Happy Birthday to You!

Today is my sister Lori's birthday--happy to you! She is three years younger than me, so if you want to know more, you can read my older sister's blog here. She recalls the day Lori was born, and Cheri and I were out trick or treating, spreading the word that we had a new sister.

Lori was born on Halloween, but she is a treat, not a trick. There may have been moments in my life when I briefly thought otherwise, but I have truly learned to treasure her. As my sister Cheri pointed out, Lori is very smart and I will never be her equal in the brain category. She has an amazing son, Richard--you can check out his blog here.

So, Lori, have fun, on this, your day off (well-deserved), trick or treat away, enjoy dinner out, and keep away from any nasty spooks. Love you!

Till next time,


Suzi

Seasonally sad?

Tim was reading something in the paper about the SAD disorder (seasonally affected disorder or something like that) but with a twist. This was Summer SAD--meaning that when summer arrives, certain people feel depressed or anxious, unlike the traditional SAD where people mourn the loss of light during the day and become unhappy about the colder temperatures arriving.

When summer comes, Tim's drywall business expands, and he is busy long days and weekends. To top this off, he often works without air conditioning and in humid conditions. (Not that we're not grateful for the work--we are!)

In contrast, the winter months bring shorter days (can't work in the dark--unless you bring in lights, that is), relief from the heat (and you can always bundle up more), great sleeping temperatures, more baking, cooking, hugging, candles and general indoor togetherness.

Tim even likes driving in wintery conditions. He laughs at snow, although he does respect slippery roads. His favorite thing to do is "donuts" in empty parking lots with several inches of snow.

I'm not too crazy about driving in the snow, but I do like looking at it and don't mind shoveling (in moderation). Mostly I'm glad for seasonal changes. Summer gets long, but then fall comes. Winter can become unbearable, but then spring arrives with the promise of warm, sunny days.

So, come on cooler weather, with fall harvest celebrations and the promise of the warmth of Christmas. We'll make it through January as the days get longer and tax time approaches.

'Cause summer will be back before we know it.

Till next time,


Suzi

PS Don't forget to "fall back" tonight!

A day at home

Today will be a day at home. I need to pick up a prescription and some dog food, but I think that's it. The kids are off school today for "Warrior for a Day" (the team mascot is the Warriors), which simply means that prospective 8th grade students are visiting so all the high school students have a break (plus it's the end of the quarter). Mark is working with Tim, and so far Christina is sleeping. She may have somewhere she wants me to take her, but more than likely her boyfriend Pete will be chauffeuring her around. She's got one week of driver's ed under her belt now--two to go! If she passes her permit test, I suppose we could possibly have five drivers on our Christmas trip to Tennessee!

It's another gorgeous morning--crisp and sunny, crunchy leaves underfoot. The teachers at the elementary school across the street are parking at the church behind our house because today is the school Halloween party. The parking at the school is limited, so teachers park away so parents can park to help with classroom parties or see the kids parade in their costumes. The high school band comes to play too, and if the weather is nice, they'll be outside.

I love Fridays!

Till next time,


Suzi

Another morning gift

Wow. After walking in the pitch black for three mornings in a row, it was nice to step outside to the daylight. I could actually see the color of the leaves I scooped up with Raven's ummmm recycled steak bone from last night. I greeted an older lady I used to see almost every day but hadn't seen in a few months. I briefly explained my new work schedule, and she seemed almost grateful to hear why Raven and I had been absent from the streets during her walk time.

I thought of the eagle I had seen almost two weeks ago--on the last week day morning when I didn't have to work. I scanned the tree tops, but all I could see were crows.

Then I saw another incredible sight. As I approached Crystal Lake, the sun was peeking over the large colorful (for those that still had leaves) trees. There was mist covering the lake, and ducks were flying in and out of the fog.

As I had done with the eagle, I stood still to soak in the sight. I was standing near a crosswalk, so someone driving by stopped, thinking I was waiting to cross. I guess it's not too common to just stop at a curb and look at God's handiwork--we must be watching for movement/traffic around us, not admiring the beauty of creation.

Raven and I continued, watching as the first light of the day touched the tree tops. It illuminated the cross on the top of a country-style church--three crows peered down from this perch.

It was a cool, crisp morning. More crunchy walk mornings through the fallen leaves are ahead. I'm glad the clock change will give a little more daylight time so I can enjoy the wondrous sights.

But never fear, December 22 is coming. Then the days start getting longer and we can celebrate the Garage Logic spring.

Till next time,


Suzi

At the neighbor's

Tonight I went to my neighbor's house for a taste testing party. It was nice to go out, but not too far, on a lovely crisp autumn evening. I went to a Tastefully Simple party, and enjoyed good company and tasty samples.

I'll work tomorrow, then get the long weekend back. I'm ready--I'm plumb tuckered out. Guess I'm getting to old to have short nights and long days.

Lookin' forward to "fallin' back" this weekend as we turn the clocks back one hour on Saturday night. Lala land, here I come.

Then we'll settle in for the long winter, and see our neighbors again come spring.

Till next time,


Suzi

Falling leaves

The leaves are starting to fall en masse from the trees. The parishoners from the church in our back yard are hard at work, raking, mowing and bagging leaves and small branches.

I actually mowed the grass about a week ago--for the last time this season, I'm sure. We have enjoyed such a beautiful autumn. Tomorrow, there is speculation of some snow showers. I know winter can't keep her mitt away from us forever. The snow will be pretty when it comes, but more welcome if it waits till closer to Christmas.

My goodness--Christmas is only two months away! We better get our cards, gifts, decorations and baking underway soon!

Till next time,


Suzi

Too tired

Too tired to blog after working every day this week. Maybe tomorrow.

Till next time,


Suzi

MEA

It's MEA weekend. That's Minnesota's excuse for a 4-5 day weekend for students/teachers. There are supposed to be state-wide conferences somewhere, but I've yet to meet a teacher who actually attends them. The kids enjoy it, after sweating through a long 6-7 weeks of school, they are definitely ready for a break (oh boy.......). I'm taking the opportunity to work extra hours--doing just the opposite of what MEA was created for. But I'm just working half days, so it's not too bad. My co-worker Nicole is in Puerto Rico for her brother's wedding, so her absence (I'm filling in) isn't really MEA related. I just hope she avoids hurricane weather while she's gone!

Tomorrow Mark heads back up to camp after being away for almost a whole week. This will be his last time as a student camper. A couple of long-time buddies from all the way back to grade school are going up with him. It's supposed to be cool and rainy this weekend, but I hope they have a good time anyway.

All this extra work has made me sleepy. Maybe I can catch a few winks before Gilmore Girls and supper time arrive...

Till next time,


Suzi

Ridin' the rails

Tonight Tim, his cousin Terry and I drove just south of downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota area, parked and hopped on the light rail to the Mall of America. Terry had never ridden light rail before--and had never even been on a train. He had worked on the tunnel back when it was being built for light rail underneath the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, so it was fun to ride past the area where he had worked.

When we got to the mall we decided to have dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. We all had shrimp--Tim and Terry had steak and ribs with their shrimp. We enjoyed the many tropical fish that swam in aquariums nearby.

Tomorrow I'm working, but it will be a short day. It's nice to get out on a weeknight once in awhile, and not have to worry about another full day of work the next day. Maybe I'll take the light rail to work sometime...


Till next time,


Suzi

Guys home, back to work and homework

Tim and Mark had a great time at the men's retreat. Mark tied for first place in the frisbee golf tournament. Monday was back to work/school--I had BSF Monday night, and tonight Mark and Christina had a band concert at school.

The weather has been incredibly beautiful and warm for October. It's supposed to start cooling off tomorrow, so our Indian summer may be ending. Possible snow for Sunday? I'm working a bit on Thursday and Friday this week as Nicole, the office manager, is going to Puerto Rico for her brother's wedding. I'm praying hurricane Wilma passes over them, or better yet, dissipates completely.

More later...

Till next time,


Suzi

Quiet here...

Tim and Mark got off last night about 6 pm for the men's retreat. Luke closed on his new home and had a boatload of friends helping him move stuff into his new place. (Realtor Aunt Kari outfitted his kitchen and Grandma purchased the dining room set, two chairs and lawn mower that the homeowners left.) So, he's pretty well set. Once he's settled in more, I'll see if there's anything I can do to help out.

Tim called an hour after he left to say they forgot bedding. I told him camp had some in a secret stash, but he was worried about being up there so late and finding out others needed it. They might have stopped at Target. Haven't heard anything, so no news must be good news.

Christina is still sleeping. Tim's cousin Terry stopped by this morning, but since Tim isn't here to give him any work, my father-in-law stopped by and he'll work over there today.

I've got some groceries to pick up, a lot of reading for my Bible studies to do, and I should probably gas up the Tundra that Tim left for me (1/4 tank full). I plan to hang with some ladies tonight whose husbands are at the retreat, and Christina has dreams of shopping with Mom. Better get to the grocery store while she's still sleeping...

Till next time,


Suzi

The Eagle

This morning I saw a bald eagle. Right here in Robbinsdale, just a few blocks from north Minneapolis. At first I wasn't sure--thought it was a large crow, but it definitely had a white head. I saw it soar through the sky, then perch at the top of a large tree. Raven and I stood there for awhile, open-mouthed (well, I don't know if Raven had his mouth open or not) and just stared. Three crows came up near the majestic bird--I don't know if they just liked being near such a "big-shot" or if they wanted to see where he would go to find food. The crows looked like little black birds next to the eagle, but I could tell they were really crows by their constant cawing. Eagle bird seemed a bit annoyed as they seemed to taunt him with their chatter, but he never went after them. Finally, Eagle Bird soared off, with the crows in his wake. I watched his beautiful ark over the trees and marveled at the sight of such a creature in our neighborhood.

Just when we need a little encouragement in life, God sends such a rare and amazing sight as a bald eagle in my neighborhood. It reminds me that I am in the shadow of his wing, and he raises me up from whatever pit I may find myself in--he lifts me up as on eagle's wings.

Today Tim and Mark will get a break from city life as they travel north to the men's retreat. I know they will be able to relax and have fun in the northwoods of Minnesota. Between playing paintball, frisbee golf and skeet shooting (is that how you spell it--actually I don't think Tim and Mark will participate in that one)--they'll have a blast. And maybe they'll even see a bald eagle or two.

Till next time,


Suzi

Mid-life

Here we are at mid-life. Tomorrow Luke is supposed to close on his first home. Tim is getting sick of drywall remodeling and is considering a new career. We deal with teen-age issues with our other children, while meanwhile I'm approaching the "change in life" so hormones are bouncing all over the place.

I raised some of these issues with my friends in Bible study today and they have resolved to pray for me and our family. We are studying the Holy Spirit, and one of the things we are learning/re-learning is that he intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray.

It's good to have friends to pray for us and wonderful especially to know the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf when we don't have words.

God's provision is unfailing. Even when we complain and don't always understand what's happening or why in life.

Till next time,


Suzi

Disaster man

Today Disaster Man came into the office. At least that's what some at work call him. He's Jim, head of Covenant World Relief, which really operates out of Chicago but Jim lives in Minneapolis. He has no staff, just "Jim Bob," as he called himself today when I inquired about personnel, but he is a dedicated man, and a bit of a wild man, too.

Since he started the job, he has been involved in relief work with the tsunami, hurricanes in the US and mudslides as a result of Hurricane Stan in Guatemala, and now the earthquake in Pakistan and the surrounding region. The head of the Covenant Church commented that there were not nearly as many world disasters since he was hired, and he said he'd gladly quit if that would stop these tragedies from occurring.

In spite of his busy-ness, he's very low-key, laid back and the kind of guy you'd like to pull up a chair and chat with. He's got gray curly hair and a beard--kind of reminds me of Grizzly Adams. His heart is of gold and he must be an amazing administrator too, to funnel all the money and volunteer efforts that people have been donating with all these surreal events happening in the world.

I'm grateful for Jim, and people like him. If you want to know more about Covenant World relief, you can link to it from the Covenant website.

Till next time,


Suzi

Another beautiful fall day

I love driving to and from work along the parkway. In Minneapolis, as I drive south (in the morning) or north (in the evening), I drive along the Mississippi River. Not only are the river and trees pretty, there are other interesting sights along the way.

It's always fun to see who's out jogging or biking, It's not so fun if bikers ride on the narrow parkway road when they have a perfectly nice biking path to be on. But the people and their activities on the way are memorable.

The other day I saw a shirtless man carefully holding a newborn baby. More than once, I've seen a dozen or more people riding those stand-up scooters (I forget what they're called). They must have been in some kind of class or something. In the afternoon, I see kids who must be in cross-country at school chugging down the path. One day I saw a group of long boats (I think that's what those long canoe like boats are called.) It was fascinating to watch them row in unison.

On the parkway, life slows down a bit. I don't mind stopping for pedestrians or bikers who are crossing the road at a cross walk. I don't even mind slowing down for the speed bumps along the river route.

I think it's good for my blood pressure, too. Rather than sitting on a freeway, I'm in the middle of God's beautiful creation, going slow enough to look around and enjoy it.

I hope I'm just as grateful when winter and snow comes, and I'm skating around some curvy areas. But at least I'll be doing it at under 40 miles an hour--and not risking greater injury on slippery highways.

Come, season changes! Minnesota is a great place to live!

Till next time,


Suzi

Blogging late, very tired

Hello,

It is past 10:30 pm, but I had to blog to say that my three-month review at work went well and I am still employed. Hurray! I have a nice job and nice folks to work with, and apparently they will continue to tolerate me for another three months, anyway.

I am happy and tired. It has been a good day, especially for a Monday.

Till next time,


Suzi

Tax time?

Well, of all people, I know that tax deadline is April 15. However, we filed an extension this year (we paid probably more than we owed--the extension is just for the paperwork, not the money). But the extension deadline, August 15, has come and gone. So we filed another extension--for October 15. We are hoping to get these taken care of before the next tax year starts!!! Also, we'd like to get our property tax refund, which we can't get till our 2004 taxes are filed.

So, anyway, Tim is over at his parents at his mom's computer working on our tax return while I'm feeding him information from the home business computer. (Not this one, mind you.)

Well, the weather is a little bit chillier so it is more like tax season than mid-summer. Maybe we'll get this done before Christmas after all!

Till next time,


Suzi

First frost

Overnight we had our first frost, I believe. I've got my new hoody from camp that I bought last weekend on the women's retreat, and it came in handy today as Raven and I walked in the crisp morning.

As we reached the parkway, I noticed a truck with a paving sign on the back, but nobody around. The sidewalk along the parkway has been torn up for about a month now, with no sign of progress as far as completing the paving process. Raven and I walk along the grass or in the street, which can be tricky at 6 am when it is pitch black out and the roads are narrow with cars parked all along one side.

As we walked farther, I did notice some large machinery--actually moving with people inside! These guys were doing something on the side of the path--smoothing down the dirt or building it up or something. They were not paving/blacktopping. I suppose there are several steps in the process.

In Minnesota, it can snow in October. Perhaps it took the first frost for the workers to get moving and start the pre-paving process. Well, by next spring (hopefully) we should have a nice walking path along the parkway.

Or I may have Raven fill it with something else....

Till next time,


Suzi

PS Today is my sister's birthday! Happy birthday Cheri! You can visit her and leave a birthday wish at her blog.

Good grades

I'm so proud of Mark and Christina!

Their mid-quarters came today and they had really good grades. (Above B averages) I hope we can encourage them to keep up the good work.

With their grades came lots of information about school and upcoming stuff. I'll need to wade through everything and make sure I get it on the calendar. Then I need to make sure I'm checking the calendar every day! One of the things upcoming is Driver's Ed for Christina--it is starting in a little over two weeks.

If you live in the Twin Cities, make way for the blonde almost-16-year old driving in a white Highlander next to her hysterical mother.

Just kidding. As she has done well academically, I'm sure she'll be great behind the wheel.

Wheel see.......

Till next time,


Suzi

Lotsa rain

Inches and inches of rain fell last night. I'm glad my kids got home all right, as they were out and about maneuvering through deep puddles. Some major highways (interstate 494) were closed in sections, but have since reopened. A few roads to the north east of here have simply washed away.

Tonight it's supposed to get colder, and I think there may be some snow flurries in the forecast, at least for those north of the Twin Cities. Summer has past, I think. I hope we get some moderate temperatures and can enjoy a cool (but not cold) fall for a few more weeks.

But cha never know in Minnesnowta......

Till next time,


Suzi

Home a little early

I got to come home from work a little early today, so thought I'd get in a quick blog. It's a little tough re-entering the real world after such a wonderful weekend away. There are bills, family issues, and just the regular day-to-day stuff to deal with.

My dog is always here with me, though--happy to see me whenever I enter the door. He reminds me what he is spelled backwards: God. God is the one who never fails me, he is more faithful than a loyal friend and even than my dependable Raven. He loves me and holds me when I'm tired and frustrated.

I can hold my dog or be uplifted by his welcoming bark and kisses, but God is the one who sustains me and keeps me always, when I'm discouraged or when I'm feeling great. Today I see his blessings in being home early and unwinding a bit before everyone gets home.

Till next time,


Suzi

I'm baaaack

Back after a great weekend of fellowship, fun and food (gotta have those three f's!). Got to know the ladies of our church lots better (spending time 24/7 with people has a way of doing that) plus we learned some great spiritual lessons from the Word of God, our speaker, and each other. We truly bonded.

However, I am now pooped and very glad to be home. My dog was the only one glad to see me when I arrived as my husband was cooling himself on the back screen porch and my kids were out. Raven gave the appropriate barking noises, jumping movements, and licking responses to make me feel truly welcome, even without my human family's reaction to my long-awaited (?) return.

Thanks Rave. I won't leave you for a long long time. I don't know if I can make the same guarantee about other household members however......... ;)

Till next time,


Suzi