A funny comment

Yesterday I spent the day recuperating from all the planning, cleaning and cooking of the two Thanksgiving dinners. I put the turkey soup in the crockpot for dinner, and headed out to pick up our Christmas card pictures.

I had received a call that my sister-in-law had exchanged the blouse she had purchased for my birthday for the correct size. It was at my mother-in-law's.

I was in the neighborhood, so I called my dear MIL to ask her if I could stop by to pick up the blouse. She said that would be fine, and asked if I happened to have the baster I had borrowed from her. I didn't have it with me, but she said that they could pick it up later. I was a little surprised, because she had said she didn't think she'd be making a turkey again, since it is still a little difficult for her to use her left hand after her stroke 1 1/2 years ago.

I arrived at her house, tried on the blouse, and got ready to leave. Before I got out the door, she called, "Do you know what I thought when we left your house yesterday?"

I felt my pride puff up a bit, waiting for a glowing compliment. Instead, she replied, "I thought, I can do this! I can make a turkey dinner!"

A little deflated, I laughed anyway and replied, "Right, if Suzi can do it, anyone can!"

Later I realized that my efforts may have encouraged my mother-in-law to try to do something she thought she couldn't do anymore. Rather than taking offense at her comment that was not intended to offend, I decided to be happy that she was thinking about doing more in the kitchen. In fact, when I was over there, she was cooking hamburgers and frying potatoes for lunch. Lately, she and my father-in-law have been eating out for most meals.

Good for her, I thought. Maybe I won't be hosting Thanksgiving next year after all.

Till next time,


Suzi

We did it!

A lovely snowfall on my birthday Saturday put me in the mood to stay indoors and prepare for our family Thanksgiving feast. As Tim and his friend Phil worked in the garage, I answered the phone by saying, "It's for me, it's my birthday!" and worked on getting the dinner and the house ready. Tim kept the door open from the garage to the kitchen, so conversations were sometimes interrupted by noisy drills. But, by day's end, Tim and Phil had a new platform built and a new sink installed in the garage. Mark's room (they took down his ceiling to have access to the pipes for the sink) still needs to be put back together, but it's taking shape.

I was up till 1:30 Saturday night, preparing pies and making mashed potatoes, cranberries and stuffing, but it really paid off on Sunday. I got up at 5:30 to get the turkey to get ready to put in the electric roasting pan and put the apple pies in the oven. Raven and I walked, then I put the light wheat bread mix in the bread maker. I put the turkey neck and juices on the stove on low to prepare the gravy stock.

Amazingly, the food was all ready about the same time (of course the pies were done early so the oven was free to cook green bean casserole and warm up the potatoes and the stuffing). Grandpa arrived to show Mark how to carve the turkey (Tim begged off) and Grandma helped get the gravy to the perfect consistency. Mark had also made the pumpkin pie, which was again delicious (he made the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie on Thursday, too--did I mention that in an earlier blog?).

After we ate, I opened birthday presents from my in-laws. A beautiful red blouse, a black velvety skirt and pants, and some wonderful bath products were very much appreciated.

It was a terrific day, exhausting, but worth it. I am thankful for my family who helped, and I must also thank my friend Krissy for her turkey, gravy and mashed potato recipes.

I think I may be hosting Thanksgiving again....we'll see--I've got a year to recover!

Till next time,


Suzi

Today is my birthday!

I love celebrations. I love parties. I love surprises. I love to get together with friends and have fun. I enjoy gathering with family and opening gifts at birthdays and Christmases.

This year I am 47 years old. I have three great kids--Luke is 19, Mark is 16, and Christina is almost 15. (Her birthday is one month after mine.) I am truly blessed.

I have five exchange students who have returned back home, and I am thankful for them. I'm thankful for my parents and siblings and the many happy birthdays I had with them as I was growing up.

Tomorrow we'll celebrate my birthday with my in-laws, as well as have a Thanksgiving feast. My birthday falls on Thanksgiving every six years (except if a leap year throws things off), and I enjoy celebrating my birthday by partying with family and eating great food.

Getting older is a blessing, and I'm grateful for each day. Hope your birthday is happy when it comes around!

Till next time,


Suzi

One down, one to go...

Well, our trial Thanksgiving went very well. The potatoes were a little thin and the gravy a little thick, and the stuffing and potatoes weren't heated quite as soon as the other food was ready, but for a first Thanksgiving meal on our own, we did very well.

Mark pretty much did the pumpkin pie on his own. I directed him a bit and made the crust, but he combined the ingredients and poured them into the crust. His pie was great, as was the apple pie that he and Christina helped me with (mostly slicing apples).

The turkey was just terrific, thanks for my sister-in-law's sister Krissy's recipe (secret--cook the bird breast down till the last half hour. ) I also have to credit my mother-in-law for giving me her electric roasting pan--it freed up the oven for other things and kept the turkey nice and juicy. My MIL also gave me her stuffing recipe--very yummy!

Now I need to do it all over again for Sunday. This time I'll have some help--my MIL is bringing her famous sweet potatoes and my sister-in-laws will be bringing side dishes or dessert. Tomorrow is my birthday, so I hope I can get all the grocery shopping done today as well as a good part of the cleaning and maybe even some food prep.

Ready for round two!

Till next time,


Suzi

Happy Thanksgiving!

The turkey is in the roasting pan my mother-in-law gave me. The potatoes are made (just need to be warmed up), the stuffing is made, apples are sliced and ready to go in a pie, the gravy stock is on the stove, the light wheat bread is baking in the bread maker. The cranberries are in the refrigerator--cooked last night.

So, I just need to check the turkey, fix the green bean casserole, bake the pies and heat up the other stuff.

And this is just my trial run--on Sunday all the in-laws will be here--so there will be 16 of us instead of just the five today.

I'm counting my blessings and thanking the Lord for good health, children who help, and good food (which will hopefully stay that way!)

A very happy and blessed Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good nap! (I know I'm gonna need one!)

Till next time,


Suzi

Bye bye van

I know I wrote about the van leaving us quite a while back, but now it's finally gone. Last night Tim and I went (with Mark and Christina) down to Loaves and Fishes (I think that's the correct name, not Fishes and Loaves). Anyway, we met up with Steve and Joan, brought the van, and signed on the dotted line. Steve and Joan will have a big van to transport homeless people to their recovery sessions--Steve was already recruiting people last night to come to their meeting this evening.

I have to smile when I think of a group of recovering alcoholics filling our 1992 conversion van, with the bumper sticker, "We are proud of our Cooper honor student" still plastered on the back. We are proud of Steve and Joan, and the brave people who are struggling to overcome their addiction, and who will, hopefully, find peace and new life in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Till next time,


Suzi

A little jumpy

Recent headline news seems to be making people around here a little jumpy. It's now nationwide news about the St. Paul man who shot several hunters in Wisconsin over the weekend, killing six and wounding two others. Apparently he fired on them as they approached and asked him to leave the private property he was on.

Then there was the incident at the Friday night NBA basketball game where fans threw things at players and a brawl broke out between players and spectators which led to suspensions. Sounds like everything from popcorn, beer and a chair were tossed about on the court floor.

Taking all this under consideration, maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised when a man came to our door last night, demanding to see Mark and his two friends who had just driven home after skateboarding. They had the truck windows open (they were sweaty) and were singing along to a Beatle's CD, of all things. One of Mark's friends leaned his head out the window as he crooned along to the tune. This man, who was jogging next to the truck, somehow felt threatened by this, thinking the boys were shouting something at him. He came to our door making accusations and beckoning the boys to come "take this outside" and asked me if I would like to be "run down" when I'm out walking my dog.

Needless to say, this was a little unnerving, and I apologized to the man for his (imagined) fear. I also told him I didn't appreciate the language he was using. After muttering something about being free to say whatever, he left.

Raven and I had an uneventful walk this morning, thankfully. I'm praying that people will come to their senses and not resort to anger and violence in confusing circumstances. A kind word can turn away anger, and hopefully, we can all remember this and not see violence escalate in our every day lives.

Till next time,


Suzi

Bespelled

Tim and I have discovered a new online game--Bespelled. Tim started playing it innocently enough--it's like online scrabble, in a way. Letters on tiles come down on the screen, and the player needs to click on letters that are adjacent to form words. After those letters are used up, more letters come on the screen to take their place. Occasionally a red letter will come up that will threaten to end the game, if that letter makes it to the bottom of the screen without being used.

Tim advanced from level to level. He was an editor, then editor in chief, then publisher, then wordmaster. Every level he thought would be his last. Late last night, I was helping him, hoping to finish the game and get to bed. He was at level 19, and I'm sure 20 would have been the end. The kids were still up--Mark was on another computer, and Christina was blowdrying her hair and doing wash. Suddenly, the computer screen went blank and the light went out.

"I blew a fuse," Christina lamented, sporting still damp locks. The fuse had blown from the hair dryer, and the lights were off in the laundry room. We managed to grope our way downstairs and flipped the circuit. Tim and I raced back to the computer, but alas, the game was lost. Perhaps the power outage was a sign to stop playing and get to bed.

From now on I'll save my word knowledge for blogging, and do it when Christina isn't home.

Till next time,


Suzi

A happy medium?

As I mentioned yesterday, we are having some electrical work done so we can have higher amperage in the garage and also having some piping run for heat in the garage. Our stove was moved out into the middle of the kitchen so we could have access to the outlet behind it, which is on the other side of the garage wall.

Anyway, as I looked at the floor behind the stove (how often does anyone clean behind there?) I decided to tackle the mess, even though I knew it would be covered up again. In the process, I cleaned the stove top, scoured the burners and their covers, and generally shined the oven and the broiler drawer.

Now I think I need to find a happy medium, between ignoring the kitchen and going over every crack with a toothpick (it was kind of fun to see the gunk come up as I pushed a toothpick through various crevices.) I also swept and cleaned the floor and cleaned all the items (salt and pepper shakers, etc) we keep on the stove top.

Perhaps some day I can discover that reasonable place between obsession and neglect. For now (the next few minutes, anyway), I'm going to enjoy my shiny kitchen.

Till next time,


Suzi

Rewiring the house and my brain

As I mentioned in my November 12 blog, I often need to be looking for something important in order to get rid of stuff in the search process. And, often I need to host some sort of event in my home to get the house looking neat and clean.

Today, Tim and a friend are working to install heat in the garage. In the process, they will upgrade a garage outlet, move the stove, and fix a plug on an old small refrigerator that they discovered to be a fire hazard.

Since they need to do all these things, I am scurrying about to pick up the laundry room (where the circuit breaker is located), vacuum behind the stove (what kind of nice surprises do you think I discovered there?) and Tim is decluttering the garage, not to mention finding the fire-hazard plug.

It is always good to tackle new projects so that ones that should be done on a regular basis finally get attention. I think my brain is wired in a funny way so that only under dire circumstances can I accomplish mundane tasks. Is there any hope that some day I can schedule things to be accomplished on a rotating schedule? Time to get back to Flylady........

Till next time,


Suzi

Fishes and loaves

Last night Tim, Mark, Christina and I went down to a soup kitchen, Fishes and Loaves, in Minneapolis. Tim and Mark had been down there 3 or 4 times, and Christina had been down there once as well. This was my first time, and I was wondering exactly what it would be like.

It really seemed like many church potlucks I have attended. People stood in line as servers with smiling faces and warm hearts dished out food. We sat at a table with some men from our church--one who attended for the first time on Sunday and had been on the streets as recently as two weeks ago.

I looked around the room as people greeted each other warmly. Everyone was respectful, clean, and even friendly. An older man sat at one end of the hall with his guitar. Perhaps Mark will come and play sometime.

The hour of dining ended quickly, and people began to shuffle out the door. It was a warm night for mid-November, and many seemed grateful for the temperature--even though it was a gray, foggy day. We met Steve and Joan, another couple from our church, who come here every night to meet with people and pray with them. They have helped at least two men in recent weeks--finding them homes. Tim wrote about Dale on his October 21 blog.

We are planning on donating our van to Steve and Joan, so they can have transportation for some of the men on Wednesday nights. On Wednesdays, Steve leads a recovery group, but it is held at a suburban location. With a van, he can easily transport several people.

What impacted me the most about last evening was an encounter we witnessed as we left. As we were chatting with Steve by the door, a man approached him and told his story of how he had just been released from jail. He had seven children, and was feeling desperate and lonely. He did have a couple of male relatives with him. Steve stopped to listen and pray with him. He gave him a card and told him to come back to Fishes and Loaves. He told him about Jesus' love, and the man listened. They hugged, and Steve promised to keep in touch with this man.

At our BSF fellowship lunch yesterday, we were talking about how difficult it can be to share the gospel with friends or family. This man seemed to soak up the words of hope like a sponge. He heard the name of Jesus as a balm to his soul.

No one likes to go through difficulty or see their children struggle through hard times. But it seems that at these times we are most receptive to the power and love of Jesus. I hope that man embraces the truth of the gospel and allows God to turn his life around. I felt like I was witnessing the beginning of a miracle as I saw that man respond. He still walked down the street with his bedroll. But now he has hope in his heart to go along with the food in his stomach. After many exchanges of "God bless you" we were on our way--feeling that God has truly blessed us, above and beyond what we can ever ask or imagine.

Now she is sick :(

Poor Christina. After all that scurrying about helping me the other day, she must have worn herself out. Today she's home sick, but still has her cheery countenance.

She ended up not making dinner last night, as she was feeling tired. She perked up a little bit when a friend stopped by, but ended up going to bed early.

So, I guess I'm glad I'm still needed around here. We still had spaghetti, a meal she had planned. In fact, her friend Jimmy ended up staying for supper.

Maybe tomorrow she'll be back to her healthy self--I'm just hoping the helpful self remains. I'm enjoying this phase as long as I can. I'm still holding out that she'll make supper soon and I can do something else, like--blog or surf the web?

Till next time,


Suzi

A new, cheery houseguest

A new person has come to live in our home. She looks and sounds a lot like a family member, but something is different.

Last night she asked if she could help make supper. She browned the hamburger, and added the ingredients to the main dish. After dinner, she cleared off all the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. She asked if she could make dinner tomorrow night (that would be tonight). She cleaned the kitchen, wiping behind things and taking special care to shine the sink.

She vacuumed her room without being asked, and this morning, she reminded her brother (without a fuss in her voice) to put his bowl in the dishwasher.

Who is this newcomer who looks so much like my daughter? I don't know, but I'm very grateful and hope she is here for a long, long time.

Till next time,


Suzi

To and fro

This morning my "routine" was changed by the discovery that Mark was sick. He's been running all weekend, getting up early Saturday for work and Sunday for church. We discovered late Sunday that he had lots of homework yet to be done, but wanted him to attend at Teen Challenge service with us. The service was great, and we heard many testimonies from people who had been at the brink of death with their drug addiction before they were sent to or found this one year Christian rehabilitation program.

After the service, Mark started in on his homework and completed it at a late hour. When I went down to wake him at 6 am so he could make it to jazz band, he was in bed with an upset stomach and headache.

Tim said he would take Christina to school (she usually rides with Mark), but when I found out he was working on the other end of town, I volunteered. I had to move fast--making Tim's lunch, giving Raven an abbreviated walk, then racing out the door with Christina. I got home, hit the shower, started to blog when the phone rang. During my conversation with my mother-in-law, Tim called and said a fax he had sent from home hadn't worked, so when I got off the phone, I resent the fax.

I hurried out to the car to my appointment, to discover to my delight a neighbor walking by I hadn't seen in a few months, who had been in poor health, but was now feeling great. We chatted for awhile, I got to my appointment, waited and waited, then saw my endocronogist. He said my A1c number was pretty good--7.1, down from 7.3 at last visit's reading. We talked again about the insulin pump, which I am still considering. I got out of the parking ramp at exactly one hour so I only had to pay $2 for the parking fee.

At home, I grabbed Raven for our real walk. A neighbor drove by and honked and waved. A few more people seemed to be out and about than they are before 8 or 9 am. (It was about 10:30). Rave and I came home to find Mark in the kitchen, better, but not 100%. I started to blog and then answered the door to discover my birthday present from my parents, which had arrived early (my birthday is Nov. 27). Now I am finishing this blog and it is not yet noon.

Flexibility is the name of the game in this house. I like that. As long as things don't get too crazy.

Till next time,


Suzi

Still popular

Mark was feeling sad last night--it looked like none of his friends would be able to "hang out." So Tim decided to do a rare thing--he sent Mark to buy "School of Rock" for us to watch together. It was a hilarious movie, and I think soon after it started Mark forgot his disappointment.

Mark had seen the movie before, so he went upstairs midway through to make a pizza and bring it back down. While he was making the pizza, the doorbell rang. It was two girls that he hadn't seen in awhile, on their way to a movie, but who wanted to stop in to say hi. Before too long, they were on their way, and Mark rejoined us downstairs.

A little after 10, we heard a knock at the back door. More of Mark's friends. They came in for a few minutes, and made plans to get together the next day.

If Mark had been out as he had hoped, he would have missed all these visitors. Maybe we can keep him home next Friday night too? (probably not.......)

Till next time,


Suzi

Getting rid of STUFF

This morning I was very happy to wake up and look out the front door. There, where last night I had piled bags and boxes of old newspapers, papers, cardboard and the like, were my empty recycling bins. Stuff that had been saved for years was now on its way to another use.

The leaves are still piled up by the curb, but they are in their bags awaiting pick up as well. Our garbage can is full. The only disappointment is that the thrift store people didn't pick up what I had left out on the front porch the other day (I found out later that they only collect it if it is out on the curb. This is not the policy of other thrift store people. Oh well.)

It always helps me if I have something important I'm searching for in my quest to get rid of stuff. This week it was my graduation cap, for my mother-in-law to wear to her stroke class graduation. Alas, I didn't find it, but she was able to borrow a red celebration hat from a friend and I was able to get two closets decluttered--even though they still need work. By the way, my MIL won second place for her red hat, so I guess she was better off after all. My new quest is to find the March statement for Tim's business checking account. Who knows the myriad of things that will be unearthed and tossed in during that endeavor?

Till next time,


Suzi

Revisiting the preschool years

I am convinced that one of God's great gifts is the elementary school period. Though not without problems, they are like a sea of calm after the storms of toddlerhood/preschool years and before the torrent of emotions of teenager-hood.

My kids generally liked school in the years between 5 and 11. They adored their teachers, they interacted well with their classmates. They were beyond the clinginess of preschool, and they had moved past most of the selfish stage--they were good at sharing toys, books, and ideas.

Then came adolescence. Shocking words, like, "I hate school" came from their lips. Problems between friends became harder to resolve. Emotions flew up and down like the tantrums of toddlerhood.

I still remember their toddler days, although I'm sure it is through rose-colored glasses now (they were so cute!--and they really were!). I remember the tough times, too, and the feelings of exhaustion.

But as I compare these two stages, I must remember that this time too will pass. Already my 19-year-old has moved out and on. And, even though they want to be treated as adults, my other two are not adults yet. I can't expect them to behave as adults even though I may think they are capable of it most of the time. They are still growing, maturing, and not perfect.

I'll try to remember the patience (NOT) I had with them as toddlers. At least now I am not undergoing the physical exhaustion of parenting young ones. (The emotional and mental stress often seem to make up for it, though!) It just seems that the consequences of bad choices now can be so much higher. But God got me through those early years, and he will get me through the teen years too.

And, as when they were little, I can still peer into their bedrooms and see their peaceful faces soft with slumber. (True, now I have to do that in the morning, because at night I'm usually off to lala land long before they are sleeping.)

They are really great kids, but sometimes the road through these years can get bumpy. I know that the journey will be worth it, and they are maturing to be fine young people. I will simply remind myself that teenagers, like toddlers, still have some growing up to do. And as the grown ups, my husband and I will need to be the stable ones and look to the One who is our Rock and the Most Stable of All. I'm keeping on my knees through these years--and probably throughout my life.

Till next time,


Suzi

Silver and gold

Last night I went to a jewelry party at an old friend's home. I was excited to see some other old friends' from our former church. The lady who was selling the jewelry was also a Christian, and the company she works for is Bible centered in their philosophy. It was fun to fellowship with everyone and catch up on others' lives, as well as make a new friend.

It reminds me of the song, "Make new friends, but keep the old--one is silver and the other gold."

I bought some gold earrings with diamond-like centers. Maybe I'll get some silver another time.


Till next time,


Suzi

Back to the dentist

Mark is done. The journey that began with a sore tooth back in March or April finished today with the completion of three remaining fillings. In the past six months or so he has endured several fillings, a root canal, and a cleaning. And he will probably get to school in time for his second hour class--Algebra. He only missed band, which he probably would have missed anyway because of the novocaine (he plays tenor sax).

His bill has been paid. No balance remains on his account. His smile is happy and bright.

Next week, I go back to have my permanent crown put it. Then I will be done too (for six months).

I wish Luke would reconsider becoming a dentist. Then I'm sure he would be more than able to adequately take care of his parents in our old age.

Till next time,


Suzi

Remembering Phil

My husband and I have been trying to follow my sister's example and weed out some stuff that's been accumulating in our house/garage/vehicles. She has been going through a myriad of boxes that her mother-in-law left behind (she passed away a few weeks ago). As I was going through some papers, I found a treasure, written by a friend who has since gone to be with Jesus. He wrote this several years ago, but less than 10 years ago I'm sure. It was for our three children, Luke, Mark and Christina. His handwritten note said:

I sing in the choir and we have accepted the challenge of praying for the children in our church. Doesn't it make you feel good knowing someone is always praying for you? (Besides your mom and dad). I'm praying you will stay healthy and avoid accidents. I'm praying that the friends you make will be real good ones and will be a good influence on you. I'm praying that every day you will obey God's laws and show respect to your mom and dad and superiors. I'm praying that you will grow up to be fine Christian citizens and will make good husbands and (a) wife some day. Remember God loves you! So do I! --Phil

As my children are now teenagers, I appreciate the prayers sent heavenward many years ago even more now. I know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always interceding for my family--for all of us--all the time. But I like the picture of Phil standing by Jesus' side, still asking God to care for and guide our children.

This is one note I will keep.

Till next time,


Suzi

New adventures

Raven and I have been daring the last couple of days. We have three routes which we follow and rarely deviate from, unless the weather is just awful and then we may shorten the route. One day we go around Sanborn Park, one day we walk down to the flagpole where the WWI memorial is, the other day we walk down the parkway.

The last couple of days we have ventured down to a new blacktopped walk/bike path by the highway where construction is almost completed. The only problem is that Raven wanted to consume the things the geese had left behind. One amazing sight was, however, approaching a flock of geese and watching them all soar into the air as Raven approached. Raven looked for fresh leavings, but I dragged him from the site.

Another adventure I am undertaking is Thanksgiving dinner. We have always gone to Tim's parents, or one of his brothers' homes, but this year I decided to have it myself. Everyone was invited on Thanksgiving day, but as it turns out, everyone is planning to be elsewhere. So, I am doing a trial turkey day on Thanksgiving, and having Tim's family here for a second Thanksgiving on the Sunday following.

I might be crazy, but Christina said she would help me, so I took that as an encouraging sign. Any recipes for gravy, stuffing, suggestions for cooking the bird or potatoes will be welcome. Prayers are appreciated also. And after dinner, Raven and I might be exploring more paths to work off all that food.

Till next time,


Suzi

Finally posting

I have been trying to post all morning, but have been getting error messages. I was able to post Blogging for Light but for some reason I couldn't post here. Ah well. I am now chatting with Noh, our exchange student from Thailand, whom I have not seen online for several weeks!

Yesterday I went to Mark and Christina's school for parent/teacher conferences. I am again convinced that West Lutheran is the place for them both to be right now. It is so different from big public schools. Even though I spent a good 3 hours there, I didn't have to wander vast halls, and teachers were so willing to offer time and help if needed.

Now Carla has signed in with her new web camera, so I better go to keep track of all of this! More later!

Till next time,


Suzi

Signs are coming down

Most of the signs are coming down in our neighborhood, making leaf raking a lot easier for those who had multiple candidate or even two or three Bush or Kerry signs in their yard. A few people have left up their presidential signs. One sad looking, bent sign hung on in a yard that read: Kerry/Edwards, A Stronger America. I suppose you could say, though bent, the sign may have helped Kerry take Minnesota.

I'm happy with the outcome of the national election, but don't want to gloat too much because I know many people who are sad if not devastated. Hopefully they will come around and see that four more years of this president (who has led us through one of the greatest challenges of our nation--9/11) will not be so bad--that he is a leader for all the people.

I have to say I liked what John Kerry said in his concession speech, something about there being no real losers in the United States the day after the election, because we all wake up the next day as Americans.

I think I'm globally minded and I love the many cultures of the world and their people. But today, I'm proud to be an American. (Oops--I feel a song coming on...better quit before all my readers cover their ears......... ;) )

Till next time,


Suzi

We are famous

Wow. Our polling place here in little Robbinsdale, MN was on the nationwide news, or at least on the internet here. I did not notice the dignitaries from Cyprus and Sweden who were observing our poll sites, and I voted at 10 am. Tim voted about 8 and didn't notice anyone unusual either. Two friends of mine were election judges, with whom I chatted (mid-day and mid-afternoon are generally slower times at the polls) and they didn't make any mention of men from overseas coming to Robbinsdale to regulate any voting irregularities. Our son Luke voted and 11 am and didn't say anything about this foreign visit either.

Perhaps they were there to make sure our city councilman race was all on the up and up. (He ran unopposed. And he won. Good thing, or I might have wondered if we should have called Asian nations or South American nations in to oversee the Robbinsdale race.)

Truth is stranger than fiction.......

Till next time,


Suzi

Post election day

The flurry of activity is over. Most of the votes are counted. Some of our candidates won, others did not. The sun was shining this morning, even though frost was on the ground. We are tired, up late watching election returns, but thankful for another day and glad that the political ads and turmoil are behind us.

God is in heaven, and he has given us a new day. We thank him for that.

Till next time,


Suzi

Election day

I've researched the candidates (the internet is a great help in this regard). I've prayed, I've asked questions of friends, I've given my opinion to others. And now I've voted.

It's a little funny that we live across the street from the elementary school (where our children attended) that is a polling place, but not our polling place. As I walked to the city hall to vote which is a few blocks away, I passed others from that neighborhood coming to vote at the elementary school. And as I walked back, the same was true.

But it was good to be out, walking with neighbors, voicing our opinions at the ballot box. I went mid-morning, so it only took me about 15 minutes. As I put my ballot in the electronic box, I noticed that 292 people in my little precinct in my little suburban town had already voted.

Now the waiting begins. I can't say I'm sad that the political ads will end, but I am hopeful my candidates win.

But no matter the outcome, I know God is in control. And I thank him that I live in a country where we have the freedom to choose our leaders.

Till next time,


Suzi

Pie, pie, everywhere a pie

Yesterday I spent hours in the kitchen making and baking pies. I have decided not to buy Cortland apples, but stick to Haralson, because Cortland apples, or at least the ones I bought, do not work well in my handy dandy apple corer/peeler cranking machine. They moosh up and then I have to peel them by hand and then cut them up to put in my handy dandy food processor.

Even with all my handy dandy gadgets, I will have to mix the crust, roll it out, put it in a pan, mix up a cinnamony mixture for the apples, and do something about a topping (I chose a crumb topping). This all the while being interrupted by trick or treaters--but I can't complain too much about this, because we really didn't have that many kids at our door last night.

But the result--Christina and her Halloween friends sitting at the table eating pie and ice cream. Tim's parents came over to partake of the dessert. The apples that were sitting on my counter are now gone. We have happy stomachs and have fed some friends.

So, next time, Haralsons all the way. If there is a next time. Well, I guess I can do it again. Maybe I'll go back to one pie at a time.

Till next time,


Suzi