The swamp story (no groans please)

I just realized today that this month marks the 25th anniversary of my encounter in the swamp. (I know, today is the 30th!). So, I can't let this momentous occasion go by without committing this tale to cyberspace.

I know, countless friends and relatives have heard the story. But a whole new generation has been born, and there was no internet when I was a college student. I owned a typewriter, not a computer. The swamp story did find its way into print--my college newspaper--but it was written by others with a definite slant--the cartoonist drew me being chased by alligators and bats through a murky tangle of undergrowth. And how many people, besides myself, have kept these yellowing pages of the Bethel Clarion? So, here goes--for new readers/hearers and old, The Swamp Story, For A New Millennium.

I was enjoying a warm September day in Minnesota as a senior in college. This was my first year to own a car, a 1975 Pinto. (Later I found out that PINTO means Put In New Transmission Often. I put at least 3 clutches into that baby.) Anyway, my Writing for Children teacher had broken her leg, so we were having class in her home. She only lived about a mile from campus, so I offered to drive some of my classmates to her home. On the way Pablo (my Pinto) broke down. Fortunately, we only had a few more blocks to go, so I left my car by the side of the road and we walked the rest of the way.

After class, I decided to head back to campus and call to have my car towed to a service station. My teacher told me there was a nice walking path that would be a shortcut back to school. Gathering up my purse and books, I prepared for my journey.

Unfortunately, the trek I took soon became mucky and swampy. I lost the main path and found myself surrounded by 7-foot-tall cattails. Water creeped up my legs as I ventured along. I was sure I would come to the end of this nightmare soon if I just kept going.

At last, I gave up. By this time the water was almost up to my hips. "Help, help!" I cried. No response. "Help, help! I'm stuck in the swamp!"

Finally a woman answered. "What do you want me to do?" she asked. "Maybe you could call the fire department," I suggested. (This was in the days before 9-1-1.)

Then I heard nothing. I called out again, and heard another response (later I found out it was one of my classmates.) Then finally, I heard some men calling my name (which I had told to the lady who first answered me). Firefighters, clad in hip boots and other gear, came to my rescue. I had imagined helicopters and TV cameras, but it was just people walking that came to help.

I looked gratefully into the face of one of my rescuers. "Would you take me books?" I asked sweetly. Then I grabbed his arm and together we walked back to the path.

Greeting me at the path was the Lake Johanna fire department, the sheriff, the elementary school nurse from across the street, the woman who had called the LJFD, my classmate ("Suzi, what are you doing here!") and half the neighborhood. Needless to say, I felt a little ridiculous, but relieved that there appeared to be no television cameras (but perhaps a teeny bit disappointed). The sheriff proceeded to interrogate me, later saying that any of the elementary school children could help me find the path should I need assistance in the future.

As I walked back to the road, I decided to head back to my apartment, which was about the same distance from the swamp as was campus. The fire truck passed me (I wondered why they couldn't give me a ride) and I trudged back home, grateful yet a bit humiliated. On my way back to campus on the college bus, I saw my car being towed (I had made the call). That night, I told my story to my friends who were on the newspaper staff with me, and before I knew it, my tale was told before the world (or at least before the readers of the Clarion). A few days later, I heard someone whispering in the coffee shop, pointing in my direction, "Isn't that the girl who got stuck in the swamp?" My teacher's husband and another Bethel professor who lived in the neighborhood cut down some brush so that no one would ever have the terrible encounter I had endured.

I've gone by that swamp every so often, usually on my way to an alumni event at Bethel. But about a month ago Tim (who was also a Bethel graduate) told me that my swamp was becoming a townhouse complex.

I hope they put a lot of pilings under those homes, or there might be another swamp story to commemorate my anniversary.

Till next time,


Suzi

A frosty morning

Last night the weather people were predicting frost warnings for most of Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. We are not unhappy to hear of this, for frost brings relief from allergies and gets rid of nasty bugs (namely bees--sorry beekeepers! We love honey bees, just not those other kind, like wasps, which maybe aren't really bees.......)

Anyway, Raven and I enjoyed our walk. We went past the old lady's house (see earlier post) and avoided her yard. So far, so good--two days without an encounter.

Things are already starting to warm up. I don't think snow will be in the forecast for awhile--but early October snows are not unheard of in this part of town. Hey, I'll take snow over hurricanes and earthquakes any day! Take care, you Floridians and Californians! Maybe Minnesota will be the new fall tourism place (I won't push for winter just yet.........)

Till next time,


Suzi

Immediate results

Yesterday I made two phone calls that I've been putting off. The washing machine was not working properly, so I called Minnegasco (we have a service policy on the washer) for repair. I also called a cardiologist my endocronologist recommended, just to get a baseline reading, since heart disease is so common among diabetics.

When I called Minnegasco, I expected to have to wait two or three days for a repairman to come out. To my surprise, they said someone could come out that day, and that they would call first. Fifteen minutes later, I got a call, and fifteen minutes after that, the repairman came to my door.

I took him downstairs to show him the offending machine. "The hose came loose about a week ago, and my husband fixed that, but now it won't run on the cold cycle, and between the spin and rinse, it just makes a humming noise, so you have to move it manually," I explained.

"Hmmm. Is the cold water shut off?" He then reached over to turn the faucet connected to the cold water for the machine. Then he turned on the cold water cycle. Amazing! It was fixed! The other cycles were now fine too.

I was very happy that we had a service policy and were not paying this man $75 to come to our house to turn on the faucet. So now we know better.

I had quick results at the cardiologist, too. Once they asked me some questions and got insurance information, they said I could be seen next Monday. I was flabbergasted, thinking it would take several weeks if not months to get in to see such a specialist without an emergency. I had to wait 3 months to see my endocronologist for the first time. But they had had a cancellation, so I'm off to the heart doctor on Monday.

My heart is already feeling lighter, and my clothes cleaner.

Till next time,


Suzi

I am woman, hear me roar?

On Saturday, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Tim has been working on landscaping our small yard all summer, buying pavers and rock, hiring a friend who hangs sheetrock and also does landscaping, and putting our boys to work with shovels. Luke and Mark went with Tim to get some more of these supplies, shoveling over a ton of two different kinds of gravel--one kind in the back of Luke's pickup truck, the other in the back of Tim's trailer.

Luke and Tim shoveled out the truck (Mark took a shower and collapsed in his room. He had been working with Tim in the morning and had a late night.) Christina was looking for a way to earn some money, so she and I tackled the trailer, shoveling the gravel into a wheelbarrow and dumping into the area where we attempted to spread it. After several wheelbarrows, we were almost finished. (I was amazed at the strength of my 14-year-old, 105 pound daughter.) Then Tim came out and helped sweep out the rest and spread it. Mission accomplished!

Later that evening, Tim commented on the bag of apples I had bought. Most were being eaten in lunches, but there were still several there. I could bake a pie--I offered. Tim reminded me that there were also several nectarines I had purchased on sale........

Anyway, by 10 pm I had made an apple/nectarine pie from scratch, even the crust and oatmeal crumb topping were homemade. (I haven't baked a pie in years.) So, for a reward on Sunday, after church we relaxed and went for a ride on the Mississippi with some friend's on Tim's uncle's house boat. It was a beautiful afternoon, and it was so nice to enjoy it outdoors in a lovely setting, viewing the Saint Paul skyline as we traveled up Old Miss. I couldn't help but belt out a few choruses of "Old Man River" and also "Proud Mary." The peace was only interrupted (some might say by my singing) when Tim's Uncle Danny blew the horn from below--checking to see if Tim, Christina and our friend Dale were awake on the deck above. Poor Tim had just rested his head exactly on the horn and jumped about 5 feet when he was disturbed. We got a laugh out of that, I think Tim's hearing has been restored by about now.

I love weekends when we can accomplish a lot on Saturday and relax and enjoy each other and God's creation on Sunday. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen often enough. This weekend, it did, and the weather cooperated too. What a blessing!

Till next time,


Suzi

All before breakfast

Every morning I walk the dog and sometimes even blog (a rhyme!) before I eat breakfast. I do this mostly to get good blood sugar readings before I eat--in my case, if I take my blood sugar readings right after I exercise, I find my levels are elevated, because my liver is pumping sugar to my body to give my body the sugar it needs to move around. If I wait a little bit, the sugar levels drop a bit and I feel better about my readings and can give myself a more accurate dosage of insulin.

This morning, however, Tim called me on my walk. He needed me to bring him something to a job not far from our house, and as soon as possible please? So, I decided to wait to eat and blog till after I got him the cornerbead he was asking for. After I dropped it off, I remembered that I needed to stop at the pharmacy. On the way to the pharmacy, I saw a sign for our local Farmer's Market. Remembering my sister's blog about her home grown tomatoes, I decided to stop and get some. I asked how much they were, and she said, "two dollars." "Each?" I asked. "Yes," she said. Well, I thought that was high, but I said, I'll take two, and she proceeded to put several tomatoes in a bag. Actually, the cost for the tomatoes was $2 per basket (containing about 5-6 tomatoes). So I paid $2 for a small basket of tomatoes.

I remembered that my sister had written about eating lots of BLTs. I knew there was no bacon in the house, so I stopped at a little food mart nearby. My husband has had a cold, so I decided to pick up orange juice too. In my search for bacon, the store manager came up to me to assist me. "I'm looking for bacon," I said. English was not this man's first language, I could tell right away, and he asked, "Baking? Like baking soda?" Finally I was able to make him understand what I wanted, and when we went to the refrigerated/frozen food case, we only found sausage. No bacon.

Not to be deterred, I went on to the pharmacy (after I bought the oj) and low and behold, they had bacon! Pleased and hungry, I made my purchase and scurried home.

I'm having breakfast as I blog, but I'm saving the BLT (I don't think I have any lettuce, but I can live without that) for lunch. An English muffin should tie me over till noon. Anyway, it's already 10:45........

Till next time,


Suzi

The old lady and the pee

I think she waits for me every day. I only come every third day past her home, walking Raven by her yard. Sometimes I'm not even there that often, because her house is on the extension of my third route--when I'm in a hurry, I don't take the extra loop that would lead me across her path.

And still she waits. Our first meeting about a year and a half ago started out rather well, I thought. Raven was inspecting something in her bushes, as dogs do. Then he raised his leg and did his thing.

Well, she marched down her driveway. "What is your dog doing?" she asked, in what seemed to me to be a non-accusing manner. "I don't know--he seems to smell something in the bushes," I responded. I thought she was trying to start a friendly conversation and then remark on what a beautiful dog I have and wish me a pleasant day.

Wrong. She proceeded to lecture me on allowing my dog to do his business in her yard. Her yard is not for this. Where do I live, she wanted to know. Well, then keep your dog over there to do this. After a 5-minute lectures and my muttered apologies ("I don't want to hear I'm sorry" was her response) I finally left, reduced to hurt and even angry tears.

I decided that I would not avoid this route, it was still a free country and I could walk Raven where I wanted to. I needed to walk every day. I'm diabetic and if I wanted to live as long as this old lady, I need exercise, and so does my dog.

Well, yesterday was the day of the old lady route. Raven did his number two business fairly close to home--several times within a close proximity. So, I thought, maybe he's done with this for the rest of the walk. As we passed by the old lady's house, I was thinking of anything but Raven pooping on her yard. Usually I try to steer him away. In fact, one time a few weeks ago, I saw the lady in her window, and I waved at her. She actually waved back.

But this time I was preoccupied. Raven veered toward the edge of the yard. Maybe close enough to be considered the neighbor's yard. It was near a tree, so I thought maybe it would obscure the lady's vision from what Raven was doing.

But, as I bent down to clean up the small pile, she rushed outside. "I'd like to talk with you," she said. Oh no, I thought. "I'm cleaning it up, ma'am," I replied. There wasn't a trace of poop left behind as I stood up from my chore and tied up my bag. "I don't care," she replied. "My yard is not for this purpose. Use your own yard."

"I've gotta get going," was my answer as Raven and I trotted off, hearing her continue her lecture to our backs.

This time I didn't cry. I didn't yell back that this is a free country and as long as I clean up after my dog, he can poop any old place he wants, that I have a disease and could be near death's door if I didn't take my dog for his morning walk every day. I didn't say a lot of things that came to mind.

Soooooooo I wonder what our next encounter will be like. In two days I'll be back by her house, barring a rainstorm. Which, by the way, we had yesterday--with lots of wind. I'm sure her yard is littered today, not with dog poop, but with lots of leaves and small branches.

Till next time,


Suzi

Memories of Fran

Yesterday I got the news of Fran's death while I was reading my sister's blog. I hadn't yet checked my e-mail from Cheri, which she had sent the night before, telling of how she and her husband found his mother in her home, suddenly gone--probably of a massive coronary attack. I like to read Cheri's blog every morning--even through her times of difficulty, she always has something encouraging to share. After I read her post, I was running out the door to my Bible study, so I didn't even have time to drop an e-mail--I just made a brief comment on her blog.

So today I would like to write a bit about Fran. She probably wouldn't like this attempt at a small tribute--Pat (my brother-in-law) told me yesterday that she didn't want a "fancy" obituary--just name, rank, and serial number. But I can't post today without taking some time to remember Fran.

Fran and I were related only by marriage--my sister has been married to her son for over 30 years. Over those years, though, I have come to feel that she is part of my family and I a part of hers--after all, we share a special bond with her son (my brother-in-law), her daughter-in-law (my sister) and her grandsons (my nephews). I feel as though she has adopted me and my family as her own as I've gotten married and had my own children. She always remembered my kids' birthdays and remembered us at Christmas time. For a few years, I would send her and her husband Bob (a wonderful man who passed away a few years ago) a cat calendar. I had fun picking these out, thinking about how she would enjoy looking at them each day. But one year, with great difficulty, I'm sure, she wrote asking me very tenderly and with grace if I would mind not sending them anymore--that she could even reuse calendars (after 6 years, I think?) and she didn't want me making any extra effort on her behalf. I was touched by her thoughtfulness, and respected her wishes.

We did keep her on our Christmas mailing list. Every year we send out pictures and try to put together a special letter for friends and family. Every January, she would write me a thank you note, beautifully penned in her small, neat cursive, as though we were honoring her by taking the time to include her in our mailing. A thank you note for a Christmas card! But that was the gentle, thoughtful spirit I remember about Fran.

In her notes to us, she would often encourage me in my writing endeavors (which during busy years were often limited to the Christmas letter!) . She was a writer herself, and Pat told me she corresponded with many people on a regular basis, and even made notes of telephone conversations with special people that she kept and cherished.

Please pray for my brother-in-law, sister and their family. They have lost a special lady, but she has left a written legacy for them to cherish, as well as many precious memories (and a few kittens which now need homes!). Their pain is fresh and real, but my sister's family knows Fran is receiving her eternal reward now, and that comforts all of us who miss her. Good-bye Fran, for now--thanks for the wonderful legacy you have left behind for so many.

With love,

Suzi

A mix of emotions

Yesterday, I new I was going to have a busy day running around. But before I was about to leave, I got news of my sister's mother-in-law's death, which I have posted about above. She had written a beautiful blog about Fran, and I made a brief comment before I ran out the door. I called Tim to tell him and ask him to pray, surprised at my emotion, tears and even sobs as I told him the news. After my morning Bible study, I went to the bank and to Wendy's for a salad. I called Pat, my brother-in-law, and had a nice talk with him about our memories of his mom.

Then, I headed for Camping World to buy a sewer hose for our camper. Next stop, Rainbow Foods for Tim's favorite cereal (Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Crunch--which I can't find at Cub anymore). Then, I went to the Christian bookstore, and finally stopped at the library.

I was looking forward to unwinding at home, checking e-mail and calling my own parents, when my cell phone rang. It was my daughter Christina. "Mark is such a moron," was her greeting. My son Mark is certainly not a moron, but instead of arguing I said, "What's wrong, Christina?" She explained that Mark had left the lights on the truck and now the battery was dead. (He is driving his brother's old truck while the muffler on his is being replaced. Luke's old truck doesn't beep when the lights are left on.) So, I took Raven out quickly for his afternoon business, and then jumped in the van, jumper cables in hand. I called Tim and also Luke for advice, since I have always had help in jump-starting any vehicle. Mark, being 16, had not had a lot of experience in these things.

Onward to their high school. Just as I suspected, Mark had parked facing in. He was in a corner, with a car parked on the other side of him. Fortunately, the truck was a stick shift, so we had Christina (age 14) sit in the drivers seat while Mark and I pushed her out. The steering wheel stuck, so Mark quickly gave her the keys so she could steer while we pushed (a very helpful thing). Finally we were able to position the truck so we could hook up the cables. Mark and I carefully read the instructions and hooked up the cables to the proper terminals, leaving the negative cable hooked onto a metal part of Mark's truck (not hooked to the negative terminal). I started the van, and Mark tried to start the truck. Nothing.

I noticed some corrosion on the positive terminal of Mark's truck, so I recalled my high school auto mechanics class. Coke works great on corrosion. (I may have recalled this from other life lessons too, I'm not sure.) So, I gave Christina a dollar and told her to run back into the school to buy a Coke from the pop machine. A minute later, she comes running out, saying, "They don't have Coke!"

A little exasperated, but still able to be amused at my blonde daughter's remark, I replied, "Then buy a PEPSI!" Soon she returned with the brown cola. Meanwhile I found an old sock in the back of the van (don't ask) and used this to help administer the Pepsi to the offending battery terminal. Mark and I watched in amazement as the corrosion disappeared. (Makes you wonder what happens to your stomach when you drink the stuff.)

We hooked up the cables again and started it up. This time, success! We were all very proud and happy with the results. Then Mark said, "Mom, do I need to keep the truck running to keep the battery charged?" Yes, I replied, that would be a good thing, for it to run awhile to make sure the battery stays alive. He responded that he was low on gas, and sure hoped he'd get home before he ran out.

Well, he did make it home. But I noticed another thing about the truck--the tabs on it are expired. This morning Mark dug out the plates that Luke had bought, but not put on the truck yet with the new tabs for July, 2005. I told Mark to put the plate in the front window. Hopefully he will not get stopped by a cop for driving with expired tabs.

It's always something.....

Till next time,


Suzi

A busy day

Today will be my running day. Since BSF has moved out to Maple Grove, I can run some errands out there. Camping World isn't too far, so I can get a new, longer sewer hose for our camper (we've got one last camping trip planned in October). The Christian bookstore is also in the area, so I can pick up a CD of hymns for Tim, who's been enjoying hymn sings in the nursing home where's he's currently working. On my way home I can stop at the library to return books that are due today.

And then come home to welcome my children from school, work on supper--and do some household chores? My sister blogged about taming the paper monster--that's definitely something I need to tackle.

Till next time,


Suzi

Growing up too fast

Yesterday our freshman daughter came home from high school announcing that a junior boy had invited her to the homecoming dance. She went to the JV football game last night, and got another invitation to homecoming. The first week of school, another freshman had invited her.

She has decided it would be more fun to go with a group of friends. Of course, we agree and hope she maintains the group mentality this year. Last year she had a steady boyfriend, (they are just friends now) so I hope she can just enjoy her first year of high school without seeking an upperclassman beau.

There's still a couple of weeks left till homecoming, so we'll see how it goes.......

Till next time,


Suzi

Halo

It was nice to spend some time with Luke yesterday, since we (or at least I) don't get to see him so much since he's moved out. (Tim sees him at work every day). After church, we stopped to pick up some things at Tim's parent's house, and Luke helped us bring home the bins we had stored in their garage (books that can now find new homes in our new office). We piled the stuff in the back of Luke's Dodge Ram, and headed home. Mark and Christina had plans with friends, so we went out to lunch with Luke. Just the three of us. It was just like the time when it was just Tim, Luke and I--before Mark and Christina came along (okay it was not at all like that). But it's nice to spend time with each of our kids individually.

After lunch we stopped at Best Buy so Tim could buy an internet cable/cord to hook up DSL to the new office. Luke spotted a TV at a great deal, so he decided to buy it. He and his roommate "needed" a TV for the living room--look already had a used one in his bedroom.

Later, Mark needed to borrow Luke's truck, so I took him down to Luke's place, with a couple of Mark's friend. Luke had both TVs set up in the living room, with about eight guys playing a video game--Halo. (An X-Box game) They were all competing against each other, and with two linked TVs, eight people could play as the screen can be divided into four segments.

Oh well. I guess there's worse things they could be doing. My nephew plays games online with friends. Amazing. I still prefer playing word board games, sitting around a table or in our camper, being able to look my opponent in the eye. It's a new world, but board games are still around. And we've got shelves and shelves of them in our basement--in the same room as the shelves and shelves of video games. Guess which takes up less space?

Till next time,


Suzi

More offices than bedroom?

Well, I guess Luke won't be moving back home. At least, if he does, he won't have his own bedroom. Mark has moved into Luke's old room, and Tim is working to furnish his new office that used to be Mark's room. We found a nice computer desk for a good price, and our next step is to get some bookcases. Another reason for bookcases is that Tim's mom wants the bins of our books moved out of their back garage. Since we are lovers of books and have a hard time parting with them, they will find a new home in the new office.

Tim is excited, because his current office is a closet in the basement. In the new layout, he will be able to look out the doorway of the room as well as the windows.

Maybe Tim will post a picture at his site when the room is complete. We'll wait and see.

Till next time,


Suzi

Quite a day

Yesterday I was home, doing household stuff, when my cell phone rang. It was our friend Dale, who was requesting immediate assistance. His wife Bobie was at home and had just called the paramedics. She had a sudden severe headache and wasn't able to do much more than call 9-1-1. They also have a three-year-old daughter that needed caring for. Hence, the phone call to me.

I hurried about and got over to the house after the ambulance had arrived. It was a rather calm scene for such an emergency, and I asked the paramedics how things were. Her vital signs were good, and Bobie even walked out to the ambulance with some assistance. Katie, their 3-year-old, had gone into her room when Mommy wasn't feeling well, and thankfully was asleep in her bed.

After the ambulance left, I waited for Dale to come home. He showed me a few things for Katie, and I decided to take her home with me when she woke up. She got up before Dale left, and he invited her to go with me to my house. She seemed very excited about this.

Katie and I went to my house, and she watched Cinderella after Mark showed me how to work the VCR (it was much easier to operate when my kids were little!). Katie was wearing a Cinderella gown that her mom had purchased for her that morning for her Halloween costume.

Around dinner time, Katie's grandma came and picked Katie up. About an hour after that, we got a call that everything was fine--Bobie had a CAT scan and lumbar puncture (I think that is the right word), and there was no bleeding in the brain or other problems they could fine. So we picked up Bobie and Dale from the hospital (Dale had been dropped off by a friend from work) to take them home. It may have been a migraine, which Bobie has never experienced before (and hopefully won't again!).

Today, I'm sure, will be a less eventful day. Tim is hoping to come home to a spotless house, with nothing on horizontal surfaces. It's a goal for me, anyway....

Till next time,


Suzi

Bible Study Fellowship

Yesterday was the first day of BSF for this new year. I always look forward to a new year, meeting new women and beginning a new study of the Bible. This year we are studying the Acts of the Apostles, as well as some of the New Testament letters. We are in a new location this year, so everything seemed fresh and exciting. I know a couple of people in my discussion group from the past few years, but most are unfamiliar to me--but this offers a chance to begin new relationships.

It was so great to see all these women eager to learn and study, and hear the lecture about Acts as well. We sang hymns together and also received notes for personal study during the week as well as a cool map of the areas where the church began. (I love maps.)

It has always been a challenge for me to do daily Bible study--it seems I end up doing my BSF lesson one or two days before the Wednesday meeting. Now, I have started a new blog (well, I've been blogging there for several weeks now). In my new blog I'm doing Bible study as well--right now I'm in the middle of the book of Mark. I hope to keep up my Bible study blog as well as my BSF lessons. Maybe I'll pace myself more during the week. We'll see how it goes.

Till next time,


Suzi

Old home day

Yesterday was a day to see old friends. I didn't plan on it when I got out of bed, but that's just how it worked.

As Raven and I came home from our walk, I met the health professional at the elementary school across the street (nurse assistant), Christy. She was parked at the church behind our house, since the school has a small parking lot and it was election day. She stopped and asked how the kids were doing--she had seen us through everything from ear infections to lice infestation (ugh, I hate to recall that!). She's a sweet Christian woman, so it was so nice to catch up with her.

Later in the morning, I hear the doorbell ring. Thinking it was the postman, I was surprised to see my old friend Joy, who had just been at the said elementary school to vote. Joy has a son the same age as Luke, and she'd been homeschooling her two children (her daughter is a year older) through their high school years. We met when both our boys were in elementary school together, and we were part of a Moms in Touch prayer group. She's been our bird sitter every summer as we leave for our camping trip to Cornerstone, until Iago died last summer. Anyway, it was fun to see her and sit over a glass of water (we're not coffee drinkers). I hadn't planned on voting, and was feeling a little guilty about it, because I didn't know enough about the judges who were in the primary. So, I asked Joy, who has similar political persuasions, and then I trotted off to city hall to do my civic duty. Then I persuaded my husband to do the same, and our candidate got enough votes to be on the ballot in November!

After voting, I headed up to Schmidtt's Music to buy some reeds for my son's alto saxophone. Who should I see as I was leaving, but my BSF teacher from last year! It was fun to hear about her life and summer, even though I had been looking forward to seeing her the next day (which is today). We had more time to talk in that environment, and today will be rather hectic since we're going to a new location and starting a new year.

Well, I better get ready for BSF. I'm sitting here soaking because it's raining out today, and Raven wasn't real happy about it, so we had a rather abbreviated walk. Off to shower and then Bible study--hope I don't get lost or caught in rain traffic!

Till next time,


Suzi

Making changes

Now that Mark has moved downstairs, we are making plans for his old bedroom. Tim wants this to be his office, since the office we built six years ago has been commandeered by the kids and me. Tim has carved out a small space for himself in a closet-like room in the basement. Now he wants more space.

We finally cleaned under the old bunk bed--finding loose change, an old nametag from an AFS student (four years old), notes, pictures, notebooks, and of course old socks (I threw these away--very proud of myself for not saving them and washing them. I think Mark has probably outgrown them anyway).

Now we're selecting paint color. I think we'll go with a greenish gray color--a calm environment for work and study. It's a little sad to see the Twins theme going--the bright red white and blue, with the baseball that Tim made in the middle of the wall, a round white circle, complete with red hand-painted stitching. We still have a homer hankie and Twins border.

But Mark's punk and rock posters are more at home downstairs in the red and black room. Time to move on. Maybe Tim will post some pictures at his site when we are finished.

Till next time,


Suzi

A pair-fect day

I couldn't help but notice that on my walk this morning, I encountered couple after couple. Since I had left me husband at home to chow down his oatmeal and then load up his tools for his daily drywall work, I couldn't help but be a bit envious. My companion was a dog. A very nice dog, a dog I love dearly, but still, a dog. A good thing was that we didn't encounter other single person/dog companion pairs. Only people pairs. This is good because Raven does not lunge after people without dogs too often, barking enthusiastically and pulling at my arm till I want to release his leash as I feel my arm coming out of my shoulder socket (I forget the scientific name for this).

Towards the end of our walk, we did see a couple we encounter quite often, friends of ours, walking their spaniel Poochy. But we were some distance off, and Raven did not see them, so we just waved.

But just when I thought our dog encounters were safely avoided, I saw an amazing sight. It looked like a passing car had an enormous dog head for a hood ornament--but then as it got closer, I could see that a large dog--something like a Great Dane--was standing up in the passenger seat and had his head out the sunroof. He barked at Raven, but the car passed too quickly for Raven to notice.

I'm going to have to borrow Tim's camera to take pictures of the interesting things I see on my walk. Unfortunately, the digital camera would probably take too long to capture the passing dog head. But it's a sight I won't forget for awhile.

Till next time,


Suzi

Finally, a new bed

Mark has been sleeping on a broken bed for months now. Tim bought a bunk bed for the boys when they were pretty young--he got it at a garage sale for about $100. But the bottom supports that go across the bed have been coming loose, making the mattress in the bottom bunk sag. For a while, we piled books under there to support the broken bar, but then two or three of the bars broke lose. Mark is not a complainer, so he just tolerated. Raven was happy to sleep in the lump during the day. So, we didn't do too much about it.

Now, Luke has moved his stuff out of the bedroom downstairs. On Thursday, Tim spotted a garage sale that seemed to be selling big ticket items. Sure enough, they had a bed--a nice wooden full size bed, complete with box spring and mattress for--$100. We snatched it and Mark is now sleeping comfortably. Now, we plan to convert his room into an office for Tim. So, I guess the red, white and blue Twins baseball theme in the room will have to go. Mark is happy in the room where Luke painted the walls a dark red and black (yes, black). Tim replaced a couple of fluorescent bulbs in Mark's new room's light so it's not so dark he can't see. At least he should get a good night's sleep--in the dark, on a big, comfortable bed. Thanks for your patience, Mark!

Anybody need a broken bunk bed---maybe you're a welder????

Till next time,


Suzi

It must have been a cold

Yesterday I took my sister's remedy--1/2 T honey, 1 T apple cider vinegar with 4 oz hot water. I sipped it slowly, then added Splenda to sweeten it some more without adding more carbs. Today I'm feeling so much better. So, it must not have been allergies, but a true cold. My other clue was that it was moving around in my body--from my eyes and nose to my throat and into my chest before breaking free from the power of honey and vinegar (and rest and fluids and God's healing power, I'm sure).

Anyway, I'm glad to be pretty much back to normal. Now I guess my husband will expect me to do some work around here. ;)

Till next time,


Suzi

Mark and the Bible

I'm currently doing a study on Mark in the New Testament, and writing my reflections on my other blog. But yesterday, I watched as my son Mark had his Bible open in his bedroom, where friends from public school looked on, waiting for him to finish his religion homework before playing a round of frisbee golf.

"What are you studying in religion?" one of the boys asked. (I don't know about his church/faith background.) "Oh, stuff in the Old Testament," Mark answered as he went on with his studies.

Almost every day after school, he's been coming home and doing his homework, including Bible study. The Old Testament study has been on the kings and prophets, and he seems to be working very diligently. I'm so excited to see Mark enjoy learning again--for the past several years he hated public school but was reluctant to change because he didn't want to leave his friends. He usually put off doing homework and his grades had been steadily dipping. It seemed a common plight at his school--and he would sometimes say, "But everyone in that class is getting a 'D'." Sigh.

But now his friends are watching him study the Bible. Instead of being a follower as he was in the past, maybe Mark will lead by example. This is my prayer.

Till next time,


Suzi

I have a cold

I have a cold. Or allergies--or something. Maybe I have this so I can relate better to my boys, who are suffering from seasonal allergies right now, or my husband--who at the moment seems good, but for years he had to have shots to make his allergies manageable. Of course there's Raven, who's been itching and rubbing against things for a couple of weeks now. (Although he seems to be getting better with the help of his antihistimine.)

I guess living in the Mississippi River valley is one of the worst places to be as far as allergies go. It is beautiful here, and other years I haven't been affected this much. Yesterday I took some Alleve, and then, before bed, Benedryl. I though the Bendryl would help me sleep. But I couldn't fall asleep till after midnight. I was tired, drowsy, but my head felt heavy and I just couldn't manage to make it to lala land.

Now I'm drinking my Good Earth tea after my walk with Raven. I'm feeling better, but certainly not 100%. Maybe I should try my sister's remedy--hot tea with honey and vinegar. Hmmmmm--am I feeling that brave? Plus I can't remember the exact recipe. We'll see how it goes, but I think it will be a drug free day (except for my diabetes/blood pressure medicine).

Till next time,


Suzi

Back to reality

Well, Tim blogged about our weekend trip on his site. He wrote about seeing the Amish in their buggies, biking downhill on a beautiful, if easy trail. He wrote about Raven jumping and playing in the crystal clear creek. (There's a beautiful picture on his site, too.)

I too enjoyed the beauty of southeastern Minnesota. Raven and I climbed some hills on our early morning walks, and the view of looking down, even at the campground area, was breathtaking. I can only imagine what it will be like in a few short weeks when the trees will be ablaze with their fall color.

It was great to have all of our family together. I've missed Luke--I don't think Tim realizes that he's gone, because he sees him at work every day. It was fun to see Christina interacting with the young children of our friends, and also helping cut vegetables for dinner. Mark enjoyed playing frisbee golf with the adult guys, and both boys were a great help with the camper set up and tear down, and enjoyed a manly game of Carcosonne or however you spell it (a strategy game).

We sat around the campfire and played Imaginiff while we ate s'mores. We huddled in our camper to play one last game--this time Taboo--as the rain pattered gently on our roof.

But it's good to be home, to reflect on the memories of fun, friends, and the glory of God's creation. It's good to be back sleeping in our own bed, and to have real flush toilets and roomy showers.

Till next time,


Suzi

Too tired to blog

I'm too tired to blog. We had a great weekend in Preston, MN and surrounding Amish country. The scenery in the gently rolling hills of southern Minnesota was beautiful. We enjoyed the company of three other couples, two of them with young children. We went out for pizza, picnicked, explored creeks and bike paths, and ate delicios meals at the campsite.

But more about that later. I had too little sleep staying up playing games, listening to the rain, taking care of the dog, etc........

Till next time,


Suzi

The collar is off, now the packing begins....

Raven's vet visit was more involved than I hoped it would be, but I wasn't surprised. At least they lifted his collar sentence. He is now free from his "neck brace," but it may be reinstated at any moment if his feet become infected again. Now he is on a prescription antihistimine, and I also gave him a special oatmeal shampoo bath followed by conditioner. And, because he has allergic conjuctivitis, I need to apply 1/4 inch of the eye ointment in his lower lids at 8 hour intervals (three times a day).

Already this past month we have paid about 3 times what it cost to get the silly dog. But he's worth it--every time I look into his eyes or see him sidle up to me (usually its to rub his itches against my leg) I know I would do all I can to make him comfortable and happy. He brings me and our family so much joy.

So, now I need to pack for our weekend camping trip. I panicked yesterday when Tim thought the campground didn't allow dogs (his mom had looked up the campground, but Tim had told her the wrong town, so it wasn't the same camping place). We are going with our small group from church, and expect to have a fun and restful time. That is, after I pack blankets, food, clothes, and a cabinet full of dog medication--not to mention all my own meds for diabetes--two kinds of insulin, needles, oral meds, vitamins...

I better get busy! See you on Monday--happy Labor day weekend!

Till next time,


Suzi

Check up time at the vet

Today we're going back to the vet for Raven's check up. We've had him wearing his collar 24-7, because every time we take it off he itches himself, bites himself, and especially licks his feet, which leads to the infection we've been fighting for two weeks now.

I released him from the collar prison this morning, since we're going to the vet right after I blog. But I can hear him in the other room, scratching, and he started licking his feet even as I tried to apply the lotion the doctor prescribed.

We're camping (Raven's coming too) this weekend, so I hope he doesn't have to be trapped in his collar at the campground, to endure the humiliation of the glares of all passing dogs, cats, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits, not to mention people. Sigh. We'll see what the doctor says.....

Till next time,


Suzi

The first day is over.....

Mark survived his first day of private school. Since it's a small school (about 240 students, grades 9-12, compared to around 2000 at public school), he ran into his sister Christina between every class. A boy he met at Christina's freshman orientation who is also an upperclassman has a locker right next to Mark's--though they don't have any classes together. This boy had a Bob Marley shirt on the day of the orientation (probably won't wear it at school), so I think they will hit it off. (Bob Marley was a reggae singer of the 70s or so--one of his famous songs was "I Shot The Sherriff" also made popular by another band.)

Today he brought his tenor sax for his first hour band class. Yesterday he finished his homework right after school, and asked me to pick up some binders that he needed for a few classes. Who knows, maybe today he'll make a friend or two at lunch. We'll take one day at a time, and keep on our knees each day, too. Our prayer is that Mark will grow in his faith and learning at this Christian high school.

Till next time,


Suzi