of the fruit into a bowl. After all, Judy said she was bringing plates and forks.

Well, turns out my kabobs were devoured and the salad was left untouched. But, I was able to bring my fruit salad to our niece's birthday party after the boat ride, where it had rave reviews (or maybe I just imagined that)--and I still had leftovers to bring home for my family's dinner tonight.

The Mississippi River ride was fun. We dodged shallow areas, created wakes for waterskiers, and even stopped at an open house as the relator hung over the deck and beckoned us to come view the $910,000 home she was showing. We laughed, ate, cried as the remains of the Ruffles bag flew off back of the boat (our apogies to the EPA or whoever regulates river pollution), and generally had a good time with our six friends.

Then off to the birthday party, where we enjoyed time with family, watched the younger kids play of the slip and slide, and ate more food and Dairy Queen cake.

After we got home, Tim and I helped Luke take some carpet to his new house, and got to see the work he's done painting. I swept the floor in his room while Tim helped him assemble his bed. Then we came home to collapse (actually, I think Tim blogged, I ate popcorn and watched reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond.")

Earlier in the day, I was obsessing about where to go to church, how I would get the food made and would it get eaten, and everything turned out fine, and even wonderful. Maybe today will be a less obsessive day.

Till next time,


Suzi