A nice Saturday morning

I'm enjoying this Saturday morning. Tim is home (a rare occurrence--he is usually working or at breakfast with friends) and the kids are in bed. Raven and I have had our walk, and even though we encountered several dogs, they were all leashed to their owners--or if they weren't, they were far enough away and obedient enough not to come chasing us.

The cable guy is coming to look at our TVs this afternoon. (Our CBS channel is almost completely worthless. With the last episodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" coming up, I figured we better take care of this.) So, I will be motivated to tidy up a bit, but not stressed.

It's a cool, cloudy day. Perfect for working and relaxing indoors with the family. We'll see how long that lasts--maybe only until the kids wake up.....

Till next time,


Suzi

Another dog chase

I have either got to start walking earlier in the day or come up with a new plan. Today as Raven and I were walking, a yellow lab dashed out of his yard, away from his owner, to come after me and Raven. After being spooked by a barking snarling dog two days ago, I thought I would just take Raven and run this time, figuring the dog would leave us alone after a few yards. But the dog kept up pursuit, and I found out how I'm terribly out of shape, at least when it comes to sprinting! I vaguely heard the owner calling the dog, but he didn't seem to heed this voice.

Finally the lab got bored and went to sniff somebody's lawn. I pulled Raven away, still moving at a pretty good clip. We weren't far from home, so I was grateful for that. I think on the next walk, I will bring along lots of doggie treats and fling them as far as I can. I told this to Tim, and he said that I will get a reputation among the dogs in the neighborhood.

Am I really longing for the return of quiet, cold days when Raven and I were the only ones crazy enough to be out in the ice and snow? I think I'll give the treats a try.......they work for mailmen, so maybe they'd work for me, too.

Till next time,


Suzi

A speed bump on my tooth

Today I went to the dentist. This was a good thing. I had scheduled a six-month check-up, and things went pretty well--tartar build up, but not so much bleeding. In the past I've put off the dentist visits and usually with not such good consequences.

The lady cleaning my teeth found a troublesome spot, but after an x-ray and the dentist's final look-over, it was determined to be nothing serious--for now. My dentist described it as a sort of "speed bump" on my tooth. They couldn't knock anything loose from the area between the two molars, but the x-ray didn't seem to indicate any decay. It was probably just part of the tooth's anatomy that hadn't been noticed before--a little blip on a normally smooth surface area.

Seems like life has its share of speed bumps. Little or big jolts that startle us or jostle us--maybe only temporarily. We may be sailing along on the road of life when we hit something unexpected. Sometimes it may even cause something to jar loose or even give us pain or detour us.

But God looks at us with his loving x-ray vision, and keeps us goin' on down the road. I will try to keep my hands off the steering wheel and let him drive--because he can maneuver the pits and bumps on the highway to heaven a lot better than I can.

So I'll try not to worry about the speed bumps--whether they're on a tooth, with my family, or in other circumstances. I'm ready for the road trip--I'll be the co-pilot letting God control the destiny. It's a fun ride!

The Wisconsinites are heading back to cheese territory

Cheri, my sister, my nephew Daniel and friend Mandy are leaving today. We've had a nice, but too short, visit. Mandy and Daniel got to see two college campuses here and we even went to a percussion concert at Northwestern College where a good friend from our old church was performing. We saw her mom and sister too (her mom gave piano lessons to our kids) and got to catch up a little bit.

Cheri and I took a walk with Raven today and had an adventurous encounter with a loose dog. Fortunately it seemed no one was injured by the rendezvous, although there was some snarling and snipping going on. We got home in one piece and now I'm getting ready for BSF as they are packing up to get ready to go back to Packer land.

Come again, soon--maybe we'll be seeing Daniel if he decides to go to college here (he's got a little over a year before he'd be doing that.) We've had a fun visit!

Till next time,


Suzi

Cheri arrived, safe and sound

My sister Cheri arrived yesterday with her son Daniel and their neighbor friend, Mandy. We had a nice dinner together, and Christina had invited her boyfriend Pete to join us, Luke stopped by (at my invitation) and Tim got home just as we were sitting down. So, we had nine for supper (not counting Raven, who got sent to the nearby office and munched on a dental bone and peered through the French doors as he hungrily eyed the roast beef.)

Later, we took the country cousins to the big city mall (the The Mall, but still a respectable ones to these northwoodsers). We came home, and Tim, Cheri, Mark and Daniel played a card game while I fixed popcorn and Mandy watched the game.

This morning was interesting getting seven people up and out the door. We decided to let Mark join his cousin for the college visiting adventure, but he still got up to take Christina to school. Christina and Mandy took turns in the bathroom/shower, and Cheri and I walked the dog. Meanwhile, Tim called my cell phone as we were walking--he couldn't find his wallet and checkbook and had a dentist appointment. Fortunately I was able to find it by the phone in the kitchen, and I got it to him at the dentist just as he was getting ready to leave. (The dentist office is only 5 minutes from our house. Another blessing!)

Mark was back home by the time I got back, and then Daniel, Cheri, Mandy and Mark got ready to head out for their adventure. Now it's just Raven and me, but the troops will start trickling back in mid to late afternoon. It's fun to have a house full--and I'm sad they are here for such a short time. In the morning Cheri and company will be heading back to northeastern Wisconsin. But we'll be seeing them at Cornerstone Festival, in just a few short months.....

Till next time,


Suzi

Rainy day, runaway dog

It's a rainy Monday. I knew Raven and I should have been up and out earlier, but the kids didn't have to be at school for early jazz band today, so they got a later start. Tim headed out the door early, but I wanted to make sure Mark and Christina got off okay and had everything with them.

Right as they left, the heavens opened up. Sighing, I grabbed the leash and the umbrella. It was pointless to try to keep Raven under the umbrella, but at least I was able to stay relatively dry.

Until, for some reason, the hook from the leash to the collar slipped, and Raven quickly realized he was a free dog. He leaped and bounded away from me, much to the delight of some children standing under their mother's umbrella at a school bus stop. Fortunately, Raven returned fairly quickly. I set the umbrella down to hook the leash back on his collar, and then the umbrella started to blow away. After a short chase, we were back in business and continued our walk in a rather uneventful manner.

So, I'll spend the rest of the rainy day getting ready for my sister's arrival. I've got laundry to do, food to prepare, organizing and cleaning to do. Raven has shaken himself dry (I gave him a towel rub down too), so he'll just cozy up somewhere until he sees the vacuum cleaner. Then he'll find a quiet room until the vacuum appears and he'll take off again. But at least I don't have to worry about him running off without a leash while he's in the house.

Till next time,


Suzi

Track meet

Today Christina has a track meet across town, but not so far it's not a manageable distance. Tim's working not far from there, so I'm planning to come pick him and Mark up from the jobsite and try to catch Christina at one of her events.

I didn't tell her we might be coming, because she is new to track and still at an age where parents are sometimes, well, an embarrassment shall we say. I'll try not to cheer or get in the way, but I hope I get to see her compete. She is very wiry and flexible, so I'm sure she'll do well.

Of course, this morning it was in the 40s--quite a change from 80 degree temperatures earlier in the week. I'm going with the layered look and bringing along a blanket. We'll see how everything goes.

Till next time,


Suzi

My sister is coming!

My sister is coming to visit on Monday. She's not really coming to see me (well, she is sort of), but to bring her son and a friend to visit colleges in our neck of the woods. Most of their time will be on college campuses, but I'm still looking forward to their visit. And now I have the motivation I need to try to get the house in shape. It's one thing to have company come for a meal or dessert--but to host them in your bedrooms and bathrooms-----well, let's say we are going to give the washing machine and vacuum a good workout, as well as search for cleaners hidden in closets for awhile.

Cheri is a fellow blogger too. She and my friend Theresa are regular bloggers that I read daily. Theresa has an amazing blog with incredible links and interesting topics, and Cheri always has daily inspirations. I know that it's not easy to come to the computer on a regular basis, but I'm glad Cheri and Theresa make this effort.

Well, I should wean myself from the computer and try to get cracking around the house. There is always work to be done, and especially if 3 more will share our home in a few days!

Till next time,


Suzi

Volunteering

Today I'm volunteering at my kids' school. I haven't done that yet this year--at least not more than donate some brownies or bars for a treat at a fundraising supper or music event. This week they need help setting up and sorting things for the weekend garage sale fundraiser.

It's a small school for a high school--240 students compared to the over 2000 at the public high school. I'll probably see my kids and their friends. I think my daughter is getting somewhat past the "my parents are an embarrassment," but we'll see. I'll still try to be discreet--won't hug her in the halls or call out "I love you!" from several feet away.

But it will be fun to check up on them, in a very discreet way, of course.

Till next time,


Suzi

A late night track meet

Yesterday Christina was in a track meet that was over two hours away in Wells, Minnesota. They left school early, about 2 pm, and she called me at about 8 to say they were still not finished and it would be very late before she got home. (Fortunately she had a ride.) At 12:30 am I got a call and she was just arriving back at campus. She came in to our bedroom at 1 am to announce she was finally home.

This morning I let her sleep in a bit--she'll miss band and part of study hall, and we'll have an opportunity to stop at the eye doctor to get her glasses adjusted, then I'll head on to my Bible study after I drop her off.

She's got practice again today, and I think another meet tomorrow. But that one will be closer to home. (I hope!)

Till next time,


Suzi

A summery day

Yesterday I heard something unusual for a Minnesotan to say. I had heard the guy on the radio say it was 80 degrees. And when I went into the grocery store, two men were discussing the weather. One was saying, "It's too early to be this warm" in a sort of complaining tone.

Every year Minnesotans long for spring. We search for that first robin, we heralded the melting of snow and the ice coming off the lakes. We welcome the green grass and trees after months of snow or brown barrenness.

Too early? When I left the grocery store, it was 83 degrees. Our neighbors have already started planting annuals. The grocery store has not even set up its greenhouse yet! The road crew still hasn't cleaned the street curbs where sand and salt remain from icy roads of winter.

Today I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt to celebrate the warmth. I have to say I'm a bit chilly, since it's a rainy day and not quite 60 degrees yet. But I'll enjoy the warmth while I can. And I'll try not to think about the year it snowed several inches at the end of April, one week before our May 7th wedding...

Welcome, robins, welcome sun, welcome rain, welcome green grass and budding trees! Winter will be back soon enough.

Till next time,


Suzi

Monday, Monday........

I thought I'd spend a leisurely Monday morning at home since I'm now officially "unemployed" again. I knew I'd have to get the kids up early for Mark's jazz band rehearsal (at 7 am), but thought at least I didn't have to drive in traffic down to the office.

Well, Mark was sick (cough and stomach ache). So, I drove Christina to school after I fixed Tim's lunch. Then I came home, walked the dog, and watched anxiously as some huge trucks were parked at the end of my driveway (blocking me in) working on the storm sewer pump. I had remembered my 9:30 eye appointment, and just as I was ready to head out, the trucks moved. Got to my appointment, got my lenses cleaned and polished, and was home before 10:30.

It's time to catch up around here--and with making plans for future appointments, scheduling for kids' activities and schooling, etc. etc. The temptation for me is to relax and give myself a couple of days to recuperate. And then a couple more, a couple more.......

I'll try to stay on top of things--or at least try to catch up. My taxing days are over, but the busy-ness is not........

Till next time,


Suzi

Now that I'm free, it's raining

Tax time is over. Hurray! I went downtown last night with a good friend--Tim prepared her (and her husband's) tax return and completed it yesterday evening. We found out that our boys owe taxes, so we drove downtown to join the throngs of people mailing their payments at the last minute.

To our surprise, there weren't that many people. (We arrived about 11 pm.) We drove up, waited behind one or two cars, and handed our envelopes to a man with a mailbag waiting outside in the drizzle. Tim later calculated what we owe Uncle Sam and Minnesota (a rough estimate--we're filing an extension), and he found that the Robbinsdale post office was picking up mail late as well.

Anyway, the last two days have been beautiful and sunny. Some accountants close their offices early on April 15, but I was there till 8 pm and Jeff and Dawn stayed even later. And today it is raining.

Oh well, I have a lot to do to catch up at home. The sun will shine again, and then I will be outside to enjoy it.

Till next time,


Suzi

Tax time makes some people cranky

Today is the tax deadline. Yesterday at the tax office, I dealt with some cranky people. They were dealing with deadlines, as of course we are, and a couple were downright demanding.

I have to remember yesterday's blog, and the extreme act of kindness a stranger showed our client by bringing her to our office when she was lost. The percentage of cranky clients is really not very great, but can seem overwhelming as we are now at the last day. As I go through the work day, I'll try to keep a smile for everyone, and remember the love that God has given me that I am to display to all.

Even the cranky people on April 15.

Till next time,


Suzi

An unusual act of kindness

At the office, I give directions to people every day. They only come down to the tax office once--or maybe twice a year, so many people need refreshers. But yesterday I got a call from an elderly lady, who was in the neighborhood, but was confused about how to arrive at our office. She was calling from a gas station, and I spoke with the person helping her there, and felt satisfied that she would direct her to the right place.

I was surprised to see both of them arriving a few minutes later. This person had taken the time to leave work and have our client follow her to our office. She was concerned enough about her to make sure she got where she needed to go--and cared enough to make the extra effort.

Our client followed someone who was leaving when she was, so she could get home, too. It is so refreshing, during these stressful last days of the tax season, to see someone so genuine and kind. I'll try to exhibit a portion of that kindness in the work these next two days.

Till next time,


Suzi

Getting anxious

I'm getting anxious for the tax season to end. There is so much to do around the house, and the kids are getting spring fever--they need mom around to crack the whip regarding homework, etc.

This April has been unusually warm, so that doesn't help with the desire to be doing anything but sit inside. The trees are starting to bud, and the grass is really greening up. We may have to mow in the next few weeks!

Yesterday was cooler and rainy, so it helped to keep busy inside. Today is supposed to be sunny and warm, and tomorrow as well. But, there are still lots of spring days ahead, so we will hang in there!

Till next time,


Suzi

Tuesday of tax week

Yesterday I worked 11 hours. Whew! I'll be working long days every day this week, but the end is in sight.

I've been spoiled having Tuesdays off all tax season. It's been my leisure day to grocery shop, get caught up around the house, and get some needed rest.

But the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. We'll push through the week, and Friday will come, and then there will be lots of time to blog and work at home.

Three more days!

Till next time,


Suzi

Lots to say, no time to say it

It's Monday, the last Monday in the tax season, and the fact that our daughter forgot a paper that I needed to deliver to her before coming down to the tax office has put me behind. Lots going on down her (I'm writing at the office), so I'll just say I'll try to write more tomorrow!

Keeping my head above water so far!

Till next time,


Suzi

Warm weather walkers

It's interesting to see new faces outside as the weather gets nicer. Today I spotted people with dogs I had never seen before. I smugly thought that these must be fair weather walkers--while Raven and I brave snow, rain and ice every day as we go outside no matter the weather.

I know who the hard core walkers are--people, with or without dogs--who go outside to exercise no matter what. These are the faces I see all year round. There are also the fair weather walkers who are out there most every day from March to October, and I miss seeing them in the winter months.

I know for a fact, however, that if I were not diabetic and I did not have a dog, there would be many a morning I'd hit the snooze button and forego a walk "just for today." I'd be a fair weather walker, too.

But I'd miss so much--there is a lot of beauty to behold in the winter months, and I do enjoy my times of solitude with just Raven and me. But, I can't say that I'm not enjoying warmer weather, and the sight of the fair weather walkers. Welcome, all walkers! Let's enjoy the spring together.

Till next time,


Suzi

Treasuring old friends

Marlyce and Birdie are two sisters we have known for a long time. They are single seniors, sharing a cozy apartment in a retirement center. They've known Tim since he was born, and they've known me since I moved to Minnesota and became engaged to Tim.

We attended the same church for years and years, until the church closed it doors 2 1/2 years ago. Since that time, I haven't seen them as much.

So, I was happy to get a call to assist them in gathering their tax information. Gladys, my mother-in-law, had already prepared their taxes, but I stopped by to help them with various envelopes and forms they needed to mail.

We talked about people who've recently been sick or died, and they talked a little about their own health issues. It's hard to see friends getting older and not feeling well--I remember them as serving on various committees at church, working in the kitchen, hosting church bridal showers, attending board meetings with them, etc. etc.

In spite of problems Marlyce has been having with her leg, she came down to the lobby to meet me, walked with me to the elevator and to her apartment, and then back to the entrance as I left. They seemed so grateful for the little time I gave them--but it seemed such a small thing compared to the lifetime of service they have give to the church and to others.

I hope when I'm their age I can be as graceful and caring as they are, and bear any infirmities I have with dignity. For now, I'll ask for grace for each day, as there are daily challenges in every life, and I'll be glad for the examples of Marlyce and Birdie.

Till next time,


Suzi

College options

Tuesday night we went to visit our local technical college. Mark was interested in the carpentry program, and we found the visit helpful and informative.

In Minnesota, we have a post secondary option--where students can take college courses--tuition free--and receive high school and college credit for them. The trick with a vo-tech option is that most courses there are considered elective credit for high school, and we need to check to see if Mark has fulfilled all his basic required courses (he is finishing his junior year).

Spring fever has set in big time around here, and it's harder to focus on school and studies. That's why alternatives are nice. We are so fortunate to have so many educational options in our country--home school, private school, charter school, post secondary opportunities, and public schools.

Decisions, decisions. It is good to plan, but good to pray and trust as well. Right now seems to be a time for both.

Till next time,


Suzi

The greening of the earth

The recent rains are bringing forth new life all around us. The grass is starting to green up, and as Raven and I returned from our walk, I noticed some buds on the bush that grows by our front door. I'm still looking for robins (I know they're out there), but I'm enjoying the singing of the birds that can be heard over my iPod tunes as I stroll through the neighborhood.

I love living here in Minnesota, where the seasons change. It is a reminder of the seasons of life, and how God always brings renewal and growth after a time of cold and darkness. He is faithful to keep his promises--we know that every March in the northern hemisphere, spring will come. We know, anywhere on planet earth, that the sun will rise again after the night.

What a great God we serve! We can trust in his faithfulness, even during the dark days, because we know his light will shine again. And when the rain comes, it brings refreshment and life. Thank you, Lord, for great is your faithfulness!

Till next time,


Suzi

Bad moon rising?

Yesterday morning Raven and I started our walk in the dark. As a result of the change to daylight saving time, the sun isn't coming up as early (by the clock, anyway). As we walked eastward, I did see another orb in the sky. To my amazement, it was the moon!

The moon was at about 1/4--not the big full moon we enjoyed in the days before Easter. But it still looked big, near the horizon. I'm used to seeing the moon coming up in the east at night, and setting in the west sometime later--but this is the first time I remember seeing a moonrise at what should have been daybreak.

The sun did come up after we got home, and I didn't see any more glimpses of the moon after that, but I did have a long day at work and even left some things unfinished at the office. Did the strange moon rising have any effect on my productivity?

I'm not superstitious, so I know the moon didn't really have anything to do with my work day. I do believe in lunar cycles and know the moon has an effect on the earth with tidal waves and such. And it was Mooonday, after all. Lunes in Spanish--like lunar.......

Well, the strange moon day has come and gone, so it's Tuesday--my last weekday off work until after April 15. I've got a million things to do at home so I better get crackin'. But if I'm up early again before sunrise, I'm gonna look and see what the moon's up to.....

Till next time,


Suzi

The pope's passing

The pope has died, but he is not forgotten. It has been inspiring to watch, hear and read about the story of his life, how he fought for freedom, not with the "sword," but with his heart and his words. Because of what he and others did, communism in his native Poland ended and the domino effect rippled throughout eastern Europe. Because of this, eventually even the communist dictator in Romania fell, and this opened the way for us to adopt our daughter who was one of the iron crib babies trapped in Romanian orphanages.

I remember when Pope Paul VI died. I was a college student, a summer missionary working in the English language service of HCJB radio. One of my jobs was to do a nightly newscast. I remember the elaborate plans for the pope's funeral, and the great care and ceremony not only with the events of his death, but of the plans to select a new pope. Little did we know that the new pope, Pope John Paul I, would only live for 33 days into his service. Then in October, a new pope was selected again--Pope John Paul II. What an amazing man he was--a man of the people, who traveled to over 100 countries during his term. He challenged us to face the evils of our time, to fight evil with good. His whole life was a testimony to the value of life--even and perhaps especially at the end as we watched him suffer with dignity and grace as he battled Parkinson's disease and arthritis. He showed us that suffering is something that can be endured and even embraced, that it brings us closer to Christ and can be an example to others who suffer.

As we mourn the loss of this great man of God, let us turn to God as the giver of life and the healer of hearts and bodies. The pope is no longer suffering in his body. One day, we too will be relieved of the suffering of this world. Yet as we go through trials, may we be examples to others of hope and faith as John Paul II certainly was.

Happy Birthday to Gladys!

Today is my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. It has been two years since she suffered a stroke, so we are all very pleased and grateful that she has reached this milestone.

As a tax accountant, many birthdays have come and gone as she has sat at her desk, consumed by the paperwork confronting her. She would stay up very late at night so she could start with a clean desk every morning. Her fast turn-around with tax returns and quick mind amazed many, until some came to expect and even demand it of her. Just days before her 68th birthday, the pressure of tax season was too much as she suffered a stroke, related to high blood pressure.

Fortunately, the stroke didn't impact her cognitive skills at all. She is as sharp as ever. Physically, however, it has taken a toll on her body, but she has recovered with incredible perseverance. She has some remaining weakness in her left side, especially in her left hand, but she is still doing some tax returns (we're trying to help her cut back) and getting around very well.

So, tomorrow, we will gather as a family and celebrate her birthday, as well as the birth of her son (my brother-in-law) Greg and Greg's son Adam (our nephew). Gladys was born on April 2, and gave birth to Greg the day after her birthday--Greg's son Adam was also born on April 3.

So, as we near the end of tax season, we'll take some time out for an early celebration. We'll thank God for life--70 years for Gladys, 37 for Greg, and 15 for Adam.

I love a party, especially birthday parties. Thank you God, for life!

Till next time,


Suzi

A new look

Christina got glasses this week. She's been complaining about not being able to see the board in school if she's not in the front row, and she says she can't read signs in the distance when we're in the car.

So, we went to the eye doctor. He said we could go either way--that she would pass a driver's test for vision, but we could get a prescription if we wanted to. I decided to go ahead--being a glasses/contacts wearer myself, I would not want my vision limited in any way, so I chose the same for my daughter.

To my surprise, Christina has been wearing her glasses almost constantly (except during sports). They are a popular style, so I'm sure that helps. They make her look smart, too, while though we already feel she is smart, it doesn't hurt to have some extra help, especially where teachers, who after all are still human, are concerned.

We'll see if this fad continues. I'm hoping it does. So far nobody has called her four eyes. That I know of........

Till next time,


Suzi